Jack The Box

Hi Friends,

Fall may be on the way but it’s still summer and we’re ready to keep having a good time.

Michael Birawer - Minneapolis

We hope you are too, and we want to take the opportunity to update you on some new developments on the blog and also to let you know about some upcoming events we think you’ll be interested in.

BIRTHDAY TIME!

We want to remind you of a special show happening this Saturday night at BLACK in the Record Room at First Avenue.  Loud and Clear is pleased to celebrate Little Aaron’s 30th birthday!  Joining the birthday boy behind the decks is Iowa’s very own Matt Rissi.  The cover charge is $5. As usual, this party is 18+ and you get free cross-over to Too Much Love when you enter through the side door on 1st Ave.

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Keep an eye out for the Particle People this season as we add even more power, sound, and BASS to our favorite little, black room and introduce new cutting edge artists to the Twin Cities.  Join us this season for sounds by Kris Wadsworth (Get Physical/NRK/Poker Flat), MANIK (Ovum/Culprit), Soul Clap (Wolf+Lamb) and so much more coming to the bass-heavy sounds of Particle People @ BLACK!  You will not want to miss what we have in-store.

Kris Wadsworth

click the photo to read a great story by RA with Kris Wadsworth.

M A N I K

click photo for a link to Manik’s Ibiza Voice artist page

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We’ve also got something VERY special in store for you house-heads.  On October 16th, Loud and Clear is proud to welcome, from Chicago, PAUL JOHNSON.  Minneapolis’s very own NICK GUNZ will be getting you ready for Paul’s unique blend of house.  An intimate set from a house music legend at BLACK in the Record Room.  More details will be available soon.

Paul Johnson

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Don’t forget that this weekend is the first annual Minneapolis Electronic Music Festival in conjunction with the Nord East Music Festival.

http://minneapolisemf.com/

MEMF

• FREE / NO COVER / ALL AGES
• OUTDOOR AND INDOOR LIVE DJ SETS
• BEER, WINE, AND FOOD AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

• HISTORY
MEMF 2010 is the first live outdoor Electronic Music Festival in Minneapolis history. Hosted by Shuga Records, the festival will be
taking place during the Nordeast Music Festival.

• LOCATION

165 13th Avenue NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(952)942-0000

Last but certainly not least,
Thank you all for your continued support.

word by Matt Veloce and Aaron Bliss

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

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

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

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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!

SAVE YOUR BASSGASM TICKET!!!

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

And if you attended BASSGASM…..

Click on Flyer for more Details

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

OMG OMG OMG!!

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

AND AND AND!!

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

Droid artists are no stranger to Minneapolis, in 2007 The Particle People began a tradition with out even realizing the power of this collective.  Since then we have had return visits from Acid Circus, and Drumcell so make sure to come out and experience the next member of the Droid family…   Audio Injection

Audio Injection aka David Flores aka Broken Rules has been hooked on electronic music since his introduction to the culture in the early 90’s. By age 15 he was DJing at clubs and undergrounds around Southern California mixing all varieties of techno, house, and hardcore techno.

His career as a DJ eventually moved to music production and David’s early releases were HardCore and Industrial Techno on labels such as Monoid, Industrial Strength, and Third Movement. Around the same time, he began a relationship with our friends at Droid Behavior (Eat, Sleep, Shit, Techno). Since then David has been at working with the funky minimal side of techno as well and after a few collaborative releases, remixes and live sets with the Droid label head, Drumcell, David joined the resident roster of the infamous Interface warehouse series.

An amazing Discography that includes releases & remixes on labels Droid Rec, 4 Track, Tora x3,
Stimulus and others, Audio Injection continues to shape his own sound while releasing thumping minimal techno with a funky twist.

Join the boys from Loud and Clear at Black in the VIP Room on Saturday November 21st. To learn more visit www.audioinjection.com and www.droidbehavior.com

Jackcast003 w/Audio Injection direct download here

Dave, it’s becoming a bit of a tradition with me to ask artists at least one question about their thoughts on Minneapolis .  This being your first time to Minneapolis , what are your expectations? Are Vidal, Vangelis and Moe saying good things about us? *wink *wink –

Well this will be my first time there and yes I’ve heard lot’s of good things from the other Droids, also from DJ Hyperactive! I don’t really know what to expect, but I hope the crowd digs my sound, and if all goes well, go back and play more shows!

Tell us a little bit about your two alias’s…  Who is Broken Rules and Who is Audio Injection?

Broken Rules is my alias for the harder projects, which include hardtechno and industrial/hardcore, I’ve released a lot under that name and still do this day, I work with Lenny Dee, owner of Industrial Strength records…..I grew up listening to the harder stuff as well and it always had a place in my heart. Also a great way to relieve stress hehe.

Audio Injection is the name I use for my techno/minimal projects, I started releasing under Audio Injection back in 2007, although I’ve had that name since 2002, but just didn’t release anything back then, it was more of a site name than producer name. Lately I’ve been focusing more on Audio Injection because I’ve always had love for techno since I was a kid and it just keeps growing more and more these days. I have a lot of remixes and projects coming up with Droid and other labels…..so these days I keep the two separate that way when you hear either name, you know what you’re going to get.

When I look at your discogs sites you seem to be a busy man.  What is it like being one man but two artists at the same time?

Yeah it’s pretty crazy haha! When I first started with the 2 different projects/alias I didn’t think it was going to be like it is now, I get remix opportunities all the time and labels asking for music which is good and keeps me super busy! Sometimes it’s hard when you’re working with 2 opposite genres, like the harder stuff with the more stripped down minimal stuff, but also you get ideas from both genres, and they end up working out.

Are you working on any new music projects that you would like us to keep an ear out for?

Yes definitely. Drumcell and I just finished a couple of remixes for Chris Liebings CLR label which should be out by the end of this year. We’re also working on putting out more Droid records, and also focusing on the Droid digital label, which I have a release coming up soon with remixes from Monoloc, Miro Pajic, Acid Circus, & Rene Walther. I’ve also been really busy working on remixes by myself, and also working with Drumcell on another Droid record.

How is it… being part of a scene like in LA?  At the moment it really seems to be a great place for Techno. Does this seem like an overnight explosion or a gradual change? How has Droid Behavior been a part of this movement?

Man it’s great! The techno scene is growing more and more here and it wasn’t an overnight thing, Droid has been working at this scene for years and they’ve put a ton of hard work and thrown lot’s of legendary parties, it’s really a great thing to be a part of. Just recently they did their 7 year anniversary of Interface, which had Chris Liebing, it was madness. Droid is definitely at the forefront of this movement in LA.

Another tradition in these interviews has to do with my own personal addiction to all things tech.  Tell us a little about your set up for DJ and for Production. Software, Gear, we love to hear all bout it!

My studio set up is pretty simple, I’m mostly software and plugins. I use FL studio for all my sequencing, then drop that into Cubase for editing and mixing. Sometimes I use Ableton live too, for laying down ideas when I’m not in my studio. I also have a couple of hardware compressors, just for some color, and a Roland JP8080 synth, for some cool twisted sounds. My DJ setup is also pretty simple, I switch between Traktor Pro and Ableton Live…..Traktor I use for more of a DJ set with NI Maschine as my controller, where as in Ableton I use as a DJ/Live set with the APC40, I cut parts of my own tracks and mix them with full tracks, as well as play other peoples music together, sort of like a live mashup.

Interview by Aaron Bliss

Back in April The Particle People were visited by Ben Klock. While on a short visit to the US (NYC and Minneapolis only) with a special night at BLACK we were able to find out why he was on the tip of everyone’s tongue. He was modest, nice and simply blew the dance floor away with an amazing mix of new and classic techno and house. This set was a perfect example of the raw gritty underground sound of US (mostly Midwest) and German dance music coming from Berlin at the moment, most noticeably a little club you may have heard of recently called Berghain.

While in Minneapolis Ben not only was able to see what the Midwest was about, Ben even took home a little piece of Minneapolis by signing our very own DVS1 for KlockWorks005. While here he interviewed for Tanya Norman from IPR and recently with us at Jack The Box for a followup. What Follows is the followup interview and below is the original interview from Tanya and Ben Klock from April.

To top it all off we were also able to get hold of a recording of that night for JackCast002 Ben Klock Live@BLACK…

JackCast002 Ben Klock Live @ BLACK MPLS

Right Click and save here for Direct Download

You recently visited  Minneapolis, What were your impressions of the American Techno scene before coming and what are your impressions now? Specifically  Minneapolis …
Well I have to say before I had the impression that it’s a very small scene there and this was approved. But in the end it’s more about quality than quantity. And there were some people who were really into it – especially in Minneapolis. And it was great fun playing there, because people seemed to really appreciate.

Your latest release on Klockworks (klockworks 005) is from one of our own locals and is very exciting for us.  Is klockworks005 the first release from artists other than you?
Yes it’s the first release from someone else. So it’s something special for me too. I was really impressed by Zak (DVS1). He is minimalistic in it’s original sense. And very energetic. I loved his short but intense performance he did at that party in Minneapolis. And I’m glad I didn’t go straight home after my set and had the chance to meet this guy. I will bring him over to play at Berghain in February.

Do you plan on bringing more artists into the Klockworks roster?
Always depends on the music. If I find something that really fits into the concept that I have in mind for Klockworks then maybe there will be other artists. In fact I’m just planning something with a new artist but it’s to early to tell more.

Do you plan on visiting the  US  in 2010?
I’m not sure about that yet. We’ll see.

You are known for playing a very wide range of records. I remember hearing a number of classics in your set from your visit.  What is your favorite dance floor track, the one you almost never leave home without?
Yes I like mixing old and new stuff. But it always changes. I can’t tell you the one favorite classic. There are too many great records. But if you ask me which one never left the bag since I bought it in 1995 it’s Tyree on Dance Mania: Nuthin Wrong.

Are you currently working on any new music projects that we should keep an eye out for?
I’ve only been doing remixes since my album came out in February this year. Brand new in the stores is a remix for Function on Sandwell District.
And then there will be a record on Deeply Rooted House, distributed by PlanetE with two older tracks of mine coming out before the end of this year.

One of the things we love to talk about on this Blog is gear. Some people are gear enthusiasts and some are minimalists.  What is your current preferred DJ and music production set up?
I’m sorry to disappoint you if you expect a large analog production park. For my productions I’m using Logic Pro on a Mac and lot’s of digital plug Ins. That’s all I need at the moment. For me it’s more about music than loving machines. My DJ set up is two turntables and two Pioneer CDJs 1000 and a Soundbite loop player.

Thank you Ben!  Interview by Aaron Bliss for Jack the Box.

Below is the interview by Tanya Norman the night Ben Klock Played in Minneapolis.

Particle People Bring Ben Klock To First Ave VIP Room by Tanya Norman

On April 4, 2009 local promoters Particle People welcomed Ben Klock to the First Ave VIP Room. Coming to the USA all the way from Berghain Club in Berlin, this respected producer and deejay was here to promote his new album One and EP Before One out now on BeatPort and where vinyl is sold. Ben was kind enough to grant Tanya Norman an interview opportunity, allowing a glimpse inside his world of Berlin techno and sharing insight into why sometimes less is more…

TN: Who inspires you?  Mentors in music?

BK: I don’t know where to begin.  I’ve been making music all my life.  I listened to all kinds of music.  In the 80’s I loved Prince.  In the beginning of the 90’s I was beginning to look for new sounds.  There are some heroes: old US guys, Jeff Mills, Carl Craig, Robert Hood.  Basically, that’s where it comes from.

TN: What kind of technology and tools do you use?  Describe your studio.

BK:  It’s not that interesting. [laughs] I changed to complete digital. I really like total recall recording.  When I worked on my album I worked on different tracks at the same time.  I don’t want to have to reconnect cables…..with digital you can really do a lot of things.  I use Logic, a little Ableton… usually a Logic user.  And some plug-ins.

TN: Your current record label, Ostgut Ton, how long have you been with them?

BK: Since I’ve been a resident DJ at Berghain, about 3 years. Ostgut Ton is the label of Berghain. The venue they had before the Berghain was called Ostgut, that is why the label is called Ostgut Ton.

TN: You’ve been deejaying for over 10 years now?

BK: For a little over 10 years.  The international bookings started about 4 years ago, coinciding with the beginning of my residency at Berghain.

TN: Did you play any instruments as a child?

BK: When I was a kid I played piano. Before I became a DJ I also played in a band and did some songwriting, playing guitar and singing…

TN:  Did you find those experiences helpful with your current productions?

BK: Yes and no.  Sometimes it is not helpful when you are too educated in music and you want to make a good techno track…you don’t want it cluttered with too many solo parts, well, iIdon’t want it… [laughs]
See the full Interview at…
http://www.ipr.edu/blog/2009/04/particle-people-bring-ben-klock-to-first-ave-vip-room/

Be sure to see Tanya’s post for video and pictures from the night as well as visit Particle People on RA for more pictures here…

http://www.residentadvisor.net/photo-gallery.aspx?set=6248

and on http://www.myspace.com/particlepeoplempls

BLACK CREW

The boys at BLACK have done it! The Website is live. Take a look for new mixes, pictures, and flyers. We are still adding new content this week so be sure to keep an eye out for all the goods!

http://www.blackmpls.com

enjoy!