Check this out! A really interesting compilation that has been put together for the STROKE.ARTFAIR - the world's first artfair for urban art - in association with Project: Mooncircle. The compilation is called STROKE.MUSIC and it's available on Project: Mooncircle's bandcamp as a free download for the first thousand interested and after that you can name your price.
now playing: Pleasurekraft - Tarantula (Original Mix)
One of my contemporary teachers said once that it is her (the teacher's) responsibility what a beginner learns but an advanced dancer is responsible for his/her own learning just as much as, or probably more than, the teacher is. Skill and knowledge enable you to develop your art, recognize what's good and what's not and ask the right questions to improve your learning. A beginner can't do those things.
But how about someone who is self-learned? There are kids who say that youtube is their teacher and kids that simply cannot afford to take classes. And, well, aren't the og's self-learned?
Learning from the internet is difficult for many reasons. First reason: youtube is full of crap.
The Dancin' Kim series is just so hilarious that it's hard to believe anyone would take it for real. But who knows, maybe there are some dancers taking their first steps and thinking that a tutorial in the internet must be a good thing to start with. Same thing with the second clip - anyone who knows anything about dancing sees that this guy has no idea what he's talking about. He cannot do a windmill or anything else he is teaching in those other clips.
But this is a real problem. In the beginning, like my teacher said, it is the teacher's responsibility to ensure that the students are learning things right. These "teachers" do the exact opposite. The only reason to watch these videos is the fun part, the malicious delight.
The second reason why learning from the internet is difficult is that a new dancer doesn't know where the good stuff is. They don't know any names. Third reason is that they might learn moves, not dancing. They probably learn nothing about history or other aspects of dance. Fourth, they don't know where to go with these new moves and what to do with them. Ok maybe to the club to show off. But they still don't have contact with the other (real and professional) dancers. Fifth, they might think that with these few moves they're ready. They have it all. No one told them that developing their own style is the next step. I could keep on listing these reasons.
now playing: Talib Kweli - Stay Around
Let's not be this black and white, though. I know there are also dancers who have been able to gain considerable skills all on their own. Many times they have a really unique style and they are very devoted. They might do things that others wouldn't dare to try. They might create something totally new.
But I know some of these dancers. And unfortunately very often they don't know a thing about different styles. They mix up house steps with hip-hop and popping moves but can't really dance, for example, house to a house track. And some of them aren't even willing to learn the basics of different styles. As a result, we have self-learned teachers filling youtube with the kind of tutorials we just saw. I'd say that is some kind of a teacher trouble.
Luckily dancers are aware. The windmill clip had many comments saying that no one should learn from it, one user had suggested viewers to look up for Storm's footwork fundamentals and many had disliked the video. That's exactly what sould be done.
I assume people know about Oddisee. I mean.. they have to know, right? But if you don't know now it's time to find out. I suggest you to purchase his album Traveling Man which is without a doubt one of the best hip-hop albums there is. It's a true masterpiece that was released in January 2010. All 25 tracks are named after the cities they were produced in and the album has vibes from all over the world.
(Please don't try to search for a free download. Good music and talented musicians need to be supported...)
now playing: Oddisee - Anticipation (instrumental)
After listening to Traveling Man you might want to hear more of Oddisee and I can assure you that all his albums are definitely worth buying. I keep finding his music over and over again and it sounds fresh even after multiple listenings.
Oddisee's newest album is called Odd Seasons and it was released in May 2011. This 35-track album is available on Mello Music Groups bandcamp. Some tracks are free. I highly recommend you to take time to listen to Odd Seasons because it is another great album from Oddisee.
now playing: Jazzo & Melodiesinfonie - Woody Synth
Feelin' Music's "best keps secret production duo" Jazzo & Melodiesinfonie released their debut EP yesterday. Treeology EP is electronic, glitchy and some how catchy even though I can't help thinking of Flying Lotus and Samiyam while listening to some of the beats. But overall the album is very fresh and I'm going to keep an eye on these guys for sure. Check out the album over here.
Hey there, my name is Evil Needle,
I am a French beat maker/musician since 2001.
During this time I have released two EP’s “Sound Dimension” and “Big Brother EP” plus work on French rapper “Specta” (ex Sain Supa Crew) latest EP where I produced 3 tracks.
My latest work “Cirrostratus”, is an LP consisting of 15 smooth ambient instrumentals made all throughout 2010.
In this project I have tried for a variety of styles from evolving compositions to smooth neo soul loops.
Most of the music is original but I’ve incorporated some sampling.
Thanks for taking the time out to listen, I hope you enjoy it.
A Ukranian artist called The Cancel. Check it out. He told me that "they need support but people in their country don't want to buy their music". Let's support them and hope that people also in Ukraine will recognize good music. Their album Diversity is available on their bandcamp page for free.
A friend shared this link on Facebook and I swear it is the best link I've ever clicked. Or then I'm just very easy to please... But you see for yourself - start clicking!
now playing: DJ Deckstream - Life Is Good feat. Mos Def
For once I'm happy to live in Finland. It's going to be musically a really good summer.
We've had many quite dope artists performing during the winter, too. Pharoahe Monch, Nas, Jedi Mind Tricks, MF Doom to begin with.. MURS, Edan, Eric Benét, Looptroop Rockers, Tricky and more coming up. But just wait. Let me tell you about the summer. First, we get Coolio in the end of May. I haven't actually followed him lately but hey, the dude's a legend.
Update: Wu-Tang Clan is performing in Nosturi on the 8th of June.
The next big thing is the Pori Jazz Festival and the mighty Mos Def with Robert Glasper! How f**king amazing is that? Plus Aloe Blacc is performing on the same day. I cannot wait.
The Finnish hip-hop fans are pampered. Next up: Pipefest and the CunninLynguists. They're one of my all time favorite groups and their gig is a must.
In August it is time for the best event of the summer,Flow Festival. The artist line up is just ridiculous this year.. Or what do you say? Kanye West, Q-Tip, James Blake, Janelle Monáe, Mayer Hawthorne and more.. Personally, I'm waiting for Q-Tip like heaven to fall. It's the first time he'll be in Finland and I couldn't be happier.
Still more to come. Blockfest will take over Tampere on the 19th of August. Looptroop Rockers will do a comeback and Bun B is also there.
It seems like the summer's going to be hot. And I'm sure there's going to be even more exciting news when the festivals update their line ups.
now playing: Damage Is Done - Elements feat. Shuanise
After the tsunami in Japan many musicians have contributed to the Japanese Red Cross and other charity foundations. Nihon Kizuna is one of the compilations that have been put together to help. Over 40 artists donated their music and the 50-song album is definitely worth purchasing not only because the money goes for good cause but because of the music. Please visit the bandcamp page to get the album and to help Japan.
Thank God there is music like this. I don't even feel that pissed off by the fact that I have an injured knee and I can't walk when I find gems like this. Go to this bandcamp page and see for yourself. Many free downloads for you music heads. More information on their website.
I bumped into this amazing artist/producer today and I highly recommend you to check it out! There are two free downloads and quite many more albums that you can purchase basically for free on their Bandcamp.
