who wants free music?!



Hey all,

I know it’s been a while since I’ve blogged and to be honest I’ve been non-stop busy these days and I know, I know, I do have some things I need to catch up on and some older posts I need to make on Jack the Box but something came my way and I had to share immediately. One of my good friends (and long time undercover lover and sometimes thorn in my side) Kris Wadsworth has been in the giving mood and really excited to share something with our y’all. For the first time that I know of… Kris has decided to share a free track of his. A rare treat no doubt!

Below is a letter from Kris with a little bit of information about the track and it’s origins. At the bottom of the letter there is a download link to the track. This track will only be available for 200 downloads and then it’s gone so for those of you that catch this in time, you now own an exclusive piece of music from one of my favorite artists and close friends.

Enjoy!  ”AB”

_______________________________________________________

Detroits Finest

HI! So this experiment on Facebook was pretty fun, huh? I clocked this screen shot before posting this, so it’s well over the originally stated 100 mark and counting.  I’m really happy so many of you from around the world are so supportive of what I try to do over here in Detroit. Speaking of Detroit, here is a little “backstory” of this track I am giving to you:

About four years ago, I was asked by a still-to-this-day, relatively unknown, very small, local Detroit “label” to do some work for them. Of course I agreed to it being the young, hungry producer that I was (and still am), but I unfortunately made a mistake. It is very important as an artist to know who you are dealing with no matter where they are located, who they work with, what they are about, who they are personally as human beings, or whatever. This so-called “label” ripped me off. They defaulted on their contract with me due to non-payment, subsequently breaching the contract. That was “water under the bridge” until I found out recently that even after they told me in writing about their alleged removal my piece from their sales catalog due to defaulting on the contract, withholding money from me, slandering me, etc…these same guys were secretly selling my music–with my name on it–illegally FOUR YEARS after this was supposedly said and done. Nice one, huh? And I never saw a dime. I brought this up to them recently and they told me suddenly that they “apologize” and that they are now “actively pursuing” making amends. Four years later? That reeks of bullshit and I’m tired of it.

I would name and shame who I was dealing with, but why give them the press? I’m above the “name game” nonsense. Just for reference, I have the screen shots and all needed proof to sue the hell out of them, but why? I’ll just give it away and hopefully achieve the real reason I make music in the first place: to put smiles on people’s faces. I’m not about pennies, guys, I’m about principles. I love what I do and I pour my literal soul into my music the best I can, so when someone steals my “soul,” it really gets on my nerves. Too many artists out here are getting fucked around by labels and stuff, getting their music ripped off by shady download-for-free sites, not getting paid, getting screwed over, working their asses off doing what a lot of us only know how to do: music. The world gives creative people a hard time enough as it is; we don’t need it from our so-called “peers” as well.

So cheers, you guys! For you, my fans and my friends, the people who I respect the most: here is a “fuck you for ripping me off” track dedicated to the people who truly support me. Keep supporting Detroit’s Finest, your favorite producer who loves you. And if you are a producer out there in electronic music land, be careful who you deal with. It’s a messy world but it’s good to know there is some love left in it, even if it never comes to me from Detroit.

-Kris Wadsworth

PS: by popular request via the long list of commentary on my Facebook post, in the very near future, I will announce a show…one night…one select city in the world that I choose…and give away a shit load of vinyl. I will hand them to you personally and shake your hand, hell, maybe even hug you if you’re up for it. Just as a FURTHER show of appreciation to you for being down. It might be a few months from now or it might be in a year from now. So keep an eye out! WHO LOVES YOU?!

DETROITS FINEST BY KRIS WADSWORTH

to download the track you need to right click and select to save the file for windows users and control click on apple systems.

The mark left on the city in the mid-90s by wild characters  such as Michael Alig, Ritchie Rich, James St.James and Peter Gatien has slowly evaporated into folklore while the new New York leans on a more accepting family-like vibe not unlike Minneapolis. It’s a community of tight knit super promoters and cool kids all working together to provide the city with it’s current post-Gulliani new bohemian world of late nights and smooth day parties (sound familiar, Twin Cities?).

Minneapolis and Particle People are proud to play host to one of the nu-breed of promoter crews from out of the Big Apple: The Dog & Pony Show NYC.

Pauly Raffaele

http://dogandponynyc.com/

Direct Down Load Here

Jack The Box’s own Aaron Bliss took some time to speak to the two founding members Dave Kers and Pauly Raffaele, promoter and resident DJ respectively, who are helping to make the city fun again. Pauly was also nice  enough to share a smooth, stripped down, deep disco [Sunday Soul] mix for the Jack Cast and we can’t wait for you to hear this! Starts off chill and gets banging by the end – be ready this night will be one to remember I promise!

If that wasn’t enough…  maybe a lil mix from MANIK ta boot!

Join us on October 23rd 2010 at the Record room above First Ave’s main room as we enjoy a taste of Manhattan.

http://www.airlondonmusic.com/artist/1015/m-a-n-i-k

The night will be co-hosted by Particle People MPLS and Dog & Pony NYC. We will be featuring music by Pauly Raffaele and MANIK (Ovum, Culprit, Fresh Meat).

*Dave and Pauly, what was your first experience in this music, what made you say “I need to be a part of this”?

P – I was 14 bussing tables at a country club in the suburbs. On Thursday nights in the summer they had an outdoor deck party where they played dance music, and I used to sneak out there after my shift and hang out with all of the older staff. Let’s just say dance music wasn’t the only thing I learned about that summer LOL!

D – It was always in my blood. My parents are European and raised me around dance music. I don’t think I was ever able relate to anything else on the same level growing up.

*Dave, What made you want to start throwing parties?

D - Good question. It was always a hobby, but never really a career choice. Paul and I have been close friends for years and work well together. I guess it just seemed like the best direction to move forward simultaneously for us. Dog & Pony started as a “what if” convo with mutual friends Caine and Indy who also share some really great ideas and energy. After a few chats, we realized we have something different here!

Paul, What made you want to start DJing and writing music?

P – I was really fascinated with turntablism when I started. I used to watch a show called Rap City “The Basement” on BET, they used to play hip hop videos. Right before and after their commercial breaks they always panned to a DJ spinning and cutting records and I used to tape the shows and skip to those parts to watch the DJs That’s what really drove me to save my cash and buy a set of decks. Once I had them, a lot of my early influences started coming from the people I’d meet and talk to at the record stores. With every trip I took to buy records, the scene got bigger and more interesting. It STILL does! LOL

*Dave and Pauly, Tell us a little bit about the concept surrounding your parties, where does the name Dog & Pony come from?

P - *Pushes up glasses* In the early 20th Century, A Dog & Pony Show was a casual term used for small traveling circuses that toured through small towns and rural areas. Typically, dogs and ponies were the main attractions of the events. Nowadays it’s basically used as a phrase to refer to a something as a big joke LOL. We try not to take ourselves too seriously, and to keep things pretty light-hearted and fun.

D - That, and we couldn’t think of anything better lol. The experience is what’s important

*I noticed that you seem to use different venues, do you tend to be more of a club night? What are some of the venues you have used?

P - Yeah, so far all of our events have been held at clubs. Public Assembly in Brooklyn is where we started off, then we moved on to Love in the West Village, and our next party will be at the Penthouse at the Rivington Hotel.

D - It’s actually been a real struggle to find a suiting room for our party in New York. We’ve been turned down at a few spots we’ve wanted to work with, and we’ve turned down a few venues who have wanted to work with us. I think we’re still in the phase of trying to find the perfect Dog & Pony space in New York. The upside of keeping the party moving is that people don’t have a chance to get tired of the surroundings =)

*Dave, you have a decent resume, tell us about your past music/nightlife experiences and how they’ve lead you to your current projects?

D - I started going to all-age raves and clubs around 13/14, and always seemed to click well with people. Got out of high school and went to College for Psychology (no clue what I was thinking)! Switched majors within a year to Design and picked up an internship at a little music marketing company called Giant Step. Then I just kept going. Soon came a bunch of freelance stuff, then Pacha NYC, and now I’m helping manage a new club due to open this month called District 36. The Dog & Pony Show is a project which is a culmination of everything fun we’ve learned. It’s an experience that brings together all the great qualities of our personal favorite sub-genres in New York’s club culture.

*Pauly, your bio on RA says that you’re 22 years old yet you seem so level headed and mature for your age, not to mention your music tastes remind me more of what I would expect from a 35+ year old. Where do you think this is from?

P – Digging backward has always given me more satisfaction rather than digging forward. Ben Watt really opened my eyes to what I now consider real music at my first Winter Music Conference in ‘05 or so. After that I got home, I threw away all of my breakbeats & cheesy trance, did my homework, and started following guys like Danny Krivit, Danny Tenaglia, Louie Vega who are all around very frequently. Inspiration started flowing and my music collection expanded quickly in a million different directions. Disco, deep house, techno, Chicago house, West Coast House, jazz, down-tempo and the list goes on & on.

*Pauly, I heard that you did a little traveling this Summer. Where did you go and what did you do?

P – Finally popped by Ibiza cherry! I went for 8 days with my friends from Pacha New York and was lucky enough to play two gigs celebrating their 5th Anniversary. A pre-party at Café Mambo & the main event in the Global Room at Pacha. The gigs were one better than the next & my time there was unforgettable. 2010 has treated me well so far with gigs in Spain, France & rounding it out with my first visit to MINNEAPOLIS!

*Ok, the question that I know a lot of people will be wondering – What brings you to Mpls? What’s so exciting about us?

D - Everyone tells us Minny is whack! We don’t believe any of it, so we figured we’d be different lol. No in all seriousness, the allure started when we had Dustin Zahn play for us a few moths ago and told us how bad ass the parties were. Oh and the big Mary Tyler Moore Statue. And because you asked us to come …

*What’s to come from Paul Raffaele, any new music projects in the near future?

P - Working on my debut EP. If I don’t get heavily distracted, it should be out in the first quarter of 2011.

D - Or by 2111 ::cough::

*I’m sure you guys are hearing and seeing tons of amazing music and parties coming from the city. Besides yourselves, who are some of the big things that we should keep an eye out from NYC?

P – Too many to name. New York’s underground is thriving with great music right now. You can go out any night of the week and find a good party.

D - What Paul said! You can literally go out every night of the week to a bangin’ party! This past summer has been absolutely amazing for dance music in New York and it seems to only be growing.

*What’s next from Dog & Pony?

P – Halloween Sunday October 31 we have the NY Debut of Butch (Good Stuff, 8Bit), Air London’s own Simon Baker, along with Anthony Parasole (Deconstruct, Underground Quality), Fong+Julio (Sheik & Beik), myself and new Dog & Pony prospect D’Niche at the AMAZING Rivington Hotel. November’s lineup is really dope as well, but not ready to be announced yet, stay tuned to our site for the juicy details!

D – We’ll be continuing with regular events in New York, we’re also really hoping to keep the party on the road all over the US, as well as Europe, etc. We both really treat the brand with a ton of love. For me events are only the beginning stages of The Dog & Pony Show. Who knows? Maybe in a few years this will translate into a Dog & Pony booking agency? Record Label? Nightclub? Keep your eyes peeled! Aaron, thanks again for chatting with us dude, this has been a real treat! Can’t wait to blow the roof off on October 23rd!
So – Get yo ass down to BLACK at the record room October 23rd 2010 and hear what we are talking about yall!!
Click this link to see what sup!

Aaron Bliss

http://www.airlondonmusic.com/

HotDish 1 Year Anniversary Flyer

If you don’t already know. Over the past year (and a couple months actually) HotDish has been bringing a newer sound to the Twin Cities as Residents of BLACK and First Avenue Nightclub. Both J Matthews and Nate Laurence (hosts of said show) pride themselves in throwing parties where people dance, laugh, smile and GET DOWN to only the dopest in funky and jackin Chicago House music.

Each show they do their best to bring in some of the best talent locally and nationally to cater these parties and every show has been an event full of energy, dancing and good old fun times.

This show, Nate and J have worked very hard to provide not only two of the dopest DJs in Chicago House, but also having T Shirts for their fans, free hand outs for the show, massive sound system, lights, party favors, and hella more!

JONN HAWLEY

www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0-Hje_H-EY

Jonn is pretty regular now thanks to fiber one cereal! As far as new stuff on the work schedule, he is currently working on three new solo ep’s for Large, Amenti & Lingo. He’s also working on a few remixes that will be out this fall so keep your eye’s peeled!

Shout out to Minneapolis: “I LOVE MINNEAPOLIS except for the Vikings lol so I am super stoked to be coming back to knock it for you guys!”

Jonn’s favorite HotDish: “I like my hot dish RAW!”

HotDish says: “Like a baby’s ass Jonn…Like a babies ASS!”

Special Mix:

LEE JARVIS

www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4m6gQPG-MU

Lee has a bunch of stripped-back, straight up house releases coming out soon under a pseudonym “Do It Proper.” Be on the lookout for that. He also has a number of bootlegs and re-edits he’ll be giving away in the coming months. In addition, Moochin (London) will be back in action in 2011. Stay tuned and get all your Jarvis-fixes at his facebook page: facebook.com/djleejarvis.

Shout to Minneapolis: Lee says, “I loved my last trip to Minneapolis, and I can’t wait to check out the city and get back behind the decks at Hotdish. I’ve been digging out the classics and searching out some brand new tech-funk for y’all!”

Lee’s favorite HotDish: “I like my Hotdish like I like my women…. smoking hot and covered in melted cheese.”

HotDish says: “Yikes Lee…well, um….we like it that way too!”

Special Mix:

Come out and celebrate with all of them. If you haven’t been to a HotDish event yet, this is the time to do so.

Doors open at 9pm and you should enter the Record Room door located on the right side of First Avenue Nightclub (Map).

Presale tickets and a special “T Shirt and Free Entry” package is available until Friday @ Midnight.

After which, entry will be $6.

See you there party people!!!

http://blackmpls.com/blog/?p=1309

Another sick podcast from air london.  this time it comes from an artist that is no stranger here. We first had Kate on the JackCast back in March of this year.  Kate comes on strong once again with an amazing deep and raw mix.

airpod #6 : Kate Simko
Deep Side of Chicago & Detroit

Straight from her decks in Chicago, Kate Simko drops a summertime mix that cuts right to the essence of the sound of Chicago and Detroit. Highlighting classic labels and producers, as well and shining new talents, the music takes us on a journey from deep to techy, but always full of soul.
Ahead of her forthcoming album on Spectral Sound, Kate has collaborations due with both Tevo Howard (Beautiful Granville) and Derek Plaslaiko with the ‘Opinionist’ EP on Introduction Records.
Kate will be based in Berlin during September and available for European live/DJ tour dates.

Subscribe via iTunes • Subscribe to the RSS feed • Listen to mix now

Irregular in timing and musical in nature, airpod is a continuing fable of slightly off-centre musical compositions stitched together by the cosmopolitan crew of DJ’s known collectively as air london. Subscribe to the series and have the latest chapter beamed directly to your latest listening gizmo and enjoy the most recent musical musings from the maestros who are on the front line of underground electronic music…

• airpod #5 : Alejandro Mosso live
• airpod #4 : Alex Celler & Anthea b2b
• airpod #3 : Kreon
• airpod #2 : Nick Curly @ SEEK Music Ribeirao, Brasil
• airpod #1 : Robert Dietz ‘NYC Sunrise Mix’

Air London Booking Ltd – David O.
Tel: +44 (0) 7815 718726 Fax: +44 (0) 207 183 9981
Air London Booking North America – Aaron H.
Tel: +1 612 998 4967 Fax: +1 612 234 4509

www.airlondonmusic.com | myspace.com/airlondoner
NORTH AMERICAN BOOKINGS:

DVS1 (Klockworks, Transmat) Kate Simko (Spectral/Ghostly), Kris Wadsworth (Poker Flat/NRK), MANIK (Ovum/Four:Twenty), Maher Daniel (Get Physical/Rekids)

TOURING:
Adam Shelton (One/Below), Alejandro Mosso (LoMidHigh) – live , Anthea (Cecille/Phonica), Alex Celler (Area Remote/Cecille), Burnski (Poker Flat/2020 Vision), Geddes (murmur), Glimpse (Crosstown Rebels/Cadenza) – live, Kreon (Cecille/Robsoul), Lemos (Cecille/8 Bit) - live/DJ   Nick Curly (8 bit/Cecille), Simon Baker (2020 Vision/Cocoon), Steffen Deux (air london/8 Bit) Spirit Catcher – live

LABEL SHOWCASES: air london – 8 bit – Cecille – murmur – 2020 Vision
www.airlondonmusic.com

Jack The Box, and the Minneapolis Techno community are please to have Little Aaron in the hardcore shuffle. You can catch Little Aaron DJing all around town and also hosting one of the best parties in town on the Third Saturday of every month at Historic First Avenue Nightclub. He and Matt Veloce host Loud N Clear for BLACK Saturdays in the Record Room of First Avenue (Formally the VIP Room).  Come check him out this weekend for a very special event (Click image below for more info).

Aaron’s layered blend of techno, house and acid has worked crowds from Chicago to Portland, San Diego to Detroitand his enthusiasm is often contagious. Fist pumping and yelling starts behind decks but ends on the dance floor. Followers appreciate his taste for strong track selection, and Aaron’s standout mixing skills are both artistic and world class. Never forgetting that having fun is the reason he began mixing, Aaron is committed to intensity in his sets and places a premium on creating an unforgettable crowd experience.

If you like your beats, women/men, and bass-lines dirty, we’d suggest you attend. Sexual Chocolate is leading the Chi-Town with his own flavor of funky-fidget-techy house music…shit so good that many of the world’s best labels (including OM, Blockhead, and Control to name but a few) are snatching him up like carnivores to carrion on I-69. Beyond producing filthy beats (peep his catalog) and DJ’ing both nationally and internationally, Sexual Chocolate is co-owner of the independent record label “AvaLogic Records” and his very own “Junky Trunk Records” – both based in Chicago.

Nate Laurence followed his nose to the one-and-only (truly) Sexual Chocolate to get a sense of how distorted (and wonderfully) this man thinks. The story goes as such….

NL: Sexy Coco…you’re coming to Minneapolis and we’re misty! I’ve had numerous requests to get you here so…no pressure. This is your first time in Minneapolis, right? Any thoughts about the long-standing tradition of dance music in the Twin Cities? Like our pizza?

SC: Yeah man, it is my “virgin escapade” in Minneapolis. I have absolutely no thoughts whatsoever in regards to the long-standing tradition of dance music in Minneapolis. Honestly, I only have thoughts once or twice a year and when I do, they usually pertain to subjects like “skeezy Asian hookers” or “bad hand jobs in a Denny’s parking lot”. Y’know…the important things in life. Come to think of it, is there anything such as a “bad hand job”? Aren’t they like pizza or something? Sorry, I got off point. But seriously folks…I’m honored to be playing in Minneapolis alongside yourself and J Matthews. A huge musical inspiration of mine has been Woody McBride. That’s whom I think of (second thought of the year, time to chill on all this thinking yo) when I hear Minneapolis. I’m really looking forward to checking out the music and art scene in my oh-so brief time in the Minn.

NL: I recently heard some young ravers call this other younger dude the “Rave King” but I think of no one else than Woody myself. Happy to know you’re primed to us “old schoolers.” Regardless, your production (insanely fun) has been known as fitting the “fidget” genre, but if you ask me, there are too many elements of house, funk, and even tech to cubbyhole what you create. What’s your inspiration for production? Who are some artists that blow your mind and what can we expect – short of panties and boxers flying – to hear on the dance floor May 1?

SC: My inspiration, as far as music goes, is pretty much truck stop meth and sadomasochism. I guess those things go hand in hand anyway. Actually, in all seriousness, I’m like any other artist who hates to be pigeonholed into one sound. I don’t strive to be “the fidget guy” or anything like that. But, I did catch the fidget bug while touring in your (Nate) homeland of South Africa in 2007. By that time, house was getting a bit stagnant and needed a good kick in the ass. Fidget brought in a lot of new life to the electronic dance music scene. Naw really, I have always been all style and subgenres of electronic music. My first tracks, as “JROCKELECKO” in 2006 are exactly what I always intended to set out to make: house beats with wobbly, sub basslines, techno breaks and hip hop attitude and feel. Now, I’m not saying I invented the genre; I’m just saying I INVENTED THE GENRE!!! As far as artists I’m currently diggin: Kyle Watson (South Africa) is really making some amazing hybrid jackin house fidget-esque stuff right now, Mark Stent is just absolutely killin it over in South Africa too; real funky, yet still wonky as tits. And Justin Martin continues to amaze me musically. That dude is on another level. I’ve been rockin a lot of dubstep the last year or so too. Keep your ears peeled for some juicy surprises at the after-party. That’s all I’m sayin…

NL: I played with Kyle Watson in Johannesburg and agree that he’s a bit of a prodigy when it comes to something very new, and very fun. He’s on your record label; talk a little about your record labels, the work you put into them, the incredible artists you’ve found, and what we should look forward to.

SC: I started Junky Trunk Records in 2006 solely because of the trouble I was having getting my productions signed and then released. Now almost 5 years later and closing in on 100 single releases, I feel very fortunate to have worked with so many great artists and to have had an avenue for my artistic (more autistic actually) releases as well. Junky Trunk may not be the biggest or best record label, but I can honestly say that I value my relationships with my artists and I make sure to compensate people financially…in a timely manner. We’ve slowed down our release schedule a bit as of late, but that’s not entirely a bad thing. I really enjoy the artist development part of it. I mean, not saying any one artist is signed exclusively to Junky Trunk; just saying that I enjoy working with an artist when it comes to song and image development. We’ve got a really tight EP coming out in May with Timoshii, Eric Sharp and Schenk (another one to watch out in South Africa).

NL: Junky Truck – to me – is a bit refreshing. A lot of your work is refreshing as well. You’ve gotten yourself on some incredible remix projects including a resent Colette remix on OM (pretty dope when you consider your style versus that of Colette’s). Any new goodies coming out by you, remixes, originals, duo-projects we should know about?

SC: Working with Colette was uber-inspiring. I’ve always been a fan of hers, from way back when she had purple hair and was rockin shady afterhours parties in the CHI. She had approached me about remixing her track “Think you want it” for OM and I jumped on that shit like a cheap suit. It was a dream come true to remix for one of my favorite labels. Soon, I’ll be debuting my new sound and collaboration with Colette. I’m really stretching the imagination with my new material; not sure if it’s going to be accepted by the general public (General Public being a distant cousin of Major Suckage, by the way) but I’ve gotta keep pushing the musical boundaries. Just a quick heads-up, I’ve got a new Sexual Chocolate joint that will be released in early May on Colette’s new label Candy Talk Records. It’s a remix of Joshua Heath and Colette’s “Call on me”. I’m super stoked to be on the debut Candy Talk EP alongside such legends as Lawnchair Generals, Chuck Love (what up Minneapolis!) and Giano. That’s gonna rock hard!

NL: Um…I know you’re a product of “Second City” comedy club in Chicago and something tells me – having hung out with you – that humor takes precedence in everything you do. I love this. I think house music is supposed to be fun and too many people take themselves seriously. Talk about your infusion of humor with the music, the name, and daily lived-ventures in this scene you’ve experienced…or just write the word “poop” or something.

SC: Yeah man, I’m all about the self-deprecating humor. I need to clarify, however, that I did not graduate from Second City. I realized pretty early in the process that I was lacking one thing that would be very important for me to make a living on comedy and acting: talent. When it comes to infusing my music with humor, I just don’t take myself as seriously as most boring-ass house dudes do. To be honest, I’ve had it up to my tits with a lot of these ultra-serious dance music folk. I am all about going out, having a good time, having a laugh or two, a drink or ten and capping off the night with pancakes at Prince’s house.

NL: Um…yes! Anything else you want to tell the Twin Cites?

SC: I am so looking forward to May 1st. I encourage anyone who comes out to come up, introduce yourself! (Editors note: “Sexual Chocolate’s” real name is Jon – just in case you feel awkward calling him… “Yo…Sexual Chocolate.”)

Other show notes:

May 1st, 2010 – First Avenue “Record Room” for HotDish (1st Saturdays @ BLACK)
10PM / 18+ / $5 / Enter Side Door!

THIS SHOW IS NOT TO BE MISSED! Come on…it’s MAY DAY! Get up…get out…get silly with us! After-parties are also in the stew and the evening does not stop at 2:00am. Follow your nose at the show! Fully legal venue!

Others doing their thang: We’re also stoked to snatch up 414 Soundbar resident, Fresko! He’s been a Twin Cities staple since today’s ravers were still jockin’ the toy section at Target. He’s truly one of the best-rounded DJs in the 612, dropping hip-hop to breaks to house to whatever gets a dance floor moving, for more than a decade. As usual…Nate Laurence (back from his national/international DJ’ing debauchery) and J Matthews (primed and pimped with new gear and lots of shoe-less finesse) will be losing a few pounds behind the 1s-n-2s. Come and watch our butts get smaller (while feeding our faces with the HotDizzo).

If you didn’t know, the VIP room at First Avenue has been renamed to the “Record Room.” We love this because it makes our little upstairs haven seem more welcoming to those who for years thought “VIP” didn’t mean them. Well, it always did mean them and does even more so now…so…ALL OUR WELCOME! “Too Much Love” friends, head up stairs and check it out! If you enter the side door, you’ll have free cross-over between the Record Room and the Main Room. 2-4-1s are always yummy! See you there!

I first met John last year just before Movement Detroit (DEMF) when my buddy Grimace introduced us. Grimace says..”Aaron you gotta meet his guy your gonna love him, great DJ, right up your alley!” Seriously,  that’s all he had to say, because he really knows his shit. Taking Gimace’s advice I went on-line, started looking and found a couple mixes of his… “DAMN!” I said.

Smooth, deep, and sexy rhythms is all that needs to be said.  John shows a side of Techno and House music that can only come from Detroit. His mixes are tight and so well composed that you have to feel it to believe it (notice i didn’t say hear it?) John’s sets are just that “Body Music”

I was able to sneak John away for an interview to talk about his time with Paxahau, the current sound of Detroit, and much more, not to mention some of that “Body Music” I was telling you about.

John Johr JackCast016

**CLICK HERE FOR DIRECT DOWNLOAD**

**What are your impressions of the Midwest dance music scene?

I love the Midwest scene! It has qualities that you’ll see no where else in the world and that makes it great. Having lived in Detroit my whole life it’s been amazing to have institutions like Motor, Recordtime, Submerge/UR, and even places like Motown/Hitsville USA in my back yard. Not a lot of people have been or are as lucky to have so much great music and music history so close to home. I’ve also been very lucky to have attended or worked at the festival (Movement or also known as DEMF early on) every year. In my eyes the Midwest dance scene has a lot to offer. Some of the best dj’s and producers in the world have come from the Midwest. I feel pretty lucky to be honest.

**For those of us that dont know Paxahau and Movement could you Tell us a little bit about your work with Paxahau?

I started with Paxahau in early 2005. My main role back then was doing party set-up’s and street promotions, as well I was invited to be one of the resident dj’s. As time went on my role progressed into doing the audio archives and internet promotions. We took over the festival in 2006 and though it’s a lot of work I’ve learned more from that then anything else I’ve been involved in throughout my life. It’s been amazing to work with such a dedicated team of guys and show’s what can be accomplished with a lot of hard work.

Movement 2010

**Are there any new and exciting things planned this year for the Festival? Any little secrets you can spoil us with?
There’s a lot of amazing things planned for the festival this year, Plastikman Live for instance, but I’m guessing everyone’s seen the pre line-up already. Let’s just say it’ll be worth the wait to see the rest of the line-up (and really, I’d hate to get fired!!! haha!)

**What’s going on in Detroit these days?  are there any regular parties or radio shows going on at the moment?

There’s a handful of nice weekly’s going on, Monday night’s in Ann Arbor at Necto if you want your drum & bass fix, there’s a couple fun Thursday weekly’s if you need some house or techno in your life. Also, there’s a great monthly party on Sundays, called SunDayBeats hosted by Auxetic, which is always a really fun time. Currently on Tuesday evening’s from 6-8 Paxahau is hosting a weekly webcast where you can tune in and here some of Detroit best local dj’s and get up to the minute Movement news. Other than that really, it’s mostly one-off events that keep our dance music scene alive. I, unfortunately, don’t get out as much as I used to. Between working in the studio and my *real* job I don’t have much time anymore. It really bums me out because there’s good music all over the city on almost any given night, though, you sometimes may have to hunt it down.

John Johr

**Detroit is constantly producing top notch producers and DJs, some would say more than any other city in the US, Besides yourself, are there any new guys coming up that we maybe haven’t heard of yet that we should keep an eye out for?
Well you may or may not have heard of him but my good buddy Eric Johnston is making some of my favorite tunes right now. The guys on fire!!! He has a few releases coming out on labels like Leftroom and Archipel and he actually just moved to Vienna so he’ll be greatly missed. Keep an eye for his new release’s though, so on point. I guess the other kid who’s really been on the tip of everyone’s tongue lately is Kyle Hall but I think most everyone who’s into dance music has probably heard about him already (if you haven’t… you’re really missing out!!!) Oh, and I could never forget Matt Abbott aka Secrets…. He’s writing some really cool stuff at the moment. He also throws on hell of a party. His new project that he’s doing with a few guys is called Gary Springs Hunting Club, so amazing. Also, the stable of established artist’s that have come out of Detroit is ridiculous….. Lee Curtiss, Seth Troxler, Ryan Crosson,  and Shaun Reeves, their work has spread worldwide and the Visionquest project is about to jump off.  We’ve got DTM doing their thing, Dj Seoul, T. Linder, Darkcube, etc, they kill it all the time. Luke Hess and Bryan Kage aka Reference and their Beretta Music label….. I mean damn, it’s pretty out of hand! There’s so many more people too, it’s insane, I know I forgot a bunch more as well… sorry guys!

**Are you currently working on any new projects?
Things have been pretty busy lately. Last year I had my first European tour which was incredible. Everyone says the first trip overseas is really eye-opening and Europe far surpassed my already high expectations. Playing for the Cityfox guys at Alte Borse in Zurich and also Watergate in Berlin were huge highlights. Really though, I guess I’m always working on new projects. I’m constantly in the studio working on new tunes. Also, I’ve also been helping with my good friends Matt Kingsley and Nima Bararsani with their new booking agency (Bonus Level www.bonuslevel.us ). Keep an eye for Bonus Level events this year, there’s a few things on the horizon with them this year.

**So the rumors are true! I did hear that you are working on a few music projects and that you have really started to take on the production side of things… Any new releases on the horizon?
This rumor is true, as of late I’ve made production my main focus. I have my first digital release coming out on the UK based label Left’d (Leftroom’s digital sub-label) which I’m very excited about. It’s truly honor to have my first release with Matt Tolfrey and his crew. Other than that I have a handful of tracks I’m wrapping up right now that seem to be a step in the right direction. I’ve only been seriously writing music now for about two year’s so I’m picking up more and more as I as I go. Everyday I’m in the studio I learn something new and seeing my projects come together has been really fulfilling. I just moved in with my friend Lee Curtiss, so I’ve been working with him a lot lately, he Seth, Shaun, and Ryan have really helped me a lot and given me creative direction and I’m very grateful for that. I really couldn’t be more excited about this coming year.

Left Room

**Last year you toured for a short time with a team of artists from Paxahau, do you plan on doing this again this year, and can you tell us a little about it?
Last year Chuck Flask and I did a few Movement festival warm up parties and they were all a blast. I’ve already kicked off the season with  two warm-up parties in Austin Texas, one at the legendary Stubbs BBQ at the Spin Magazine 25th anniversary party and the other at my great friend and Detroit ex-pat Jon (E)ric’s U Funktion party, both where so much fun. Stubbs was really interesting because I shared the stage with Courtney Love and her newly reunited band Hole. It was their first show in ten year’s, It was pretty cool, I’ve never been a part of an event like that. Really, this year,  we would like to get out to as many cities as possible to promote Movement. We have an event set-up right in Grand Rapids MI which I think will be really fun. If any other show’s pop up we’ll definitely get all the info as soon as we can.

**What is your current DJ and music production set up?
My current DJ set-up is really simple, 2 turntables w/serato & vinyl with a x-one92. My studio set-up is pretty simple right now as well. I’m just using Ableton with a ton of plug-ins, a couple of midi controllers, and a pair of KRK Rokit 5’s. I guess money is the main factor with my studio set-up….there’s a ton of stuff I want and not enough to get all of it!

Thanks so much John for sharing with us, cant wait to see you again in Detroit for the festival!

Interview by Aaron Bliss

Be Sure to keep an eye out on John’s new releases and catch him at the festival this year were he will be playing the main festival and my guess is that he may pop up at an after hrs maybe.

Thanks for all your support and thanks for reading Jack The Box – The Midwest at Night.

Jack the Box, The Midwest at Night…

Key word.. “MIDWEST”

Now, I am not from the Midwest, I’m a transplant. Born and raised in New Orleans, lived in Austin, Tx and in NYC for a good part of my teen years but the Midwest is what I call home. One big reason for this is that the Midwest has a whole region of amazing music culture. Minneapolis, Detroit, Chicago, Madison, Nebraska, Milwaukee, Fargo, and yes… Iowa. Now I left some of y’all out but you get the idea.

The Midwest is rich with the history of electronic music. The East and West may have the big shows and the big clubs and even get all the attention of the press (I’m not bitter, I swear) but truth be told, the real funk is here in the Midwest. Say what you will but… This is the birth place of House and Techno. Simple as that.

For this latest podcast/interview/artist profile we are talking to one of Iowa’s finest, Mustafa Avdic.

Another testament of how our music can have a presence in what one may think of as the least likely of places.

Mustafa Avdic Jackcast

GET THE DOWNLOAD HERE

DISCOGRAPHY: Solar Cathedral, Communique, Klientele, Zuvuya, Music Man, Lobotomy, Giant Squid, & Udopia

Mustafa Avdic was born in Doboj (Bosnia) and has been mixing since 1999. Assisting his long time friend with sound and light shows at local Clubs in Des Moines (Iowa) led to the initial birth of this young DJ/Producer. Since 1999 Mustafa has built a strong fan base for electronic music in the Midwest. While still considered a Rookie he quickly stepped up to the challenge and started producing his own style of Techno with the use of Ableton LIVE and Propellerhead’s Reason programs.

Although Mustafa’s full-time school schedule and job have held him back from spending more time on music production, his goal in life is and continues to be to enlighten and bring joy to those who appreciate the sounds of Techno.

The motivation that he received during his time overseas in the past years, pushed him to create and release his first EP produced with partner Matt Rissi on Chicago’s imprint Zuvuya Recordings, which came out early summer of 2007. This release gained immediate approval and support from the world famous Dave Clarke and was licensed by Belgium’s MusicMan Records to be used on the Internationally spotlighted ‘I LOVE TECHNO 2007’ cd mixed by none other than Dave Clarke himself.

Shortly after the success of their first release Mustafa and Matt Rissi launched Solar Cathedral Recordings all the while their latest releases on Zuvuya and Giant Squid Recordings had hit the top 100 charts on the Beatport and Juno download sites. His releases have gained support from DJ’s like Dubfire, Danny Tengalia, Laurent Garnier, Roger Sanchez, Dave Clarke, DJ Misjah, Alex Bau, Paco Osuna, Mihalis Safras, Mark Broom, Valentino Kanzyani, Marko Nastic and many more. The success of their label is snowballing more and more every day and with a stream of releases scheduled to drop in the upcoming months. The amount of love and respect that the Solar Cathedral boys receive is continuing to grow by the minute.

*Mustafa, tells us a quick up to date overview of what your doing at the moment?

I’m currently in school, and I work part time. Every chance I get to jump in the studio to mix or produce is a blessing. I’m going to be a dad in August so the anticipation is building for that experience.

*What is it that inspired the mix?

I actually do a mix every month, I’m just very skeptical about posting it online. We’re our own worst critics and the flaws stand out more to us than others. I eventually keep my mixes burnt on one CD that I play in my car or at work, that way i can figure out what to do better next time.

*Why none of your own tracks?

This is actually the first mix I’ve done without any of my tracks on it. I simply felt like mixing my favorite tracks for this month.

*Whats is your role with the label?

I’m the co-owner of Solar Cathedral Recordings and our emphasis has been to have a gateway for artists to express their music. I’ve recently helped a buddy of mine start up his label. (Udopia) These two are the only two labels releasing music on a monthly, bi-monthly basis.

solar cathedral recordings

*What is it like in Iowa?

Umm, how much time do you have? People come and go, but the vibe is certainly different from any other place in the U.S. The kids here LOVE their music/dancing, and on a good night its guaranteed to be packed all night. I personally enjoy it here, especially with the support I get from new kids coming into the scene. I respect a lot of new artists as well, every now and then somebody blows my mind with a mix or a track they produce.

*Are you working on any weekly’s or monthly’s?

Yes, In the past my busy work/school schedule has kept me away from promoting events. I also felt that I needed to learn the necessary steps in order to get the job done right. I’ve been inspired by friends Matt (Sonar) Rissi and Coleman (The Goat) Greenhaw these past few years, and I’ve focused on helping them with their events/promotion instead. I’m currently organizing a montly event in Des Moines named Mutations, more info can be found at
http://iowa-massive.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2000

*Any new projects/releases?

Always! I have a few collaborations I’m working on at the moment, and I’ve also spent the past year working on a downtempo album.

*515 Alive is becoming quite the summer festival, what is the concept behind the festival and how did Solar Cathedral become such a big part of the festivities?

515 Alive is a Urban Art and Music festival that features talent from all over the country. Nobody had expected the festival to snowball into the size that it is today. Initially SC wasn’t involved, but we eventually came to the conclusion that we could handle the TECHNO spectrum of the festival and bring in top notch talent/sound/lighting for our stage. The festival it self had an attendance of about 20,000 people last year, and we looked at it as an opportunity to bring the music we LOVE to the mainstreams. Matt (Rissi) has been in charge of the stage during the day, while I’ve focused on providing the after hours.

Up until last year Des Moines had a “Footloose” law and didn’t allow dancing past 2 a.m. in public. Myself and a dozens of other individuals focused on speaking our mind to the city council to change this law and successfully managed to do so. This year the festival is being moved to a new location, which in my mind is the ideal spot for the festival.

Thank you Mustafa.

I really would like to encourage you all to also take a look at Mustafa’s partner in crime Matt Rissi.  Matt did a podcast for us a few months back and I think it will give you all an idea of what Iowa and the Midwest has to offer.

Keep an eye out here for updates and information on Iowas premier electronic music festival called 515 Alive!  I went last year and the Solar Cathedral stage like all the others was on FIRE!

http://www.515alive.com/

Interview and words by Aaron Bliss

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!