Beats from here to Brazil…

by SCOTT C

I’m sure I’m not alone in my never-ending quest to effectively introduce myself into one of the many aspects of the music industry. Although endless resources exist online, it can be a daunting task finding one that deals with your specific situation, direction, or type of music. A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine overseas tipped me off about a Web site called RedBullMusicAcademy.com.

Much like Montreal’s SOMEONELSE organization that transplants talented local DJs and producers right into the thick of the U.K. and European music industries, the Red Bull Music Academy also offers opportunities for artists looking forward. Founded in Berlin in 1998, the program allows 50 DJ/producers from around the world to attend workshops over a two-week period, on music history, technology, production and business. The workshops are conducted by the very people who’ve inspired many young artists to explore the musical avenues in the first place, such as Bettina Costanzo, J Majik, Grand Wizard Theodore, DJ Craze, Dego, Shut Up and Dance and John Aquaviva. Although this isn’t a diploma or certificate program, it seems like an honest look at the inner workings that a lot of people should be able to share in. This year’s session takes place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and includes workshops from guys like Madlib, Cut Chemist and J-Rocc, as well as the Brazilian premiere of photographer/filmmaker B+’s film on legendary funk drummers and DJs, Keepin’ Time.

Those interested should make a beeline to the Web site, where you’ll find all sorts of archived audio and video of past workshops, as well as all the information you’ll need to apply for next year’s session: www.redbullmusicacademy.com

Speaking of people who at least think they’ve got the goods, on Monday, Sept. 16, you can check out Slow Mondays at Blizzarts for their first ever night in the “Beets From the Backyard Garden” series. The night aims to shed light on some of the more active hip hop producers in this city, showcasing beats made from Fruity Loops to the Triton and everything in between. With all the people we know making beats around town, this could be a great way to hook up collaborations, as well as provide a forum for some of these lesser-known technicians. If you’ve got something you think everyone should hear, or you’d just like to hear it loud in the club for once, e-mail murad@circapresents.com with your info and I’ll probably see you there.

Seven this is only the beginning ...

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Slum Village “What Is This” (Barak)
Dwele “A.N.G.E.L” (Talkin’Loud)
N.E.R.D “Run to the Sun” (Virgin)

This one’s for the children ...

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