Beat off

by SCOTT C

Waltzed into Blizzarts this past Monday night and was happy to see a very interested group of DJs and producers checking out a demonstration of Stanton’s Final Scratch software (www.finalscratch.com). This same group later went on to use the software to play their very own productions, and I’m happy to say after trying this interface out myself, it’s pretty amazing stuff. Can’t say I’d be ready to drop $975 to dive into the wonderful world of this technology in my own house, but I definitely know cats that would, and will. Apart from everybody crowding around the DJ booth all night to watch the tech unfold, and a renegade scratchaholic who kept thinking it was a Tableturns showcase, I think the night was great. If you guys need a host for next time, I’m in. There is some promise for an open-mic night for the beat-makers and producers. Heard some nice beats from Seek One, Chris & Tony, Phil and Madison, as well as Mana, Sixtoo and some better-late-than-never aural neckbreakers courtesy of my brother from another mother, Simahlak. Even my beats managed to scrape some love out of the crowd, allowing me to make some connections for future endeavours. That’s what it’s all about, right? Now, if only we can get those guys to make the next flyer for this monthly look a little less like a children’s storybook cover…

Thanks to everyone who sent in their outlines on how to have a successful hip hop show in this city. There were a lot of points covered, all of which boil down to common sense, but basically, if you’re planning on doing a show in Montreal please remember this: If you’re not going to do it right, DON’T DO IT! Simple. I have a hunch that artists and booking agents from outside the city may have people chatting in their ears about how a show in Montreal is a crapshoot. Bullshit. We’ve done it before and we can do it again. This is only the beginning.

Maybe this isn’t the time or the place, but I’d like to wish my good friends and newlyweds Jamie and Lisa Riddell all the best in the future. They got married Sept. 14 at easily one of the best weddings I’ve ever been to. The hired “Disc Jockey” even managed to play my only request (Wham’s “Careless Whisper”) so that we could all pretend it was Grade 8 again for a while on the dancefloor. Sorry if I spilled Clamato on your pants/dress, danced on your toes, jumped in the buffet line ahead of you, or erased all of your digital photos. Yes, James, it was a nice day. :

Seven reasons you should always trust your gut…
1. Medaphor “Place Your Bet” 7” (Stones Throw)
2. Ritchy Pitch Live at Home EP (7Heads)
3. DJ Vadim ft. Demolition Man “Up To Jah” 7” (Ninja Tune)
4. Slum Village “Tainted” remix 12” (white)
5. Paradox “Transfigured Knut” (Twisted Funk)
6. Conroy Smith “Dangerous” (Redman)
7. Bugz in the Attic “Zombie Pt. 1” (Red Hot)

It’s all coming back to me now… :

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