It has been two years since the Stems were introduced to Traktor. Since then, we’ve seen the format slowly grow with more and more producers releasing Stem tracks as well as DJs making their own. These Stems serve as powerful tools to build dynamic DJ sets and today José Cabello is back with his latest Tecnica Futura video, Stems Stories.
- Artists: José Cabello
- Gear used: Midi Fighter Twister, Traktor Kontrol D2
- Software used: Traktor
José’s video does a great job at demonstrating the versatility of Stem tracks. He also takes the viewer through each track, explaining how all the sounds are put together to build his routine. With a Traktor Kontrol D2 and a trusty Midi Fighter Twister, José can easily manipulate the sounds of each track.
The Breakdown
Deck A contains four tracks: synth bass, synth noise, synth pad 1, and synth pad 2. The synth bass and noise provide a harmony for the routine when played together. The pads serve as complimentary sounds that can be played at any time. Through the use of cue points, José is able to access 8 different notes and chords to play several harmonic combinations.
Deck D contains two arpeggio loops, with one being duplicated, and a noise loop. Slots 1 and 3 contain the same arpeggio loop with one playing at a different speed to create a more vibrant rhythm. The second arpeggio loop in Slot 2 is played in a separate scale and the Slot 4 simply plays noise. Thus, effectively setting a foundation for the routine with Deck A complimenting as needed. And, on top of it all, are some effects of tying everything together.
Once again José shows the DJTT community how live production techniques can be used to build expressive DJ routines. Versus a pair of decks, one can also pick the Kontrol D2 and a Midi Fighter Twister (made with Stems and Remix decks in mind) to blend the worlds of production and live DJing at a gig.
Watch more inspiring DJ routines by clicking the button below to see every routine posted on DJTT: