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Fall Cleaning

October 13th, 2010 by DJ FOTO received No Comments »

Man, it’s really dusty around this place.  Haven’t updated the blog in a couple of months, and I wish I was sorry, but i’m not.  I realized im not a big fan of blogging, but I do like the idea of updating people with quality music so I will try to be more regular with my entries.  

It seems pretty official that David Guetta has taken firm control over the dance world with his recent collaborations with Flo-Rida( “Club Can’t Handle Me”) and on Rihanna’s upcoming single “Who’s That Chick”. In hip-hop, Swizz Beatz and Kanye West have been working together on a few projects including the new Lloyd Bank’s single “Start it Up”.  Also, apparently 50 cent is ready to go a similar route as Kanye in leaking some new jams, as he promises to take back control of the hip hop crown.  In electro-house music, producer Wolfgang Gartner is gaining notoriety with efforts such as “Illmerica”, while electro-pop type groups like Bag Raiders, Miami Horror, and Aeroplane keep people dancing with that fun, light, loungy feel.

Also, I want to take time in this post to familiarize you people with a new high energy alternative pop-rock band on the rise from New Jersey, Let It Go.  These guys are my friends, so there may be some bias involved, but I wouldn’t blow smoke up their butts and support something if I didn’t believe they had something good going on.  I’m not really a rock fan, and I probably wouldn’t normally listen to this type of music on my own, but having seen them live at a few shoes including the famed Gramercy Theater in NYC, these guys are excellent musicians and performers.  I love hip-hop, electronic music, house, indie-dance and what not, but there is definitely nothing like a live show with some great guitarists, a sick drummer, and energized vocalists.  You absolutely feel the energy from a rock show like no other, and I really believe much of this band’s success will come from their memorable shows.  Please take a listen to a few of their songs and also head over to the iTunes store to support their future efforts.  http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-fix/id394179750

Let It Go – Let ‘Em Know

Let It Go - She Wanna Rock

Let It Go – The Fix

Bonus:

Lloyd Banks f/ Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, Fabolous - Start It Up   Really couldn’t get much better for me unless my man Pat-Lee was on the track, but you have to give Lloyd Banks credit for finding the right beats to put on his album (“Beamer, Benz, Bentley”, “Any Girl”).  Working with Swizz, Kanye, and Fabolous its kind of tough not come out with a banger.

The Ting Tings – Hands    Im not sure if people are familiar with this song or not, but when I play it out at gigs, it defintiely gets everyone dancing so I felt I had to share this with you guys.  One of my buddies says it reminds him of something that would be on the Scarface movie soundtrack.  I agree, it defintiely has that 80′s inspired feel that is popular these days.  This one is produced by the successful electro producer Calvin Harris. The Ting Ting’s new album should be coming out soon.

The Wombats – Tokyo (Devos & Devereux Club Mix)  Never heard of any of these guys, though the Wombats sounds like some 80′s band that i should be familiar with.  Haven’t taken the time to look up who they really are, but this House/club mix of Tokyo is so well done.  Enjoy.

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Keep Your Head Ringin

August 3rd, 2010 by DJ FOTO received No Comments »

I’m back and ready to supply your music hunger…F out the O.  I decided F out the O (obviously standing for fresh out the oven for those of you that are new or slow to catch on) is a cool catch phrase I will have to start using for myself.  It kind of has a get the F out of here feel to it, which adds a little attitude and familiarity all in one.   You gotta be edgy and cutting edge, and you bet your buns I’m on top of that.  

Felix Da Housecat – Thee Anthem (Eric Prydz)  I believe this one has been getting a good amount of attention amongst house music fans, and deservingly so.  It has such a nice build up and an epic feel, as if it belongs right at the climax of a movie.

Miguel – All I Want Is You (Phresh remix) As one of the top DJ’s in NYC, you obviously have a great ear for music and understand which songs work well together.  DJ Phresh takes Miguel’s 2010 r&b smash and drops in a little 90′s flavor on it with the Luniz “I Got 5 on It” beat (and later used by Diddy on “Satisfy U”).

Lloyd Banks – I’m So Fly   Beamer, Benz, or Bentley was a huuuuge comeback hit for Banks this spring even though Juelz Santana definitely out did Banks with his verse.  Anyway, all hip hop fans should remember Banks’ first major hit “On Fire”, but “I’m So Fly” is one of those great laid back yet fun songs anyone can bounce their head to.

DJ Chuckie – Rock That Body   I feel like its about time I dedicate a full blog post to the craze that is Dirty Dutch House Music led by great DJ’s like Chuckie, Afrojack, and Sidney Samson.  This is Chuck’s version of the Black Eyed Pea’s hit. 

The Temper Trap – Love Lost (Keljet Remix)  If you haven’t heard Temper Trap’s “Sweet Disposition” and the remix by Axwell & Dirty South, please do so immediately after downloading this here wonderful song. Actually why don’t you check their site out and see what’s going on with this breakthrough band. http://www.myspace.com/thetempertrap

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Gimme a Minute

June 25th, 2010 by DJ FOTO received No Comments »

I wanted to put in a quick post before the weekend gets under way, and this looks like a good opportunity to share my feelings on speaking with people while I am DJing during a gig.  Firstly, anyone and everyone should feel free to come up and let me know how amazing I’m doing.  Anything along the lines of “this is the time of my life” or “you are my hero” is usually the best way to get my attention.  No, but seriously, part of the job, at least according to me, is to deal with the crowd and let people know that I am there working with them to create a great atmosphere.  I am always open to taking requests, and i am also not reluctant to share my opinion on why I rather not play a certain request.  Either way, I try to be nice and respectful.  Usually, people understand that I am “in the zone” and focusing on what I’m trying to mix into next, and they either just say hello or wait until it looks like I have a few seconds to talk.  Other times, people try to get into random conversations that I could not care less about.  On a few occasions, people will ask if I am able to talk, and really it depends on the situation and time.  If the place is empty or it is a low key party, I have no problem chatting for a minute or two, but if it’s prime time, and the place is packed, then that is my time to get serious, focus , and make sure I do as good a job as I can.  Time for some musiiiiiicc! 

Bloc Party – Helicopter (Weird Science remix)  I guess the original version is from 2005, and I’m not too sure when this remix was made, but I stumbled upon it last week.  It fits in very nicely with the nu-disco type stuff coming out lately though. 

Deadmau5 vs Kevin Rudolf – Some Chords vs Let it Rock ( Chuckie Mash Up ) -  Originally when I saw the title, I was like passss, because the “Let It Rock” song is pretty over now.  But, to my surprise this was actually very well done.  I guess Dutch DJ Chuckie is responsible for the excellent fusion of pop/rock and electro house.

DMX – We Right Here      DMX was one of the first rappers I really got into back in middle school, which makes sense because he and I really had so much in common.  No not really, but that’s what is great about music.  If it sounds good, it sounds good, and everything else just gets pushed to background.  So, despite DMX seeing highest of highs and the lowest of lows during his run in hip hop, no one can argue his place as one of the best in his generation, because so many people were able to rock out to his songs.  “We Right Here” was on a random mix CD I found the other day, and I’m sure many of you haven’t listened to this one in a while. 

Robyn – Cry When You Get Older I mentioned in my last post that I had to listen through Robyn’s new 9 track album release.  It’s good, but not great.  Electro-pop is still fresh and growing, and I like the direction Robyn was going in, but none of the tracks really grabbed and threw me around like I wanted.  Maybe we can expect that in Body Talk Pt. 2?  “Cry When You Get Older” is one of my favorite’s though, so please have a listen.

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June 15th, 2010 by DJ FOTO received No Comments »

Good times lately in sports and music, two of my favorite things, after buffalo chicken pizza.  The Lakers are, surprisingly, facing championship defeat tonight against the aging Boston Celtics, the Yankees have returned to the top of the AL East division, the USA looks to advance into the 2nd round of the World Cup, and Eminem, Drake, and electro-pop starlet Robyn have each released much anticipated albums.  The Eminem album is “okay” by Eminem standards, but not terrible like his last couple were, Drake’s album is solid but not epic, and I will actually be listening through the Robyn album later tonight.  Since it looks like my last post was on June 2nd, I will present you with a sizable 6 jams on this June 15th.

Delphic – Doubt (Build remix)   If you wear tight jeans, chances are you will like this song. It has that sorta hipster indie-electronic sound, which is pretty hot right now.  Personally, I like my jeans somewhere between baggy and tight, and maybe that’s why I like all different types of music?

Eminem f/ Rihanna – Love the Way You Lie   One of the stand out tracks on the new Eminem album.  Thankfully, unlike some other songs Em has done where he does the singing, Rihanna makes an appearance to take this song to another level.  Em’s aggression is balanced by Rihanna’s soft vocals and I imagine that this will be one of his next singles.

Fleetwood Mac – Dreams  So easy and mellow, with just enough drums to let you really get into this.  Awesome song is all I really need to say.

Aeroplane – We Can’t Fly  I believe Aeroplane does more remixing than original work, but I don’t know why considering how cool this song is.  Elements of pop, electro, and funk are abound and the song feels like a journey, which is ironic considering the title.  See more of their work here: http://www.myspace.com/aeroplanemusiclove

Camp Lo – Luchini (This Is It)  Red Cafe and Fabolous did a cover version of this song recently, which I played while DJing last night, and I definitely saw some dissapointment from an old-school hip hop fan who was expecting the original by Camp Lo. Well, old-school hip hop fan, this one is for you, wherever you are.

Kleerup – Longing for Lullabies (Joakim remix)  I feel like the original version of this song was used in a commercial or something and some of you will be familiar with it once you listen.  Joakim adds a little spice to it, and I’d say this makes for some good easy summer listening.

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Song of Summer 2010

June 2nd, 2010 by DJ FOTO received No Comments »

Every year, there seems to be a song or two that really stand out as the summer anthem(s).  Looking back on last year, I’d have to say Black Eyed Pea’s “I Gotta Feeling” definitely took the prize as far as top40 goes.  Rihanna’s run with ”Rude Boy” is losing steam, so this year Usher’s “OMG” looks to be in the lead for song of the summer, and what do you know? Black Eyed Pea’s front-man, Will.I.Am, is the man responsibile for the production of Usher’s mega-hit.  People  just can’t seem to get enough of that fun BEP sound, and I can’t blame them.  Here are my personal picks for possible under-the-radar songs of the summer…..

Lumidee f/ DJ Scotty – Insomnia   This is actually a cover/remake of an older house music classic.  This version infuses some hip-hop/r&b vocals with a nice mixture of old-house meets new-house.    In the end, everything comes out well done.  If you want to get pumped up, please listen to this song.

Fat Joe f/ Trey Songz – If It Ain’t About Money   Fat Joe is definitely coming back strong, at least with the first two singles off of his next album, set to be released on July 13th.  This one will hope to follow the success of “Slow Down (Ha Ha)”, and at first listen, you may not fall in love, but I guarantee it will grow on you if you’re a hip-hop fan. Trey Songz, who I believe is way overplayed on the radio with his two slow songs, does a great job on the chorus.

Young Jeezy f/ Plies – Lose My Mind   Good news. This song is Funkmaster Flex approved.  Funk Flex loves to rock this song on Hot97 and I’m loving the haunting feel of this track.  Summer songs are usually light and fun, but Young Jeezy does everything HARD and this is no exception.

Duck Sauce – Barbara Streisand (O-God remix)  Ever since super-DJ duo A-Trak and Armand Van Helden aka Duck Sauce premiered their new song “Barbara Streisand” at the WMC in Miami, the internet has been buzzing with talk about the official release of the record.  I really don’t understand why it hasn’t been put out yet, but until then please listen to O-God’s nice remix.  http://www.myspace.com/ducksaucenyc

ALSO: Please check past posts, because songs like M.I.A’s – XXXO are FOTO-certified summer hiiiitttts. Enjoy.

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May 24th, 2010 by DJ FOTO received No Comments »

Looks like a unique mix of songs today.  I decided to do everything in moderation on this Monday as far as DJing goes, with a nice balance of practice on turntables, new music downloads, and of course, updating FOTObloggin’.  A new FOTO mix will be available, hopefully, within the next week or two.  I’m trying to decide on the direction as I write this entry.  Should I go more mainstream to show that I know what’s hot right now? Do I combine a variety of genres as I usually do, or stick to one or two?  These are the difficult decisions I must grapple with, people. 

The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition (RAC Mix)    This song may be one of my favorite’s for this summer.  The Temper Trap is a cool band if you haven’t heard of them before, and RAC is a very well established producer/remixer.  The high pitched vocals of lead vocalist Doug Mandagi work very nicely to give that dreamy summer feel.  Check more here!!! http://www.thetempertrap.com/

Brazilian Girls – Good Time.   This song is in the new Amstel Light commercial.  Two thumbs up to Amstel’s advertising people.  This is another perfect summer song that easily puts you in good spirits.

M.I.A.  – XXXO (Andre Pipipi Baile Funk mix) -  I’ve always been a big M.I.A. and the first single off of her upcoming album does not dissapoint. It definitely look a few listens, but I am officially obsessed with this song.  This is apparently a remix, but only the drums are slightly different. 

A Tribe Called Quest – Award Tour - Somehow this was missing from my DJ mp3 collection, but thankfully It was brought to my attention this and I will no longer be depriving people of its goodness. 

Robyn – Dancing On My Own (Fred Falke remix)  I think Fred Falke is an excellent producer/remixer, so I usually listen to anything attached to his name, and he did a great job with this previously somber Robyn track.  I also really appreciate Robyn’s voice.  Not many out there with her sound and she always does a solid job on these dancy/house/electro songs.

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Scratch it Out

May 11th, 2010 by DJ FOTO received No Comments »

As always, quantity and quality at FOTObloggin’.  But first, in case you were wondering, my personal journey with scratching is progressing very nicely.  Usually, scratches are taught one at a time, where each lesson yields the understanding and application of a specific scratch sound.  However, there was something unnatural about this type of method, for me personally, as I feel that many top notch DJ’s don’t really think about what kind of scratch they will do next, it just sort of comes to them from feel and experience.  I chose to watch instructional videos on the individual scratches to get a basic idea, but most of my practice and learning comes from playing around with certain sounds and taking into account the various relationships that arise from different combinations of pushes/pulls on the record and clicks with the crossfader (the button that switches the sound from one turntable to the other on the mixer) .  I can explain further, but you probably wouldn’t care, and if you do care, chances are I could charge you for lessons.  Ha, maybe that will come somewhere down the line.  Anyway, I’m almost where I want to be scratching wise, and you bet your ass I will be there soon.  On to today’s music…

Arrested Development – Mr. Wendal  Awesome throwback song that you should add to your summer playlist, despite the recent cold weather.  Simple, yet fun.

Busta Rhymes f/ Swizz Beatz – Stop the Party  This is the brand new one from Busta Rhymes, coming just in time for the release of Iron Man 2 ( I don’t know how the initial sample applies to the song, but i guess it’s pretty cool).  I’m not in love with this song, but apparently a lot of hip hop fans and DJ’s are, so here you go.

Dirty South & Rudy – Phazing   I found this song at www.dancingastronaut.com.  They have a nice selection of house/electro music and this is one of the new one’s that I got into.  Very cool.

Katy Perry f/ Snoop Dogg - California Gurls  Kesha’s back with her sequel to “Tik Tok’!!! Oh wait, that’s Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg.  This song is alright, but will probably end up being #1 on the pop charts.  Enjoy.

Hot Chip – I Feel Better (Den Haan remix)  Hot Chip is cool and so are you, so looks like a good match.  This is a remix by Den Haan who I will assume is a german producer or group of producers.  I do prefer the original, but you should check out http://www.myspace.com/hotchip  for that.

Hot Chip “I Feel Better” music video from SR on Vimeo.

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Today is A Good Day

May 2nd, 2010 by DJ FOTO received No Comments »

I really don’t know what to say on this Sunday afternoon, to be honest, except that it’s pretty nice out and I am inside listening to a bunch of new music and watching the NBA playoffs.  Lakers vs. Jazz at this exact moment, in case you were wondering.  While I don’t have much to say, I do have some very desirable music to share with you people. 

A-Trak f/ Roscoe Dash and Soulja Boy – Trizzy Turnt Up (All The Way Turnt Up remix)  Yes, I do know the correct spelling of “turnt” is turned but apparently Roscoe Dash and the Interscope Records people don’t or maybe that’s just how the cool kids are spelling it.  Whatever the case may be, I am a fan of the original song, and A-Trak takes it to a new level by sampling a house track titled “Vocal Chords” and adding some clap drums. 

Becca Shack – The Story   Becca Shack is celebrating the release of her EP “The Story” at Su Casa this coming Thursday and I, of course, will be DJing.  Come out and support!  The title track “The Story” is my favorite so take a listen.  More at www.beccashack.com

Whitney Houston – How Will I Know   Put on your favorite dress and dance like a little girl to this one.  Thanks.

Feist – One Evening (VV Mix)  This song tastes like a delicious appetizer.  Nothing too crazy or filling, yet quite good.

Gang Starr – Code of the Streets    The saying “you don’t know what you got till it’s gone” seems to really apply to Guru of Gang Starr, who just recently passed away.  This is my favorite of his songs.

Eminem – Not Afraid    Eminem is back with that epic type of sound we haven’t heard from him in years.  Sounds like he’s hungry to get his spot back on top of the rap game.  If he keeps coming hard like this, it will be tough to stop him from taking the throne again.

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Quality and Quantity

April 19th, 2010 by DJ FOTO received No Comments »

Between going away to Mexico for a week and bustin my butt on the DJ front, theres been little time spent on my blog over the past couple weeks.  Actually, correction, zero time.  To celebrate the return, we have a nice mix of new hip hop sure fire hits and some oldie-but-goodies for you to munch on.  Whenever I hear a good song, anywhere, I’ll text message myself the song name or lyrics if i am unaware of the title.  Thank goodness for google, it’s amazing that you can pretty much type in any line of lyrics followed by the word “lyrics” and then find the exact song you were searching for.  Also, I know many people are big on www.pandora.com and it’s awesome for a DJ, especially when you hear a song that is of a certain style in which your expertise may be lacking.   Simply enter it in for a new radio station, and you’re sure to be introduced to at least a few good new songs that are similar in sound.  Time for the jams!

Dirty Money f/ Rick Ross, T.I., Diddy – Hello Good Morning (remix)  Rick Ross has been jumping on a lot of new tracks lately, including a new single of his own, “Super High” featuring Ne-Yo which is also solid.  Anyway, this has been around for a couple weeks and is already blowing up, so get on it if you have not already.  (link via First Up!)

Big Boi – Shutterbug   This one may take a few listens to get used to, but I’m very happy to see Big Boi coming back strong.  You can always count on Outkast to bring something fresh to the music scene.

Rolling Stones – Miss You   This was on the radio this weekend, but missing from my collection.  No longer the case.  Great song and it’s tough not to sing along to that  “WooOOOoOOOOOoo”.

Kiss – I Was Made for Lovin’ You    Another great classic rock track.  A bit more energy on this one.  On a side note, Gene Simmons was amazing on celebrity apprentice a couple years back.  He refused to do things Donald’s way and was one of the first eliminated. 

Prince – Rasberry Beret   Another song I heard on the radio this weekend and realized it was missing from my collection. How funny would it have been to see Prince vs Michael Jackson in a boxing match back in their prime? 

 Bonus:

Mike Posner – Cooler Than Me (Gigamesh Remix)  If you could buy stock in music talent, I think i’d purchase some Mike Posner right now.  I wasn’t blown away by the original Cooler Than Me, but definitely am feeling this version.  He’s got a unique voice, writes his own music, and is Duke educated so things are looking pretty bright for Mr. Posner.  http://www.mikeposner.com/

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March 22nd, 2010 by DJ FOTO received 2 Comments »

So the Winter Music Conference is taking place next weekend in Miami, featuring the best DJ’s from all around the world doing what they do best.  I will not be in attendance, but someone better get me a gig or two down there for next year.  Seriously, if at this point next year I am not on that level, then please post hate comments on this blog and report me to the Shit DJ Bureau of Investigation.  Anyway, I’ve been pondering the direction I should take in my song selection during gigs and on promotional mixes lately.  I understand playing the classic and current favorites like “Come on Eileen” and “Party in the USA”, but I refuse to be the DJ that plays that shit all night.  At the end of the night, the most important thing is to get the crowd feeling good and dancing, but how do I distinguish myself from DJ Scotty D at McGeorgie’s Bar if I can’t play the songs that I think will be future hits or are hidden gems.   That’s why I guess there has to be the right balance of favorites and unique songs that will educate the crowd, but also feed them the junk food that they are familiar with.  On to today’s music…

Michael Jackson – Rock With You (TGIK remix)  Great remix of a great song.

Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon f/ Alicia Keys – Our Dreams (Ant Acid Remix) -  The original version of this song features a Michael Jackson sample and a slightly different instrumental, but I must say I do prefer this remix. 

Aloe Blacc – I Need A Dollar   I like this song, but I am not in love with it.  It’s starting to get more publicity as it is the opening theme song for the new HBO series “How To Make It In America”.  I do recognize its soulfullness and the fact that many out there could potentially fall in love with it…so here you go people. More on Aloe Blacc: http://www.myspace.com/aloeblaccmusic

Crookers f/ Yelle – Cooler Couleur  I was hyping this new Crookers album, Tons of Friends, up a lot to myself and a few others.  However, after a couple listens, it’s not quite on that “awesome” level I hoped it would be.  Still definitely worth checking it out though, and this track is certainly a bright spot.

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