Jack The Box

JACK THE BOX

Kate Simko

Visit Kate and see her Artist Page at Ghostly/Spectral here

http://ghostly.com/artists/kate-simko

This weekend – Saturday, March 13th Particle People Mpls Present Kate Simko Live! Joining Kate on visuals is the Minneapolis lighting wonder boy, Math Static along with two amazing new comers, Loveless Aphrodite, and COMPLICIT Live!  For this run at Jack the box we turn our focus to Kate Simko and later to Loveless Aphrodite.

Kate Simko…

I could sit here and re-post all the typical things you would read about Kate on any random Google search.  Well… I am not going to do that, I’m going to ask Kate what I think most people want to know. They want to know “Who is Kate Simko really?” Does she like to party or is she some nerd that likes to plug away at the studio day and night? OR, Is it a little of both?  Time to ask Kate and find out!

When I first heard of Kate Simko it had to be when she first started showing up on Spectral compilations and later on her own EP’s.  For quite a while I thought she was from Detroit and didn’t know too much about her besides her smooth, mellow style that always made me buy the record. It wasn’t until I drove to Milwaukee for a Projekt show to hear her in action that I found out how amazing her music is.  Her Live PA blew me away!

Very few things really excite me (ok that’s not true – I am excitable!) but that set was amazing and not what I expected from her. The music was full of life and energy and had a deep and undeniably sexy vibe to it that just made you dance uncontrollably. I knew then that she had to come to Minneapolis.

Kate was kind enough to also share a recent DJ Set with us and I have to say, it shows that she is not only an amzing artist but a class act DJ as well. We were able to get it and share with you today. For the track listing see below the article.  This is a studio promo mix made late last year and is a compilation of some of her favorite tracks from 2009.

Kate Simko Space Opera Proton Radio

DIRECT DOWNLOAD HERE

So…

I hear a ton about how she grew up in music and is trained in classical, her heritage and family connections to music and so on, but I really think it would be nice to hear about her background in electronic and in dance music. What I would really like to know and show our readers is…

*When did you start getting into the electronic music scene? Did you start off a party kid, a dancer? How were you introduced to the everything?

A friend of mine introduced me to dance music when I was a sophomore in high school.  She was one year older than me, and had been a pretty hard core raver
during Jr. High (at the age of 12 or 13- pretty crazy in retrospect).  In the end, I think her parents sent her to rehab.  She stopped listening to the music and went straight edge, so she gave another high school friend and me all of her mix tapes.  There was everything from DJ Keoki, to raga jungle, to Diz, to Underworld, to booty house.  We had an older friend with a car (because we were too young to drive), and he’d drive us around while we listened to the tapes.  Then, it went from that, to him driving us to the parties in Chicago and around the Midwest.  When we turned 16, we would drive to parties around the Midwest pretty much every weekend.  We heard so much great music back then, it’s a little surreal looking back at some of the line-ups.

*When and what started you into the world of producing electronic music/DJing?

I started buying records and DJ’ing on the radio in college.  I wanted to stay involved with the electronic music scene, but my rave days were over due to a demanding college schedule studying classical piano.  So, I became an “apprentice” on the dance music show as a way to keep up with electronic music.  Just like for many people, college was a time to figure out what I really wanted to for a career, and after some soul searching I realized that I was more passionate about electronic music than classical music.  So, I decided to switch from studying classical music, and take a risk to learn how to make my own music.

*I heard around that you used to be the director for the electronic music side of WNUR radio in Chicago. How was that experience?

WNUR is one of the very best college stations in the U.S., so it was a real honor to be music director of the dance and hip-hop formats for a couple years.  I learned a lot about music, and really grew as a person through that experience.

WNUR CHICAGO

*What role did WNUR play in your growth as a DJ/Producer?

WNUR is the place I learned about a lot of labels and producers.  The former music director, Dave Siska, put together a family tree of house and techno record labels from different countries in Europe and North America, and gave it to me when I started.  I did a lot of studying to get up-to-pace, and tried to learn the context of everything  Then, from there, it turned into the weekly pilgrimage to Gramaphone Records, Dr. Wax, Dusty Groove, etc. where I would pick out records for the station.  I bought a lot of records and listened to tons of music at that time.

Kate Simko

*Being a Chicago party kid, where did the deep influence from Detroit come into play for you and your style?

I always loved the Detroit sound.  Derrick May, Claude Young, Jeff Mills, and Richie Hawtin were all some of my favorite DJ’s in the 90’s, and we saw a lot of Detroit DJ’s play in Chicago (or travelled to Detroit to bigger parties).  The Detroit sound was always raw, futuristic, and fresh.

Death Is Nothing To Fear vol 3

*Tell us the connection to Spectral/Ghostly, how did that become?

I met Sam (label owner of Ghostly/Spectral), at MUTEK in Montreal, around 2004.  We were looking for a label for our second Detalles album (project with Andres Bucci), so it started by me sending that material to Ghostly.  From there, I sent links to my first solo productions,  which were the first ones the label picked up.  I’m very grateful to work with the labels, it’s been a great home base for my music.

*What are some other artists and labels are you working with?  Any new projects on the horizon for our readers to keep an eye out for?

I just did an EP for Eklo, a really nice label out of Paris.  The EP is called “Lost In Time” and has a remix by dOp.
Collaboration-wise, I have a new project with a talented Chicago house producer, Tevo Howard.   It’s a deep house project, with a very Chicago vibe.
Besides that, I’m finishing up my first full-length solo album.  This project has been a cool challenge- excited to get the music out there, for sure.

*I hear that this next Live show in Mpls is going to be a rare one.  That you have decided to take a bit of a break from Live PA and are playing more DJ gigs.  Being so well known for your live sets… What made you make this change?

As a performer, I think your job at a show is do the best possible performance for the time.  DJ’ing gives you more flexibility to adapt to the moment.  So, unless it’s a show that really publicizes that it’s a live set, I don’t think people often have the right level of patience or understanding to appreciate a live set at a club.

Promo Of Kate’s Live PA from last year  

*Can you tell us about some of the artists and music that you’re really into at the moment?  Whats in the DJ Bag?

I’m playing a mix of tech-house, minimal, house, and techno.  I’ve been enjoying some French producers especially- Masomenos, Dyed Soundorom, Seuil (from Eklo), as well as the releases on Cityfox, Spectral (of course..), Inxec and Matt Tolfrey.. and much more.

*Whats not in the DJ bag?  What’s in the Ipod/in the car stereo?

Well, I’m just returning from 6 weeks in Buenos Aires, so have been listening to a lot of tango music, classic rock, classic love songs, and Latino music in taxis and at restaurants.  It’s been a nice change.  Very emotional taste in music down there, in general.

*Excited to play Mpls?  Any Expectations about our crazy scene?

Yes, looking forward to it!  Well, you’ve told me that people enjoy live sets in Minneapolis, so it will be fun to play live for some music lovers

*What are you most excited about in 2010 besides rockin out in Mpls?
I’m excited to finish my album, and to tour Europe and Japan this spring!

Kate Simko Presented by Particle People Mpls

Track Listing from Kates DJ mix!

01. Kasper – Vibrations [Bass Culture]
02. Tini – Thats Right [Desolat]
03. Andre Crom & Luca Doobie – Snake Seven [Off]
04. Butane – Little Helper 1 [Little Helpers]
05. Georg Levin – The Better Life (Jerome Syndenham Remix) [BBE]
06. Perc – Throb [Ovum]
07. DJ Wild – Ahora [Soweso]
08. HOSH – Better And Sweet (Audiofly Remix) [NRK]
09. Ben Klock – goodly Sin Feat Elif Bicer (Robert Hood Remix) [Ostgut Ton]
10. District One – Dubcrystal [100% Pure]
11. Thodoris Triantafillou – Morningrama (DJ Wld Dub Mello Remix) [Quantized]
12. Masomenos – Juhuu [WTM]
13. Radio Slave – Orchestrating Maneuvers In The Dark [OM]
14. Shonky – Mama Queen [Contexterrior]
15. And.ID – Ephoria [Mobilee]
16. Alexi Delano – Adjust The Frequency (Par Grindvik Remix) [Clink]
17. Jabberjaw – The Connie Shake [Spectral Sound]
18. Nick Curly – Pujante [Cocoon]
19. Loco Dice – How Do I Know (Cassy Remix) [Desolat]
20. Kate Simko – Take You There [Spectral Sound]
21. Tevo Howard – Northside Part One [Beautiful Granville]

A few weeks ago I received an email from Alexia to check out some new and old mixes of hers on Soundcloud. I wasn’t sure who she was so a quick peek on FaceBook and I realized “Hey! I know this person!” I just realized that I see her on the dance floor all the time and see her so into the groove week after week at the Black shows so I figured..  “lets check it out”

A click on the first mix recorded in SanFran some time ago and by the first track I was hooked! By the third track I was actually moved on a deeper more emotional level. Her track selection was like none I had heard before and needed more.  I emailed her back and asked if she would play at Black, needless to say…  She said yes.

Take a moment to here this amazing DJ in action and see just what I did.

http://soundcloud.com/loveless-aphrodite

Loveless Aphrodite

:: Loveless Aphrodite ::
You may have noticed this warrior on the dance floor at events throughout the city, since her return to the twin cities from Los Angeles, a little over a year ago.

Alexia Rodriguez’s, energy translates to nothing less when she is behind a set of turntables. Her all vinyl, journey style, storytelling speaks of dreams, compassion, love and loss. And, the joy and passion that flows though out one of her sessions is both compelling to watch and infectious.

Join us this weekend for another installment of Black – this Week presented by Particle People.

Featuring:

KATE SIMKO LIVE, MATH STATIC, COMPLICIT LIVE*, and LOVELESS APHRODITE!

Kate Simko at Black

Words by Aaron Bliss and Loveless Aphrodite.

This Saturday (3-6-10), HotDish (1st Saturdays @ BLACK) are back riding the wave created by BASSGASM, Doc Martin (presented by Particle People) and their successful day-after-BASSGASM show with Etones and the Sexbotz. This time HotDish lights the VIP on fire with Jeff Bloom (Chicago – OM, Guesthouse, .dotBleep) and Mike Moilanen (Mpls house DJ master)!

Chicago’s infamous champion…Jeff Bloom (aka Broadway & Wilson…aka PO!NTF!VE) IS IN THE HOUSE! Jeff’s one of the scene’s most amiable dudes and there is no doubt he’s got genius talent to boot. With releases that span an eclectic hodge-podge of sub-genres in house music, there is no doubt surprises are in the stew! His production has gotten him the attention of some of the top labels internationally (including Guesthouse, dotBleep, D’Lectable, Gallery, and big playas OM Records) – to name a few – and he’s rocked the decks all over the USA and as far as Belgium. Most notably is Jeff’s on-going venture at the Uptown Lounge in Chicago where he has continued to build the Midwest scene with some of Chi-Towns most pumpin’ parties. This will be his first venture to Minneapolis so we’re planning on a binge pig-out to welcome him. But, you can’t have your pudding until you eat your meat. Thus…we’re welcoming in hometown homeboy Mike Moilanen to warm up the spot for us. This will be Mike’s first showing at HotDish and we’re looking forward to having this Minneapolis Nightclub Resident DJ – and know he has the right ingredients to set it off. As always…Nate Laurence and J Matthews will be having their typical aneurism behind the decks, mid-spot, because we like when you like when we barf the funk! Naw mean?!!

Nate Laurence caught up with Jeff to discuss his production, residency in Chicago, and the future of house music in Chicago!

————————————-

NL: JEFF! We’re stoked to have you play Minneapolis! You’ve built a hell of a discog recently on some really amazing house labels. Talk a little about “Broadway & Wilson” (with Andrew Emil), “Subconscious Collective” (with Mike Payne), and the other cooperative projects you’ve assembled.

JB: The project I’m most stoked about is “Broadway & Wilson,” a collab between myself and Andrew Emil.  We just dropped our “Good Old Daze LP” and it is exclusive right now on Stompy.com and about to hit the rest of the distributors soon.  Andrew and I are really trying to reconnect with the energy that got us our Gallery Music (Records) EP and on OM Records, and right now I think we are really falling into a good groove. Working with other people can be difficult, especially when it comes to staying true to your vision and not compromising.  However, with Andrew, I’m really comfortable with where he comes from and we share a mutual understanding about what we like and what makes the dancefloor move. With the “Good Old Daze LP” we tried to put in something for everyone and add some of the diversity that first started grabbing people’s attention.

NL: I can only image Gene Farris LOVES that LP. Great stuff! Much of your production has been marked as fitting the “jack/funky” genre but I know – from being a fan – that it’s problematic to pigeonhole your style (I’m currently thinking of your work on “Farris Wheel” and “Itch and Sniff” records). Talk a little about your production and the inspiration for your work.

JB: I don’t like genres or labels.  I think It makes it too convenient to just put something in a box.  The difficult thing is making music that is relevant, that people like, and that excites you.  It’s easy to hit just one of those factors, but to get them all is the trifecta.  As far as my inspiration, I draw constant inspiration from the people in the scene all over the world, as well as all of the amazing talent that Chicago has to offer.  There are so many people who have not only paved the way in Chicago, but continue to push the envelope.  I feel the bar is always being pushed so high, I’m just trying to catch a glimpse before it’s out of sight again.

Jeff Bloom Interview and Jackcast

Check out the Jeff Bloom Featured  WNUR Radio Mix

NL: LOL! I’m sure you’re here to stay! All is in sight brother. Regardless, any new goodies coming out? Where, when…we need to know!

JB: Like I said, check out the “Good Old Daze LP” on Farris Wheel Recordings.  There is also a “Broadway & Wilson” remix of Gene Farris classic “Here I Am Baby” coming out on Ken ECB’s Alphabet Music just in time for Winter Music Conference (WMC).  There is also a “Broadway & Wilson” remix of Gene Farris f/J Dub “Back & Forth” that will be out shortly as well.  We also just finished a remix for Bear Who? titled “The Dancer,” but I’m not sure when that will be out.

NL: The Bear Who? track is INSANE! I was also humbled to play your night at Uptown Lounge in Chicago during my Uptown Lounge/Smartbar debauchery a few weeks ago. Had a discharge of fun! I know that Chicago too, is struggling to keep it “underground.” Your night is amassing mucho attention. Tell us about your residency, guest spots, your homey Andrew Emil (a very hospitable young man by the way), and what you’re working so hard to create in your nitch of Chi-Town!

JB: I’m really thankful to have such a great residency in Chicago.  I’ve been doing “PO!NTF!VE Presents…Friday’s” every week now for three and a half years.  It is really nice to have such a great place for people to come hear underground music amongst really wonderful people.  We’ve been able to have some amazing national and international talent like D-t3ch a couple of weeks back, and we also have an incredible upcoming lineup with DJ Heather on 3/19!

NL: Speaking of “building in Chicago”…WNUR (Chicago’s last bastion of dope house music on an FM station) recently had a fundraiser including you, DJ Heather, Santiago, Frankie J, Karl Almaria, Chris Grant, and Audio Soul Project (wowza!)! DJ Sangre at WNUR has amazed me with what he’s done. Talk a little about the community effort to continue to preserve house music in Chicago and your part in that effort.

JB: It is so nice that there is still a place to regularly hear some great house music, I’m really thankful that WNUR is still going strong.  DJ Sangre is really doing his best to help bring some much needed exposure to the current Chicago house scene.  The scene is always changing so much, and it is really important that everyone involved pull together and realize that we are all a part of the same team.  We all have so much to gain by working together, and it is so important now, with the digital revolution in full swing.

NL: You’ve had the opportunity to play all over the states and Europe. Rumor has it you bang heads! LOL! Are there any favorite artists out there that currently move you? What can we expect to hear in the VIP on Saturday?

JB: I do my best to beat it up no matter which border I have crossed to be there!  I love playing music for people all over this wonderful planet and I’m super stoked to put a new city on the resume!  Watch out for some new ones from myself and friends.  I’m sure we’ll be hearing some of the hot stuff Frankie J has been dropping on his labels Spatula City and Flapjack.  Probably going to drop some Wattie Green, and of course your man Nate, Scrubfish!

NL: So, this is your first time in our humble city, no? What are your thoughts about the music that has come out of Minneapolis over the years? Anything you want to say to appease the hometown crowd? Thoughts about the Minneapolis/Chicago intersect in house music?

JB: I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Prince.  He is such a prolific artist and it is hard to think of many who have contributed so greatly to our world of music.  To play at 1st Avenue is such an incredible honor.  I’m really thankful!  I’ve also heard nothing but awesome things about what you guys do at Black and I’m sure Saturday is going to be no different.  In his honor I’m going to bring the heat.  Preparations are underway.  Danger!

NL: We love Prince too! No doubt! And…THANKS Jeff! We’re entirely stoked and humbled to have you this Saturday night in the VIP. Bang it brothren of the funk!

Doc Martin

In the beginning there was Jack, and Jack had a Groove…  Ok, ok,  I know, heard that before but…

I will never forget the first time I heard that played on a big system. When I hear it,  there are a few people that come to mind and Doc Martin is one of them.

To me, Doc Martin has been a musical mentor in a way. I will never forget getting my first Doc Martin tapes after a friend returned home from a visit to California.  The music was soulful, deep and techy at the same time, it really has a taste of everything.

Every time I saw he was in an issue of URB Magazine I would buy on site, anything and everything. If it had Doc Martin on it I would NEED it.  I still do!  I have great memories of buying his mix tapes, as a matter of fact I would obsess over them and call every record store I could find (pre-internetz) out of the back of scene mags and buy all the tracks I could off the track listings. I would even go as far as to play the tracks over the phone to the clerk and say “what is this? I need it!!”

As a matter of fact,  the one time controversial “Flammable Liquid” mix tape I am proud to say I own every track on that tape and cherish everyone of them. Took me years to accomplish this goal, to me, they are not tracks by the artists but “tracks from Doc’s tape” its funny how that works out.

Why Doc Martin at Black???

Doc Martin in his element

I really wanted to get people in our scene to know who Doc is and why he is so important. His professionalism, modesty, and passion for the music are second to none. Hes been rocking the decks since 1986 and shows no sign of slowing down. Rocking some of the worlds best clubs and staying relevant as ever almost 25 years later.

To Round it off Doc left us with a little gift! I recent recording from San Fran. You never know what to expect from Doc Martin Other than quality but here is just a little taste of one of the many sides of Doc Martin, Enjoy!

DIRECT DOWN LOAD

*Doc, you have played a key role in the US scene (and world wide) for close to 25 years. What do you think has been the key to staying relevant especially in a time when so many young artists and DJs are coming up?
I think one of the reasons for that is not to sell your sound out every time a new trend in music comes along. I personally love all kinds of music, if it’s saying something. In a set from me you could hear house, acid, techno, disco, on the new,and old tip. There are many DJ’s coming up who have something to offer. I think that’s a healthy thing.It keeps things interesting.There’s no need for attitude. It’s not a contest,of who’s the best. To me it’s about getting people involved in a groove. I think that’s why I get along with a lot of the new producers, and DJ’s.

*You have seen lots of changes in the music, What are the biggest changes you see recently?
I think one of the biggest things is all this fragmentation amongst types of music. There are so many different types of House, and Techno. To me this is ridiculous, To let things like this divide a dance scene. In EUROPE it’s more about the party. Coming together for the common good of the music. I’m friends with many different type’s of DJ’s. I tend to look at the person first. There are many dj’s in my own genre that I stay clear of, because they are not good people, or always running someone else down.

*What are your thoughts on the American dance scene?
I think there are a lot of people who care again.I see people from all parts of the US. coming together to save, and rebuild their scenes. A lot of clubs who were owned by people who were into the music, are now owned by businessmen. So they look at the top 100 dj’s according to some magazine, and book their clubs accordingly.I’ve seen the return of the massive as well. Big all night dance events, for the 18,and overs. I think for the most part there is no radio support for dance music. There are mix shows for commercial artist with dance remixes. House has been around for over 25 years!
I have never given up on the US scene,and never will!

*Tell us about some of your projects, Sublevel the store, Sublevel the Party and your connection to Stussy..
Sublevel the party has been going strong. Lillia,and I decided on New Years 2001 that I should stay in LA,and do an event. We wanted to something outside the clubs, that would represent the kind of party we would like to go to. So we got a loft in downtown Los Angeles. We went in and fixed the venue to our liking. We brought in the kind of sound ,and light’s we wanted. We created a place you could go in and lose yourself for nine hours , or so. We opened the doors at 10pm,and I put my last record down at 11am. Nine years later we are still going strong. The Stussy Connection came from,someone who used to go to all the shows in the early 90’s. They like the parties, and what we stand for.

*Do you have any current music productions or remixes in the works?
There are a bunch of Sublevel songs coming out this year. We are also going to be releasing tracks through Sublevel Berlin. I’ve been getting hit up for a bunch of remixes as well.

*You also do a live set now with your singer Lillia. What is this project and how is it performed?
Lillia and I have been doing Sublevel Live for 9 years. We’ve performed in the UK, US, DEMF, Japan.Berlin, and everywhere in between. It’s been really good to perform,as well as DJ. We also Performed in Denver for a show after O’bama’s acceptance speech for the democratic national convention. We perform with Live Vocals, Effects, Mackie mixer, CDJ’s, and turntables. There is no stop start between every song.Just a constant flow.

*You have played here in Mpls in the past, usually a much larger venue, We cant tell you how happy we are to have you play for us in a more intimate setting. For an artist that travels as much as you do, can you share some of the pros and cons of both?
For me it makes no difference. The music I play usually translates in both settings. I’ve had amazing experiences in both type’s of settings.For example I played a 12and a half hour set in a small club Osaka Japan , Or at Sublevel with 1000 people for 7 hours that felt like 2 hours. If the crowd is into the music It always goes by to fast.

*There are a few questions I love to ask in all my interviews because I really think it give some insight to the person and their music tastes…

*When your not listening to house and techno, what non-dance music are you listening to?
Reggae, Funk, Rock.

*What are a few new artists that you think are really blowing your mind right now?
The new Freaks stuff(Ouch)  Jamie Jones, Argy ,Peter Kruder(Not new,but a new sound for him),Dixon,Henrick Schwarz, Revenge, Melon, Michel Cleis to name a few.

*What are a few of those artists that seem to always blow your mind after all these years?
Robert Owens, Brothers Vibe, Tyree, Chez Damier, Blake Baxter, Carl Craig, King Britt, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

*Gear question:  What are those big knobby things I see in all the youtube videos that you have on your records?
They are record weights. I use them to keep feedback issues down to a minimum. Your records are also less likely to skip with them.

Thanks Doc for the time and thank you for coming to play for us.

Story and interview by Aaron Bliss

KEEP UNDERGROUND

Be sure to Come out to Black Saturday February 27th Located at First Ave’s  VIP Room!

Doc Martin at Black

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JACK THE BOX

SAVE YOUR BASSGASM TICKET!!!

After the craziness of BASSGASM there are still good parties to be had

And if you attended BASSGASM…..

Click on Flyer for more Details

Saturday Night (2/20) – E Tones, Sexbots, and HotDish (Nate Laurence and J Matthews)

OMG OMG OMG!!

We are extra excited about this month’s show and hope that you are too. It’s a thrill to bring in one of the veteran DJs who has been a staple in this town since day one. A legend in the Twin Cities house music scene, E Tones will NOT disappoint. His love for house music is out of control and stems from the days of Let It Be, Danceteria, and Radio Depth Probe just to name a few. His sound and vibe will grab your soul, and leave you winded at the end of the night.

AND AND AND!!

Alrighty, you got this far! Ah nice!! On facebook, hit up Nate “Bam!-oh-my-goodness” Laurence or “Oh-its-going-to-be-that-kinda-party” J Matthews and say hello. We are doing special things for those who plan on coming out and getting crazy with us.

DTM

DJ SEOUL

DIRECT DOWNLOAD

Rebecca Ciaglia

Rebecca Ciaglia
MIX:

DIRECT DOWNLOAD
track list:

Isch : Thomas Brinkman
Mr. Decay : Gui Boratto
Cartas Para Gheisa – Falto Pepica Luciano Mix : AFFKT & Danny Fiddo
Right At It : Baeka
Miss You – Gluteus Maximus Remix : Trente Møller
Ghosts Have a Heaven – Actress
Ferocia Anima : Animaltek
Chromophobia – Remixe Part 1 : Gui Boratto
Love vs. Distance – The Field
Sometimes : Ulysse
Lovefood : Michael Mayer
Fragrance – Douglas Greed’s Kichererbsenmus Remix : Brett Longman
Radio : Muuntaja

*How is 2010 treating you?

So far so great!  With production I am coming into a new chapter.  With management, my work is expanding. Working with Woody McBride as partner and as an artist, has been very fulfilling, and I expect that as we move through 2010 things are just going to get better.

*What is you best memory of MPLS? and playing outside our state?

I have never been to MPLS and am really looking forward to coming up there.
Hmmmm, best memory of another show?  I have a lot of them, but I will pick one:  Summertime.  Chicago.  I was playing a party where it was so hot I thought my skin would melt off.  Everyone dancing like crazy; there was true unity.  While I was up there I realized how devoted to the moment every single person in that room was.  I had an epiphany of the moment.  All we have is the now.  It was true spirit of the underground.

*What kind of vibe are you currently playing?

Very danceable minimal, melodic music.  Round warm tones with wet, slicing bits.  I keep the journey pushing forward… not this dull, faucet dripping minimal, but an interesting flow through space with, lately, a lot of organic percussion sounds, and some classical influence.

*What other artists are you into?

At the moment: Italoboyz, Gui Boratto, Actress, Flying Lotus, Appleblim, Villalobos, Trente Møller

*You have been a DJing for awhile now. What are two notable changes in the past 10 years at events you play in america?

1. Obviously the big push to a digital medium with DJs spinning CDs and using products like serato or traktor.  There has been less of an enfaces on the technical parts of performing and an increased scrutiny on the freshness of the tracks played.
2. Just recently ’seems like there is movement back towards underground parties.

*What is your next production release?

Sleeping Animals EP out on Communiqué Records, and Suicide Beauty Spot Remix out on Combat Recordings.

*Do you have any thoughts on playing at Bassgasm?

For me, this is awesome!  I think what McBride is doing with this party is amazing.  What a great idea!  All headliners all night.  Starting early so people have a chance to meet and greet.  We need more events like this where there is more of an opportunity for personal connection.  As our dance culture has had it’s ups and downs we should strive to preserve the positivity and openness that founded the movement to begin with.

*Are there any 80’s rock, funk or pop artists from MPLS that you were influenced by?

‘Gotta love Prince.

*How are you feeling about DJing now that it has gone digital for the most part? Do you miss record shopping?

I still record shop, and spin quite a bit of vinyl.  From a DJ perspective, I do miss seeing folks spin real records, but I am accepting of the evolution dance culture is going through.  Things change and it’s alright.  Digital certainly makes things more convenient in a lot of ways, and it offers up new opportunities for the performer.  What I am most interested in is that people have a good time playing the music that they love.  However they bring the tunes is up to the them.  If it’s a good performance; everyone rockin’ out on the dance floor, it doesn’t matter how the DJ got the music in their ears.  It’s there and that’s what is important.

*Give us a favorite famous quote from someone that will inspire us!

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
- Ella Fitzgerald

Today starts a multi part series  -- call it a mini-series in blog form if you will. The purpose of this next few posts is to introduce yall to a few of the out of town guests joining us for Bassgasm.

What is Bassgasm?

On February 19th a number of local Minneapolis Electronic artists and DJ’s are teaming together with First Ave Danceatieria and Genius of Fun Productions for an all out bass-extravaganza in our cities most cherished venue.

To kick things off We have two interviews with two of the artists joining us.  I am Splitting the interviews up by genre and room -- since there are so many rooms for this event I thought this would be a great way to give people a taste as to what to expect from each area.

First interview is not a stranger to Minneapolis but someone you dont see out every day due to his globe trotting but know this, he is one of the most loved DJ’s in the underground rave scene here in the US and especial here in Minneapolis.

Enjoy these introductions! -- Interview questions by Woody McBride.

DJ SPREE and ADB

SPREE and ADB

An Interview and special mix

DOWNLOAD MIX HERE

TRACKLIST:

Gimme A Bassline -- DJ Kurt vs DJ Pikey -- Lethal Theory
Missing You -- Tom Park (Gammer Remix)- Muffin Music
Live On And On And On -- Gammer & Recon -- Muffin Music
Take Me to Heaven -- Hixxy feat. Taya -- Raver Baby
Phat Bass -- Warp Brothers v Aquagen (Re-Con Remix) -- Twista
Rush -- Adam J & Freestyle -- Electronic Bedlam
Surrender -- Eruption (Impact & Haze Remix) -- Recycled Records
Ravers Groovin’ -- Eufeion (S3RL Remix) -- Liquid Hardcore
Fix Me -- Velvet (Re-Con Remix) -- Twista
No-One Else -- Anon. -- Ballistic Bootlegs
Hold On Me -- Flyin’, Sparky & Charm -- Turbulence Hardcore
Closer Now -- Impact -- Recycled Records
Super Good -- Dab Hands (Sy & Unknown Remix) -- Quosh Records
Bustin’ -- Al Storm -- 24/7 Records
Deep In The Night -- Hixxy -- Raver Baby
Free (Magic Potion For Love) -- Nakatomi -- Red Label
See The Light -- Paradise (Sy & Unknown Remix) -- Quosh Records
All I Want -- Impact & Resist feat. Lisa Abbott (Sy & Unknown Remix) -- Warped Science

*How is 2010 treating you??2010 has been great so far!

Work is going well and I’ve been doing a little traveling. I’m loving the winter so far and I can’t wait for summer! There are two shows that I’m booked for right now that will absolutely blow everything from last year out of the water. I’m super excited for Bassgasm! I’m looking forward to this show more than anything I’ve played at in Minneapolis in the last 5 years!
I’m also playing at what looks to be the largest hardcore show ever in the US in April. “Uniting Nations” in Washington DC. It will be co-produced by the HTID guys from the UK along with Ravers Only out of NYC on April 24th.
2010 is also the final year of my professional DJ career. I’ve had an amazing run spanning 2 decades. I’ve achieved every goal I had when I started and I have been extremely lucky to have gotten to experience it all.
Unfortunately over the last few years my ears have started to develop a bit of tinnitus (constant ringing) and if I continue to DJ regularly it will potentially cause severe and permanent hearing damage. This is combined with the fact that there are other amazing hardcore DJs coming up through the scene right now. Thus, it’s time for me to step aside. These new guys and gals are way more talented than I could ever hope to be so all of you will be in very good and capable hands for providing amazing music for years to come.
That said, Bassgasm will be my last ever public performance in Minneapolis. How lucky am I that my last show in Minneapolis will be one with such amazing talent thrown by the godfather of the Minneapolis scene himself?! I can’t wait to see you all there!
I’ll keep my website, spreeandadb.com, up and running for the foreseeable future, and I’ll even upload a new mix every now and then.  There are over 70 full length mixes of mine online there right now for free download!
*What is you best memory of MPLS? and playing outside our state??

I can’t narrow it down to just one. There are way too many good memories I have of Minneapolis! My top few are “Return to the Source” that Woody put on in 1997 at First Ave. Just watching the guys at that show really made me push myself as a DJ. Stairway to Headphones… ‘nuf said. A show I co-produced in 2000 at Profile called “Pandemonium” was another top memory for me.
Outside of our state… getting to be a headliner in the hardcore room at the 1998/1999 Drop Base NYE event in Milwaukee was a major experience for me. A ’small’ event in Omaha in 1999 that pulled in over two-thousand kids and I got to play from 1-2am in the main room that received a small write-up in URB is more than memorable. Getting to meet so many like-minded energetic people who had their heart in the right place. Being fortunate enough to be a headliner in just about every major city in North America at least once. All of the Furthers, the Shawnee cave parties, getting to watch thousands of kids exploding into a dance frenzy right in front of my eyes… yeah, those are the best memories.
*What kind of vibe are you currently playing?
I still play the same style that I always played, UK Hardcore. The production quality has come along incredibly far over the last 15 years or so, but the underlying energy is still there. It’s 180+ BPM euphoric and high energy music designed to make people dance without any inhibitions at all.
*What other artists are you into?
Musically I have always been into classical and jazz. Guys like Bach, Tchaikovski, Coltrane, Parker, etc. I have a soft spot for any electronic music genre that is heavily influenced by jazz, such as Drum and Bass by LTJ Bukem, High Contrast, Hospital Records, etc.
*You have been a headlining DJ for nearly 15 years now. what are two notable changes in the past 10 years at events you play in america?
First, the most notable change has been the extreme decline of the number of events that aren’t in ‘proper clubs’ over the last 5-10 years. Back in 1997 -- 2001 it seemed as though every major city would have a large scale event every Friday and Saturday night. It wasn’t uncommon for me to travel to Atlanta on a Friday and then San Francisco on a Saturday for gigs nearly every weekend, back then. What really strikes me as odd is that there doesn’t seem to be a youth oriented music movement that’s replaced the rave scene as far as I’m aware. Prior to that it was hippies, then disco and punk, then industrial and rave… but now what is there? I’m probably just old and out of touch.
The second most notable change is the dramatic shift to digital formats for DJs. I still play vinyl exclusively, and in the last year I’ve had at least two situations where the promoters didn’t have fully functional turntables when I showed up to play because it had been a while since someone came through who didn’t play CDs or use Seratto. Now, no longer do you book a DJ because they have access to rare tracks that they found in some obscure record shop that were test-press promos. Everyone has access to all of the same music and the only differentiator is in the composition of a set. The only exception to this is the producer that plays primarily their own music.
*Do you have any thoughts on playing at Bassgasm??

When I saw the flyer, I immediately felt like it was 1999 again! I was beyond stoked. What I’m most interested in is if people will come to the party with the same sense of open mind that it seemed like people had back then. I’m hopeful that people will go in being intent on dancing and having a shared transcendent experience with complete strangers that’s focused around really loud and energetic electronic music.
*Are there any 80’s rock, funk or pop artists from MPLS that you were influenced by??

Sadly no. I spent a lot of time studying the UK hardcore DJs that were exclusive to England when I was first getting started in the mid-90s. They were the ones I took all of my cues from. From the style of mixing all the way down to the role that a DJ plays beyond just a guy playing music.
*How are you feeling about DJing now that it has gone digital for the most part? do you miss record shopping??

I totally understand why it went this way, as it’s a lot more convenient for DJs. Carrying records around gets heavy, and you’re really limited by the physical medium. When I travel I can only bring 60 records, but if I was fully digital I could have my entire collection with me at all times. It’s unfortunate though that people these days who are just learning how to DJ won’t have the opportunity to do so via purely analogue means. They now have the benefit of beat counters, and other tools to simplify the process which could potentially dilute the creativity of figuring it out on your own. I’d also be lying if I didn’t say that I’m bummed though that it’s completely diminished the financial value of my records and my equipment. My stuff is now essentially worthless, other than the emotional value it holds to me. I still shop for records, but I’ve been doing that online since the late 90s due to the difficulty in getting good UK Hardcore in domestic shops.
*Give us a favorite famous quote from someone that will inspire us!?”

If you always do what you always did you’ll always be what you always were.”
interview by Woody McBride
Our Next guest is from Iowa, DJ Aktif is a part of the Mindoutpsyde and from I hear has been known to throw some pretty amazing and well produced Trance events in the midwest.

AKTIF