Last Night the DJ Saved My Life

The makings and breakings of an artist career held at the finger tip of a DJ

Artists sometimes think if they get their songs played on the radio they finally made it one step closer in the entertainment industry.  A lot of artists think that radio DJs have a major influence on their careers when it comes to selecting music.  However, it’s up to the listeners to decide if they like the music being played on the air ways.  Radio producers and music directors are responsible for deciding what music to play and preventing listeners from turning away from the station. At the end of day, it’s all about ratings, so if you’re not hot, then you must stop!

If artists are lucky enough they can sometimes hear local music being played during a “mix show” but it’s not always guaranteed.  Also, record labels send songs to radio stations to test the markets and to determine how good a song is and when to release an album. 

Coming from someone that knows the ins and outs of radio, Chris ‘ShoSmoove’ Lea, Morning Show producer for Greensboro based, hip hop radio station, 102 Jamz has some great tips for artists trying to make it on the radio.

1.    Always remain on your grind

2.    Don’t make the radio stations your main priority

3.    Create buzz about yourself everywhere else and the radio stations will come looking for you.

Chris also explained that getting your song played is not as easy as it seems.  Radio stations have to make sure that the official documents are secure for broadcasting songs. Radio stations cannot play songs that are samples because it could possibly lead to law suits. Also, every year radio stations pay fees to the BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporation) and ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) that collects license fees on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers. So, the fact of the matter is radio stations pay licensing rights to broadcast music and report the music they play to the licensing organization which, in turn, distributes royalties to the artists affiliated with it based on the percentage of play their songs receive.

So now, is it sinking in that you have to be on top of your game when trying to make it into the entertainment industry? As artists, you need to seriously get your game up and start writing and producing your own songs and owning them.  Also, another takeaway is to make sure everyone you encounter knows who you are and also think your music is hot.

Don’t forget to check out the man behind the hottest morning show in Greensboro, NC, 102 Jamz “Wild Out Wake Up Show” and check out his MySpace page at myspace.com/shosmoovemusic

If you would like any additional information please contact DJ Untouchable at info@deejayuntouchable.com and (Office) 336-833-4752 or (Cell) 267-269-9709

 

 

 

Mix Tape-Touchdown

 

 

DJ Untouchable is releasing his new mix tape “Touchdown”, Sunday, December 21^st on datpiff.com. 

Touchdown is a reggae mix tape that used a riddim from 2008 “Unfinished Business”. 

A riddim is an instrumental version of a song, which applies to Jamaican music or other forms of Caribbean music which is a reggae term used for a rhythm pattern.

A riddim is basically a bass line and usually a special drum pattern used with the bass line. Sometimes a short melody is associated with the riddim, but the main ingredient is the bass line. Most riddims have originated from a hit song, and usually the riddim has been given the name of that song.  Riddims are the instrumental backgrounds of reggae, lovers rock, dub, ragga, dancehall, and sometimes ragga-soca compositions. 

If you’re interested in learning more about “Touchdown” or showcasing your work on one of DJ Untouchable upcoming mix tapes contact him at info@deejayuntouchable.com or  (Office) 336-833-4752, (Cell) 267-269-9709

DJ Untouchable’s Upcoming Mix Tapes:

• Got Guap Volume II
• Quiet Storm Volume II

The Origin of DJ’s in the Hip Hop Culture-Part 1

 

DJ’s have always been influential to Hip Hop Culture.  DJing is one of the four main “elements” of hip hop that includes MCing, graffiti, and break dancing.

While hip hop did not invent DJing, it has extended its boundaries and techniques. The first hip hop DJ was Kool DJ Herc a.k.a. the “godfather of hip hop”, a native of Jamaica who created hip hop through the isolation of “breaks. Herc was one of the most popular DJs in the early 1970s in New York, and he quickly switched from using reggae records to funk, rock and, later, disco, since the New York audience did not particularly like reggae. Because the percussive breaks were generally short, Herc and other DJs began extending them using an audio mixer and two records. Mixing and scratching techniques eventually developed along with the breaks. In addition to developing Herc’s techniques, DJs like Grandmaster Flash, Grand Wizard Theodore, and Grandmaster Caz made further innovations with the introduction of scratching.

In the early years of hip hop, the DJs were the stars, but their limelight has been taken by MCs since 1978, thanks largely to Melle Mel of Grandmaster Flash’s crew, the Furious Five. However, a number of DJs have gained stardom nonetheless in recent years. Famous DJs include Grandmaster Flash, Mr. Magic, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Scratch from EPMD, DJ Premier from Gang Starr, DJ Scott La Rock from Boogie Down Productions, DJ Pete Rock of Pete Rock & CL Smooth, DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill, Jam Master Jay from Run-DMC, Eric B., Funkmaster Flex, Tony Touch, DJ Clue, DJ Q-Bert.

Stay tuned for part 2 of The Origin of DJ’s in the Hip Hop Culture.  If you would like to discuss the history of DJ’s in further details contact DJ Untouchable at info@deejayuntouchable.com and (Office) 336-833-4752, (Cell) 267-269-9709 

 

Serato ~State of the Art Equipment~

DJ Untouchable only uses state of the art equipment called Serato.  It is an innovative system that allows DJ’s to mix and scratch files from their computer using regular turntables.  Also, the system comes with video scratch technology that allows DJ’s to mix video with incredible effects and transitions.

Serato has lightened the load for professional DJs when traveling. Heavy crates of records can be exchanged into a huge library of music that can be easily transported on a computer hard drive.

It is the only digital DJ system that stays true to the art of DJing with no auto sync or effects by design.  The DJ is always in control of the mix at all times, not the computer.

If you’re planning a party or you’re an upcoming DJ and you would like some additional information on the equipment, contact DJ Untouchable at info@deejayuntouchable.com and (Office) 336-833-4752, (Cell) (267)-269-9709 

Serato Performance Features www.serato.com

·         Real Time Tempo Metering


·         Waveform Coloring based on Spectral Content


·         Multiple Cue and Loop Points per track

·         Record Directly from a Microphone


·         Record and Archive your precious Music Collection

·         Fast Access to your Music Library and iTunes™ library integration

·         Exclusive Access to Fresh Promotional Music with Whitelabel.net


·         No Charge Upgrades that constantly add new features and improvements

 

Private Parties

When DJing a private party, a DJ must have a full understanding of the client expectations when it comes to their party.   It’s important to respect the privacy of your client occasion and not promote yourself as the DJ for the evening.

A great tip to remember is to know that not all private parties are the same, you may DJ an anniversary, birthday, or college party that is not open to the general public and has a specific audience you must cater to.  It’s important for DJs to maintain trust with a client when it comes to the setting. 

It’s always important to specify all the details with a written contract to follow important guidelines.  This creates a great business relationship between you and the client, and opens up the opportunity for future bookings.

If you are hosting a private party or event and you’re looking for a DJ, contact DJ Untouchable at info@deejayuntouchable.com and (Office) 336-833-4752, (Cell) (267)-269-9709 

Corporate Events

When DJing a corporate event, DJ’s must know the overall business objective our clients are trying to offer their guest.  Most companies find that they actually enjoy the services of a top notch DJ that can cater to their needs and effectively entertain their guest.

DJ’s are essential to company events and parties because it gives the atmosphere a relaxing feel and it allows the guests to loosen up.  Also, this is a great way to network with other professionals that can develop into great business relationships. 

DJ Untouchable currently DJ’s for Pre-Paid Legal corporate events that cater to business professionals and their prospective clients.  It is an enrich environment with so much potential for future business opportunities. 

“My philosophy is no matter who you talk to at the end of the conversation-everyone can agree that music will uplift any situation.”

If you are having an upcoming corporate event and you’re looking for a DJ contact DJ Untouchable at info@deejayuntouchable.com and (Office) 336-833-4752 (Cell) 267-269-9709.

Past Corporate Events:

-Pre-Paid Corporate Party for Millionaire Bill Hamilton

 

The Right Touch

When it comes down to a wedding, things have to be perfect. Every bride has an expectation that needs to be met on her checklist.  When it comes to the reception, it has to be the perfect entrance for the bride and groom, the guests need to be entertained, the announcements need to be clear and understood, and the list goes on…

Hiring a DJ is the most common thing to do for a wedding reception but also making sure it’s the right DJ for the occasion. 

DJ Untouchable is a chameleon that can adapt to any wedding reception and has great credibility when DJing weddings.  He uses state of the art equipment, written contracts, effective communication and believes professionalism is key in guaranteeing the brides happiness.

If you’re planning a wedding and you’re looking for the right touch of perfection please contact DJ Untouchable at info@deejayuntouchable.com and (Office) 336-833-4752 (Cell) 267-269-9709

 Previous Weddings-

-Empire Room, Greensboro, NC (Summer of 2008)

Everything a bride should know before hiring a DJ.

ü  Written Contract and Agreement

ü  Give the exact date of event, arrival time, and location with address.

ü  Know what kind of equipment the DJ is going to supply for the reception.

ü  Attire guidelines

ü  Be prepared to discuss your playlist

ü  Know the amount of time you want to book a DJ

ü  Know how many breaks are needed and what you plan to do for music during these times

ü  Fees and overtime rates. (Add overtime rates to contract that ensures your DJ flexibility, should you need them to play longer)

ü  Deposit and balance due dates.

ü  Cancellation/refund policy.