Red Bull Thre3Style Regional Finalist DJ MSquared: I Can't Live Without My Powerbook

The Disc Jockey better known as the DJ is the life of the party. He or she is in charge of the music and keeping the crowd entertained. Remember the days when the biggest and baddest parties were hosted by the kid with the loudest boom box...Or the DJ carrying in the  "Peaches" crates with his well worn album collection?  Well the wonderful world  of technlogy has changed the game. I had a chance to sit down with the ultimate party starter DJ MSquared, the newly crowned Red Bull Thre3Style SE Regional Finalist, discussing the game changers and how they have changed the rules of party engagement. 

Roz: How did you get your start DJing parties?
DJ MSquared: I got my start DJing fraternity and sorority parties while attending Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. After that I moved to Orlando and began working as a DJ in the local club scene.
Roz: What else do you do besides the DJ thing?
DJ MSquared: I am a music producer as well...I produce original music and remixes.
Roz: So exactly what moves you to do what you do?
DJMSquared: I have a love for the music... A love for the energy I can create in a room. Also my mother instilled a love for music which runs deep within and pushes me to make great things happen
Roz: The equipment you used then is way different than now. How has technology/equipment changed over the years?
DJ MSquared: Yeah its crazy when you think about it in 2003 while attending FAU I used things like the turntable and  mixer to do what I do. And now I have a G4 Mac Tower at home loaded with the latest software like protools logic I use for producing music.  When I DJ I use my Mac Powerbook installed with Serato Scratch Live software.
Roz: Tell me more... what's Serato Scatch Live?
DJ MSquared: Basically, this computer software allows me to recreate the traditional DJ experience through the use of their technology. I can manipulate a physical turntable without losing the integrity of the music while mixing the music. It has a feature that also tabulates the BPM ( beats per minute) in a song which can help determine which songs you want to include in a certain mix. 
Roz: Can it help identify or match up what beat, songs, or music you should play together?
DJ MSquared: No it doesn't give record recommendations but it seems like that would be the next evolution
Roz: No more carrying crates with albums right?
DJ MSquared: Exactly, there is a feature in Serato Scratch Live that integrates my iTunes playlist into a easy filing crate system on my hard drive.
Roz: Does this technology make your job a easy no brainer?
DJ MSquared: No not at all.. The best way to determine what to play is best achieved by feeling the vibe of the party goers. Being in tuned to what they want to hear and what's moving them to party is my #1 priority.
Roz: What other techie gadgets and/or platforms has influenced your business?
DJ MSquared: Serato has a feature which allows me to record my mixes. I record pretty much all of my mixes. and through the use of ITunes I have a podcast available I update frequently with new mixes.
Roz: So exactly how does this work and why is it important to your business
DJ MSquared: The podcast on iTunes allows user to download and enjoy my mixes and rate them accordingly. I utilize Podomatic as my host which automatically links my stuff to the iTunes podcast directory. Its available for all no matter if you use iTunes or not. Just go to Soul 2Go Podcast to check it out for yourself. I'm always thinking of ways to market myself and this podcast is one of many ways that works for me.
Roz: What other social networking sites do you use to stay connected to the people?
DJ MSquared: Of course I have my website DJ MSquared .Some of the more popular networks I use is Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.
Roz:Which one do you like the best?
DJ MSquared: I really like Twitter because it allows me to connect with people in real time. I often send out positive inspirational quotes to my followers who often respond back with their own personal thoughts. But I also like using FaceBook too.  It's great because I can also stay in touch with friends and family.
Roz:Whats your thoughts on some of the new personal games and platforms like DJ Hero, iPhone apps, and online DJ games?
DJ MSquared: DJ Hero is a ok game...I think there are some things that can be added to make it more realistic and fun. Also, there a couple of online games I have tried simulate the DJ experience pretty well. As far as a iPhone app I have been approached by a couple of people wanting my input on what I think should be included in a iPhone app.
Roz: In your mind would this app be more appropriate for DJ's and/or for the people who may have a interest in this type of app?
DJMSquared: I think you can create something that crosses over and appeals to both sides. You can load up the app with resources for the professional DJ as well as having content like mixes and simulated games for the average person.
Roz: You have given this some thought I see...
DJMSqaured: Yes,it's definitely something I would like to pursue in the near future.
Roz: Well thats what I do.So if  you need help developing a prototype you can call on  MH Mobile Group .
Roz:  As we wrap up I want to thank you for your time. You got to make me one promise though.
DJ MSquared: Whats that? Anything
Roz: Next time I'm in Orlando you got to let me come and watch you do your thing in the DJ booth. I want to see how you work all of these new techie gadgets.
DJ MSquared: Of course.. For sure its a deal.

DJ MSquared I wish you the best as you continue your pursuit to be crowned the National Red Bull Thre3Style Champion . The next stop is Denver and then on to Paris for the international championship.
If you would like to book DJ-Msquared  for your next event, party, and/or special occasion you can contact him at Book MSquared . I guarantee you won't be dissappointed.

RSM

Online Home Based Business...Too good to be true?

There are many Home Based Businesses (HBB) African Americans can pursue and make a ton of money...First and foremost one must do their due diligence before going down this road.  Meaning if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. If the business is promising unprecedent rewards with out doing much work. Please run away fast.  I spoke with a good friend of mine "Raymond  T", a succesful HBB entrpreneur and motivational speaker,  who believes his succesful launch into the home based business arena is growing well due to the many hours he spends online marketing his business.The internet is our friend and no excuses are  allowed  in this day and age. If you seek information and/or want to learn how to do something..Just Google It.

The emergence of Social Networking sites has enabled a HBB entrepreneurs to build their business and connect with consumers world wide.. I recently connected with a new friend who is a member of 42 social networks. This may seem extreme to some however, I believe there is a method to the madness no matter what you do.  Utilizing social networking sites to promote your business is a free way to communicate and share your passion with friends and family.

Think about this...The Black Community spends $300 Million for books even though there are very few bookstores around anymore. We spend $3 Billion on computers and computer related products however, we own very few computer related stores and /or provide computer focused services. In NYC Blacks spend  well over $60 Billion annually however, there's very few black owned business in the metropolitan area.  We account for a 33% surge in internet users but how many of us own a  internet business related company? Think about it...

Book suggestion you may want to consider...
1. The World is Flat
2. Execution
3. The 4 Hour Work Week

Social Networking Sites:
1. Linkedin
2.Youtube
3.Myspace
4. Face Book

Do you have some good book suggestions and/or social networking sites not listed ?  If so please post here. If you have a specific question regarding HBB or internet marketing feel free to post here as well.

RSM

iPad or Not?

Whats all of the noise about.. Well Apple has done it again and this time I think they may be on to something. The official release of their new product iPad was ceremoniously delivered to us on April 3rd. The official debut of this one of a kind gadget is not lost on the fact that it is also Easter Weekend. The hint of spring in the air coupled with Easter weekend is a perfect time to kindle the flames of gadget seekers who have fallen in love with Apple's innovative technology first seen in the iPhone. Hearing the words buy! buy! buy! is music to Apple's ears. Congrats!

I haven't tried the new device for myself however, the buzz around town is giving it two thumbs up. Only time will tell if this is a phenomenon that will outmatch its predecessor. I will keep my ear to the ground and keep you posted on what I hear. In the meantime, two thumbs up to the Apple product marketing team. You certainly know how to create a buzz and launch a product right.



RSM