It is not enough to make a press kit, because many major record labels do not even open them once they get to the office.  There is a way to avoid this situation from happening. You need to know who you are trying to contact at the office. In most cases, you want to get the contact information of the record labels’ Artists and Repertoire (A&R). The A&R is responsible for scouting and artist development, he probably doesn’t have enough time to sort through the plethora of demo tapes sent by hopeful musicians. Doesn’t make sense? Sure it does, - you have to know the A&R or have management that can facilitate a meeting with the A&R. This may be very expensive if you do not live near a location where many A&R’s work out of.  Do not fear.  A&R’s have created digital networks with independent artists to help them create a digital press kit which will allow them to meet with the labels when they are interested.  So….. if you don’t have a direct connection with an A&R, you should be using the internet to try to get the attention of the label and get more listeners. Remember, creating a strong digital press kit is key. Don’t send them a press kit in the mail, because most likely the A&R will never open the shipping package.  Here is a resource that can help, www.majorcontacts.com is one of several premier virtual A&R services. The website allows you to create a virtual press kit and shop it to different A&Rs.  

DJ Kid Relly  

www.collegedj.blogspot.com

www.collegedj.myspace.com

Electronica is coming back. These days, much of the new music that has come out has an electric house feel to it. Many artists from rappers to pop and R&B artists are making music that appeals to people who like house music. Artists like Akon, Madonna, Ne-Yo, Lil Wayne (remixes), Kanye West, Lupe and Kenna have recently made tracks with an electronica feel. The trick to making a good cross-genre beat is to stay true to one form while respecting the other. For example, Kanye’s “Flashing Lights” and “Stronger,” are classic house beats that are true to electronica and house, yet still have the basic elements of hip hop. Other artists have synthesized classic hip hop beats to house music by using pitch controls to speed the beat up while some have kept the beat clean like Wiz Khalifa’s “Say Yes”. The combination of hip hop, house and rock has helped to define artists that are looking to reach broad audiences while giving their fan base something new. A lot of the new music also comes with a house style b-side for the djs to play in clubs or other venues that ordinarily don’t play rock or hip hop. Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” has elements of house music -so electronic house beats are unlimited to typical genres. -DP

www.collegedj.blogspot.com

www.myspace.com/collegedj

Before MP3 players. Before CD burners even. DJs made mixtapes. By taking your favorite songs you felt sent a message, and mixing them together on a 60 minute recordable hi-fi audio cassette. Many mixtapes were designed for road trips, parties or sitting alone in a darkened room. The best mix tapes could be appropriate for any of these activities. Mixtapes could be conventional, by counting songs you felt should have been included on that Greatest Hits albums from your favorite band. Or, it could highlight the breaks and the second half of your favorite tracks. The beauty of a mixtape is it can be as plain or outlandish as you are willing to make it. Regardless of your intentions, the mixtape requires careful planning and flawless execution. Nobody wants to wait for the mixtape to buildup. CD burners have helped to ease that problem. A mixtape deserves full tracks with clean breaks between each. The pause button is crucial to efficient breaks. By completely stopping the tape you may lose space in the lag time it requires to restart. A long pause can distract your listeners. The mood is set quickly with the choice of first song. An effective mixtape flows smoothly through different tempos, styles and moods. Sometimes even genres. Dodgy song choice could lead the mixtape recipient to spend precious time fast forwarding through songs. Effectively missing the intended message. *We at collegedj.net would like to give all up and coming djs a small but important piece of advice.* Save the slower songs for the ends of each tape side. Each side should begin with something upbeat and end on a quieter note.

-DJ Kid Relly

DP would like to add.........

The mixtape game has also been influenced by digitization and the internet. Has anyone made an actual “tape” lately? The mixtape game has gone digital. Your favorite artists have mixtapes available on their websites and these days you can make your own mixtape online. You can even create your own radio station/jukebox online. The mixtape game is changing. The best artists, djs and dj crews are still reaching their fan base and are broadening their ‘web cred’ by using the internet to reach new people. Here is a look at some new dj technology that can help you upload your cuts to the web.

-DP

www.collegedj.blogspot.com

www.myspace.com/collegedj

Check out the new college dj blog at www.collegedj.blogspot.com.  Send us your comments and let us know what you are listening to!  We kindly ask that you limit your comments to compliments and awareness about new music or dj technology.  No dissing please.  Let’s keep it clean and positive.  What equipment are you using for your shows?  What’s the last good show you’ve done or been to?  Finally, a place for the college djs to inform each other!!!!!  Brought to you by collegedj.net....