Light Painting.

Recently I discovered Light Painting with my DSLR, heres a lil' example :D

Megamashing.

So I've been itching to post some decent tracks lately but I can honestly say that the blogosphere has been quite slow in pumping out decent tracks lately, maybe decent is too harsher term but It's certainly been a while since I've stumbled across any gems unfortunately.

Hopefully the Mash-amazing ablities of DJ Earworm can fix the boring listings I've seen grace Hypem's charts. Whether you love Pop or not (I don't mind it, it's just not my priority genre) you have to commend this man's ability to weave segments, verses, chrous', beats and basslines to craft a Megamash of tracks made purely off the back of one another.

DJ Earworm - Like OMG, Baby (Capital FM Summertime Ball Mashup)
(Right Click, Save Link As)

OCTC x JDM&DJM

Iam proud to announce a newly formed collaboration between OCTC (obsessivecompulsivetuningcars.com) and JDM&DJM, thanks to Benson, OCTC's founder.

Look forward to articles and joint ventures to come :D

Roadster Life.

Roadster Life is a newly formed blog/web page that encompasses the 'Roadster Spirit' we hear about so often, a fondness that stretches beyond tangibility for mx-5 owners, something that I think some other car owners despise in a way ;)

I wrote them a small article last week, and they posted it recently, check it out! :D
"Where it all started, when it's still yet to start"

Project Revival Final. Must See.

If you tune, mod or love cars. Watch This. It's also a perfect piece alongside my previous article. Enjoy.

Project Revival Final Video.

Tuning. Enthusiasts. & Our Direction.

In a recent discussion and overall view there's a little contention between what "IS" and "ISN'T" tuning, as every enthusiast has their views of whats right, wrong and downright ugly in reflection to their taste of definition of functionality, but recently I'm beginning to realise that this mentality is impeding the world of automotive enthusiasm rather than excelling it.

Hellaflush is one in a variety of tuning subcultures that is either praised or questioned in it's mode of tuning, their focus revolving around the offset and fitment of tyres and rims sitting 'flush' to the car, fenders, and tyre wall itself. With pure emphasis on aesthetics rather than the mechanics of running such a setup or even the perils of tyre wear or legality.

To me, I don't really care either way, I actually like Hellaflush and I believe cars can be an artform in them self. Its not necessarily 'fake' or 'wrong' as what some people would call it, it's just not what some average tuners think what tuning is.

I think what a lot of people don't understand is that tuning is subjective just like any other hobby, art form or personal outlet of expression as some people say in the tuning world "Your car is an extension of your personality".

After reading Charles Kha's article in Issue #85 of Autosalon Magazine, I've properly recognised how absolutely bullshit and critical tuners and car admirer's are towards one another, be it in or out of JDM culture, you'll see it across Show Car Builders, Hot Rodders, Muscle Lovers, Vintage and Nostalgic Fans- the list goes on, when at the end of the day It's better to admire and welcome.

E.g 'Hellaflush', Try to admire the fact that the guy is rocking Workmeisters rather than whining about the impractical camber. As much as I hate Sex-Spec I can still admire the workmanship in aesthetics, time and effort, even if each rim ends up adding 10kgs to a car wielding a blinding pink paint job. Although I don't favour this style, I will attempt to emote a sense of appreciation but more importantly, try to accept rather than merely tolerate.

Cultures, sub cultures and memes such as 'Hellaflush' should be welcomed to our overall car loving community- rather than flame and ousted on a fundamental basis of dislike due to one's personal disapproval. Hey I'll even be the first person to put my hand up and admit I'm guilty of it too, but I'm now making the effort to see the greater picture in hindsight and change my judgment.

Regardless of content, it's our enthusiast context that matters and I believe that the sooner car enthusiasts (we) adopt these qualities the sooner we can be on track to a greater, better, more accepting global passion that can expand upon. Who knows maybe someone will discover a style or method better (god forbid) than 'JDM styled tuning', but If we keep excluding others in what they're bringing to the table then we're inhibiting evolving a possibility of outlets, when you consider the variety of misconceptions against car enthusiasts as portrayed by the media or naive individuals, it's safe to say that we don't need anyone else against us, or their stereotypes, yet here we are going against one another on various other levels, for shallow reasons at that.

As Charles' column writes, "Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but an opinion doesn't entitle us to turn on our own kind".

Just something to think about, drop a comment in the box. These are purely my views compounded with views of others that share the same thoughts. Cheers for reading :D

Nothing electro on you.

Came across this electro house remix of B.O.B Ft. Bruno Mars - Nothing On You, I really dig the original, although this is shaken up nicely to suit a clubbier or loungier context.

I could be chasing, but my time would be wasting. Enjoy!

B.O.B Ft. Bruno Mars - Nothing On You (Lenno Electro House Remix)
(Mediafire)

JHype. We Heart Japan.

Loving this blog, it's creators are two fellows from JDMST, give it a flick through and embrace the place, that is Japan in all it's enthralling culture.

http://jhype.net/

A Sad Loss.. RIP.

At 11.30pm last night an NA MX5 collided with a Flatbed truck on Old Pacific Hwy, fatally and prematurely ending the two young lives of Gerard and Tom (Passenger). Two young car enthusiasts in their early 20's, Gerard a member of JDMST. May they rest in peace and may we please learn from the loss of their families and friends that such events can be prevented if we drive carefully and abide by respective road laws.

Such young lives, such a great loss. (JDMST Members can pay their respects here.)

May they both R.I.P.

New Mixer! KM-202.

A few weeks back I picked up a new DJ mixer to go along with the rest of my gear, I thought I'd share it with some thoughts :).

It's a 2 Channel mixer, Korg are pretty with it when it comes to build quality, the features are great, nesting Korg's famed 'Kaoss Pad' embedded in the mixer itself, I love the fact that the EQ has 'Isolation' meaning that all frequencies are cut when you cut each channel as opposed to other mixers which leave frequencies dwelling even when each EQ channel is sitting at 0.

It's got pretty hefty RRP but what can you expect when they retail the Mini KP for a couple of hundred alone (Which is the same Kaoss Pad in the KM-202). I love the crossfader, extremely smooth with plenty of room for preference thanks to the crossfader adjuster.

The 'Kaoss Pad' is amazing! with 99 presets and presets within each of those presets using the touch pad, this thing has it buckled down when it comes to effects, owning for a few weeks now I haven't even had a chance to check them all out, whats also very cool is the combination of effects some of the effects are eg. 'LFO+Flanger+Phase', you can only imagine what those sort of combo's sound like, my favorite thus far is the 'Beat Repeat'.

I think my only qualms with the unit are that I'd prefer larger EQ knobs but thats just personal preference, PFL for the 'Kaoss Pad' would be great too, as it would let you experiment with it without disrupting what your playing.

I highly recommend this as a DJM-400 alternative, aside from a few minor things and they really are minor- I'm loving this new device.

JDMST Sticker V2.

Brand new V2 Pepsi style stickers released! 50 of these new JDMST stickers are available. Highest grade vinyl, 80mm in diameter, Grab one at the JDMST Shop :D.

Clean Header.

Let me know what you think!

Fresh Deadmau5. Love this guy.

Its been a little while since my last post, probably the longest I've ever been (Soz), first post for May in fact, aside from the fact that I've been a little busy, I've been waiting for something fresh to come in, Havn't really come across anything of significance in the blogosphere in the past few weeks, alas that changes here.

Fresh Deadmau5 track "Some Chords"- typical in reflection to Joel's vague and careless track titles. Starts of with a fractured sawtooth-like sequence with various effects and filter passes as it builds, can't expect anything less from the man himself.

His ability to produce and tour simultaneously is quite astounding, although not in great quanities it's still a feat in itself, which also bring to attention a remix he's whipped recently, Pendulum's track 'Watercolor', sure fire sounds to be heard in the big clubs in weeks to come.

Enjoy! :D

Deadmau5 - Some Chords (Original Mix)
(Mediafire)

Pendulum - Watercolor (Deadmau5 Remix)
(Mediafire)

OCTC.

A friend of mine, also a fellow JDMST'er decided he'd finally jump on the bandwagon and start up a blog, I thought i'd help him out a bit and design him a banner which he seems to be very happy with. Check out his blog, Theres a great interview with the guys from 'Mighty Car Mods' give it a look on Youtube if you've never seen it, it's a good laugh and enthusiast's view for the car minds.

http://obsessivecompulsivetuningcars.com/

Diplo Dub. 'To see your face again'.

Heard this track last week for the first time whilst hammering my way through an incessant music hoarding session, to my delight I came across this fresh remix, Diplo vs Sunday Girl, I havn't heard much of her stuff, but I've really been digging Diplo's past stuff for a while, not only do I really enjoy the tracks flow but I absolutely love the vocals

Diplo vs Sunday Girl - Four Floors
(Right Click, Save Link As)

Crazy Kids'N'Hats.

Saturday just passed, had a lot of fun mixing for a good friend of mine's sister, for her 18th :) the theme was crazy hats, so I thought i'd take it a little further to the edge, in an almost bloody beetroots-esque manner :P Had a really great night, fortunately i was requested 90's dance for the night, alot better taste than your average 'Veronicas' or 'RNB' requests from such demographic teenie boppers. Tracks from the likes of 'Snap!', 'RealMccoy' and 'Urban Cookie Collective'- I gotta admit, it was refreshingly nostalgic.

With litres of beer readily available, saying it was a good night, was an understatment. Below are a few tracks I wound the clock back a few years. Enjoy :)

Nostalgia Gems here:

Urban Cookie Collective - Key To The Secret
(Mediafire)

Motiv8 - Rockin' For Myself
(Mediafire)

RealMccoy - Another Night
(Mediafire)

ATB - Don't Stop
(Mediafire)

Mazda Love.

Mazda's extensive, historical family tree! interactive too!
Check it out :D

http://www.mazda.co.jp/90th/history/

Stretch Spec Yo'.

Ever wondered how you get this kind of fitment off with a set of 225/40/14 on some deep dished SSR MKI 14 x 12's?.

Easy. Hairspray anyone?

JDM&DJM Exclusive. Harmonic. Depth. 32

New mix! yay! I've been playing with harmonic mixing lately (ie. mixing songs in correlation to thier musical key values) this being one of my first harmonic mixes. A few new features to this mix as I've implemented some fresh and classic House/Deep House, along with some new and unheard (to some) bangers. Also got a new soundcard to record, no more channel spiking through THIS digital signal :D ps. Tracklist soon.

32 Bits.
32 Mins.
10 Songs.
Enjoy...

JDM&DJM - Harmonic. Depth. 32
(Mediafire)

JDM&DJM Exclusive. 1HR.MARCH.MIX.

A quick 1 hour March mix I compiled a few nights ago between 2&3am, hope you guys like it, put it together on the fly along with some album cover designs. Enjoy!

Download me here:
JDM&DJM - 1HR.MARCH.MIX.
(Mediafire)

'Cuz Iv'e been Watchin' Pjanoo'

So theres this excellent vocal house track from a lil' while back-
"Freemasons - Watchin"

Then theres the well known prog house track-
"Eric Prydz - Pjanoo"

BUT... then theres THIS...

Freemasons - Watchin' (Pjanoo Mix)
(Zippyshare)

Love It.

Support JDMST!

Stickers, Calendars and Posters available!
Right Here: JDMST Shop

"You could do it yourself, in your f*ckin' house, in your bedroom" on remixing - Steve Aoki

The 'Electro Wars' or so it seems, the trailer below, a short series of pressing issues and views currently adressed in the music scene as well as the blogosphere's impact upon it, with replies and discussions from industry giants such as A-Trak, LMFAO, 3OH!3, Steve Aoki and more are abundant in the vid. Very much worth a look at, with much to learn and ponder from the questions and answers returned.

(Full screen by pressing the 4 arrow icon)

The Electro Wars Final Trailer from Stephen Alex Vasquez on Vimeo.

"You Don't Want To Be Alone."

'Two Door Cinema Club' are an Electropop/Indie Rock band from North Ireland, Formed in 2007 and signed to French record label 'Kitsune Music' (Well reknown for thier electro compilations).

I came across their track 'What you know' a week or two back and instantly fell in love with the track's layered flow, accompanied lyrics and especially- the lead guitar's emotionally toned, chorus riff. After listening to this track and watching it climb the Hypem ranks I knew a remix would come soon, I didn't know when, but I knew it was pending...

Then BAM! - Woke one morning this week, in my routinely morning Hypem scan, to find that 'LightsoverLA' had injected a club friendlier atmosphere to the track, and to my delight without disturbing it's original vibe. This little treat will definitely be sitting in my next setlist.

Savour It:

Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know
(Right Click, Save Link As)

Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know (LightsoverLA Club Remix)
(Right Click, Save Link As)

Ps. This post is for my girlfy xox.

Cabletie Stitchin'

'I can sow :P'

Been procrastinating to source a rear bar on my AE82 for quite sometime now, due to a crack on the rear right hand side. But then I thought to myself... Fix it drift style :O! So I decided to wake up early this morning, pull the bar off, drill some holes and weave, criss-cross that shit up.

Midnight Purple.

"I never thought I'd see the day he'd wave goodbye to the 'Retro Wangan Zed', I was very anticipant to see the new ride..."

After many anticipant talks and long awaited periods, long time friend of mine, Mike and myself, ventured down to the 'Southern Highlands' of Sydney to pick up his newest JDM baby! A clean, midnight purple 'Sileighty'.


Previously owned by a fellow JDMST goer Luke, whom provided us with some excellent insight and was more than generous in giving Mike many many extras, handing the keys over after a fresh wash and chamois.

The uniqely 'Sil' front fitted 180sx, boasts a lick of vibrant, yet subtle paint, under the hood possesing an eager SR20DET. With a couple of bolt ons and other secret JDM bits, I knew from the moment I first saw this car at the June 08' JDMST EOMM, it meant buisness.

Finally back from an enjoyable roadtrip of automotive discoveries and endless laughs at the wastegate whine, "Natalia" as named by her new owner resides, nestled in it's new garage, bearing a 'soshinoya' :D

FT-Hachi Roku!

"FT-86, in front of it's predecessor"

Anyone familiar with the JDM scene or anime scene even is very familiar "AE86" (colloquially known as the 'Hachi Roku' in japan) , also known as the 'Toyota Sprinter".

Eventually in a future post I'll give a greater depth and run down of the AE86 and all it's variations for those who don't know enough, and those whom want to know a little more :). Well Toyota have pulled thier sleeves up and hopefully (fingers crossed) break the mold of thier 'Cardigan Image' they've managed to ascertain in the past decade with the countless 'Camrys' and 'Prius', sure theyre economic, but let's face it... they're as entertaining as watching paint dry.

Across the interwebz countless new images are released by the big boys in japan, teasing us with the ever growing developments of the AE86's spiritual successor... the 'FT-86'.

Sporting heavy reference to the 80's box classic, the FT-86 has set out to inject some excitement into the 'FR' Market, a gap that, in my opinion was left when cars such as the 'S15' and 'RX7' ceased production in the early 2000's.

Without further ado, tasty teasing images!

Anddd... the fanboy photochops have already started...

X Marks the spot

"The XX."

On a totally non prog/electro/house related level, I've found this great track. It's the intro piece to "The XX's" album, it's really a great piece of instrumental work, on both the guitar's clean, looming sound and the accompanying snares. I had a great drive listening to this today, (had to tie it in with jdm somehow :S) Check it out.

Introlicious:
The XX - Intro
(Right Click, Save Link As)

Splash Header.

Been fiddling with my favourite tool from Adobe, and have been coming up with different designs and splashes for my blog header, hoping to re-design it or swap it around every so often, stay tuned for fresh designs. :D

Transcendant 'Drop Out'

"Pure Equanimity."

I love this track... I just absolutely love the isolating late night synths, the layered melodies, the progression of it all. It takes you to an almost electronic transcendency- drifting off in parts in dramatic breaths of silence... 1:24 cue'ing a digital nirvana in my opinion... love this track soooo so much, cannot stress it enough, but then again iam a sucker for a solid, quality prog house production.

*Serving Suggestion: Late night/dawn, most preferably post 2am.

Barletta & Gianni Marino - Drop Out
(Mediafire)

Pon De Floor - Request

Got a request from a friend to shove this up, I'm more than sure most of you have heard it, either hovering in your playlists or out at club in the past 6 months. If you haven't heard it, then you need to get you finger onto the pulse of the music world a little more often, Here it is.

Major Lazer - Pon De Floor
(Right Click, Save Link As)

Birthday Mixing

'On the tune :P'

Another weekend, another Saturday, another opportunity to mix to my delight. Long time friend from high school, 'Chris' had his final 'Teen digit' birthday and i was more than happy to provide some tunes for his celebratory entourage.

In the hours leading up the the party we hired a set of 1200 watt speakers after much headache due to stupid 'Mardi Gras' and it's event requirements. Also grabbed myself a Pioneer CDJ case for my gear'n'gigs at a cut-down price thanks to overstock :D

My CDJ's nestled in their newly acquired roadie.

Had a great time dropping melodies for everyone, got some great feedback which is always good, including a never ending supply of screams and cheers from Mel in her buzzed state of partying :P

Heres a few tracks from Saturday's Setlist:

Warmups:
Deadmau5 - Reward Is Cheese
(Right Click, Save Link As)

Dirtyy Time!:
Hyper Crush - Sex And Drugs (Benny Benassi Remix)
(Right Click, Save Link As)

Danger - 11h30
(Right Click, Save Link As)

Timbaland - Morning After Dark (Wolfgang Gartner Remix)
(Mediafire)