Best New Tech Toy:
Tonium Pacemaker. This little pocket size device is the cool DJ toy
that everyone will want for Christmas because it allows you to beatmix
two different mp3s off of the internal 120 GB hard drive. The tactile
feel and big wheel control make it quite compelling. I (along with a
huge crowd) watched David Guetta have fun with it. I can't imagine a
big name DJ rocking a big room with it, but if you are looking for a
small DJ tool to play a pool party with or to carry with you to lounge
gigs, the Pacemaker would be just about perfect.
Best New DJ Tool:
Stanton SC System. Stanton showed off the new SC system - a mix
controller and deck control two interface with DJ software. The mixer
has four lines and can be customized to be four separate audio lines or
two lines with two effect control slide or however you want (it's all
MIDI-assignable). The deck control feels and reacts like a turntable
with various knobs and buttons to trigger effects. It's a really
solid system that we can't wait to get our hands on.
(Close Second) Livid Ohm MIDI Control. Combining a handcrafted wood
frame with vivid backlit controls, this control surface has a really
good FEEL. It's designed for real-time audio and video performance, so
I can only imagine what kind of applications it would have in a club
setting.
Best Place to Network (and Meet the Stars):
Armani Exchange Music Lounge. The penthouse suite of the Raleigh was
filled for two days with the superstars of the dance music world. A
place to sample AX sunglasses, Cafe Bustelo coffee, and SkullCandy
Headphones, the BMF media crew created the perfect environment to
escape the crowds, chill with old friends, and meet new contacts.
Best Vocal Performance:
Jason Walker at FYE. I was walking down Collins and passing FYE, I
heard the unmistakable voice of Jason Walker. He was doing an in-store
promoting his new album, Flexible, and singing live for two hours. That is
pretty intense and something that most dance singers wouldn't have the
stamina to do. He performed songs from the new CD and even graciously
performed my request, "My Life," a very personal song for me, which I
find much strength in - "This is where I'm supposed to be, I believe
in my destiny" - no better lyrics have ever been sung describing a
personal journey.
Best Instrumental Performance:
GoldFish. Every day at the Shelborne brought another fabulously
decadent pool party, and at the Pacha pool party, I found the Goldfish
duo performing live original electronic dance music on... get this...
real instruments. MIDI was nowhere to be found. Check out this wacky
duo for an inspired take on electronica.
