Monthly Archives: May 2012

Bushwick Open Studios & Arts Festival 2012 Weekend Event Profile: Funky Slice Vinyl Shop, The Daily Session and Cedar Room

Eager to open its doors for the first time to the public and participate in The Bushwick Open Studios & Arts Festival, on June 1, 2 and 3rd; Cedar Room, home of Funky Slice Vinyl Shop and The Daily Session will be serving up wax for your consumption, providing and broadcasting live mixes and finishing the weekend with the most exclusive Dance Party in Bushwick.

All while local DJs deliver The Daily Session—Transmissions from New York’s Underground that keep vinyl alive—enjoy and take part in the green environment that is Cedar Room. Throughout the weekend before your eyes, local, talented artists will be having live art sessions, producing calligraphy, graffiti and cover art.

Sure to be a magnet of positive energy this party is open to all participants of Bushwick Open Studios & Arts Festival. Not to be missed!

By Jez

Celebrating the Daily Session’s fourth year anniversary (on 5.19.2012) Cedar Room opened its doors from dusk for its members only Nininja Party that lasted till early dawn Sunday.

DJ Sky Zee surprised everyone by unexpectedly showing up early with a big bag of records in tow. He set off in a long lone journey (for the love) of Soul Funk laying down tracks that included among many other classics: Donna Summer’s “On The Radio” and “Hot Stuff” to “I Wouldn’t Change a Thing” by Coke Escovedo from his “Comin’ At Ya” LP.

After enjoying an exciting flashback (that had me reenacting several Grind House Films) The Rob showed up looking like he was wading through some trails of his own. During his collectable dance-classic set, the party crowd really started arriving. Once inside the gates to The Hidden Fortress, through a window, all were welcomed by Bruce Lee’s moves as played out in Game of Death.

Upon entering Cedar Room, however, guests were greeted by the wax that is Funky Slice Vinyl Shop— where our friend, Yasu, a sound Engineer for Kenny Dope, kept to himself most of the night while listening to and accumulating a huge stack of vinyl that he eventually took home.

The High-Fidelity Sounds of Klipsch-Horn speakers and a huge newly equipped Klipsch Horn-inspired, hybrid-design speaker, thanks to Renee another sporting friend and a talented speaker builder, kept the sound fresh and sweet and party moving towards a Blazing Ring of Fire.

At the bar art, drinks, hookah smoke and friendly conversation got everyone high. While at the dance floor a few people moved rhythmically to the music as other assumed unique postures. The Discovery Crew made an appearance and surveyed the environment for anomalies. Sprawled against the wall lay DJ Sky Zee after his set, but proving that still alive, whenever an errant balloon escaped my kicks, he’d snap them back after what seemed like a sudden awakening. And for hours after wrapping up his set, The Rob stood still like a monk by the turntables perhaps entranced from contemplating The Luna earlier on the night?

Finally DJ Monchan ascended to the turntables and conducted the tunes towards an inevitable epiphany: Warm. Warmer. Disco.

Monchan’s Set SESSION 1316:NININJA 05.19.12
The Rob’s Set SESSION 1315:NININJA 05.19.12
Sky Zee’s Set SESSION 1314:NININJA 05.19.12

FREE MOVEMENT FESTIVAL APP POWERED BY VITAMINWATER® NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOTH ANDROID AND IPHONE OPERATING SYSTEMS

DETROIT, MAY 24, 2012—The Movement Electronic Music Festival application is now available on iTunes and Android markets for free, courtesy of vitaminwater®.  The complete electronic guide to Movement 2012, held May 26-28 in Detroit’s Hart Plaza, has added several new features designed to maximize user experience.

Paxahau has partnered up with vitaminwater® to make this app completely free for Movement fans.
iPhone users can download the app at  Here
Android users can download the app at: Here
Video Link
Screenshots Link
Features of the app include:
• *New!* Movement Postcard: Capture all of your Movement memories by using our new Photo Postcard feature. Show your friends at home how much fun you are having at the festival by sending them a Postcard via text or email and even to Facebook or Twitter.

• *New!* CAMP Detroit Project: Stimulate your mind by exploring the one-of-a-kind array of futuristic art installations placed throughout the property. Use this tab to learn more about each team’s unique installation.

• *New!* Integrated Twitter Feed: Engaging @movementdetroit Twitter feed now appears at the top of the app screen. Also, once you select an artist in the lineup or schedule to learn more about, the feed will then switch to the last three tweets from that particular artist, if available.

• *New!* GroupMe: Create a GroupMe group to stay in touch with your friends and get the latest festival news, too. Build a group of friends by registering your phone number at GroupMe.com/movement. The messaging feature will help keep a group of two or twenty on the same page throughout the festival, making sure you never miss a beat.
• Lineup: View every artist on the festival lineup and sort by alphabetical order or by set time. You can also sort artists by which day they perform and on which stage. You can add or remove an artist from your personal lineup by tapping the “plus” or “minus” button next to their name.

Tap on any artist’s name in any list and view their bio page. You can view the day, time and what stage they are performing on. Artist bio pages also have social media links and links to their music, video and their homepage.

• Schedule: Keep track of your own customized schedule. Sort performers by day and remove an artist after you have seen their show with just one touch. You can add or remove an artist from your personal lineup by tapping the “plus” or “minus” button next to their name. Enhanced artist information includes links to Resident Advisor profiles, when available. Improved schedule function also allows you to share your schedule selections with your friends.

• Alarm: Solidify your personal schedule by setting an alarm for five, 10 or 15 minutes before your selected artist is scheduled to perform, and you will receive a push notification.
• Festival Map: Find your way by utilizing the handy zoomable/scrollable map of the entire festival grounds that also opens to full-screen size.

• Friend Finder: Show your friends where you are in the crowd by placing the “I am here” arrow on a basic image of different areas of the festival. You may choose from a variety of stages or other areas of the grounds. Your friends don’t even need this app to receive Friend Finder photos; it will work with anyone who can view photos on their device. You have the convenience of sending the photo to your friends via text or email.
• vitaminwater® Flashlight: Improved flashlight function engages your LED light, if available instead of the old white screen, for brighter results.

• Afterparties: Plan your night after the festival closes at midnight by reviewing the best afterparty options available. We’ve included every Official Movement Afterparty for you to review by day, and you can see the flyer for each party, along with other pertinent information. Tap the map to get instant directions to any of the parties listed.
About Movement Electronic Music Festival
The Movement Electronic Music Festival takes place May 26-28 in Detroit and features: five technologically-rich outdoor stages; more than 100 artists; free Wi-Fi access on the grounds; a posh VIP setting located behind the main stage; dozens of official afterparties; an interactive technology center featuring the hottest gear in the industry; and several art displays to stimulate the senses. Nearly 100,000 people from across the globe attended the 2011 festival.

Walk-Up Passes for Movement Detroit ?Walk-up Day Passes will be available for $55 (All fees included) starting Saturday May 26. Walk-up Weekend Passes will be available for $95 (All fees included) starting Saturday May 26. Walk-up VIP passes will be available for $220 (All fees included) while supplies last. Passes will also be available online all weekend long at www.Movement.us
For more details about afterparties and to purchase tickets visit, www.movementafterparties.com.
About Paxahau Promotions Group
Producers of the Movement Electronic Music Festival since 2006, Paxahau was established 14 years ago as an online resource to promote both Detroit and electronic music, and has earned the respect of their peers and formed a very strong network of alliances throughout the music industry. Today, Paxahau is recognized across the world by artists and industry executives as a premier production and promotions organization. To learn more visit www.paxahau.com.

Lil Louis Brings First Ever House Music Art Gallery and Mobile Museum to Movement Electronic Music Festival

The House Music Art Gallery and Mobile Museum is derived from a film project directed by Louis entitled “The House that Chicago Built” that’s slated to be released later this year.  The film features 100 of the world’s top and most influential DJ’s and House music pioneers sharing the real story of House music from its birth in Chicago through its rise to becoming the World’s No. 1 genre of music.

It features photography by Louis exclusive memorabilia and artifacts from various House DJ’s and notables from his film.  In total 60 exclusive pieces will be on display for attendees of the Movement Festival to experience.

Learn more about the museum or film visit: www.TheHouseThatChicagoBuilt.com

About Movement Electronic Music Festival

Movement Electronic Music Festival takes place May 26-28 in Detroit and features: five technologically-rich outdoor stages; more than 100 artists; free Wi-Fi access on the grounds; a posh VIP setting located behind the main stage; dozens of official afterparties; an interactive technology center featuring the hottest gear in the industry; and several art displays to stimulate the senses. Nearly 100,000 people from across the globe attended the 2011 festival.  For more details and to purchase festival tickets visit www.movement.us.  For more details about afterparties and to purchase tickets visit, www.movementafterparties.com

Main Stage
3pm-5pm: Mark Farina (Mushroom Jazz set)
5pm-6:30pm: Greg Wilson
6:30pm-8pm: Todd Terje
8pm-10pm: Derrick Carter
10pm-12pm: Lil’ Louis

Beatport Stage
12pm-1:30pm: AvA
1:30-3pm: Filsonik b2b Patrick (NY)
3pm-5pm: Tale Of Us
5pm-6pm: Benoit & Sergio
6pm-7pm: dOP (live)
7pm-8:30: Damian Lazarus
8:30pm-10pm: David Squillace
10pm-12am: Seth Troxler b2b Guy Gerber

Made in Detroit Stage
12pm-2pm: Daniel Andres
2pm -3:30pm: Tony Ollivierra
3:30pm-5pm: Earl Mixxin McKinney
5pm-6:30pm: Andres
6:30pm-8pm: Marcellus Pittman
8pm-9:30pm: Kyle Hall b2b Jay Daniel
9:30pm-11pm: Mike Huckaby

Red Bull Music Academy Stage
1pm-3pm: Pursuit Grooves
3pm-4:30pm: Salva
4:30-5:30pm: Actress
5:30-6:30: Brenmar
6:30-7:30pm: Bok Bok
7:30pm-8:30pm: Two Fresh
8:30pm-9:30pm: Photek
9:30-10:30pm: SBTRKT
10:30-12am: Roni Size

Underground Stage
1:30pm-3pm: Mykel Waters
3pm-4:30pm: Phil Agosta
4:30pm-6pm: Droog
6pm-7:30pm: Mr. C
7:30pm-9pm: Jimmy Edgar
9pm-10:30pm: Matias Aguayo
10:30pm-12am: Michael Mayer

[Read More]

Four New York City Record Stores

Besides maintaining New York’s underground legacy alive and providing DJs, vinyl collectors and music lovers with palatable music environments and copacetic shopping experiences, there are four record stores in New York City that delineate the current vinyl musical landscape.

“Vinyl is the message we are preaching.”

Formerly located and a staple in the West Village, Vinyl Mania opened its doors in 1978. Beginning with a lean selection of Rock Records, owner Charlie Grappone quickly discovered his heart lay with House Music when, from around the corner, Paradise Garage club-goers and DJ Larry Levan started asking for specific records and began to patronize his store. From serving up Disco and House Classics and preserving the sound of music on vinyl, he went on to found one of the most influential labels that has charted and guided the course of House Music. In its heyday great times were had by all. Charlie would sit up front talking to anyone who wandered in, while DJs took requests and played fresh new vinyl. Unfortunately in 2007 after over thirty years of business and building and supporting dance music community and culture, Vinyl Mania closed its doors. No need for despair though, vinyl junkies can find Vinyl Mania’s stock available for purchase on Ebay, Discogs and at Funky Slice Vinyl Shop.

“An oasis from your nine-to-five jobs.”

Since 1996 A-One Record Shop (439 East 6th Street, New York; 212-473-2870) has been a lifeline for record collectors and DJ’s. Focusing on Soul, Jazz, Hip-Hop—and a Disco and House Music selection that has a high turnover—this used record shop is a treasure-ship for anyone who has the inclination to dig for rare and undiscovered gems. Sustained for more than 15 years by loyal customers and managed by local and knowledgeable DJ’s, it features a large collection that calls attention to its variety and an accurate categorization scheme organized by label. While the LP covers adorning all walls and surfaces and eclectic mixes by guest DJ’s and employees are sure to draw your attention, don’t forget to take the time to look through the bargain bins where you might find the slice of wax that could save your life! This independent store is more than a true vinyl shop: it’s a New York institution.

“Holy Grail type records that crazy-record-freak-collectors drool over.”

Founded in 2005 by John Sklute, aka Jonny Paycheck, not only a former producer and rapper in various ensembles but a risk management broker turned record dealer, Good Records NYC (218 East 5th Street, New York; 212-529-2081; Good.Records@gmail.com) is a record collector’s haven that carries Soul, Blues, Jazz, Funk, Folk, Rock, Hip- Hop, Disco, House and International music ranging from Africa to Latin America. Offering the most carefully selected, clean and fresh vintage stock found in New York City while also more than reasonably priced makes this record shop a magnet for vinyl connoisseurs. Trading, buying and selling daily, Jonny and his well-informed staff are always ready to help find what you want and point-out recent arrivals and discerning choices that may be hiding in the bins. With a few turntables equipped for your listening and great never-heard-of tunes playing, this warm space is inviting.

“Keeping vinyl alive…”

With transmissions from New York’s underground, and completing the trinity that includes DailySession.com, an online media source known for its live streaming radio show and Cedar Room Party, where ninjas gather to dance, Funky Slice Vinyl Shop (17 Cedar Street, Bushwick; 347-699-0940) is a membership record listening joint that provides exclusive vinyl weaponry. Not only a boutique record shop but also a community center for DJ’s and vinyl enthusiasts, in this green room you can catch more than sonic waves to reach that elusive Zen Zone that nature yields. Exclusively making stock available from Vinyl Mania ranging from Disco and House to Soul Funk here you will find an impressive collection of wax notorious for its variety and rare grooves. Only for the initiated.

By Jez

By Rolling Stone

Dim all the lights for Donna Summer, the disco diva who lost her battle with cancer today at 63. She was more than just one of the Seventies’ mightiest voices; she was the artist who exemplified the way disco broke out of the gay club subculture to take over the world. “Bad Girls,” “I Feel Love,” “Hot Stuff,” “On The Radio” – these were bold and innovative records, but they not only became global hits, they defined the beat of pop music ever since.

Donna Summer would be remembered as a ground-breaking artist today even if she’d retired the day after she recorded “I Feel Love” in 1977. She wrote the song with European producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, who created an electro-dystopian mirror-ball glacier-wave wall of machine rhythm, the musical equivalent of catching a stranger’s dead-eyed stare on the dance floor. Summer’s voice floated over the synthesizers as if feeling love meant zoning out into your own private nightworld of sensory overload. This is what Summer was talking about when she boasted, “I could be a Bette Davis-type actress. Catty, cold, precise and domineering.” It was all there in “I Feel Love.” [Read More]

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS – NY Daily News

WASHINGTON — Chuck Brown, who styled a unique mix of funk, soul and Latin party sounds to create go-go music in the nation’s capital, has died after suffering from pneumonia. He was 75.

Brown died Wednesday at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore. Hospital spokesman Gary Stephenson confirmed Brown had died after a hospital stay that began April 18.

Thanks to Brown and his deep, gravelly voice, go-go music was uniquely identified with Washington. That’s where he continued to play the city’s club circuit late in life. [Read More]

Hammock House – The Eastbound L

An unrestrained universe of sound that reimagines the compelling rhythms of yesteryear in combination with sublime, 21st century grooves. The commitment to both tradition and craft has inspired a new genre of House replete with flamboyant arrangements and magnetic beats that seamlessly conjoin to create a colorful, refined, authentic soundscape.

Each track is imbued with the spirit and vivacity of a bygone era — a tangibility capable of inducing a transcendent experience. And interwoven with its inventiveness, are subtly and familiarity. This unique sound is, at once, old and new. So, immerse yourself in the seductive resonance of Hammock House, and be prepared for a long stay.

01 SIEMBRA (JOAQUIN “JOE” CLAUSSELL REMIX) – RUBEN BLADES 10:13
02 MI GENTE (LOUIE VEGA EOL REMIX) – HECTOR LAVOE 11:36
03 FUNK DOWN (JOAQUIN “JOE” CLAUSSELL) – MONGO SANTAMARIA 8:37
04 TAKE FIVE (NICOLA CONTE REMIX) – ROBERTO ROENA 5:22
05 ALEJATE (JOAQUIN “JOE” CLAUSSELL SACRED RHYTHM REMIX) – HECTOR LAVOE 10:39
06 MORRIS PARK (BONDE DE ROLE REMIX) – LENNI SESAR 2:58
07 O ELEFANTE (SHH REMIX) – RAY BARRETTO 8:41
08 I LIKE IT LIKE THAT (AARON JEROME REMIX) – PETE RODRIGUEZ 6:30
09 SAONA (GILLES PETERSON AND SIMBAD REMIX) – NORO MORALES 7:15
10 ME VOY AHORA (SACRED RHYTHM DANCE VERSION) – ISMAEL MIRANDA 7:04

By LARRY ROHTER – NY Times

In a court ruling with significant implications for the music industry, a California judge has dismissed a suit by two song publishing companies aimed at preventing Victor Willis, former lead singer of the 1970s disco group the Village People, from exercising his right to reclaim ownership of “YMCA” and other hit songs he wrote.

Early last year, Mr. Willis invoked a provision of copyright law called“termination rights,” which gives recording artists and songwriters the ability to reacquire and administer their work themselves after 35 years have elapsed. The song publishers, Scorpio Music and Can’t Stop Productions, countered by arguing that Mr. Willis had no legal standing to take that or any other action because he had “no right, title or interest in the copyright” to the songs.

On Monday, Chief Judge Barry T. Moskowitz of Federal District Court in Los Angeles rejected the song publishers’ claim that Mr. Willis was not eligible to reclaim his share of ownership of “YMCA,” whose lyrics he wrote, and 32 other songs recorded by the Village People. The companies had initially argued that Mr. Willis had merely created “works for hire” while, in essence, an employee of the company that managed the group. They also claimed he could not reclaim his share of the song because a majority of the other copyright holders had not agreed, the issue that the judge’s ruling addressed. [Read More]