Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with electronic

Recommendations for DJ samples/songs ala Fatboy Slim?

heatherfl — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:30:56 -0800

My husband mixes dance music using Fruity Loops. I want to get him some CDs for Christmas for samples -- particularly stuff that sounds like Fatboy Slim. Help? I can buy loops already sampled or I can buy songs for that he can sample himself, it doesn't matter.

This song is a good overview of what FBS sounds like and what I'm looking for:
Mad Flava

There's a lot of retro sounding piano and brass, some funky bass/guitar, syncopated percussion, a bit of synth/electronica, and non-rap but rhythmically interesting vocals. If you're familiar with Fatboy Slim, you know what I mean!

FYI, I already got him "The Ultimate DJ Sample Box" which has actual Fatboy Slim samples. Just looking for supplemental goodies now.

So what should I get for him, music experts?

Thanks so much!

the difference it makes

four panels — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:29:22 -0800

Sort of looking for an Internet Radio Stream that plays kompakt pop/ambient kind of stuff. Thank you!

Live bass guitar looping - how DID he do it?

monster max — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:01:33 -0800

A little while back I heard a bass guitar player with some kind of amazing live looping set-up - what on earth was it? I keep wondering what he was doing. All I could see was that he was grabbing (sampling) things he was playing, as he was playing them (ie while he was continuing to play), using foot pedals of some sort, and then incorporating those loops into the rest of the track. Amazing. But how?

Help me file everything perfectly.

HopStopDon'tShop — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:38:38 -0800

A two-parter on an efficient filing system: 1 - if you're running a business with the usual documents and stuff, what is the best filing system in the entire world so that everyone will understand it and know where to look to find stuff. (What kind of labels/titles to use, how to divide physical files etc). 2 - and if I wanted that system to be online, what's the best way to store it all so that they are readily searchable, findable etc. A wrinkle or two: there are multiple companies but the same employees will be accessing the data (so should 'correspondence' etc be one heading, with different companies underneath, or should each company have its own 'correspondence' etc section);

What about emails, I don't want to print them (waste paper) and I don't want to keep them all indefinitely (taking up precious server space). Convert the relevant emails to pdf?

What about personal stuff? What's the ideal way to sort and file personal stuff.

ps. Please do not concern yourself with legal requirements for keeping data etc, we'll take care of that part separately.

We were never mnml

azarbayejani — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:30:35 -0800

IdentifyThisElectronicMusicFilter: Does anybody know the name/artist/album of this minimal electronic track I found in a liveset (big mp3)? Or anything similar? I've been obsessed with this track (and liveset) for months and I really hope it's not an unreleased track from Move D and Benjamin Brunn because I hope it just points me in the direction of a new artist.

Anyway, if you don't know, but do know something you think I would like if I liked this track, that would be great too.

It's all "electro" to me.

256 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:24:47 -0800

Can anyone identify the artist, album, or even subgenre of this electronic music track? I'm terrible at the whole trance vs. ambient vs. trip hop thing. I don't even know where to begin. But I know I love this album that somehow got onto my hard drive with absolutely no identifying information.

Here is another track from the same album.

I really want to know what this album is and who made it, but even more than that, I want to know what this kind of music is called so that I can find more of it.

Strange Voices

phrontist — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:02:16 -0800

Recommend some music like Bon Iver's Woods, Imogen Heap's Hide and Seek, Beardyman, and some of Jamie Lidell - which feature nothing (or very little) but the human voice modified by electronics. Augmented acapellas, if you will.

That boy needs therapy

benzenedream — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:34:19 -0800

What are some of your favorite obscure electronic music singles? I'm looking for the kind of stuff where an otherwise unremarkable or unrecognized artist managed to release one perfect song. I am not interested in one-hit wonders as Wikipedia defines it -- I don't care if the song was ever popular or a club hit, just that it's good and interesting. Songs that creep onto your playlists despite not knowing or liking anything else by the same band are what I'm looking for, perhaps an excellent remix that managed to redeem a weak song. I tend towards artists such as Negativland, Lionrock, Aphex Twin, Prefuse 73, Amon Tobin, Girl Talk, DNTEL, Autechre, Avalanches, Jason Forrest, etc. but am looking for stuff far off the Pandora similarity radar.

♪ How Hard Can This Be . . .

@troy — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:36:38 -0800

Licensing music for Guitar Hero-like app I'm interested in developing a Guitar Hero-like app that allows you to "play along" with an animated score and I'd like to license real music for this.

Preliminary searching is rather unclear as to whether a compulsory mechanical license is sufficient, or whether due to the AV nature a full synch license will need to be negotiated (thus killing the idea dead).

(It's my understanding that the majors went for synch licensing, but they are also going for sound-alike, while my idea is rather similar to basic ring-tone quality, which falls under mechanical licensing, and not a full repro of the song as recorded).

Bonus points for knowledge of licensing JASRAC-controlled IP for similar use here in the states and in Asia . . .

Online writing system?

cymru_j — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:50:49 -0800

Online systems for writing teachers? I am a college writing instructor, and I've been asked to preview the following system for possible adoption in my classroom: http://www.mycomplab.com/newtour/index.html.

This is new turf for me, and I'm not sure what to think.

The benefit of the system is its inclusiveness; it's a one-stop shop for students' writing needs: grammar help, online paper submission and more. It also seems to be a potential boon for instructors, since it allows them to provide feedback on student work efficiently.

That said, my concern is that it might be unwise to adopt something so monolithic. If the system breaks down, the entire course effectively grinds to a halt.

Then again, I don't want to be resistant to electronic resources. Though I do use Blackboard, it's only one aspect of the course, and I'm wary of going all electronic (unless, of course, the system is superb).

Questions:
- Have you used this or a similar system?
- How does this particular system look to you?
- I'll be meeting with a rep who'll demo the system. What kinds of questions should I ask at that meeting?

Thanks in advance!

Where do you dance if you missed the Electric Daisy Carnival?

theiconoclast31 — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:03:18 -0800

Is there a rave subculture, and how can I get in on it? When I was in Holland, I met some people at my youth hostel who took me to some fantastic parties. Specifically, I remember a party held in a boat and each floor would have DJ's spinning a different kind of music. (So like, top floor was house, middle was drum n' bass, etc.) It was fantastic, and I've since become interested in everything electronic music.

Also bonus points for folks who know details of the rave scene in the bay area, because that's where I am for the summer. More general anecdotes and advice also welcome.

Which Leapster should I choose for 5 year old?

lynnie-the-pooh — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:32:48 -0800

What is better? The Leapster Gaming System or the Leapster 2 Gaming System? I'm trying to figure out what the main difference is? My five year old wants an electronic game but I want it to be educational. I'm not sure which one to get. Also, some of the software I see at the store says.............for expanded use for Leapster 2........which makes me confused.........will all the leapster softwares fit both kinds of leapsters, or does each leapster (original and 2) have their own softwares?

Thanks,

Lynnie-the-pooh

Where to buy electronic components in Los Angeles

Charlie Lesoine — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:48:20 -0800

Looking for somewhere to buy electronic components in Los Angeles, possibly in bulk ammounts. Things like resistors, capacitors, op-amps, LEDs. I'm imagining a great big store with aisles and aisles of switches, knobs, project enclosures, components, wires and soldering irons. Does Frys have this stuff? Pacific Radio? I know radioshack has some components, but I'm looking to buy a whole bunch...

I want to make the bleepy bloppy wheezy sounds

speicus — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:06:21 -0800

Are there any stores that sell cheap toy musical instruments in Los Angeles? I'm looking for a few specific kinds of toy instruments:

-toy accordion (preferably one with piano keys like this one, though one with buttons would be fine too)
-voice changers
-toy fake guitars (you know, the ones that pump out a few canned riffs, like the inimitable One Man Jam)

Though other toy instruments are good too (especially electronic ones that can be bent). I tried going to Mega Toys but they seem to only be open during Xmas season, and my cursory stroll through Chinatown looking for shops was not so fruitful. Does anyone know of any stores around town that might have this kind of stuff for cheap?

Thanks in advance folks!

Where do people go for B-roll?

bryanjbusch — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:56:44 -0800

I'm thinking of shooting and uploading some b-roll for sale to others who might need it, with locations and keywords and all. Is there a marketplace for this? When people are putting together news clips (or any kind of video, but mostly news), they usually shoot some extra footage that they can use to cover up jumpy edits, or for voiceovers. They call it B-roll.

Is there a marketplace for b-roll that you haven't shot yourself? Let's say you're doing even yet still another story about obesity in America and you need a shot of heavy people with no heads. If you're not sure you can go shoot some b-roll of this before the deadline, could you buy some online?

Where should I go to grad school?

hapticactionnetwork — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:19:08 -0800

What kind of grad program should I go to if I'm interested in the preservation of digital media archives? Museum studies? Information science? Something else entirely? Lately, I have been considering going to grad school. I have a bachelor's in theater, and I've been working at a theater for the past 5ish years.

I've been looking at the University of Texas' School of Information Master of Science in Information Studies, but would that degree prepare me to work with digital media later? (And, I guess, analog electronic media like VHS tapes.).

Are there programs out there that specifically prepare people to work with archives that focus on electronic/digital media?

Should I just get a master's in Art History and find another way to get the preservation experience?

Is this a terrible idea in general?

Jeeze, life is full of difficult decisions. Thanks for helping with this one.

"I don't wanna work/I just wanna bang on the drums all day."

po822000 — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:05:57 -0800

What are the best electronic drum kits on the market not named "V-drums"? After playing lots of Rock Band and Guitar Hero, I'm pining to get a drum kit again. I used to have on through the first year of college, but ended up selling it because it became cumbersome in frequent moves and, frankly, didn't endear me to neighbors.

I used to be really deep into drumming culture - I used to have all 40 rudiments memorized, used to read my copies of Modern Drummer religiously...but life got in the way, and I'm simply not as "in the know" about gear as I used to be.

I'd love to buy some electronic drums, because they tend to take up a smaller footprint than an acoustic set, and because most have headphone jacks, they're suburban-friendly. I would obviously love to have a set a V-Drums, but alas - the economy is down, and so are my coffers.

What are some of the more budget-friendly electronic drum kits out there that won't sound like I'm trying out for an '80s New Wave band when I play them?

How was Merriweather Post Pavilion made?

invitapriore — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:30:32 -0800

Electronic music production. How, for example, were the sounds on Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion made? This is a pretty short question, but I'm wondering what sorts of programs, instruments, techniques, etc. are used to make sounds like one can hear on that album. Is it possible with a MIDI controller and a program like Natural Instrument's Reaktor to do similar things?

Intense breaks + soft music = ???

azarbayejani — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:02:13 -0800

Breakfilter: Help me find songs that have similar drum breaks to You Got Me by The Roots. I've kind of been obsessed with this song for a few days. I'm talking about the drums that come in at around 3:30. To be more specific, it's not just the drums that attract me, but the drums set in such a laid back, jazzy background.

So basically I'm looking for some chill, jazzy hip-hop or trip-hop music that has some intense breaks in it. I like that contrast.

Side Question: What other hip hop groups use live instrumentals?

Soldering?

fixedgear — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:46:11 -0800

Do I really need a soldering station? Preface: I love tools, and I'm always looking for an excuse to buy one. My current project requires soldering. I can solder, I have an iron. This is PCB assembly, and seems pretty straightforward. Is a soldering station a 'nice to have, will make it go faster, better, be easier, more rewarding and fun' or is it more like 'indispensable.' Stations seem to run from like $40 - many hundreds. I've thought about getting a cheap one from Harbor Freight and have looked on Craigslist.

Epson Artisan 800 All-in-One Printer bought in USA? How to use in U.K?

omaralarifi — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:03:48 -0800

Just returned from fabulous 2 week holiday in New York. I Brought back Epson Artisan 800 All-in-One Printer from Staples costing $230. Unfortunately, I cannot use it in U.K., unless I plug voltage converter/transformer products. Has anyone else bought this set over there with more success? Any advice \ information appreciated. Please specify me What exact voltage converter product to buy & where to buy it from USA online store. Thanks. I checked again the Epson Artisan 800 All-in-One Printer power information:
Power Requirements

Rated voltage: 120 VAC
Rated frequency: 50 – 60 Hz
Rated current: 0.8 Amp

Power Consumption

Approx. 26 W ISO 10561
Approx. 5.5 W (Sleep Mode)
Approx. 0.3 W (Power Off Mode)
ENERGY STAR® compliant

This is why I cannot understand it blowing.

Unce unce bleep - "say what again"

rocco — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:34:35 -0800

Which movies have an electronic music soundtrack? I get the impression that electronic music doesn't sit too well in movies. With the exception of actual club scenes (Babel, IAG Pete Tong) techno, breaks, drum & bass don't often get a look in.

So, which movies use electronic music extensively or appropriately?

THANKS for any suggestions....

Yes No Maybe is all I need to hear from you

clearly — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:04:11 -0800

MusicFilter: I recently discovered Cut Copy and think that their new album is fantastic. Do you have any suggestions for similar upbeat feel-good electronic music?

Tiny Toy Pocket Elctronic Keyboard of Magical Awesomeness

Baby_Balrog — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:30:59 -0800

Help me find this tiny electronic pocket piano from my youth. I remember owning a couple of these at one point - I received them from my grandpa around 1988 or 89.

The stats, as I can remember them from all those many long, bleak years gone by -

- I think one octave.
- Very small, maybe 1/2" thick, 3.5" long and 2" wide.
- Came in a little faux-leather sleeve? Or perhaps it was a sort of flap that covered the face of it, and I think it was yellow.
- Included a little card with a song list on it?
- Produced a tiny little note when you depressed a plastic button - the buttons had practically no action at all - really more like a clicker than a button.
- Filled me with joy.

How to network with other musicians and get feedback on my music?

wastelands — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:33:42 -0800

Advice for a beginning musician in terms of networking and promotion? Thanks to all of you for recommending software in my earlier Ask Mefi post (Getting started producing electronic music?), I gave it a shot and I started cranking out tracks.

Now I'm wondering if any of you had ideas in terms of getting my music out there? I'm not asking because I expect to or even want to make money or get famous. Mostly I want to network with like-minded experimental musicians and fans of such music to get their feedback, tips and tricks, etc. It would be nice to know a few people who actually know what VST is or who love tweaking synthesizer settings into the wee hours. Right now I feel pretty isolated.

I will be putting up my own website this weekend to make my tracks more accessible, but it takes a while to build traffic on any new site. I've sent MP3s to friends and family, and all but a couple of them had comments limited to something like, "That's cool."

Of course, I posted to music.mefi. :-) But it seems a dead in there for some reason.

Bonus points if you can tell me how to avoid using MySpace to do this. That site scares me. But, ya know, I will use it if I have to.