Jack The Box

J Matthews (HotDish, First Avenue Nightclub - Minneapolis, MN, USA) will be kicking off a new monthly radio show on Chicago House FM, the premier 24/7 online global radio show that showcases the best in international underground house music.

Funk Yeah! FM is all about the best in funky and jackin underground house music. Every LAST SUNDAY of the month Funk Yeah! FM w/ host J Matthews, will cover hot tracks, events from the Midwest house music scene, and special guest DJ interviews and mixes from fellow funkers in the national and international House Music community. You can check out all this stuff, other DJ mixes and much more at FunkYeahFM.com.

Kick off for this event will start Sunday, August 29th featuring Nate Laurence from 7pm – 9pm CST (8pm – 10pm EST, 12AM – 2AM GMT)

More about Chicago House FM (ChicagoHouseFM.co.uk)

Chicago House FM started in Sept 2007 by DJ Camouflage, and is purely based on the interests of HOUSE MUSIC.

Starting out with only one show, now almost 3 years later, CHFM hosts over 25 different shows all over the world and is currently growing and fulfilling the vision of the station, its music and the love for House Music and to keep its vision and direction purely on maintaining ang growing the scene to the best it can with the support of all the great people from Producers to DJs to listeners.

Some of CHFM’s Hosts include Transatlantic Union (Florida, USA), Frankie J (Chicago, USA),  Mr. Hun (London, UK), Louis Hughes (Manchester, UK), Dave Combined (Malta), Sista Stroke (London, UK), Audiophiles (Chicago, USA), A Uneaq (California, USA), Funky Love Crew (Bulgaria), Buddha (Colorado, USA), Craig Hamilton (Glasgow, Scotland), Jangatha (Everywhere, USA), Karl Almaria (Chicago, USA), Pete Le Freq (York, UK) and many more.

To learn more about Funk Yeah! FM and J Matthews check out the official Funk Yeah! FM website: www.funkyeahfm.com

To Learn more about Chicago House FM and to find out about other great radio shows playing throughout the week, check out the official website here: chicagohousefm.co.uk

If you are interested in advertising your event or news, showcasing your production, or anything else, contact J Matthews at jmatthews@funkyeahfm.com

Additional links for more information:

Chicago House FM: Chicagohousefm.co.uk

Funk Yeah! FM: funkyeahfm.com

J Matthews Official Website: dj-jmatthews.com

J Matthews on Facebook: Facebook.com/dj.jmatthews

HotDish: hotdishmpls.com

First Avenue Nightclub: first-avenue.com

All inquiries please email jmatthews@funkyeahfm.com

Jen Hits the City Pages with yet another jam packed post on Bassgasm2

It’s almost that time, bass fanatics. Woody McBride’s second takeover of First Avenue in six months goes down in just one week. Next Friday, more than 60 DJs will descend upon the club and play some of the funkiest, ear-splitting, heavens-opening tracks known (or not known) to man for nearly 10 hours. For most people, this sounds like hell on Earth, but for a certain group in the Midwest, bound by years of partying in dirty warehouses together, this is simply bliss. Last week, we introduced you to 3 DJs on the roster, and this week we’re bringing you another three, something we’ll do all next week leading up to the big day (July 23). Oh, and one other thing: Gimme Noise has THIRTEEN PAIR of tickets to the show to give away next week, so if you want to go, stay tuned. For now, it’s time to meet the sexy one called Heavygrinder, Chi-Town’s own Keith Mackenzie, and NYC’s longtime favorite, Christian Bruna …

Jolly green DJ

Getting to know… HEAVYGRINDER

Free Downloadable mix: “Lethal Injection”

Tracklist:
1. Groove Armada – Paper Romance feat. French Soler
2. Nylon Pink – Fluff (Audiostalkers & HeavyGrinder Remix)
3. D.H.S. – House of God (Electric Soulside Remix)
4. De Bos – On the Run (Ralvero Get Down Remix)
5. The Cat – Ain’t No Disco Music feat. Ninelives
6. Stupid Fresh – Ghetto Electro
7. DJ Fixx – Shake It feat. Sporty-O (Electric Soulside Remix)
8. Discotech – IMMIA
9. Owl City -Fireflies (Mightyfools Remix)
10. Punk Rolla – Upside Down
11. Mastiksoul – Taking Me Hi feat Zoey (Bingo Players_Remix)
12. Tocadisco – Better Run feat. Nadia Ali (Afrojack Remix)
13. Major Lazer ft. Afrojack – How I like It (Beatauce Remix)
14. Nadastorm Rework – Make Some Noise
15. Vandalism & Angger Dimas – She Got It (Curtis B Edit)
16. Kid Kaio – Hey
17. Boris Dlugosch – Bangkok (KraftyKuts Rerub)
18. Gooseflesh – Dodgems (Cyberpunkers Remix)
19. Fenech Soler – Lies (WolfChild Remix)
20. Ellie Goulding – Under The Sheers (Kids At The Bar Remix)
21. Cyberpunkers – OMG
22. Jason DeRulo – Watcha Say (Rusko Come Ere And Say That Remix)

Gimme Noise: How’s 2010 treating you?
Heavygrinder: It’s been well. Have been playing in different states and working on more releases and working on including my own vocals on tracks.

What’s your favorite memory of Minneapolis?
Headlined an all female dj party with DJ Heather a few years ago and had a blast. Really looking forward to that great crowd that appreciates the music. It’s an honor to be featured along side with many of the artists on the line up.

Do you miss record shopping now that the industry has gone digital?
Yes, I definitely miss record shopping but the digitalization has made it a lot easier for us to get the tracks that we want.

Give us your favorite quote from someone who will inspire us:
“Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” -Jimi Hendrix

Thoughts on trends in the EDM scene right now?
I have noticed the decline in the house scene… as I use to play morevstraight house music and dnb.  Have also noticed the sudden rise in the dubstep scene. Kids love it.

Yeah but can you catch a fly in those

Getting to know… KEITH MACKENZIE

Free Downloadable Mix: http://www.sendspace.com/file/adz06k

Current Top 10 Chart:
1. Sporty-O – Booty Jiggle
2. DJ Icey – Seville
3. Nylon Pink - Fluff
4. Sandro Silva – Blaze
5. DJ Fixx and Sporty-O – Shake It Sporty
6. Sidney Samson – The World Is Yours
7. Ill DJ Chris B and DJ Icey – What We Do
8. Kultur and Colombo – 123 Breakbeat
9. Deekline and Dustin Hulton featuring Sporty-O – Apple Bottom
10. Curtis B and Whiskey Pete – Keep on Movin’

How is 2010 treating you?
It’s been excellent so far!  I’ve gotten to play at some really great places this year including London, Rome, Cadiz (Spain), Hawaii and more!  I’ve been keeping super busy with my label “illeven eleven” putting out about 4 releases per quarter.

What are your current creative projects?
As a label, we have an album from ATL phenom rapper Sporty-O called “International Wingman” coming out in mid July.  It has productions from some of the biggest names in Electro, Breaks and Dubstep in the package.  For myself,  Ive been doing alot of work with DJ Fixx and Curtis B and have about 5-6 things slated to come out before the end of 2010.  Also working on a breaks meets electro meets house and techno mix with my boy Serch from here in the CHI

What’s your next production release?
A remix of LaZRtag’s song that they did with Whiskey Pete on the vocals called “Young Hollywood”  coming out on my label “illeven eleven”  I did the remix with Curtis B.

Have you been to Minneapolis before?
This will be first time and Im really looking forward to it!  Ive heard only good things about the scene in Minneapolis. Im super excited that Bassgasm will be my first party there, and judging by all the hype around it, it looks as though Minneapolis knows how to get down! Additionally, breaks do not get that much exposure in the midwest so Im glad to bring my flavor there.

Are you influenced by any Twin Cities artists?
I used to buy Freddy Fresh records back in the day =)

How do you feel about the industry going digital?
I for sure miss record shopping, the feel of vinyl and the sound as well.  However, Im cool with the industry going digital.  I like playing/doing re-edits of stuff and this is not stuff that we used to do back when we played vinyl.  if we did a re-edit of something and wanted to play it, we would have to get dubplates and it takes time and money!  Now, I can re-edit a song in the hotel the night of and play it immediately Dubplates  were fun though!  I definitely miss vinyl but am content DJing digitally.

Dark. Brooding. Bruna.

Getting to know … CHRISTIAN BRUNA

Free Downloadable Mix: “Kiss The Future”

Top 10 Chart:
01. Kabuki feat. Jeru The Damaja – Watch Your Step – V Recordings
02. Christian Bruna – Imagine That – Liquid Brilliants
03. Netsky – Eyes Closed – Allsorts
04. Kabuki feat. Jenna G – Just Hold On (Serum Remix) – V Recordings
05. Camo & Krooked feat. Tali – Verve – Audio Porn
06. Eveson – Found A Groove – Liquid V
07. Dave Owen – Still Waters – Influence Records
08. Eveson – So Fine- Liquid V
09. Camo & Krooked – History of The Future – Audio Porn
10. Gridlok – Bottomfeeder – Project 51 Recordings
Gimme Noise: How is 2010 treating you?
Christian Bruna: Not bad, I’m alive and well. My family and children are healthy, and I feel like it’s the early 90’s again, in more than one way. I’ve been doing things that I’ve enjoyed since I was a youngster, recreational activities such as painting (graffiti), and skateboarding. I’m feeling very positive in regards to this second phase of my life.

Why do you think you were booked to play Bassgasm 2?
The experience and knowledge based on years of doing my thing here in NYC. The competition is fierce and many people succeed, but come and go. Very few can stand the test of time. Looking forward to Woody’s parties and seeing how the Mid-West brings it!

What kind of vibe are you playing this summer?
I’m basically trying to cram in some of the best Jungle/D&B from the last 15 years or so into one power-packed roller coaster of a ride. In the wise words of the infamous KRS-ONE, “Edutainment” is how I’d best describe it.

Which artists are you inspired by lately?
Camo & Krooked, Netsky, Serum, Mutated Forms, Savage Rehab, and others…

What do you think has changed most about the scene over the last 5-10 years?
The word Rave is practically non-existent. Promoters, press, and the media are using the word “Festivals” more and more, as opposed to the word “Rave” and its negative connotations. EDM genres are being mixed up more than ever, even crossing over into Jam Bands and more live pa’s.

How do you feel about the industry going digital?
I think it’s great since I get most of my music sent to me from all over the world via AIM. I already have too much vinyl and wouldn’t know what to do with it if I kept buying. I do miss the act of buying and sellingrecords at a record shop. I used to work at the now defunct Satellite Records here in NYC for many, many years.

Tell us your favorite quote.
I don’t know who said it first, but it’s my favorite. “Feel The Force, Don’t Force The Feel.”

Bassgasm 1 – Denis Jeong Plaster for CP

I really can not say enough kind things about City Pages and Jen Boyels!  Below is one of her latest Blogs on our little scene – Take a moment to see what Jen has to say and read a little bit of q&a with myself and some of my amazing friends!

There are a lot of reasons people go to parties, but just one that will unite hundreds of dance music fans from around the Midwest for one of Woody McBride’s legendary massives — and that, dear friends, is the muthaf**ing bass. Packing 60-some odd DJs and more visuals and surprises than you can fathom, BASSGASM 2 is coming up quickly so we’re doing an interview series with 10 of the beat lovers scheduled behind the decks July 23 at First Avenue. Here are 3 locals to get to know now if you’ve not already: longtime scene rocker Easyrider, former Stepper’s Alliance DJ Aaron Bliss and ferocious female duo Kittybump.

The droid you’ve come for isn’t here

Getting to know… EASYRIDER:
Bassgasm top ten Chart:
Lil Silva – Night Skanker EP – Nightslugs
Ikonika – Idiot (Altered Natives Remix) – Hyperdub
Meesha – Daat – Thoughtless Music
Artificial Intelligence – There’s a Crowd – V Recordings
Man Like Me – Lovestruck (Brackles Remix) – Black Butter Records
Marky & S.P.Y. – Riff Raff – Digital Soundboy
Four Tet – SIng (Mosca Remix) – Domino
Netsky – Escape fest. Darrison – Hospital Records
Deadboy – If U Want Me – Numbers
My My – Price Tag (Appleblim Remix) – Simple Records

Gimme Noise: How is 2010 treating you?
Easyrider: Things are really looking good, our regular Wednesday night, Konkrete Jungle Minneapolis at First Avenue is running over three years strong now, it keeps growing and evolving, and personally I am very busy between gigs, production and life – I just bought a house this year, so really just enjoying the fantastic Minneapolis lifestyle…

What are you working on currently?
I’ve completed about 6 tracks earlier this year and I’m now gearing up for another wave. I love a lot of music of different tempos and styles out there right now and I moved my studio into my new house so I’ve got a whole performance/studio/record repository going on and am really looking to take advantage of the space.

Favorite memory in Minneapolis?
Some of my best Minneapolis memories are Woody’s legendary massives, no joke – they really were that amazing and I’m sure Bassgasm will be the same.

What artists are you loving currently?
Mosca, Lil Silva, Original Sin, Altered Natives, Breakage, Danny Byrd, Tinie Tempah

How do you feel about DJing now that the industry has gone digital?
I still buy, collect and play mostly all vinyl in my dnb sets. I use Traktor and Serato in the clubs and at home for everything else…With “DVS” I enjoy the freedom to go back and forth between vinyl and digital. I’ve got thousands and thousands of records, I can’t imagine not being able to return to the source for my inspiration once and awhile. I have an open mind, but to me, vinyl is still in the heart and soul of our culture.

What do you think of the Bassgasm 2 lineup? It’s a lot. Guaranteed good time. The last one was legendary.

Any last thoughts? Music will never stop. It will live as long as people are around and maybe a good deal longer.

Mr. Kind Eyes

Getting To Know…. AARON BLISS

Gimme Noise: How is 2010 treating you?
Aaron Bliss: It has been an amazing year for me so far, I’ve been meeting and working with so many people and learning so many things about the music and the business.

What are your current creative projects?
I recently started working as the head of North American operations for Air London Music as an artist manger/agent, representing artists like, Kris Wadsworth, MANIK, Kate Simko, Nick Curley, and more.  I’m working on a new pop/r&b flavored house project with Amin Shabazz and Scott Radke. Most recently, I had the honor of working with three of the most amazing promoters in the US to throw a party in Detroit: Beretta, [KONTROL], and Humanaut. Even though the party had a few issues, it was a great experience.

How do you feel the dance music scene has changed most over the last 10 years? I really see dance music growing in the US. And now there are so many amazing parties in the US. Ten years ago, it was unheard of to see a major headliner play a room like the VIP/Record Room and 7th Street. This isn’t just happening here in Minneapolis, but all over. El Paso, Pittsburgh, and so many more, and dont get me started on Mexico!  Mexico is on the map big time.  Ten years ago, you didn’t see this. I buy it all and I love it all. Its called techno – “tech” short for technology. Embrace it.

What are your thoughts on playing Bassgasm?
Last year, I was allowed to play Both the main room system and the Entry system. For me the Main room system was amazing. The vibe in the Entry was tops, I pretty much spent the whole night in there!

Which Minneapolis artists are you influenced most by?

JET, Prince, Information Society, Chic (Won’t you take me to….  Funky town!)

What’s your favorite party you’ve DJed or attended?

DJing would have to be a cross between this last Detroit party and believe it or not, Fargo.  I played a party in Fargo that was broken up due to a blizzard.  EasyRider and myself were invited to play in this little basement at about 4am. We played classics till the sun came up.  The place was packed and the love was amazing. Party wise, there’s so many to list but my time in NYC. There was a party there called Bliss and it was the best times dancing in my life. I even took my name from those nights.

What’s a kittybum…er…ok we get it

Getting to know… KITTYBUMP
DOWNLOADABLE MIX: Kibbles & 8 Bits

Gimme Noise: How is 2010 treating you?
Kitty Bump: Quite well thanks! Been working touring the midwest and getting ready to release our new EP, KittyBump presents : Fresh Step (our own new EDM genre).

What is your favorite memory of Minneapolis?
SNDP @ First Avenue!

How do you feel the dance music scene has changed most over the last 10 years?
We’re a little saddened that vinyl got kicked out the door, however, it is a great thing to have 1000+ tracks at your fingertips in the digital world these days, but vinyl is our first love. We don’t miss the prices of record shopping, but the thought of flipping through stack of vinyl makes us nostalgic. Also, all of the music we grew up on is making a comeback. AWESOME to hear it again.

How do you feel about playing Bassgasm 2?
We’re quite familiar with Woody’s “wall of bass” parties and are really excited. We’re glad you e-mailed this interview instead of live, we can’t hear SHIT anymore.

“That’s a lot of DJs”

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.

Lee Jarvis is one of the most exciting young DJs to emerge on the London scene, playing his own blend of fun-fueled jackin’ house, all mixed with his customary energy and passion. Lee has played at many of London’s major venues including Turnmills, Egg, The Cross, the Ministry of Sound, plus several UK, Europe and Chicago gigs.

Lee knows what makes a dancefloor move, having also run his own successful party, Moochin, for the last five years. It has become one of the most respected nights on the UK underground jackin’ scene, with a loyal crowd and featuring only the freshest new music, and guest DJs have included Massimo Dacosta, Giom, The Inland Knights, Jacob London, Joey Youngman, Lee Mortimer and many more.

Alongside his burgeoning DJ career, Lee has been perfecting his production skills and busy nights in the studio have resulted in some killer tracks for labels such as 4Kenzo, Lost My Dog and 1200 traxx. These have been picked up and supported by key players on the jackin’ scene, ranging from Mark Farina to Diz to Justin Long to Colette to Demarkus Lewis to Harold Heath.

With all this and more under his belt (Lee also works for the well respected Freerange Records making contact with leading DJs, producers, magazines and radio shows across the world), Lee is developing into a major talent and gaining international recognition. Over the next two years he will be spending much of his time in his spiritual home of Chicago but returning to the UK on a regular basis for DJ dates and to host Moochin parties. As one of the hottest new names in jackin’ house Lee Jarvis ticks all the right boxes.

This December 5th, Lee will be the guest DJ for HotDish’s monthly residency in the VIP. Nate Laurence had the opportunity to sit down with him and dig a little deeper into everything that is Lee Jarvis.

Click for Larger Flyer!

NL: So…Lee, let’s get one thing out of the way at the front end of this interview: Is it fried tomatoes, beans, mushrooms, and sausage for every breakfast?
LJ: Absolutely! Don’t forgot the eggs and bacon too. And a cup of tea, naturally.

NL: Delish! But…breakfast aside…tell us what made you plunge into house music.
LJ: I listened to a lot of music growing up, from hip hop to Motown to Prince. Around London in the 90s, garage and Speed Garage were the biggest and newest forms of electronic music. From there I kinda progressed into house via the onslaught of 90s funky disco anthems; DJ Sneak, Daft Punk, Basement Jaxx, Mutiny, Armand Van Helden, Defected and Subliminal records certainly had a lot to do with my honeymoon period in house music!

NL: Prince! Always good to appease the hometown crowd. Nice one Lee! So…I know you were one of the key players behind the event “Moochin” in London. There is no doubt that the “Moochin” name carried afar. You had some incredible talent come through: Joey Youngman, The Littlemen, Massimo Dacosta, and many others. How did this help catapult your DJ career?
LJ: It was a very niche sound in London; clubbers would thank me for finally having somewhere to regularly go and hear the DJs that no-one else brought to town. Playing to a regular crowd certainly helped fine-tune my DJ skills, and being on the same flyer as some high profile producers helped me spread my own DJ career at the same time as promoting the Moochin events. There’s whispers of a Moochin record label going around, but you can’t believe everything you read on the internet now, can you?

NL: Oooo snap! A Moochin record label? We know nothing! On the flip side, talk a little about your music industry work – or as you so gracefully put it, the “trend-mongering and advice sharing.”
LJ: Well, I’ve always been into the business side, and studied the recording industry, marketing, publishing and a lot more at both a London college and Berklee Music, based in Boston. I consult and manage various online marketing and future strategies for small music businesses and independent artists. One thing that musicians often need help with is establishing a following and then creating revenue streams around their music. That’s where I come in!

NL: I might have to have a cup of tea with you and discuss said artist strategies! Regardless, we know you’re a dope DJ (Moochin wouldn’t retain you if your weren’t) but you’re also starting to make a name for yourself as a producer. I recently heard Mark Farina drop one of your tracks at a show here in Minneapolis and thought, “bizzo shizzle Lee Jarvizzle!” Tell us all about it! Make us pay you money for music!
LJ: Ah, nice! Yeah Mark has dropped a few of my tracks, I’ve also had support from Sneak, Diz, Justin Long, Heather and co. I’ve released on 4Kenzo, 1200 Traxx, Lost My Dog and remixed for a whole bunch of labels. I’d suggest checking out my Soundcloud page where you can have a listen to most of the tracks in full and then follow the Buy links

Right Click and save as here to Download this mix

NL: For the record, who are – in your opinion — the most excellent producers in your genre today? Who can we expect you to drop at the “HotDish” show?
LJ: Wow, there’s a lot of great music coming out this year. I’m loving TBF’s recent stuff, and I’m very likely to drop some cuts by Andrew Emil, Wes, Andrew Phelan, Wally Callerio…. when I’m in a deeper and techier mood I love Mazi, and the UK staples of Freerange, NRK and 2020 are always on fire!

NL: Finally…in order to maintain airspeed velocity, an English swallow needs to beat its wings 43 times every second, right? Am I right? Or is it an African swallow?
LJ: Well, it entirely depends on if (s)he is carrying a coconut; it could grip it by the husk…

NL: A coconut? In the middle of England? No matter….we REALLY look forward to your debut in Minneapolis and will see you very soon!
Check out the cool Promo video that Nate Laurence and J Matthews (HotDish/BLACK resident) created to promote this upcoming party:

To learn more about this upcoming show, Contact HotDish

interview by: Nate Laurence
Lee Jarvis will be headlining for the HotDish boys this Saturday @ First Ave’s VIP room for BLACK.

If you didnt know, this is with out a doubt the best place for cheap drinks, great atmosphere, and always a good party. Hit up info@hotdishmpls.com for more information.

Click on flyer below for more info on this event.

Event Flyer

As part of an on going effort here at “Jack The Box” to expose what amazing things are happening in the Midwest, our next Interview and Jackcastcast is no exception. In honor of his birthday and his recent release on Klock Works (Time Fog release out in the coming weeks) we took the time to have a few questions with The DVS1.  If you are from the area you know who he is and if you’ve been to a techno show recently then the odds are you have heard him since his music is making it into the bags of many respected DJs around the world.

A party promoter, club owner, sound designer, DJ, and producer, I can’t help but proud of our very own DVS1. Please Join the Particle People Mpls and Hush this Saturday, November 28th 2009 for a special night of music and celebration with Aaron Bliss, Jesse Jakob, Math Static on visuals and DVS1 .

As an extra special treat we have an exclusive podcast! Now, this is no ordinary podcast; but a very special blend of original and unreleased cuts from the man himself. In this podcast you will hear forthcoming music from TimeFog, Transmat, Klock Works, and Others.

_______________________________________________

DVS1 JackCast004

What are your feelings of the Midwest dance music scene? Specifically Minneapolis…

Obviously I’m biased because it’s my home! The Midwest is great and specifically Minneapolis in my eyes is the sleeping giant, the city that has so much talent that most people just overlook and I’m not saying that      just to pump our ego’s, most  other’s who come here to perform/play say the same thing about our energy, our venues and our opportunities, sure we don’t have everything…but what we do have is pretty good!!

As far as our party scene, it goes just like most other cities…Things always go up and down and go through phases of change.  Currently it feels pretty good; we have a healthy dose of club nights and a decent amount of underground spots!  We still get away with throwing all night parties and we play our music as loud as we want…All in all I think we’re all right.

Lately a lot of Minneapolis people have been gaining attention outside of our city.  There have been a few people branching out and putting out original production and it feels like we have a little momentum going right now with our locals!

Your first release on Klockworks (klockworks 05) seems to going well. How has that experience been for you?
It’s been interesting!  I never set out to make music for release; I really just made things for myself and spent time creating the couple live sets that I have done.  From doing those live sets things have really spawned into a lot of opportunities. I have to say I’ve always been a DJ first.   My love and passion is for playing vinyl and I’m really just now gaining  a new admiration for the production side of things. I would say as a DJ I feel pretty fluent and able to show my emotions. As a producer, I’m still learning how to speak and how to express myself.

I have said this to a few people already in regards to my first release and meeting Ben Klock.  I couldn’t have connected with a better person to give me insight and answers to my questions when it came to putting out music.   Ben Klock is not only an amazing DJ/producer, but he is a very down to earth guy who was open to my questions and was really good about helping me get this release for Klockworks ready!  He has a great ear and really helped me focus my ideas for the release.

Speaking about connections – the story surrounding your chance encounter with Ben Klock is a really fun story; would you like to share a little about that?
I’ll give you the short version…I’ve only done 3 live PA’s EVER.  1 over 3 years ago and the other happened to be the weekend that Ben Klock was playing in Minneapolis.  After he got done playing at Black, he was brought over to the underground party where I was about to perform.  I think he literally walked in as I was starting.  That night was magical for me, cause that was the 2nd live set I had ever done.  I had a great crowd, great sound and the vibe was on fire that night!!  After Ben heard the set, we started talking and it appeared that he genuinely liked what I was doing and my approach to making music.  We kept in touch afterward and the rest is history…Klockworks 05 stemmed from that live set he heard me perform that night…

Are you currently working on any new music projects?
Yes.  I just finished a release for the Timefog crew, its should be coming out soon.  (timefog04 flight to no where EP).  3 tracks of mine with a remix from Drumcell of the DROID crew in LA. (DIGITAL ONLY)

I’m also doing a very limited 7 inch record for a crew in Sweden.  I’m doing a remix of Van Rivers (of sublimal kid and van rivers from SWEDEN).  This release is being done in conjunction with a party I’m going to play for them and the pressings are for the people who attend the party. But you know I’m grabbing a STACK of em to bring home!

The next release I have slated is something I’m really proud of as well…I actually gave some of my early tracks to Derrick May last year before meeting Ben Klock and he sat on them for a long time.  After deciding to resurrect Transmat he offered me a release with 2 tracks that he was playing out…  I cant really explain the feeling of having a record come out on Transmat.  Derrick May and that entire era of DJ’s and record labels is what I grew up on and what became such a huge influence on what my style and taste is today…I’m seriously honored and humbled to be a part of the re-start of Transmat!  DVS1 love under pressure EP MS96 comes out VERY SOON!!

I’m also working on a follow up to the Klockworks release.  There are a few other projects on the horizon for people that I have been following for years, but for now they are top secret!!

Are you planning on touring soon in support of the new music?
I wish/hope!!!  All though things are starting to pop up and I’m getting some really unique opportunities from the record release with Klock.  I’m playing in Sweden November 14th and Berghain in Berlin on January 23rd.  I’m hoping to get another gig while over in Berlin!

Since this interview you recently returned from Sweden, tell us a little about your first official international gig, how was it?
It was great!  The people were really nice and the gig was good.  They lost the original space about 2 days before the party and at the last minute got another one.  Unfortunately they had to turn the sound down due to noise complaints early on at this new space…I still played for nearly 4 hours to a packed underground party though!

What are your expectations of Berlin and Berghain? (Or just pick Europe in general if you prefer)
Really I don’t have any expectations.  I can’t….  I keep going back and forth with how much I should expect, or how much I should prepare or how much I should tailor what I do with what I expect…In the end I think I really just need to go over there and do what I do best…ME.   That’s not meant to be Cocky, its really meant to try and convince myself of that being the right thing to do..J  If I cant convince myself of that I might just go crazy over thinking it!

One of the things we support on this Blog is gear!  I know, I know, Its so cliché, but hey, the fact is, people really do like to know.  What is your current DJ and music production set up?
For Djing…I prefer 2 tech 1210MK5G. (+-16). A Pioneer 800 Dj mixer and some type of Isolator strip (vestax DCR 1200pro 4 channel EQ).  I PLAY WAX!!!! So I just need a good mixer and a good set of DECKS!!

In the studio it’s just REASON 4.0 with a full keyboard and a UC33 controller.  I try and use reason as organically as possible recording live mix downs and live manipulation, nothing is preprogrammed or laid out as far as programming.  Unfortunately I had to get rid of a lot of my analog gear from back in the day… All though I recently picked up a MINT emu sp12 sampler.  I’m thinking about going on a binge of sampling old disco and soul cuts and making some twisted old techno jack tracks… (That’s my Midwest roots!)

How can people find out more about hush/dvs1/your events and all the other things you do…
www.hushsound.com
I’ve always procrastinated on my website, but I finally have it up.  It’s in the early stages now, but I am adding content and already have a bunch of mixes posted from myself and almost all the DJ sets from my guests at the future classic parties I’ve been throwing.  I’m also about to start a monthly question section on the website for people to interact and talk about music on a deeper level.  I first saw Jeff Mills do this on his AXIS site and I used to really appreciate the comments people had.

Other than that…you can find me on myspace.com/thedeviousonempls or facebook under DVS1.

Interview by Aaron Bliss

Right click and save here for Direct JackCast Download

Be sure to Join us all at Black this Saturday Nov 28th, 2009 to Celebrate our friends Sharie, and Zak’s Birthday. Join Aaron Bliss, Jesse Jakob, Math Static and DVS1 himself for an amazing night of great music, lights, and sound.

DVS1 at BLACK

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

Terrence Parker

The man We know as “TelephoneMan” Terrence Parker will be in the TC this Saturday October 16th so be sure to join the boys from Black for a special night of amazing house music!  This Saturday is very special as we celebrate the release of Matt Veloce’s on Parker Music Works.  The new release is a two tracker with “Let’s Get Some Love” and “Come On” available now on Parker Music Works. Be sure to tune into TP’s podcast http://terrenceparker.podomatic.com/ where you can catch the man in action and get a listen to Matt’s new tracks.

Saturday, October 17 from 10pm – 2am

BLACK in the First Avenue VIP Room (Enter through side door on 1st Ave N) Opening set by Matt Veloce.
18+ / $8 cover
The first 20 paid patrons will receive a complimentary CD copy of “Let’s Get Some Love”