October Remix Releases

MP3 download: http://bit.ly/cdf68S

Miss Nirvana Savoury is back! This time she hits the dance floor hard with myself and Jester - North America's most versatile DJ and key member of Clinton Sparks' Smash Squad. Get your fist pump on! Here is "Ambulance" by Nirvana Savoury. Produced by Jester and yours truly, de la Vega.

Keep an eye out! Her EP is shaping up to be something...umm...sexy and fiery! =)




MP3 download: http://bit.ly/bW9XNH

Over the summer, Starting from Scratch and I teamed up with Toronto based independent label Do Right! Music to produce a fresh remix for one of their headliners - Maylee Todd. I've had the great pleasure of meeting her and seeing her perform. She's an enthusiastic, eclectic and quirky songstress with no shortage of creativity. Here is the remix of "Summer Sounds" off her debut album "Choose Your Own Adventure".

Enjoy, spread good music and SUBSCRIBE because there's lots more on the way!

SoundCloud.com

Latest tracks by <+> de la Vega

Artists, producers, musicians, DJ's - have you ever been asked the question, "Where can I hear more of your stuff?" - of course you have.

Enter SoundCloud.com. This is a serious, no frills, straightforward and FREE site where you can showcase your music and network with others in the industry. Right off your page people can play your music, download it, watch the video, buy it, leave timed comments and even embed it on their blogs (like I did up top).

My team is all on SoundCloud. Think you should be? It's definitely worth taking advantage of.

Check out our SoundCloud pages for more info and of course, GREAT MUSIC!

de la Vega's SoundCloud
Jester's SoundCloud
Starting from Scratch's SoundCloud
Doc Jones HD's SoundCloud

Starting from Scratch & de la Vega - Official "Focused" Remix

World famous DJ Starting from Scratch and yours truly started this month on a high note with our "Ribbon In the Sky (2010 Mixes)". Now we're ending it on another high note with the official remix to Agile & Liya's soulful R&B hit "Focused"! 

We took this track to another level - another arena if you will. It's definitely something you'd hear at a rollerskating jam. It's got that bounce...that funk...and as Agile tweeted "...it just has that STANK on it!". 

Go ahead and enjoy this release! Spread good music!
(click the down arrow in the player to download the remix free)

AGILE feat. LIYA - "FOCUSED (STARTING FROM SCRATCH & DE LA VEGA REMIX)" by <+> de la Vega

Starting from Scratch & de la Vega - "Ribbon In the Sky (2010 Mixes)"

House music lovers, it's finally here!

I've teamed up with world famous DJ Starting from Scratch to bring you a smooth soulful house rendition of one of my favorite Stevie Wonder songs "Ribbon In the Sky". It has already caused a huge buzz on the radio and in the clubs so now we officially release it to you! If you want to find out more about the track keep reading, otherwise go ahead and download it!

Enjoy and spread good music!

MP3 DOWNLOAD

I've always loved house music, in fact that's how I started getting into production in the early 90's. I needed to refresh and update myself so Starting from Scratch recommended I hit up one of his parties. Long story short, this project was inspired after attending my first ever "Sweet Tears" event (hence why there is a Sweet Tears mix). This party is all about celebrating great house music. I heard everything from deep, to soulful to tribal and then some. I loved every minute and couldn't wait to hit the studio the next day. I now have the house bug again...house music ALL...NIGHT...LONG!

The event is hosted by DJ Starting from Scratch and house giant Tyrone Solomon of 83 West Records. Great people and even greater vibe at Sweet Tears. If you ever have the opportunity to attend one, REACH!

Keep checking back here or on my YouTube page because there's a lot more bangers coming from Starting from Scratch and myself!

Fast Life

Ryan Leslie is back on the studio vid tip! 

Taken from his twitter: "Subscribe to my youtube channel. I am in movie mode. From now on, everything I do will be made into a movie: http://bit.ly/bYSWK0"

 

Good...I'm glad. If I ever came across a creative slump, all I had to do was watch a few of his videos. I'd be inspired to write, stay focused and keep grinding. Here's his latest vid "Fast Life".

New Summer Jams!!

Here we go folks! The squad brings you some new tracks to heat up this already hot summer! LET'S GO!!

Shannon Alvares - "Where to Go"



Definitely a unique track produced by DJ Starting from Scratch and myself! Recently getting regular rotation on Toronto's Flow 93.5FM, bumped by DJ's on KISS 92.5FM and in clubs all over the country, it has been getting great reviews in such a short time. With Shannon's smooth and sexy vocals throughout the verses and fist pumping energy in the choruses, this one will surely have you bumpin'!

MP3 DOWNLOAD

Naya Marie - "My Heart" (Remix)



Just in time for Caribana, Naya Marie teams up with Jester and myself to bring you what could be this summer's ladies anthem! Playing off of Wayne Marshall's dancehall smash "My Heart", Naya answers back like a silk glove with a brick inside it! Ladies, I know a lot of you will relate and I'll see y'all in the clubs with one hand up as this record blasts!

MP3 DOWNLOAD

*** DJ's, if you'd like the DJ Pack for any of these bangers, hit me up!

A Successful Artist - Producer Relationship

MTV Shows

Taken from Drake's "Better Than Good Enough" documentary, Drake shares something you don't see everyday, something that's usually behind the scenes - his relationship with his main producer Noah "40" Shebib.

4 minutes of respect, trust, commitment, dedication, gratitude and love that goes both ways between Drake and 40. This is a winning combination. This is why they're successful.

I have nothing but respect for 40 and I can definitely relate. Despite the cards he's been dealt, he pushes on determined, gives his all and goes the extra mile. He's more than just a producer - he's a true friend to Drake.

I'm inspired!
For the rest of the documentary, click here.

Shannon Alvares & Naya Marie - California Gurls, Love Will Never Do Without You MASHUP

Just in time for the summer - Shannon Alvares & Naya Marie team up with myself to bring you a definite summer jam...and it's a MASHUP! We took Janet Jackson's classic 90's track "Love Will Never Do Without You" and fused it with Katy Perry's current smash "California Gurls". Who knew the two songs (as well as these two Toronto based artists) would work so well together?! I had a blast working with them and producing this. ENJOY!

MP3 DOWNLOAD

By the way, Shannon and Naya both have new singles (also produced by myself) coming sooner than soon! Look out for them in the next few days!

Is it real love?

From bass lines, percussion elements, melodies, lyrics, all the way down to work ethic, Ryan Leslie has heavily influenced my production. Over the past few years, I've always found inspiration watching his studio vids on YouTube. Here's his latest which features the track "Is It Real Love" off of his album "Transition". Just like Drake's "Find Your Love", this one also speaks volumes for me. Another track on repeat. Enjoy!

Ryan Leslie x adidas Originals - "Is It Real, Love?" from Ryan Leslie on Vimeo.

I'm more than just an option...

I was sold on this track immediately upon hearing it. It's so simple (lyrically, musically) yet it speaks volumes for me.
Here it is, Drake's latest release "Find Your Love".

April Remix Showers

The team is wasting no time this month!

To start it off, Ms. Shannon Alvares takes Iyaz's pop smash "Solo" to the next level with her very own remix. Her smooth vocals and lush harmonies totally add flavor to the original. DJ's, this is one remix definitely worth checking out!

Download it free here!


Next, Jester returns with another crazy remix! This time he transformed Vybz Kartel's dancehall hit "Tek Buddy" into raw electro madness. If you thought his "Summer of 69" remix was one of a kind, you gotta hear this. Guaranteed to smash clubs - it's not a joke!

Download it free here!

There's tons more on the way! Keep your eyes and ears open by following us on Twitter: @shannonalvares @ThisIsJester @iamdelaVega

Naya Marie - Telephone (Cover)

Last month I introduced Naya to you all. Since then, we've been hard at work in the studio writing original music. One late night, errr morning (around 6AM), we somehow spontaneously recorded a cover of Lady Gaga's "Telephone". From the music to the video, trust me, this is not your average rendition. Check out Naya's crazy acting!

Welcome back to YouTube Naya! LET'S GO!

Enjoy!

2010 Stylus DJ Awards - Who to vote for!

It's that time of the year again! 2010 marks the 5th anniversary of the Stylus DJ Awards.

This year some of my good friends and teammates will be representing once again! One in particular is going for multiple categories (rightfully so). I called him on the phone and told him he's gonna sweep this year. Humbly he says, "Mmmyeaah we'll see...". I've had the honor of working with Jester this past year and lemme tell you, he's one of the hardest working people I know! Countless hours in the lab, lack of sleep, smashing clubs across the country, delivering some of the best mixshows & mixtapes...he loves what he does!

Many of you have enjoyed his parties, podcasts and mixtapes! Why not show some love by watching these videos and voting for him in this year's Stylus DJ Awards.

VOTE FOR JESTER EP.1 [COLLEGE RADIO SHOW & SOCA] from ThisIsJester on Vimeo.

VOTE FOR JESTER EP.2 [MIXTAPES] from ThisIsJester on Vimeo.

VOTE FOR JESTER EP.3 - I DO IT ALL! from ThisIsJester on Vimeo.

Here's a quick list of the categories to vote for him in:

TORONTO DJ OF THE YEAR

SOCA DJ OF THE YEAR

CLUB DJ OF THE YEAR

MIXTAPE OF THE YEAR

Jester x Jay-Z “40/40 Club”

COLLEGE RADIO SHOW OF YEAR

Worldwide Wake Up Show 89.5FM

COMMERCIAL RADIO MIXSHOW DJ OF THE YEAR

Flow 93.5FM

CLICK HERE AND VOTE FOR JESTER IN CATEGORIES 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 & 13!!

Thanks for your support and God bless!

-"All we do is win, win, win no matter what!"

Jully Black - Running (Doc Jones HD Remix)

Ok people, here we go!

Here's the latest production to come out of the camp. This time, Doc Jones HD put together a remix of Jully Black's latest single "Running"! I honestly wasn't expecting this interpretation but he smashed it. This definitely qualifies as a REMIX!

Download here. Enjoy!

Who is this girl???

Who is this girl???

That's the question I asked my good friend Jester when he called me up with the link to this YouTube vid. Fast forward one week later and we found ourselves in the studio with this charismatic and beautiful singer.

Her name is Naya and with one single video, she caused a massive buzz worldwide on YouTube! I'm excited we found a diamond in our backyard - Toronto! Look out for her in the next little while! Big things coming!

Valentine

Two years ago producer/artist Ryan Leslie released a track called "Valentine". To this day, it's still one of my favorite tracks. I never grow tired of it. Despite its simplicity, it has a certain "timelessness" to it. The video itself is actually amusing and the key-tar is the icing on top (I've always wanted one).

Anyway, "I know you're not my girlfriend...but..." will you be my Valentine??? ;)

Ray Robinson - "Just for the Night"

Ladies and gentlemen here it is - the latest single from T.O's very own Ray Robinson! "Just for the Night" (prod. by Kid Kut) is gonna bump in the clubs for sure!

I'm truly blessed to be working in the studio with Ray. An artist of his caliber definitely needs to be heard and let me tell you, there's more on the way. Keep your eyes and ears open for Mr. Ray Robinson this year!

Whatcha waitin for??? Click here to download "Just for the Night".

Get Used to Getting Used!

So, I'm in the lab and I keep picking up one of Shannon Alvares' books. It's Kanye West presents Thank You and You're Welcome with J.Sakiya Sandifer.

Here's one of my favorite quotes:

"Get used to getting used! To most people, the saying "to use someone" carries a negative connotation, but I don't see it that way. To "mis", "over" or "ab" use someone is negative. To use is necessary and if you can't be used...then you're useless."

BAM! There's a lot of food for thought in this book so go pick it up!

Happy New Year! What do you want???

Here we go! 2010 is in effect and I'm expecting big things! You should too, but don't just sit and expect whatever you want to just fall in your lap. It's gonna require work, which requires your time and effort.

What are your goals? What do you want to achieve? What do you want to accomplish? Knowing this and keeping it at the forefront of your mind will keep you on track. It'll help you make better decisions and help you spend your time wisely and efficiently. This is key because tomorrow is not guaranteed (those of you who really know me, know how familiar I am with that statement).

Now that you know what you want, make a decision to stick to it EVERYDAY. It takes 21 days to make or break a habit so do your best to stay focused these next three weeks. Do something everyday to further yourself and you'll notice every week will have been a progression.

Lastly, it's tough trying to do this by yourself. Get around and team up with ambitious, like-minded, positive, forward-moving individuals. When you're running on empty, they'll be the ones to help you and fill you back up with inspiration, motivation and encouragement.

Having said that, I'd like to big up a few of my teammates: RomeoTV, Jester, DJ Starting from Scratch, Kid Kut & Doc Jones. Get ready to see and hear some crazy stuff from us this year! Wanna run?? Well LET'S GO!