My oral presentation comprised of a Powerpoint presentation, with information outlining Groove Terminator’s history, influences, people he’s worked with, studio’s he’s worked in, when he was selected, what makes up his style and what he brings to the field of music production. I played pieces of audio from three of Groove Terminator’s songs, outlining his style and trademarks.
Groove Terminator, real name Simon Lewici, is a DJ / Recording Artist / Producer / Performer / Mixer / Remixer / Principal Song Writer / Programmer / Vocals.
History:
He was born on the 21st of January, 1982 in Poland. Groove Terminator started DJ’ing professionally at the age of 13. Originally a Hip Hop DJ, his work progressed into House music. Groove Terminator has played alongside internationally well known acts such as: Carl Cox, The Prodigy, Sasha, Paul Okenfold, Jungle Bros., The Beastie Boys & Moby. Throughout his career, he has produced many types of genres including: Punk, Hip Hop, Rock, Pop, Jazz and Electro.
Influences:
Groove Terminator has a large list of influences. Some common ones include: Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, Rick Rubin, Kiss, Beastie Boys, Oasis, Rolling Stones, INXS, AC/DC, Guns N Roses, David Bowie and Duran Duran.
People they’ve worked with:
Most people would think Groove Terminator as a Dance/Electro based producer, but he’s worked with a huge number of recording artists from many different types of genres. He has worked with the likes of Grinspoon, Dead or Alive, Groove Armada, Gorillaz and even the Multi-Platinum act; Savage Garden. His work progresses to TV & Radio commercials, having composed and produced for big name corporations such as: Coca Cola, Nike, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile, Quiksilver, Sunsilk shampoo and many others. His music advances to television campaigns such as ESPN, EA Sports, the NHL and Prudential Insurance. After making a big name for himself, Groove Terminator’s work has been licensed for such television series as: Malcolm In The Middle, Queer As Folk & Big Brother, aswell as producing and recording the theme song for the TV show “The Block”, which was Australia’s highest ever rating reality show. His music has been exploited in many films and trailers through well-known studios such as Universal, Buena Vista and Paramount Pictures. His work has also been included in campaigns for movies including: “Lara Croft – Tomb Raider 2”, “Danny Deckchair” and “The Cut.” What’s amazing is that he had worked with all these groups while still maintaining his career as a recording artist/DJ.
Studio’s he has worked in:
Groove Terminator has his own studio based in Sydney where he produces his own recordings and does all his mixing.
When he was selected:
Groove Terminator started DJ’ing in the 80’s. He turned professional at the age of 13. In 1997, he signed to Virgin/EMI. During his time with these 2 record labels, he has released 2 full length albums and has had endless sold out concerts all around Australia.
What makes up his style:
There are many factors that make up Groove Terminator’s style. His style mostly consists of Electro and Dance, but had drifted off into other styles such as Pop, Rock and Hip Hop
● Catchy start to songs
● Uses a large number of hook during his songs, with squeals, breakdowns in drums, builds ups etc.
● Uses a large amount of reverb, especially in vocals
● Has that catchy tune that gets stuck in peoples head
What do they bring to the field of music production and recording:
Groove Terminator has always been someone who likes to surprise his listeners and confound expectations, whether as a DJ of producer. He has been recognized as a ‘tastemaker’. He is strongly influenced by abstract music, and he brings a whole new level of abstraction with the music he produces.
Achievements:
• Best Producer - 2000 Dance Music Award Winners
• Several ARIA nominations - including best male artist along the way.
• Several times - been nominated for Best National DJ.
• First single ‘is it love?’ – scoring a billboard #1 in 2001
Songs played during Oral Presentation:
Sunshine Song:
Warpy start to song – Grabs listeners’ attention straight away.
Hooks:
Bass line.
Man yelling: “Say what”.
Squeal: Sounds like Cypress Hill squeal.
Trumpet sounds.
Man yelling out “Techno”.
Man screaming + Crowd yelling.
Here Comes Another One:
Catchy bassline at the start - Grabs listeners’ attention straight away.
Hooks:
Slow fade, then excessive fade in.
Reverb in voice.
Three claps
Yells and voices during chorus.
Catchy “la la la’s”.
Love Song (This Is Not A)
Catchy tune at the start - Grabs listeners’ attention straight away.
Hooks:
Reverb in voice.
Huge build up.
Heaps of warpy effects
In conclusion, I believe my oral presentation was a success. The use of a powerpoint helped deliver information more effectively. The visual aspects of a powerpoint makes people hear and see the information, instead of just hearing it, so I believe using a powerpoint was an ideal choice. The information was up to date and interesting, giving a lot of insight into Groove Terminator’s life and career. Also, by having the information type out letter by letter on powerpoint made people follow the text and read it, instead of putting the whole information down and having the audience read it all. The songs played we’re catchy which attracted the listeners and made them follow the key points to Groove Terminator’s style.
As for the assignment, I believe it was a very rewarding task. I learnt a lot about my chosen producer, and producers that my classmates had chosen. I learnt all about new styles and techniques producers use to capture the songs being recorded. I also learnt a lot about whom Groove Terminator has worked with, and was amazed that he’s worked with such upper class bands such as Grinspoon, Gorillaz and Savage Garden.
Reference:
Steve Fieldhouse – Adelaide University (2007)
Bibliography:
www.myspace.com/grooveterminator
www.discogs.com/artist/Groove+Terminator
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groove_Terminator
www.gtworld.com.au/
www.residentadvisor.net/dj-page.aspx?id=334
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