WMC 23RD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DANCE AWARDS

Winter Music Conference 2008

Hi guys, it's been great to hear all your feedback from signing on the mailing list, I love to hear how you like the " smells like teen spirit remix!" it's my way of saying thank you, so remember the first of every month, you will get free music.....anyway, here is some Miami info, of course all the events I am performing at are listed on my " tour " page. click on the flyer button for more info like times, where,when.....luv and bass, DJRAP.

NEWS: (lots of info make sure you scroll all the way down)

It's that time of year again. DJs, Artists, Industry and bikini clad fans alike descend on the white sands of South Beach Miami for a week long session of electronic music, panels and parties.

We've been busy social butterflies preparing to bring you the best of the best at WMC 2008. Below is the Aurelia itinerary for all of our client events and artist appearances.

On the Music tip prepare for a triple hit from Juicy maven Robbie Rivera. Robbie will be the featured cover mount CD for DJ Mag this WMC. Issues will be placed on all Virgin Airlines backseat pockets from UK to Miami, as well as Official WMC messenger bags and in selected hotels. But that is not all. Robbie has also compiled and mixed 'Twilight', the 11th volume in the Armani Exchange music series. And finally what fans have been waiting for: 'Back to Zero', the first single from Robbie Rivera's upcoming artist album 'Star Quality', is now available on Beatport.com and will be featured on A|X 'Twilight'. 'Star Quality' will be release in late May on Juicy Music. Catch Robbie at Juicy Beach, Ultra Fest & Amnesia After-hours this WMC.

Global Underground adds the hotness of Chicago Electro house kitty Felix da Housecat to their arsenal of DJs to die for. Felix da Housecat GU 34 Milan will be promo'd at WMC and hits stores stateside early May. Look out for Afterhours 5, Sasha's Involver2, Nick Warren and Rouge Audio coming up as well in 2008.

DJ Rap will be launching 2 endeavors at WMC. Her labels Impropa Talent UK & Propa Talent UK. The world's number 1 female DJ has now added label boss to her resume. Propa/Impropa will be coming out swinging with artists Sanchez & the Shockers, Joey Modus and Mark Campbell. Also doing her part for the environment check out Rap at the National Wildlife Federation Benefit Tuesday @ White Room in Miami as well as at the A|X store and Juicy Beach.

And last but certainly not least Electronic Icon, Paul van Dyk is in full demand for WMC08. Shattering records with 8 IDMA Nominations! The most nominations for any single Electronic artist in IDMA history. Paul will speaking on the distinguished Grammy Panel @ WMC Weds at 3:30pm as well as appearing as the Keynote Speaker for the opening of Remix Hotel Thursday at 3pm. Want less talk more music? PvD in an unprecedented move will be switching it up from DJ to Full live Band. Check out Paul's DJ set at Space which will air live on Sirius Area 33 on Friday March 28th. And for the finale of WMC, Paul van Dyk live will headline the closing slot of Ultra Music Festival 10.

For more information on any of the events click on the artwork. Press requesting Media access to any of these events or One on One interviews please email lainie@aureliaentertainment.com no later that Monday March 24th. See you in Miami!

NEW BABY. MEET KYMA

So, some of you may or may not know that I have a wonderful Pomeranian called " REBEL" he has been my constant companion for 2 and a half years now and been through the fire with me. I am happy to report that at 1pm today his sister"KYMA" pronounced KEEMA arrived... cigars were shared and champagne opened and wee wee pads were bought. As I write this blog with this angel asleep on my lap, totally trusting that I will love and protect her, REBEL asleep next to her, I think how the  simple things are the best. being at home is the best surrounded by the things you love and  loved by the people surrounding you. it's " GOOD TO BE ALIVE".

So You Wanna Be A DJ?

So You Wanna Be A DJ? You think you've got what it takes to be the next Sasha, Tiesto, Deep Dish or maybe Me, DJ Rap? Only problem is, you don't know where to begin. You've come to the right blog.

For those of you who know me, I always have plenty to say. For those of you who don't you'll probably be sick of me soon, so I'll talk about something interesting rather than the boring blog shit you see all over the place. The idea came to me because I've started teaching this very thing at Hollywood Arts. [hollywood-arts.org] I was first told about this organization by my mate, BT. It's wonderful helping out the new blood and seeing how they light up when they scratch the decks.

"So you wanna be a DJ?" will be the beginning of a series of blogs explaining the basic beginning to becoming a DJ, learning to produce, and hopefully help guide you on your path to becoming an underground superstar. [who really wants to be famous, it sucks. this is way cooler] Let's start off by talking about equipment so you'll know what to use before we get into techniques.

Part 1: DJ Equipment.

There are many types of equipment, so it really is a matter of personal taste. What I talk about here is just what I happen to believe in and this stuff works for me. It is by no means a disrespect to the other brands and versions out there. [so if anyone else wants to sponsor me, feel free, haha!] 

Decks: Although I still own the one and only pair of turntables I've ever bought, SL-1200's the Pioneer CDJ-1000 or DVJ-1000 is my weapon of choice. I simply LOVE Pioneer. [yes I love vinyl, no I haven't abandoned it. but you try carrying 20 20lb. crates to Ibiza only to find the crates nicked when you get there!] So CD's are what I spin. 

Mixer: Now, I'm really fussy about this shit. It HAS to be a Pioneer-800 for me.  I don't care what anyone else says, it's the best. For me the effects, are stellar. The Pioneer-600 sounded a little too woody and muffled, if you like, often there were feedback problems. But the 800 is crystal clear. I love the fact that you can mix and blend effortlessly without too much tuning concerns due to the filter effect. As I travel with a VJ, if you ever get the chance, check out Pioneer's new SVM-1000. [pioneerdj.com] I went to the warehouse and they let me at it, needless to say I got a little excited and wet my pants. I feel visuals are very important to a DJ show, but let's take it one step at a time... we'll get into that a bit later.

Monitors: In my home studio I use the M-Audio BX5's and the 10-inch sub that goes with it.[m-audio.com] I find they are incredibly accurate and really translate well to the dancefloor. I also use a pair of NS-10's which help me with what I call the "car radio mix test." In other words, if it sounds good in my car, it sounds good anywhere. For my mains, when I'm writing and producing I just got a hold of a pair of VXT-8's which have a MASSIVE sound. [krksys.com]

Headphones: I only ever use Sony-MDRV700DJ's. They're solid. And I haven't gone deaf yet. [sonystyle.com]

Of course you don't need these items exactly to start with as I realize we're all on our own budgets, however, you'll only need it once and you get what you pay for. In the long run you'll pay more to replace things if you're buying shit equipment. Trust me, been there, done that. 

This is Propa Advice from yours truly, DJ RAP. Tune in on the 1st and 14th of each month for new entries. For my next blog I'll let you in on my production tools in the studio.

luv n bass, DJ RAP.

-by the way, all the people on my mailing list get free tracks on the first of every month as well as goodies in their inboxes. so head over to my website [djrap.com] and sign up today.