One of the great things about the Traktor S4 system is it’s Loop Decks and multicolored/use wave display. From a producers standpoint who DJs the DJ PowerTools sound packs could be interest. They are basically sounds specifically created for use within Traktor. We are at the point where Traktor can be used as a studio remix tool. In some ways it’s more fun than a carefully planned DAW session.

“DJ PowerTools are the world’s first sound packs designed for controllerists. Using cue points and effects, any DJ can play synth instruments inside DJ software and remix songs on the fly.” – djtechtools.com

For more info: djtechtools.com/store/dj-powertools.html

Kinect “AiR” Scratch Dj n’ with Traktor from dustin o'connor on Vimeo.

At the recent Tekserve Future of Music V event the discussion went beyond iPads and an audience member brought up Microsoft’s Kinect. I made the joke that the future of music would be air guitar. Well in just less than a month later we have Air Scratching via Kinect. So far I’m not so hot on no surface controllers but friends of mine who have used Kinect say it’s amazing. Is this a novelty or something we are going to be actually using in music creation?

“here im using the kinect to control dj software. its no joke in air gesture scratching.” – dustin o’connor

photo credit: Creative Tools

via Matrixsynth

Man I have really drunk the Kool-Aid when it comes to touch interfaces. I’m loving all these Apps and here’s another one that looks like one fun toy. djay for iPad is not available yet. We have to wait for iOS 4.2 before this will grace our glass. It’s not Traktor S4 but fast forward in time a bit and we will have a contender. No?

“But with the imminent release of iOS 4.2, at least one developer is going to finally deliver a full featured iPad DJ app. We’ve learned that Algoriddim, the makers of the popular djay application for Mac, has ported djay over to the iPad, taking full advantage of the new iOS 4.2 audio features.” – macrumors.com

For more info: algoriddim.com

What is Mixcloud? from Mixcloud on Vimeo.

A friend of mine linked to her DJ Set on Twitter and upon clicking I found it hosted on Mixcloud. I’m always making DJ sets with Traktor and Torq but stopped posted them online because there wasn’t a legal way. It seems Mixcloud is paying (or attempting to pay) labels. Being 2010 the site has the usual social features where you can follow friends and connect your profile to Twitter and Facebook. I particularily like that you can embed your DJ sets as you can see below:

“Why can’t I download ? Mixcloud is a legal platform for on-demand radio shows, Podcasts and DJ mixes which contain copyrighted music. The only licensing option available at present is a streaming format, and Mixcloud is committed to providing a legal option which supports artists and ensures they receive royalties for the shows and mixes which contain music. In addition, the site can keep track of what you (and your friends) listen to, so we can make better recommendations and provide a more personalised site tuned to exactly what you like to hear.” – mixcloud.com

Follow me on Mixcloud: mixcloud.com/thingstocome/

I’m surprised it took so long for Native Instruments to come up with a full hardware solution for Traktor. I’ve always been intrigued by M-Audio’s Torq and Xponent but I never actually saw anyone using Xponent in an actual nightclub. I think we will be seeing a lot of Kontrol S4s around. The hardcase with laptop stand is a very smart move by NI. I’m always making my own mixes using Traktor maybe this will finally push me to do it in front of people. $999 and $189 for the hardcase. If the hardware is rugged they have a winner.

“Custom-tailored for TRAKTOR, the S4 fuses a premium-quality 4 channel DJ mixer, a built-in 24 bit/96 kHz soundcard, an intuitive controller, and the flagship TRAKTOR PRO S4 software…” – native-instruments.com

For more info: native-instruments.com

I met Ritche Hawtin a few times. I played a bowling alley with him in the early 90′s. We were set up inside the area that gives out the rental shoes. More recently in Berlin he moved into the studio next to me. Beyond being a friendly guy he’s got some great marketing tool ideas. I really like his latest move which sends Tweets of whatever track he’s playing directly from Native Instruments Traktor to Twitter. Here’s the copy:

“Pioneering techno DJ Richie Hawtin has announced the development of a new Twitter application that enables him to broadcast his Traktor tracklists in real time over the network. The custom Twitter application was developed in-house by Richie Hawtin’s label Minus, and it works by uploading song metadata through Traktor Pro’s inbuilt broadcasting functionality. Track details are automatically posted to Richie Hawtin’s Twitter account every 30 seconds (you can already see Traktor tracklist updates on his Twitter), giving anyone access to the tracklist of his performance, and providing exposure to the artists and labels whose music is being played.” – beatportal.com

Follow Ritchie on Twitter: click here and follow me (Oliver Chesler) too: click here

photo credit: cena carioca

Related post: Use Twitter as a promotion tool for your music.