Common - Blue Sky (Official Video)

I knew this sample sounded familiar... Common - Blue Sky ELO - Mr. Blue Sky

Ludacris x Rilo Kiley - Moneymaking Money

Producers take note: This is how you flip a sample. This songs been in the rotation for a while now Ludacris x Rilo Kiley - Moneymaking Money (The Hood Internet) And the original by Rilo Kiley. It's actually a mini documentary but, if you just want the music, skip to 9:10

New School vs. Sample Source

Which is better? the 80's punk original? or the David Guetta Remix?

Danny Byrd - Vocal Processing Tricks

Wishery (Disney Remix)

Kanye West - Eyes Closed (mixtape)

Though Kanye West is still reveling in the critical and commercial success of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, he's still pumping out new music and possible tracks for the upcoming collaboration with Jay Z, Watch the Throne. To see what you've missed check out the Eyes Closed mixtape, and hear the much talked about H.A.M., the Lex Luger produced first single from Watch the Throne. Lex Luger also produced Rick Ross' B.M.F. (Blowing Money Fast) and Fabolous' Lights Out, as evident by a similar sounding synth in all three tracks. Check it.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Provided by DatPiff.com

DJ Skee Mixes it up with New iPad App

DJ Skee is one of the hottest DJ's in the game and I've been bumping his shit for a few years now. He's made some extraordinary beats and remixes but if you've ever wished you could mix like DJ Skee, now's your chance. DJ Skee has announced the Skeetox app for the iPad and it allows you to wirelessly control a couple of turntables, or other peripherals without the need for cumbersome equipment. Check out the video and see the app in action and be sure to see Skeetox at the Roxy in Hollywood on June 30th. Blowing your mind? Yeah, there's an app for that.

Sidechain Compression Is What Makes the World Go 'Round

For my first post on this blog, I'd like to discuss my obsession with sidechain compression. Its the sound that puts the bounce in my step while walking around the City bearing headphones. Its the musical technique DJs employ to move the floor like a choreographed ocean wave. Its the uncredited cousin of house music's "umm cha umm cha umm cha."

"What exactly is tonotopik talking about", you ask?

Technically, sidechain compression is a production technique. It uses a compressor (device that reduces the volume of an input when it reaches above a set threshold amount) to dynamically effect the output based on the sidechain input. The sidechain input is most usually a bass drum signal. So, whenever the bass drum hits, the compressor reduces the volume of the track being compressed, and as the bass drum releases, the compressor raises the attack level of the track. Usually, the compressor is set to a long attack and short release, never letting the level get to the decay point. The result is the fading in and quick release of the track being compressed.

Non-technically, listen to the following clip (The Bloody Beetroots - Dimmakmmunication) and you'll get it. Pay attention to the organ-like synth at the beginning, and then listen to how it changes when the bass drum enters around 0:44. For a more drastic example, pay attention after "Hey DJ" around 1:35.

By the way, it is my dream to DJ a club and drop this track, watching the crowd go nuts after "Hey DJ."

Another one of my favorites is Autoerotique's remix of Lykke Li- Little Bit. Many different tracks of the song are sidechained, including the bass and a little bit (pun intended) of the vocals. Autoerotique also puts most of the instruments on the syncopated off beats, making it impossible for an engrossed listener to sit still.

Another great track is Purple Haze - Bliksem (Purple Haze is the alterego of Sander van Doorn, master of dark and heavy house music).

And, last, no post on sidechain compression could be complete without the modern classic Deadmau5 - Ghosts N Stuff.