These sales figures may be underestimated and under represent the exact sales figures because they don’t always include the sales at the smaller ‘indie’ record shops where vinyl does the best. I spoke with Virgil Dickerson, owner of one of these ‘indie’ record shops, SuburbanHomeRecords.com and Vinyl Collective (based in Denver, Colorado) about what he is noticing about the trend to go back to vinyl records.

“Certainly, my CD sales have dropped off, and I have seen an increase in the sales of our vinyl records. People want a tangible product to go along with their music. The record album artwork and the great sound of vinyl are also factors in the resurgence,” detailed Virgil. “Digital music lacks the ‘soul’ of a record and there is almost a therapeutic ritual when you experience playing vinyl, the act of physically playing the record, the smell, turning the record over to hear the other side- are all factors as to why people are in love with the format.”

But, is the vinyl resurgence just a passing fad, what do you see for the future of the vinyl record?

“Some of our customers are what I term as ‘lifers,’ people who will buy records whether they are popular or not and may even have an extensive collection of records. And then there may be some that are just jumping on the ‘vinyl bandwagon,’ buying records to be cool or because they are popular now, but there will always be a place for vinyl within the music community,” said Virgil.

As previously noted, Virgil is the owner and operates Suburban Home Records, a record label that signs and releases music from bands from all over the world as well as Vinyl Collective, a unique vinyl friendly web store. And with such an eclectic array of musical genres to choose from including punk, alternative country, heavy metal, rock and roll and just about anything in between, his customer base is as varied as the musical styles that they offer.

We discussed some of the vinyl record formats that are being manufactured, including audiophile vinyl, picture discs, limited releases and colored vinyl.

“With regard to colored vinyl, we do it because we want each pressing to be distinctive. Colored vinyl is more prevalent now than, lets say, ten years ago and is highly sought after; people want it, so we appease our customers by releasing it,” explained Virgil. “We have some that are just one color, clear vinyl and we have added some with speckles and swirls.”

“Picture discs are also highly sought after as well, but are much more expensive per unit to manufacture. They are usually released with no jacket (they are kept in a clear re-sealable package) so that helps to reduce the cost. And the sound quality can fluctuate from good to bad depending on the pressing plant that is used. Audiophile records are more expensive as well, manufactured as 180-200 gram records instead of our norm, which is 140-160 grams,” said Virgil.

We also discussed the difference in sound quality between audiophile records and the normal standard vinyl releases.

“Audiophile records have a better sound quality because a higher grade of vinyl is used and the grooves are cut deeper into the vinyl, producing a much clearer sound. I would think that they are also less susceptible to scratching and scuffing and withstand the normal wear and tear that a record gets form use, because of their thickness,” related Virgil.

We talked about ‘limited releases’ and why these are not only popular, but profitable as well.

“Well, instead of pressing, let’s say, 5,000 copies of a particular recording, we may only press 500. This helps to keep our costs down and collectors love this type of release; they will own an uncommon or rare record, which can affect the resale value of the record, depending on various factors such as the artist, condition etc.”

What other marketing ploys are utilized in the record business?

“We are starting to sign up bands for a 7” ‘split’ series. We will do a pre-order for each 7” and have several artists already committed to the project including Chuck Ragan/Tim Barry, William Elliott Whitmore/Josh Small, Fake problems/Look Mexico, Rocky Votolato/Chad Price (of Drag the River), just to name a few. The artists will do a cover of a song that has influenced what they do today. We not only have our own artists from Suburban Home Records, but other record labels and artists as well. And this is not so much a marketing ploy, as it is a unique opportunity for artists to be heard by other fan bases that may have not heard of the artist before the split and may also introduce the listener to another kind of musical genre that they may not listen to. With luck, we hope to have customers be interested enough to collect the whole series,” detailed Virgil.

We have just met the man behind the scenes at Suburban Home Records/Vinyl Collective, one of hundreds of independent record labels that produce quality vinyl records and allow independent musicians to be heard by the masses. Why these sales are not tabulated with the ‘big box’ record stores or major labels is food for thought. But if Suburban Home Records/Vinyl Collective keeps releasing quality vinyl records, it is just a matter of time, before they too, will become a “major label” and be counted, as the sale of vinyl records continues to move upward.

Author Robert Benson writes about rock/pop music, vinyl record collecting and operates http://www.collectingvinylrecords.com, where you can pick up a copy of his ebook called “The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting.”

If you are getting married, locating a reputable local entertainment disc jockey can be confusing, difficult and time consuming as you know, the wedding DJ can make or break the success of your event. Thousands of weddings take place every year and wedding Djs are the most commonly requested by clients. With the technology available today, many music services now use Mp3 players to house the entire music collection so you can make now be sure that the wedding dj or party dj in Ireland you hired has just about all the songs to cover any requests during your wedding.

If your big day is coming, an Ireland wedding Dj will be there to help you make your wedding live up to your and your guest’s expectations. If you are planning an event, a wedding or an anniversary party for example, you must keep in mind not all Djs are the same and every one of them specializes in a certain music or occasion. Some Djs however cover different types of events and you must remember to book the Dj you feel most comfortable with.

The requirements for the perfect Ireland Dj for your wedding or party are most simple ones but if not met your special event cannot succeed: the Dj must recognize that the event must run according to your wishes as a client, consider their job to play the exact music you request without discussing taste matters and should be able to respond in time to all special requests during the event.

By hiring an experienced wedding DJ or party Dj, you can sit back and enjoy your event without worrying something would go wrong. The Djs will work closely together with caterers, banquet managers, photographers and video photographers to ensure your event runs smoothly from the start to the end. For a pleasant esthetical image, all Djs will wear formal attire unless another agreement is made from the beginning. They use a wireless microphone to make any toast an effortless and hassle-free moment.

By looking up in the internet for Ireland Djs for different special occasions, you might find opportunities to save money, compare ratings and experience and also insurance and backup arrangements. You can also compare prices and discounts and choose the Dj most suiting your personal party requirements. Hiring a wedding or party Dj can be the key to your event’s success if you choose the right person for the job, but can also be the reason of your occasion’s failure if you hire a wrong Dj due to insufficient research on the matter.

If you want how to Hire a DJ Ireland or just more info about DJs in Ireland please visit this website http://www.yourperfectpartydj.ie

When you think of the DJ lifestyle, chances are that you probably didn’t picture working weddings and family gatherings—at least at first. The truth is that being a DJ is about being an entertainer for more than just people who listen to the same type of music that you like. Sometimes you have to be a wedding DJ and while it is not always the most fun thing to do, being a wedding DJ pays rather well and it is usually a one shot gig. You get dressed up like you’re the groom himself, play the tunes your wedding guests want to hear, collect your earnings and split out of there like there is no tomorrow. Sure, you probably would rather be living it up at the club collecting those free drinks with a bunch of fine ladies by your side, but unfortunately you have to make your money somehow.

You Have to Dress the Part

Dressing the part is one of the things that many DJs don’t like about having to be the official wedding DJ. Especially if you are the only entertainment that they hired, chances are that all eyes will be on you and if you wear your club clothes to the wedding you are probably going to get sent packing. Dress as if you would if you were in attendance at a wedding of a friend or a family member. Brush your hair wash your face, don a shirt and tie and voila! You have made yourself into a wedding DJ extraordinaire.

Do You Have the Tunes?

Another thing to think of if you plan on DJing a wedding is the type of tunes that you are going to need. Wedding receptions usually don’t use club hits and although it might be okay to play a few once people have started drinking it is always best to find out in advance the type of music that you should come prepared with. Country music, rock, soul, rhythm and blues—you name it, there are people at weddings that are going to demand it. If you are unprepared you can make yourself look like a horrible wedding DJ, so save yourself the trouble and ask in advance.

Do You Have the Patience?

Being a wedding DJ takes a certain type of patience that not all DJs actually possess. This is because requests can get strange and people can get stranger. A wedding is a time when people are full of laughter, love and most of all booze. If you don’t have the patience to deal with sobbingly happy family members and a blushing bride you might want to reconsider being a wedding DJ and try to think of some other things to do with your off time.

Guy Ames is webmaster and top DJ at DJ Tips and Tricks.com, the online guide to being a DJ.
http://www.dj-tips-and-tricks.com/

I didn’t quite feel any distinction from the original record.

Perhaps he is not too familiar with music editing yet (after all, Chee Kiang only has a laptop equipped with a Windows Media Player burner). What negligence, when music morphing features are already so comprehensive, covering almost all there could be to audio morphing!

And the developing music editing softwares are making the list even longer. Not long ago, mixers used to be limited to only 5 file extensions (.wav, .mp2, .mp3, .ogg and .wma). Now, the products of Audio4Fun and Sony support almost all the extensions there are (up to 14). Conversion of songs under different formats into as many types is no longer an edge, but a norm with these music editor-players.

Not only in quantity, but the quality of the output is also enhanced, with special attention to the pitch and timbre of the sound effects. And don’t be surprised getting to know that some music morphers now allow you unlimited freestyle mix-and-match of customized extractions of songs (yes, you can extract all the best verses of your favorite songs to create your own mega-hit). This defining feature is perhaps best demonstrated in the AV Music Morpher Gold.

A hip mixer is one who plays not only good music, but his own good music as well. These music juke boxes take as good care of specific wants of the demanding DJ as that of his above-mentioned special needs. He could drive clubbers hysterically spinning by mixing his voice into any hip-hop favorites, and further adding built-in juke effects or any of his pre-mixed sounds. That is how far the music editors have been developed, to help DJs keep clubbers screaming for more.

Perhaps what distinguishes the music editing concept from other high-end digital streams (DVD morphing for instance) is that the technology is so user-friendly and complete that any average home DJ now can produce his own CDs, fully personalized, from music to CD cover. All Music Morphers of Audio4Fun support such thorough form of customization, though it is hardly seen elsewhere in the market.

So how has the market embraced these creative editing tools? There are over 10 major music software producers, with big names such as Audio4Fun, Adobe and Sony (Audio4Fun is more specialist, as Adobe is more known for its PDF readers while Sony is an omnipresent titan). Products are for sale from a mere $9.95 to only $99.95, about the price of a DVD player. Free downloads of music editing softwares are also available on the web (legally, of course).

The combination of an extensive supply chain, low pricing and numerous support features might herald an age of home recording audios, where home DJs savor unique mix-medleys that even the Zouk clubbers crave for.

Oh my, Chee Kiang is going to love it if I get him one such Music Morpher for his coming birthday
www.audio4fun.com

Not just music and flashing lights

Mobile D.J’ing is different to club or radio D.J’ing. Just spending a fortune on the very latest equipment and latest chart music won’t make you a successful D.J or get you re-booked. Being a Mobile D.J is also about being an entertainer, rather then just being a Jukebox surrounded by lots of pretty lights!. You will also have to play a lot of music genres which you may not otherwise choose to listen to by choice.

A successful D.J is one who plays to his or her Audience, who can break the ice at difficult functions and who isn’t out to satisfy their own ego’s. Most D.J’s learn to “read” the audience, and are frequently watching the dancefloor to gauge what music will work next. At Mobile Functions such as Weddings, your audience may take some time to get onto the dancefloor and this is where Microphone work is important in order to break the ice, make your audience feel welcome and encourage them onto the dancefloor.

Where and how can I learn D.J skills and get advice?

Some people simply may not be cut out to D.J. Others may pick up the skills in a few months, others may take a year or longer. There is no hard or fast rule to learning the basics. The best, and often the most successful route to becoming a D.J is by helping another D.J at weekends.

Consider volunteering your services to another D.J locally. Helping out as a “Roadie” may not be financially rewarding but you are essentially learning new skills for free, which would cost you £100’s on a course. Most D.J’s will often cover your expenses and refreshments, some may even pay you, in return for your help, but don’t expect to live off it, after all they are doing you a favour by teaching you a trade, and sharing their knowledge.

Learning to D.J by becoming a Roadie is the fastest way to learn the business and by actually watching another Professional D.J at work can teach you more than in a classroom or College environment. Most D.J’s themselves got into the business this way, so don’t be afraid to ask.

What music will I need?

This is entirely dependant on the type of functions which you are attending. Most Mobile DJ’s will set themselves up to cover all types of functions from Childrens’ Parties to 75th Wedding Anniversaries, and this means playing music to all age groups. Ideally you will need to invest in virtually all types of Genres. Rock & Roll, 1960’s, 1970’s, Disco, Funk, Soul, Motown, 1980’s, 1990’s as well as the latest chart and club dance music.

If you are setting yourself up as a specialist DJ, offering services for one age group or type of function, then this will be a lot easier to fund and build a music collection. However you may wish to gauge the demand for that type of music and DJ in your area.

What Equipment do I need to buy?

Again it’s not the equipment which entertains, it’s the D.J. By having the latest equipment it won’t make you any better as a D.J. It is possible to start up on a budget of £1000, which will get you a sound system and a few lighting effects. If your budget won’t stretch to this, then you may need to consider buying 2nd hand or hiring the equipment. More information on choosing equipment is covered on another article.

Any good reason to start off by helping another D.J, is that you gain the experience and also find out if D.J’ing suits you BEFORE spending a lot of money and committment on buying equipment.

Buying a comprehensive music library is far more important than how much lighting you have, and should be your first consideration. You can build up your lighting, and upgrade your sound system (if required) once the work starts coming in to justify it.

What else do I need?

Committment, dedication and enthusiasm is a must. As is patience and a good sense of humour. By definition, most Mobile D.J’s work the weekends, so if you get a good reputation and a full diary, you may have to cut down on your own personal social activities, and this can also put a strain on relationships, so make sure your partner / spouse is also agreeable!.

From a professional prospective, you should also obtain some level of PLI (Public Liability Insurance), as a business within the UK it is a requirement to have some minimum level of insurance cover in order to protect you in the event of causing harm to a third party through accident or neglect. The amount of PLI cover required varies from £2 million to £10 million. You may find that £2 Million cover is adequate for your area, although some hotel chains may insist on a minimum of £5 million to work at their venues.

You may be asked to produce evidence of your PLI cover before being allowed to set up in some Hotels, and Council run establishments, so it is wise to get cover sooner, rather than later.

How about a D.J Course or Workshop?

These are few and far between especially in the UK, and usually aimed at teaching you beatmixing or turntable skills, which are of little use to the Novice Mobile D.J. If you are aiming for club work, then you may find a course to be of interest, however these courses have limited use on the Mobile Circuit.

D.J courses can cost between £100 and £1000s ($100 - $3000). Like any industry there are risks, so it is important to find out exactly what the course involves and whether the information is of any value to you before parting with your money!. Some courses may of little use, others may teach you the basics find out exactly what each one offers and weigh up the benefits to you.

If you are still in education and want to find a list of official College / University courses on further education opportunities in media, radio, stage and technical then ask at your High School for further information.

For more information on becoming a DJ, then why not join our DJ forum at http://www.dj-forum.co.uk or visit my website at http://www.mobiledisco.org

Mobile DJs for special events

And

DJs that work the club or bar scene

You will need a larger cross section of music as a mobile DJ as you will be catering to the tastes of many mixed audiences.

The cheapest way to find out whether DJ’ing is for you is to find a friend or local community centre that already has some equipment. This way you can save some money to spend on tunes which you will need in abundance to practice on.

If you decide DJ’ing is for you, you will eventually need to get some equipment. You will need two record players (decks) or CD mixers designed for DJ’ing. Technics 1200/1210 are the industry standard for record decks and Numark CDN 88’s for CD mixing are also good. The difference between this equipment and the CD/record players you have at home is the built in pitch control. The pitch control allows you to change the speed of the music which you will later need for mixing.

You will also need a mixer to change between tracks without gaps in the music.
A mixer can be used in the two main forms of mixing songs either for ‘scratching’ when a record or on some high end CD mixers the CD is moved back and forth to manipulate the sound. Or beat matching when one song is layered across another at the same speed to produce a smooth track change.

It’s likely that if you are just starting out your fist gigs will be in venues that don’t have much equipment. If you are going to be a mobile disco DJ you will need sound equipment and lighting. In most cases you will need to take all if not some of your equipment to the venue. For venues that do not have their own sound system you will need to take some proper mobile disco equipment including speakers and an amplifier. These can be hired but if you are going to make this a full time hobby or profession it’s cost effective to buy them instead. If you are lucky enough to find yourself DJ’ing in a night club with its own equipment it’s still a good idea to bring your own slip mats (these go on the record platform of the deck) and needles if using vinyl. If you are using someone else’s equipment it makes good sense to get there early to figure out how it works. You will also need a decent microphone as you may be expected to make announcements and a good set of headphones. The sealed back variety is preferred by DJs as they cut out all background noise.

Whether you’re planning to make a living out of DJ’ing or just as a hobby the main thing is have fun and enjoy what you do.

Showtime Mobile Disco offering advice on how to book a mobile DJ, become a mobile DJ and plan a party.

If you are just a beginner to the world of mixing and turntables, you are most likely awestruck by the well-established disc jockeys that have the ability to set the floor ablaze with their highly energetic music mixes. OK so you may not have the same range of talents as these DJs, but you can make up for your lack of experience or talent with the right kind of DJ equipments. Next time you visit a night club or disco, just make a trip backstage to check out the DJ equipments, and you will be amazed at the wide range of DJ equipments that are used to churn out those masterful mixes. Although, a novice in the field requires some time and practice on the turntable to somewhat master it, there are other DJ equipments that are not as difficult to learn. And as you advance as a DJ, these equipments will help you to create better music. As in any business you have to make some initial investment in this world of music mixing, as DJ equipments are the basic tools to give you a head start in this trade.

As a DJ, you can manipulate the equipments in a number of different ways. Not only can you rock the dance floor with beats and rhythms, you can also synchronize the music smoothly from one track to the next.

As a DJ, your goal is to make the crowd come to its feet and rock all through the night. At the same time you have to keep the energy level of the dance floor at a point that it can sustain over a longer stretch of time. You have to maintain a musical consistency throughout. As a DJ it is in your hand to keep the tempo alive without annoying a portion of the crowd.

To accomplish all these goals, DJs must be well versed in the advanced technological features of their DJ equipments. You need to be really familiar with your instruments like the back of your hands to use them to their fullest potential.

In the end, it is your skill as a DJ that will be appreciated by both the crowd uninitiated in the art of DJing, and also by those who do have some idea about the workings of a DJ. So make the best use of your DJ equipments and enjoy the wide appreciation from the audience for making them rock and roll throughout the night.

Starting out as a Disc Jockey? Buy high quality DJ Equipments at CheapDjEquipment.info.

So, with this in mind, be prepared to perform great when you come to record. A recording studio is a facility for audio recording.

The production work you will find in the leading edge recording studio is beyone compare. Future Sounds Studios is spacious enough to accommodate a single act to a forty member choir. The building has a 1,600 square foot recording studio with full digital audio production capabilities.

Look for nothing but superior top digital recording & mastering. Just as each person has chosen their own instrument, choosing the right recording studio is just as important. The audio recording studio is a full-featured digital-audio based recording facility.

This cutting edge recording studio is available for CD production, song demos, voice overs, production of your original music and jingles. The audio recording studio is capable of recording 16 different tracks from four iso booths. Future Sounds Studios is a full service recording company. The recording studio is very spacious and inviting.

For some, going to a audio recording studio is just too expensive, but those people have not made it to Future Sounds Studios yet. Do you think recording in a professional recording studio is too expensive? Think again. Session recording is now available.

Have you ever tried to make your own CD? Want to know what to look for in a recording studio? If you are a band or a musical entertainer, you need to stop, listen the music and make an educated decision.
http://www.FutureSoundsStudios.com/recording/