VICTORIA ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL :: INTERACTIVE
Whether you are you wanting to break into the electronica scene, take your music to soaring new heights, or become the very best in the world - VEMF Interactive can help you fulfill your vision! Led by a team of international talent, VEMF Interactive is 4 days of intimate classes divided into 2 core streams – electronica production, and electronica performance.
PRODUCTION STREAM OVERVIEW (full details below):
1) Thurs Jul29, 4:30-6pm :: "PRODUCTION 101" - Toby Emerson
2) Thurs July29, 6:30-8pm :: "BREATHING LIFE INTO YOUR TRACK" – Soulfix
3) Fri Jul30, 4:30-6pm :: "IN THE POCKET" - Ill Esha
4) Fri Jul30, 6:30-8pm :: MIXING IN ABLETON" - Kevin Legere, Scott Macpherson
PERFORMANCE STREAM OVERVIEW (full details below):
1) Thurs Jul29, 4:30-6pm :: “PERFORMANCE 101” – T.Dotchin, Trever, Roshan Virk
2) Thur Jul29, 6:30-8pm :: “THE ART OF SKRATCHING” – Grasp The Erro
3) Fri Jul30, 4:30-6pm :: “FROM DECKS TO DIGITAL” – JELO
4) Fri Jul30, 6:30-8pm :: "THE WAR OF ART: STRATEGIC DJing” – Rennie Foster
VEMF INTERACTIVE ONSITE (full details below)
SAT JUL31 - 3pm-4pm : PERFORMANCE PANEL
SUN AUG1 - 1pm-2pm : PRODUCTION PANEL
SUN AUG1 - 3pm-4pm : BUSINESS PANEL
PRODUCTION STREAM :: SIMPLY COMPUTING
Thursday July 29 :: Prod1 :: 4:30-6:00pm
Simply Computing :: 2639 Quadra St, Victoria
"PRODUCTION 101" - Toby Emerson
Expand your music production skills with a comprehensive course run by experienced electronic musicians Davin Greenwell and Toby Emerson. Both beginners and advanced users should feel welcome as a range of topics from getting started to mixing and mastering to getting your songs released will be covered. Other topics included such as sound design, synthesis, song structure, and music production with different software such as Ableton Live and FL studio will also be included. There will also be a Q&A segment to wrap up the course.
Instructor: TOBY EMERSON
Sunset Collaborations, Bugeyed Records | Victoria
http://www.myspace.com/tobyemersonmusic
With nearly 10 years of experience in music, Toby Emerson is well on pace establishing himself a well known producer/DJ in the electronic music scene. Toby has been remixing for artists such as Andy Moor, Space Manouevres and Tiff Lacey and has had DJ's such as Paul Van Dyk, Flash Brothers, and Matt Darey support his original tracks and remixes. In the last few years Toby has signed to multiple labels (System Recordings, Lost Language, BugEyed Records, Monster Tunes) and recently has been picked up by well respected UK Label Subversive Records for a full album release in 2009. You'll hear elements of progressive, trance, breaks, electro, and even some traditional forms of music such as classical and rock in Toby's live sets and original compositions.
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Thursday July 29 :: Prod2 :: 6:30-8:00pm
Simply Computing :: 2639 Quadra St, Victoria
"BREATHING LIFE INTO YOUR TRACK" – Micheal McKinnon (DJ Soulfix)
This workshop will move into the more advanced techniques of production including a thorough introduction to side chaining, EQing, programming VSTs & automation techniques. Breathing Life will help you develop texture & refine the depth & motion of your music!
Instructor: MICHEAL MCKINNON (aka Soulfix, Dirty Politics)
Audio Planet | Dirty Fabric | Di.Fm | Sunset
http://www.myspace.com/djsoulfix
http://www.myspace.com/dirtypolitics
One of the fastest rising producers in Canada's relentless talent pool, soulfix has made a major ruckus in the last 12 months, pioneering what he calls the electro step sound. Known for smooth electro hooks and nasty dubstep bass, soulfix, alone, and via his Dirty Politics monachar with Nicky Distraktion, has pounded away remixes and original material for some of the hottest labels in the industry including Dirty Fabric, Big Fish, Simma, System, Atomic Zoo, Champion Beats, Nu Industry, Bonzai, Bugeyed, and of course, his own imprint Audio Planet Recordings.
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Friday July 30 :: Prod3 :: 4:30-6:00pm
Simply Computing :: 2639 Quadra St, Victoria
"IN THE POCKET" - Ill Esha
What makes a track groove? How can you manipulate basic elements to create electronic music with life and feel? We explore how to program beats and sculpt bass to create organic human grooves with the most synthetic of elements. Starting with some basic elements of music theory and history, we explore creating groove or being "in the pocket" within the context of broken-beat music. Using the Battery drum machine and Circle wavetable synth, Vancouver producer ill-esha will show you some simple yet effective tricks to really make your music breathe. Basic synthesis will also be explored - learn to use everything from acoustic envelopes to effects processing to really make your beats pop. We'll also learn about the scope of broken beat music - from its roots in funk and soul to its modern incarnates of IDM, Dubstep, Glitch Hop and Breaks. So get ready to loosen up!
Instructor: ILL EHSA
For the last decade, ill-esha has been an integral part of the North American electronic scene. Beginning as a vocalist, she soon added MCing and DJing to her repertoire, creating a dynamic and unique live show which has headlined alongside artists such as Andy C, Klute, Dieselboy, Vibesquad, LTJ Bukem, Moving Fusion, Tipper, T-Power & De La Soul. She has performed in 42 cities across North America, Europe and Asia; in clubs, at festivals, and even on TV shows on MTV Canada and the CBC. In 2001 her first 12” single was released on New York label Breakbeat Science; since then ill-esha has worked steadily as a vocalist and producer on labels like BluSaphir and Outsider, and hitting the 1 singles download spot on Juno. One of the founding members of the premier online community GlitchHopForum.com, her remixes are hugely popular, popping up in DJ sets across the globe. Her release with Dewey dB on Muti Music, "H.A.A.R.P" spent two months in the Beatport Top 10 Electronica downloads; more ill-esha tunes can be found on Woofer Cookers and to-be-launched vinyl & digital label, True Score Theory. Her show is a fiery combination of original beats, glitch edits and live vocals - a unique experience not to be missed!
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Friday July 30 :: Prod4 :: 6:30-8pm
Simply Computing :: 2639 Quadra St, Victoria
"MIXING FUNDAMENTALS IN ABLETON" - Kevin Legere, Scott Macpherson
Mixing is as much a science as it is an art form. It is a very important step in the music production process and will help shape your overall sound. Learn how to make your track sound clean and crisp as well as have a feeling of cohesion. Don't know what to do with your track after it has been written? This session will help guide you down that road with an emphasis on Ableton and mixing theory. Topics include Leveling, EQ, Compression, FX Send/Chaining, Psudo Mastering and much more!
Instructor: KEVIN LEGERE
Kevin Legere has been writing, recording and producing music for more than 10 years. Most known for his work with Electopunk band Death to Sexy, Kevin has also recorded rock albums as well as produced dance tracks with his side project Double Dog Dare. His work with Death to Sexy includes a full length album that was on the top 10 in Earshot charts and a successful EP released on BugEyed Records. Today Kevin works in the music industry designing innovative new DJ products, guitar pedals and vocal FX units.
Instructor: SCOTT MACPHERSON
Scott first became interested in music as a kid who loved the bass guitar. This interest grew into a desire to understand not just music, but the technologies behind music production and sound reinforcement. Scott moved to Vancouver and started working as a staging/audio tech at concerts and events. From here he worked his way into a position as a studio assistant were he was able to learn from some of the biggest names in the music industry. Seeing how digital technology was changing the recording industry, Scott made the decision to leave the studio life and return to Victoria were he has enjoyed performing and producing with his friends. Scott continues to learn new technical skills which he plans to apply to working the back line of major tour productions, and is currently writing and producing an album with a close friend.
PERFORMANCE STREAM :: BASE LOUNGE
Thursday July 29 :: Perf1 :: 4:30-6:00pm
Base Lounge :: 1303 Broad Street, Victoria
“PERFORMANCE 101” – Tim Dotchin, DJ Trever & Roshan Virk
Ok let’s start at the very beginning. You’ve played DJ Hero and you think you’re pretty good, so now it’s time to step up to the wheels of steel for real! We take you through the basics of DJing. Choosing a Style, Basic Cueing, Beat Matching, song selection, and equipment choices. DJ’ing has changed so much over the last 10 years and the technology along with it, our teachers have been along for the ride.
Coming from very different schools DJ Trever, DJ Roshan and dotched represent the full spectrum of modern DJ’ing, for a combined 25 years of professional experience. We take you through House, Techno, Electro, Club, Retro, Top40, Hip-Hop and Turntablism. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to step up and learn to rock the show!
Brought to you by Rane and Serato Scratch Live and Contact Distribution
Instructor: TIM DOTCHIN
Dotched's love of electronica was fueled growing up in Saskatchewan and regularly attending Connect Festival and Galaxy Lounge nights hosted by Dr.J and DJ Me. After moving to Victoria he helped found a popular community radio show on CFUV called Really Good Music along with Rave Victoria originator Davin Greenwell/Arizona. The show soon went to commercial airwaves on extreme 107.3 where it hosted the likes of John Digweed, Timo Maas, Moby, Hybrid, Paul Van Dyk and Tiesto. This played a part in his becoming an early host and contributor to the Victoria Electronic Festival. Dj Dotched has always played an eclectic mix of music, from house & progressive, moving into techhouse and techno and now playing a blend of French Electro, Techno and Nu-Disco! Prepare to rediscover this long-time Victoria beatmaker.
Instructor: DJ TREVER
Instructor: ROSHAN VIRK
DJ Roshan is the main room Friday and Saturday Night resident DJ at Touch Lounge, one of the largest and newest night clubs in Victoria. He also holds a Thursday Night residency at Sugar Night Club’s famous student night, and has spun at Lucky Bar, and Plan B Night Club to name a few. He spins everything from top 40 and retro to house and electro. Because of the diversity of music he plays his mixing style is also diverse and includes a number of traditional house DJ techniques as well hip hop DJ’ing techniques including: EQ mixing & slow blends as well as cuts and drops. His musical influences, to name a few include: DJ AM, Girl Talk, DJ Z-Trip, Mstrkrft, Deadmau5, and Gaudi.
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Thursday July 29 :: Perf2 :: 6:30-8:00pm
Base Lounge :: 1303 Broad Street, Victoria
“THE ART OF SKRATCHING” – J. Jay Nichol aka Grasp The Erro
Content Includes:
1. Introduction and Background with brief demo
2. History of Skratching and Turntablism
3. Musical Theory of Skratching including Skratch Notation
4. Basic Skratches
5. Advanced Skratches
6. Vinyl vs. Digital [Pros & Cons]
7. Skratching to Different BPM. eg. hip-hop vs. Breaks
8. Q & A Period
Instructor: GRASP THE ERRO
http://www.myspace.com/grasptheerro
Grasp The Erro is a dj who cut his teeth in Ontario and Manitoba but now calls BC home. He has been behind the wheels of steel for nearly a decade. Originally, way, way, back in the day his musical roots and inspiration sprung from early rave culture. However, from the beginning of his time behind the decks Grasp became heavily absorbed in the realm of Hip-Hop and turntablism largely due to his fascination with using the turntables as instruments to manipulate sound i.e. skratching. Grasp went on to take 3rd place in a Regional DMC Qualifier in 2004. During this time he also created the radio station at Lakehead University and was its Director for 3 years. Currently Grasp runs Beats Me Productions out of Van City Canada with partner in crime Dangamouse and divides his time between live shows, furthering his turntablist skills and producing original tracks. One interesting thing about Grasp is his diverse background and his live performances are the perfect showcase for that. At one of Grasp's shows you could start out with some classic hip-hop end up with some dark and dirty dubstep and have breaks, dnb, and electro all slammed in the middle.
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Friday July 30 :: Perf3 :: 4:30-6:00pm
Base Lounge :: 1303 Broad Street, Victoria
“FROM DECKS TO DIGITAL” – JELO
With over a decade on the decks, JELO has evolved from a DJ to a live remixer and beyond. Many of Canada's top dance music producers have wanted to collaborate with JELO, because he has the exact notion of what moves dance floors and drives people to complete elation. Some of these collaborations brought forth certified anthems such as "The Reward is Cheese" and "Donkey Punch" … tracks that dominate charts and dance floors worldwide. His sets and tracks have been heard all over the world. The intensity of his performances is legendary. A whole generation of dance music lovers have been inspired by JELO to elevate their output on the floor. He responds accordingly with fist pumping, knob tweaking, mix master worthy head banging excitement. His Authentic delivery and history here in Canada has earned JELO the title of 'The peoples DJ'. Dedicated to his craft with ferocity, addicted to music, spreading his brand of performance across everywhere, JELO is guided by an awesome natural intensity, an astonishing musical dedication and a drive to change the world one beat at a time...
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Friday July 30 :: Perf 4 :: 6:30-8pm
Base Lounge :: 1303 Broad Street, Victoria
“THE WAR OF ART: STRATEGIC DJing” – Rennie Foster
Content Includes:
• Intensive DJ set programming
• Mastering instictive crowd control and communication
• The importance of 2 way conversation between DJ and dance-floor
• What separates bedroom DJs from pros ..mentally
• Calculated risk taking during performance
• Spontaneous set programming and the importance of versitility
• Avoiding defing yourself by genre and the importance of self-definition and originality
• How to "reference" through music.
• How to create a "personal experience" for your audience
• (Building an identification to music with the audience)
• The importance of not defining yourself by format or methodology.
• Balance between personal vision and effective performance.
• How to "lead" an audience where you want to go.
• and... The secret of 130 bpm
Instructor: RENNIE FOSTER
Rennie Foster has been a well respected figure in the Canadian music and art community since he was just a teenager. In the 90's Rennie cut his teeth on the decks at the legendary "Fluid" nights, running 3 years weekly at "The Limit" in Victoria, BC. After visiting Japan several times to play, Rennie fell in love with the Tokyo club scene and has since relocated to Tokyo where he now resides and has been making himself heard the last few years with a well received string of singles and remixes with labels such as Subject-Detroit, F-Communications, Rebirth, Teknotika, Monoid, Synewave, Communique, Motech, Pure Plastic, Soiree etc. His music is heavily supported by well known taste-makers such as Laurent Garnier, Derrick May, Dave Clarke, Sasha, Dave Seaman, James Holden and too many more to name. Rennie’s tracks have been licensed for mix CDs by the likes of Kevin Saunderson, Trentmoller and Danny Tenaglia. Rennie is in constand demand for remixes and has lent his touch to artists from all over the world such as Swayzak, Jon Beltran, DJ 3000, Christian Fischer, DJ Bone and NuFrequency. Rennie utilizes both digital and vinyl sources seamlessly and is often working closely with DJ equipment companies in the field. Effortlessly blurring the lines between house music, techno, minimal and other more profound styles, Rennie has become one of the most important and recognized characters in the Japanese club scene. Rennie Foster is a hard working purveyor of high quality techno and house based music, a dedicated student of dance music’s rich history and a steadfast believer in the bright future of electronic music.
VEMF INTERACTIVE ONSITE - JUL31/AUG1
SAT JUL31 - 3pm-4pm : PERFORMANCE PANEL
Within this panel we explore aspects of electronica performance - such as inspiration, music selection & sourcing, audience interaction & communication, versatility & improvisation, personal expression & sculpting a set.
SUN AUG1 - 1pm-2pm : PRODUCTION PANEL
Here we explore how we make music! Questions will be fielded in areas like inspiration, writing focus & techniques, sound design & synthesis, software options, writing for releasing, and individual approaches in writing great music!
SUN AUG1 - 3pm-4pm : BUSINESS PANEL
In this group we'll be talking about the business of electronica. Discussions including how to manage the brand that is you, working with clubs & promoters, getting your music released, working with labels, music distribution, social media & marketing and so on!
VEMF INTERACTIVE PRICING
*note - prices reflect only Thurs Jul29 & Fri Jul30 pro workshops.
ALL Jul31/Aug1 Centennial Square presentations are FREE
Option 1) VEMF ARTIST FAST TRACK Package - $75
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This package is for committed DJs or Producers who are ready to take their music to a whole new level, AND intend on being around for some of the VEMF weekend. Included in this package is:
• four professionally delivered 90min workshops (Production OR Performance Stream)
• workshop materials, samples, links, etc
• 1 VEMF afterhours VIP club pass for Saturday OR Sunday night
• 1 VEMF Interactive limited edition T-Shirt
• entered into a draw for a 60min one-on-one VIP coaching session
• overall savings of $30+ compared to individual classes
Option 2) VEMF COMPLETE EDUCATION STREAM - $40
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This package is for committed DJs or Producers who are ready to take their music to a whole new level, want all the deep musical education but don’t want the extras & VEMF gear and party tickets. Included in this package is:
• four professionally delivered 90min workshops (Production OR Performance Stream)
• workshop materials, samples, links, etc
Option 3) VEMF INTERACTIVE SINGLE CLASSES - $15
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For DJs or Producers who see some specific fits for themselves in either the Production or Performance Stream, but do not wish to participate in the entire Stream.
TO REGISTER:
For those intending to participate in the complete VEMF Interactive Production Stream or the complete VEMF Interactive Performance Stream, pre-registration is highly recommended as there are only 30 seats in each class. For those wanting to ensure participation in a single class, pre-registration will guarantee seating – alternately, you can arrive to the class early and hope for the best! To register you have the following options:
1) register for any of the above options at Simply Computing, 2639 Quadra St OR
2) pay via paypal to jason@vemf.ca OR
3) pay onsite at your first class (on availability)
For additional information on VEMF Interactive, please email jason@vemf.ca.