:: EDITORS NOTE ::

It was in the late 80's that Faizel Dajee established a small business that operated as a radio repair centre. As time went by, Dajee began to sell cassettes as an addition to his service. What Dajee started as a small business has grown phenomenally into a giant music retailer which is today known as Reliable Music Warehouse. We interviewed Faizel and got him to speak about the workings of the successful business.

Sampling other people's music in one's own production has been a global issue since the early days of hip-hop. While some feel that it is unoriginal and lazy to sample, others feel that it has allowed for new creative possibilities and is in fact the opposite of being unoriginal. Of course as our local hip-hop scene grows in leaps and bounds, the issue has washed up onto our shores. This week features and article written by Fezisa Mdibi in which she asks our local hip-hop and kwaito artists, as well as herself, "Sampling – What's the attitude".

Last week we published an article on RiSA and mentioned that one of RiSA's jobs is to combat piracy. I received a mail from an very distressed MIO reader. They had seen a stall at a market selling CDs and DVDs which could have been pirated. The reader wanted to know whose job it is in this country to combat piracy. Of course it's not a simply answer to say that it is RiSA's Anti-Piracy Unit's job. Read my reply in this month's "Letters to MIO".

- Richard Rumney

:: COOL COMPANY NOTICES ::

Virgil Donati S.A. Drum Clinic Tour 2007 - Marshall Music
Sabian Cymbals, Vater Drum Sticks and Pearl Drums proudly presents the Virgil Donati SA Drum Clinic Tour 2007!

Wild & Marr Cape Hands Over Largest Ateis Voice Evacuation System In SA! - Wild & Marr
The month of May saw the handing over of the Kendal Power s t a t i o n v o i c e evacuation system to Eskom.

Digital Music Production course – July 2007 - Emendy Sound & Music Technologies
Enrolment has started for the July 2007 Digital Music Production Course. There are a few places available and registration closes on Tuesday the 24th of July 2007.

Two Record Shipments For Your Pleasure! - DJ Mix Club
Double whammy record shipments for July!

DJ Mix Club Newsletter July 2007 - DJ Mix Club
We have now recently opened our doors to those who wish to learn more about music production by offering our unique Advanced Reason Course. This course is a series of in-depth lessons, covering every single feature of Propellerhead's highly acclaimed music production software, Reason.

Turnkey Product News Flash July 2007 - Turnkey Music & Multimedia
The latest product news flashes from Turnkey includes the Brace Digital Audio DWG 1000 Digital Wireless Guitar System, Prop Heads Reason on the horizon, Korg M3 new generation workstation, Digidesign at Turnkey, Summer of SOund promotion, Sibelius Version 5, Native Instruments Audio 8 and Traktor Scratch, Presonus Firestudio and Remote, Hercules DJ Console Units including new Wireless Option and SE Electronics new instrument reflection filter and USB1000 A Mic.

:: LATEST NEWS ::

VSTi drummer that jam like a human
Rayzoon Technologies has announced the upcoming release of Jamstix 2, their virtual drummer plug-in that can jam with you like a human. The plug-in analyzes MIDI input as well as audio input (with limitations) in real-time and develops rhythms and adjusts parameters instantaneously, giving user the feel of playing with a human drummer, sans the flatulence problem.

Invest In The Youth: Audience Development
It's a shame that SABC's music content policy is 75% international music and 25% South African music, we as youth and local music lovers plan to change the status quo.

USB Mic Mate - Preamp & A/D Converter
MXL Microphones has released the MXL USB Mic Mate, a compact low-noise analog preamp that converts 48 volt phantom powered studio mics and analog line level signals to USB.

KZN Youth Orchestra Performs at Le Domaine
The KZN Youth Orchestra will perform their impressive repertoire under the Hillcrest skies when they take to the stage at the Le Domaine Amphitheatre on Sunday 29 July at 14h00, courtesy of Kloof Round Table and Le Domaine.

Shanling MC-30 Ipod Music Centre
Have you ever seen something like this? Combining a High Quality CD Player, Tuner, Dedicated iPod Input and Tube Power Amplifier... All in one chassis!

16Stitch On Tour
16Stitch's brand of cutting edge hard rock has been causing a stir for a number of years, and according to the band's lead singer, Andrew Maskell, the band are ''hellbent'' on continuing the explosive euphoria around their live performances.

The next step in digital DJ creativity
MixMeister Fusion is said to be an all-new pro DJ software application. It combines the spontaneity of live DJ performances with the pinpoint precision of the best studio production software.

Artists Selected For Unsigned Showcase
Powerzone Unsigned is a live music event that gives unsigned artists an opportunity to showcase their music to key members of the local music industry on the first Wednesday of each month at The Bohemian in Richmond, Johannesburg.

The Civilised Night To Party
DCPM presents: "Civilised" the newest and best Thursday night party in Jozi city opens up for the first time at the Roxy Rhythm Bar in Melville on Thursday 2 August.

:: REVIEWS ::

Untshebe: Inkonzo Kantshebe Vol 4
Untshebe is like a funny uncle whose company one really enjoys. His latest offering, Inkonzo Kantshebe Vol 4 goes across the board, it has a diverse musical feel; from maskandi, afro-pop, a bit of house and down to gospel.

Track Blasters: House Anthems
At times when I listen to projects that are due for review, my heart is filled with pride, pleasure and compliments. And once that happens, it gives me more space and liberty to speak my mind aloud!

Various: Splashy Fen 2007
Splashy Fen is one of South Africa's oldest, and certainly most scenic, music festivals. Splashy Fen's focus has always been on rock music and its various bed-fellows and derivatives, and this compilation reflects that ethos.

Carla Diamond - Unearthed
Carla Diamond has the potential to impress and does well to do so in Unearthed. Heads up, SA

:: FORUMS ::

The New Electrotrash.co.za - RickDisco
Just to let you know, the new electrotrash.co.za has been launched!There are a lot of new features to check out on the site, including a DJs section...So go and check it out.

Who Are The Sama Judges By The Way? - MadMuziq
Its been a while trying to figure out the SAMA judges... After a couple of months of hoping to nail this matter down, I give up! Though it was for interest sake, I feel...

Drummer Looking For Friends (er, I Mean, A Band) - Hotstix
I'm looking for any willing potential band members in the JHB/JHB north region. This is aimed at those of you who are just starting out (or have as little experience as I do).

Weasilboy? - shaan_l
where'd he go? anyone got his contact number maybe?