FooFaRaw and Happy Holidays From The Lab!

A BIG special thanks to Cathleen Bombard and Tucker Warner for inviting the Lab students :) For those of you who missed out...Foo-fa-raw was a night of frills and flashy finery. A Holiday party that featured local band Waagon, dance performances from the Cheeks girls and DJ sets by The Lab's Advanced Students. All went down at Higher Ground last Friday night. A special thanks to Bite Me Pizza and Redbull for the donations. CLICK HERE to view photos from the event (photo credit: BEN SARLE/B-Scene)

Where Stars Are Born

Exile on the MPC

Exile "Milli" Video from Jonathan Kim on Vimeo.

Someone was kind enough to correct us on the post we made a while back on the "A MPC Joint". Well, kids its not a MPC, its a Roland MV-8000 (Duh ZJ) So to make up for that, check out Exile killin' it on the MPC-with some Hiero and Weezy on the samples! yeayeahh. Props to 2DopeBoyz

DJ QBert Collection On eBay

The Turntable Toy Store.....
"We're releasing a massive amount of personal items on our eBay store for the holidays. Anything from slipmats to records and even one of the turntables from the Lair of the Octagon. So check 'em out while they're still available..." -Q Bert
LINK

20 Classic Hip Hop Album Covers In LEGO

Who doesn't like Legos?! Check out the rest
HERE (Props to Format Magazine)

The Lab in Burlington Free Press Today

The Lab teaches kids the DJ arts

"In a studio overlooking Church Street, students are using technology to create hot beats. The large, spacious room is home to The Lab, Vermont’s Turntablism and Urban Music Production Center"

“Turntablism” is the art of using turntables to manipulate sounds to create music. Business owners Derrick Brown, 25, and Zack Johnson, 26, are anxious to bring cutting-edge technology to kids who want to learn about spinning tunes and music production.

“We chose Burlington and Church Street because it’s all about location,” said Brown.
MORE

How To Turn A Toy Piano Into A Playable Shirt

Here's an Instructable from Mikamika explaining how to rip apart an electric toy piano and wire it into a shirt, turning your chest into a playable instrument (thanks Boing Boing)
CLICK HERE

Q) What Do I Want For The Holidays? A) A Lab Gift Certificate!

Were not trying to pressure anybody but how dope would it be to get a LAB membership, t shirt, Lab chain and/or lessons for the Holiday!! Talk to your folks and hit us up! Yeah we went there ;) Happy Holidays

Producer Of The Month: The Neptunes

What is it about Virgina that has bred some of the illest producers in the game- Timbaland, Danja Handz and the Neptunes.
Some of the Lab's favorite production from Pharrell and Chad includes work with NORE, the Clipse and Snoop Dogg. The duo has teamed up with Common to produce his latest effort Universal Mind Control. It's scheduled to be released December 9th. Common leaked about 4-5 songs on the internuts and so far we have to say we're not disappointed. Starrr Trakk Riiiderrrs yeahhh

Let me upgrade you. New Lab website coming soon!

We decided to move our blogger to word press. Why? Because. Plain and simple, word press is better. So get ready for a new and improved website. Also, the LAB will now have guest writers (Lab Instructors), filling you in on the latest and greatest info mania out there-on all things related! Yeayeahhh stay tuned.

A MPC Joint

Back in the day (maybe less than 10 years ago), you probably wouldnt find yourself using a nice big display screen and free software programs (like fruity loops/Garage Band). In the early 90's, the MPC was a major break through in the hip hop music production world. Even with the technology of using midi controllers and digital sequencers today-the youtube above is a clear example and display in why some producers may never desire to switch to 'whats in'. Props to Cabide DJ

InnoFader Non-Contact Fader

"After studying the habits and requirements of today's DJs, Audio Innovate has developed a next generation cross fader that is designed to take fader standards to whole new level"(TTL)
LINK

Have fun with your album covers

(thanks DJ Corner!)
MORE

Producer of the Month: Mark Ronson

We've always been a fan of Mark Ronson's production since Here Comes the Fuzz. For those of you who dont know much about Mark Ronson, he's a three time Grammy award winner and has worked with Jay Z, Sean Paul, Ghostface, Bob Dylan-to name a few. Be on the look out for a new Mark Ronson and Wale collabration coming soon (Hell Yess) And dont forget to tune in on his live podacst every Friday night 8pm on East Village Radio

DJ MANA-Ready or Not Remix

Our friend DJ Mana (Soul Mechanics DJ School Montreal) just sent us his newest remix single Ready or Not (a Fugees a cappella with a little MIA influence) DOPE!
CLICK HERE for download. Enjoy

The Lab Advanced DJ Students hosting St Michael's Jib Session

CLICK HERE for more information

How record shopping works

Serato’s Hidden Easter Eggs

Man, our friend over at the DJ's Corner just keeps posting the illness! Dope video on secrets to Serato. Thanks Mike!

Topic of Interest: Selling used CDs is still legal in America

"The record industry lost a landmark battle last spring, when a court said that merely printing "not for resale" on an unsolicited promo CD does not prevent you from reselling it -- and certainly does not prevent me from buying it. The judgment establishes that "first sale" -- the legal doctrine that says that once you buy something, it's yours -- is still alive and well. This The Legality article unpacks it all for you:" -Boing Boing
LINK

Bombs Over Casbah!

Mike Porrata (Tick Tick/The Lab Music Productions) just sent us his newest single, Bombs Over Casbah. Finally! ZJ has been harassing Mr Device a while now to give up the official copy. The remix contains Outkast's Bombs over Baghdad a cappella and a Rock the Casbah sample-which is both refreshing and fun. Were sure you'll enjoy it as much as we do. Say Word
DOWNLOAD HERE

Your Warped Vinyl Remedy

One of our students yesterday complained about how he bought doubles of Super Duck Breaks and they were both warped. Bummer. There have been many ideas on how to fix warped vinyl-i.e leaving records in the sun and bending it back yourself, laying them on a flat surface and leaving books on top for months on end, to literally cooking your records back into shape in a oven? Solution....
























(Thanks Mike)
The DFV-1 is a LP flattener that uses precision heating and cooling to basically iron your vinyl back into shape. Retail price $1480 (ouch) MORE

DJ Wack Job in the Hizzy!

Ok kids, who can tell us whats wrong with this?

Bang! a Hip Hop instrumental series

Bang! A hip hop instrumental series produced by Peter Cloutier, mixed and arranged by ZJ. A bit on the mellow side but nevertheless, if your feelin the production from heavy hitters like Timbaland, Cool and Dre, J Dilla, Neptunes or Kanye West-you wont be disappointed. Enjoy!
DOWNLOAD HERE (Fixed Link)

Bscene photos from the Lab Open House

CLICK HERE

KueIt Software

"These days, when you go to clubs, deejays (or the poor excuses for them) are normally carrying less weight. With all respect to vinyl culture, lugging records has become a form of self-torture now that Serato and Traktor pioneered the revolution of mp3 DJs. But in case you’re the type to use samples when putting the stamp on your mix, KueIt a new program that launched a week ago replaces the need to use hardware like an MPC"
-Complex Blog

We had our Open House event today and we'd like to thank the people of all ages who came in to check us out! We had our students provide live music as well as a few of us outside to catch the ears of Church Street visitors. Be sure to check out our pictures taken from the event today here and come Thursday make sure you pick up a copy of Burlington's BScene to catch our article!

Producer of the Month: Dr Dre

Hey it was only a matter of time before the Doc hit the spot! The highly anticipated (and long over due) album DETOX is scheduled to come out sometime before years end. In a recent interview with Dre, he said this would be his final solo effort! Like whoa?!

Open House this Saturday

In preparation for our open house this Saturday, we felt the Lab could use a face lift. So last night our good friend Pete came through and blessed the Lab wall's. We documented the early steps of his artistic work. CLICK HERE to check out the photos. We didnt stick around for the whole thing cause some of us have to get up early haha. But yall can see the results this Saturday! Say word

Using Old Materials to Put a New Face on a Museum

"This impressive sculpture called the “Sound Wave” was created by Korean artist Jean Shin, and is meant to show “the inevitable waves of technology that render each successive generation of recordable media obsolete”. Thanks Mike

LINK

Make sure to check out the event on Facebook: Open House Event.

Makers Of Guitar Hero At Work On DJ Hero

"The phenomenon that is Guitar Hero has been a dream come true for adolescents and adults alike who have had a hard time emulating their favorite rock stars in the real world. The makers of the extremely successful guitar game, Activision, are hoping they can do the same for DJ Hero"
LINK

'Bang!' a DJ mix by ZJ coming soon

Zack Johnson (DJ instructor) aka
ZJ just posted the official cover for his newest beat series mix titled 'Bang!'. The compilation is an instrumental collection by
Neighborhood producer Peter Cloutier. Artwork by Nate Cousins. The mix is due out this month! Say word

Covert youtube and Myspace videos to MP3

VidToMP3 is a brand new site that allows you to download the audio from uncopyrighted video clips on video sites!
LINK

Senator Leahy introduces bill to stop file sharing

"Senators Patrick Leahy and Arlen Specter have introduced a new bill that would allow the Department of Justice to file civil lawsuits file-sharers and copyright infringers"
LINK

DJ Mobile?!

While you may have thought the boombox bikes were over the top, they hardly compare to this DJ mobile made by Dutch artist Olaf Mooij. (thanks Mike!)
LINK

Mike Device-Stereo Warmup Vol.2

The Lab's music production instructor Mike Porrata aka Mike Device just posted his newest mix titled Stereo Warmup Vol.2 Dont forget to check out Mr Device this Sunday night for the Bonjour-Hi series plus Euro Rave 4 Friday September 19th! Drop mixes, not bombs.

STEREO WARMUP VOLUME TWO: track list
01 - Treasure Fingers - Cross The Dancefloor
02 - Adam Tensta - My Cool (UMYO RMX)
03 - Neighborhood - Marvelous
04 - Villains - Rock It
05 - Cut Copy - Hearts On Fire (Calvin Harris RMX)
06 - Claude Vonstroke vs. Too $hort - Blow The Whistler (Hookerz & Blow RMX)
07 - Kid Sister - Pro Nails (Gant-Man’s Jackin’ RMX)
08 - Jokers Of The Scene - Y’all Know The Name (Flosstradamus RMX)
09 - Busta Rhymes - Don’t Touch Me (Bird Peterson RMX)
10 - Dave Nada - Kick Out The Jams
11 - Tittsworth ft. Kid Sister & Pase Rock - WTF
12 - The Count & Sinden ft. Rye Rye - Hardcore Girls
13 - Hervé and A-Trak ft. Cadence Weapon - Roll With The Winners
14 - Dead Prez - Hip Hop (Mike Device RMX)
15 - Young MC - Bust A Move (Don Rimini Ravekid Extended RMX)
16 - Kid Cudi - Day’n'Nite (Crookers RMX)
17 - Dizzee Rascal - Flex (Dave Spoon RMX)
18 - The Count of Monte Cristal - Dibby DJ
19 - Smalltown DJ’s - Party Like A Punk
20 - Kazey & Bulldog - Sweet Harmony
21 - Bird Peterson - The Jump Off
22 - Hercules and Love Affair - You Belong (Riton RMX)
23 - Mike Device - Bombs Over Casbah
24 - B.O.B. - Ur Love
25 - Mike Device - Beat Him Up
26 - DJ Class ft. Pase Rock - Roll It (Fully Fitted Mix)
27 - Muscles - Ice Cream

DOWNLOAD HERE

DJ Revolution - King of the Decks Preview (Video)

Preview of DJ Revolution’s upcoming album, King of the Decks, dropping September 16th (thanks 2 Dope Boyz)

Producer of the Month: DJ Babu

We gotta give it up to our man Babu (and not just because the Lab is friends with him) Duck Season 3 is about to drop and if its anything like the last two installments (which it will be) that makes us hella excited. And to set it off right, check out the first single from the up coming album due October 28th. Enjoy!


DJ Babu Duck Season 3-Dearly Departed ft M.O.P
DOWNLOAD

DJ A TRAK giving DJ lessons to Playboy Bunny?!

"My publicist set up a feature for me this week and she later admitted being scared that I would mail her an anthrax letter. I should really send her flowers instead. Why did she think I wouldn’t like this? I just spent an afternoon with a Playboy playmate. To be specific, Kelly Carrington, Miss October" -A Trak
View rest of the entry HERE

The Lightspeaker Lamp

"While some artists prefer recording their music in dimly lit, intimate studios where they are free to explore their creative boundaries without distractions" (thanks Mike)
MORE

Useful Tips on EQ’ing your Music (and the DJ's Corner Blog)

"Making remixes, mashups, or original music has gotten significantly easier in the last several years, but there’s still a lot of important factors one needs to know about that are crucial to making something that actually sounds good. The first of which is learning how to properly EQ, a skill that gets passed over surprisingly much. The reason I bring it up is because I found a nice graphical guide to how frequency works, and how you can tweak certain frequencies to boost or eliminate specific sounds" Check out the Guide To Frequency Here. -DJ's Corner


The Lab
On another note, we have to say were really excited about a new blog we discovered. Or actually, more like it discovered us haha. Mike Gray hit us up via email earlier today and asked if we would link his blog. After checking it out for only 30 seconds we were sold. Posts from an exclusive interview with DJ A Trak to tips like what we just posted above and information on new music production gear. Thanks Mike! LINK

DJ ROB SWIFT: scratchin with style

Rob Swift has one of the best styles to scratchin ever! We got this from a promotional youtube Rob posted on myspace today. Our good friends Lotus Entertainment booked Rob Swift last year at Plan B Burlington, when it was still jumping off. The show was dope. Rob is good rocking a crowd while adding the fine art of turntablism in. If you happen to find yourself in Williamsburg NY next Saturday, head over to Supreme Trading 213 n 8th st 11211. Rob Swift will be hosting a monthly gig there. Good music and free show! Illin.

'Dance Dance Marathon' September 13th

"Dance Dance Marathon is a fundraiser for Burlington City Arts and a celebration of the individuals in our community who help make our work possible! Teams raise money in the weeks leading up to the marathon to be sponsored to dance. By demonstrating your dancing stamina, you’ll have the opportunity to show your support of BCA and help raise awareness of our community programs"
LINK

the greatest music (record) collection for sale!

The Archive from Sean Dunne on Vimeo.

"In today’s world, everyone downloads and buys music from the internet, making physical record albums obsolete, which is very sad news for Paul Mawhinney. Paul has the world’s largest record collection that he has been accumulated throughout his lifetime. He used to run a record store, and he would always put away the last copy of an album for himself. Due to his declining health and old age, Paul has decided to put the collection on sale for a mere $3 million when it was appraised at a whooping $50 million, yet no one has given a solid offer. Regardless of our technological advances, sometimes holding an album in your hands just feels a little bit different" (from hypebeast)
LINK

BScene photos (sneak peak) 'In the Mix' Echo Center

Our friend over at the Bscene emailed us these photos (thanks Ben) and will be in this weekends Bscene section! This past Saturday Lotus Entertainment invited us to host a DJ Battle and have to say the whole night was hella fun. Dope art exhibits, fashion show, live bands and dancing by the Cheeks crew. It all went down at the Echo Center.
LINK

Does your chain hang low?

The Lab necklaces are now available. Limited run of these specific colors. Get yours before they sell out!

Specifications:
-187 hot rolled steel
-powder coated lazer cut
-weight 1.6 oz
-size 1 7/8 x 2in

Congratulations to the winners of the In the Mix DJ battle 2008

FIRST PLACE: DJ STRAINE
SECOND PLACE: DJ ECHONOMIX
THIRD PLACE: DJ D-STROY

The Million DJ March: August 29th-30th

"On August 30, 2008 DJs will descend on Washington to celebrate decades of service to the entertainment industry. They will listen to speeches from leaders of music groups, founding DJs, and Civil Rights activists all on the dawn of a new election year.

The March and activities will take place from August 29 - 30, 2008 in Washington DC, with the actual rally taking place on the 30 at 10 am, on the National Mall, extending from the Capitol Building to the Washington Monument. Disc jockeys will gather from all over the world to discuss the current state of the DJ, and highlight the true integral importance of their role"
LINK

The worlds greatest (and weird) LP album covers

LINK

Neighborhood (back up on it)

Party rap duo Neighborhood is back to work with their new single 'Back up on it.' the official single will be dropping on itunes sometime next month. Peep the youtube and get an inside look with neighbor's recording session. yeayeahh
LINK

DJ Inflect 'Creature Feature 4' (with bonus track)

One of our good friends, DJ Inflect also a former student of the Lab, just got back from a vacation in Japan and dropped off his latest mix to us 'Creature Feature 4'. We've been blasting this new mix in the studio and have to say its pretty damn good. DJ Inflect manages to mix several different genres of music into a 18 minute mix and pull it off.....well. We can tell some serious creative thought went into executing this set. In fact, it made Zack (DJ instructor) jealous enough to get off his lazy ass and start working on a new compilation mix haha. DJ Inflect has come a long way since he first stepped foot into the Lab headquarters. We definitely look forward to seeing what he has in store for us next. And of course with permission, he allowed us to post the mix online for all you to check out. Enjoy!!


DOWNLOAD:
CREATURE FEATURE 4

Producer of the Month: NOSAJTHING

Honestly, we have to say we've never even heard of NOSAJTHING til Kid Cudi's latest mix ' a Kid named Cudi' was released. A handful of great producers helped with the mix-
Da Dot Genius",Crookers",
Emile" and Plain Pat. But the one track that hit us was
"man on the moon" produced by NOSAJTHING. Vist his website HERE

'In the Mix' DJ Battle Rules and Guidelines

Free and anyone can enter the battle

DMC format. You will get one three minute routine that is judged by a panel of DJ's.

Contestants must bring their own records

Vinyl only. You will not be allowed to use CDJ's or software programs (serato)

The Lab will provide the DJ equipment. Two technique 1200's, Vestax 05 or 07 mixer and Shure M-447 needles.

Cash prize for first place. Second and third place prizes TBA.

Register online by emailing us at thelab123@gmail.com or call 802.863.8500. We need your full name (not DJ name) and phone number.

Registration deadline is August 15th (day before event). No exceptions.

Battle begins at 9:45pm so make sure to be ready and present for competition one hour prior.

the Lab Membership cards are here!

Students or non Lab members can now order their Lab memberships online. It's easy. Select which program you would like ( 1, 3, 6 or 12 Month membership) and when you receive a confirmation from paypal, you will be able to pick up your membership at the Lab studio (*membership term starts day of purchase)