Four Tet and Tiga talk friendly competition amongst DJs

Tiga’s Last Party on Earth podcast is a fresh take on the unique paths to individual success with some of the most respected DJ’s and electronic artists.

The interview with Four Tet highlights how Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) continues to bring a positive mentality to his approach to producing music and performing live.

Four Tet described albums as a way to document his musical ideas and development over time; this philosophy resonated with me deeply.

Tiga and Tet also talk about the friendly competitive spirit they both share when it comes to DJing/making music; because at the end of they day it’s all about impressing your friends!

If you haven’t listened to any of these interviews this is a great place to start. If you enjoy it there are plenty more in the hopper.

I’ll also include a link to Soundcloud where you can hear a set Four Tet and Floating Points played for the Plastic People closing party Kieran references in this podcast.

ZG – ZG

The debut album of Zansika Lachhani and Grant (aka Anthony Collins, the Tony in Frank & Tony) is a gorgeous blend of guitars, synths, textures, vocals, and grooves. It has a unique sonic palette that will fit in almost any situation.

Besides the musicality and sound of the album, I love the fact that “Z & G” originally connected online after hearing each others music on Soundcloud.

Motivation for everyone to continue to create and share because you never know what connection and future creation it will lead to!

Jamiroquai Jazz Chords Simplified

I grew up with the luxury of having a piano around at all our family gatherings. My sisters and I would always end up noodling away. I would like to formally apologize and also thank my aunts and uncles for not stopping what I am sure was absolute noise in the early years…

Eventually I learned some songs and basic triad chord shapes. As I got older I taught myself more via YouTube or memorizing sheet music found in our piano bench.

As I began writing my own music and learning basic music theory I was looking for new novel chords to add character to my progressions.

Matt Johnson, the keyboardist from the English funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai, has a ton of great videos to improve your keyboard proficiency.

This one specifically is a great “hack” on how to play minor 11th chords. Useful and easy to implement as long as you know major and minor triad shapes.

“Compressor Jesus” – The House of Kush with Gregory Scott

When you hit the point in your self produced music making process where you need to mix your tracks…this is where time and experience have the most impact.

So what better way to get a jumpstart than to learn from someone who has plenty of it?

Check out Gregory Scott’s “The House of Kush” YouTube channel for amazing bite sized videos that are both technical and philosophical. Not only is he a professional engineer, he also designs his own line of analog mixing gear and plug ins.

He has an easily digestible video on what a compressor actually does, how to use it musically, and other videos with pieces of advice that are more about mixing tactics or techniques vs. the nitty gritty details.

Worth a follow for any producer!

Nils Frahm – All Melody

Nils Frahm’s music will always have an emotional impact on me.

The first listen I was absolutely blown away by his style, use of dynamics, timbres, textures, piano playing, and composition.

Any synth nerd or music producer can appreciate and enjoy what he creates. The “All Melody” album is fantastic, “Spaces” is another earlier record I enjoy top down, and the recording of his live show “Tripping with Nils Frahm” is an experience in and of itself.

I cannot wait to see him live in Los Angeles next month.