New Pioneer DJ System Revealed

As a valued customer of Pioneer (have a look at our DJ studio to see what I mean) we at Point Blank were lucky enough to be invited to the hotly anticipated launch party for their new CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900 decks, and DJM-5000 mixer at The Ministry of Sound in London last week.

The build up to the launch has been shrouded in rumour and mystery as Pioneer teased the baying DJ community with cryptic videos from the likes of James Zabiela, The Swedish House Mafia, Roger Sanchez and Paul Woolford. What we could work out from these clips was that one of the major benefits of the new CDJs would be negating the need for DJs to lug around their valuable CDs and laptops, however it was only last night, when we were able to try them out for ourselves, that we could see exactly how they would go about this.

As we milled about Ministry, gladly taking advantage of the free bar, there was a buzz of excitement in the air as the multitude of DJs began to get to grips with the CDJ's new in-built screen and Rekordbox file management interface, realising the new possibilities it could open up in their performances. The software essentially does the same job as your Traktors and Seratos but instead of having to hook up your laptop to a controller, you can simply plug in your USB memory stick loaded with your tunes and you are ready to go. There are loads more new features such as quantized beat looping and needle drop for quick scanning through tracks but these are perhaps best explained in the following promotional video:



Sounds exciting! The big clubs have surely put their orders in already for these, and I'm sure it won't be long before smaller bars and clubs follow suit.

If you want to learn how to fully harness the power of Pioneer CDJs, we have the best DJ courses for beginners through to advanced. Taught in the state of the art Point Blank studios, you will learn from experienced industry professionals and have access to the equipment 7 days a week whilst you are studying. Before you know it you’ll have the confidence to emigrate out of your bedroom, and be DJing in-front of adoring crowds of ravers! For full course information and enrolment details please click the following link: DJ Courses

Israeli & Palestinian Teenagers Unite to Make a Music Video - 'Step for Peace'

On June 18th 2009 a group of nineteen young Israelis and Palestinians came together in Tel Aviv to show that music can overcome conflict by creating a unique track and video.

The project is a collaboration between peace organisation Windows for Peace and Point Blank. This video 'Step for Peace' is the final result of all their hard work. Please click here for more information about the project.

Rogue Element Reveals Studio Secrets

Acclaimed producer and Point Blank tutor, Ben Medcalf (aka The Rogue Element) is featured in iDJ magazine this month, revealing some of his essential production tips and tricks. Click on the picture for a large version. If you want to find out more of the secrets behind his sound then Ben will be hosting the Music Production Masterclasses throughout the summer.

He also teaches the 3 month Introduction to Music Production course on Logic.

If you would like to hear some of Ben's work check out his latest album "Lumina" which has been receiving rave reviews in the dance music scene.

How To Succeed In the 21st Century Music Industry

It is clear to see that the dynamic of the music industry is evolving rapidly. It is now a real possibility for labels and even artists themselves to handle all their own business affairs, promotional strategies and connect with their fan base on a relatively small budget. In fact, unless you get picked up by a major label or have other significant financial backing, being able to do this yourself is an absolute necessity in order to succeed.

If this challenge is tackled effectively and efficiently, the dreams of fame and fortune that lurk within all budding musicians, are now realistically achievable. This is in large part due to the vastly inter-connected, high-speed, and cheap nature of modern communications; just look at how quickly new acts such as The Arctic Monkeys and more recently La Roux used social networking media such as Myspace and the blogosphere to rise from the bubbling pit of underground UK talent to become phenomena that even your Gran has heard of!

La Roux has shot to stardom

However, learning how to stay up to date with the latest technologies, choosing the most effective methods of promotion, and getting to grips with all the legal issues that accompany releasing records and protecting your music is by no means an easy task... and this is where we come in.

Our new Music Business Course gets underway on October 1st 2009 and has been specifically developed to reflect the changing face of the music industry. As well as in depth analysis of new business models and technologies, it will incorporate other key areas such as marketing and entrepreneurship, recording and publishing deals, management, copyright and licensing.

The course has been developed by Ruth K. Fung and Jos Jorgensen who is also the lead tutor. Jos is a professional songwriter and producer who composed and produced the theme music to hugely successful TV shows including "X Factor", "America’s Got Talent" and "Britain's Got Talent". He is also a director of artist management company JOWU Entertainment in China and with an MBA in Music Industries, brings to the programme a thorough understanding of the international music business.

Jos during his time serving the Danish Army

He said:

"The Music Industry is a rapidly changing landscape. Many people will have you believe it's all doom and gloom and that nobody will make any money now that sales are declining" says Jorgensen. "I totally disagree - the product is simply changing. Whoever is first to anticipate what happens from here will be the next music industry millionaire. The course will look back at the conventional workings of the business, look sideways at what is happening now and predict what this future landscape will look like."

At 18 Jos moved to Toronto and started working as assistant sound engineer with artists including Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed, Elvis Costello and the Bare Naked Ladies. Impressed with his talents, Lou Reed recommended Jos to LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts), who offered him a scholarship. Whilst there, Jos enjoyed one on one songwriting sessions with Sir Paul McCartney and went on to win the Sennheiser Acheivement Award twice and also the Times Songwriting /Composer award in 2001. A year later he was signed by Global Talent Publishing. Since then he has worked with Lemar, Blue, Westlife, Blazin' Squad and Terri Walker and has had numerous hits in south east Asia, Germany, Brazil, France as well as songs on four number one albums. This year he was honoured with a BMI award for "Best Musical Theme On American TV".

Ruth started her career as a writer and producer as part of Artful Dodger and subsequently enjoyed substantial chart success both at home and abroad. Ruth has written with Craig David, Lemar, Brandy, Louise, Liberty X and JLo. In recent years she has been a partner in well-respected music industry think tank, Finger On The Pulse, who continue to research and advise various companies and individuals on the ever changing landscape of the music business. The course will offer invaluable insights for anyone looking to earn a living from music in the digital era, whether you are an aspiring artist, songwriter, manager, entrepreneur, or seeking employment with record companies, publishers and agents.

No previous experience is required and students who complete the course will be awarded an NCFE Level 3 Introductory Award in Business for the Creative Industries.

Check out the full course outline and booking information here:

Music Business Course

Grammy-Nominated Mike Koglin to Develop and Teach New Trance Course

We are excited to unveil our new Trance Pro-Producer Course which has been developed in association with Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Mike Koglin.

Mike burst onto the scene in 1998 with his top 20 hit "The Silence". Since then he has released a string of productions and remixes, winning support from all the major players on the scene including Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto and Paul Van Dyk. Mike also runs his own label Noys Music, described by Mixmag as "one of the hottest trance labels in the UK". Last year he was named as one of the Top 100 DJ's in the world in DJ magazine’s annual poll.

The course is taught online and will be enrolling monthly from August 31st. It includes a wealth of course materials including tutorial videos, comprehensive notes, samples, song files and other resources. Each week students have the opportunity to upload their own tracks and get personal feedback, tips and advice from this hugely respected pro producer.

In addition to providing students with regular one-to-one feedback, Mike will also host a weekly webchat where the class can discuss course topics and exchange ideas with like-minded music producers from all over the world. This unique interaction has proved especially popular with students.

Check out the taster video:

...and for full course brochure and booking information please click on the following link:

Learn to produce trance

Tutor Interview - J.C. Concato

Second up in our series of tutor interviews is Head of the College J.C. Concato.. (he's the one on the right)



How long have you been working at Point Blank?

Since 2003

Which classes do/did you teach?

I started out writing a couple of courses for Point Blank and also taught Advanced music production, then the Mixing and Mastering course.

Do you remember a specific moment or period of time when you were first infected with the production bug?

It was at a very early age as my old man was a musician and I used to go on tour with him during school holidays. I used to listen to music on headphones (very loudly which I wouldn’t recommend doing now) and try to understand how those records were being made. But it’s really when I got my first 4 track recorder and drum machine that I really got into production (this was in the mid 80's).

… and can you briefly describe the path that lead you from there to where you are now?

I arrived in London in early 90's and got a training placement as a sound engineer in a recording studio. Then I moved to a bigger recording studio (Matrix), then became freelance and started production work.

What production project in the past has given you the most satisfaction?

Actually one of my first albums, it was a live funk band called Big Cheese All Stars in the early 90's (around the time of Acid Jazz). We recorded all live using only vintage analogue gear. Not a single digital device was used. This project was the most fun to do on many levels, and that definitely came through on the record.

Who is the most talented/ inspiring producer you have worked alongside?

It would be hard to pinpoint one person as many producers had different approaches and qualities, but the people I remember the most and was the most impressed with would be Stephen Street and Tommy D.

Do you prefer the creative freedom of music production or the more technical aspects of sound engineering?

I find both equally exciting and rewarding on different levels. The production provides an opportunity to have a creative input in shaping the sound of an artist, whereas sound engineering appeals to my geeky side I guess.

Being the head of a music college I imagine you have to be aware of all the latest technological advancements… How do you keep up when technology moves so fast?

Specialist magazines, on the web, via our tutors.... It is pretty easy nowadays to keep informed about latest technology and as I mentioned previously I can be a bit of a geek, so I quite enjoy that aspect anyway.

What recent advancements in particular do you believe have helped to push the music scene forward?

Digital technology becoming more affordable. Professional tools have become available to more people than ever before, allowing them to be creative and make music.

What benefits do you think people get from coming to a place like Point Blank?

It's an incredible shortcut - being taught production techniques by professionals. I did demo's for several years on my 4 track, then 8 track recordings etc.... And it wasn’t until I eventually started working in a professional recording studio that I began to learn the professional techniques for recording and production. Whereas by coming to Point Blank you start to learn the essential techniques right away, which I believe helps you to gain several years.

If you could give just one tip to an aspiring producer what would it be? (apart from “come to Point Blank” of course!)

Do it for the right reason!

Thanks to JC for taking the time out to talk to us. His many years of recording and mixing experience have been crucial in the development of the courses at Point Blank. If your music would benefit from expert feedback from professional music producers and sound engineers then check out the courses on offer in London: www.pointblanklondon.com and online
www.pointblankonline.net

Building Bridges Between Young Israelis and Palestinians Through Music

This video news item featured on worldfocus.org follows a group of young Israelis and Palestinians recording an original track and making an accompanying music video to explore issues relevant to their lives and experiences.

With the help of Point Blank and peace organisation Windows for Peace, they learnt new skills, enabling them to apply their talent and imagination to bring about peaceful change through the power of music.

More than just working together on a creative project, the group also lived, ate and shared every moment of their lives for a two-week period. The resulting music video shows young people in the region and the rest of the world, that communication with the ‘enemy’ is not only possible, but desirable and fruitful.



For more information about Point Blank's ongoing community outreach initiatives and our provision of positive activities for young people, please visit www.pointblanklearning.com