Today's creative DJ does so much more than just spin tracks. Alex Solano shows you how you can use Ableton Live, a AKAI Pro Rhythm Wolf, and a AKAI APCmkII to keep your beats live and your set exciting!
Alex begins by showing you the capabilities of the hardware and software used, and what they offer to the DJ. He then shows you how to optimally configure Ableton Live for a DJ set.
Next, Alex reveals how to set up an Analog Beat Box / Synthesizer like the AKAI Rhythm Wolf to add a sense of live excitement to your DJ set and avoid problems like tempo drift. He then follows up with a video on how the APCmkII makes an ideal DJ controller.
The last three videos are all about performance. Alex shows you how to use Ableton's Session View to drag in Clips and Loops and trigger them during your set. Following that, Alex explores the Effects Racks in Live and how to use them in your set. And finally, he walks you through the full workflow of performing the entire set.
Whether you're new to DJing and looking for ways to get started, or you're a seasoned DJ looking to add some live creative ideas, don't miss "Creative DJing Vol. 1!"
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1. When did you start dabbling in music?
The earliest I remember was at 12 years old. My older brother brought home an electric guitar and I was mesmerized to actually put my hands on one for the first time. From there its history. I basically spend all my teen years learning songs, playing in bands, figuring out how to sequence on workstations and eventually pursued an education in Music Technology.
2. What training have you had?
I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Technology from Cal State San Bernardino in 2005, as well as numerous certifications from Avid Pro Tools and Media Composer while at Avid (2005-2012)
3. When did you get into recording?
When I was around 15, I was playing guitar in my older brother’s band the bass player, June, went back to Japan. June left his Yamaha SY-77 workstation in my care and I figured out how to multitrack and sequence as well as sound design and program all without a manual. What’s funny is that I had no idea what Quantization was, so I created these very long 96 bar sequences laying down one instrument at a time. Hey at least my timing improved ;-)
4. People you have worked with/for?
All through college I was recording and producing for various hip hop rappers and singers, as well as my own Reggaeton project called “Gran Impacto” back in 2003. But my career in mixing really took on a whole other dimension when I started making YouTube videos and had artists send me sessions from all over the world. Amongst the artists I’ve worked with include Gilligan Gadsby, Reggae Foundation, Skiptooth, Skeletones, Debonaires, Chica Ize, to name a few.
5. Why are you so good at training people?
Honestly, I’ve been shy all my life. But taking the courage to increase my confidence one step at a time, I’m able to teach people what I’m passionate about. With Digidesign I was a Pro Tools Product Specialist, and Digi had a very high standard on delivering world-class presentations. I knew I had some big shoes to fill, but through my personal journey I was able to hone in on presenting and teaching, especially to an online audience. And even though I’d say I have 10 years under my belt, I’m always looking to reinvent my self and not be stagnant or complacent.
Products by Alex
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tutorial videoAKAI Advance Keyboards Explained
AKAI has one of the best MIDI control keyboards available today, and gear guru Alex Solano serves up some of the best tutorials on how to use these powerhouse controllers. See how to maximize its features and functions, as well as learn the included VIP Software Suite.
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tutorial videoAlesis VI49 Explained
The Alesis VI49 Keyboard Controller lets you take command of your music software with its full compliment of controllers, and Alex Solano shows you how to take control of the VI49 and get the most out of both its hardware and the software!
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tutorial videoCreative DJing Vol 1
Today’s creative DJ does so much more than just spin tracks. Alex Solano shows you how you can use Ableton Live, a AKAI Pro Rhythm Wolf, and a AKAI APCmkII to keep your beats live and your set exciting!
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tutorial videoDenon MC6000mkII Explained
Denon has reimagined their next generation, flagship DJ controller and digital mixer, and Alex Solano explains how to get the most out of it, and its included software, Serato DJ!
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tutorial videoM-Audio Code Explained
M-Audio has released their Code series of keyboard controllers packed with useful production features, and studio guru Alex Solano reveals those features and shows you how to make the most of this flexible and powerful controller with these great in-depth video training tutorials.
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