Nacional Records FREE 24 Song Music Sampler - Several Styles of Latin Flavor, fit for the Downtempo & Eclectic Listener

I like to listen to international music and keep influences wide ranging, so I jumped at downloading this 24 song music sampler that Nacional Records (a popular latin music label) sent me - I gotta say I really enjoy most of the songs here. They range from latin DJ breaks, funk, folk, hip hop, dance and bossa nova inspired tracks. This sampler is only available for free until JANUARY 31 so jump on it now. All you have to do is copy the DL redemption code and paste it into iTunes - works like a charm:

New tracks, videos from K'naan - Nothing to Lose & Santigold - Big Mouth

K'naan and Santigold always have a solid flow and their own unique style. They each have come out with new tracks in the last week that I'm really enjoying. Check out their videos below, and you can DL Santigold's new track on her website. K'naan's new EP "More Beautiful Than Silence" is out digitally now - a great EP followup to his Troubadour success. I love each of their vibes in general, usually wavering between positive and upbeat with a slightly aggressive, take-no-prisoners flavor. They relax but amp me up - which is always a theme of this blog. It's this balance that they achieve that keeps me coming back to their tracks.

Future of TRAKTOR

Traktor has released a sneak peak at new technology that combines the best of DJ tech with real-time production technology and workflow. I'm really excited for this 1) because it will enable a whole host of plug and play and all-in-one opportunities for real time mixing and production - there is a ton of creative room and potential here, especially for experienced producers who want to DJ, or experienced DJs who want to produce; and 2) because I think this will also make producing more accessible for DJs who aspire to produce more. Some may say that sux - why would we want to get newbies into producing the same way digital DJing has enabled scores of amateur DJs to dilute the pool of talent. But I'm a firm believer that the more opportunity and capability people have to be creative just inspires everyone and puts more ideas out there for people to build on. So bring it Traktor - keep innovating with the technology - I can't wait to see this hybrid tech when it comes out.