Where it comes from?

Logically we might assume that Dubstep was born from combining “dub” and “2-step”. Yet if we would come to this conclusion we would be wrong. Dub originally was created in Jamaica roughly around the 60’s. To make some sense out of the genre we can call Dub the “trippier” cousin to Reggae itself, with delayed guitar effects, deep bass rhythms and a whole lot of echo. Yet “Dubstep” today has absolutely nothing to do with Dub at all.

In reality Dubstep first made its way onto the South London music scene in 1998 when DJ’s sought to mix “2-step garage” with other different musical elements like “Drum and Bass” and “breakbeat”. Even though this primal version of Dubstep was not yet “dubbed” it was the birth of a genre that would engulf the entire world.

When it became Dubstep?

The term “Dubstep” only really became popular in 2002 after record labels like Big Apple and Tempa began circulating the term. It was then when DJ’s began to remix popular songs and converting them into unique “dubstep” sensations, which in turn caught the attention of mainstream radio which pushed this dark grimy genre right into the eardrums of the world.

Songs from popular musicians such as Bob Marley and Katy Perry have been converted into Dubstep Covers over time. The genre expanded its borders to even include songs from classic games like Zelda’s “Ocarina of Time” remixed done by JoeyVerbeke .

Today Dubstep is one of the most searched terms on Youtube with some videos ranging into the 30 million view marker. Within a decade of its birth it seems that Dubstep has become a favorite within the electronic genre and is here to stay.

The Future of Dubstep?

In order to accurately predict the lifespan of a particular genre is quite difficult, especially due to the fact that through technology new genres are created almost daily. Dubstep has definitely been on an exponential growing spree for the past ten years and as of 2011 was a phenomenal year for the popularity of the genre itself.

With Youtube Legends like Mike Diva and Corridor Digital using Dubstep as the soundtrack to their videos the genre seems to have a bright future in both musical and video entertainment. The music by itself gives ample opportunity for growth as it still is very young in nature and it is expected that Dubstep will be able to solidify its position within electronic music that rivals that of Psycho and Drum and Bass.

One thing is for sure; if we analyze the growth of Dubstep over the past decade we can safely assume that Dubstep will still be around and popular for another decade or so until a new and improved subgenre is born. Yet for now we can sit back and enjoy witnessing the evolution of this genre happen right before our very eyes.

What’s in a name?

Deadmau5 is a classic example of a memorable DJ name

I believe even more important than software and hardware, though essential, a name is the first and foremost important aspect of a DJ. Obviously the name must reflect the type of music you’ll play, it must be easy to remember, and it must “look cool”. Names like “Infected Mushroom,” “DeadMau5” and even “OakenFold” have broken out of just electro music and actually have become Superstars world wide, selling out concerts wherever they go.
The name is incredibly important because everything you do from the moment you launch to the moment you put your turntables down for good, will be connected to your brand, so choose wisely.

Equipment

The next thing on the list of the Basic DJ Set Up comes down to gear. The strip yourself down to the bare essentials all you really need is a decent computer and a lot of software, but that just won’t look as cool as having turntables and so forth. Below I compiled a list of things that could be purchased on a small budget and that will give you at least some sense of “being a DJ”:

• Computer
• Mixer (2 channel is fine, more is better)
• Studio Headphones
• Ipod

The list could go on but in reality the physical gear varies greatly from DJ to DJ. In all seriousness, all that a beginner DJ requires are what was listed above with the adequate software. Many other DJ’s that have more experience might scoff at this list, but if you are barely breaking into the industry you won’t want to dish out thousands of dollars on something that you aren’t completely sure about. Obviously as technology advances, access to cheaper more effective gear becomes a greater possibility.

Software

You will also have ample opportunity to pick and choose your software that best reflects your style. Currently the most popular production platform program used by most DJ’s is “Cubase” yet the price tag will scare most of the beginner DJ’s right away. For that you could always delve into other cheaper programs such as Acid Pro, FL Studio and Reason.

Most people generally start with simple beat programs such as FL Studio which will show you exactly beat for beat, measure for measure how to construct your own loops and create complex songs.
Once more the combination of Software will ultimately come down to your style and to your budget. Yet most DJ’s will agree to start small and work your way up since both the gear and the software can cost quite a lot of money.

Venues

The final problem a DJ might face is finding a venue to play at. There are many “open nights” where inexperienced DJ’s can take the stage, but if this jump is too big for you, you could always start small at house parties or school events. Youtube is also a great way to break into the exciting world of DJing.

Thousands of experienced engineers and newcomer music makers are all banging out some awesome Dubstep using only desktop applications.

There are a multitude of capable programs out there that can be used to produce Dubstep, but it can be a confusing task trying to identify which program would be most suitable for you.

Initial Questions

Depending on what you want to do with your music, is going to influence your decision on what program you choose for music production. Don’t be too concerned over what program some popular DJ is using, because in reality, there are a number of generic applications that can achieve the same results.

1. Online - You may find some drum sequencers online to program some very basic beats, but that is about as far as you are going to get with it. Forget it. Perhaps you can import some sounds and even export a low quality MP3, but this is it. Amateur level.

2. Download - There is one great program available for immediate download to get your started straight away, named Dubturbo. This is the only downloadable program recommended, the others just do not cut it for dubstep production.

3. Packages - Many of the expensive, professional grade programs will come in a boxed package that include the discs to be installed, with the instruction manuals and warranty etc.

Some of the above options have been reviewed below, to assist you in making an informed decision as to what software is right for you to make Dubstep.

1. Dubturbo

The most likable aspects of Dubturbo are the facts that you can get it online through the manufacturer’s website as a download package and that is is so much cheaper than other alternatives.

You don’t have to wait for a package to be delivered and due to the unique platform design, almost anyone can figure out how to utilize all the functions; where the rival applications can be very difficult to master.

When you can get an original version downloaded straight from the designer’s website, it makes for a popular program in this, the modern age of computers. Now, the built-in loops and samples are very cool, but there are additional packages that can be downloaded through the official website. It should be noted that it is much cheaper to get such add-ons from the start when you get your main package.

The export quality is great and is an easy task to complete, making it possible to quickly get your tracks out there either online or mixed into a live set.

• Suitable For Dubstep & Other Genres

• Great For Beginners To Intermediates

• Export High Quality .wav and .mp3

• Get It On Mac and PC

• Immediate Download

• Priced at $39.95

 Click The Button To Visit The Official Website

2. Logic Studio

Most like to say that this is the choice of some of the large branded DJs that perhaps you might know. Though really, it is one or two of the plug-ins that are used for Dubstep production and the rest of the tracks are made in simpler programs, as above.

The sequencer is very difficult to use, so most don’t create tracks from start to finish – they just use the effects etc. Being the software that you would find in a typical, professional recording studio, spending all that money on this program just to make digital music seems like a bit of a waste to me. But if you do have the money to spare, it would be a very powerful tool in your dance music creation arsenal.

The program is a full-on studio application and can be employed to record highly produced pop music, with vocals and live instruments. The results that are seen with live drums, bass guitars and vocals are amazing, though when you actually figure out how to utilise the beat sequencer, some wicked tracks are sure to follow.

• Very Powerful Studio Suite

• High Level Of Experience Needed

• Great Plug-ins and effects

• Made For Apple only

• Professional Grade Program

• Priced at $449.00

3. Ableton Live

Ableton is a very capable program when it comes to making dance, jungle, grime, dubstep and hip hop.  All these electronic genres can be done on a professional level, as the standard sounds, samples and instruments built-in are second to none.

However, like Logic, it is quite difficult to operate and will take much time to master. For those of you with some kind of experience with similar software, you will be able to get some spectacular results, but be prepared to spend many hours sifting through all the online support to get it sorted.

• Great For All Electronic Genres

• A Number Of Cool Built-In Instruments

• Medium to High Level Of Experience

• Get Mac and PC Versions

• Priced at $499.00

4. Propellerhead Reason

Reason is in a very similar boat to Ableton, whereas it is not very useful for creating anything else other than digital music. But hey, that is what you are here for!

Again, some very powerful plug-ins and some wicked sample packs that are factory fitted, make Reason a popular selection for many hip-hop and dance DJs. Personally, this take the prize over the previous program above, as some of the highest selling rap beats have been produced here. I know we are talking about a different genre, but that is saying something.

The lower price makes this a better choice over Ableton, though where do you draw the line for value for money, when comparing it to the first program.

• Powerful Digital Sequencer

• Intermediate Skill Level

• Get Great Add-on packages

• Both Mac and PC Versions

• Priced at $299.00

The Explosion

The industry has become extremely profitable for DJs spinning Dubstep, now in commercial clubs worldwide and especially for those creating and selling their own tracks. You can now see that their are many sequencers that you could deploy to make your own tracks, though all those factors need to be considers.

Think about your experience, your budget, your available time and the level that you want to take your original music to.

Start making yours today.

You can connect ION USB turntable to your PC which helps in converting all the vinyl data into digital media. With this turntable you get two software’ for converting data from vinyl into digital form.

The data conversion software provided with ION USB turntable for Mac OS is EZ audio converter and for Windows OS is Vinyl / EZ Tape converter. It is possible to save your music in iTunes library through both this software.

You can easily understand how to use ION USB turntable because a manual is provided with this turntable so that the user can know how installation is done and the turntable is operated. Even a novice can operate this incredible turntable.

With the power cable provided with it you can connect ION USB turntable with ease. If you want to connect the turntable to your home stereo then you can use RCA audio output cable provided with it. You can also copy the records on the PC by using this turntable.

There are two options available for connection and they are Line and Phono options. You should select Phono option when you want to connect your home stereo to the input of the turntable while Line option should be used while connecting your turntable with the input of CD or TAPE or AUX.

In ION USB turntable there is a power button for switching it on and off. For connecting your computer to the turntable a USB cable is provided with it.

In this turntable there is a motor drive belt in the drive ring under the platter. A user has to fasten the platter to the turntable before operating it. There is a ‘Start and Stop button for starting and stopping the turntable motor.

By connecting any audio source, Tape or Reel-to-Reel player to the stereo line input you can send signal from USB to the PC. To get top quality sound you need to first install phono cartridge before using the stereo line input.

The platter of ION USB turntable is controlled by the RPM buttons. The turntable platter can revolve at the speed of 33 and 45 rpm. At both these speeds you can do recording of 78 rpm records. The speed of working can be known through a red LED.

In this turntable adequate stylus pressure must be applied on the record. To increase pressure on the stylus you have to balance the head shell and the cartridge assembly by using counterweight.

Anti-skate adjustment knob compensates the inward tracking forces in tone arm. Due to arm clip the tone arm remains secure when at rest. You must always remove the head shell and use an arm clip to secure it in order to prevent the tone arm or turntable from getting destroyed during transportation.

The tone arm tube secures the head shell and the cartridge assembly with the help of aluminum tone arm lock nut. Over the head shell cartridge is placed and it can be changed.

Get the best selling turntable now without blinking an eyelid because it is more than worth the amount you spent.

There is a massive history of the evolution of turntables. Educate yourself here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonograph

Having worked with top notch music studios and with more than 21 years of music composing experience many online music websites prefer that I convey my personal thoughts of various music software for them.

I have tested almost all top music software’s and this week I came across new sequencing program from FL Studio called Signature Bundle. Fruity Loop has been renamed as FL Studio. Fruity Loop was engaged by famous Dubstep artist Skream to produce music.

FL Studio is available in 3 other different editions. For those who are just starting out an Express edition is available, which allows creation of loops. For music composing and arranging there is Fruity edition while should you require additional capacities, then you could choose the Producer edition.

The 3 editions which I have listed above are not bad but the latest music software from FL Studio called Signature Bundle is much better and it has all the features of these 3 editions and there are many other incredible features added to it for fast music  production.

You can generate incredible sounds by using Signature Bundle edition of FL Studio as it is blessed with a great multiband synthesizer and and an even better maximizer. You can even generate multiple effects with the help of high end guitar suite present in this software. With Signature Bundle edition of FL Studio you also get full sampler and video soundtrack creating tool.

Signature Bundle edition of FL Studio is extremely cost effective because it provides lifetime access to all the updates. Having used this music software I can tell you it is one of the best music applications in the market. The music which I composed through this software was awesome and everyone enjoyed it.

The Signature Bundle edition has the best editing tool’s which helps in getting high quality sound that can be further enhanced by utilizing the SoundFont libraries which are available online to all the users of this software. Sound throughput can be enhanced by using Seventy-five additional plug-ins.

FL Studio Edit Window & Plugins at Work

By using external source with this music application you can easily do audio recording. Through this music application you can record directly to the disk. Your mixed tracks can be finished offline with Signature Bundle edition and also cue point support is provided. You can manipulate the music according to your liking with this music software.

You can edit and write music by using several unique features available with the software. With this software you will find advanced vocoder and re-arranger. There is also loop slicer which you can use. With inbuilt editor and audio recorder this software gives ultimate joy while composing music.

In Signature Bundle edition you can get as man chords and as long length patterns from the piano roll, as you could need. You can also use it as an instrument by using Rewire technology. In this software pattern clips store event automation info and same with the step-sequencer. Check out some videos for more information on using FL studio as a Dubstep Maker.

Being a professional music producer with years of experience in working with various music software I would say this is one of the best I have used so far and it is a very awesome ‘software but for me it was easy to handle it. If you don’t know anything about music production then you need to take some training before you lay your hands on Signature Bundle edition.

Carl At The Decks

Had to write an article for one of my oldest and all-time favourite DJs, Carl Cox. This man  is a well known DJ and he is from United Kingdom and is primarily known for techno and house music, though recently started Pumping out the Dubstep. In 1985 he became a DJ. He is called as ‘3 deck wizard’ because during the 2^nd Summer of Love in the year 1998 he simultaneously played 3 turntables.

Carl Cox has been managing 2 record labels which are known as Intec Records and 23rd Century Records. He has been performing in some reputed clubs like Heaven, The Eclipse, Sterns Nightclub, Sir Henry’s in Cork, Shelly’s and The Hacienda.

Big Records

Carl’s first ever album ‘At The End Of The Cliche’ was with Edel UK Records / Worldwide Ultimatum Records. He released ‘Phuture 2000’ in 1999 through the same record company. In 2005 he released ‘Second Sign’ which was his third album.

With Perfecto Records, he made his first three singles. ‘I Want You’ was his first single which came in 1991 and it got entry at 23^rd position on the UK music chart. His second single ‘Does It Feel Good To You’ was at no. 35 on the UK chart while his third single ‘The Planet of Love’ was released in 1993 and it got entry at no. 44 on the UK music chart.

With Edel UK Records he has made two singles ‘Two Paintings and a Drum’ and ‘The Latin Theme’ which were released in 1995 and 1998 respectively. The first single got into UK music chart at 24^th position while the 2^nd single was at no. 52 on the chart in UK. During an International Award he was voted as ‘DJ of the Year’ in 1995 and 1996.

In 1996 and 1998 he made two singles ‘The Player / Sensual Sophis-ti-cat’ and ‘Phuture 2000’ respectively through ‘Worldwide Ultimatum Records’ and both entered the UK music chart at 25^th and 40^th position respectively. Readers of Muzik Magazine had voted him the ‘DJ of the Year’.

Big Singles

He made three singles with Worldwide Ultimatum Records / Edel UK Records. ‘Tribal Jedi’ in 1996, ‘Dr. Funk’ and ‘The Latin Theme’ in 1999 are his 3 singles. He has been crowned as ‘DJ of the Year’ in Ireland, Scotland, Germany and France.

He has 2 singles ‘Club Traxx Vol.1’ made in 2002 and ‘Club Traxx Vol.2’ made in 2003 with ‘Trust the DJ’. Through ‘23rd Century Records’ he did a single called ‘Dirty Bass’ in 2003.

He even managed ‘Ultimate Base’ in the late 90s. He also used to play on BBC Radio One. He was voted the number 1 DJ by DJ magazine in 1997. He has been on the cover page of various music magazines like Mixmag, Muzik, DJ and Wax.

Music of Carl Cox is very refreshing and he has traveled all over the world with his genre of music. He is very famous in the United Kingdom.

He has mesmerized many music fans from all across South Africa, Israel, Australia and Japan. Eighty-two thousand screaming music fans witnessed his performance in Berlin. He performs regularly in clubs like Slam, Ministry of Sound, Cream and Lakota.

Reason is a software application dubstep maker, which has large sound bank and it helps in producing flawless free flowing music. Reason software helps in bringing out the creative genius inside you. It has great user interface which helps in fast production of music. Also, it helps tremendously in efficient composing of music. This software is unique because it has all in-built functions hence it does not require any connections and also there is no need to configure it.

Huge Array of Tools

Everything from sequencer to instruments is integrated in this software. It has remarkable modern interface which comprises of flashing LED’s, knobs, buttons and faders. The instruments and tools are placed on a rack which is used whenever required and such collection on rack helps in fast completion of work.

Things you keep on the rack can be easily deleted and new one can be added according to your need. One can also replace or tweak the effects and instruments placed on the rack. Reason gives you complete freedom to choose and produce music the way you want. Manual and automated routing is possible by using this software.

You can integrate this software with hardware of your choice. All controls it has look like a real studio and nothing seems to be unreal. For fast and smooth working, automation and notes for each track is collected by the sequencer. In this software there are no flipping windows or sub-menus and hidden screens.

Depicts the Kong Drum Designer

Reason is extremely easy to use and it lets you control each and every component as well as external device through various interfaces, you can tweak and explore them the way you want.

Easy Controls

Reason provides in-built support to all keyboards and controllers. In this software, controllers can be used as master keyboard and mixer. By using ReWire technology you can use other softwares’ with it. With Reason you get Kong Drum Designer which has 16 drums and pads. It provides support sound generators, flexible routing, physical modeling, REX loops, analog synthesis and many other features. Analog modeling kick drum provides long booming as well as hard knocking kicks. You can decide on what kind of noise, tone and harmonic you need by effectively using Synth snare drum.

Synths & Drums

There is Synth Hi-Hat module which can be used with open, semi-open, closed and semi-closed pads. To use variety of percussion sounds Synth Tom Tom can be used, in this you can use flexible setting for tuning just to generate organic sound kicks with the help of physical bass drum. By using physical snare drum, you get different settings for top as well as bottom pitch and snare tension. You can generate natural sounding snare drum by using this option.

In this software you have sample player which helps in building drum sound while REX Player helps in building loops. Reason is very powerful music production software which has many other extreme features for fast and effective music generation. Don’t think twice, just get it.