Topics related to DJ training, trends, set lists, advice, and general information

DJ Battle of the Bands, Second Edition

January 2018, the Syndicate held its second Battle of the Bands for another energetic night of Swing greats!

This time, Chick Webb battled Jimmie Lunceford and Andy Kirk, brought to life through the best recordings by DJ Lian, DJ Keli, and DJ George, respectively. Andy Kirk was a surprise hit, but it was a close call between Jimmie and Chick!

The winner: Chick Webb (DJ Lian)!

Please enjoy the slide show that was presented with all the interesting facts for each of the bands, including a special spotlight on Mary Lou Williams, “One of the most brilliant Jazz pianists of all time.”

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First Ever DJ Battle of the Bands!

In May of 2017, three historic bands took the stage at the Fed for the Syndicate’s first ever Battle of the Bands! Chick Webb, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman squared off in a “battle royale”, winner-take-all head to head event! How was the Syndicate able to pull off such a feat? Three talented and eager DJs took the booth, presenting the best of each band through recorded music: DJ Lian presented Webb; DJ Joanna, Basis; DJ Kevin, Goodman. We’ve included the slideshow presentation with facts about each bandleader below.

The winner: Count Basie (DJ Joanna)!

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Interested in Learning to DJ?

Have you ever wondered what it takes to DJ? Maybe you’re just interested in how to keep a dance party going beyond just hitting “play” on a set list, or maybe you’re curious about DJing at the Fed on Thursday nights?

If you’re a full member of the Fed, you can go through our social dance DJ program for free. You’ll be mentored by some of the strongest DJs in the country (more than a couple of our DJs have worked national and international Lindy Hop and Balboa events), and learn their tips and tricks. Plus, you’ll learn about the history of the music that inspired the dance we love and enjoy on a weekly basis.

There’s no obligation to become a DJ, but we’re always looking for new people to put into our rotation!

For more information, fill out the form below and we’ll get you started in our next DJ Flight School!

Syndicate DJ Interest Form

  • Please enter your Spotify or YouTube playlist share link here, or create a set list (between 5 and 10 songs) by adding each song and artist you would consider during one of the hour-long DJ sets. It doesn't have to be perfect, we're just looking for a starting point and an intersection of what we expect when playing for Swing dancers. Alternatively, give us an idea of the events you've DJed in the past!
    Add a new row
  • Observer - you're interested in learning the mechanics and skills of DJing, but you don't want to DJ for the Syndicate.
    Substitute DJ - Assigned DJ slots in an as-needed basis and not regularly in the rotation
    Full Time DJ - DJs regularly for the Syndicate, namely in any of the three one-hour slots in the main room or any of the two one-hour slots in the side room on Thursday nights
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King Porter Stomp

If you’ve danced at the Fed in the Main Ballroom or the Uptempo Side Room (on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month), chances are you’ve heard some version of King Porter Stomp. Created and composed by Jelly Roll Morton in 1905, it was a seminal contribution to what became Swing music a few decades later. One of the most recognizable versions of the tune was the arrangement by Fletcher Henderson for Benny Goodman’s band in 1935.

NPR recently did a story about King Porter Stomp, discussing the specific musical meaning of “stomp”, and Jelly Roll Morton and his influence on Jazz, including a rare audio interview with Jelly Roll himself! Click the player below to hear the story:

Jelly Roll Morton’s original version of King Porter Stomp:

Fletcher Henderson’s arrangement of King Porter Stomp by Benny Goodman and his Orchestra:

Keep scrolling for more links about Jelly Roll Morton, King Porter Stomp, and Fletcher Henderson:

NPR Source Audio for King Porter Stomp

 

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Swing Music 101

In 2016, the Austin Swing Syndicate invited internationally renowned DJ, Kyle Smith, to do a series of talks. Below is his keynote “What is Swing Music” (Swing Music 101). If you’re curious about the music we play at the Syndicate events, or about the history of the music, please watch the video below!

For more information about Kyle, please visit his website, EuclidsFifth or check out his podcast at  Trading Fours Podcast.

We’d also like to give Essam Osman a big thanks for providing the video services for this talk. He’s an awesome member of the community!

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DJ Summit 2016

The Austin Swing Syndicate is proud to announce a special guest lecture series about Swing music, DJing, and microphone skills with the world renowned Kyle Smith! Kyle is one of the primary DJs for events such as Camp Hollywood, Inspiration Weekend, Lindy Focus, The Snowball, and is the standing head DJ for the All Balboa Weekend, Lindy on the Rocks, the California Balboa Championship, the Balboa Experiment and many more! His guest lectures at Camp Hollywood, ABW, Korea Balboa Weekend, and the Eastern Balboa Championships have inspired dancers around the world, and the Syndicate is bringing him to Austin to share his knowledge about DJing and Swing music with you!

Kyle-Smith

 

Swing 101

 

6 October 2016 – 8 PM to 9 PM: Free with your entry to the dance!

Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs Art Gallery

In this one hour session, Kyle will explore the grand idea of ‘everything swing’.  Through fabulous storytelling, exciting presentation, and tons of audio, Kyle attempts to bring the golden age of swing to life! Benny Goodman, Chick Webb, Count Basie, Trad Jazz versus Swing Music, and much more!

 

So You Wanna DJ?

 

8 October 2016 – 12 to 1:50 PM :Free for Syndicate members, $25 for Syndicate non-members

Location TBA

A great class for anyone looking to become a DJ. This class focuses on getting started as a DJ, how to setup your library, basic DJ techniques, software, and most importantly, how to do it right!  Chock full of great DJ information, even helpful for those DJs who aren’t looking for their first gig.

 

Microphone Skills

 

8 October 2016 – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Free for Syndicate members, $25 for Syndicate non-members

Same location as So You Wanna DJ

Are you a DJ? Want to be a MC?  Are you a teacher?  This class focuses on presentation skills, audience interaction, basic microphone anatomy and much more.  Kyle will be focusing on the techniques of presentation, not personal style.

For more information about Kyle, please visit

www.euclidsfifth.com

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