Tascam released a new virtual sampler that is powered by the Giga software. The sampler has many of the features you would expect from a professional virtual sampler. The “interesting” part is that it plugs in to the gigastudio to allow for seamless integration. The limited deployment of the GigaStudio software in the commercial market though makes this news more interesting. As the Gigastudio becomes more enhanced perhaps they can give ProTools a run for their money finally.

Icon Collective is a school to learn about electronic music production. Electronic music may have moved away from the forefront of popular musinc of the the last few years but with places like this poping up every where nurtureing a new generation of electronic artists the future of dance music is assured.

::: icon collective :::

Electro-Plankton posted up a really neat post about an illuminated dance floor that is really cool looking. The interesting part about it is that the patterns can be controlled by a DJ whikehe or she is playing.

electro^plankton: Illuminated Dance Floors

We found this little gem whilst surfing for DJ news & rumours, ( thats hard to find let me tell you !!! ). At DJ History they havea very extensive guide to record shops in the UK. Its looking quite full and might have a lot of potential. So if your in the market for records in the UK check it.

UK Record Store Guide

The Technics SL-DZ1200 got a savage review over at SkratchWorx. The turntable is well known to have been a d dissappojntment but it looks like this review may have been especially savage. There are lots of complaints about not receiving a unit to review from Panasonic, hopefully the “snubbed” author didn’t just rake Technics across the coals for not receiveing his due attention.

At anyrate the review is in depth and informative, however late it is, and is worth a read if you don’t already know by now that the turtable sucks.

SKRATCHWORX™ v2 - Technics SL-DZ1200 Review - By ProfessorBX - November 2005

Scottish Podcasters got aspot in the Scotsman that lays out what many of us already know, the tpodcasting is where its at. Of course they totally skip the issues that most rofessioal DJ’s need to come to grips with how to legally stream music.

How the scotsman can post up podcasting as if its a 1.. 2. 3.. to fame is beyond me but its nice to see podcasting dj’s get some coverage.

Scotsman.com News - Features - In pod we trust as new breed of DJ joins cast list

Dj Nancy points out that its unsafe and stupid to allow drinks near your microphones when you are djing. Not only does it open up your equipment to damage from your drunk patrons but also leads to unsafe situations as the floor gets wet ansd slippery. Of course how to regulate your curtomers is another matter…

Link Here

A newbie DJ on DJ Forums started asking about why his scratching was sucking so bad. Once he shared he had crappy tables and even crappy slip mats it became clear that he answered his own question. People need to understand that you have to buy good equipment if you want good results. Why do newbies always try to save a few hundred to get started sooner when every one with half a brain can tells them to wait and save.

Some pretty good advice is given to him about what he needed to improve in his setup and how to correct his problems there after.

Link Here

In expectation of Super Bowl XL in Detroit, entertainers are for events throughout “Super Weekend,” including DJ AM at Groove Detroit … Art in Motion. This fundraiser, to benefit The Children’s Center The Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee has brought about the Sanctioned Event Program, on lieu of the NFL, to engage the community in Super Bowl. This form of community outreach allows local residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy Super Bowl related programming while at the same time provides fiscal benefits to local charities. Sanctioned Events are promoted through assorted Host Committee channels including the Event Guide and Host Committee website.

Centaur Entertainment announces that DJ/Producer Junior Vasquez will make a new CD entitled Party Groove: White Party Volume 7. The mix is being presented in conjunction with Junior Vasquez Music. Centaur’s
President Nick DeBiase was very excited and said “We’re very excited to be working with Junior Vasquez
and his new CD will definitely be one of the best dance albums of the year.”

“I tried to make it edgy, uplifting, anthemic and spiritual,” says Junior.
“For many years I was criticized for playing pots-and-pans but I’m over that
sound. I love great vocals with instrumentation that’s tough-as-nails to
underpin the song.” Junior’s reported sobriety in the last year has
certainly influenced him musically.