just add our RSS into your RSS reader and join the feed!
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how fucking cool is that??? now you can totally + completely keep up with our mad blog :)
technogeek out!
29.11.07
+funk boutique now on RSS!
just add our RSS into your RSS reader and join the feed!
click ->
how fucking cool is that??? now you can totally + completely keep up with our mad blog :)
technogeek out!
27.11.07
[23.11.07]
technofunk opens for fritz helder and the phantoms
thursday november 22.07- technofunk sound system opened up for fritz helder and the phantoms.
[06.11.07]
Ableton Live 7 - sneak preview
Since its announcement last month, Ableton Live 7 has become the most hotly anticipated new piece of kit this season.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with it throughout its development, so here’s a look at just a few of the goodies in store for DJs and producers.
Fasten your seatbelts. There’s some amazing stuff under the hood of this wünder-DAW.
Slice to New MIDI Track
An eagerly anticipated feature of Ableton Live 7 is support for REX format loops.
REX files are unique in that they forego time-stretching. Instead, they slice a loop into smaller segments and play these segments via MIDI sequence information.
What’s most remarkable about Ableton’s new support for REX is that it also allows for one of Live 7’s coolest new features, called “Slice To New MIDI Track.”
With a single right-click on any loop in Live, you can automagically slice it into dozens of smaller segments — like individual kicks, snares and percussion — then import these slices into a Drum Rack, which is then played by its own unique MIDI sequence.
The sequences can then be reordered so that you can create entirely new grooves from a single drum loop.
Mark my word, this feature will become the basis for a new production sound in 2008.
Fortunately, it’s so flexible that many producers will approach this tool from their own unique perspective.
Compressor Update
While Live’s old Compressor 2 device was fine for basic tasks, many producers opted to purchase third-party compressor plug-ins for punchy drums and mastering.
Having worked with the new Compressor device for several months now, I can honestly attest that it’s an extraordinary improvement over its predecessor.
Two new vintage modes are included, in addition to all of the previous modes. These can be combined in a variety of ways to achieve a wide range of professional compression sounds.
In conjunction with Live’s eight-band stereo EQ, you can now pre-master your mixes so that they sound quite polished indeed.
New Synths
Hardcore sound designers will be drooling over Live’s three new modeled synths: Electric, Analog, and Tension. Each specializes in a different form of tone generation.
Electric is optimized to create groovy electric pianos, perfect for deep and jazzy house.
Tension is a physical modeling tool for stringed instruments, whereas Analog is a full-featured dual-oscillator subtractive synth.
All are based on technology licensed from Canada’s Applied Acoustics Systems, whose products include Lounge Lizard, String Studio, Tassman, and Ultra Analog.
In Ableton’s implementation, the underlying technology behind these plug-ins receives a facelift, in the form of intuitive and flexible new interfaces and full integration with Live.
Each can be purchased a la carte, — or you can get them all, along with Ableton’s own Operator and Sampler synths, by purchasing the new Ableton Suite package.
Drum Rack
I’ve often heard hardware snobs comment that Live’s Impulse drum machine is “nice, but it’s no Akai MPC.”
That argument is about to be silenced, as Live 7 now includes an extraordinary new device called a Drum Rack.
Now, you can take any sample - or set of samples - and drop them onto a Drum Rack.
Live 7 will then load each of the samples into its own full-featured Simpler device, which allows for enveloping, filtering, LFOs and several useful sample editing functions.
This is much more flexibility than an Akai offers.
From there, each sample is assigned to its own MPC-like pad (up to 128 pads total), which can be played from any MIDI controller, including keyboards, pads, even your computer QWERTY keyboard.
Alternately, you can assign any synth or plug-in to the pads so that you can generate your own synth drums from scratch.
This is both the most powerful and most intuitive drum machine implementation I’ve seen in years — and it comes standard with Live 7.
But wait, there’s more!
In addition to the above highlights, there are a ton of other, subtler amenities included in the new upgrade. Here’s a quick rundown.
Sidechains. Live now includes the ability to sidechains on its compressor, gate, and auto filter devices. This allows the audio from a different channel to control the effect’s dynamics, perfect for that pumping effect that has become a mainstay in Trance and Progressive.
64-bit Processing. All mix points throughout the program are now 64-bit. What this means to users is cleaner sound and more headroom.
Hi-Quality. Numerous plug-ins, such as Saturator, Dynamic Tube, and EQ Eight, now include Hi-Quality modes which reduce aliasing and sound even better.
External control. Two new devices — External Audio Effect and External Instrument — allow you to route MIDI and audio to external hardware, then back into Live, in a completely transparent manner, with adjustable latency compensation.
Spectrum Analysis. Another new device, the Spectrum Analyzer (pictured below), delivers full visual display of up to 16384 bands of audio. This is great for zeroing in on problematic EQ situations or just zoning out.
Nudge Tempo. While most of the above features apply equally to both DJs and producers, a pair of tempo-nudging buttons are now available. For Ableton DJs who have to follow hardware DJs in gig settings, this will be a reason to rejoice since we can now beatmatch just like the big kids if needed.
31.10.07]
exclusive free download
technofunk.Collective's amir Ebrahimnia & Simón.Rojas
"you are what you eat"
full length mixed cd at:
http://www.technofunk.org/downloads.php
technofunk.Collective's amir Ebrahimnia & Simón.Rojas
"you are what you eat"
full length mixed cd at:
http://www.technofunk.org/downloads.php
[04.09.07]
shine on!
*PLEASE NOTE LICENSED TILL 4:00 AM(Arrive EARLY to AVOID DEVASTATION...)
-
SHINE ON ...
Introducing; Direct from Los Angeles & straight off the set of the movie HAIRSPRAY, John Walke proudly presents to you, recording & performing artist, LIMPWRISTED in a night of absolute mayhem along side Canadian producers and live PA performing artists, TECHNOFUNK COLLECTIVE including fresh off world tour with Nelly Furtado, DJ SHINE!
SUPERSTEIN the hottest new line of active wear is taking OVER! Join in a STYLE FIT & celebrate the FILMFEST in what will be THE HOTTEST FESTIVAL PARTY of the year!
Arrive EARLY to AVOID DEVASTATION...
Dress like you've NEVER LOOKED SOO GOOD!
LIMPWRISTED (L.A.)
TECHNOFUNK SOUND SYSTEM
(technofunk.org, replant records)
COLD TRAP
(madexx.com, bit records mexico)
[01.08.07]
zirzamin interview with amir ebrahimniaAn interview with Amir Ebrahimnia, from TECHNOFUNKCOLLECTIVE | |||||||
| |||||||
| Z.Z: This interview is long over due! AMIR: yes it is. My apologies. I have been unreachable for the past year. Z.Z: What is Technofunk Collective's music style? AMIR: We are electronica producers. Our style ranges through a variety of genres. From nu jazz / acid jazz, down tempo, trip-hop to house, intelligent techno and progressive. Z.Z: What does the name stands for? AMIR: Technofunk Collective was originally an urban artist collective I started almost 8 years ago. Over the years, it evolved into the trio you see today. Z.Z: Who are behind the project? AMIR: myself (amir Ebrahimnia), Simón Rojas & Jason (dj shine) spanu Z.Z: Could you please give us a brief history of the Technofunk Collective? AMIR: We are three good friends who all share the love for producing electronic music. We've all been DJing for as long as we can remember. Jason and I started DJing in the 80's. I met Simón 7 years ago through a friend. He purchased my old turntables and mixer to learn the art. We've been inseparable best friends since. Z.Z: So, you are living in Iran, Simón & Jason are Canadian musicians who live in Canada, is that right? How does it work? AMIR: Internet helped a lot. All three of us are technological geeks (hence techno) I moved to Iran for 2 years to experience the land & culture and recharge creatively, Simón was living in Spain for the same time and Jason was Touring with Nelly Furtado doing the live PA for the band. Simón and I are back in Toronto now. Jason is still on tour with Nelly Furtado but is based in Toronto. We do see each other constantly. Z.Z: I see. How did you find Iran? Was it as "recharging" as you wished it to be? AMIR: no. I found it extremely draining. At first glance you would think different, but after actually living there and facing every day issues, you realize how quickly problems build up. Things I normally wouldn't worry about would build up to such that it would occupy your whole life. I have so much respect for Iranian underground artists & talent. I believe they are on a different level of creativity obviously due to there social / political surroundings. Z.Z: Sounds like you had a terrible time. AMIR: I wouldn't say i had a terrible time. Just extremely spiritually draining. Iran is not "reality". It has become a fantasy playground for the elite and a suffocating nightmare for the rest. Z.Z: Is Techno or Electro music in general popular in Iran? AMIR: It's the fastest growing genre in Iran. Yet it lacks the history and culture which has taken years to develop in the world. Though it has caught on like wild fire, the genres with in electronic dance music have not been properly defined in Iran. Trance is house, techno is trance so on and so forth. For example; how do you explain Dub to someone who has never heard reggae? How do you tell them about Lee "scratch" Perry and the Jamaican early ska movement and its link and influence on modern music. Z.Z: For those who don't understand techno music, how would you explain what you do? AMIR: Instead of employing traditional compositional techniques, we, usually act as producers, treating the electronic studio as one large, complex instrument: an interconnected orchestra of machines, each producing timbres that are simultaneously familiar and alien. Each machine is encouraged to generate or complement continuous, repetitive sonic patterns that come relatively 'naturally' to them, given the capabilities and limitations of early sequencers - such sequencers, especially those built-in to old drum machines, tend to encourage the production of repeating 16-step patterns with a limited number of instruments being playable at once, yet they also allow sounds to be arranged in any order, regardless of whether live musicians could easily reproduce them. Rather than just mimicking arrangements playable by live musicians, we are free to prominently feature unrealistic combinations of sounds. Striving to achieve a listen able, dance floor-friendly balance of realistic and unrealistic arrangements of mostly synthetic, semi-realistic timbres, rather than a demonstration of machine-powered extremes. After an acceptable palette of compatible textures is collected in this manner, we begin again, this time focusing not on developing new textures but on imparting a more deliberate arrangement of the ones we already have. We play the mixer and the sequencer, bringing layers of sound in and out, and tweaking the effects to create ever-more hypnotic, propulsive combination. The result is a deconstructive manipulation of sound. Z.Z: In some of your tracks, you've mixed the voice of some of our famous female poets like: Forough Farokhzad and Maryam Heydarzadeh reading their own poems. What is your concept behind it? AMIR: Sampling is lots of fun. We dont do it often because we prefer original sounds. I am a big fan of Farrokhzads works and I found Heydarzadeh's voice intriguing. The high pitch was enticing. Z.Z: The remix of Deev's "Dasta Balaa", do you see Technofunk.Collective as a politically active Band? AMIR: Deev approached me a couple of years ago about doing the remix. I really like what he has to say and love his stylings and lyricism. The message Deev has, needs to be heard and it needs to be heard loud.. We fully support Deev's point of view and respect him for speaking up. We need more artists to rise up and shout it out. We are social conscience individuals. Simón and I are both children of revolution. My family was kicked out of Iran following the 1979 Iranian revolution. Simón's family escaped the clutches of Pinochet in the late 70's. There is a bond between us. We will never be afraid to speak out on issues. Be it social nor political. Z.Z: Sounds like you have a lot to say besides music. AMIR: Given the opportunity, I will speak my mind. Z.Z: Do you listen to other genres in persian underground? AMIR: I listen to absolutely everything from jazz to punk. I absolutely love what the Abjeez and Kiosk are doing. Z.Z: Do you normally do lots of other artist remixes? AMIR: we are very selective at this point in the game who we work with. Z.Z: Will there be an album in the future? AMIR: We have lots of material. Now that I am back from Iran, an album is in the works. Z.Z: Any other plans for the future? AMIR: We're doing some wicked collaboration with artists & musicians and preparing for our performances & live concerts. Combining the DJ / live PA elements with live instruments and performance art. Working on the album will be a high priority though. Z.Z: Thank you Amir. It's been a pleasure. AMIR: The pleasure was mine. | |||||||
[18.06.07]
sexsi soire II
big thanks to everyone who came to our show on friday night! Simon and I had a blast! the crowd was sick! great to be back in our hometown.
FYI, in case you missed friday night, you can catch our performance at both the Toronto Electronic music festival coming up at Harbour front Center july 7th and September 9 & 10th we will be the featured GM artist at VirginFest.
thank you all for your love & support.
-amir
+echnofunk.collective
www.myspace.com/technofunkcollective
www.technofunk.org - (coming soon)
[19.11.06]
[12.08.06]
fixation
kandu music presents:
- F I X A T I O N - Toronto 08.31.06
place: Purgatory Night Club
199 Richmond St. West
Toronto . Canada
tickets $15 in advance . more at the door.
BOOK EARLY!
this is the thursday night of the labor day weekend. we are expecting a sold out performance.
[30.07.06]
TORONTO ELECTRONIC MUSIC FEST 06'
Amir Ebrahimnia + DJ Shine
Technofunk Collective
hi everyone.
just a quick word about our upcoming performance at the Toronto Beats Breaks & Culture event thats happening this weekend at the hurbourfront center in toronto.
We will be playing at the DJs At LakeSide Terrace Tent.
our performance starts at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, but i strongly recommend you come down all day and enjoy the festivities. check out the schedule for the best in canadian and international acts by some of the best names in electronica.
hope to see you all there:) looking forward to seeing some old friends. it's nice to be back in my home town.
peace.
-amir ebrahimnia
Technofunk Collective
-
How to get here
From Lakeshore Boulevard, all downtown exits access Queens Quay West and Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West.)
CLICK HERE TO SEE MAP
-
Beats, Breaks & Culture
Schedule: Fri Jul 7 Sat Jul 8 Sun Jul 9
Plug into the latest currents of urban electronic music, with a special focus on the emergence of globally-flavored sounds. Also featuring Canada's largest breakdancing competition and live graffiti art creation, this is an event you don't want to miss!
Focus: Power of Place
All summer long delve deeper into geography, history, community and our place in the larger world.
"Place is something we create and which creates us; it is a dialogue, never a lecture. All I want is to speak up and contribute to the conversation, Even if all I end up saying is 'I was here'."
- Roxanne Musterer - Graffiti artist
Explore the Festival
Music
Dance
Visual Art
Film
Kids' Activities
International Marketplace
Acknowledgements
[23.11.07]
technofunk opening for fritz helder and the phantoms
thursday november 22.07- technofunk sound system opened up for fritz helder and the phantoms.
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