Chadd Smith Proves White People Can Totally Dance

Alright, this guy‘s got a point. When you jump out of a pink Delorean (rental contact available here, don’t worry LA/Hollywood people, I got you) and drop a solid 4:20 of dance moves, cracking jokes on yourself & actually make it work, you’ve got my vote. Chadd pushes out a surprisingly competent set of moves, which I was totally into. Especially with the retro vibe he’s got going here, he’s actually taking an old joke & making it both new and amusing. Which, is legit. I hope this got him a crapton of work, and if you’re in need of dancing talent and you’re in Hollywood these days, hit him up.

We’ve Reversed The Google Ad Words Ban But MDMA: The Movie Still Needs Your Help!

Emanuel Sferios, The founder of the national organization over 15 years ago, has been working on a documentary movie about MDMA, as all of you are aware of, is extremely popular in our culture, especially today as it’s often targeted in music and the media and almost always misrepresented and misinformed. This film explores its history and use today. And yes, it’s not just some small pet project. Thump from VICE has already covered it and the media campaign is heating up. So much in fact, that Google Ad Words had banned them from advertising. That’s right ladies & gentlemen, Google believed that the first film ever to discuss the harm reduction potential of MDMA and the research surrounding it as a PTSD medication, so Emanuel was told they can’t advertise using the dominant advertising platform of our time, because drugs. That’s why the video you clicked on above this paragraph, was the one that they (temporarily) banned.

In one of Google’s dumber moves this side of Google+ & Wave (you remember those right?), they decided that this movie “promotes” drug use, and will not allow the movie to advertise. This has put the brakes on the fundraising inertia it was developing, but they’re still moving along at a brisk pace. However, in a stunning reversal after a serious crowd-sourced push to get Google to change their minds, THEY HAVE! To celebrate, I’m bringing you a few tidbits from the movie that I hope you’ll watch & donate to/for. First off, Dr. Julie Holland, one of the foremost clinicians in the world when it comes to dealing with substance use, MDMA-use & general rave-related behavior from the drug standpoint. Lastly we’ve got Dede Goldsmith, founder of the Amend The Rave Act movement we’ve been discussing around these parts off and on for months. Both of these ladies are exceptionally relevant within the movement, so please watch & then dig deep.

Midnight Music: Flite – Dive [Liquid Drum & Bass]

Liquid so good you’ll slap yo mama. When Strife II said Flite was one of his heroes, this is why. This kind of stuff would probably reduce aggravated assault rates if we played it on public transportation. If you’ve got a dope bass system engaged while listening to this, you’d appreciate that it’s as gentle of a stone massage as you can get from the genre. This isn’t done by accident, so appreciate how perfect his choices are. And don’t forget to give it up to Liquicity for giving Flite the stage he deserves.

Mix Of The Weekend: The Rev – Lovely Daze [Deep, Soulful House]

I had the chance to hang out with this DJ for a couple of days back when he lived in Amsterdam. One of the most humble & quietly talented DJs I’ve ever met, he’s done us all a favor, and posted his latest from his new home base out on the Best Coast. The Rev was one of the beat wizards at the loft warehouse I cut my teeth on in NYC way back in the 00’s. This set features some of the vibes, groovy tempos, soulful selectro work and a classic attitude that a lot of house dance floors have forgotten as of late. I could listen to this stuff for hours, like, if they could pipe it into my job, I’d probably be 30-40% more productive. But enough of me yapping, take this Sunday that’s hopefully brightening for you, and let this mix wrap around it for you. Show my man some love so he makes another one soon.

 

Alert! The BROS Need Our Help.

This is really important. The Baltimore Rock Opera Society (yes, it’s real) is trying to go legit and make the ridiculously amazing art they make, as a real boy…I mean company. But essentially, what this means, is a bunch of insanely talented puppeteers, choreographers, performers & other miscellaneous artists have to become a coherent 501c3 and grow into the ridiculous orgy of creativity & authenticity that I know they can become. They’re doing really well, and when it comes to how this is related to my blog, I’ll tell you.

These guys are not only throwing out satire about partying, community and what it means to be a Bro, literally infusing it into their entire being/performance, but they’re doing it on their own. There’s no Diet Coke or VitaminWater sponsorship here yet, nor are they playing by the grace of the Koch Brothers. And it’s actually good! This is real art, made with blood, sweat, tears & pizza. Lots of pizza. So honestly, get into it. I’m picking up some pins myself at least. Because Charm City will always hold a piece of my heart. They’ve got 24hrs, so let’s really help. Tell your friends if you can’t drop loot.

 

Midnight Music: Tielman Brothers – Rollin Rock [Indonesian Rockabilly]

For #tbt, we’re going way back. I present to you the classic rockabilly sound of the Tielman Brothers. This is performance like you don’t see anyone on stage really attempt anymore. Granted, they had way fewer sounds to make back then, and you had to make them all sequentially without messing up. Like at 2:55, when the frontman plays his guitar behind his back, while standing on the bass…that is being played at the same time. Drum solos, bass solo while lying down, a whole lot of talent here. These guys are legends, trust me, go ask your parents. So put the oldest of school into your face, then get annoyed when a bunch of low-effort DJs can’t even get into their sets this weekend.

Tuna Knobs – Tactile Interface Knobs For iPad/TouchScreen DJs.

All you tablet/road warriors, this is exactly what you’re looking for. A concept engineering firm out of Rotterdam in the Netherlands has created a set of sticky knobs that allow for tactile dj software manipulation. That’s right, just in case you’re somewhere and the only thing you have to DJ is a tablet & your USB stick, boom, granular control of your levels, even if you suck at multi-touch. This is a tiny point, but I really want to congratulate this agency for this product. It’s an understated utility that will become more and more prevalent as DJing goes totally digital at the lower levels with the younger kids getting into it before they even get a pair of CDJs.

 

Midnight Music: M83 – Midnight City (SAINT WKND Remix)

M83 - Midnight City (Saint WKND Remix)M83 is one of the most important groups in recent memory way too many EDM fans have never heard of. SAINT WKND comes through with a future bass remix of M83’s triumph Midnight City. It’s a synthetic masterpiece. The track positions SAINT WKND in a realm that only a few artists, such as MitiS, Just A Gent, & a few others have gotten to when it comes to this kind of position. This means you need to check out his mix here and start keeping your ear out for when this one starts getting booked. Because with remix chops like this, it’s just a matter of time for this German upstart.