Aries Deng – On Being a Producer and DJ
I have found that being both a producer and DJ is definitely an enjoyable experience. When I am producing I find that I need to be creative, critical, and a visionary. When I am a DJ, I believe that I need to be actively listening, natural, and part of a larger community. Both of these roles perfectly complement each other. Producing music pushes me forward and teaches me to stay true to myself. DJing keeps me grounded and connected to the audience. (more…)
Exploring EDM – Producer – DJ – ARIES DENG
Aries Deng is a U.S.-based DJ & EDM producer. Born in Beijing, China, Aries moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue her love for music during her high school years. She started playing classical piano at the age of four but got drawn to Hip-Hop music during her middle school years after receiving a 2Pac CD from a friend. In 2006, Aries Deng produced her first EP, “Because of Love”, which combined her Hip-Hop and classical influences. In 2010, Aries moved to Boston after high school to attend Berklee College of Music and pursue a double major in Electronic Production & Design, and Music Production & Engineering. Shortly after, her musical tastes branched out to other genres. Aries started DJing and scratching using her favorite Technics turntables. She also discovered a Japanese Electronic Duo ‘HIFANA’, and after seeing one of her biggest music influences- ‘DJ Shadow’ performed with his electronic setup, Aries decided to explore the technology side of music. (more…)
Part Seven – How has the Industry Changed in the Last Twenty Years
I have noticed that a lot of things have changed in the industry in the last twenty years. (more…)
Part Six: Can you be too old for this?
Within the last year, I have asked myself many times if I’m too old for this. Sure, I’m not 21 years old any more but am I too old? Should I be concerned about my age? Should I be bothered if others think I’m too old?! Well, many of my co-workers who were around when I started out 20 years ago are still touring and still dedicated and enthusiastic about their job as a sound engineer. I even know of some that are close to sixty and still touring.
(more…)
Japan is Mr Big’s home away from home. They are adored by their fans here and consider them lifelong friends. They have always had a huge fan base in Japan and even when the band broke up in 2002 the Japanese never gave up hope and never stopped pleading for a reunion. That reunion happened in 2009 and the band, with all four original members, has done three world tours and made two new records since. (more…)
Electric Zoo Part Two – The Show
For the two-day EDM festival, I was assigned to work the stage of Main West. We would get the DJs set up and hang out in the wings until the next set change. I found myself doing more odd jobs than audio-related ones. A lot of them related to power with running power to certain parts of the backstage area to hang lights. I had to pack up quad boxes at the monitor position, as I was tired of everyone trying to use our power. (more…)
Two Shows, Two Weekends, One Festival – Part Two
The week between ACL we traveled to Tulsa, OK, and Lincoln, NE. We had two days off in Tulsa, right in downtown – let’s say it leaves a bit to be desired and with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees walking around was out. I did make a trip to the Greenwood Historic District, which was once known as the Black Wall Street. (more…)
Part Five: Did I Make the Right Choice?
Did I make the right choice to return live sound?! I have contemplated for a very long time. Did I still had the energy that it takes? Was I strong enough, mentally and physically? Could I deal with my insecurity? Would anybody give me a job? I knew this would turn my life upside down. (more…)
Mr. SoundLady – Rachel Ryan
Rachel Ryan has been working as an independent audio engineer for the last eleven years. She has worked as a FOH and TM for School of Seven Bells, Phosphorescent, Little Boots, Nightbox and Honeyblood. FOH for Albert Hammond JR, MNDR, Streets of Laredo, and as ME for Silversun Pickups, The Strokes, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. She is currently doing monitors for The Strokes and FOH for PHOX. When she is not touring she works at the Brooklyn Bowl as both a FOH and Monitor Engineer. (more…)
