Mixing Vocal Tutorial

I go a lot of places and listen to a lot of music I even frequent other studios and engineer and get asked a lot of questions. One of the main questions i get asked is "how do I get my vocals to sound good". Kind of a tough question because it all depends on what your going for as far as how you want the vocal to sound. So I sat and thought about it for awhile and thought maybe if I could gather some basic info on the tools used to make vocals sound good people could experiment and come up with what will work best for what they want to happen. I have taught recording to a lot of people and it's not an easy thing to do because out side of signal flow there really are no rules! It becomes subjective and creative at that point but if you don't know what the tools are and how they work I could see it becoming frustrating to make what you want to happen happen. So I'm gonna post some tutorials I found online to see if this helps in your quest for the perfect vocal (For You).








If you go to You Tube there is a lot more tutorials I hope this helps.

Gear/Technology-Wendesday

I been looking at the new Pro Tools and I think I have to get it. I have watched the video over and over trying to find something that it dose not do and i cant find anything. I'm a Pro Tools user and have been for years but like most Pro Tools users i always find things to complain about, then go right back to using it (vicious cycle I know). I think Avid has really stepped in and given us Pro Tools users everything we need and more check out the video for yourself. I think this is what we've been waiting on Pro Tools users.

Tuesday-Music Spotlight-Kings Of Leon

To day for my music spotlight I have chosen kings Of Leon. I and everyone else in the world probably like this band but the song Use Somebody is a song I could listen to all day. These guys have had a great journey to receive the critics and fan approval they deserve. They are from Nashville TN and broke out in the UK the finally topping the charts in the US on their third Album Because Of The Times. I think this goes to show how much music appreciation the US has for music it took them to break in the UK to get the attention of the people in their own back yards. Either way I'm glad they did I can appreciate the hustle and grind of music and I commend these guys on their achievements.


You can learn more about them And see tour dates etc HERE!! www.kingsofleon.com

Motivational-Monday

Today is my day to give motivation I know it's late in the day for some but for me it's early lol. But I like to keep people inspired if it's your dream to live wealthy or find that perfect someone I think anything can be achieved if you keep positive and take action to make your dreams reality. I ran across this video it's short but it spoke to me and I think it will motivate everyone who watches this. There is no challenge to big to overcome I truly believe that faith and a undying desire for what you want followed by action will make things happen.


BE GREATFUL FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE!!





You can watch more of these videos on Edgevolution's You Tube Channel- CLICK HERE!!

Gear/Technology-Wendesday

I have always been a fan of the ADAM line of monitors with their smooth high frequency response and the the non colored detail of these monitors they have always been on my top picks list. We all know ADAM has made some pretty high end expensive monitors that were priced well beyond the average wallet. I think they have may have bridged the gap with the ADAM A7X not to bad on the price end and I'm sure the Quality is A-1. I have not had the chance to listen to them yet but I will put my money on it that they are great!


GET MORE DETAILS AND PRICES: CLICK HERE

Eric Thomas (Motivation for your week and life)

I ran across this video on World Star Hip Hop today and I found it to be pretty motivating with a good message. As a person who studies The Laws of Attraction I find this message to be true because it's spoken by so many who have had success and reached their goals and dreams set for themselves so I hope all who watch this find the motivation to do something better today to make their future a great one!!




CHECK OUT MORE MOTIVATIONAL VIDEOS BY ERIC THOMAS!!

Back to it

I have taken some time off from blogging but now I'm back to it. I have a hectic schedule sometimes and can't seem to balance everything out from recording,mixing,mastering and making beats the on top of that blogging,Twitter,Facebook,Myspace (Yeah I said Myspace lol)etc etc etc. But I am making a effort to get this blog back back rolling and provide people content and things they need or like or want to know about. I find this kind of fun and I will definatley be keep ing it more up to date!

So the question I ask is what would you like to see posted on the blog how could I make it great? Just leave your suggestions in the comment box and I will make it happen!

Dmx is being set up!

I woke up this morning with a strange feeling it seems the closer I get to breaking in the industry the more the devil is moving closer into my life. I have always been a person who tries to keep my eyes open and pay close attention to the things around me and keep my third eye focused. Some things in this world we will never understand but to seek knowledge and try to understand them doesn't hurt. I have always been a fan of DMX since the very day I heard about him back when I lived in NY. I could probably recite any song off the top of my head. In my infinite quest for knowledge I started looking into DMX cases and really trying to decode the fact from the fiction and in this research I find a lot of misrepresentations on DMX behalf. I have posted below one of the most eye opening things I found in my research today. I hope everyone who comes across this blog pays attention to this and start to look at the events placed around you and ask a simple question WHY? Keep that question on your mind and never take things at face value.


Feel free to comment on the blog or hit me up on twitter (twitter.com/motrakx)

Gang Starr’s Guru And DJ Premier: Perpetual Influence » MTV Newsroom

I thought this would be fitting to support Guru in this trying time where he needs support more than ever. I have been a fan a Gangstarr forever Dj Premier was the reason I first bought a set of turntables and wanted to Dj and scratch just like Primo and Guru also was a influence in me wanting to rhyme (back in the day). I just thought I would write at least a little something to maybe put some positive vibes in to the atmosphere for the homie Guru.


I have provided a link to a MTV segment you might want to check out as well.


Gang Starr’s Guru And DJ Premier: Perpetual Influence » MTV Newsroom

Good to See Artist giving Back

Jamie Foxx Delivers Music and Instruments to Kids
HOLLYSCOOP EXCLUSIVE
February 10, 2010
by:Ani Esmailian



Jamie Foxx, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of legendary musician
Ray Charles in Ray and Lost actor Dominic Monaghan, helped to hand out $500,000 dollars worth of musical instruments to school students in the US this week.

Foxx dished out new violins, flutes, French horns, trumpets and drums at the event at Walt Disney Concert Hall, which was part of the Fidelity Futurestage program, an effort by the investment firm to enrich arts education in American public schools.

Speaking to Hollyscoop, Foxx said he was inspired to help out because of his own musical background. “[My career] started in classical music. I tell people that and they go ‘No, get out of here, you from In living Color’. I started playing classical piano when I was 5 years old,” he told Hollyscoop exclusively.

He credits his grandmother for helping him appreciate and love music. “My grandmother said ‘take this music because it will take you somewhere’ and I ended up going to college [with a scholarship] in San Diego International State University…I had a Russian pianist teacher and a Yugoslavian music theory teacher and it was the most incredible thing in the world. It really developed my skills, I was not the best but at that time it was a place for me to at least try to succeed and things really worked out,” added Foxx.

Foxx praised Fidelity for stepping in and helping out when public funding had failed because he knows how important it is. “I remember coming up to Hollywood and I remember taking the classical music that I knew and doing it in jokes because I did not have enough money to get my own equipment. I remember singing, Snoop Dogg songs like ‘Opera’ so I would always use that background to fuel my career.”

Foxx may be infamous for his hip-hop beats now, but he still credits his classical background for molding him into the musician he’s become today. “It’s a great place to start because it teaches you discipline and it’s amazing what classical music is. You have to think, classical music has you talking about a hit, Mozart, Beethoven we play their music for years and it’s still incredible when you hear those classics it’s amazing,” he told Hollyscoop.

For more info on how you can help or get involved with the Fidelity Futurestage, check out their official website at www.futurestage.com. Kudos to Jamie for helping make a difference in children's lives!

Read more: http://www.hollyscoop.com/jamie-foxx/jamie-foxx-delivers-music-and-instruments-to-kids_22994.aspx#ixzz0fYI587t4


Article from:hollyscoop.com
Read more: http://www.hollyscoop.com/jamie-foxx/jamie-foxx-delivers-music-and-instruments-to-kids_22994.aspx#ixzz0fYIUFmyA

Mixing Rihanna-Umbrella

I find this video interesting even though it's pretty old. It actually shows how minor adjustments to a mix can drastically change a song with out all of the effects on top of effects most people think they need.

A great resource To take your music career to the next level or get started!

Artist House Music is a great resource I've been reading through this site and I found some things out about the music industry that I never knew. This sitr is full of info and I think can be a useful tool for all of us who make their living in the music industry or for those who aspire to make money and have a great career in the Music industry.


CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SITE!!

Hip Hop History

We need to watch this again Russel talkin kinda crazy on this. Lets watch and reflect.

Hot New Artist out of Canada

This artist has been makin waves all across the scene in Canada and has a crazy following check him out I was fortunate to have a track on his upcoming project.

Beyonce 60 Minutes Interview

For those like me that missed this interview check it out it's kind of intresting.

Grammys 2010

I really did not dig the Grammys too much this year but there was some stand out performances to me. These are the ones I really was feeling. Next year Me and my music family will be there as well. Grammys 2011 say hello to Lost Art productions!











The Grammys offered a lot of highs and lows I really thought the Michael Jackson tribute could have been a little better but that is on of my favorite Michael Jackson songs so I can't be too mad. I did think the production of the show went smooth and it was a good broadcast but the planning of performances could have been a lot better it kind of put you to sleep then woke you back up for a second then back to sleep you went. I guess I'm just a little upset I passed on The Simpsons and Cleveland Show to watch this.


Let me know what you guys thoughts on this year's Grammy Awards

Jordan Towers Premier-Yo Gotti Touchdown

I like this song Yo Gotti has another one this dude my not be as famous as he should be but he stays consistent. Plus he driving my cars in the video lol. Serously check this on out and go check out some of his other music you will not be disappointed.

Motrakx Hottie of the week-Amazin Amie

This is my hottie of the week Ladies and gents. Beautiful talented and full of hustle. If you like this pic CLICK HERE FOR MORE!!


You can also follow her on TWITTER

Hip Hop Mixing With Dave Aron

Antonio Dye-Family Matters Theme

Unlike most new artist of today Antonio Dye is never shy about showing the world he can really sing and is not just a studio made artist. Check out his new video support his movement and help bring real music and talent back to the game.

INVESTMENT,INVESTMENT,INVESTMENT!!

This video around 3:30 sums up what I talk about all day artist and these so called label owners are not willing to go the extra mile to take their career to the next level. The game has become cheap and like everything else cheap nobody wants to buy it example bad record sales. Everyone thinks they are cut out for this Music Industry it's the new Basketball or Football with recording equipment sooooooo cheap and tracks at the press of a button, the music industry has been over saturated with weak product that consumers don't want to buy because everyone can do it. I remember when my mom use to buy records and I would listen and say "I wish I could do that and I wonder how they made that", Thinking my goal was out of reach. It was like these people who made this music were untouchable like Lionel Richie, Patti Labelle, Luther Vandross,Black Sabbath, Brothers Johnson and Sade just to name a few. They "I thought were the gods of music". From then I knew I had to work and learn and stay focused to do music and learn some more.


This leads me back to my point, during my learning about music and studios and buying equipment and paying a like 900 for a 4 track tape deck and like $3000 for the DIGI 001 (with a G4 Buy the way) or saving up to get my first set of turntables back when I realized this was an INVESTMENT for life and the cost for what I wanted to do.
I think that day has gone dudes walk into a fully laid out studio and think they mans $100 mic and Mbox Mini is the same thing (It's Not) and don't want to pay what does that say about your music or your passion for Music?


This game is dying off of this attitude, invest in your music your craft just like a contractor has to buy the best tools no matter the cost because it's what they use to eat, We as Musicians use this music to eat. That means get quality recordings,quality beats and hold everyone else around you to the same standard. You might say "I ain't got no money" but I bet you got money to go to the club or buy Jordans something that makes you nothing! Let's bring quality back!

Producer VS. Beat Maker The definition!

This video sums up a lot of questions I get everyday about Producers and Beat Makers. I come from the school before digital so I understand but in this climate of everyone wanting to be a Star and have a boat load of money sometimes the lines get fuzzy. This Video can clear up some of the questions and for people to understand. just because you programmed a beat beat does not mean you produced a song!


CHECK IT OUT AND GIVE ME YOUR FEED BACK
WWW.TWITTER.COM/MOTRAKX

Good Article to Keep you Independent

Promotional costs include designing and printing promotional and packaging materials for recordings; press kits and Web sites; and advertising, radio promotion, videos, public relations and mailing costs. Some or all the costs for packaging, video production and radio promotion may be recouped from artists’ royalties, depending on contractual agreements.

Distribution Costs

The record companies decide on the suggested list retail price (SLRP) of each format. The SLRP helps stores to determine the discount price they charge customers and helps performers determine the price to charge to fans at gigs and by mail order.

The price at which distributors buy from recording companies (distributor wholesale price) is also set by the record companies. This is commonly 50% to 55% off the SLRP. If the volume is high enough, the discount can go to 60%.

The price at which stores buy from record distributors (store wholesale price) is determined by the distributors. This is commonly 55% to 65% of the SLRP. Stores return unsold product at 100% of their cost.

The price at which record stores buy from record companies that own their own distribution warehouses is approximately 75% of the SLRP.

Potential Profits

How do these costs relate to a million selling album?

At common discounts, record companies receive approximately $10.00 per CD ($16.95 SLRP). Thus, projected record company gross income is ten million dollars.

Out of this the record company will spend approximately $625.000 in manufacturing costs; approximately $1,000,000 in promotion (another $1,000,000 will be charged against artist royalties); $1,780,00 in royalties to the artists (at 14% of the SLRP of $16.95, less packaging); and $600,000 in publishing royalties (at 75% of statutory). After subtracting $4,005,000 from its ten million gross income, the record company has a gross profit of $5,995,000. It will recoup its million- dollar advance to the artist and its promotional costs.

This excerpt is from Diane Rapaport's new book, A Music Business Primer, published by Prentice Hall. Copyright 2003 by Diane Rapaport. The book is available on Amazon.com and at major book stores. www.dianerapaport.com

How Record Companies Make Money and many other articles, tips, and other info can be found in the Music Biz FAQs section of the site for TAXI: The World's Leading Independent A&R Company.

My Anthem

I'm not too much of a LiL Wayne fan but this I think is one of his best songs and it gets me motivated. The beat is crazy to!

Alja Jackson-Like A Harley

This is a dope song by a electrifying new artist Alja Jackson (Interscope records) and produced by Super Producer Track Dealer. I had to post this song not only because the both reside in the Atl and are doing their thing but also because I think it is a breath of fresh air in this state of stale copy cat music. Alja provides a unique flow with some very descriptive words to keep you hanging on to every line with a strong sexual tone. The hook is very infectious and does what it's suppose to hook you in and set you up for another verbal punch and flow lashing during the verses.


I recommend everyone support this artist and producer because you will not be disappointed.





FOR MORE INFO AND MUSIC BY:ALJA JACKSON-CLICK HERE!!


MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW TRACK DEALER-CLICK HERE!!

Billboard Hot 100

Just to keep everyone up on what songs are hot right now If your a producer researching or a avid music listener that likes to keep your iPod filled with all the latest and greatest. I take a look at Billboard.com almost everyday the Hot 100 list hasn't changed much but for those who don't keep up with it everyday you might find something new to listen to or if you make music find something to inspire you to make something that might end up on the list in the near future.


TO VIEW THE HOT 100 CLICK HERE

Motrakx Hottie of The Week

This is something I'm gonna do every week it's the hottie of the week.


This week it's none other than Montana Deleon a mix of brains and beauty and a pure hustler. Everyone enjoy!


More videos of Montana She is more than just a pretty face she also has a lot to say: CLICK HERE

Dr Period

I had to post this DR is one of the reasons I chose to go into production and remains a reason i still do this. His sounds are crazy and he has a dedication to making music only few producers of today can try to have.


So Ladies and gent with out further delay DR Period!!

Atl Beat Battle

I have always been a fan of the beat battle even when I use to watch them on the internet sitting in the hood in Baltimore. It was one of my motivations to move to Atlanta. I have the pleasure of watching these battles in person supporting my homies such as J Beatz, Hannibal and many others. This Wednesday Jan 20th i will have the honor to compete in the Atl Beat Battle. I have been to a few of these battles at Dajango downtown Atlanta, competition is always fierce and you always get good advice and insight on the Music Industry there. All that to say I'm excited to actually participate and look forward to a great evening of networking and good music.


MAKE SURE YOU COME OUT AND SUPPORT THIS EVENT IT IS A MUST HAVE TO KEEP GOOD MUSIC ALIVE AND FOR US PRODUCERS TO FURTHER OUR CAREER!

Jimmy Iovine- Advice for Being a Successful Artist

Some can say what they want about Jimmy Iovine or the artist that he has signed but one thing you can't say is he is not successful. He is one of the top business executives of today. This is a very interesting interview with some good advice and I think all of us in the industry should listen and learn something.





This is a list of some of the things Jimmy has done: Click Here

Battery 3 Quick Start Tutorial

This is a good video to help you get started using Battery which is a very great drum and sampling program. I learned a lot of things from this video.

Sampling in Logic

I thought this was cool it gives a lot of insight for all of us MPC users on how to chop samples in Logic. Enjoy the video I got a lot out of this video.

Video Posted by:Averexbijon

This is the first single by Antonio Dye. I had the pleasure of working on this record. Antonio has been making waves here on the Atl scene and is slated to release his Ep early 2010. He has the drive and talent to have a long and successful career in the music industry.

Links to Antonio:http://twitter.com/antoniodye

Reach out to him and show your support and I'm sure you will enjoy the this new fresh phenom that is Antonio Dye!

Take It Off Exclusive Lloyd ft J.Holiday & Nicki Minaj

I had the pleasure of being in the studio during the creation of this song.

This is a video of Shawty Redd in the studio clearing up rumors of beat stealing. I just wanted to post something to support one of the best producers of our time while he goes through his situation.

The Frontier of the Music Industry

This short documentary outlines the current situation of the music industry, shows how new technologies are shaping the music business and how internet powerhouses like Apple Computers and YouTube are influencing the future of the music industry.


I ran across this on You Tube and thought it was interesting and I want to share it and get some opinions from others.

Video from you tube user:http://www.youtube.com/user/dudeihaveapwner

6090 Studios Construction Part 3

6090 Studios Construction Part 2

This is part 2 of the construction this video will show you a little more progress in our quest to bring you another premier recording and dance/rehearsal studio in Atlanta Ga.

6090 Studios Construction Part 1

This is the start of construction of the new studio these videos will show how the studio is being built. You can also see how to construct your own studio by watching the progress of this construction project.