Who knew Freddie Mercury had a nanny who probably taught him the secrets of the earth huh? Like, she must rock at it because he’s happy as hell. Also, Zanzibar. Because that’s a real place. But yes, Freddie Mercury was actually born Farrokh Bulsara amd he was born in Zanzibar. Bust that out next time someone who only likes Queen because of Wayne’s World starts going on about We Are The Champions. Via r/OldSchoolCool, home to a pretty impressive selection of photography, both of regular & intensely famous people.
Monthly Archives: May 2015
Midnight Music: Ayesha Adamo – Midnight Elite (Harder Remix)
Ayesha Adamo – Midnight Elite (Harder Remix)
You don’t hear this kind of sound too often outside of Who’s Afraid Of 138 & BlkMarket Membership events. This ethereal, almost psychedelic remix of Ayesha Adamo‘s new single Midnight Elite. This is a totally indie, underground producer here in Brooklyn who spent some time in China before triumphantly returning. I’ve had the privilege of booking her to perform a couple of times where she’s repeatedly a crowd favorite. You know you’ve made the right decision when dozens of people ask for her booking information 15min into the set. She managed to tape this video herself, showing that in today’s economy, you have to wear a thousand different hats. Getting back to the tune, the production value is solid, as is the heavy, drawn out remix ambiance. If you’re into it, check out the whole remix package on Beatport. And, because she’s so dope, here’s a DJ mix she did for Winter Music Conference a couple of months back, giving you another facet of her competence. Enjoy!
What Lies Beneath: Treetops Shoots Through The Canopy.
I arrived as the rain began to fall on Grand Street. The not quite summer evening tried to bluster against my DanceSafe hoodie as I stood in line for Treetops. This blossom of an event looked healthy enough from the outside, so after being processed through Paper Box security, I grabbed a Tecate and said made my way through the thickening crowd. This was to be a different kind of party. Something with less pressure & pretentiousness. It had the feel of a throwback or anniversary event, even though it was the first of its kind. As I watched friends catch up on things without using Facebook, Pony’s deep house oozed through the main room.
Pony’s achieved the status where it doesn’t actually matter when he’s performing. Opening, closing, not a problem, there will be a dance floor. Even at bewitching hour between 11:45 & 1 AM, when every party in NYC somehow goes from empty to full. The Herald of House kept the crowd grooving, guiding their Friday night. The two room structure worked well, with DirtyDecibels pushing out some compelling dirty house while people still had room to move. After running into some more old friends and giving the dance floors a whirl, the open air space called to me.
The sets worked off each other and you could kind of still hear the main room, so going out to grab a smoke never represented too much of a threat to your groove. I wanted to take a minute to give special kudos to Duane Harriott for his incredible set. Honestly, the side room from 1-3 was going off. I don’t ever hear competent fusion between hip hop, techno & tech house, but he was making it seem effortless. The room got down to it like this was a genre of music they listened to every weekend, like brolectro or top 40. The nuance associated with this sound isn’t basic, to say the least. I spent far too much time bobbing between his & the main room where Christian Martin was reminding everyone why they need to get their dirtybird BBQ tickets. This guy is known the world over for his techy but soulful signature house, and the crowd definitely agreed. 
The hour was upon us. Mat.Joe in the side room with The ScumFrog laying down main room muscle. I’m not going to get into the technical mastery Scumfrog brought, or how Mat.Joe kept the other room jumping until after last call. That’s something that should be self-evident if you’ve read this far. Hit up their various social medias to review their dopeness if you need a refresher. The skill emanating from both rooms was plain to see and people were hanging around later than you could most places that evening. That’s right, because the L train was busted, The Paper Box was open until 5 just to keep the kids safe until the trains started running again.
As I made my way to the door, I gave the room a once over and saw one of the producers doing what the best producers do. Crosschecking, roving, making sure everyone had a great time. We sure did man, can’t wait for the next one. In case you need further proof, check out this video shot by Jane Says Photography. That FOMO kick in yet? This is Terry Gotham, see you on the dance floor.
(Photos care of Jane Says Photography)
Midnight Music: TÂCHES – Prints Of Whales (ft. PB Kaya) [Deep House]
I don’t post a lot of Deep House on this blog. It’s not because I dislike the genre, as you’ll see me at deep & tech house parties pretty much weekly in Gotham. When it comes to house, I prefer sets & I don’t much keep up with individual tracks. I had to make an exception when I came across this. TÂCHES creates a soothing, spacey house track that needs to be purchased by every DJ friend of mine in the city. The deep, modern vibe is exactly what I needed to keep chugging through this week and if you need a pick me up, I know this will help. If I don’t hear this at least once in the next month at Verboten, I’m going to be seriously disappointed. (via Fresh New Tracks)
Midnight Music: Cazzette vs. Tomyayasu Hotei – Battle Without Honor Or Humanity
I’m really glad Cazzette has been stepping up in 2015. There’s a lot of great work they’ve done (hit their Soundcloud if this is news), but between the touring, shows & the salvo of sweet bootlegs, they’re skyrocketing. This stupendous electro house remix of one of the most iconic pieces of music from Kill Bill is everything you need to keep slashing through the week. There’s a retro, almost acid vibe on the house, that is totally in line with the original track by the incomparable Tomoyasu Hotei. It’s got Cazzette’s usual sky high level of production so no worries, and it’s even got a drop of Discovery-era Daft Punk in it. I expect great things from these folks & I know they won’t disappoint. It’s out May 29th so get hype and show them some love. (via the V-man himself, Prince of Fresh New Tracks)
Cattle Rap Is My New Favorite Thing.
This is everything good & right on the internet right here. Someone got the brilliant idea to take cattle auctioneers & drop hip hop beats under them. While this seems like one of the higher ideas to come out of a college basement, the two videos I’ve linked are some of the better examples. The video above is the high water mark for the genre, a fun little vid that came out in 2014. The one below is the original that really got the movement (lol) going. This kind of “hey, this is a wacky combination, I’m bored, here’s my offering” thing that’s part of the internet now makes for some truly dopey shit. Enjoy this one & shake Monday off. If you’re super into the track, you can get it on Bancamp here as well.
STUDIOKAMP feat. Rick Shoemaker – Cattle Rap from studiokamp on Vimeo.
Midnight Music: Jack Ü ft. AlunaGeorge – To Ü (Lodent Remix) [Anthem Trap]
The massive Jack U album continues to spawn dope remixes! This time, we’ve got Lodent knocking it out of the park. A rising bass producer from Chicago kills it on this. The glittering anthem vibe meshes with merciless trap beats. A heavy but almost euphoric mix down allows the original track featuring AlunaGeorge a chance to soar, showcasing this Lodent fella. Quite good work actually, especially for someone new on the scene. I usually can’t stand heavy trap because of the total lack of melody & major chords. Lodent must’ve heard me complaining and proves you can make trap that’s both heavy on chords and doesn’t skimp on the bass. It’s a small gift, especially with the festival season coming, so I hope it works its way into a set or two I hear by the time the summer is out.
EP Of The Week: Blood Eagle By Saberpulse – The Remixes
In January, one of my favorite chip artists, Saberpulse, dropped this hard, electro track on the interwebs. Put it in your face for a frame of reference for fantastic, nerdy remix package. The album associated with it was quality, but this single did stand out.
This remix package appeared in late April but I wasn’t able to put it into my face until recently. So glad I did. The Trey Frey remix keeps the deep electro with amazing VGM frosting. This is what I remember electro sounding like before it was used to pad out crappy progressive sets. The chip breakdown 2:30 in is well executed & makes the genre look great. I think more chip producers should be looking to the technical levels that appear all over this remix EP. These peeps know what they’re doing, showing how far the genres involved can be pushed. Makeup and Vanity manages to rework Addicted 2 love into a 90’s NYC house tune, except made with synthy goodness instead of analog synths. I suprisingly don’t actually mind and would rock out to this if I heard it at a house music party in Brooklyn. Even though it strangely reminds me of Sonic 3. The Sushi Killer remix of Flux manages to be something I wasn’t sure was possible. Chip + Jersey Club seems like a really amazing concept in theory, but it’s breathtakingly difficult to execute in practice It gives me hope for the future. I feel like this kind of vibe would’ve found a home on Jet Set Radio or The World Ends With You. A kind of J-Club, it really works. Saskrotch is one of my favorite people on the internet. I don’t think there’s anyone that does chip breaks better. His insane speed, nerdcore vibe & fast/slow mastery is second to none. cTrix adds some color & a lush vibe with his remix, pushing out fun, 16bit indie bass. It’s atmospheric, and melds elements of jungle, future bass & chip. Definitely a sleeper hit on the album. Grimecraft shows up massively with his Future Con Club remix of Flux. It manages to be tropical, heavy & footwork’y at the same time. Which is why I’m so glad he knocked Fontana’s around in NYC recently, and I can’t wait for him to come back. Grimecraft, Get on the bandwagon early. The bonus remix of Horizons by Lockyn is a treat. It’s got a sunny disposition, keeping it bouncy and airy at times. Great way to end the remix EP and glad to see styles of electro besides Knife Party still exist. Electric Disco is fantastic and needs to see wider use on le dance floor. You agree? Get at the comments with your favorite or least favorite track 🙂 Pick up the EP too, it’s like under 5 pounds. I have no idea what that is in US dollars, but 4 of something isn’t that many.
#FestFriday: Prepping for a Camping Festival
My girl Ravelrie drops a stack of knowledge & handy organizing documents for your festival needs! If there’s anyone who knows what she’s doing it’s Mama Unicorn & she deserves your attention. Yes, bring a 2nd pair of sunglasses, yes be honest about how much alcohol you’re drinking (so bring a commensurate level of water/electrolytes) and so many more dope tips! See everyone on Twitter at 4:30p EST for #FestFriday!
Festival season has arrived, and with it comes a slew of camping festivals all over the world, as well as the traditional three day in-and-out festivals.
Camping festivals can be SUPER daunting, especially if you have never been to one before. Lucky for you, all camping festivals go by the following 5 major guidelines:
- NO GLASS! All beverages / liquids MUST be in plastic or in a can.
- Do not bring any sharp objects! Not only can they poke through your luggage, but they’re universally prohibited items.
- Activate your wristband! Most festivals are cashless these days, and you can add money to your wristband by activating it prior to the festival; however, some wristbands also provide some other really great info, like your emergency contact info in the event of an emergency. You also can’t scan in to the festival unless your wristband is activated.
- Make a list. It’s a…
View original post 120 more words
What Lies Beneath: Jae Jin @ The Bitter End
This was one of those impromptu, week night shows that I rarely make it out to anymore. I say that, but these up & comers are making it harder and harder to stay home. Jae Jin is a friend of mine. Since we last hung out, a lot has changed. Not only did he beat cancer (again. No, seriously, again. This dude is a fucking champion), but he left behind a career as a MD/MBA candidate to pursue a life of music. As someone who has seen how much those guys make, I can tell you he’s earned my respect, and that was before opened his mouth. It’s hard to describe, but Jae has stage presence. He’s able to control an audience and kept the weeknight crowd excited and into it. We all go to shows with the “if it’s boring I’m out in the first 15min” in the back of our minds but he earned our asses in seats for hours. This guy not only had the chops needed to keep our attention, he was kind, aware & attuned to the crowd when it came to being real on the mic.
Jae switching from guitar to piano in the middle of the show was a strong move that I think solidified just how much skill, talent & drive he has. He knocked out a bunch of tunes on the piano with his backing duo & solo, ending the show on a high note. Which he hit. Because he can. All in all, I was tremendously pleased to see just how far my man has come. Make sure to take some time to dig and give to Jae’s PledgeMusic drive. Not only does it get this crucial album made, but it’s connected with Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology. The rest of his NYC performance dates are below. If you can make one of these, don’t sleep on it. As I said before, you want to get in on the ground floor with Jae Jin. He’s going places.
May 15 – Lovecraft – 7pm
May 26 – Rockwood Music Hall – 6pm
June 11 – The Bitter End – 8pm
Terry Gotham 