Traktor Scratch Pro 2: Checkin' FX

Traktor Scratch Pro 2 has over 30 effects that each have multiple parameters to tweak.  You can also combine effects (up to 6 at a time) to pretty much mangle the entire track into something new.  The screenshot below shows a few ways effects can be configured.  You can have 3 effects chained together with 1 dry/wet to control all three effects.  Each independent effect will have a knob dedicated to it for parameter modulation as well as an on/off trigger.  This is also on a per deck basis so you have have 4 different decks, each with its own set of effects. 

Creative possibilities here are pretty incredible, have the same track playing on multiple decks, each with different effects layered over them.  This means that you now have functionality comparable to matrix inputs on the mixer even if the hardware doesn't.  You can easily live remix just with the effects banks and volume faders.  Another cool thing about Traktor's effects is that they are synced up to the master clock in order to keep the effects in time even with tempo changes in the track.  Check the link for a couple of audio demos of the effects.

Deep roots dub from Cincinnati

Jesse Goffin has had his share of experience in the music industry in cities across the US. From growing up in NYC and working with his father in the studio to making waves in LA producing with the likes of Warren G, DJ I.C.U.-dubFREQuently has landed in Cincinnati continuing his efforts. Funny enough, I met Jesse in the BMV for the first time getting tags for my car. I knew that it was going to be a fun chat with him while I waited.  We got to talking about DJing and dubstep and he hooked me up to his soundcloud where I was blown away.  If you're into the roots of dub this is your man.  Jesse digs deep into the soul of dub serving it up on a polished platter.  His production takes the more subtle rhythmic elements and exposes them to create a quality listening experience. A clip of "Gunmen Dub" to be released on Sublife Recordings is a quick preview of what he has to offer. On his soundcloud you'll find quite a few mixes that are quality all the way through! Keep a look for his name on lineups to come and check his tracks on Beatport.


Gunmen Dub Excerpt by I.C.U.- dubFREQuently

Step your Fresh Up Fridays - Madd Tunes for the Weekend

The 2 Bit Thugs are droppin a new release on March 7th with a refix 'A Good Look' one of their previous tunes.  Holding on to their signature sound it's another crowd pleaser for sure.  Just enough wobble to satisfy and not over the top with LFOs modulating every piece of the lead synth melody.

2 Bit Thugs - A Good Look (2011 Refix) by 2 Bit Thugs

 
Second up on the plate is a serving of old school funk from A Tribe Called Wes from Juice Recordings and a remix with a new school take by DJ Fixx.  I got a message from Wes this morning over soundcloud and had to check out his tracks.  A surprising amount of soul jumped straight out of the original and Fixx's classic breakbeat glitchy vocals made both a must have.  Sickness from NYC and ill sounds from Chi, be prepared to bounce in your seat or on the dancefloor!

JRSR060, Tokyo Funk (Wes Smith's Low Rider Rework), ATCW Super Soul Fighter by ATribeCalledWes

JRSR061, Tokyo Funk (DJ Fixx's Tokyo ReFixx), ATCW Super Soul Fighter by ATribeCalledWes

Third up are a few tunes from Jesse Brewer aka REL1 out of Atlanta, GA.  Consistently dropping new re-rubs of killer tunes, his soundcloud needs to be in your browser pretty much all day.  I haven't heard one tune I haven't downloaded instantly.  Bass heavy monsters and dancing 'til you fall over, this pretty much covers it in my book.  His newest rub is of Fascinated by DJ Dan and is of course, dope as usual.  Without further delay...

Dj Dan - Fascinated (Dj Bam Bam Remix) (REL1 RE-RUB) by REL1

Darth & Vader and Perfect Cell - Cellbacca (REL1 RE-RUB) by REL1

Electric Soulside - Electric State (Dirtyloud Remix)(REL1 RE-LICK) by REL1

This should get you a good start on your weekend...