New Year's Eve mix

Finally, after a week pottering around I've recorded all three hour long mixes for my absentee NYE set at Popstarz. They can be downloaded here. Each hour is about 55Mb each, or you can listen just by clicking. It's not perfect, but I had to just get something recorded, anything is better than nothing. Hour 3 is particularly dodgy in places, but hey. Enjoy.

Hour 1:

Felix Da Housecat - Silver Screen Shower Scene
Tiga - Louder Than A Bomb
Chromeo - Tenderoni (MSTRKRFT Remix)
Justice - DVNO
Daft Punk - Human After All (SebastiAn remix)
Calvin Harris - Acceptable In The 80s
Simian Mobile Disco - Hustler
Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You
Midnight Juggernauts - Shadows
Crystal Castles - Untrust Us
Dragonette - I Get Around
Britney Spears - Womanizer (JUSTICE Club Remix) (Leaked)
Sneaky Sound System - I Love It
Christian Falk feat. Robyn - Dream On (Warren Clarke Club Mix)

Hour 2:

The Cribs - Mens Needs (CSS Mix)
Pink - So What (Bimbo Jones Extended Mix)
Kylie Minogue - Wow (MSTRKRFT Remix)
Mason Vs. Princess Superstar - Perfect (Exceeder)
The Kills - Cheap and Cheerful (SebastiAn Remix)
Depeche Mode - Just Cant Get Enough (Dirty South Remix)
The Tings Tings - That's Not My Name (Soul Seekerz Radio Mix)
Kaiser Chiefs - Never Miss A Beat (Run Hide Survive Remix)
MGMT - Kids (Soulwax Remix)
Snap! - Rhythm Is A Dancer (12 Mix)
Utah Saints Something Good '08 (Radio Edit)
Gala - Freed From Desire (Club Mix)
Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor
Mylo vs. Miami Sound Machine - Doctor Pressure

Hour 3

Culture Beat - Mr. Vain
Bob Sinclar Vs Corona - The Rhythm Of The Night 2008 (Habakus Remix)
Pussycat Dolls - When I Grow Up (Wideboys Remix Full Club)
Sugababes - Girls (Fred Falke Short Edit)
Ashley Simpson - Outta My Head (Dave Aude Club Mix)
September - Cry For You [Jackal Remix Short]
The Saturdays - Up (Wideboys Remix)
Dave Spoon feat. Lisa Maffia - Bad Girl (At Night)
Technotronic - Get Up (1993 7 Remix)
Kid Sister - Control (JFK Remix)
Moby - Disco Lies (Freemasons Club Edit)
Kylie Minogue - The One [Freemasons full on radio remix edit]
Dizzee Rascal - Flex (Dave Spoon Remix)
Wiley - Wearing My Rolex

Just press play...

Having told Popstarz that I can't do NYE for them they have asked me to record a 3 hour set (3 x 1 hour cds) as they can't fill my place. They are paying me handsomely and best of all it has forced me to do a project I've been half-heartedly doing for 6 months. Today I decided to work out the logistics and get the tech working. I've opted to plug my decks into my computer and record live as I've not been able to get any DJ program working so I can use my headphones as a monitor - I think I just don't have a good enough soundcard. After some jiggery-pokery, I actually managed to get this to work and later record using Goldwave! I AM NOW READY TO RECORD! :)

Alison Mosshart

Just as I had finished sorting out Kammo 2, Popstarz asked me to do a 4 hour slot on Friday! I had to extend and re-plan my material to be able to be used for a 4 hour set. I worked all day coming up with 15 new bangers to add to my repertoire.

After that, I went to see The Kills supported by XX Teens. Secretly, I went to see XX Teens as I like them over The Kills. But my indie peers would disapprove of such an opinion. I like the art rock edge of XX Teens that doesn't take itself too seriously, an ironic in your face interaction - almost shock-rock at times. There is this one moment when they "pause a song" freezing completely and everyone thinks the song is finished and clap, then when nothing happens a sort of unrest stirs in the crowd and questioning murmuring breaks out. It's a great moment to watch the crowd feeling uncertain and confused. Breaking out of the mould, but not too violently. The Kills were sexy bluesy, rock n roll shouting, likable, but too clichéd for me - the lady (who I could look up the name of to look clever but can't be bothered to insult either of our intelligence for) was very sexy, she had this great look, with long silky hair flying everywhere, understated clothes and an unadulterated classic face full of defiance.

I've decided to put together a mixtape of my new tunes in no particular order, to both alert me to the nuances of the songs in detail and get me back into making recordings. I have to keep in mind that it's better to have something that's imperfect than nothing at all!

Vampire Week ends?

Ok, this is day four of DJ set creation. The last four days I've had off work I've done nothing but look for tracks for what's now being called "Kammo 2: return to disco". First day I looked up trendy indie club playlists and sourced the tracks I dug that I felt reflected what I'd like to bring to Kambar, and that I'd heard on dancefloors of London. NB: "sourced" means stole from internet, however tracking down tracks entails a lengthy process and four different utilities - an electronic heist more like! Day two was a Last.FM day, looking up artists like other artists. I also looked up who had new tracks coming out and "sourced" them. All the while I used my utilities to find other people who had folders of useful tracks - remix albums, folders of current playlists, mashups, compilations. Day three was a little wasted, as I spent the day looking for tracks which reflected the more classic side - but I realise that it wouldn't fit with the other tracks of my set so went in another direction on the fourth day: Indie remixes; indie remixes retain the classic while dragging it into the present. In doing this I discovered a few top producers of such work - such as Go Home Productions who make quality mashups and remixes you can actually use - also he's been active for a long time and so has over 11 bootlegs "available".

I look pasty, I've eaten too many peanut m & m's (the Neon Jeepster snack of choice) and I've not seen the sun in a week. My computer has given me the icy hue of an Internet vampire.

Would you believe that there's no money in this gig? It occurred to me when I was talking about how much "work" I had done that this was unpaid. Ah, but, once I gather these tunes it will be my launching pad for sets on the trendy indie dancefloors. I'll be fully up to speed on indie and can branch out.

Tracks of note and new found glory are: Ladyhawke - Paris Is Burning (Peaches remix), Cribs - Men's Needs (CSS Remix)
Check those badboys out.

Kammo 2 - return to the disco

Spent obsessively focussed hours finding tunes for my upcoming filler slot at Kambar (Saturday November 22nd). Last time was not much fun due to the complete lack of respect people had, but this time I'm prepared. I've basically spent my "morning" on Soulseek downloading other people hard-earned finds and carefully ripped whitelabel vinyl; Props to all those people's dilligence and lack of social life. I have both the complete Kissy Sell Out remixes and complete SebastiAn remixes downloading right now. This pleases me, but also I hang my head in shame for not having done this a year ago. Anyway, my set for Kambar is going to include lots of the electro indie remixes that are pounding around London at the moment and Cambridge won't know what hit them, bit nervous about the whole thing cos I know students just want to hear The Killers and drink Sambuca shots. To be honest, and I'm not apologising, but I will be playing a basic framework of solid hits and classics, but peppered with stuff that is actually cool.

ATP presents... @ London Forum Oct 30th.

Started with Lightning Bolt who I wasn't that impressed by. I like that kind of music but they sounded like everything else in that genre to detract from the originality of what they were maybe trying to achieve. It was a strange feeling to listen to static and noise and think "oh, it's been done". Even the fact that they played on the floor surrounded by people had been done. Shame, cos they were good.
Next up were Pissed Jeans who I thought bridged the gap between Joy Division and The Pixies. Didn't really connect with any of the songs, nothing blew me away, but they were good. The best part was when they played a cover of "Vampire Blues" by Neil Young and my friend who is a clean-cut nice boy and a huge Neil young fan stood up and screamed "Fuck!" at the top of his lungs when he realised.
Then came Wooden Shjips, who were some great stoner prog instrumental band. I liked them, except the last song took the piss lengthwise for what it was. Nice gold metal turban - wish I had a picture to put here!
Les Savy Fav followed and blew the audience away. The showmanship completely distracted from the music, so much so I have no idea what they sound like. The lead man, Tim Harrington, a fat, beardy, bald man who shook his hairy belly round every corner of the huge venue humping Halloween dolls on stage and fisting rubber babies in a truly shock-rock not seen since 70's (Marilyn Manson can eat his heart out - this was the real thing). I met him after and he gave me a Fisherman's Friend - it was yukky, but I accepted it graciously and thanked him for an excellent show.
Shellac were the obvious best band IMHO. Drummer Todd Trainer absolutely captivated me with his incredible genius, not to say the other parts weren't genius but knowing about rhythm and percussion I could appreciate it easier. I loved the bass lines, they were *just* how I like bass; simple, clean and slow - no fancy finger work just exactly the right notes in exactly the right place. The played The End of Radio and everyone went nuts. So good!
By the time Om played, I was a bit drunk and ready to go home after Shellac blasted my ears.

Too few Djs

Well, first off I'd like to thank Soulwax for my good set at the weekend. I silently offered up a prayer to them while their fat beats enticed people to gyrate, raise their neon bracelets to the sky and stab the ceiling with electro fingers. Thank you. My set however well it went down in the end, new tunes and all, started off terribly. First off I came to the booth and it was being used as a cloakroom and bar for a burlesque act which displeased. Upon playing my first cd, the Pioneer that had been playing up, played up and stopped my track halfway. the lovely understanding audience let me know their displeasure. Having lost my confidence and mojo I scabbed drinks off of everyone and played a random selection of tunes til my groove came back two rums later. At this point Stardust kicked off the night and I played some ridiculously good electro house remixes. I'd never seen a crowd go wild to a Ashley Simpson remix before...

Good Winter

Amazon recommendations suggested Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago, based on my purchase of Secret Machines. I downloaded it and had a listen and as usual Amazon have got it right. Minimal production which is no-frills without being lo-fi; bittersweet vocals which are mournful but not sad, with layers and harmonies frequently reminiscent of gospel; quiet acoustic guitar, again simple, but not unintelligent; the softest and barest drums - once in a while you'll hear someone clapping or tapping slowly on a kick drum. Bon Iver are nothing like the fuzzy electronics of Secret Machines, but do bear a resemblance vocally and structurally, not to mention the inexplicable hint of cult. This trio labelling themselves Neo-Soul and hailing from the endlessly rural wintry Wisconsin, recorded this album after lead singer, Justin Vernon, spent three months shut up in a cabin recuperating. For Emma has all the patience of a man tucked up inside enjoying the good winter.

Hoover blues

Needed music to do the housework to, so followed some youtube links and found Holy Ghost Revival after listening to the new Red Light Company song Scheme Eugene. Still loving RLC. Now my financial situation I splashed out and bought The Draytones album for £3 online. :) I gave the new Secret Machines a listen yesterday - it's good, a return to form. Long lingering power-shoegaze post-rocky math-rock goodness, with good lyrics. Since Ben Curtis' departure they have been joined by Phil E Karnats on guitar, who they knew from their Tripping Daisy days. *happy face*

Listen up!

Secret Machines man Ben Curtis has formed School of Seven Bells with twin sisters Alejandra and Claudia Deheza, formerly of On! Air! Library!. This is so exciting! Secret Machines genius with gorgeous lady vocals!!!

Too many DJs?

Simply had to post this. There are certain duos, groups and artists that everything they touch, let alone remix, turns to gold. Justice, Soulwax, MSTRKRFT, Daft Punk, Fatboy Slim... (under all their names) are just some.

This is a great remix by the best djs of one of the best bands best songs:

I give you MGMT - Kids (Soulwax Remix).

Now that's music to my ears!

Today I swallowed my pride and asked a DJ friend of mine how to solve my problems with Ableton and lo, I can now do the things I wanted to do. I hopefully should have a mix or two to upload in a few days!

Also, a local college are getting rid of a load of old audio equipment and I get first dibs. This is a shot in the arm for my future gig promotion!

What? Two in one week?!

Thank god indie is getting miserable again - I was getting really tired of the whole Pigeon Detectives, Kooks thing. Let's hear more stuff that sounds like Interpol! Came across another after reading the phrase "gloom pop" in The Fly. A West-London post-punk band whose first single Death says it all; It's fifties lettering advertises "Death for sale". White Lies have two song out, my favourite is Unfinished Business and the new one, Death is out on the 22nd.

http://www.myspace.com/whitelies

Faith restored?

Was on my weekly tour of radio playlists and youtube research all in the name of finding choons (makes sign of the T) for Popstarz and accidentally came across some GOOD INDIE. Yes folks, I just said good and indie juxtaposed. I was blown away - indie that sounds like Editors, Arcade Fire, Secret Machines and Keane all at the same time - fuck it, I'll be honest, it even reminded me of The Killers. The bass is really good; Proper Joy Division simplicity. They have an odd background with five members all from different countries, and a lead singer who is as ugly as Iggy Pop and Bowie. This mixed background is probably what makes them sound both American Indie and British Indie simultaneously. It's music written for fans of music. The influences come thick and fast and they are all great.

http://www.myspace.com/redlightcompany
"With Lights Out" in particular
I'm so excited, it's like rock n roll has come back after a brief detox session.

Thou shalt not question Stephen Fry

Friday 29th saw a very busy night at Popstarz and a live set by Dan Le Sac and Scroobius Pip. So I'd heard good things about Dan Le Sac from a mate who likes glitch and other IDM, but I'd not actually sat down and aquainted myself with the band. They performed 6 songs: The Beat That My Heart Skipped, Look For The Woman, Sugababes - Push The Button, Thou Shalt Always Kill, A Letter From God To Man, and Prince - Cream. I knew Letter from God to Man but couldn't work out where I'd heard it. The fans knew every word and it was a great performance. Dan managed to have great stage presence despite being a short fat dude with big sideburns and a Judge Dread tshirt, Scroobius looked like a character performed by Sacha Baron Cohen. The aftermath of this gig is me printing out lyrics and sticking them on my wall, while lying on my floor contemplating god, man, and other simple testiments to the truth of the world.

In other news, my set was awesome, and later on I got asked to help out later as someone pulled out at last minute and thus I got paid twice. Bonus!

I love American Music

Another mid-week music chase!
So, produced by a dude from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Clem Snide of Yo La Tengo comes a band who are tough to google. Marching Band are from Sweden and sound like the softer side of Weezer. A little Ben Fold Five, a bit Snowpatrol but what do you expect from a band with a lead singer named Erik Sunbring? Generally lovely, a really sunsoaked band.
Either a gust of wind caught me at my desk or Apollo Sunshine sent shivers down my spine from note one. The instrumental song "Happiness" thrilled me the way Air - Femme D'Argent does when the keyboards kick in. From Beatlesesque melodies to funky flute and maracas, they are indeed Soul meets Psychedelia, and I love a bit of psychedelia!
Knowing kind of what I was in for I went to Darker My Love's myspace. I've not heard an American band so influenced by British music as this band! My Bloody Valentine, Stone Roses, Charlatans, Verve, Suede...Explains why they are touring with The Dandy Warhols. The new album 2, not having listened to what I can only assume was 1, is just out - probably not in UK though. It's all good fuzzy stuff. Télépathique is another CSS style band, must be a Brazilian thing. With all the electro only a little more minimal but still with the insane broken English lyrics that CSS introduced us to. Much more Ladytron than Scissor Sisters.

If you still believe in joy...

I just discovered The Death Set!! :) haven't heard anything this good since Tripping Daisy. Thanks again to New York, must be something in the water in Brooklyn. (FYI, Tripping Daisy are not from NYC, but loads and loads of great new bands are)

July catch up.

Musical adventure on a Tuesday.
So, TV On The Radio have a new album coming out with a tour preceding it it seems. I've not listened to their first album, except in passing. They've embraced the lo-fi sound, the slightly out of tune, out of time more shambolic feeling of community. For fans of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. I finally listened to new fad band Black Kids. Immediately annoyed by the Kate Bush thievery of the title "Hit The Heartbrakes" more because I know they probably don't even know who Kate Bush is! They sound like The Killers, please don't listen to them. I'm not putting a link, cos they suck. After that disappointment, I asked a friend to recommend something I'd like and Land Of Talk were his answer. Instant bonus points for their robot logo on myspace. The lead singer is a lovely lady called Lizzie who emotively pours through each song while her Canadian band rock out. In fact, she seems to carry the band through some very bland musical moments. Hopefully the album will show the more musical elements of what could be a brilliant band. Watch that space. Then I watched Gnarls Barkley new video "Who's Gonna Save My Soul" which I really liked cos the guy literally pulls his heart out on the table and then explains to the girl who's just dumped him how he's going to compare every new woman to her and how none will compare to the false memory. It's very erudite though and rather poetic. From there I also listened to Gnarls live cover of Reckoner by Radiohead - which the audience didn't seem to know, but really shows the genius of these guys, as if it were ever in dispute. Then I discovered that Avalanches are to release a second album! Only they could top that first work of genius! So exciting! *breaks into "Since I met you"* Today I was instantly hit in the face by Vivian Girls. Great NYC band. Exactly how they describe themselves on myspace: Punk/Shoegaze/Surf. Awesome. Check these ladies of rock out.

I like good music

Mercury Music Awards
The nominated artists are:

Adele
British Sea Power
Burial
Elbow
Estelle
Laura Marling
Neon Neon
Portico Quartet
Rachel Unthank & The Winterset
Radiohead
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
The Last Shadow Puppets

The only group I rate at all on the list is The Last Shadow Puppets. This tribute to 60's music sung with mournful Sheffield stylings of Alex of the Arctic Monkeys is a pleasure to listen to. It makes you remember why you liked music in the first place. While not being revolutionary or even original, they are so talented and having turned their hands to this homage have made a masterpiece of their own.

Laura Marling can jog on. I liked her lyrics until I saw her live and discovered she was only 17 and was singing about nothing.

I hate to say it, but Radiohead's In Rainbows doesn't deserve the award. Sorry.

I'm really surprised by the amount of bland crap on this list. British Sea Power??! Elbow? I know Elbow's new album had some stunning tracks, but at the end of the day, it's still Elbow! Estelle?!

Burial was another minimal IDM pile of pants. Adele while good, is nothing new, ditto Neon Neon. Plant and Krauss have a good album, but it's not at all innovative. perhaps I'm looking for innovation when it's not a requirement...?

Can I have your details?

Finally, after many attempts and much messing about, I have a business card design! I had much creative feedback from my worryingly tasteful boyfriend, he helped me realise my ideas into something that looked simple and striking. Yay!

Do you take requests?

Popstarz9 was a nice stressless one as middlemanager was gone. He makes me nervous and comes up to me making suggestions which messes with my flow and my creativity. Filling in at Kambar was fun, but much more stressful than I thought as every punter there had ideas about what should be played. Neil summed it up best when he said "they don't want to hear good music, just the ones they know". Moreover, I forgot my computer had crashed during my music transfer so a lot of good tracks didn't get copied to my set. I've not been at my best this week and I definitely let everything get to me. Today I'm going to make enquiries about a day job so hopefully I'll feel better this week.

Indie Thing

Popstarz8 was ok, except due to horrible rain it was very slow starting. I got told off for playing Girls Aloud and henceforth lost my mojo. Bah. Vik played great set from 2-4 in Rave room - not sure how he got away with it cos he just played electro all night, then again, it was a quiet one, so we could've got away with anything really. Heloise and the Savoir Fair played at 1am; They were good apart from their attempt at shockrock performers: A man dressed in tight gold suits, so tight you could see his penis, flouncing about on stage like a drunk whore and a lady with a greek crown of flowers and lots of neon makeup dancing coldly and deadpan, but at one point getting her tits out. Rubbish. Too bad the lead singer has talent.

Neil de Generator has asked me to fill in for him on Saturday night til 12 at Indie Thing at Kambar. This should be a bit of fun. Kambar doesn't fill up til 12, so I'll just mess around on the decks playing my favourite tunes and hopefully enjoying the company of friends. I'm not going to try and play what Neil does, there is no point. I'm going to play all my favourite kicking Indie tunes mixed in with some of more staple dancy indie and electro. Been having fun getting tunes together.

Free lunch

Yesterday I signed up to three promotion companies so as to get free cds for DJing; It will be easier to stay on top of new music. I was sensible and didn't sign up to any I didn't *need*. There were some great ones, which had music I'd love, but not play. We'll see how it goes.

Going to sort my webspace so all my music related stuff is available through one page. Link to come soon!

Embomusic

Popstarz7 went well, I did the main slot from 12-2, which was good, cos there was a decent amount of people jigging about - including Pet Shop Boys, who were in the house. Awesome! I left early with headache from cold I've had all week.


So, went through my music mailouts this morning, and as I've not done it in a month there was lots to get through! Excuse this quick rundown's listlike nature. Started with a Futureheads video diary, which they explained how instead of signing to a label they've got involved with distribution networks.
I listened to The Dodos who are Wichita's new babies, they are soft spoken yet mathrock -good clean drumming.
Then checked out Cadence Weapon, who are a bizarre mix of hiphop and IDM. I couldn't believe Myspace description til I heard it! Crazy sampling, slow rapping, whizzing bleeps and squeals throughout!
Next checked out Telepathe, whose music is oddly structured, it's slow repetitions and minimal lady lyrics make you think of an unemotional Goldfrapp or a Gary Numan chick - sometimes break beats, sometimes mathrock, it's quiet and controlled fun - but not my bag.
Dirty Projectors were just too weird - experimental, but not in a good way; Zappa without the funk; Happy Scott Walker.
Then Jonquil, who like Band of Horses and Islands are lovely dreampop, only with fun instruments like accordions and trumpets and slow building songs that never break into craziness, but keep you bobbing along the happy river.
Next, for fun and plezure I listened to Fuck Buttons, who I could listen to forever. If you haven't listened to them yet, now would be a good time. They are opening for Mogwai next month and I plan to be there listening quietly and feeling the dirty euphoria climb all over my brain like a lemon wearing stilts.
After that I felt compelled to give Times New Viking a listen, if only cos the name kicks ass! Establishing themselves as Lo-Fi from the first note, they let their influences be known. With completely pointless keyboards of Velvet Underground, Crazy churchy singing of Arcade Fire and fuzzy production of Clap your Hands Say Yeah they blast out silly tunes which seem punky but not punk.
From their myspace stumbled across Psychedelic Horseshit, which is a Dada/nihilist approach to shoegaze - as he confesses in his bio "Shitgaze is abysmal...this band is either a load of idiots on speed who suddenly thought they could play music while tripping, and sounds like a very massive pile of utter drunken shit, or it’s just some very clever chimpanzee’s who’ve evolved and suddenly realise they ’might’ be able to play some music". An inspired crew, who
dare to sound truly awful.
Then, as usual missing the boat, finally listened to HEALTH several months AFTER they played in Cambridge. Of course, they are as good as everyone said and fling you about at high volumes smashing your mind to bits. They have done some very improbable but fantastic collaborations with Crystal Castles, the song Glitter Pills has the diiiiirtiest electro keyboards at the end it's a crime if someone doesn't do a remix.
After that, found myself terrifyingly listening to Shit and Shine who I find hard to describe - part death metal, part experimental drone - each song incredibly short bursts of spazzed drumming or screaming or just humming noises. The great thing about their music is they never make the sound too busy - they build, but never spazzing on all instruments - like a boat at half sail; they know the limitations of the human ear. I did have to take a silent break afterwards though!
Continuing, Fleet Foxes delighted my ears. The kind of beauty you don't want to share, but sit quietly under a blanket with headphones on, watching the world go by as it all sparkles past. Sub-pop and Bella Union do it again.
On the tail of that sound, came My Brightest Diamond, too soft to quite catch my attention - but it was like Massive Attack without the groove, PJ Harvey on beta-blockers, fairly unexciting.
Midnight Juggernauts are like Michael Jackson and Daft Punk on MDMA. Pure loved up funky electro. Showers of bleeps in calm indie rock and a scent of Bowie.


I've also got myself a sweet little deal with Simon Baker whereby I sort his Facebook needs and he supplies me with free giggage. Nice one.

No, I didn't see Jay-Z

Well! What a week!
We travelled down on the Wednesday, enjoyed some lovely weather and food and company and many beers. Too much to tell so here is a quick rundown with links!
Began with Vampire Weekend, who were really good! very enjoyable set and really connected with the crowd. Plus lead singer is cute! Later went to MGMT which was really good, but the audience was young and silly and a detriment to enjoyment. Stuck by left speaker, so not the greatest sound. Lots of Time to pretend sang around camp all week!
Next day was Holy Fuck who I can't find any glasto footage of, probably cos BBC is too pussy to write their name even though this was one of the highlights of the whole festival. They were unbelievably good. Prog in song form. Truly inspired me. Later that day saw the secret gig by Franz Ferdinand with a sneaky glance at Foals as I passed the Other Stage. Foals were more Mathrock than I had realised and I enjoyed them although I was only waiting for Cassius to come on. :) Franz pumped out hit after hit and no one could resist dancing. So fun! Finally was the amazing Schlomo presenting "Music Through Unconventional Means". A human beatboxer who was absolutley stunning. He had a triple slot on the Park Stage which he used to bring on as many special guests as he could, from Jazz to Indie he got his guests to sing while he beatboxed over the top. Amazing.

So I got back and have so so many ideas for music I want to write now. Want to work out how Secret Machines and Holy Fuck do it and create things along those lines. I think with a sneaky nudge it would lend to some dark electro. Have been messing around, still finding it difficult to get things working, will probably go through the tutorials again. having been trying ot work out wjat I'll need to record some music using my computer - STILL don't understand. I probably should ask a friend, but it means opening myself to critism. Pride is for losers. :)

cycling without stabilizers

Well, Sidney-Sussex May ball was a blast! Despite angry sound-men and a spatter of rain, it was one of the best May balls. it helped I knew a bunch of people there and we went on the swing-boats and did vodka luge and rode mechanical bull and drank lots of champagne which we enjoyed calling "champers". :)

On Friday I started my set by just spinning a few tunes while no one was about, but then just carried on adlibbing all night. It was only a matter of time before I made and started using compilation discs. I had a to give myself time to get to know the crowd, the club, what I was about, and to get to know the tunes well enough. It went well.

So glad it's over.

Clare was such an effort.
It was cold, and my partner got bored really early and we couldn't even get drunk. By the time we were on, most people had either left or where watching the cheese act on the other stage. My performance didn't even matter by that point! Ended up just messing around playing a few tracks. Couldn't play the tracks I wanted to cos my partner had made me too nervous and had thrown out a few inconsiderate comments about certain tracks he thought sucked. Shouldn't listen, but it does wear one's confidence down...

I just came here to bounce

So, Popstarz has been going well. Enjoying playing, getting used to the crowd levels - ie, not taking it so personally when the club is a little quiet. This week in particular the DJ who comes after me was late, so I had to play ad hoc. I was freaked out, but I did really well and was really proud of what I'd done on the fly. While I know I can mix, I have lacked the confidence to play impromptu in this role; It takes guts to use your guts. Enjoyed some indie dancing afterwards; We now have wristbands to get into the staff chillout area, where there is free beer. I met some of the other DJs, in particular Vic Voltaire - not only does he have the courage to play really good songs, he also mixes them! The only thing that troubles me is that he is going to be doing the warm-up in Rave room from a few weeks time... So where will I be? Absolutely Love this job, would be sad not to do it anymore.

Been panicking about Clare may ball all week, trying to put together the Uberset which is both indie, electro, mixable and flows well; banging but not too banging. Trying to work out what my half of this duo is about and what I should be contributing - all with no help from my partner. I feel that my efforts have not created a set which is really going to show what I am capable of. I've had to leave out some of my favourite tracks - Mason vs. Princess Superstar - Perfect (Exceeder) and Bodyrox - Yeah Yeah (Feat. Luciana). :(

Have been making compilations for Sidney-Sussex, so I can just play a few tracks in a more ad hoc way; We are playing between bands so it's a lot less pressure.

Kapla!

Set went really well on Friday. Threw in some awsome new tracks and got some really good responses. The Rihanna remix I was worried about went well and the risk paid off. I had worked really hard all week after the previous weeks poor show and was confident by Thursday evening! Drank my free drinks allowance and enjoyed a boogie on the indie dancefloor. Even bumped into an old work colleague! Good times all round!

CSS - Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above
Justice - DVNO
Justice Vs Simian - We Are Your Friends
Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You
Snap! - Rhythm Is A Dancer (12 Mix)
Prodigy - Girls
Daft Punk - Harder Better Faster Stronger (DJ Barletta Remix)
Hadouken! - Tuning In [H! Redub]
Klaxons - Atlantis To Interzone (Crystal Castles Remix)
Fatboy Slim - Brimful Of Asha [Norman Cook Remix]
Rihanna - Umbrella [Big Room Mix]
Bodyrox - Yeah Yeah (Feat Luciana)
Wild Child & Chemical Brothers - Renegade Rockin Beats [Greg Bedwell Remix]
Britney Spears - Break The Ice [Wideboys Club Remix]
The Shamen - Ebeneezer Goode [Beat Edit]
Alphabeat - Fascination [Bimbo Jones Edit]
2 Unlimited - Twilight Zone [Rave Version Edit]
Kylie Minogue - Wow (MSTRKRFT Remix)
Calvin Harris - Acceptable In The 80s
Mason Vs Princess Superstar - Perfect (Exceeder)
Mylo vs Miami Sound Machine - Doctor Pressure
Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor
Utah Saints Something Good '08 (Radio Edit)
September - Cry For You [Jackal Remix Short]
Armand Van Helden - Hear My Name [Feat Spalding Rockwell]
MIA - Boyz
Girls Aloud - Jump
Britney Spears - Toxic (Armand Van Helden Remix Edit)
Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For (Album Version)
Prodigy vs Enya - Smack My Bitch Up The Orinoco
Scooter - Ramp! (The Logical Song)

R U Ready 4 This?

Worked really hard all week; Can't even begin to tell you how many remixes I've listened to. At the end of it, I'm done on time, ready to pump up my jam tomorrow night. Or sumthink.
Seriously though, I'm really pleased cos I think I've got a decent set. I'm not ready for the big restructure, but got some kickass tracks for tomorrow. Few mates coming too and I should be nice and relaxed. :)

Low confidence

I performed my second set at Popstarz, having gone along for first time, alone and without supporters. I was nervous and lo, I made a mistake which only seem to continue as my error made me lose confidence and to stress, which made me clumsy.
I had a day sulking about it, then I woke up full of new fresh ideas and am full of hope and looking forward to doing lots of work on the set this week. I don't have a great deal of time so it will have to be done in spare evenings.
I keep finding wicked mash-ups on youtube that i can't find anywhere else and the more I find, the more I realise I should be making my own mash-ups. I have to learn how to record using Ableton.

London Debut

I DJed at Popstarz! At Sin in Soho.
This is what I played:

CSS - Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above
Justice - DVNO
Justice Vs Simian - We Are Your Friends
Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You
Snap! - Rhythm Is A Dancer (12' Mix)
Prodigy - Girls
Daft Punk - Harder Better Faster Stronger (DJ Barletta Remix)
Hadouken! - Tuning In [H! Redub]
Klaxons - Atlantis To Interzone (Crystal Castles Remix)
Fatboy Slim - Brimful Of Asha [Norman Cook Remix]
Bodyrox - Yeah Yeah (Feat. Luciana)
Wild Child & Chemical Brothers - Renegade Rockin Beats [Greg Bedwell Remix]
The Shamen - Ebeneezer Goode [Beat Edit]
Simian Mobile Disco - It's The Beat
2 Unlimited - Twilight Zone [Rave Version Edit]
Calvin Harris - Acceptable In The 80s
Justice - The Party (feat. Uffie) (LA Riots Remix)
Kylie Minogue - Wow (MSTRKRFT Remix)
Mason Vs. Princess Superstar - Perfect (Exceeder)
Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor
Mylo vs. Miami Sound Machine - Doctor Pressure
Utah Saints Something Good '08 (Radio Edit)
Felix Da Housecat - Silver Screen - Shower Scene (Phunk Remix)
Feist - 1234 (My!Gay!Husband! Get Up Kid Edit)
The Prodigy - Charly [Alley Cat Remix]
Armand Van Helden - Hear My Name [Feat. Spalding Rockwell]
M.I.A. - Boyz
Girls Aloud - Jump
Britney Spears - Toxic (Armand Van Helden Remix Edit)
Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For (Album Version)
Scooter - Ramp! (The Logical Song)

People liked it. The promoter was very pleased.

In the days coming up to Friday I had many things go through my mind as I mentally prepared for this. I was worried that I wasn't really good enough and that I'd be found out for the fraud I am. When I got up on stage I forgot everything except playing good music well and accepted how the evening went. It's a strange feeling to get this job in London when no one takes me seriously in my home town.

The club is great, nice interior, well decorated. There are three rooms: Pop, Rave and Indie. I play in the Rave Room, which is second largest after the Pop room. It's decked out in psychedelic wall hangings. The people are really friendly, professional, helpful and very supportive; They are great team. I'm really looking forward to working with them.

Deep End.

So got email today asking if I can start DJing at Popstarz THIS FRIDAY!
Good thing I've started early on the preparation front. I've been digging out old classics, downloading allsorts of stuff. Going to do a 2 hour set. The promoter, Tommy, has been really friendly and says that they are here to help and encourage not critisise and I shouldn't feel like I'm chucking me in at the deep end, which of course, they are.

Popstar

So, I did my set at Trash Palace, I auditioned for Popstarz. I had a sleepless night, but got up and finalised my set and then rehearsed it on my decks, practicing the trickier changes. Spent the rest of the day making myself presentable. Train cockups created more tension, but once there I was completely relaxed. The decks were ye ole Pioneers, so I was completely at home with them and their mixer was easy to use. It had been a real concern as I had no idea what equipment they had! I played my set, it went well. Halfway through my set the manager came up and said how much he liked what I was playing and could I come and do a set for the "rave room" at Popstarz sometime. they aren't advertising, but one of their djs is leaving and will need replacing. After a chat we agreed I'd come and check it out next week (guestlisted of course) and after a discussion of material will come play a set and see how it goes down. Really quite surprising turn up.
My setlist:

• CSS - Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above
• Justice - DVNO
• Prodigy - Girls
• Daft Punk - Harder Better Faster Stronger (DJ Barletta Remix)
• Hadouken! - Tuning In [H! Redub]
• Bodyrox - Yeah Yeah (Feat. Luciana)
• Simian Mobile Disco - It's The Beat
• Kylie Minogue - Wow (MSTRKRFT Remix)
• Mason Vs. Princess Superstar - Perfect (Exceeder)
• The Teenagers - Homecoming (Yuksek and Brodinski Remix)
• Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor
• M.I.A. - Boyz
• Girls Aloud - Jump
  

DJ At Work

Putting together a working setlist for my audition at Trash Palace. I've done a live recording going through changes and getting a feel for it and already changed a few tracks. It's very much a work in progress. After bringing my decks back from the Cow on Friday, I've just realised I left my power adapter there. D'oh! 45 minutes is a particularly short time to express a sample of great tracks that go well together and express what you think their clubnight is about.
I've gone from being stupidly euphoric about this opportunity to being pretty terrified about performing in just 4 short days.

Trashed

Well, it's actually happening. Trash Palace have given me a slot to come and audition for Popstarz! I've got 45 minutes, on Wednesday, in which to prove to them I can play awesome tunes that they like, and mix them well and look stunning. I am unbelievably happy. Can't believe I'm going to be DJing in London! Fuck yeah!Everything has a warm sparkly glow.
So I started trying out tunes today to work out what to play. There were about 5 really obvious tracks, after that, I'm not sure whether to fall back on solid electro, peppered with a couple of solid classics, or if awesome remixes would be the way to go, perhaps really new stuff, maybe push the gay thing further... 45 minutes is a very short time, it's about 11 maybe 12 tracks. It gives me the idea that perhaps I will use this material for my first demo mixtape.

Paid fun!

Well, after discussing fees, I got confirmation that me and Neil are DJing at Clare May Ball! I'm so massively excited and pleased. I mean, this is the first gig I've done where I've been paid reasonable money by someone to DJ for them as a contractor. I've done lots of stuff before, but it was all little unpaid gigs or at my own clubnights. This is so huge!

In same week, I have applied to try out at Trash Palace for a slot at Popstarz, which would be sweet. Waiting for confirmation, but I'm glad to have applied. I had to send them a sample playlist, so I chopped up my Cow set to reflect the newer, dancier, gayer side to my electro set. We'll see what they think.

Teachers

After making a big leap with Ableton I decided to take a long think about who my influences are, which artists really opened my eyes to dance music and which albums really made an early impression. For that, I'll have to transport back to 1996. I was 14 years old and a group of us had been watching all sorts of "cool" cyberpunk films with kick ass soundtracks. We were the cool nerds who wore big jeans and metallic makeup.

• Daft Punk - Homework
• Hackers (OST)
• The Saint (OST)
• Prodigy - Fat Of The Land
• Crystal Method - Vegas
  

Hackers, and Saint Soundtracks have some great artists on- Orbital, Underworld, Leftfield, Moby, Fluke, The Chemical Brothers...
I also have to admit to having had a love of industrial at the same time too. Without which I wouldn't have my love of fuzzy dancy feedback. Perhaps it's also where I find my dislike for minimal?

• Gravity Kills - Gravity Kills
• Nine Inch Nails - Pretty hate Machine
• Spawn (OST)
• Stabbing Westward - Wither, Blister, Burn and Peel

Everything that came after, no matter how genius (Sorry Air - Moon Safari, Sorry Orbital - Altogether) wasn't as influential as these early heard albums of my teens. Will put up a list of "sheer genius" albums I love another day.

These influences explain why I love dark dirty electro. I should listen to these albums just to remind myself what it is that I want to do.

We Live In A Beautiful World

Cow 6 went great! When I got there, my cds were back, having merely been borrowed to use behind the bar. Bit cheeky, but very glad; also flattered that they like the stuff I play. My set went well, I had reassembled my set, changing a few tracks that weren't as dancey as others. There was a really good vibe, several people came up and said how good the tunes were and how much they appreciated it. There were a few whoops when I played Tiga... and Hadouken! still gets people singing.

Today I've been really trying to make my own beats and generally having difficulties both creatively and technically. Creatively I am finding it hard to analyse something I like into what it looks like on paper, feeling a little dim today. Technically, I am having a hard time getting to grips with recording. I'll get there, but could really use a friend to show me what's what.

We Steal CDs

On my way to We Smoke Fags gig I had to pick up my headphones from The Cow, while there I noticed all my cds except Soulwax Remixes had gone. :(
Kitsuné compilation 5
Leave Them All Behind (2 disc Modular compilation)
Bugged Out Presents Classics (4 disc)
Digital Penetration (with Klaxons - Myths of near Future inside too)
Pretty bummed about it, I left them in the office where only staff can go, so the awful thing is that they were stolen by someone I know.
Went on to Barfly to DJ only the manager seemed to know nothing about me using the decks and said he needed them for music in the downstairs bar. By the time the promotions guy got there and sorted it out, it was too late. Still got free entry and free drinks. I was disappointed as I'd looked forward to doing a different kind of set.
A friend told me of DJ tryouts at Trash Palace next week for a possible place at Popstarz, which would be awesome. However, I can't find any details online and when I've phoned they've not picked up. So tantalisingly close!

Fingerpainting

This morning I decided to learn how to DJ using Ableton. I mixed together a few tracks, I made some of the worst mash-ups that will never see the light of day and then I made my first sample. My first sample!! It was the first 8 bars of a Postal Service track. I made it into a midi and couldn't believe how I could add and remove notes! I mean how powerful is that!? Suddenly I feel like Michaelangelo has told me the secret to mixing paint! I am a now officially a fan of Ableton.

Smokin' Fags

Today I have been putting together tracks to DJ with on Wednesday at the We Smoke Fags gig at Barfly. Planning to do a more artrock-indietronica-dancepunk set. It's been a lot of fun to go through old indie that I used to love and it will be good to do something different. I would like to think that I am versatile within certain bounds. I'm gonna have to do alot of cringeworthy "indie stop/starts", but hopefully I'll be able to minimise them if I can work out a good track order. One thing I've noticed is that because album tracks are usually shorter than remix tracks I need so many more!

Slow Cow (#5)

Had technical difficulties at the Cow so didn't start til half 10. Sat around drinking then when speakers were restored suddenly started. I had planned to go over my new material and work out what I wanted to keep and lose. Couldn't really take it seriously, but it went surprisingly well. A few mates showed up and I got them a few free drinks before we all went clubbing. From now on I'm going to leave my equipment in the office downstairs, I can't keep lugging it around!

We Come One

Planned birthday special for Digital Wonderland. It included me making this lovely poster as seen above. Isn't the inverted cupcake cute?! I can't believe we've been doing it for a year. I have grown so much. I remember the first time we did it i had spent so much time on promotion that I'd not even thought about the music really, now I spend my days trying to narrow down to the perfect 35 tracks!
I'd like to make this one quite big and have lots of friends down and a big party afterwards. Perhaps if I get myself together I could have my demo ready by then and launch it at same time.

Back to School

I have downloaded and installed Ableton Live 7! Was pretty daunted until I saw the tutorial programs and I have been going through those. How user friendly! I used to be in awe of DJs who used laptops feeling so archaic using my cd decks, but now I see how easy it is and feel less untalented. At the same time I can see how making it easier on the technical front frees you up for more creative endeavours! Fantastic!

In other news, I got my Glastonbury ticket today. I had a feeling we were going to be unlucky this year, but I was wrong.

I am going to see either Long Blondes or Blood Red Shoes depending on which I can get into as they are next door and at the same time.

Cow #4

DJed at The Cow. My set was something like this:
CSS - Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above.mp3
Felix Da Housecat - Silver Screen Shower Scene.mp3
Daft Punk - One More Time.mp3
Justice Vs Simian - We Are Your Friends.mp3
Chromeo - Tenderoni (MSTRKRFT Remix).mp3
Justice - Waters Of Nazareth.mp3
Prodigy - Girls.mp3
Daft Punk - Harder Better Faster Stronger (DJ Barletta Remix).mp3
Hadouken! - Tuning In [H! Redub].mp3
Ladytron - Black Cat.mp3
Fatboy Slim - Brimful Of Asha [Norman Cook Remix].mp3
Bodyrox - Yeah Yeah (Feat. Luciana).mp3
Chemical Brothers - Hey Boy, Hey Girl.mp3
Simian Mobile Disco - It's The Beat.mp3
Calvin Harris - Acceptable In The 80s.mp3
Boys Noize - Arcade Robot.mp3
Buy Now - For Sale (Felix Da Housecat Remix).mp3
Ting Tings - Great DJ (Calvin Harris Remix).mp3
Kylie Minogue - Wow (MSTRKRFT Remix).mp3
Ladytron - Play Girl (Felix Da Housecat Glitz Clubhead Mix).mp3
LCD Soundsystem - Disco Infiltrator.mp3
Mason Vs. Princess Superstar - Perfect (Exceeder).mp3
The Teenagers - Homecoming (Yuksek and Brodinski Remix).mp3
Tiga - Louder Than A Bomb.mp3
Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor.mp3
M.I.A. - Boyz.mp3
Girld Aloud - Jump.mp3
Dragonette - The Boys (Calvin Harris cover).mp3
Felix Da housecat - Sweetfrosti.mp3

I encorporated quite a few new remixes. Ladytron - Black Cat was too downbeat, too serious to DJ with. Didn't go as well as it could due to drinking in pub beforehand. We still didn't get paid which is pretty uncool.
I've been planning my demo and I've downloaded software. I'm looking forward to getting to grips with it over the coming week and maybe finally doing something creative!

Glastonbury '08

Glastonbury tickets on sale this Sunday! Having to work out how we are going to pay for them which is a little troublesome, but I'm sure it will all work out in the end. Line-up doesn't look wildly exciting, but there are a few people I'd see. If there were loads I'd not enjoy the festival as much. Kings of Leon and Vampire Weekend strike me, and I'll almost certainly see Pete, other than that, Cabaret Tent for me. I'm hoping the dance stages will have some hot happenings.

Dé Ja Vu

Went into HMV for the first time since leaving. At first I was really excited, everything looked so different; I had no idea how industrial it looked, all black shiny metal and dingy lighting. Upon trying to find anything I wanted, I realised that they didn't stock anything worth getting and even then, it was too expensive. Recalling bad memories I left slightly smug, but also a little sad.

Looking into getting a job at Play.com; I went to the agency that supplies them with people. I'm hopeful.

First Post on the Bugle

Spent yesterday going over remixes at missingtoof.com. So glad I've found it! here is new Ladytron. I think it's very up to standard to say the least.
Ladytron - Black Cat
Oh yeah!
Also opened a Muxtrack account. Haven't uploaded any tracks yet, but will upload some excellence soon. Might even put a few of my own mixes on there...maybe.
Over next few days I plan to come up with new playlist for Friday night set, including some of the new stuff I've found.