Foursquare and FourWhere

Foursquare and FourWhere

So what's the concept of Foursquare/FourWhere and why is it good for local businesses and Resident Links?

·         Foursquare is a social network for meeting up with your friends and discovering new places. You can check into restaurants, bars, museums, and other locations to let your friends know where you are and see who else is there.  This is a perfect platform for Resident Links to work from but it can focus on specific local communities and businesses.

·          FourWhere makes it easy to visualize comments/tips left by Foursquare, Gowalla and Yelp users. If, for example, if you're looking for a place to meet for coffee, you can use FourWhere to find cafes and restaurants nearby and make an informed decision based on user reviews.

·         It brings these users together using the public data from Foursquare, Gowalla, Yelp and the Google Maps API.  This allows it to automatically retrieve and aggregate user comments and visualize them on the map.

·         To use the application you provide your location, and then click on the map to see venues (locations) or tips (comments written about a particular place).  It is public service so there's no need to register or sign in. All you need is your web browser.

·         FourWhere was built by a Toronto-based social media company software company called Sysomos.

·         Go ahead, start discovering the world around you     

Foursquare local business examples (relatable to Resident Links)

1. GranataPet, a small pet food company from Germany, thought of a very creative way to use Foursquare. They installed 10 black boxes at billboards in two German cities that dispensed dog food every time an owner checked in using Foursquare. The campaign accounted for a 28% increase in GranataPet dog food sales during and immediately after campaign ended! This was all the more amazing given their slim budget for marketing. I think this provides some more ideas to the small business owner of how mobile marketing can fill your business needs.
2. One of our (my town marked down) Postabon members, Yaelleah, told me about how you can get a free $75 bottle of cologne when you check-in on Foursquare, I may have screamed, “Pump the brakes.”  She explained the deal was at the Coach Men’s Store on Bleecker, and I decided I had to see it to believe it.  Before heading over to the Coach Men’s Store, I decided to look it up on Foursquare to see if this deal was still going on.  In the top right hand corner on Foursquare, it said there was a special here, and once I clicked on this message, it said to show it to a sales associate to receive an exclusive gift. We headed over to the store, checked in and asked the sales associates for our gift.  We were handed a short questionnaire to fill out, where we provided our names, email addresses and mailing addresses and then we received a 3.4 Fl Oz bottle of Coach for Men fragrance.  We asked how long the promo is going on, and they said it depends when Coach takes it off Foursquare.  Our advice - check your phone before you head over to see if the special offer box is in the top right hand corner.

·         How I put it all together:  To compile most of my information I simply entered Foursquare into the StumpleUpon interest box and was met with many new posts about Foursquare’s potential and capabilities.  However, after finding out about FourWhere, I decided this is more relatable to Resident Links.  Promotional value is priceless in marketing and social networking is essential, so why not combine the two and create a localized version for Resident Links?

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

Bob "the beat builder" Satre and Clubmau5

In my travels, I have met some pretty interesting people.  When I went to Starscape in June, i ran into bobby.  He is a local DJ from Gainsville, Virginia and is focused on the Dubstep and electronica sound.  He recently became part of a group know as "Clubmau5" a homage to the DJ Deadmau5.  I sat down with him and had an interview about his thoughts on the whole local Dub scene.  Here is a link to his page so you can listen to Bob and his crew.

http://www.clubhou5.com/

1.What is your personal definition of a dj?  What do you think makes you a dj?:  My personal definition of a DJ is someone who can conduct and keep a continuous flow of music going while maintaining the entertainment for the crowd.  I don't think anything can make a DJ; I just think the DJ is the one who makes himself.  You can either mix records or you can’t.  If you're not pushing yourself or learning something new every time you DJ then something's wrong.  I use separate music technology if it suits my set. I currently use the Native Instruments Machine to produce beats, but I have yet to incorporate them in any of my mixes.  I really enjoy sampling and the possibilities that come with it. I wish I had more time to practice this art.

2.How often do you play events? (Local shows, festivals, etc.)  How often do you practice/produce/edit? I try to play any event/show/rave that I possibly can.  I've only been performing live for a year now so I take any opportunity that's thrown at me.  A few of the events I've done lately include birthday parties, graduation parties, I spun a wedding down in the Outer Banks, NC back in October, but mainly I enjoy doing house parties and anything outdoor, especially raves.  I am still trying to break into the scene.  Mostly weekends are my time to play though.  I lately have been working on producing during the week and managing music while the weekends are my time to practice and play freely.  I really like going into a live set not knowing what songs I'm going to mix for the night.  These have been my best nights performing.

3.What programs do you use?  What kind of sound system do you prefer? Do you use any separate music technology? (synth, drum pad) The programs I use the most are Native Instruments Traktor and Native Instruments Machine. I started out using Virtual DJ and graduated to the Traktor software.  I also have Audacity and Garage Band although I haven't dabbled with those too much.  I've had my eye on getting into the Ableton Live software as well as the Massive software which I also believe is produced by Native Instruments.  These two types of software packages are notorious for producing the dubstep sound.  I know Skrillex and many other prominent electronic artists use the Massive software. 

The sound systems I use right now are 2 15" Loudspeakers by Yamaha with a 9" horn above them.  I also have an 18" 700-1000Watt subwoofer for the base.  My preference for a sound system is for it to be loud!

4.How much has social media helped you promote yourself? (Soundcloud, Youtube, etc.) Social media has promoted myself just as much as going out and playing for a crowd.  It's easier to send mixes and post events where you'll be playing using such networks as Facebook or Twitter.  Soundcloud I don't use as much as I should, but I do have an account and post mixes very seldom.  The think I love the most about the DJing art form is playing live for people.  I feed off of this the most.

5.How well do you know the other dj's in Clubhou5 and did you meet them and form your group? I know the other DJ's in Clubhou5 pretty well.  Naturally we all met through hitting up raves and going to shows.  We all enjoy the same things and all play music so it was only natural to come together.  Clubhou5 has been around since before I got into the scene, and I was only recently inducted into the group.  So it's safe to say that I did not form the group; I merely joined it.  Clubhou5 is a way for us to promote ourselves as a variety of music and not just one style.  Clubhou5 is more than just music; it's a way of life.

A local festival idea!

When I was writing my feature story for Resident Links I thought of how a local festival might be organized and came up with this concise plan with all the trimmings.  If this looks good or you have a way to improve it or even want to put one together, please leave a comment.

·Local festival for NOVA and DC, “Dubbers and Clubbers”

Vendors-local restaurants, food trucks (D.C.), all volunteer, limited menus with range of options (vendors), locals get one free meal and drink ticket upon entry.

Sponsors-bands PR reps, merchandise, local music shops, local radio and news stations.

Venue (location) free for locals, visitor’s fee goes directly to a community project, spacious, outdoor tents, one or two stages, close in proximity and no overlapping sets.

Attendees/Volunteers/Staff (specialists-lights, sound, setup)

Equipment (systems, optimum output for sound) Genre: Dubstep/Techno/Trance/Electronica.

Bands-local individuals or bands into the same sound and scene, tryouts/recruitment can stretch from D.C. & NOVA to Richmond & Norfolk.

Resident Links merge with SoundCloud, to blog new song drops, interviews with dj’s and curator/founders, open forum to ask attendees about their overall experience and share comments & concerns.  Also utilize Twitter, FourSquare and GroupMe.

Smooth Sailing

Second track posted, I might start throwing some improv jams soon if I get a positive response

 Smooth Sailing

Catch Me, Kaoss

First track of mine posted on Blogger :)
Catch Me

the fast life

 Jurassic 5's "Get it together" combines a nice rhythm and drum kit, smooth piano samples, and of course the lyrics show each one of their views about growing up in the hip hop lifestyle and knowing your place.  Zaakir and Akil's words spoke to me personally because I can somewhat relate to some of the things they rapped about.  Here is a link to the song, hope you enjoy a rappers perspective on what it is to grow up and adapt in the hip-hop world.

•  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etB74LwLPvI

 [Zaakir:]
Yeah, I'm tryin' to get it right, live my life right
I want the things that come with the fast life
but I don't wanna lose my soul, right? pay with my life
I just wanna rock ice with my fresh nikes (yeah, yeah)
cuz the girls at the school think I dress nice. (yeah)
The real thug niggaz cool with a nigga, right? (that's right)
'Til one day after school, walkin' home, right? (Uh Huh)
Them same thug niggaz ran up on a brother, right?
With three more I never met in my life. (Damn!)
Axed me where I'm from, banged on me, right? (Where you from?)
The brothers that I knew was up outta sight,                                                                                             Man they made me get it together, now I act right
(Let's get it together)

[Mark 7even:]
Trials and tribulations, both got you accosted
Understand I'm not the one, go tap some other resources
The road that you travel gon' be paved in some gravel
so before you try on jock me understand the shit is rocky
I don't mean a boxer, Illy? or Oscar
I'm tryin' to spit some game, so your ass can prosper
Pay a little dues, do a couple a shows
put a mix-tape out, man let's see how it goes
My only good advise is to cut your own slice
I mean, the world ain't gon' bite, just cause you think you nice
How can I be diplomatic when this ain't automatic
I'm gonna tell you right, this a roll of the dice
(Let's get it together)

[Chali 2na:]
Hey, being silent's the first sign
if not, being able to follow my first line
I dirt-grind on my first, it works fine
I'm alert, but I been caught of guard at the worst time. (worst time)
Yeah, I get apparent applause
but do these people know my character flaws? I get embarassed
and pause, meticulous, but never careless because
I might be the one standin' on your terrace that falls
And you can laugh, but it's therapeutic, to
talk about my faults of a ??? acoustic, ??? dove shit
We ain't perfect, to fight just ain't worth it
despite a stained surface, we gotta retain purpose
(Let's get it together)

[Akil:]
I was a pick-a-the-litter, when I was a-little-nigga
my pops would turn preacher once my voice got deeper
than his. For all the times a nigga would vent
I had to listen, he was payin' the rent and what
he's sayin', he meant. I'll admit, I was tripin' a bit
I was hangin' with different chicks and we be wild'n and shit
but I had to get a grip before time ran out
or pop starts to trip, start puttin' me out
but now I kinda see what he was talkin' about
you can't live in somebodies house and start airin' it out
You got to be your own man and handle your biz
and later on you can tell 'em what time it is
(Let's get it together)

Playlist of the day

• Pretty lights-Can't stop me now

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-D43tFgIeM

• EOTO-Contact

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uKvjTVAT-E

• Bassnectar-Wildstyle Method

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTizNhAyqCU

• Jay-Z-30 something

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn4J6yyMKKo

• Kadomo-Concept 10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1cBXHbuyHw

Playlist of the Day

I have been using Pandora a lot recently to try and find new artists and sounds but its streaming play mode makes it hard to go back to good songs.  To remedy this, I have decided to compile a small list of links of awesome songs that popped up on my playlist.

Ronald Jenkees-Neptune 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5_UrgSbF2o

Depache Mode-Dream on (Dave Clark version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfWSBSjCKGA

Atmosphere-Don't forget
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bL1gdVU8lo

Rebelution & Zion I-Safe and sound remix
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpZvhftb058

Matisyahu-One day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JjMGXz9P6Y

Remember his name, lyrically speaking

As a music lover, you are bound to come across a song or two that truly speaks volumes.  These volumes are not just the rhythm or instruments used, but are brought together by powerful lyrics.  For my lyrically speaking posts, I will provide a song and the lyrics, and point out why the song is powerful.  I believe songs that speak to us are just real people communicating real things, and that is why it is so deep.  The first song I would like to blog about is "remember his name," by Jurassic 5.  While you listen to the song and read the lyrics, you slowly build up your perception of the person they are trying to remember.  J 5's ability to speak and rap so effortlessly while maintaining rhythm and meaning is so unique.  The end of the song tells you who the faceless persona is, but what is so incredible is that when you hear the song a second time the words are the same, but the meaning of the song is completely changed.  I chose this song as my first one because of how real it is and how it inspired me to share how it made me feel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JAC9LEESL8

(youtube video of the song)

"Remember His Name"

[Zaakir]

Yo whats up ak

[Akil]

Who is this

[Zaakir]

Its me zaak--ir

[Akil]

Hello? what? (Hello?) I can't hear (I GOT IT! HANG UP!)
Yo speak louder I can't hear

[Zaakir]

(Yo Ak) Yo It's me Zaakir!
I was sittin at the television feelin' disturbed
Hey yo, I just got the word, off Tigram and 83rd
Some cat that got clapped, (gangster rapper?)
Perhaps, But I was lookin at the face of one particular cat
Now I done seen him before, (Can you remember where at?)
Well it was either at the liquor store or laundry mat
Or at a party and shit, ?or drive through of a quickie split?
But the fellas her ran wit, they no longer ex-- (yo, dude peep this)

[Akil]

Yo I know dude, I been knowin him all my life
Ever since I was young I used to see him shootin' dice
On occasion i would see him once or twice
With all types, many different walks of life
He tried to keep in touch, but i knew what was up
Every time he came around and showed his face I ducked
In the mid-eighties, the nigga went crazy
He had alot of ladies selling they babies, the nigga was shady
But he had alot of friends that he would visit on the weekends
Thrill seekin, influenced by his teachings
My daddy knew him, yo, he met him at a hotel
My homeboy Johnny, kicked it with him in a jail cell
Alot of people met him with a female
Doing real well, connected with the drug sales
The rich and the poor, for better or worse
The last and the first, walked the earth, but can't avoid his turf
And it hurts my brain, he's drivin me insane
It's a shame I can't remember his name
I think 2na know dude, Soup, i aint tryin ta be dude
But my wife just cooked, im bout to grab up some food

[Zaakir]

Aiight peace, 2na said he probably runnin the streets
I'm about to give these young brothas a beep
[ring ring]

[2na]

Yo! asalaam ulakum

[Zaakir]

Yo, ulakum asalaam

[2na]

Heyyo, what's up on 83rd man?

[Zaakir]

Man, the fuedin is on
Hey, the reason why i called, that was the cat from my building
You seen him?

[2na]

Yeah we met that brother out in Pasadena,
Remember seven, on Marengo
No my mistake, we were right between fair oaks and lake
Tryin to take us a lunch break

[Marc7even]

And cop us a sess sack!

[2na]

But had to drive right past the place where they rest at

[7even]

We drove in a hatchback

[2na]

Corolla, these cats pack pistolas, the cadillac they drove

[7even]

It was brown and black

[2na]

Patrollin the hood, lookin for trouble
Saw us purchasin trees
Lurkin with speed, pulled the strap, and was hurtin to squeeze

[7even]

You ? jerk? and you bleed

[2na]

Threw it in reverse and we fleed

[7even]

Or should we say fled?

[2na]

They wanted to make us more than play dead, flashin his heat

[7even]

Two cars are movin fast on the street

[2na]

That's when I peeped, that dude was in his back passanger seat
(yo that shit was deep) Still I can't remember his name..

[Zaakir]

Oh man, where have I seen this brother before, man
*well it was either at the liquor store or laundry mat*
Seem like everybody I know know dude, but can't nobody remember his damn name
man
*I been knowin him all my life*
the same with everybody from ShawnyMac, YawYaw, my brother Mohamad
Its like you cant *cant avoid his turf*
Oh, hey, you know what, now I know who homie is man, his name is
*De-De- Death*

Somebody has to buy this!

I found this instrument while reading a newly acquired Music Tech magazine.  It is called a Wavedrum, and it is essentially a Dynamic Percussion Synthesizer.  It looks so simple and enticing but has limitless possibilities.  However, getting the chance to use it is a rare opportunity.  Just the pad itself costs 500 dollars!  The magnitude of how amazing this tool really is will only come with looking into it.  I have provide three links to help you see what this is all about.  Gee, I hope someone near me gets one and immediately tells me...

All info regarding the drum as a product: http://www.korg.com/Product.aspx?pd=563

Korg artists comments and interviews with avid supporters: http://www.korg.com/Artist.aspx?artist=665
Demo video at a Korg convention.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrso0c14f-s

I hope your mind is blown like mine was after that tutorial...

Fancy Mike

A friend of mine sent me this link yesterday.  He seems to have a knack for knowing his way around a synth, and drops in bass at opportune times.  I also like the fact he does remixes fairly frequently, not to mention he is an apparent English professor, good job!




 http://fancymike.bandcamp.com

http://www.myspace.com/fancymike

The Soundry

While waiting for an advisor on Tuesday, I came across an ad for a place called the Soundry in this  University life music publication from Fall of last year called VOX pop.

So apparently, it's a coffee house that boasts classes, workshops, art space, rehearsal space, open mic nights, and even free wifi!  Interestingly enough, they also have an "experi-Mental" talk show, which mission is as follows:
The JellyVision is more than an experiment- its another means to achieve The Soundry’s ultimate mission to provide fringe artists, musicians and performers exposure to the GP (general public). 

http://www.soundry.net/  <-----explore, and let me know what you think or if you need someone to go with!

a get down on the sound

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=243832918962141&ref=ts

The Polish AmBASSador

Currently, the Polish Ambassador is my favorite artist to listen to whenever I feel like I need a boost or just want to bob my head.  I really like it when a single artist can get familer with music technology and apply precise talent and skills to produce something that breaks through the normal everyday grind.  I saw him live for the first time at the last festival I went to (Nomadic Roots)  This comprised of all local jam bands and a couple local djs, however, the founder of the festival was able to snag Polish for one of the main performances.  I learned later he was flying in from New York just to play this event for an hour.  When he came on he just went right into it, not wasting any time apologizing for something that probably happens to musicians all the time.  Even after his time, he played an extra three songs to make up for his tardiness.  I have to say, I have not danced and moved around continuously like I did that one Saturday night.  He has this ability to drop a great bass line, synegistic drum beats, and pull out the best hip hop lyric samples to mash.  I kept trying to catch a look at his set-up, which was all on one fold out table.  In watching his performance, It seemed this "one man band" thing has a lot to be said for it.  I was so hyped earlier that day, I told everybody they can't miss him tonight.  Throughout the jam sesh, all my freinds kept coming up and asking me, "who is this again?" and "wwwooorrrddd."  Lets just say now they know who he is. 

http://thepolishambassador.com/


http://thepolishambassador.bandcamp.com/album/future-sex-computers

Elephants Only Talk Occasionly

 EOTO is a sound that one has to really love and know to appreciate.  With virtually every song available online to download, one can really see how much range they really have as a duo.  The drummer's drop ability and repetition of steady drum kits while throwing a little variety is amazing.  Live drumming and producing, especially unrehearsed, shows a musicians true ability and style while giving them room to have fun and test out the crowd.  Two great examples are the songs: Enoarm-Norfolk, VA 10/29/10 & Gerrit-Richmond, VA 11/15/10.  I saw both of these live, and just had to get them to listen to myself.  They offer a free download because of performance difficulties which is definitely worth the download: Chicago, IL 11/06/10.  I will post soon when I start getting out there for shows again, it's tough this semsterrrrr.

http://www.eotomusic.com/

http://www.livedownloads.com/searchRes.aspx?searchStr=EOTO

BASSCENTER

http://www.theuntz.com/Bass-Center-IV

http://www.bassnectar.net/2011/06/bass-center-iv/