Vinyl Life's Phil Moffa featured on Indaba Music

Our producer/DJ/drum machinist Phil Moffa is Indaba Music's first Artist In Residence. According to their site, "Indaba Music is an international community of musicians, music professionals, and fans exploring the creative possibilities of making music with people in different places." They have featured remix contests involving artists as diverse as The Roots, Mariah Carey, Yo Yo Ma, and many more.

On this specially designed A.I.R. page, Phil will be sharing production ideas via tutorials, videos, discussions, and collaboration. Stop by and check it out!

www.indabamusic.com/studio_access/philmoffa

Jack The Hype Mix

Mixed on 2 turntables by Butcha and Richie Roxx. Jack the house.

Nite Club - My Tronic

Rich Spitzer aka Nite Club - You may know him from such bands as Vinyl Life, Hotels, Flight Crew, and many more. After years of hard work and countless hours of production, his solo album, My Tronic, is released. the record is being very well received in the world - according to CMJ college radio, it is at an impressive #20 on the RPM electronic music chart and #101 overall. Many blogs worldwide are also supporting the album and rightfully so. It reflects the genius that we have seen the man flex on his synthesizers and the kid can sing his ass off too.

If you would like to support the project, it can be purchased on CD from the tape theory online store (signed copies) and insound.com

Digital downloads are available from iTunes, beatport, and amazon.

"With Spitzer’s knack for emotive melodies and nasty grooves, Nite Club proves that drum machines can indeed have some soul." - URB Magazine

"He's one of those rare talents who can make dance music do anything. It'll move your feet and make you swoon." - GBH.tv

Nite Club myspace | Nite Club website (hear some tracks!)

Album release party - Thursday April 30th @ Public Assembly w/ Cru Jonez
Nite Club interview & DJ Set on eastvillageradio.com - Wednesday April 8th 2pm - 4pm

Vinyl Life & Oscar G @ Cielo NYC April 2nd 2009

Jam On It - Newcleus (Vinyl Life Dub)

A tribute to one of the greatest jams ever made. Enjoy.



Jam On It (Vinyl Life Dub).mp3
Jam On It (Vinyl Life Dub).wav

Kutiman

Wow. This guy edits random solo performances found on youtube to create new compositions. Conceptually this is interesting but the music is f*cking great too! Check out http://thru-you.com/#/videos/ to see them all. Brilliant!

Artist spotlight on Reeno

Check out Reeno, the self proclaimed King of Soulful Electrofunk. His latest release REENO 360 is too sick.

SPAZZOID ENTERTAINMENT

Future Retro Orb

Wow that's a sick piece of gear! Basically a tiny Revolution-esque sequencer that sends MIDI and CV. Check Future Retro's Orb overview page for more details. Bonus points for naming this thing after The Orb.

Fast Eddie invented Hip-House

This video reminds us that the world is not such a terrible place after all.

Exclusive only for readers of this blog-piece

To say thanks for all your support, we're giving this download to our loyal readers for free.

INNOVATION - VINYL LIFE.mp3

Right Click INNOVATION above to save or regular click to hear it

INNOVATION

Out now on iTunes, Beatport, CD & Tape.

Artwork by Jon Legere

1. Album Mix
2. DJ Skribble & DJ Slynkee vs. Vinyl Life Mix
3. Sebastian Marciano Remix
4. Extended Mix
5. Acapella

"This house is broken..." The second single from Vinyl Life on Tape Theory is "Innovation". Always a crowd favorite at the live shows, "Innovation" combines elements of house, rap, acid, and electro. Click HERE to see the music video directed by WashMachine that documents the studio recording of this jam.

DJ Skribble & DJ Slynkee got together with the VL crew in their Queens, NY studio to lay down some serious cuts on this collaboration. Sebastian Marciano, better known as half of rap duo Smash Mechanics, shows his versatility as a house producer with his synth-heavy, hands-in-the-air remix. All 3 versions were produced entirely on hardware.

Live Set Wednesday Feb 11th

This Wednesday February 11th, come check Vinyl Life live @ Tayisha Busay's weekly Club Europa party in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Shit, you may even win a free pizza.

UZIMON - Ganja Fix Eveything

UZIMON, Bermuda's most ignorant reggae artist, cures cancer, gives sight to the blind, and slays the grim reaper. All while promoting earth's most healing herb. It really does fix everything.

Vinyl Life LIVE Performances

Here's a little Butcha Sound edit of our performances over the years. Set to the song "Etch a Sketch". Camera work by MOTiF, WashMachine, and Janine.

Juno 106 Fixed! How to replace a bad Juno 106 chip

Alright, I did it myself thanks to some online resources. It only took 30 minutes.

First, check out these instructions and pics. This guy broke it down nice and easy. Don't worry about the weird message that pops up. Scroll down for the first step, which is determining which is the bad voice or filter chip

Then check out the desoldering instructions. Same thing, scroll down on that page a bit to see the info.

Oh, and a few more things. There's nothing on there about calibration or clone chips which I think may be very relevant to other potential "repairmen/women".

Calibration is sometimes needed after replacing a chip. This requires a lot more skill and technical knowledge than the desoldering and replacing of a bad chip. You'll need to know how to operate analog and digital voltmeters and an oscilloscope , I believe. Calibration documents HERE



There are 2 options when getting a replacement chip. You can either get one from an old juno that's been scrapped for parts, or you can get a clone. They have their pros and cons.

If you get a clone chip, it will probably last longer. However, it is more likely to need calibration, according to a synth guru from NYC i spoke to the other day.

That being said, the opposite is true about a regular old juno chip. It might die sooner but it probably will go back in with no tuning up needed. That just happened for me 10 minutes ago.

For an old original try eBay or synthparts.com

Here's where you can get a clone:


http://www.analoguerenaissance.com/D80017/

or

http://www.synthrestore.com/products.htm#sr4217b

I can't really say which is better, but I've read the first clone is the one to go with. Use your own judgement.

Good luck. It's worth the time because the Juno 106 is one of the best analog poly-synths in the universe.

"Etch a Sketch" Live @ Downtown Cabaret

From March 2008 with the legend Jim McElwaine on tenor sax.

Indaba CMJ Event @ Crash Mansion Video

Peace to MOTiF Pictures for this shooting and editing this one. This is from the Indaba Music CMJ Showcase in October 2008.


Vinyl Life LIVE @ Crash Mansion NYC from Tape Theory on Vimeo.

We remember James Brown

No sense in going into his bio, listing his achievements, or discussing his impact. Simply put, James Brown was the greatest that ever lived. Period. We remember him today on the 2-year anniversary of his death with tremendous love and respect. Peace to the hardest working man in show business, Mr. Dynamite, Godfather James Brown.

Our first show of 2009!

The kids are ready to jack the new year with our first performance of 2009. Meet us in Greenpoint, Brooklyn for live beats and liquid treats.

Thanks to all the heads who came out to the Vinyl Life Christmas Spectacular

I always say, the quality of a party depends on the people who are there, and you guys fucking rocked! Thanks for representing so hard. Much love to all of you.

If anyone has pictures, please send em to music@vinyllife.com

Peace and Happy Holidays

Alive! - Vinyl Life live with Michna 12-23-08 Tuesday

Dudes of Doom

Photo by Greg MacAvoy

49 with a bullet

Future Beat made its debut at #49 on the Beatport electronica chart. Not bad for a first single on a new label. Thanks for your support.




Get it online: iTunes, Beatport, Juno, or on CD & tape!

The Future Beat is out today

The Future Beat is on! Tuesday, November 18

Remixes by DJ Oscar G!

Get it online: iTunes, Beatport, Juno,
Napster, Rhapsody, Amazon or on CD!




DJ Feedback:

"I love it. Thanx." - Bob Sinclar (France)

"Dope! Feeling the 808 spaceship." - DJ Z-Trip (USA)

“Nice one! Love it… so much fun.” - Uberzone

“The song is Dope... Definitely rockin. That Piano riff in the Oscar G remix is dope. All the mixes are hot. The other mixes take me back to that "Streetwise Label" sound. Great Work man. Much Success to you. Let it Roll !!” - Doug Lazy (Hip-House legend)

“DUUUUUUUUUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I FUCKING LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW THATS REAL ELECTRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO DOPE I CANT WAIT TO PLAY IT!!!!” - DJ Skribble (NYC)

“The vinyl life guys have done it again, another club banging peak hour record to pack the floor, and the oscar g mix just brings it over the top...If your not playing this record, you need to have your head examined” - Glen Friscia (NYC)

“The track sounds great....Love the video too...!” - Bill Youngman (Berlin)

“Will definitely be playing it this weekend.” - Steve Travolta (Brooklyn, NY)

“Love the original and dub...” - Ray Roc (NYC)

Techno Face

Thanks to Levon of Deconstruct for pasting this one.

Last minute party with Jamie Lidell - Sunday 11-9-08

Our friends at Volcanic are throwing a party with Cracker Farm at the very familiar Public Assembly. Jamie Lidell throws down a special DJ set with help from Bonehawk. Vinyl Life has been asked to close out the night. Let's get crazy.

Sunday November 9th
Public Assembly
N6th Street bet Kent and Wythe
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

Look at all these Roaches!!!

Sick video of a song we heard driving around Bermuda

To Bermuda:

Fright Night 08 was a blast. 1400+ turned out for Volcanic's biggest party yet. Costumes were killer and the haunted house was no joke. Uzimon threw down the sickest set it and, oh man, we had such a great time rockin' with the Bermudians. Thanks to Volcanic, our hosts David and Jenna, Mr. Sean Durkin, and the whole island for 7+ years of hospitality and many memories. Lots of rum and fried fish too. Can't forget that.

If anyone has pics or video, please get them to us. Thanks.

How'd the gigs go?

The Indaba Music CMJ showcase on October 23rd was a huge success. The party was well attended, people had a great time, and we got to perform for lots of new fans. Thanks to the Meniz brothers for their killer customized Vinyl Life light show and thanks to Mantis and the whole Indaba staff for such an amazing event. Video of that event is on the way.

We also had a blast at our Halloween party at Public Assembly in Brooklyn. Although it was a Wednesday, we still had a funky fresh costume party. Jim McElwaine killed it on the sax once again. DJ Ohzee held it down with critical classics. Peace to all the people who showed up and big big big thank you to Liz Sullivan for documenting the event. Her facebook page has the sick photo album of the show. Here's some of those pics:





Ok, we're off to Bermuda to do Fright Night 08. See ya in the sunshine.

Funky fresh costume party!

Tape Theory purchases legendary cassette duplicator

Tape Theory recently acquired the Tapematic 2002, a piece of duplication history to meet the growing demand for music recorded on cassettes:

Future Beat single

"Future Beat" will be out in November and available on Beatport, iTunes, Rhapsody, and Napster. Tracklisting:

1. Album Mix
2. Butcha Sound Dub
3. Oscar G Red Zone Tribute Mix
4. Oscar G Red Zone Tribute Dub
5. Radio Edit
6. Instrumental
7. Accapella

Vinyl Life to headline Indaba Music showcase

"Angel" by Oscar G - Vinyl Life Dub

Out today on Beatport...Big up to OG.

Big gig and video world premiere!

This will be our fourth monthly event at Public Assembly in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The night will be especially significant because we will be screening various music videos by NYC artists including the world premiere of "Future Beat" directed by the very talented and hard-working Dan DeGloria. Be there @ 9 for the vids and immediately following will be performances by Peephole, House of Rhumba, and Vinyl Life. Also, DJ Doug Gomez of Drrty Haze will be on the decks to throw down some old school treats. If there's a party to catch this is the one. Hope to see you there!

Live electronic groups needed to perform in NYC

If you are or know a live electronic act in NYC, please contact music@vinyllife.com for a potential booking. Thanks!

Live performances coming up @ Galapagos

Sick Robot Band

Big gig! A night of live performances!

This one's gonna be special. 3 great acts performing live dance music.

New video for Innovation!

This video, directed by WashMachine, documents the studio recording of Innovation off our album-in-progress. Enjoy and share with your friends!

Innovation - Vinyl Life (Live in Studio)

Vinyl Life Remix of Oscar G's "Angel"

Stop by our new remix page to hear a sneak preview of our dub of "Angel" off the new Oscar G album INNOV8. Also posted there is other remixes that we've done this year. Enjoy!

Album release party for INNOV8 will be at Cielo on Thursday, May 29th.

Been a minute but here's a quick update...

"Future Beat" is on the 'Electron' compilation put out in Japan by Black Budget. Music video for that one in post-production now... Vinyl Life remix of Oscar G's "Angel" on Nervous Records due for release this summer. Big set at Cielo on Thursday May 29th for release party... Music video directed by WashMachine for "Innovation" in the works and will be done very soon... And album in the works too. Stay tuned!!!

Smash Mechanics LIVE @ Sullivan Hall NYC

On Thursday, March 13th, Smash Mechanics performs live @ Sullivan Hall in NYC. Also on the bill are Boom Clique and The Misnomers. You are sure to catch one of the greatest shows you have seen in a very long time. Come on down and say hello.

Aciiiiiidddd!!!

303

National Record Store Day!

On Saturday, April 19, 2008, hundreds of independently owned music stores across the country will celebrate “Record Store Day.”

On this day, all of these stores will simultaneously link and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the culture and unique place that they occupy both in their local communities and nationally.

Plans are underway to set up special events at all of the stores on this day, as well as provide customers with a goodie bag that promotes new formats, new releases, and exciting information on music, theatrical, and gaming releases. Working with our partners, the indies will also link to run extensive marketing campaigns both on a national level and a local level.

Check out www.recordstoreday.com for more info. Go get yourself some new vinyl!!!

The 6th Annual Club World Awards

2008 Nominees Announced

Ceremony on Wednesday, March 26 at Set, Miami

New York, N.Y. – The Club World Awards, the U.S.’s definitive nightlife awards program, is proud to announce its 2008 nominees, and details of this year’s event.

The invitation-only Club World Awards ceremony is set for Wednesday, March 26, at Set in South Beach, Miami. The show will once again celebrate excellence in North American nightlife, with the club and dance music industries’ brightest stars. Plus, it has a few new tricks up its sleeve.

To expand the breadth of the program, six new categories were added: Best Renovation for revived venues, Best One-Off for spectacular one-time club events, Best Bottle Service for the swank set, and three new People’s Choice categories which allow the public to reward excellence in clubland music.

Clubbers will again be invited to vote for their favorite local venue in the Nightstalker Award category – a staple of the CWA program since its inception – as well as in music categories Club Banger Of The Year (for instrumentals), Club Anthem Of The Year (for vocals), and Best DJ Set. Online dance music portal Beatport.com will host a Club World Awards page (beatportal.com/clubworldawards) with players, so voters can experience all the nominated music, including a top 10 of tracks played by the DJs during their nominated sets (provided by them). The inaugural Best DJ Set nominees are BT, Justice, DJ Micro, Roger Sanchez, and Danny Tenaglia. Voting will be hosted on partyStrands.com, and will be live from February 18 through March 3.

Across the rest of the program, this year’s nominees reflect the gold standard of clubbing in key metropolitan cities, along with the usual surprises. Smart Bar Chicago will defend its Best Club title against newcomer BoMA (in the unlikely locale of Columbus, Ohio), two-time winner Cielo, splashy Jet, and celeb haunt Marquee. Last year’s CWA darling Pacha New York – which walked away with three awards – is nominated in seven categories, and will defend its Best Superclub title against heavy contenders: Avalon, Mansion, Pure and Peter Gatien’s Circa. The return of clubland’s most notorious operator garnered four nominations. Opium Group snagged eight, with five going to CWA host venue Set. Vegas-based Pure Management Group (PMG) also grabbed eight nods, including three for Paradise Island hotspot Aura. In the Best New category, PMG is going up against itself, with noms for both Aura and Vegas mega-club LAX.

The Club World Awards ceremony always draws bold-face names from the nightlife-loving community including Danny Tenaglia, Tila Tequila, Deep Dish, Kelly Osbourne, Ferry Corsten, and James Zabiela,; and coverage in Entertainment Weekly, New York Post, Time Out New York, Boston Herald, Las Vegas Weekly, Miami New Times and Forbes.com.

For the first time in CWA history, potential nominees were invited to submit entries online, and final nominees were selected from that pool, rather than directly by the editors of sponsoring magazine Club World. Winners in non-People’s Choice categories are determined by a panel of 12 industry-veteran, expert judges.

The Club World Awards is presented by Club Word, the only magazine devoted to the look, sound and feel of nightclubs. Launched in July 2000, the monthly publication covers the world’s best venues from technical, business and aesthetic perspectives. It was renamed from Club Systems International in February 2008.

http://www.clubworldawards.com

Farley Jackmaster Funk Review

Nice when a living legend lays down a set in your hometown. Last night I had the chance to hear Chicago's Farley Jackmaster Funk at APT in NYC. He threw down a ridiculous old-school Chicago house vibe. With touch of Adonis's "No Way Back", Plastikman's "Spastik", and even the Colonel's "Music Is the Answer", the Jackmaster rocked the Funktion One outta the basement. Much respect. God bless.

For more on Keith Farley of the original Hotmix 5:

Farley's Myspace page
Wiki

Where you been at man?

The blog posts have become more infrequent, we know. The Vinyl Life crew has been hitting the studio very hard to finish our album (currently untitled) and make some new music videos. The in-studio video performance of the song "Innovation" was shot by WashMachine. The song performed that day and captured on camera will be the same version on the album. Sick.

Also In the works is a video for the track "Future Beat" for which we have assembled a large video team. This will be the most extensive of our video efforts and are very excited to get this one ready for the universe to see. Future Beat will be on a compilation released in Japan this year on Black Budget Records.

Okay, back to the studio. Stay tuned for lots of big things this year.

Also, check the new Butchasound Remix of the very classic "Jam On It" by Newcleus.

Thesis on house music

Check out this guy's PhD thesis on house and techno via the 303, 808 & 909.

http://folk.uio.no/hanst/Manchester/ChicagoHouse.htm