Inspiration can come from any source. I’m a strong believer in just diving into a mix, production, or routine instead of wasting time on inspiration. However, some things we witness leave a mark and push us to create new exciting pieces. Therefore, it is when inspiration works it’s magic and continues to drive us to complete ideas that makes it a powerful tool. With that said, I’ve collected a few of my favorite videos on the web that have inspired me to think, create, and execute. I hope you enjoy them. Check them out after the jump.

1. Work with what you’ve got
If you’ve never heard of Egadz, then you’ve been missing out. He is inspirational simply because he can rock an entire set going solo on an MPD32 and nothing else. Egadz demonstrates the power of “work with what you got.” You can have all the gear in the world but if your compositions aren’t cutting it then that gear might as well be a paper weight. How many people have you seen rock a set like this with a QWERTY keyboard and an MPD, not many. 

2. Track Selection
DJ IZN has been putting up his 4 deck sets on YouTube for a minute, but it wasn’t until his Wub Wub, Chop Chop routine went live that he got some great notoriety. This routine is excellent because it doesn’t rely on effects or any other special tricks, it’s a fine demonstration of simplicity. It’s all in the track selection and cutting. While the technique isn’t difficult, the composition and arrangement is extremely sophisticated. For this DJ IZN makes the inspiration list. Stay tuned for an artist interview with DJ IZN in the near future.

3. Use acapella’s to your advantage
Novation launched the Twitch last year and made a splash. This great mashup routine by Novation had the web buzzing over the controller and it’s possibilities. This routine is inspirational because it demonstrates how effective an acapella and a great beat can make your favorite classics come to life once again. Much like IZN’s routine above, it’s about simplicity and arrangement. Kudos to Novation.

4. Performing your own productions
What can I say about this video. It’s amazing for it’s professionalism alone, but the performance is brilliant. Edison’s execution with a Monome is always spot on. This video is inspirational because it demonstrates the power of performing your own material. Because Edison is familiar with his work, it allows him to remix and improv with it on the fly like no other. For this reason alone, I hope it inspires you to make your own productions and remix them on the fly.

It’s important not to forget that inspiration can only take you so far and we shouldn’t heavily rely on it to help us execute ideas. Take these gems for what they are, but go out there and create you’re own inspiration.

Keep it cool.
Priscilla.J