The Shoe Skool Sessions Presents - The Kick In Btz Rampshow

Happy Friday everyone! As always we have been putting in a lot of work here at Kick It Recordings Studio North East so always, be on the look out for new releases, tour information, wicked videos, and exciting news from Kick It, S&D and the whole crew!

This week we have two killer mixes from the Kick In Btz Rampshow with Sneaker & The Dryer!!! Rampshows feature banging new mixes from talented artists such as Janette Slack, Lebrosk and many other hard working DJs!  Be sure to swing by there and download some big time shows!

The S&D Ramp business is posted once a month, and it has been getting a massive response from listeners 'round the world! These tracks are perfect for partying in the warmer weather that is already on it's way! Have an amazing weekend, rock out to the mixes, be safe, and always, Kick It!!!

Kick In Btz Rampshow 002

Kick-in Btz Ramp Show Vol. 2 w/ Sneaker & The Dryer by SneakerAndTheDryer

Kick In Btz Rampshow 003

Kick-in Btz Ramp Show Vol. 3 w/ Sneaker & The Dryer by SneakerAndTheDryer

 Rampshows Blog - ramp-shows.blogspot.com

The Shoe Skool Sessions Blogcast - Sharaz Mix

Happy Friday everybody, we have something wicked on tap for you all today, a kickass Exclusive mix and an awesome interview from Breakbeat Legend, Sharaz! Since last week we had such a drastically different show for you we have decided to only post the Sharaz mix for you! Don't fear though, because next week we will have an all new episode of The Shoe Skool Sessions w/ Sneaker & The Dryer! Enjoy the interview and mix!!!

Originally born in Chicago but having moved to Florida to attend college, Sharaz is one of the first artists that influenced me to make the change from the 4/4 world into one that was broken.

Sharaz has been leaving his mark on the EDM scene for over 15 years now and he has worked with top artists from around the country, not to mention having been nominated for an IDMA Award in 2007. He has performed alongside legends like Richard "Humpty" Vision, Darude, The Crystal Method and Paul Okenfold and has been nominated several times as America's #1 Breakbeat DJ by BPM Magazine.

An experienced drummer with a rock background that is also heavily influenced by funk and Mo Town, Sharaz has recently begun to incorporate multiple genres into his Dj sets and productions including Electro House, Dubstep and Rocktronica.

Recently Sharaz has really been turning up the heat in the production department and I have been playing just about everyone of his latest releases on my radio shows, in my Live sets and using them in my promotional mixes. "It Doesn't Matter Where I'm From" is a personal favorite of mine that I just can't get enough of and his most current release, "Freakout", had a nice ride in the Beatport Top 100 Breaks just a few weeks ago.

Releasing his originals on his own label NineFourOne Media, Sharaz often has "Free Tune Friday's" where he will post up his newest track on Soundcloud and make it available for download to the first 1,000 lucky people. The downloads often max out within 24-48 hours, so make sure to follow him on Soundcloud so you don't miss out. After the 1,000 download limit is reached, you can purchase the tracks on Beatport or wherever else you get your digital music. The next "Free Tune Friday" from Sharaz is scheduled for April 13th, don't slack!

With over 35 records and 5 CDs released under his own label NineFourOne Media and a slew of bangers about to drop (most of which are in the mix we have below), you can expect big big things from Sharaz in the near future!

Recently signed to Sky Artist Management, if you are wondering what Sharaz is like Live, check out the incredible Exclusive sixty minute mix we have for you from Mr. Sharaz. If this isn't the way to get your weekend started right, I don't know what is. Grab yourself the download, turn your speakers up and keep reading for the Kick It 12 - Sharaz Edition to see what makes him tick, Kick It!

The Kick It 12 - Sharaz Edition

1. – At what age did you first find yourself gravitating towards electronic music and who were some of the artists outside of Electronic music that influenced that?

I got into EDM n my mid 20's. Honestly I didn't pay too much attention before that because I've always been a rock-and-roll and Motown guy. Still am for the most part.


2. – What was your very first Album? How about CD?

My first album album?...hmmm...I think it was Boston's first record. Someone gave me a copy of that for my birthday when I was little and I remember it being used and all scratched up. As for my first CD I cannot even remember! My first EDM CD was DJ Hardware's “Trip Hop Acid Phunk”, though. That was a banger!


3. – How did you first get involved with the Electronic music culture and what was the first event that you attended?

Where I live, back in the mid 90's, a local club here would throw an electronic night on Thursdays. I started going because I thought the people were more interesting to hang out with. Got to like and understand the music in the meantime. That's how I guess it started.


4. – Where was your favorite gig that you have had to date?

I've had lots of them. I always enjoy playing in Los Angeles, though. I love that place and have a ton of friends out that way. I'd move out there if I wasn't such a pussy.


5. - Who have you been most proud to play alongside?

Afrika Bambaataa, Bad Boy Bill and Paul Oakenfold.


6. - Where would you most like to play that you have not yet?

Believe it or not, I have never been to Las Vegas. Not as a visitor and not as a DJ. Don't know what the place looks like except in photos.


7. - What is your favorite tune you have released?

Probably “Holdin' On” because it was kind of a different song for me. That one was nominated for an International Dance Music Award (IDMA) a few years back. I was up against Jamoriquai and Fedde Le Grande. Le Grande won.


8. - Who is your favorite EDM artist? How about outside of EDM?

In EDM that's a tough one because there are so many. Same outside of EDM. Elvis, The Beatles, The Doors, Marvin Gaye and almost all of the Motown artists were a huge influence on me growing up – and yes that includes early Michael Jackson. My mom was always listening to Diana Ross and the Supremes. I think the 1960s and the 1980s were watershed moments in popular musical history...I did get to experience the 80s as a kid but I only got to experience the 60s through its music. I started playing the drums at 12, banging on pillows with two sticks to Motown music.


9. - Who are some artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?

I'd really like to work with some producers outside of EDM. Maybe Dr. Luke. Cee Lo Green and Danger Mouse are two other guys I really admire. I like that whole Motown vibe they have going on. A lot of people will probably say this is cheesy but I'm really interested in how these guys go about the music creation process.


10. - What is your preferred software for producing? Hardware?

Ableton as of late. I've been through pretty much all of them and I am kind of stuck on Ableton because of the workflow. I have so much hardware I ended up having to put a good portion of it in storage. I have a couple of vintage Roland Jupiters, a few Junos, a TR 909, a few Access Virus synths, some old vocoders...I really don't use any of them anymore, I just collect and will buy stuff when I see it if it's a good deal. Vintage synths have been better investments than real estate for me. One hardware piece I do use are my Roland V-Drums...I will often produce my beats live using those and Native Instruments Kontakt.


11. - What life lessons has the music industry taught you?

Oh wow lots of them. You're only as good as your last song and people will forget about you pretty fast, especially in EDM. The other is never stop learning, especially from the younger peeps, because young minds bring fresh ideas. Stay away from the politics – you really don't need to be involved in peoples' drama, it just drags you down. I just make music for me these days and couldn't care less what anyone thinks. For instance I've been putting drops and huge builds in my songs lately. Someone recently said to me “that's kind of cheesy”, I was like “who the hell told you you had to listen to my music? I like them so go fuck off.” Unless you are being paid by a big label or artist who wants something extremely specific, do your own thing and worry about only yourself is probably the best industry lesson anyone can learn.


12. – What does the future hold for Sharaz?

I have been branching out. Like I said, I've always been a rock-and-roll kind of guy, and lately I've been incorporating some of those elements in my music - guitars, acoustic instruments and such. I'm really bored with stuff in the 130-ish bpm range as well and have been doing some faster tempo music along with some cinematic type work. It's a real challenge. I work with a handful of vocalists and will sometimes sit down and compose a project for them at 100bpm or 150 bpm or whatever seems to suit me at that particular moment. I do not feel like I have to make just breaks anymore...but one time that was my thinking, though. It's a big world out there, so why stay in one village all your life?

 

Sharaz - Exclusive Guest Mix for The Shoe Skool Sessions by The Kick It Blog

Sharaz's Website - www.dropthatbass.com/

Sharaz on Soundcloud - soundcloud.com/dj-sharaz

Sky Artist Management Website - www.skyartistmgmt.com 

The Shoe Skool Sessions Blogcast Episode #31 - Something a Little Different

Oh yeah, it’s time for episode #31 of The Shoe Skool Sessions Blogcast w/ Sneaker & The Dryer!!! This week’s show is far from your normal dose of bassage from S&D. Btz takes things in a totally different direction with this show keeping things funky, upbeat and always moving with just a few of the massive bangers that normally make up the show.  Believe me when I tell you, this download is not to be missed as you won’t often catch a set like this from Sneaker & The Dryer!!!

 If you have been a fan forever or are just getting acquainted with the Bassline Specialists, you will quickly realize that this is not your standard affair and that you must own Episode #31, allowing you to grove to it over and over again! 

This week is madness, much like every other week at Kick It Studios Northeast, so be sure to be on the lookout for free tunes, new releases, music videos, and much more  from Kick It. Things are just heating up for 2012 as we bring you only the biggest and best in quality business that you want and need! The only thing you have to do for us is, KICK IT!!!! Have a great weekend, and be safe!!!!!

The Shoe Skool Sessions Blogcast Episode #31

The Shoe Skool Sessions Blogcast Episode #31 - Something a Little Different by SneakerAndTheDryer

Sneaker & The Dryer on Facebook - facebook.com/sneakerandthedryermusic 

Sneaker & The Dryer on Beatport - beatport.com/sneaker-and-the-dryer

The Shoe Skool Sessions Blogcast Episode #30

Happy Friday everyone!!! The Shoe Skool Sessions Blogcast with Sneaker & The Dryer is back bringing you  Episode #30! Kicking off the business this week is an amazing tune from the one like Farace with his remix of Joman’s  “Light Up The Night”,  this massive club banging tune hits you hard between the eye’s! 

This show starts big and ends huge, giving you only the largest of tunes right from the get go. Fresh from playing a highly successful show in his hometown of Worcester  MA, S&D gives an energy filled preformance on a unique 4 deck set up!!!  Dedicated to always being up to date on new tunes, this show is just as you’ve come to expect,  full of new bass infused business!

This weeks show is also special because it is the first time you hear the newest release from Kick It, Yreane “Way Back Home” and can purchase it for yourself!!!!  Grab this mix and I’m sure that it will melt all the snow around you and  bring the fire to whatever awesome plans you have for this weekend!

Don’t forget to check back here every week for a new episode of The Shoe Skool Sessions w/ Sneaker & The Dryer! Stay safe, stay warm, party hard and always remember to Kick It!!!!!!

Joman - Light Up The Night (Farace Remix)

The Shoe Skool Sessions Blogcast Episode #30

The Shoe Skool Sessions Blogcast Episode #30 - Kick It!! by SneakerAndTheDryer

The Shoe Skool Sessions Blogcast Episode #29 w/ Left Right's "Fight Mix"

Who’s ready for some Friday? I know I sure am and we've got just what you need to get you in the weekend mood, a free mix from Left/Right and The Shoe Skool Sessions Blogcast#28! After his highly well received "Flight Mix" which was enormously popular, many a bass head have been eagerly awaiting the second part in the series and we now have it available for you!

Chris Lund aka Left/Right has spent over a decade working from Dallas as a Dj, producer, and teacher... and even longer as a musician. His music has garnered stellar reviews from DJ Mag, Rolling Stone, BT, The Crystal Method, DJ Icey, and NAPT as well as charted in the top 10 at Beatport, DjDownload, Juno, TrackItDown, and the Hype Machine. With degrees in both music composition and audio engineering, Chris loves to create music and it shows in his work!

His exciting singles, innovative remixes, and pumping Dj mixes are released on notable labels like Sound Of Habib, Ego Shot, Downbeat, and Dusted Breaks among others. Proficient as a Dj and a producer, L/R smashes it behind the decks when he is playing out live as well and he is regularly booked throughout the US and internationally to move dancefloors with his signature Breaks, Electro, and driving Indie sound.

Left/Right has been seriously heating things up with an assortment of recent originals and remixes and his collaborations with Digital Pizza have been phenomenal. Their remix of The Crystal Method's "Play For Real" is one of my favorite tracks from 2011 as is their original tuna "Every Body", which had a nice ride in the charts proving I'm not the only one feeling that way!

We had the first NSB Radio airing of Left/Right's "Fight Mix" on The Shoe Skool Sessions last night and it was one of the busiest chat rooms I have seen and everyone I talked to was totally loving it! If you are feeling the new wave of Future Jungle that's been picking up steam, then this sixty minute mix is going to be music to your ears as it was mine.

Packed full of nothing but the business including lots of exclusive stuff from L/R himself, this is one mix that's going to be rocking a lot of speakers in the coming weeks!

Then it’s time for Sneaker & The Dryer bringing you the business on a whole new set up!!! Prepare yourself for some out of this world mixing as S&D recreates their most recent Live set from down in Washington DC this past weekend! Huge tunes combined with new equipment make this podcast a must have!

Open your ears wide, turn down the lights and lace up them shoes because the Bassline Specialists are giving you a new experience with Torq 2.0 and let me say that you’ve never heard anything like it! Sneaker & The Dryer have an all new rig that you have never seen rocked by anyone and it shines through on this week’s show. Full of all only the biggest bangers that have been busting up the charts and deft mixing like you’ve never heard before, The Shoe Skool Sessions Podcast Episode #29 gives you it all!!!

Left/Right Fight Mix Tracklist

01. - Chemical Brothers "Marissa Flashback"
02. - Karton "Chase It High" Left/Right Remix
03. - Dan Sena "Song of Siren" Rack N Ruin Remix
04. - Zeds Dead "Rumble in the Jungle"
05. - The Freestylers "Over You" 601 Remix
06. - Pyramid "Cruel" Ft. Julie Thompson
07. - Joy Orbison "Hyph Myngo" Jurrasik Edit
08. - Backdraft "Falling" Left/Right & Digital Pizza Remix
09. - Freestylers & Wizard "Killasound"
10. - jACQ Ft. Chamillionaire "Still in Love with It" Left/Right Remix
11. - Jarrasik "Wine Ya Body" Left/Right Remix
12. - 601 "Can't Take It"
13. - Emal Kay "Flesh & Bone" Ft. Rod Azlan
14. - Warrior One "Coastin"
15. - Example "Changed the Way You Kiss Me" Friction Remix
16. - I Blame Coco "Quicker" Rack N Ruin Remix
17. - Rack N Ruin Ft. Navigator & Slarta John "Territory" Junglist Remix
18. - Shakes "Gangbusters"
19. - Ed Solo & Deekline "Always RIP" Pyramid Remix
20. - Aquasky "Taken Over Me"
21. - Chase & Status "Time" Ft. Delilah
22. - Rack N Ruin "Soundclash"
23. - Cassius "I Love You So" Skream Remix
24. - Rico Tubbs "Madness" The Killabits Remix
25. - Hostage "Sweet Sweet Riddim" 140 Instrumental Mix
26. - Bassbin Twins "Woppa"
27. - Flux Pavilion "I Can't Stop" (Tease)
28. - Dj Fresh "Ice Cream"
29. - Sub Focus "Last Jungle"

The Shoe Skool Sessions Blogcast #29

Left/Right on Facebook - www.facebook.com/LeftRightMusicOfficial

Left/Right on Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/leftrightmusic