6 of the Best iPad/iPhone iOS DJing Apps >> (Music Radar)
Check out Music Radar’s top 6 DJing apps for the iPad and iPhone including Native Instruments Traktor amd Algoriddim djay…

Mo’ Wax After 21 Years >> (The Guardian)
As Mo’ Wax prepares to celebrate their 21st anniversary, James Lavelle takes a look back at the history of the label.

RA Exclusive: Stream Dinky’s Dimension D >> (Resident Advisor)
The Berlin-based producer and vocalist gives Resident Advisor an exclusive stream of her new album ahead of its release on Visionquest next week.

Sounds To Sample Releases Deep House Melodics Vol.2 >> (Rekkerd)
Deep House Melodics Vol 2. is a new sample library by Alin Dimitriu aka Ricky Ambliotti and contains 150 Wav loops for deep house production.

The post Daily News: 6 of the Best iPad/iPhone iOS DJing Apps appeared first on Electronic Music Production News and Tips.

ALBUM:

Jon Hopkins – Immunity [Domino]

It’s hard to know what to expect when Jon Hopkins releases an album, his career has spanned many trends in the music scene and his own work has evolved significantly since his first LP, more than ten years ago.

While Hopkin’s own solo career has taken a backseat for a while now, we’ve enjoyed the results of creative partnerships, including Brian Eno and more recently King Creosote: presenting audiences with ambient electronica and pop overtones.

I remember clearly the first time I heard his last solo album. Initially I wondered whether Hopkins had been secretly having an affair with fellow English man Chris Clark due to the pumped up explosive rhythms audible on the tracks. Yet for Immunity, Hopkins had found other inspiration, a certain rhythmic brutality is still present, but now shares his musical landscape with more psychedelic melodies reminiscent of the early work of electronic non-conformer James Holden.

And so the question is formed: How can the same person make such dream-like electronic tracks on collaborations and, in contrast, generate so much fury when making music alone? Are these daring symptoms of a multiple personality? Be that the case, we welcome the results: Immunity is an extraordinary album that will arouse in you an irresistible thrill, dare you to resist the sensation to let go of yourself and give in to the beat.

For those that seek a harder beat, head to “Open Eye Signal” -a nearly eight minute long campaign where Hopkins relentlessly hammers strangely shaped waves in brilliantly orchestrated chaos, and you will know what a rush of adrenaline sounds like.

JON HOPKINS – OPEN EYE SIGNAL by Jon Hopkins

Since teaming up with Domino Records, Hopkin’s solo releases have taken an engaging path. Immunity may not cause a revolution in the world of electronic music, however he does manage a brilliant synthesis of sound resurging from the old days of IDM and Drone music, coupled with the possibilities that the newest technologies in sound production offer. Whether you like his music or not, Hopkins is undeniably an extremely precise goldsmith of sound and his work on Immunity is like a great lesson in sound engineering for us all.

You can buy Immunity here: https://bleep.com/release/43983-jon-hopkins-immunity
Jonathan Cornacchia

SINGLES/EPs:

Marc Scholl – Frunk [Cecille]

Cecille’s label head is really going for it this year, with a wicked two-tracker on sub-label Cecille Numbers just recently he’s back on the parent label with his A Beautiful Gloom EP. There are five tracks in total on this release, with Frunk the pick of the bunch. It evokes a very Detroit feeling throughout, with rising synth melodies, twinkly bleeps and echoing vocals throughout. These elements are complemented by a tough set of percussion and haunting trumpets that call out like a mother in search of its young. French maestro D’Julz turns in a wicked remix of Frunk, while elsewhere Marc veers into aquatic minimal (Caboose), tougher Chicago house-orientated styles (G’Zu) and understated yet relentless territory with J’roove Bon.

marc scholl – a beautiful gloom EP incl. D’Julz Remix (CEC035) by Cécille Records

Julian Jeweil – Don’t Think [MinusMAX]

One of France’s finest techno exports, Julian Jeweil has seen his music released by numerous prestigious labels owned by some of the scene’s most respected DJs and producers. Richie Hawtin seems to be a big fan, having signed a few of Julian’s previous releases and now supporting his new EP, Don’t Think, on Minus’ little brother MinusMAX. This three-tracker is an awesome display of Jeweil’s skills and it’s the title track that has grabbed our attention. Don’t Think is a chuggy, morose and downright menacing slice of techno with a bassline that is reminscent of a dog barking – the percussion works perfectly in tandem with the plodding bass, galactic whirrs and hypnotic beeps, not too overbearing but with enough presence to keep the energy levels up.
PREVIEW Julian Jeweil (Don’t Think Ep) minusMAX 5 by JULIAN JEWEIL

Brett Jacobs – Miles Apart [Luna]

Brett Jacobs studied Logic Pro online with us here at Point Blank, and he’s gone from strength to strength over the last year or so with some high quality releases and support from DJs like tINI, Enzo Siragusa and the FUSE London crew. Brett’s music is a mixture of dubby techno with house influences, minimal yet full of depth. This is his new EP on Luna and we love it. Miles Apart is a firm favourite, it’s unerring energy, vocal clips and the movement in its bassline are impossible to resist. Elsewhere on the EP Brett drops El Hadu, a more toned down track with less bounce, but just as good. He also team up with Patrice Meiner for Preserve The Light, a dark moody number with a great spoken word vocal.
Brett Jacobs & Patrice Meiner “Preserve the light EP” Inc; ROZZO Remix / out on 12″ June by Luna Records UK

Jesse Perez – We Get F****ed Up [Heidi's Jackathon Jams]

Jessse Perez is one of our favourite house music artists – hailing from Miami, he’s got a style all of his own; house music that is perfect for parties – full of energy and ghetto flavour. His new music finds a home on Heidi’s Jackathon Jams and, as expected, it’s non-stop block party vibes from start to finish. Another thing Jesse is known for is his X-rated titles, our pick being We Get F***ed Up – a bumping piece of house music with hilarious samples, stomping beats and a serious infectious bassline. If you don’t dance to this, you have no soul, it’s as simple as that. The rest of the EP is just as fresh and Detroit skillionaire Jimmy Edgar rocks out a brilliant remix, too.

Jesse Perez – Jackathon Jams EP by Jesse Perez

Rework – Touch [Visionquest]

This French trio have been supplying refreshing house and techno for some time now and link up with Visionquest for this new EP. Touch is the title track and, though it’s simple and repetitive (in typical Rework style), it’s mightily effective. Aside from the vocals which encourage the listeners to ‘Touch each other’, the track has a seriously addictive groove with a bassline to die for and a gravelly chunk of analogue to add some meat to its bones. There’s a pervasive feeling of melancholy throughout (again a trademark of the trio) though the music will keep you buoyant and will most definitely draw you into its web. Beware, Rework’s music is will leave you hopelessly hooked and eager for more. A really great EP.

Rework – Touch by Visionquest Records

Issac Christopher – The Good Old Days (Jam & Keys Remix) [Madtech]

Every week at least one new retro sounding EP lands in our inbox, and here’s yet another one – from Kerri Chandler’s Madtech label. With the house legend’s seal of approval stamped on it, there’s no way it could be anything but a very good selection of music. Issac Christoper’s track is remixed twice – with Kerri himself adding his own midas touch to it, with a vocal and a dub mix, but it’s Jam & Keys’ brightl and breezy summer-tinged garage mix that really stands out on this release. The combination of sparkling keys, warm chords and melodies together with the vocal snippet and a fantastic bassline plus the irresistable 4×4 beats make for a devastating piece of house music.

Issac Christopher- The Good Old Days E.P by Issacchristopher

Waifs & Strays – It’s Over [Hot Waves]

Waifs & Strays are a pair of producers from Bristol who are among Point Blank’s firm favourites – they consistently produce great dancefloor tracks that have been released through labels such as Hot Creations, Leftroom and Dirtybird. This new EP is no different, comprised strong dancefloor vibes though the A-side is quite different to the B-side. Our personal preference is If You Love featuring Hollie G – it’s got a proper old nineties feel to it with its analogue synth line… it sounds like something you might have heard on Sega beat-em-up game Streets Of Rage, but obviously far more advanced and coupled with a seriously funked up bassline and great vocals from Hollie. Wicked stuff from the Bristol duo.
Waifs & Strays – Its Over EP (preview snippet) by waifs&strays

Clubs:

Give It Up! x Point Blank
Our very own East London party kicks off again this Thursday. Entry is FREE all night, so get on down!
Click here for information

Church presents Boddika, Sei A, October, Lorca at Corsica Studios – 21st June
Church rock it at Corsica Studios once again – their new label (also called Church) is one to watch out for and this party is going to be a brutal affair no doubt. Be there.
Click here for information

Mike Skinner x MJ Cole x Melé & Ms Dynamite at XOYO – 21st June
Party vibes all nigth at XOYO with Mike Skinner of The Streets along with another UK music institution, Ms Dynamite. Garage don MJ Cole and Mele will also be in attendance.
Click here for information

Way Back Here with Maurice Fulton at Dance Tunnel – 21st June
The Dance Tunnel is one of London’s best new small venues, and the line-up is ridiculous with eccentric house legend Maurice Fulton at the controls, plus Way Back Here’s resident gang.
Click here for information

Krankbrother Street Party with Guy Gerber, Tini & John Talabot at Clifton Street – 22nd June
Last year the Krankbrothers pulled off an amazing street party in the heart of Shoreditch, this year they’re back in the same spot for more fun. Can’t wait for this one!
Click here for information

Behind This Wall with DJ Sprinkles at Plastic People – 22nd June
DJ Sprinkles is a legend, there’s nothing more to add. This is the party of the weekend!
Click here for information

The post Point Blank Music & Club Recommendations: June 17th appeared first on Electronic Music Production News and Tips.

Point Blank tutor Nick Ronin is one of the key members of a collective of musicians and music-lovers organising British contributions to the World Music Day phenomenon (also known as Fete de la Musique, having originated in France). The collective have decided to rebrand it as ‘Music Day’ as many people in this country have a different interpretation of ‘world music’.

The idea is simple – a celebration of music in all its forms which is free of charge and open to the public. This mainly consists of having live music on the streets with the same street-party atmosphere we witnessed here in recent times for special Royal occasions and the Olympics, though there is nothing to stop venues from holding events indoors as well.

Nick and his team believe that this date should be a cause for celebration in the UK too and they would like to see people contributing to Music Day at all levels. This can involve performing on the streets on 21st June, organising a free gig for the public to enjoy or simply publicising the date to your friends and colleagues.

Music Day is open to everyone, and Nick and the gang would love to have some input or contributions from Point Blank students! Or, if you are part of an organisation, they would love it if you could spread the information to your members or become an official supporter of the Music Day UK umbrella group. There is an interactive map on our homepage showing the places where people have pledged to take part and will be publicising all events equally.

There is also a pledge form on the Get Involved page on their website – musicday.org.uk – where you can tell us how you plan to contribute. We sincerely hope you can join in.

The post Join in the Music Day Festivities – 21st June 2013! appeared first on Electronic Music Production News and Tips.

The Danger of Being Retro: Revivalism in Dance Music >> (Attack Magazine)
In this article, Attack Magazine approach a few artist and DJs including Bicep, DJ Pierre and Eats Everything to find out their view on revivalism in dance music.

Breaking Through: MGUN >> (Resident Advisor)
Resident Advisor feature Detroit’s electronic artist MGUN for their latest ‘Breaking Through’ series.

Foamo’s ‘Release Me’ EP: Hear the Tittle Track >> (Noise Porn)
Check out Foamo’s new track ‘Release Me’ taken from his new EP of the same name.

Where Have All the Music Games Gone? >> (Spin)
Remember ‘Guitar Hero’ and ‘Rock Band’? Well, according to this article in Spin there are two new music games that are set to take their place and revive the music video game genre..

The post Daily News: The Danger of Being Retro: Revivalism in Dance Music appeared first on Electronic Music Production News and Tips.

Jamie Lidell smashing Sonar

Soon after it was time for one of the most anticipated shows of the entire festival, electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk played a 3-D show – everyone in attendance (around 10,000 people!) was given a pair of 3-D glasses in order to enjoy the astounding visuals that accompanied the musical delights provided by the German group. We were beyond impressed with the show, amazing visuals and timeless music presented in a way that was unforgettable. Absolute class.

The infinitely amazing Kraftwerk

The 3-D shades provided to audience members at Kraftwerk’s show Photo: andresaguilarcaro

Once Sonar By Night had come to an end it was time to head out into Barcelona for some Off party action, which began at the Crew Love party with Wolf+Lamb vs Soul Clap. As ever, the guys were absolutely on point with their musical selection providing the perfect balance between soul, disco, funk, and straight up house music – taking place at the Parc Del Forum, also on the bill were San Francisco’s PillowTalk, Slow Hands, Tanner Ross, No Regular Play, Navid Iazdhi and the excellent Nick Monaco, too. Full crew in attendance and nothing but great music from start to end.

Wolf+Lamb VS Soul Clap at their Crew Love event held at Parc Del Forum

After Crew Love it was time to switch up the mood a little with the Items & Things gang, we caught Marc Houle and, friend of Point Blank, Troy Pierce who both worked the sound system at the City Hall venue – which was used by several different parties during the week. Marc Houle turned in an impressive live set, while Troy’s selection of off-kilter techno was predictably engrossing and entertaining. Also on the bill was NYMA and the first lady of Items & Things, Magda.

Troy Pierce holding it down at the Items & Things party

The post Sonar Festival Report: Night 2 (Kraftwerk, Jamie Lidell, Wolf+Lamb, Marc Houle, Troy Pierce) appeared first on Electronic Music Production News and Tips.

While the city basked in sunshine we headed over to the Sonar +D, AKA the Market Lab, to check all the amazing technological experimentation and devices that were on display as various tech-wizards got to work. At one point we caught a table of experts contructing a synth from scratch, while the amazing Red Cross charity spread awareness of its ‘The New Sound Of Ambulance’ project which involves making different loops to replace the sound of an ambulance’s siren… a novel idea!

We also came face-to-face with the famous Sonar Robot, who extended his metallic hand to greet us at the Lab. Check out all of our pictures below and make sure you stay tuned for more news from Sonar…

Sonar’s Robot

The Red Cross advertise their New Sound Of Ambulance project

Numerous items were on display at Sonar +D

The post Sonar Festival Report: Day 2 (Nick Hook, Skream, Ableton, Novation, Google+) appeared first on Electronic Music Production News and Tips.

As an added bonus, Point Blank students were also privy to a demonstration in the flesh, prior to the live broadcast!

The post Friday Forum Live! with Teenage Engineering (OP-1) – 14.06.13 appeared first on Electronic Music Production News and Tips.

11 Reasons Why Your Music Self-Promotion Isn’t Working >> (Music Think Tank)
If your finding it difficult to promote yourself as an artist, check out the 11 tips which will point you in the right direction to successful self-promotion.

Disclosure Unplugged: Why DJs Need to Step Down From The Stage >> (Sabotage Times)
In this article, Tom Armstrong puts forward his opinions on DJs as performers following Disclosure’s recent controversial mimed set at Capital FM’s Summer Ball.

Watch Not A Beat, Not A Scene: Short Documentary on L.A’s Beat Scene >> (Fact)
Not A Beat, Not A Scene is a short documentary on the roots of L.A’s beat scene and features Daedelus and Co.Fee. Check it out below…

Industrial Strength Launches Voice Sample Pack >> (Rekkerd)
Industrial Strength Records has announced the release of their Voice sample pack which includes a collection of vocal kits for electronic music producers.

The post Daily News: 11 Reasons Why Your Music Self-Promotion Isn’t Working appeared first on Electronic Music Production News and Tips.

Celebrating what’s great about the modern DJ, the DJ Expo 2013 will host slick product demos from the biggest names in the business. A series of ‘virtual booths’ from Rane, Sennheiser, Pioneer, American DJ and Allen and Heath will offer up a celebrated mix of gear from intuitive digital work stations and MIDI controllers through to headphones, DJ FX mixers and beyond. DJ Expo 2013 will be hosting brand new interviews with NERVO, Steve Aoki, Chuckie, Sander Van Doorn, Showtek, Jon Cutler, Tommy Trash and many more.

The Expo will go ‘live’ on Wednesday 19 June 2013, with content appearing online throughout both Wednesday 19 June and Thursday 20 June. Once uploaded it will remain on the site – http://www.musicradar.com/DJexpo2013.

The post DJ Expo 2013 in Association with Music Radar! appeared first on Electronic Music Production News and Tips.