www.dallasdancemusic.com
...Continued from page 1
How much have you changed musically since you started?
It's really a progression, an addition. As you learn and experiment, you add to your tastes and abilities.
As I started exploring Jungle, I would buy basically everything I could afford to buy. As I was exposed to different sounds, I began to pick and choose. I went through the stereotypical phase many Drum & Bass DJs go through - the "I'm only gonna play the hardest tunes" phase, then in reaction to that I went completely leftfield and really got into stuff by TeeBee, K, Klute, Total Science and the like - what was then referred to as 'intelligent' dnb. I got into the musical stuff, and just progressed from there. It was good going through those phases as it added balance to my repertoire. My record collection and bank account definitely reflect this fact.
As I practiced more and more, constantly making tapes at home, then playing out, I came to define my personal ideas on djing that fall above the technical - how to put tracks together on a level where the groove continues to go. Once I learned how to beatmatch, I realized there were all these possibilities to how to combine any two tunes. I find that I keep changing - and I hope I continue to do so.
Name two of your favorite tracks.
Sade - Sweetest Taboo [LTJ Bukem remix]
Jmajik - Your Sound remix
The Sade remix is what I consider to be the grandfather tune for all these R&B Jungle remixes like "Love", "You got Me" and the like. This was the original!
Your Sound is a huge all-time classic for me. Those breaks are killer. That track hits hard and doesn't stop. In the intro, it sounds like the tables are being stopped and rewound, then the drop descends and annihilates the sound system. Toward the end, you have this great breakdown, bringing in very peaceful and light atmospheres before the full force comes right back in.
What was your favorite event to play at? And why?
Aside from the gig I mentioned above, I'd have to mention the last Covert Ops show 'Locked & Loaded' with High Contrast and Reid Speed. I was busy handling some of the problems that arise in putting on any show, and only played one tune, right before High Contrast was to play. This was a memorable show for me because it marked the end of a long string of shows for us. At the end of the night there was a moment where we were all onstage together, and we addressed the crowd for the last time in our current configuration. The crowd was showing us love, and it was a definite highlight in the life of Covert Operations, and for me personally.
What is the best thing about djing??
The best thing about djing is being onstage playing, and being in that moment. You're not thinking really about what you're doing, it's just a feeling. I personally love just being in the vibe, and being the person in control of one part of that vibe. The music is just one part of the vibe; it's the reaction of the crowd that completes it. I'm expressing things I'm feeling about music while at the same time reflecting the energy from the crowd right back to them - it's a positive feedback loop. I really enjoy being able to just experiment with different techniques while I'm up there. I am at my best when playing to a great crowd.
What do you think of the current state of the Dallas Scene?
The music scene here is good - it's growing. There are loads of new fans all the time, new DJs coming up and getting recognition. The music fans are becoming more knowledgeable about the music. You've got lots of people that are producing, and I think that's a very important part. Dallas will make its mark on music, and this has to be done via the creation of new music. There are many producers all across the musical spectrum here, and I feel the next several years will be the beginning of an underground musical revolution, which will not be televised.
One problem I have seen is the transformation of parties into DJ concerts. You have the whole crowd just looking up at the DJ, not as many people dancing. It's sometimes got this rock-star quality to it. I would really like to see this change. I will raise my hand and recognize that some of what Covert Ops had done in the past fostered this change, like putting the DJs up on a high stage. Everyone faces the same way. I liked being in a huge warehouse and just dancing, not even caring where the DJ was. Being involved in shows has given me the chance to see this happen. A side effect of rock-star syndrome has been that people only want to come to an event when there are going to be out-of-town headliners. Many of the weekly events that are coming up feature only locals, and I really want these nights to succeed. We need to appreciate the talent our locals have.
We also need to address the stigma dance music has received in popular culture. The modern press has taken dance music and made it synonymous with drugs in the minds of the public, and this is having serious effect on the ability of people to hold events. Drug use exists everywhere in society, not just within the world of dance music. Instead of shutting down raves, another solution should be considered.
When is your next gig? Any residencies?
By the time this profile is up, I will have just returned from playing a Retox night in Amsterdam. My residencies are the Bassdrive.com show Sonic Evolution, which Iconoclast and I host. This show is every Sunday night 9-11PM CST. I'm also resident at Stamina Entertainment's weekly Downbeat, which is Thursdays at the Attic in Club 5818. Information for Stamina's show is always posted on the Dallas Raves board.
Contact bookings@gammah.com to include me on your next lineup.
Do you want to thank anyone?
I want to thank God for making everything possible.
Thanks to Mindi and my family for their love and support.
Thanks to the Covert Operatives - Adrian, Bill, Chris, and Wes - and the Covert Ops Street Team - Jay, Jessica, Jon, Liz, Meg, Mike, and Tiny
Thanks and shouts to Iconoclast, Stamina [Nick Anoxic, Jeremy B, JC, Kristin, Jon, Sean, Marina, Paul, Anthony and the rest of the crew], Adventures of Jet, Arthur, Bob Grommit, Brian Greer, Chomsky, Chris Index, Christina, Christy, Clynt B & Hand Over Fist, Deathray Davies, Dickie, Doug E Fresh, Dykast, Funkshun, Gabriel, Ghoule, Jaae, Jason Mundo, Kid Icarus, Lacy, Liz G, Mark Anti Visual, Mellow, Michelle, Miguel Q, Milad, Nina Sindell, Paul R, RRunner, Rachel in OKC, Reggie & Lance, Revolv, Roger @ Orchid, Russell @ Trees, Sarahtonin, Scott Beggs, Soul Dragoon, Spamgazm, Squirt, Todd D, Typecast, Vanessa, Bassdrive Crew esp Janus, all the TX DnB outfits - nuff respect, The Amsterdam contingent [Britt, Sonya Trouble, Adi-J & Retox], Roots, 2D & D-Cuts, Digital, Spirit, Daniel Savine, Alleycat, Rob Data, Kemal, Trace, DJ Lee, Sage, POTD, Emma Feline, Dom, Goldie, Link, Reid, Danny Fresh, Mic, Darren, Jason, Annesta and Eiwe, the people that support shows in Dallas, and to anyone else I forgot - Thanks.
Do you have anything else to add?
I'm always carrying mix CDs to give away - if you see me out, get one. I also keep them up on my site gammah.com for download. Support the Dallas weekly events - there's something going on every night of the week, with most musical styles being represented.