Interscope’s Far East Movement and Grammy Award-winning House DJ, Roger Sanchez’s official “2gether” music video is finally here! Check out the video below.
Far East Movement and Roger Sanchez collaborate for their hit single “2gether” featuring Kanobby off Far East Movement’s debut album, Free Wired. Watch as the guys stay “Free Wired” from the office to the club while bringing everyone "2gether" for a good time.
Always on the look out for innovators in the music industry, I recently connected with Preach Jacobs of Sounds Familiar Records. Preach and the labels co founder Travis Bland are creating an Indy hotspot in the southeast and I couldn't wait to get the scoop.
1. Who are Preach Jacobs & Travis Bland?
We collectively are the founders of Sounds Familiar Records. I (Preach) have been everything from a journalist writing for over a dozen publications domestically and abroad to being an emcee. Travis has a band inspired by The Clash and we met while working together at a record store in Columbia, South Carolina called ‘Sounds Familiar’.
The store was in business for over 30 years and was one the last independent record store in the area. When we closed in 2009, I realized first hand how rare it is to find a store like that. Nowadays, there’s stores that happen to sell music and not music stores. It is our responsibility to keep it alive so we named our label after the store to pay homage.
2. At a time when many think the music industry is taking a nose dive, why was it important to start the label?
I think the music industry is suffering because the power structure has shifted dramatically. Labels can’t just throw money at a problem. We have to find new and innovative ways to get music to people. Instead of getting angry at the digital revolution, find ways to work with it. Our business strategy is based on that: limited/boutique physical product that we put in specialty markets. That way we have limited overhead and can focus on creative ways to get the music out there.
3. Misconceptions about the south and its contribution to the musical landscape?
It’s funny because I believe the south gets credit for everything except modern music (i.e. hip-hop). The south gets credit for birthing the blues and having impacts on jazz and soul music. The sound of the church and the jubilee choir. John Coltrane was born in North Carolina. So, we’ve always been deeply rooted in music.
I think when it comes to hip-hop; fifteen years ago rappers that we heard usually came from either New York or L.A. It felt like anything else was too far and in between. But when labels like LaFace put out Outkast and Goodie Mob, it meant so much to me. It made me recognize that we do have something to say. I’ve worked with Denz who lives in London, Marc Mac (of 4Hero) who’s also from London, and DJ Vadim from Russia. It proves that good music is good music. And shit, bad is bad. Doesn’t matter where it’s from. If there’s heart and soul in it, fuck it. Let’s give it a chance.
4. What new tracks, projects, ECT can we expect to hear from SFR in the coming weeks/months?
The first project being released on the label is my EP ‘Rebel Radio’ followed by a band we have called Sons of Young (punk inspired band). We also have a duo called Day Clean that consists of acoustic guitar and cello. These brothers are phenomenal. And we also have a producer named D that has a project with Baatin, Musinah, Guilty Simpson, Buff1 and more. Really good stuff to come. Next few months is going to be really dope.
5. Anything else you’d like readers to know?
If there’s anything check out the music. The label’s first release is my EP titled “Rebel Radio” with a producer Katrah-Quey. The first video off the album is for a track called, “Falling” and if you believe in the music, support it. Even if it’s not actual sales, pass it along, write about it in your blog, tell a friend. That’s the new way to make it musically in today’s climate. Just love and support for everyone that believes in hearing something new and fresh. We appreciate it all.
I'm very excited about the music coming out of Sounds Familiar Records. This label and many others are keeping great music alive. Click the article title to check out the SF roster.
Label: Rhythm & Culture Music / ESL Music / Fontana
Release Date: Sept. 7th, 2010
DC based Rhythm & Culture Music recently released The Sounds of Rhythm Culture a 14 track compilation inspired by our culturally rich and musically diverse Nations capital. If you have ever visited Washington, DC you know exactly what I mean. The sights, sounds, food, people all represent what is unique and cool about the world we live in. Imagine the sounds of the islands infused with the middle east yea it's that cool!
The tracks have an air of sophistication while keeping it funky and would translate well in a club or mixer at your home. What I enjoy most is it takes you on a journey around the world without a passport, luggage or sunscreen.
According to the label, their goal was to harness sounds from around the world and challenge conceptions of what is considered dance music. Mission accomplished but I wouldn't expect anything less from the label's creator Farid Nouriad, Co founder Eighteenth Street Lounge and resident DJ and legendary DJ Thomas Blondet. Other artists on the mix include Second Sky, Nickodemous and Zeb all known for their distinct mix of sounds that run the musical and cultural landscape.
To listen, check out their website or iTunes and let me know your thoughts you won't be disappointed! There's also talk about a remix album so stay tuned. Check out one of my favorite tracks from the album, Havana 2am by Thomas Blondet.
New mix from the LDub Experience: Voyager Golden Part 1 & 2! Long over due but sure to make you move. Tracks by Sirus, Nuspirit Helsinki, George Loops, Ron Trent, Miguel Migs and more. I created two mixes for a special reason click the title link to find out why!
Check out my recent interview with the very talented and introspective writer/producer Brother Aten. His DnB track, Exploring Saturn without Wings was featured on The LDub Experience Episode 9: I Gotchuand I couldn't wait to learn more about him.
Brother Aten's music is thought provoking with an organic sensibility. He has a gift for creating music that draws you in and keeps you. A true star on the rise, Brother Aten holds down this month's ATG artist spotlight.
Name: Chris Mcwayne aka Brother Aten Email:brotheraten@gmail.com Current City/hometown: From the East Coast currently living in Greensboro, NC Philosophy towards life: At the end of your life will you have satisfied the dreams of the person that lived it or will you accept the defeat of the one who sees its end.
ATG: Who is Brother Aten?BA: I am a electronic music producer that focuses mostly within the range of Drum and Bass, Brokenbeats, and Dubstep. The name Brother Aten refers to the sun personified as a Brother to myself. The origin of this concept comes from a graphic novel I began writing a year ago (2009).
ATG: What people, places and or things inspired you to pursue music as a career? BA: When it comes to the world I try to see myself as an alchemist taking in the things I receive from outside and transforming them into something new. Music is one of the avenues I release my tribute to what has inspired me. I pursue music only because I want my sound and thoughts heard so that maybe they can inspire someone else.
ATG: Describe the Brother Aten sound?
BA: My sound is very dreamy and dark. Hard stepping drums slice through haunting elements to create a symbol of how I feel inside.
ATG: Upcoming projects?
BA: I will be releasing a full length album in the near feature not sure when but soon. I am also teaming up with another great producer by the name of STLLR on some amazing projects.
ATG: 3 things you can't live without?
BA: At this stage in life I must sadly admit that they I can't live without chicken fried rice, a computer and my portable hard drive.
ATG: Favorite place on earth?
BA: Belize...almost 10 years strong it is still my image of perfection.
ATG: If readers want to learn more about you and hear your music where should they go?
Check out the official video for The Roots' "Dear God 2.0" from their forthcoming How I Got Over album out in stores Tuesday, June 22nd.
Over at the Roots hub okayplayer.com fans are hyped about the new release one stating, "Unparalleled in their ability to translate complex message through their work, The Roots have chosen a director who has very subtly done the same. Can't wait until tomorrow."
I've been looking forward to this album as well be on the look out for the review coming soon!
It's been a while since I've had an All Things Golden track of the week. Mainly because I haven't come a across a song that really made me say woow (if you know of some please share) a song I wanted to play 100 times in a row that put a smile on my face and had me dancing all over my living room. That all changed when I heard Bright Lights by DJ Die & Interface featuring William Cartwright.
Released in May of this year on Clear Skyz records, Bright Lights is a melodic, smooth and sophisticated track but has the energy and edge known to drum and bass. William Cartwright’s vocals are crisp and inviting taking this track from damn to dayum!
Two versions were released: Rockers mix & Rollers mix. Rockers is electric true DnB, Rollers is chilled with full lyrics. I'm feeling both of them and that's why Bright Lights is the ATG track of the week. Check out each version below and let me know which one you like.
Noun 1. state of flux - a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event) preceding the establishment of a new direction or action. Hello World! We've all been in a state of flux, this mix represents the space in between. The space between uncertainty and possibilty, despair and rebirth, not knowing the outcome but knowing it's gonna be ok. Click here vibe out and let me know what you think.
Check out part two of my interview with Jersey's own DJ Johnnie Davis. Davis talks memorable gigs, his contribution to the house music scene in Charlotte and what TV show he cannot stop watching!
Hello World! Hot off the press this mix is strictly for the dance floor so get ready to groove. No wall flowers here! It's time to celebrate our blessings and rejoice. Click here and let the experience begin!
Mix listing:
1. Praful-Says Kabir (Kareem Raihani remix)
2. Osunlade- Tarzan (Yoruba Soul mix)
3. Robbie Rivera-Feel This
4. Late Night Alumni- Finally Found (Max Vangeli remix)
5. Kaskade & Deadmau5- I remember (Caspa remix)
6. Domu- Taking flight
7. Atjazz- Strike
Enjoy!
Check out my recent interview with one of Charlotte's most talented house DJ's Johnnie Davis. Davis had a lot to say about the Charlotte house music scene, his role in it, and hopes for the future of house music in the U.S. This is a two part article part 2 coming soon! Click the article's title or here to read more.
Over the past few years house music has unjustly received a bad rap. We could create a laundry list of stereo types, assumptions, and negative comments most of which comes from people who've never given the music a chance or believe what others have told them. The newest example of such unfounded criticism aired April 30th when HBO's Bill Maher gave his "new rule" on house music.
Now, I like Bill Maher his show is funny at times and presents an interesting view of current events. I just wish he'd reconsider his stance on house music and learn to groove with the rest of us. I also think he's been listening to techno and confusing the two (in that case I don't blame him) lol.
Hello World! Lucky #13 is here! This is the kind of mix you groove to take a ride to. Tracks by Thievery Corporation, Lisa Shaw, The Rurals and more!
Thanks for your continued support of The LDub Experience and my blog, itsgoldenlady.blogspot.com if you haven't seen it, check it out and join the fun! This mix is dedicated to one of my favorite MC's Guru (Keith Elam). Gone too soon but never forgotten. Click the post title to listen...let's ride!
King Britt celebrates the release of his new ablum Intricate Beauty (out 4/20) in Charlotte this Saturday! Intricate Beauty is Britt's final conventional dance album but not to fear Britt is only gearing up to bring us music we've never heard before. Click the post's title above to get the details on his rare but exciting Charlotte appearence.
In the age of Auto Tunes and 808 machines it's refreshing to see house music producers keeping the tradition of musicianship alive. Now don't get me wrong I know house/dance music is also created electronically hence its title "electronic music" but house music's roots run deep in live instrumentation.
A recent example is Micky More's remix of the Angela Johnson track “Better“. More's version which dropped December 2009 exclusively on iTunes is a nicely done 123 bpm house version, with live instruments.
Watching this video is cool on so many levels. We get a glimpse into music production and are reminded that no matter what new machine or device is created nothing beats music created my people. It definately puts the soul in soulful house music and that's why it's one of my favorite things.
James Brown may have professed it’s a man’s world in his classic tune, but Nicole Williams aka DJ Kneeka turns that theory upside down every time she steps behind the DJ booth and does her thing. DJ Kneeka is cool, down to earth and an amazing DJ. Hard to believe she's be at it less than 5 years! Click the article title to check out my recent chat with her and find out for your self.
Moods Music initially established its name through the making of music compilations, but because of the increasing demand for good music, Moods has evolved into the very popular, one stop shop music store.
Located in the heart of Little Five Points in Atlanta, GA you will find Moods Music housed in an eclectic fusion of creative cubbyholes located in The Bazaar.
Visit the Moods Music website and you'll gain access to a variety of genres including: jazz, soul, house, latin, hip hip, afrobeat and reggae. Many people complain about the lack of variety/substance in music today, the music is out there and can be found at Moods.
What's also cool about the site is their top 10 list each week. Check out the top sales for the week ending 3/26 below.
MM is keeping great music a live and that's why it's one of my favorite things.
Moods Music Top Ten Sales Week Ending 3/26/10
1. Madlib - Medicine Show No. 3
2. Res - Black Girls Rock
3. Sade - Soldier Of Love
4. Silhouette Brown - Two
5. Jose James - Blackmagic
6. Sun Circle - Reborn
7. Eric Lau - Kilawatt V2
8. Sadat X - Wild Cowboys II
9. Lisa Shaw - Free
10. Joy Jones - Godchild
Moods Music
1131 Euclid Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30307-1925
(404) 589-9379
Hello World! I'm bringing you another massive jungle/dnb mix for Episode 12: Wake Up Call. Groove with tracks from Blame, 4Hero, Seba, and LTJ Bukem. This is definately one of my favorite episodes hope you enjoy it as well. Click here to get your Wake Up Call.
Comments are a good thing so leave some I'd luv to hear from you! Enjoy!
All Things Golden (ATG) tracks of the week for March 22, 2010 Rikers Island by Q Project and Spinback and Remeber the Memory by The Wamdue Project.
This week I selected two throw back tracks because I love them both and couldn't decide. Track 1 is a classic Jungle tune off the 1997 album Promised Land Volume 2. Rikers Island defines what Jungle is clever, eurphoric, and groove inspired. If you're unfamilair with Jungle this alblum is a good place to start.
The second tune, Remember the Memory was released in 1996 on Strickly Rhythm Records. The Wamdue Project got it right with this one. This track reminds me of the people, sights and sounds of my hometown, Philadelphia. If you've ever been you know what I mean.
Clever music that reminds me of home that's why both tracks are the ATG tracks of the week.
Swedish Beauty is a hands in the air, body rocking, soul stirring track made for big clubs. Vangeli and AN21 are riding high on the Swedish approach to producing dance music, a formula that’s enabled the duo to crank out hits like Gama, Ellie Goulding’s Starry Eyed remix, and Steve Angelo’s Monday remix to name a few.
I had the opportunity to chat with Vangeli and AN21 days before the release of Swedish Beauty and got the scoop on their new track.
What’s unique about the team is their ability to collaborate and create music from different parts of the world. Max Vangeli, originally from Moldova Eastern Europe resides in San Francisco and AN21 lives in Sweden. When asked about their process to creating music both agreed, “The time difference makes it perfect. He’s sleeping while I work and vice versa.”
They also admitted having a second set of ears helps test the sound. AN21 adds, “We have a European sensibility and approach to creating music making it easier to communicate our vision for a song with one another.”
Crowds around the world have reacted positively to the track. Big names like BBC’s Peter Tong and Steve Angello have premiered Swedish Beauty on radio and in clubs. Vangeli describes their sound as, “Big room records created to close out clubs. Emotional, progressive tracks that put you in an Ibiza state of mind.”
Mission accomplished gentleman the riffs in Swedish Beauty alone are amazing the track is full of surprises.
You can catch Max Vangeli and AN21 at the Winter Music Conference in Miami March 25th thru March 27th rocking a variety of venues including the Beatport.com pool party, Mansion, and the Size Records pool party.
As for the future, expect more original projects coming out of this camp in the months to come. AN21, “We’re interested in going after challenging projects. The true art comes out of remixing and creating new genres of music.”
If Swedish Beauty is any indication of what’s to come there’s much success and happy club goers awaiting this team. Check out the video below where Max explains the concept behind the song.
Check out Swedish Beauty and other Max Vangeli/AN21 tracks on www.beatport.com
Most of us can count on one hand the number of times we’ve experienced something that changes us forever. Moments that can only be described as magical in all its splendor, energy, and excitement. Moments where time seems to stand still and all our troubles are a distant memory. March 15, 2010 was one of those moments for me it was the night a DJ saved my life. Click the article title to find out what happened!
Very excited about the newest episode of The LDub Experience: Now or Never. Episode 11 features tracks by Afronaught, Minus 8, Chuck Love,Sergio Mendes and a few other tracks I'm feeling right now. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together. As for its title "Now or Never", you know what it means apply it where necessary. Click the title and let the experience begin.
The world of competitive DJ’ing has been taken to the next level thanks to Claude Whitfield (right), CEO and Commissioner of We Are the Champions (WATC) World DJ competition. Click the article title to read part of two of my chat with Whitfield and see just how he is changing the game of competitive DJ'ing.
All Things Golden Track of the Week for March 11, 2010 is Move for Me by Deadmau5 and Kaskade.
This is the song you listen to while you're getting ready to go out on a Friday or Saturday night. The lyrics sum it up perfectly:
"Another night out, another dance floor
Here we go, another night out
Waited all week, just to get out
Where do we come from
Do I know your name
Doesn't really matter
In this life we're all the same
Move for me, I'll move for you
A DJ, a light show
Speakers puttin out
It's where we're going
This way and that way
Getting past the name
Doesn't really matter
In this life we're all the same
Move for me, I'll move for you
Another night out, another dance floor"
Now this track isn't new it was released in 2008 on ULTRA Records but the sign of a great song is its ability to resignate with listeners long after it was created. This song does just that and that's why it's the ATG track of the week!
Got suggestions for songs you think should be tracks of the week let me know.
Imagine a radio station that plays Hip Hop, Dancehall, Drum n Bass, House, Garage, RnB, Soca and more. No, this isn't my fantasy station it's the UK's own BBC 1Xtra. A part of the BBC Radio family, BBC 1Xtra is the station for fans of black music in its many forms.
Now, don't get it twisted it's not a radio station strickly for black people their slogan states, "Love Black Music Love 1xtra." So it's about the love of the music period. Luckly, for those of us outside the UK you can access the station 24/7 thanks to the power of the web.
Simply visit the website and click listen now. You can also paruse the website to explore the many shows and radio show personalities.
Not only is the station's concept unheard of in the U.S but you hear a mixture of familiar tunes and fresh new music unreleased in the states, great interviews/DJ mixes and you get a little insight into what's going on in the UK (it is the BBC after all).
Plus I can't get enough of british slang! lol
BBC 1xtra, a musical dream come true and that's why it's one of my favorite things.
Check it out for yourself and you'll see what I mean. I'd love to hear your thoughts and favorite shows on the station. I'm partial to D&B with Bailey and the Crissy Cris show.
February 28, 2010 All Things Golden (ATG) Track of the week: Make Me Beautiful by Sophia Rubina During the last few years, Estonian newcomer Sofia Rubina has won countless vocal competitions worldwide. She performs a variety of different styles – jazz, classic, soul, jewish folk music, now club music leading to her release on MN2S ‘Make Me Beautiful’ – a slice of sunshine!
“Make Me Beautiful” was released on UK label Milk & 2 Sugars February 5th with hot remixes from Groove Assasin, Reelsoul, Dave Jones & PDM (guys from Phase Deux Musiq).
I chose this track because it's soulful house music at its best! The energy coupled with the lyrics and vocals remind us that summer is almost here. Flip flops and sundresses here I come!
In this two part article, I chat with DJ turned motivational speaker and entrepreneur, Claude Whitfield about creating the WATC, the nation’s first title belt world DJ competition and founding With These Hands Mix Academy a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, NC dedicated to exposing youth to the art of DJing. Click the article title to read more.
The Winter Music Conference (March 23rd-27th) is almost upon us and if you've never been you're missing out on 5 full days of workshops, networking, exhibits, parties, competitions and did I say parties?!
From the WMC website: "Now in its 25th consecutive year, the WMC is the largest music industry gathering of its kind in the world. A pivotal platform for advancement of the industry, WMC 2009attracted 1,910 artists and DJs, 3,228 industry delegates from 62 countries and over 70,000 event attendees for a concentrated schedule of more than 500 events presented across 5 days."
Only at the WMC can you find powerhouse DJ's, producers, artists and the like all in one place. There are too many to name but imagine shows by some of the best in the industry: Miguel Migs, King Brit, David Guetta, Ben Watt, Max Vangeli, Lisa Shaw, Edward Oberon, Dubfire, or DJ Heather to name a few.
The energy is electric and if you can get down to Miami go because you won't be disappointed. Check out the video below for a small taste of the WMC during its opening party in 2009.
The massive Electric Daisy Carnival (the biggest electronic dance music festival outside of Europe) is four months away but the buz surrounding it is huge as rumors swarm about who'll be performing.
Last year's events held in Denver and LA reported over 140,000 in attendance and I'm sure this year will be even bigger. The party starts in Denver, Saturday June 12th and LA rounds out the month June 25th & 26th.
The line up in Denver: Orbital (5 year reunion), Röyksopp, FC Kahuna, Télépopmusik, The Knife, M83, RJD2, FSOL, The Avalanches, 808 State, Zero 7, Tycho, and Mr. Scruff. That's gonna be a great show by the way!
The event's organizers are tight lipped about the LA line up. So far I've heard David Guetta, Tiesto, and Deadmau5 are rumored to be performing. Let's hope so! I'll keep you posted as I get the scoop and please believe I'll be in LA!
My absolute favorite jungle track at the moment! This song is sick, sick, sick! If you love Jungle, Edward Oberon's soulful and melodic masterpiece Paradise is a must have for your collection. Orginally from Wales, the DJ/Producer will be doing his thing in the U.S at the Winter Music Conference in Miami March 22nd-28th.
The first time I heard his track, Fender Bender I had to talk to this guy. Super producer and DJ, Max Vangeli is talented, down to earth and quickly making a name for himself in the music industry. Click the article title to check out my chat with him. Fender Bender is featured on The LDub Experience Episode 10: Shine.
Part Busta Rhymes part Chaka Khan, Chinah Blac is bringing fire back to the music industry. Her sound can be described as straight fire: soulful, gritty, real and unique. Click the article title to check out my recent chat with the Jersey native who has sung back up for artists ranging from Erykah Badu to the Dave Mathews Band.
Music is my passion to the point where if I could I'd listen to it 24/7. Since I can't I created The LDub Experience. TLDE is more than a postcast it's a sound experience featuring you guessed it: house, drum & bass, acid jazz, bossa nova and and whatever ingredients I throw into the pot. Click, groove, subscribe, done.
Charlotte,NC has a thriving house music scene (believe it or not) and I have the awsome job of checking it out and sharing the pulse of the scene with you. Check out interviews, videos and more by clicking on Charlotte House Music Examiner.
Golden Lady has worn many hats in the music industry including: radio show personality, street team hustler, record label consultant and marketing professor (to name a few). Current projects: producer, The LDub Experience on podomatic.com song writer, contributing writer creativeloafing.com and event planner
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