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!

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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

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.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVKLBRCW5Pc

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

VOODEUX

I first found out about Voodeux in the winter of 2007 when I heard “The Curse” on a promo mix by Claude VonStroke. Right away I was blown away by the spooky and sexy sound. The creepy synths and the big pads just stuck with me. I think I played that track in every set for about 6 months and just craved more.

When I found out that they were launching their new full length album with a rare live performance in Detroit last year I had to hear it! I ran around like crazy that night, a psycho cab driver, and a huge line later there I was front and center, hands in the air once again blown away by their sound. I knew right then that I had to get them to Minneapolis and when I found out they were available during a fellow Particle Person’s birthday it was an obvious choice.

Not only are they amazing song writers and producers they are also funny and personable, I was happy to take some time for an interview with James and Tanner of Voodeux. What follows is our conversation as well as a special after hours JackCast from Tanner Ross and a stream of Voodeux’s promo set just to get a taste of what is to come this Saturday at Black.

Voodeux Promo live mix

Voodeux Live

Guys…  To start I would like to get you introduced, Could you tell us a little bit about the concept behind Voodeux?

James: The concept sprouted from the combination of my hermetic obsessions with the occult, and Tanner’s horror flick affinity.  It sorta grew on its own, and the whole thematic idea of what Voodeux stands for is still evolving.  I’m really into combining the funkiness of raw dance music and the deep hypnotic nature of techno.  It’s about creating tension and dramatic sequences and engaging the listener with white knuckles, unclear what’s around the corner.
Tanner: Ditto

You both live in different states, how is that? What is your writing process?

Voodeux: We just share project files and send them back and forth via internetz.

James and Tanner

Tanner and James, The last 3 years have been quite eventful for you two, from taking off on your own productions, a remix of the biggest underground track of 2007 (Tanners remix of “Who’s afraid of Detroit”) To the first big single on Mothership Records (the Curse) and now one of the hottest full length albums of 2009 on one of Americas top techno labels.  How does that feel?

Tanner: The past few years have been a huge whirlwind of craziness. I spent my last semester of college on an airplane doing the Voodeux tour and dj gigs. I was a music arranger and producer for a National Geographic Documentary. All of these experiences have really shaped who I am now. To be exact, I cannot put a finger on those details. My work ethic has really improved over the years. I used to just pick at ideas here and there and now I am staying focused. The result of the concentration is, productivity.

James: It’s been pretty exciting, but sometimes overwhelming when everything’s thrown at you at once.  It’s definitely given me the chance to discover what I like and don’t like, and how to find longevity within it.  Tourwise, eyes are open for meaningful events, where promoters pour their hearts into building creative experiences and creating landscapes for optimal listening.  As for the music, it’s great to have the wonderful support and vision from Barclay and Dirtybird/Mothership, as they put so much careful work into intelligently pushing things forward on a global scale.  Knowing The Paranormal is so well-received is great, and we’re harnessing that energy for our 2nd album.

Are there any new Voodeux projects in the works?
Voodeux: We are in the brainstorming process for the next album. Recording starts in Feb.

How did the relationship begin with Mothership and DirtyBird?
To make a very long story short…
A magical beam of light came out of the sky, following the beam, a seimic low frequency wave produced by an 808 bass hit me to the ground. I found the answer and everything has been absolutely fantastic since.

Just a Spoonfull

Voodeux: We are brothers from different mothers.

Tanner,  I recently read in an article where you mentioned you were just recently getting in to DJing the last few years.  What encouraged you to pick up such a nasty habit?

Tanner: I think it is just a natural progression for me. I love playing and I will continue to until I physically unable.

James, you have been producing records for years now.  I remember playing your records and reviewing them on Nu-breaks forum back in the early 2000’s.  How has your music progressed over the last few years and what new projects are you working on?

James: I hope it’s progressed and still progressing.  I’m working on EPs with Thoughtless and Harmonious Discord, and just finished a vocal album with Amagine, a time-traveling multidimensional MC here in Philly.  I’m staying busy, and one of the main focuses for 2010, and what I’m getting very excited about, is the Voodeux followup album.

Tanner, you seem to be busy as well, I heard a rumor of even a dubstep project, what can we expect from you in the near future?

I did work on about 6 dubstep tracks. After some thought I decided it wasn’t my calling. That said, I have learned a lot of new things by experimenting with that sound and it is starting to really effect the way I approach music. I am working on a bunch of new projects this year. I released an ep on Airdrop with Sergio Santos at the end of 09 and we are starting to work on our next ep along with a few remixes. Sergio and I are also working with Soulclap as a group called SECT. SECT is going to be releasing an ep on Culprit early this year followed by more eps. SECT came about because Chalrie of Soulclap has been my roommate for three years now aswell as Sergio and it wouldn’t make sense for Eli of SC to not work with us. I am really excited about this project, I think we are making something really special.

Both of you have amazing use of sound and sound design, Tanner I believe you even went to school for sound design. Its abundantly clear in both Voodeux and in your own productions. Any chance of a Sample Pack from you guys?

James: I dunno…  I like sample packs, but I found I have an incredibly short attention span for putting them together.  It seems like something that would better be created by us sitting in a room for 12 hours just recording strange and eerie noises nonstop.  That in itself could be dangerous.
Tanner: I don’t really have the time to do a sample pack. I have always wanted to make some really cool kits and such. Some day I will get around to it.

Mothership Records

James: Lots of granular synthesis.  Granular-To-Go, Grainstates, KTGranulator.  I’m also really digging Camel Audio’s Alchemy right now.
Tanner: Ditto and lots of reverb.

Another thing I love to ask and I think it really gives people some idea as to where you come from…  Whats on the Ipod, what do y’all listen to when its not Techno time, or is it always techno time for you?

Tanner: Missy Elliot is always on rotation along with Grave Diggaz, Timbaland and Magoo, Lil Wayne, Detroit Grand Pubas and random things. I don’t listen to techno much these days, more underground house music and music for the party after the after party.

James: No way, you can’t listen to techno all the time because it’s a dead-end street.  Inspiration comes from everything else.  You have the experiences, you hear the music, you’re moved by the music, and you go into the studio and pour out what you’ve learned.  Techno is a continuous ever-flowing tapestry of sound, a global collaboration of sonic synthesis.  Techno inspires more techno of course, but if there’s no other music, we reach a point where we’re just recycling the same sounds over and over.  I guess when that happens, we call it a “sub-genre” and move on.  For me though, right now I’m listening to the works of Jacaszek, Offthesky, and Steinbrüchel.  And I just had a spontaneous 12-hour Nine Inch Nails listening session the other day.  Dunno where that came from.

As an extra special treat, Tanner was nice enough to record a special after hrs mix for Jack the Box!

Tanner Ross JackCast010

Goldwill – Matikal
Nina Kraviz – I’m Gonna Get You
Wolf + Lamb – If U Had ( Shaun Reeves Edit )
Baeka – Right At It
Taron-Trekka – Shiori
Adrien – Underground
Nize & Nyce – Levon Whitney
SECT – Man Of Wisdom ( SECT=Soulclap, Sergio Santos and Tanner Ross)
Tanner Ross & Sergio Santos – Space Cakes
Nicolas Jaar – Time For Us

Join us this Saturday at BLACK for Voodeux Live with Residents Arron Bliss and Milosh

Interview by Aaron Bliss