Next up in our series of DJ Trade Secrets is New Zealand's Tom Cosm.
Anyone who has been dabbling with Ableton and looking for info will likely have come across Tom's excellent tutorials. There is so much to be learnt from his fun yet informative method of teaching. A hard working musician in his own right Tom has accomplished much in his time.
The one thing you'll notice when watching his videos or reading his articles is the sheer enthusiasm for his trade, refreshing!
We asked Tom to let us know what he thinks about production, getting out there and doing your own thing, and this is what he had to say, be sure also to check out his site http://cosm.co.nz/ and check many of the tutorials he has online, they really are excellent.
Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into DJing/Producing and the whole scene etc?
I've always been a bit of a computer geek since a young age, and when my mother allowed me to go to my first "rave" when I was a teen (under the supervision of my sister) I became instantly hooked. Back then it was very much a "rave" scene.... Fast music, flashing lights, hard dance and happy hardcore. I was hooked.
When I left high school I studied towards a music degree, specifically Jazz. During this period I saved up enough to get me own laptop, and realized I could combine my love of music, mathematics and computer code together to create a product that was fun to produce, and that other people enjoyed listening to as well.
New Zealand has a very tight scene. It's small, but everyone knows each other and puts in 200% to make it a great place to party, which helped full my passion.
Because we are so "tucked away" down the bottom of the world, it was hard to get information and education on electronic music, so a lot of my methods are self taught, which I think strongly defines my particular style, both musically and my philosophies.
What do you think is more important, raw talent, or 'getting to know' people/making the right contacts?
I'm a strong believer of the theory that anyone can do anything provided they put enough effort into it, and have the right access to the tools they need to give them the practice and knowledge they need to work steadily at something, which includes things like upbringing and location.
The line between your talent and your ability to communicate with people is a pretty broad one in the electronic music scene, especially in New Zealand. If you are excellent at dealing with people but still don't have an exceptional level of musical skill, you can still climb the ladder as fast as someone who has excellent skill but lacks making contacts.
I know some artists who I consider absolute geniuses, yet they are useless at getting their music out there because they have sacrificed social skills for working with computers, however they are starting to make it big because their music just speaks for itself.
Now the internet has opened up the gateways of communication, I think the talent side of things is going to overtake how well your image is portrayed... people can log on and find whatever music they want by themselves, they don't have to be feed whatever the labels/radio/media decide what is good. It's a great thing!
So far what are your top achievements as a DJ/Producer?
Being able to continue giving all my music away for free, whilst finding an outside the square method of making enough cash to sustain a career as a full time musician. I don't have to adapt my music to fit any market, I can do whatever I want and I have no one looking over my shoulder or pressuring me to do what they consider to be right. I primarily write my music for my own personal pleasure, and it's fantastic that other people respect this and enjoy it as much as I enjoy making it.
The joy of knowing that anyone in the world can get my music at any time, for free, no matter how little money they have is an incredible feeling, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.
You are known for you excellent knowledge of live, How did you personally approach learning Ableton?
The majority of my abilities are self taught. I originally started writing on tracker software, then made the move the Fruity Loops about 5 years ago. When I wanted to start performing my music I opted for the best solution, being Ableton Live. Chopping my Fruity Loops files into something that Ableton Live could use was a bit of a task, so I developed my own techniques to make sure this process was very fast meaning more time for producing/performing.
When version 4 of Ableton Live came out, I made the complete shift to Ableton and have never looked back.
What for you were the key moments/things that got you from bedroom artist to professional/full timer/where you are now?
Because of the free and open source way that the this project has been set up, it started populating around the internet quickly. Friends told friends, CDs got swapped and shifted all around the world and people started knowing who I was before I had any sort of name for myself.
In 2006, I was asked to play my first international gig at Boom Festival in Portugal, which was a massive deal. I put a lot of effort into this set and tried to leave the biggest impression that I could. Once people saw my set it was very easy for them to go home, fire up Google and find out all about me and my music straight away. They didn't have to buy anything, order CDs or hunt me down... they could get their information instantly.
I didn't mean to set it up this way... I just wanted to give everything away because of the buzz, but the nice side effect meant it was super easy for me to get my name out there once I broke through.
Do you think that it's easier, or harder now to make it as a DJ/Producer/band in this electronic age?
The term "make it" is a hard one. For me, making it is about communicating with as many people as possible and learning all you can, while doing it in a way that is sustainable and healthy your own ego so they way you retain information doesn't become distorted, then ultimately doing something with what you have gained to make a positive difference. I think that this kind of making it is becoming much, much easier.
If the term "making it" means becoming someone that is put on a pedestal on another level above massive amounts of people, then I imagine it is starting to become more difficult, however I'm not the best person to ask about that method because I don't care for it too much.
Top 5 tips for anyone looking to get in to music?
1) Listen to music. Lots of music, especially while you are in transit mode. Walking down the street, catching a bus, driving your car....
2) Give genuine and clear appreciation/criticism to people who create the music that you listen to, karma works.
3) Find ways to sneak up and jump in the deep end. Doing something exciting drives the want-to-learn-more factor. If you can get those endorphins flowing while you are learning things will go much faster.
4) Accept well constructed and clearly communicated criticism as one of your most valuable tools. When you write, you are looking at it with one eye closed, but having two viewpoints at something gives it instant depth and clarity.
5) When you stop having fun, find something else to do.
Top 5 things NOT to do?
1) Forget to backup your work
2) Forget to backup your work
3) Forget to backup your work
4) Smoke cannabis while you are learning something new. It changes the way your brain converts sensory input into storable information. It's a VERY powerful tool when you want to get that extra set of ears to listen to what you have done, but as I said before, having two view points is way more valuable than having just one.
5) Crank the sound while you are producing. Ears are fragile things, they weren't made to handle such loud noises, and once they are fucked, they are fucked forever. You will not be able to write music anymore, and that would suck for everyone.
Do you think the current scene is sustainable with the number of new artist coming through, competition for gigs, current state of record sales etc?
Absolutely. I think a lot of the middle men are going to start loosing out and the control is going to come back to the artists. Music isn't going anywhere, in fact the opposite. It's so easy for anyone to start being creative straight away, so there is going to be HEAPS or good solid mind blowing music coming out, and people aren't going to just stop liking it... so the logic says there is going to be a polarity shift. It will piss some people off, but it will make some people more happy.
What would you have done differently if you had a second chance?
Points 1-5 of "Top 5 things NOT to do"
When writing new material is there a particular approach you take (melody, then beats etc) do you have ideas in your head, or just what comes out at the time?
I usually start with some bizarre idea for a sound or using sounds to create some weird feeling that I have no idea about. As soon as I have that bit sounding slightly as I want it... the first complimenting element to come in is a kick, then a base, then a snare, then some hihats, then some percussion...... once the rhythm is laid down I go back to the initial idea and see how it sounds over something keeping solid time, learning more about it and what direction to take it in next.
Top time saving tip in Ableton?
Get your keyboard short cuts down. Spend some time learning them like you used to learn from a text book at school... it will only take you a few hours. Set yourself some tasks, have a coffee, turn your phone off and just do some hard work for a bit. The fluency that you will gain between your brain and the computer will completely outweigh those boring few hours. Trust me.
Plans for the future, upcoming gigs, new projects etc?
Over this (southern hemisphere) Summer I am taking it easy and working on lots of new material. I want to get my sound design down, specifically my knowledge of FM synthesis and the deep mathematics/physics of waveforms so I can really get the tools I need to do something new and exciting.
Over this period I plan to document as much as possible through video tutorials and make these available to the members of my website.
Once the European summer kicks in again, myself and my partner will go on an adventure!
What is the best thing about being a DJ/Performer?
It's a really good way to satisfy your cravings if you are an information junky. You get to learn about emotions, physics, philosophy, culture, history, management, mathematics, self awareness... you name it. It's the perfect path if you want a little taste of everything before you decide to settle down with your preferred choice.
If there was one thing you wish you knew when you started out?
If you play a wrong note, it is always one or two semitones (or steps) away from a right one, and humans love a little bit of tension and release.
Nighty Max is one of those names that it would be all to easy to keep to yourself, and drop his tunes for those club high moments whilst shielding the record labels to protect your "genius"
The truth is, Nighty Max(Joan) is one of the most down to earth, friendliest guys I have met in all my dance music history.
What follow are his answers to BtDJ's trade secret questions, along with one of my favorite tracks of his.
Be sure to follow him on myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/nightymax
Also, make sure you check out his latest tune (Beach Hut) cos it's friggin ACE (that bassline is summer wrapped up right there).
Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into DJing/Producing and the whole scene etc?
I started out DJing at the age of 14 because I was really into house and electronic music. Then I met a guy that was also a DJ and was starting to produce and that really got me going so I started piano lessons, although I didn't start producing seriously until two years back.
What do you think is more important, raw talent, or 'getting to know' people/making the right contacts?
Unfortunately, nowadays it is essential to get good contacts to be able to get out there, but I think that without talent it can last very long.
So far what are your top achievements as a DJ/Producer?
I am just starting out, but so far I am getting gigs in the national scene, and also I am getting a very good response with my music, specially from the blogosphere.
What for you were the key moments/things that got you from bedroom artist to professional/full timer/where you are now?
Hahahaha! I am still a bedroom artist! But I am on my way and working very hard to move out of my room.
Do you think that it's easier, or harder now to make it as a DJ/Producer/band in this electronic age?
On one hand it is easier because anyone can obtain a home studio and there a many more resources, but on the other hand, this also makes it harder because there is a lot more competition.
Top 5 tips for anyone looking to get in to music?
I was hoping that you would give me some tips! Just kidding!
1. You must know the musical basics, it is easier when you know how to play an instrument. 2. Provide yourself with a home studio. 3. It might sound typical, but have confidence in yourself, and above all enjoy what you are doing. 4. A lot of patience. 5. Have music culture, and not just electronic music, but other styles.
Top 5 things NOT to do?
1. Don't expect things to happen overnight, that only happens to a few lucky ones. 2. Not to copy other artists, try to keep your own personal touch. 3. Don't be over confident. 4. Don't think that a track is finished when it really isn't. 5. Don't do drugs.
Do you think the current scene is sustainable with the number of new artist coming through, competition for gigs, current state of record sales etc?
It is true that there are many new artists and it is hard to get heard, but then everyday there are more labels and clubs that are looking out for new things.
What would you have done differently if you had a second chance?
I would have started with my piano lessons at an earlier age.
When writing new material is there a particular approach you take (melody, then beats etc) do you have ideas in your head, or just what comes out at the time?
Usually I always create a base and work on it, but as it is with music, it is also unpredictable and sometimes an idea just comes up so I try to make it work in my computer.
On a personal note... I love the bass line on your new track "Beach Hut" it's a sound I have wanted to produce for a while, can you quickly let me know how you made it?
It is a plug-in that I use with real bass sounds, and together with EQ and compression I managed to get that sound. P.S. I also love the bass line!
Any tips for mixing/mastering
As for mixing I do what I can in that bedroom of mine, since I don't own good speakers. And mastering, to tell the truth none of my tracks are mastered, but I'd like to find a place to do it good and cheap, do you happen to know of any?
Plans for the future, upcoming gigs, new projects etc?
Gig wise, a good plan for the future would be getting more and out of Barcelona. As for projects, keep making tracks and put together a couple of EP's.
What is the best thing about being a DJ/Performer?
Seeing how the crowd enjoys your work.
If there was one thing you wish you knew when you started out?
That it was going to be so though to place myself in the scene.
Madrid Techno-Rock (and otherwise genre melting) madsters Diskore took 5 minutes out from recording their album to answer a few questions, and share a little wisdom with us.
Here is what they had to say:
What do you think is more important, raw talent, or 'getting to know' people/making the right contacts?
WELL...TO MAKE RAW CONTACTS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR US...
So far what are your top achievements as a band?
DON'T SPEND MONEY ON THE BAND.. DISKORE SURVIVE PAYING THEMSELVES.WE ARE RELEASING A FULL ALBUM ON SEPTEMBER AND WE ARE ANXIOUS TO HIT THE ROAD...
Do you think that it's easier, or harder now to make it as a DJ/Producer/band in this electronic age?
I THINK THAT ITS MORE EASIER RIGHT NOW TO GET A NAME,BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THE PEOPLE THAT KNOW YOU THROUGH INTERNET GO TO THE CONCERTS OR BUY YOUR MUSIC...STRANGE DAYS...
Top 5 tips for anyone looking to get in to music?
JUST ONE: DO WHAT YOU WANT!!!!
Top 5 things NOT to do?
THE PREVIOUS ONE ITS VALID TOO....DO WHAT YOU WANT!!!!!
Your style is a fusion of many styles, in general do you think this opens you up to more listeners?
WE TRY TO DO ROCK FOR DJS AND TECHNO FOR GUITAR PLAYERS...ALL IN ONE!
Do you think the current scene is sustainable with the number of new artist coming through, competition for gigs, current state of record sales etc?
ACTUALLY THERE ARE A LOT...BUT ITS INCREASING THE SCENE, AND THAT' S ALWAYS GOOD FOR EVERYONE...
Have you made any mistakes that you would advise others to avoid?
NOOOO....WE ALWAYS GO BACK TO THE SAME MISTAKES...SO JUST BE YOURSELVES...
When writing new material is there a particular approach you take (melody, then beats etc) do you have ideas in your head, or just what comes out at the time?
SOMETIMES WE START WITH A LOOP AND WE PLAY ON TOP, BUT USUALLY WE JUST HAVE A GUITAR RIFF AND WE BUILD IT FROM THERE...
Plans for the future, upcoming gigs, new projects etc?
THIS SUMMER WE ARE IN THE THE STUDIO FINISHING THE ALBUM OUT IN SEPTEMBER, WE WILL BE PLAYING IN A COUPLE OF FESTIVALS IN CANTABRIA AND MADRID. AT THE MOMENT THAT'S ALL.
What is the best thing about being in a band?
TO BE AROUND YOUR FRIENDS DOING WHAT YOU LIKE THE MOST. AND SOMETIMES GETTING PAID FOR IT!
Whats the weirdest/funniest thing to happen on tour/at a show?
TO SIGN A RECORD CONTRACT AFTER OUR FIRST SHOW EVER!!!!
Show Diskore some myspace love here and keep your eyes peeled for their forthcoming record (we'll be sure to feature it here) and the upcoming tour.
Bangers, for those cave dwellers, DJ Donna Summer is a Berlin based DJ, producer, boundary shunning all round nice guy. He runs two labels, the excellent Nightshifters (Home to Hostage and AC Slater among others) and Cock Rock Disco, which is, well... words just can't describe, so check it for yourself.
His sounds range from Breakcore, Happy Hardcore, Rave , Sample-pop to whatever else you might image, but always focusing on fun times.
I asked the good man if he wouldn't mind doing a quick interview, and giving us his spin on how to make it as a DJ. Not only that but he was kind enough to regale us with a mix, AND an EXCLUSIVE copy of Nightshifters' next release, in full 320 before it's even out.
Mega!
Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into DJing and the whole scene?
I've been a professional musician for a long time. It only comes as natural that people ask you to do Dj gigs. After screwing a few up, you get a bit more serious, and then when you get serious you want to do better gigs and before you know it you call yourself a DJ at cocktail parties.
What for you were the key moments/things that got you from bedroom DJ to professional/full timer?
Being involved in a community. Throwing parties, helping with parties, playing for free, just being involved in general.
Do you think that it's easier, or harder now to make it as a DJ/Producer?
It's neither really. It just takes hard work and the drive to do it.
Top 5 tips for anyone looking to get in to DJ/producing?
tip 1-3: be passionate about music, any sort of music. tip 4: spend some time to figure out out to mix and perform your sets professionally tip 5: always try to have fun at every show, all the time, forever
Top 5 things NOT to do?
1-5: Don't be a dick
What do you think is more important, raw talent, or 'getting to know' people/making the right contacts?
They are both important, but I think having passion and ideas is really key to getting ahead.
Your style spans more than one genre, do you think the same rules apply to all scenes, or are some easier to get on in (ie smaller more niche scenes)?
Yeah, smaller scenes are easier to break into mainly because it's easier to meet people. But big scenes are basically the same- they are just a bunch of small scene's put together. If you want to get involved then just show up and start to meet people. It's pretty easy really.
Do you think the current scene is sustainable with the number of guys coming through, competition for gigs, current state of record sales etc?
Sure, why not? Every club always wants new fresh talent, and music moves quickly.
What would you have done differently, if anything, if you were to do it all again?
Not a damn thing.
With Nightshifters is the anything you particularly look for in a track?
I look for originality and I look for that special something which makes a track fall just slightly between genres. I really believe in the power of openness in music
With your own production is there a particular approach you take (melody, then beats etc) do you have ideas in your head, or just what comes out at the time?
I think having an idea in advance is always good. Of course these change as you work on the track, but having some notion of what you want to do is always great.
Berlin has a great Techno and Electronic heritage, how has this played a part in DJ Donna Summer being where? who he is now?
Berlin's great! It's an incredibly cheap city that is super-open for anything! I'm always inspired by the shows I go too! So many cool people here and it's always fun to meet new folks as they pass through or come here to live.
Favorite piece of studio kit?
I only have a laptop, nothing else! HA! I use Ableton for most stuff, Logic to mix things down, and occasionally I even use my iphone to make sounds too!
Plans for the future, new projects etc?
Well, I'm really super busy in general, as I run 2 labels- Nightshifters and also an experimental label called Cock Rock Disco, so that keeps me quite busy in addition to performing and trying to make music. But in addition I'm also developing new iPhone applications. You'll hear all about it SOON! haha!
Our new releases are: Nightshifters: May 12- Rob Threezy - The Change Up June 18 - Rampage - War July- Udatchi and Jubilee - Paypur
and on Cock Rock Disco: Nero's Day At Disneyland - From Rotting Fantasylands- out now!
And just to leave us all jealous... what is the best thing about being a DJ?
The ability to travel the world and get paid for it! I've been to 4 continents and more countries than I can count. I wake up and feel lucky every single day!
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