Name, Location, What You Do:
DJ Applejac, Decatur GA, DJ/Producer/Remixer/Musician

Influences:
I have many influences. As a DJ, I’d hafta say people like DJ Man (ATL legend), Jazzy Jeff, DJ Jaycee, DJ Spinna, Rich Medina, J. Rocc, so many others. As a producer, I’d have to say Teo Macero, Quincy Jones, Leon Sylvers, Spearhead X, Pete Rock, Mantronik, DJ Spinna, among others.

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Right now, I’m really into the PRhyme album, the Keifer album Kickin It Alone, Roc Marciano’s RR2: The Bitter Dose, the Khruangbin album, Con Todo El Mundo, and this SUPER DOPE gospel album by The 21st Century Singers.

Best Digging Story:
I remember being at at record fair and seeing a copy of Ike White’s Changin Times for $275, and I ALMOST broke down and bought it. Good thing I didn’t. Found it a week later for 5 bucks!!! LOL

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
I have a few actually:
Kid Capri- “52 Beats”, and also his “Old School, pt 2.”,
DJ Spinna- “Wonder Wrote It, pt.1“,
J. Rocc- “James Brown & Friends”,
DJ Jaycee- “MJ: The Soulful Years“, and also his “Pizza At Primo’s” mixtape.
All the Con Men, Soulman and On Track tapes
DJ Shame- Adventures In Sampleland
DJ Qbert- Demolition Pumpkin Squeeze Muzik
To me, they all embody genuine love for music and the care that SHOULD be put into presenting a mixtape with integrity.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
I have ’em all, and I’ve played them all out at one time or another, but I can’t say I have a “favorite” format. Kinda just depends on what the moment/gig calls for.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
As a vegan, I TRY to stay away from junk food, but Thin Mints (out of the freezer), Reese’s Cups (also out of the fridge), Butterfinger, Apple Cobbler, and Key Lime Pie from Publix are always winners.

Most Memorable Gig Played:
There have been quite a few over the years, but I’d probably have to say the inaugural Godfather (James Brown tribute) party in Miami for Winter Music Conference in 2007. I dropped my edit for “Bodyheat” and the crowd loved it. J. Rocc gave me props, and it meant the world to me because his mixtape really inspired me to start the party with Injex and Dazikue.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
“In The Raw” -The Whispers

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
I wanna give a shout out to DJ Jazzy Jeff and my Playlist Retreat family. One time for my peoples DJ Jaycee aka REEkardo Tubbz, Supreme La Rock, Skeme Richards, Jake One and Gene Brown. Shout out to Arcee at Cratery, Big Jacks, Bozackula, and Ari at Cosmos Records in Toronto. One time for Houseshoes, Mona Lisa, The Beat Junkies, Mike Wallace, Jules Inkswel, Buscrates, Sadar Bahar, Joc Max, Illvibe Collective, my peoples at Record Breakin, DJ Stylus, Mell Star, Boogie Blind, Rob Swift, DJ Bee…so many people I’ve had the honor to meet in this game, I’d be here all day. To all the DJs out here playing good music, and doing it with SOUL AND SKILL, I fucks witcha!!!

Check me out at www.djapplejac.com for links to all my social media and music pages. I also have a clothing line to correspond with my “Unhooked Generation” party series, which can also be found on my website. I do a compilation that I kicked off on Instagram a couple years ago called “Shecky’s Sunday Coolout”, which is an all vinyl comp of just some cool records I may be listening to at a particular time, unmixed, and not particularly rare, that usually center around a theme (haven’t done one in a while either lol). I also started a monthly playlist a few months back exclusively for Spotify, that gives a glimpse into what I’m rocking with at the time or the kinds of things you can hear at an Unhooked Generation party. In terms of new music, I just dropped a remix for my homie SiR’s “The Canvas” on my Soundcloud page (available for free download). I also have a remix for Teflon Dons feat. Gregory Porter that will be on the Moulton Music “South Beach Sessions 2018” compilation. I’ll be releasing my first House Music EP, “The Adinkra EP”, which features Miles Bonny on the title track on Shadeleaf Music out of the UK in May, and I’m in the home stretch of mixing for an upcoming EP with vocalist Maleke O’Ney slated for a Summer release. For DJ bookings or production/remix inquiries, I can be contacted at info@djapplejac.com. Thank you for allowing me this amazing platform to talk about records. Salute!!!

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do:
The name is Rogue. I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina and currently have the pleasure to call Brooklyn my home. I create things and DJ a lot. I watch cartoons, throw parties, and bring people together.

Influences:
First and foremost, my parents. They’re also performing artists – Polymaths, so I grew up surrounded by art, music, performers, etc. They would take me to concerts and theatre productions since I was a baby. It was born into a very creative lifestyle. We had a recording studio and rehearsal space built into our house. Everywhere we moved, my folks would always build a studio where they would work but also give me my space to do my thing. They still introduce me to all kinds of art till this day and encourage me to challenge myself and try new things. It’s super inspiring.

As a DJ, I’m influenced by all the dope DJs I have the pleasure to work with. DJ Noumenon and DJ Esquire are major direct influences on me – they’re my mentors. I wouldn’t be the same DJ I am today without them. I’m inspired by so many badass DJs. In no particular order: J-Smoke, Craze, D-styles, Mr. Choc, Shorkut, Spictakular, Boogie Blind, Kayper, Emskee… the list goes on. They’re all so dope in their own unique style.

Musically, I’m inspired by anything that has soul. Whatever genre. If it moves my spirit in any way, I’ll rock with it. Same applies with everything else in life.

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Madlib – Shades of Blue
Roy Ayers – Lifeline

Best Digging Story:
I don’t have a lot of crazy digging stories, to be honest. One of my personal favorites was digging with my homie Mylon. He had found Roy Ayers Lifeline and I was so geeked about it that he let me take it home. Everybody go give Mylon a high 5 and let him know he’s the best.

I also used to work at this thrift shop where the owner had all these 45s hanging from the ceiling, collecting dust. They were so good yet so neglected. I ended up taking them all home to give them the love they deserved.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
Craze & Four Color Zach – 2¢
With so many heads faking the funk, this mix was so necessary and so damn ILL. They delivered it like a swift punch to the throat. It gets me so hyped and also reminds me I need to go practice.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
LP. I want the full album.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
I’m still pretty old school so Pop Rocks and Blow Pops are my jam… and… I mean…. can I live without Pringles and Skittles? sure. But do I want to? No. Not really.

Most Memorable Gig Played:
All my gigs are very memorable to me for different reasons. Off the top, there’s a few good stories that come to mind. I’ll give you two quick ones.

There’s the Fuck Cancer Brooklyn Took It edition on April ’17, where all my friends came together to party and raise funds to help me through my battle with Cancer. The line up was so ill. There was so much love and positivity – the venue was packed with all my loved ones and theirs. It was an unforgettable night. I beat up a barbie piñata full of candy AND got to rock with a ton of my favorite DJ friends (shouts to Twelve45, DJ Esquire, Dash Speaks, Noumenon & Mike Strick) I made so many new friends that night. Everybody played their hearts out. It was all love. I still get choked up thinking about it.

As a completely different experience, there was also a gig I played that I will never ever EVER forget, where I rocked a party with a NY Rat in my booth. You know NY rats aren’t afraid of anything. No lie, I’m Spinning and I literally have a rat running into my drink, in and out of my DJ bag, over my feet, under the set up. It was wild and pretty terrifying. I literally had to face one of my fears while playing feel good dance music for a crowd that had no idea what was going on. Still, I rocked the entire night because I didn’t want to back down to Charlie The Rat. We spent 6 hours together, so it was only right he got a name. Either way, the show must go on, feel me?

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
I always find a way to drop Wu-Tang in my sets. You can’t say shit to me about it.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
Respect to my elders, peers, competition, and all those who paved the way for the rest of us – to those who inspire us, teach us, and challenge us to do right by this art form. Shouts to those who put in the work. Shout out to my friends, my family, and everyone who finds a way to support and show love.

Shouts to Prestige & Monk One. Your event Shake! is everything I love.

Shout out to Scienze. We have some shows coming up that we’re excited to share with everyone very soon.

Shout out to Brooklyn Took It. Noms and I curated this thing from the ground up and we couldn’t be more proud. The vibe is beautiful. You can come dance with us and our special guests every first Friday at Friends and Lovers in Crown Heights. 10pm-4am. You can stay updated with everything BKTI at http://www.brooklyntookit.com

Second Fridays you can catch me throwing down for my other monthly function, Whut Thee Friday. It pops off at one of my favorite spots, Franklin Park in Crown Heights. 10:30pm-3:30 am.

Saturdays I take the party to LES at Lucky Jacks to play everything that feels good from 10pm-4am.

For more dates and things, you can follow me at @roguegotsoul on IG & Twitter.

Stay hydrated, take care of one another, and make some noise for yourself. Peace.

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do:
I am DJ Mr.Len. I be a DJ and producer from the funky state of New Jersey.

Influences:
Charles Stepney, Isaac Hayes, George Clinton, Prince Paul, Red Alert, GrandWizard Theodore, Mel Brooks, Stanley Kubrick, Frank Zappa

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Been playing “The Seven” by Primus over and over. “Wonderful Ass” by Prince “Operator” by The Tradewinds

Best Digging Story:
I spent so much time and money in one spot that the owner gave me a small box of Blue Note records he just got in. My favorite of that bunch was “Moon Rappin'” by Brother Jack McDuff

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
Lord Sear did an 80’s mix. He didn’t name it anything in particular but I could listen to that mix on repeat for hours. Blends were impeccable and the selection was everything from The Eurythmics to I Level.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
YES!!!

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
Oatmeal Creme Pies and Fudge Rounds.

Most Memorable Gig Played:
Back in 2002 I did the Sonar Festival in Spain. About 2000 in the spot all jamming to Funk and underground hip hop. My set was right before Carl Cox. He killed it of course!

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
There’s always a P-Funk record around. I never want to do a party where P-Funk doesn’t work in some way form or fashion.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
Shout to all vinyl lovers. If you wanna know where I’ll be simply check my IG…you might also get a good laugh. @LOOKATLEN

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do:
Jess aka Terry Dactyl. I’m a music and culture journalist writing for Newsweek, Consequence of Sound, Billboard and Dust & Grooves, among other places. I’m based in Brooklyn and am from Oakland, California. I spin soul, funk, reggae and Latin tunes whenever I can.

Influences:
So many! I’m impressed by all the DJs I know who spin full time and have epic musical knowledge. I was on the radio for many years and make an active effort to listen to community stations across the country, so I’m influenced by many amazing radio programmers. The late, great Sharon Jones is a huge inspiration. Journalistically, my biggest influence is probably Gay Talese, who pioneered “new journalism.”

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Orquesta Akokan’s self-titled debut on Daptone Records, I can’t get enough of that big band sound. Jr. Walker and The All-Stars’ b-side “Brainwashed pt. 2” is so funky it took me by surprise. Bob Andy’s 1967 tune “The Sun Shines For Me” is a working man’s anthem that makes me feel good during what feels like an ever-lasting winter — big up Adam from Wake The Town Radio for turning me onto this happy place record.

Best Digging Story:
Years ago at the KUSF Rock n Swap, I met a dealer named Gary who liked that I was asking for Ronettes records. We became friends and I started digging at his storage locker in the East Bay. I came up with a number of dope Ronettes tunes, an orange Japanese pressing of a Marvelettes comp and, my favorite, a Hamilton portable turntable from the ’60s with a built-in speaker that was loud enough to hear Ronnie and crew singing over the sounds of the freeway. I had to give that up when I moved to Brooklyn.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
Hard question! Probably DJ Turmix’s Mobile Mondays set from 2014. Turmix is a Latin soul and boogaloo expert; he always seems to have a perfect mix of hits and obscurities in his sets. This mix features some of his heaviest tunes in his collection and always gets me dancing (or helps me edit and write).

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
LPs for listening at home and 7″ for playing out. I definitely collect more 45s these days, but I won’t forsake a great LP if I see one. I recently snagged a Celia Cruz and La Sonora Mantacera album at Record City in Brooklyn that’s been on repeat.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
Cheeze Itz. I love ’em, but only the original kind or, maybe, the cheddar jack flavor. I can eat a whole box in one sitting and always bring a bag on a long flight.

Most Memorable Gig Played:
Spinning the patio at Funky Sole in Los Angeles last August. The night always has incredible guests from around the world. I try to go to Funky Sole at The Echo every time I visit LA and was honored to get to spin in the Funkyard. I saw a lot of good dancing and made some new friends, but my biggest regret is that I didn’t get to play Kool and The Gang’s “Hollywood Swingin’.”

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
The Dynamics “Misery” b/w “I’m The Man” on Big Top. There is nothing else like this 1963 R&B stomper and I always try to find a way to fit it into a set.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
I don’t have a regular gig at the moment but I’ll be at Santa Salsa in Bushwick in May, a few places in the Bay in June and, likely, Funky Sole and some other SoCal spots over the summer. Shoutouts to my bornt up sister DJ Miss Hap at Record City, soul brother Crayola Danger, DJ Small Change and my dear friend, vocalista Erica Ramos. Lots of love to Bay Area brethren, including the fine folks at KPOO 89.5 FM in San Francisco, VAMP Records in Oakland and the homie Andre Cruz (whose band The Humidors is on Flea Market Funk). And of course, big ups to DJ Prestige for the interview!

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do: DJ Cool V, I’m From Elizabeth NJ, DJing since 1978.

Influences: DJ Pearl, DJ Fantasy,My Father (The Florida Kid), DJ Neil,DJ Quadir, Grandmaster Flash, Tony Humphries, Tee Scott,Larry Levan, Mark Thompson, DJ Paul,Grand Mixer DXT, 45king, Jam Master J, DJ Cheese. Marley Marl,R ed Alert, DJ Cash Money, DJ Clark Kent(Brooklyn), Brucie B, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Scratch, Kid Capri to name a few.

Favorite Records at the Moment: Bruno Mars and Cardi B, De La Soul Whole album

Best Digging Story: Going to Funk-O-Mart in Philadelphia before they closed down and buying over $300 dollars worth of records, most of them for a dollar.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ. “Check Out My Melody” Remix (Marley Marl).

LP, 12”, or 7” format? 12 inch.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without: Katy Dids candy

Most Memorable Gig Played: Free Tibet Concert at Golden Gate Park in 1996 with the Beastie Boys. They made it into a movie. Rest In Peace Adam (MCA) Yauch.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box: My Martin Circus White label Dub.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info: Bizmarkie, Bp Entertainment, Hip Hop Hands Foundation, Long Branch Sluggers, For DJ Cool V Bookings dial 1-833-DJCOOLV

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do:

Jason Trammell (jaytram) Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. I work with sounds and play the drums. I create music under the name Jaytram .  I have most recently been drumming with Sinkane and the Atomic Bomb! Band. Playing the music of the late Nigerian funk master William Onyeabor. I also work as a sound designer/mixer and foley artist.

Influences:
Soul music, which to me, encompasses all styles of music. Stumbling upon unexpected recordings and sounds. The drums, film, nature, the arts, people.

Favorite Records at the Moment:

Been listening to Babylon by Dr John, Basil Kirchin “s my friend, Book of Sound by the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Yaqaza by Sea Urchin and that first NRPS record. There’s a bunch more.

Best Digging Story:

It would probably have to do with a few different spots and thrift stores that used to be in Savannah Georgia in the late 90’s. Finding all kinds of goodness just laying around for a quarter.  Finding a gang of jazz records in a used furniture store in Gastonia, NC. Hoping the lady at the register couldn’t get her man on the phone to double check if the records were all still a buck each.  Getting to dig through the collection of my friend’s father’s old friend who had passed.  It was beautiful to see all the music that he had lived with throughout his life. The pieces I got from his collection really opened me up to a lot of great music.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.

One that comes to mind is David Holmes essential mix 98/01. Because I had never really heard a mix that jumped around genres so heavily. I was really inspired by that.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?

I like them all. And tapes in there too.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without.
I stay away from it, but if those peanut butter filled pretzel bites are around, I will crush them.

Most Memorable Gig Played:
Probably playing drums with Pharoah Sanders. The whole Onyeabor thing was great. Played with so many good folks whose music I love. Playing in Sudan with Sinkane was also really special. All the early gigs with my friends in front of nobody were also some of my favorite. As far as DJ gigs, just playing out w/ my friends at bars,  or with my cousin the night Prince died. That was a total bummer, but playing his and all the records he was a part of was so good.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
Juju & The Space Rangers “Plastic” 45

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:

to everybody. I usually play records at Doris in Bed Stuy at least one Thursday a month. Usually the first Thursday. I call it little Friday. I also have a bunch of old mixes up on mixcloud,  soundcloud  and more music on Version Tapes.

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do:
Dre’ Mayes, Yonkers, NY (Westchester County), DJ, vinyl digger and worker bee.

Influences:
DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Rockin’ Rob, The X-Ecutioners (those are for starters), Thom Bell, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff.

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Hmmm. That always changes at any given time depending on the vibe. One of my picks I’m truly digging is the Mike Maurro Remix of “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” by the Spinners (one of my favorite Soul groups ever.). The original was already easily one of my top five soul classics, but Mike sweetened it even more with his re-edit/remix by having the instrumental track play in certain spots, and also spotlighting Philippe Wynne’s additional vocals from the session. This record I never get tired of hearing. It would’ve been nice if it had a vinyl release on 12” or something.

Lately another gem I’ve been also loving is “My Mood” by MFSB which I just got a hold of on vinyl recently. And “Groovy People” by Lou Rawls which is a childhood favorite. You can’t go wrong with that Philly Soul. Yes sir.

Best Digging Story:
There were a few. From digging at a record fair at midnight in Brooklyn, to buying almost 70 albums at 50 cents each at a book and record fair at my local library and carrying them all home in plastic garbage bags and a raggedy backpack. Haha. I even scored some 45s just walking through my neighborhood once and just talking to a dude with records in his hand. I have to really think about this one, I had a few good moments.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ:
I would say Soundbombing II by J-Rocc & Babu. Even though it’s an album, it’s basically a Rawkus Records mixtape. I’ve stayed playing that cassette on repeat for a long time especially on the go. So much so that the words have rubbed off on my copy. Haha. The execution of that mix is so spot on. Technically sharp with the cuts and scratches, but also skillful with the transitions to give it a nice vibe you can rock with. Plus the choice of records used and how they were placed among each other worked really well.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
All three. It doesn’t matter as long as it’s good and worth keeping in my collection. Although I’ve been buying 45s a lot more in the past few years, I definitely still collect albums and 12” singles mostly to fill the holes in my archive of records I missed out on the first time around. And to even catch stuff I DIDN’T know about. It’s a never-ending search. Hehehe.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
Cookies!! Especially oatmeal raisin. But I would go with the butter brunch and chocolate chip too. Whatever the flavor I’m there. You can say I’m the “Cookie Monster” Hahaha.

Most Memorable Gig Played:
The one that definitely sticks out in my mind was when our crew the Buck 50 Kutter DJs did a performance at Legion in Williamsburg, Brooklyn – NYC in February of 2010. It was a release party for Rob Swift’s album “The Architect” which came out at the time and he had us come out to rock out with him. Not only did we share the bill with him, but he also had Mista Sinista, Total Eclipse, & DJ Precision as well which was awesomely dope. Plus Breez Evahflowin & Kid Lucky performed too. The crazy thing about it was that it was during a snowstorm and the place was PACKED!! They came out and supported which was so dope. It was an awesomely great show and a lot of fun. And our performance was included in Rob’s DVD that came out not too long after. Plus we did a mixtape for Breez too. A lot of good came out of that show which was a blessing.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
“Intimate Connection” b/w “Tonight” by Kleeer . That 45 is one of my go-to records I love to play out, double up on and cut up. BOTH SIDES. Smooth and funky and good to groove on. Those doubles I found together at the thrift shop years ago, and they have now became a staple in my box. And it just got reissued recently too.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
As far as gigs… there’s a possibility of something or two in the works. God willing there will be more to come.

Shouts…

To my parents (miss you Dad..Rest In Paradise) My brothers Adrian & Brett and my sister Carla.

To my Buck 50 Kutter DJ brothers: D. Official & Dope-Man. What up? Also shouts to my second crew, First Life: made up of Lateef Dameer (my long time friend for almost twenty years) on the MPC, Adam Lomeo on guitar & Hendii our vocalist. Love you guys.

Shouts to…45 Bandits, United Vinyl Diggers Federation, Mobile Mondays, Iris Records, Rock & Soul, A1 Records, and everyone else who showed me love and support in one form of another, and everyone out there keeping the DJ & digging culture alive. And definite shouts to DJ Prestige, thanks for the love. Peace Respect. God Bless & Rock On.

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do:
Abstract Orchestra, Leeds/London, a hip hop big band that reimagines classic work, collaborates with current artists and creates original work.

Influences:
Quincy Jones, Thad Jones, Bob Brookmeyer, Lalo Schifrin, Henry Mancini, David Shire, David Axelrod, Madlib, J Dilla, MF Doom, A Tribe Called Quest, Kenny Wheeler, Freddie Hubbard, Karriem Riggins, De La Soul, Slum Village, Wu Tang Clan…..the list could go on.

Favorite Records at the Moment:
I know it’s been out a while (and bought it on the release day) but the last Tribe album still blows me away, it’s perfect. Same with Thundercat’s Drunk, such a good album, seen him live a few times and an incredible musician!! Bishop Nerhu Elevators Act I&II is killer, love his flow and beats!! Czarface meets Metal Face….dark, heavy and on repeat!!

Best Digging Story:
It’s probably about 20 years ago, digging in a now closed store in Hyde Park, Leeds with my mate Adrian. I found Weekend in L.A by George Benson and was buzzing. Unfortunately we had a case of “I saw it first” and argued like children….till I bought the record!! He still comes round and plays it and says “should have been mine…” still makes me laugh….and still a great record!!

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
That’s so difficult to answer, I love different mixes for different reasons. ‘Off the Wall’ cos it’s such a ‘dry’ album in terms of reverb…..it’s tight and banging because of it. I use reverb for space in the stereo field but hate a long tail on it, especially when you can hear zeros and ones doing a poor job!! So many Dilla joints, the way he makes his drums knock is difficult to comprehend, let’s say ‘Requiem’, ‘E=MC2’ or ‘DD.007’.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
LP12 for me! I enjoy listening to a complete album and for me the artistry of shaping an album and its contour through track choice is very important, and can tell a story and take the listener on a journey. Don’t get me wrong I do love 45 bangers!!

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
I’m partial to a Pringle!!

Most Memorable Gig Played:
With Abstract there’s been a few great ones that stand out!! Supporting Yasiin Bey at Leeds O2 was pretty special, the crowd were full on and so supportive! The tour we did with Illa J earlier this year was also pretty special, The Belgrave, again in Leeds was off the hook!!! As a sideman (sax) I’ve had a few memorable ones, the biggest was with Rag’n’bone man at Glastonbury last year….quite a few folk there and live on the BBC….wasn’t too nervous!

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
Record(s): Slum Village Fantastic Vol.2, Slum Village Yes, Miles Davis Miles Ahead, Quincy Jones The Dude, Donny Hathaway Live, J Dilla Jay Love Japan, J Dilla The Shinning, John Coltrane Crescent, A Tribe Called Quest – all, De La Soul The Grind Date, Madlib Medicine Show #5, Frank Zappa Roxy & Elsewhere. (I could go on!)

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
Shout out to ATA Records for putting the albums out, to Gilles Peterson and Huey on 6 music for their support, Sam and the crew at Diplomats of Sound, the band, our listeners and audience! Please support our music by checking us out, following us on socials, sharing, buying or coming to a gig! We’re planning a tour early next year, keep an eye on socials for info!!!

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do: Duane Harriott, Brooklyn, NY, Husband, Father, DJ, Producer, Sound Designer, Radio Show Host, Beat Digger, Love Maker.

Influences: NYC, My Family, Friends, Art, Music, God.Favorite Records at the Moment: Most commonly asked Question and also the most difficult to answer. As of today..Old stuff: Aalon-Cream City LP, Enchantment-Faith is the Key LP, Herb Geller-Rhyme & Reason, Mendez Trio-S/T (Featuring the incredible keys of my father-in-law Memo Mendez Guiu. New Stuff: Farao-Pure-O LP, Josef Leimberg-Astral Progressions, Auntie Flo-Radio Highlife

Best Digging Story: The most significant dig of my life occurred in April of ’96. I had just moved to New York the week before to start a job at CMJ, booking for there Music Marathon festival, which was bigger than SXSW at that time. I was 21, fresh out of college and I went up to the Upper West Side on a Saturday to visit one of my College friends. I got off the 1 Train at 72nd Street and immediately saw a lil sidewalk vendor selling 2nd hand vinyl. I had already started collecting records, so I stooped to see what the guy had and I found a mint copy of Donald Byrd-“Places & Spaces”, Oral Caress-“Charlie’s Angels on 12″ and Question Mark Asylum’s-“Hey Lookaway” on 12″ with the Erick Sermon remix and paid $4.00 a piece for all three. All records I was searching for and couldn’t find in my home and Collegetown of Lincoln, NE. I was beyond excited!
After I had lunch with my college friend, I caught a crowded bus downtown and sitting directly across from me were three cute Puerto Rican girls, one of them kept giving me a huge gap-toothed, dimpled smile each time our eyes met. We started chatting and they invited me to a block party they were going to on Ave. B that there cousin was deejaying. I followed them to the party I hung out with them in the LES til 4, made out with the gap toothed girl, went home with my records and never saw them again. That dig was significant because it gave me the bug to keep diggin’ for records. The kinetic energy of the spontaneous hang of the night, made me fall in love with New York and immediately recognize that it was my home.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ. There was a Frankie Knuckles mix I recorded off of Hot 97 circa ’91 when I was visiting that summer that taught me everything I needed to know about how to properly mix House Music. Cut Chemist & DJ Shadow’s Brain Freeze mix for obvious reasons. DJ Premier’s-Crooklyn Cutz. Vol 3, Jeff Mills-Live at the Liquid Room.

LP, 12”, or 7” format? I love them all but because I’m such a huge Disco and HIp Hop Fanatic, I gotta go with 12″, but 7’s are a close second.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without: Not a big Junk Food Junkie, but I have a soft spot for the Welch’s Fruit Snacks. My wife recently made me some bday cupcakes with Fruit Snack toppings that may have been the best dessert I ever had in my life!!

Most Memorable Gig Played: I played Elton John’s 60th Birthday party at St’ Patrick’s cathedral, so I doubt I’ll ever forget that. Playing an all nighter at Rubulad with David Holmes, Andy Votel and Jazzman Gerald was a pretty incredible night. Playing the Mister Sunday parties on a semi-regular basis is always such a highlight as well. Just being able to travel and earn a living doing what I love makes every gig memorable because I feel so blessed to be able to do it.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box: I’m almost always guaranteed to have some sort of Prince, Rick James or Quincy Jones related production in my bag at all time, no matter the party theme!

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info: Big Shout outs to my Devin Dare Production Partner and fellow digger Sean Marquand, My father Oscar Harriott who first gave me the bug to Dig for records, my loving and supporting wife Marisa and my future beat digger Alton (my son), my family at WFMU.
Follow me on IG at duaniac77 and check out my show the Duane Train every Wednesday on WFMU (wfmu.org) if you wanna see what I’m up to. Love & Light!!!

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do:

Johnny Starke a.k.a Johnny2tone – Kansas City, MO – Filmmaker/Label Owner/DJ

Influences:

My folks mostly played ’50’s Rhythm and Blues records at our house growing up, so I lean hard on the popular music of that era. Everything I love has it’s roots in there. My father was also a huge Reggae head, so that sound is ingrained in my heart and soul. Like most kids that think they are “different” I found Punk Rock at a really young age and that made me realize music was so much more than just what was on the radio or what my folks were listening to. From there it was like a flood gate. Funk, Soul, Reggae, Hip Hop, Punk Rock, Mod Rock… Basically any aggressive roots music with Soul is what keeps my feet planted on this earth.

Favorite Records at the Moment:

If you would have asked me four years ago, I would have listed some random dope 45s I’d just found in some old guys basement, but we have a revolution going on and I’ve got new LPs on the turntable for the first time. Durand Jones/Ben Pirani/Nick Waterhouse/Jr Thomas/Cochemea… These are usually on while I’m cleaning and sorting 45s.

Best Digging Story:

My dig story starts in the same place as a lot of heavy diggers… but my experience was different. New Orleans. Eddie 3 Way’s. The ladder. The mold. The dudes you don’t ever look sideways at. With each step you took was the sound of breaking records and the thrill of every record you pick up being a Soul masterpiece. I had heard rumors of such a place. Talk from the diggers who came before me, but no one told you where it was or how you found it… if you knew, you knew. Being in there felt like I died and went to crate digger heaven. It almost wasn’t even about the records at that point, it was like finding Atlantis. To dig in the same room that most of my DJ heroes had dug in… basically sacred ground. I have the upmost respect for the record heads that laid the ground work and made this a lifestyle for us. They chopped down all the trees, now we are out here building roads. I did walk away with about 300 of the best 45s in my collection though, haha.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.

I think Shades Of Blue… It has that amazing ability to be raw and refined at exactly the same moment. Max Tannone’s Mos Dub and Dub Kweli are also HUGE in my life.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?

7″ – NO QUESTION! This is the most active form of music listening. You can’t get away from it… You have two minutes and thirty seconds to absorb everything the artist is trying to give you. You don’t get to go make popcorn while a 45 is grinding away.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:

I quit drinking almost a decade ago, ever since then I eat sweets like it’s nobody’s business. But I’ll shout out Dilla… I honestly couldn’t live without Donuts.

Most Memorable Gig Played:

I played the basement of this tiny club in Des Moines, Iowa with my dude Manic Times. It was maybe a 100 cap room and it was one of those gigs where people are there because it’s the place to be, not because they live and breath the music. We were going one for one all night and we were just dialed in, same brain kind of deal. Nothing but heat for about an hour straight and everyone was dancing. About 1am I look up from the turntables and there are at least 175 people crammed into that dank little Iowa hole. Dancing, sweating, losing their minds to songs they have never remotely heard. It’s a crowd of mostly college kids, bar rats, and party girls… I know what these people need. I pop on the next 45 and from the very first note the crowd goes into full on carnage mode. Kids are swinging from the ceiling, girls are climbing on people’s heads, some dude has even mounted the PA stack and is just screaming in my face… College kids become animals when they’ve had a few drinks and you hit them with the ol’ Freddie Scott classic. We owe Biz for that one.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:

Soul Box: The Turnpikes – Cast A Spell
Reggae Box: Prince Buster – Prince Of Peace
Punk Box: The Undertones – You’ve Got My Number

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:

Man like Jamison Harvey! Thanks for always supporting the scene! Shout out to Ethiopian Buffets everywhere! Check out my record label Teenage Heart Records. I produce and release records I love, mostly Punk/Reggae/Soul 45s. We have a new Soul 45 coming out that is strictly a fundraiser for 1960s KC Soul singer Tony Ashley, who was murdered right before his big break. Also, shout out to KC Funk band The Freedom Affair, they have a single coming out on Colemine Records soon. Kansas City, THIS IS THE PLACE! Check me out on Instagram, it’s where I post rare KC Soul records and deejay happenings: https://www.instagram.com/kingcitysoulclub

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do:
Sweet V. Brooklyn, NY. Selector/DJ and Hair salon/vintage boutique owner.

Influences:
I’m influenced by Jamaican and English sound system culture from the 70s and 80s, Jah Shaka, King Tubby, Black Scorpio and soooo many more but that’s the vibe.

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Tristan Palma “On The Attack, Ranking Ann “Something Fishy Going On”, Bitty McLean “Heart Mind & Soul”.

Best Digging Story:
Nothing super wild but one of my favorites is going to the Bronx to check out Moodies records, found some 7 inches that had been on my want list. At the time Lloyd ‘Bullwackie’ Barnes studio was upstairs, I got the chance to go upstairs and check it out and meet him, and was given a copy of the Love Joys’s Lovers Rock album by the producer himself ! Couldn’t get better for me!

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
Studio One/Coxsone tribute show by Reggae Twins and JAmaica Rock 8/23/2012 Tenor Saw, 80’s digital and more by Queen Majesty are fresh in my mind. I like the Studio One / Coxsone tribute for the original sounds you don’t get to hear all the time, just some sweet rocksteady classics . The second one is just a hard Digi mix, totally different vibe but wicked still.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
Jamaican 7”s.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
Fries, Chips, Cereal !

Most Memorable Gig Played:
At the Den in East Flatbush, played there for years every Sunday. It was a underground spot if you knew you knew. Nuff Brooklyn reggae legendary selectors like Jah Wise would be in there on occasion , artist would pass through and hold vibe, but if it was a earth strong celebration for any of the old school heads, it was over! Every one would come out, Sister Caroll, Jonhnny Osborne so many! Crazy to be a part of that, playing a record that inspires them to jump on the mic and ask you to play the version and getting pulls ups on tunes from the ones who lived that era, nothing better !

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
Dennis Brown “Black Magic Woman”.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
Shout out to boss DJs who’s always inspire me like Queen Majesty who’s one of the first reggae vinyl DJs I knew about when I moved to New York 11 years ago. Natasha Diggs my good friend, who I met buying records from her at the flea market, and Ras Tayo Dirty 45s for the digging adventures and mentoring.

More info on Sweet V here.

Listen to Sweet V mixes here.

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do:
JKriv, Brooklyn. I DJ, produce, play live with the band Escort, and run the label Razor-N-Tape with partner Aaron Dae.

Influences:
My musical journey started with rock and heavy metal in the late 80s, moved through 70s funk and soul to a period of serious focus on Jazz, Brazilian and other Latin and Caribbean sounds, then back to disco and house in the early 2000s, so the influences are pretty wide-ranging. I came to music as an instrumentalist long before I got into DJing and I still kinda view things through that lense. The artists that have influenced me the most are probably Miles Davis, Donny Hathaway, Prince, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones, Hall & Oates, Aretha Franklin, Frankie Knuckles, Larry Levan,

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Lungile Masitha – Vuyani – South African boogie joint from 1985 reissued on Left Ear Records last month. Fire!
T.C. Curtis – Pack Up Your Things And Get Out Of My Life – 1988. I didn’t know how much I needed this record in my life until last year.
Khruangbin – Con Todo El Mundo – was one of my fav LPs of last year which I will stay stuck on it until they release a new record.
Escort feat. Fonda Rae – City Life – sorry for the plug, but I mean we have FONDA RAE singing on our track! Plus it’s a really fun one. Only out digitally for now, but there is a really nice series of Escort 7’s coming very soon, including this.

Best Digging Story:
Honestly I think my most baller move ever was when I was 12 years old and my uncle took me to see the Philharmonic with the legendary Leonard Bernstein conducting and I convinced him to let us bail at intermission so I could go shopping at Tower Records. I bought a Shabba Ranks CD. Other than that…Cosmos Zapateria in Bogota was pretty incredible…an amazing selection of records in a hidden room above a shoe store. And I’ll never forget being introduced to DJ Yellow in 2002 at Satellite Records, while holding a DJ Yellow record I was about to buy.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
Larry Levan live at the Paradise Garage. Recorded in 1978 and released on Strut in 2000. The tracklist isn’t anything too mind-blowing…until you realize that everything he was playing didn’t have the legacy it has now; he was breaking it right there! The programming and mixing is of course perfection…the gold standard of disco DJing.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
Primarily 12” for me, but I’m psyched to play 45s this Saturday!

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
French Fries are just so delicious.

Most Memorable Gig Played:
Getting to play guitar in the Red Bull Music tribute to Patrick Adams band a couple years ago was an incredible honor. It was simultaneously surreal and humblingt o play some of the music that has had such a big impact on me, alongside the people who actually made that music! For DJ gigs, last NYE at the Mareh Festival in Brazil on a boat playing with my great friend and musical cohort Dicky Trisco was one for the ages.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
The Justin Vandervolgen edit of Bobby Thurston “You Got What It Takes.” There’s nothing that record can’t do.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
Can’t wait to rock it on the home turf Saturday!

Listen to JKriv music here.

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do: April Garcia aka DJ Abrilita. Oakland, CA. HIV Clinic Office Manager at SFDPH

Influences: DJ nights; Sweater Funk, Hella Groove, Suavecito Souldies, Down to Funk, Spill The Wine. Specific DJ influences are Vinyl Honey, Noel, Brown Amy, Soulita.

Favorite Records at the Moment: 1. “Music Madness”: Beckie Bell “I Love You”- Karriem, 3. “Disco Dancer” – Kiki Gyan, 4. “Hey Boy” – Ruby Andrews 5.“Can’t Get Him Off My Mind” – Sheryl Swope

Best Digging Story: I had been looking for this soul 7″ “Where Will You Be Boy” by Beverly Shaffer, but couldn’t find it at an affordable price online, it goes upwards from $100. My partner and I had spent a week in Chicago digging for cheap soul records and on our last day at the last record store, there it was in the $1 bin. It was such a major score and in great condition. A prized possession for sure!

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ: There are couple mixes that I keep returning to even after years of listening to them. Top is Sweeter Side of Latin Soul by Nick Aguirre. It’s so special in that it’s Latin jazz/salsa but also that sweet, sticky icky soul. The songs are by family favorite artists, but the twist is that they are all B-Side slow songs that I had never heard. Another mix is Panama Sweet Soul by DJ Aware. It’s all beautiful soulful afro-latino vocals over slow calypso beats. There’s nothing like it!

LP, 12”, or 7” format?: Since I love soul music, 7″ (aka 45s) is my preferred vinyl format. Plus they are easier & lighter to carry (I take public transportation to most of my gigs) and they are easier to store since I have limited storage space in my apartment.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without: POPCORN, with extra salt & butter!

Most Memorable Gig Played: Lee Fields, Dam Funk, and Durand Jones & The Indications. It’s so hard to choose from these top 3, but if I had to I would say Lee Fields. What a performer, my goodness.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box: Holly Maxwell: “Only When You’re Lonely”‘

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info: Shout out to the Bay Area DJs & nights; Sweater Funk, Hella Groove in SAC, Brown Amy, and of course to Suavecito Souldies on 1st Fridays in Oakland. Special shout out to the lady DJs holding it down here, the reason why any of this really matters to me. The music community here is so inspiring!

Dig Deeper!

Photo by Attis Clopton

Name, Location, What You Do:
My name is Morgan Greenstreet, AKA DJ modrums.
Ridgewood, Queens.

Drummer, percussionist, DJ and journalist (Afropop Worldwide, NPR, RBMA and even Resident Advisor once or twice ).

Influences:
I have to start with my parents who are both musicians, and specifically my father who has been playing professionally since he was 16. From a very early age they exposed me to a wide range of music, live and recorded and encouraged me to play. In the house, we heard everything from Bach to Bartok, Al Green to Grant Green, Bird, Coltrane, Dolphy, and also some Cuban and West African music. I remember particularly wearing out a compilation CD called Real Rumba from Cuba (Corason Records) that totally blew my young mind. My father used to teach a course in World Music (i.e. anything that was not part of the Anglo-Western musical canon) as source for composition and improvisation. I listened intently to all the music he brought home and made myself mix CDs constantly of music I dug in the public library and copied from his collection. As I grew older I was most attracted to music from Africa and the Africain diaspora. I traveled to Cuba and Ghana to study drumming and write about it. I dove into NYC salsa history and music when I moved to the city after college and I also started playing more Afrobeat and Congolese music with Nkumu Katalay, and other styles of Latin and Caribbean music with Karikatura, Yotoco, Fulaso and Juanita Cash. When I started DJing, I basically picked up where my ears have been leading me as a musician, though I’ve definitely become more open to certain different sounds since I started DJing, particularly more ’80s and disco aesthetics, though I still avoid playing a lot of disco. I try to follow the music that moves me, that I’m most excited about, or that has a certain pull on my ears, heart, gut. I don’t follow a lot of DJs, although there are definitely certain people who inspire me a lot, in their music and their hustle: Eric Banta of Names You Can Trust; Brian Shimkovitz of Awesome Tapes from Africa; Hugo Mendez of Sofrito/Nouvelle Ambiance; my friends Boris Paillard AKA DJ Mixanthrope and Edna Martinez in Berlin; also Greg Kaz, Mickey Perez, Cesar Toribio in NYC and, big time, DJ tres dos, my main collaborator in NYC. I’ve learned a ton from him already and it never stops. I’m also inspired by the picó sound system culture of Caribbean Colombia, although I’ve yet to visit and experience it in person, their mix of musical influences and over-dub and version aesthetic really appeals to me. And I love soukous, like a lot.

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Alix Jacques – Alix Jacques Colé Colé Band
Silvestre Mendez – Oriza
Bebeto – Cheio De Razão
Empire Bakuba – Show Times (mainly the joint “Petshi Pour Ida”)

Best Digging Story:
I don’t have that many special stories. My favorite digging experience is ‘discovering’ a cheap record that lights up the dance floor and becomes a favorite of mine. It happens a lot and it keeps me digging. Here’s a story, though not sure if it qualifies as a digging or a gigging story or both: DJ tres dos turned me on to the cadence group Lino and the Hardway from St. Maarten, particularly the record Street Fighter. On tour in Europe, I found another record by the group at Plexus in Delft, Netherlands, which is an excellent and historic shop if you find yourself in the area. Later that tour I was spinning a small party at KAOS, a collective art space on the outskirts of Berlin, pretty far off the beaten path. At some point I played the Lino record, and from the first notes, a tall young guy approached the booth, like “What are you playing?” I show him the cover. “That’s my dad!” Sure enough there was a likeness between him and Lino! I didn’t get his name or contact or anything but he told me he was visiting Berlin from London and his friend happened to bring him to KAOS of all places. That experience made us both pretty happy.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
I don’t want to sound like an asshole but I don’t listen to a lot of mixes. I guess I have so much music at home to listen to all the time. Most of my favorite mixes are from my friends: Here’s one from DJ tres dos and lo_fi_vinyl Lemuel. ZL #2: Deep crate salsa. It’s fucking great all the way through and salsa is fucking great music. Here’s another, New York Haitian records with Hugo Mendez. It’s beautifully curated and and Here’s a third, from Mixanthrope, totally different, all new African pop music totally dope selections throughout: Auto-Tuned Africa Vol3 .

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
Yes and. I’m digging more 7″s lately for all the obvious reasons of portability, fidelity, specificity. But there’s so much great music on the LP format that was never and will never be pressed as a 12″ or 7″ so I definitely dig them hard.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
Garden of Eatin Chili and Lime or Red Hot Blues chips. Also I’ll fuck up a bowl of homemade popcorn.

Most Memorable Gig Played:
The African Beats and Pieces party in Berlin last December. Just an overwhelming amount of love and good energy, from first to last note after dawn. Old-school records to the most contemporary stuff. It was beautiful.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
For the past year or so, Dadou Pasquet- Cherchez La Vie. A beautiful disco/konpa record that always takes the floor from warm to warmer.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
I’d like to shout out my two crews, firstly Zona Libre with DJ tres dos. We have a regular third Thursday at Mad Tropical but also tons of other one-offs, including Ricardo’s birthday bash August 24th all day at Bier Wax with a huge lineup of all-stars. No te lo pierdas! And Terapia y Verbena with Elkin Pautt, Colombian picó style! Look out for us! I’m honestly just grateful to be doing so much of what I love! I’m a baby at this compared to so many greats here in NYC, so I’m grateful for the opportunities. Thanks to everyone who’s put me on and given me a chance to grow!

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do:
Eduardo Motta I’m born and raised in Rio de Janeiro RJ, I’m a recording artist since 1988. I started in my school years on a hard rock band, one of my best teenage memory is the music of Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin, Rory Gallagher, The Who, Humble Pie, etc.

Influences:
From Donny Hathaway to Stephen Sondheim, from Steely Dan to Burt Bacharach. Lots of movie composers like Henry Mancini, Elmer Bernstein, Alex North. Some of my lyrics are inspired by film noir stories and French/Belgian comic books.

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Wayne Shorter’s Emanon is brilliant, I bought it just last month.

Best Digging Story:
When I found almost complete collection from Lloyd McNeil on his label Asha in Rio’s downtown, almost 20 years ago. It was very expensive on eBay and I paid something like 10 dollars or less for each one.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
I prefer to listen the whole thing created by the artist, to enjoy a selection made by somebody else never make sense to me, in my world it never ever happened.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
LP, million miles away. My collection has almost 30K, maybe only 300 7″, and no 12″at all.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
I’m a fat man that has a epicurean lifestyle, so junk food was never my thing, to eat something on a paper, industrial food etc. I use to write about wine and restaurants for Brazilian newspapers, the first guy to write about natural wine here back to 1997. I love french and Italian classic food. French wine from Burgundy is my religion.

Most Memorable Gig Played:
It was a gig with Jazz Sinfônica in São Paulo back to 1995, it was the first time I worked with an orchestra live, to hear my compositions in that aesthetic was unforgettable.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
Royal Scan, Aja, Gaucho from Steely Dan, and Fagen’s Nightfly, the most perfect music I know, it has everything I love, great compositions, great arrangements, great musicians, great studio sounds, great lyrics.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
I’m touring and making new songs for a new album in 2020.

Dig Deeper!

Name, Location, What You Do:
Danny Krivit, DJ since 1971, record producer, but in production I’m best known for bringing attention to the art of editing.

Influences:
Music of the 60’s & 70’s, the first 2 decades of Soul Train, The Ninth Circle & growing up in Greenwich Village, James Brown, Larry Levan & the Paradise Garage, David Mancuso & the Loft, Body & Soul with Francois K & Joe Claussell

Your DJ career is so long, so right now in 2019, what are you looking for in a record?
It’s a process that, because I’ve been doing this this many years, I’ve acquired kind of a path of what I’m looking for that involves that whole journey. I’m kind of drawn towards things that are not disposable music. I want something that’s going to last and, to me, a classic is not necessarily its age, it’s just: “Does this seem like it’s going to stand the test of time?” I do look for things that have substance. And this matters. It’s got depth or class, and I’m drawn towards soul, so whether it’s a techno record or a pop record or whatever it is, I’m drawn towards things that have a soul to it. Also things that I feel I’m going to play in some place or another. It doesn’t have to be a dance floor filler, but that I’m going to find use, not like, “Oh, this is a cool record to put in my closet”.

How often are you still looking for records and tracks?
It’s when (and where) I have a day off. I’m usually doing it several times a day. When I travel, I’m always looking for vinyl or when I’m overseas, places I haven’t been. A lot of the regular things are rare finds for me, and I’m constantly looking in my neighborhood, because what I can’t do overseas, I do here. Where I’m around, because of that, something comes up once and you’re just there. But I get a lot of mail from people sending me different things. I’m looking on all the different sites for things I would normally be attracted to. Just a constant search.

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Heaven (Danny Krivit Edit) – The Vision – Defected
Moving Mountains (Danny Krivit Edit) – The Hood Ft Andreya Triana – Defected
Good Feeling (Atjazz & D-Malice Vocal Dub) – Dominique Fils-Aimé-
Raise You Up – Sophie Lloyd Ft Dames Brown – Defected
Come On Baby (Toshi Edit) Barbara Mason – CRP (7″)
Get On That (Inst-Re-Layered) – Andy Cooper & DJ Format – 45 Live (7″)
Aguaxirê – JKriv – Rocksteady Disco
Barely Breaking Even (Louie Vega Boogie Mix) The Universal Robot Band – BBE
Hanging Tough – Sunlightsquare – ALIM (7″)
Life In ATL Tyrone Francis BNY Prod – Tyrone Francis – Blak-n-Yello

I was looking at some of your favorite records at the moment and I saw that there is a DJ Format and Andy Cooper record in there. I’ve reviewed them on the site many times, so, are you kind of up on a lot of releases with that kind of sound?
This answer kind of covers a lot of ground. The more I know, the more I realize I don’t. I feel like, I know a lot, but I mean in my mind, I’m feeling like, “God, I know nothing.” I’m constantly asking questions. I’m constantly being turned on to things. It seems to open up several other doors. It’s not like it needs to be processed, it’s just, that’s where it goes.

I also have this philosophy that records find you. If you’re meant to have a record, it’s going to come to you some way. What do you think about that?
I think records have found me but, like I said, the more I know, the more I realize I don’t know. Whatever I’ve acquired, I’ve got 80,000 records. And then probably more than that digital. But the thing is, I’m sure I have double or many times that of stuff I would love that I don’t know, I don’t have.

How do you organize all that?
Badly. The bigger it gets the more the monster is. The records have become just a monster because I don’t have the freedom of a large warehouse. I have storage, I have my house which is overrun. And I’m constantly trying to manage it and it’s always so unmanageable at that size. I don’t have a staff. Digitally, it can be even more daunting. I have a system but it might be one of those old movies where the guy opens up the desk and it’s this complete mess. And he kind of knows where everything is but you look at it and go, “How?”

Controlled chaos, right?
Yeah. That’s a good explanation. Controlled chaos.

I started buying those corrugated cardboard boxes just this past summer. I would go from bag to box to bag to box and I gave it a good try.
Wait, let me explain something to you at the other end. Cardboard boxes are a problem. They’re efficient when you don’t care and you’re just using space, like you’re storing it tightly. But most of the things in boxes are forgotten and you don’t have the opportunity to go in and out them or change it. And then it becomes just this thing that’s there and you don’t touch and you go, “Why is it there? I’m not even using it. And there’s things in there I should be using.” So, even in storage, I try to have shelving. Just [so] there’s some movement and understanding.

I have some shelves and few boxes but I’m slowly running out of space myself. A whole floor full of records. My wife is wondering, “when is enough? That’s what she asks me a lot.
Well, you start inventing efficient ways to use corners and parts of the ceiling and wherever it is, it’s not offensive to them, but at least you’re utilizing space.

Best Digging Story:
Back in the mid 70’s when David Mancuso ran the first record pool out of The Loft, after about a year or two, he disbanded the pool. When I ran into him on the street, he mentioned that he was giving away all of the leftover promos, and that I could come and take as much as I could carry. I wasn’t able to go until later that week, by then word had gotten out; I knew a lot of people had raided it already. But this was a very special collection of music and I knew there were still plenty of records I would be overjoyed to get. I found a big bag that would probably hold close to a crate of records and I went with a friend. I told my friend that I was especially looking for one record in particular, a promo only record that had so far eluded me. But I knew if I was gonna find it anywhere, it would be there. It was a limited white label promo of Diana Ross “Love Hangover” backed with the vocal and instrumental versions of Marvin Gaye “I Want You”. When I arrived, the record room where the records used to be all on the shelves and in stacks of boxes, were now just loose, covering the entire floor of the room. So much that it was a good 3 feet high of records wall to wall. To get into the room, you needed to climb up on the records and look around from above. We did, and as we started to look around, that’s when I told him that it would really make my day if I were to find this particular Diana Ross/Marvin Gaye promo 12″. Soon after that, as we’re carefully maneuvering around on top of the records, I hear a loud snap from under my foot, I look to see what it was, amazingly it was that Diana Ross/Marvin Gaye promo 12″! I was so upset, you couldn’t even talk to me, I told my friend I had to leave, I couldn’t stay any longer and left. I eventually finally found another copy of that 12″: about 10 years later.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
I prefer vinyl over digital, but I really enjoying playing whatever actually sounds best for that song, generally 12″s sound the best, but it really depends on the individual pressing/recording, sometimes I prefer the Lp version, sometimes the 7″ version, sometimes I actually prefer the digital…whatever sounds best, that’s what I prefer.

Speaking of 7″ records, were you just drawn to seven inches or is it just kind of how it was back in the day, whatever format you got, that’s it?
Back in the day, it was whatever format. Because of the timing of that period of time, seven inches were, there was no twelve inch. Seven inches were the focus of, you wanted that song, you didn’t necessarily want the whole album. And a lot of seven inches were engineered to sound a little louder, a little better. They were like a definitive mix of the song. Maybe they cut off a meandering part or something like that. Sometimes they cut out the best part, but lots of times it was geared towards: this is the strongest part of the song. So we bought sevens back then, first. And you played two seven inches if you want to keep it going. So, kind of my collection, I had a lot of seven inches back there. But I had a lot of albums too and I played whatever I thought was best for that song. And as the twelve inches came in, the sevens really kind of disappeared. I kept what I had, but I wasn’t really buying sevens. Occasionally, something would stand out, it’s only on a seven. But then, maybe in the last 10 or 15 years, I started to see a movement, people using more sevens and more seven inch releases. And I was approaching 45 years of DJing, so I thought, “You know what? I have all these sevens. I had this affinity to them. Let me do a party of just sevens.” And I started kind of acquiring a little more seven inches as I was traveling and leading up to this. And it really just took off, my seven inch collection. I’m a little spoiled, having all this digital, everything I want to play. I want to have the same with the seven inches. I want to have all that versatility. So, I focused a lot on collecting sevens that I play and when I do these parties because they’re local, I drag a lot of it with me. So, even though this party is going to be only four hours, I mean some of them have been eight hours, I’ll still drag a ridiculous amount of records with me because it’s just easier to play with that freedom.

Do you feel like you over pack at times?
Think of this as how much overkill I’m doing. I’m bringing close to, I mean the last couple of times I’ve brought, between 2000 and 2200 records. It’s more work to cut it down and sit there and go, I’m probably not going to play this, whatever. I bring all the possibilities, I think, just like I would have on all my drives. So, it’s more extensive than necessary, but it’s a great freedom to feel like, I don’t set out to play certain things. I play off the cloud, I get rushes. My whole style of playing all these years, I get an intuition and a rush to play something that I never expected to. It just happens in the moment. And so, it’s nice to have those possibilities because lots of times if I leave something behind, it’s that exact record that, oh, I actually wanted to play that.

We’re on our feet quite a bit, all the time. Whether it’s walking to a gig with records or trying to get on whatever transportation or actually standing six or seven hours. What is your opinion on kind of a footwear as you DJ? I know throughout the years, for me, I always wanted to look good. So, maybe I wore shoes that looked good. But now as getting a little older, looking good isn’t always the best thing when you have to DJ for a long stretch of time.
I think, especially if you’re doing this regularly, you’re going to focus on what’s comfortable. I noticed François wears footwear. He’s wearing an open shoe that he’s comfortable in, not necessarily looks good. When I was a teenager, I really wore sneakers every day. And I went through Converse, Adidas, Pumas and Nikes and all this. And they just sweat too much. But I was always like, “Ah. This is not healthy. There’s just too much sweat in a shoe.” So, on that search in about 1980, I discovered New Balance. They were not a big brand back then. They were really hidden. But the one thing they did do was they breathed. And they had a little bit of a sedate look, and back then you couldn’t get into clubs with sneakers. So, somehow I used them to look a little less like a sneaker, they’re a suede shoe. I just got used to wearing them all these years and I wore them 24/7, that’s my shoe. And for all these hours DJing, they’ve really been helpful. I mean I haven’t had a problem. I think my style of performing, and I’m moving up there, I’m not just standing, so I think it’s just worked well with the New Balance. I haven’t had to reach out for anything else.

Most Memorable Gig Played:
48 years of DJing, very many, can’t name just one!

Shout Outs
I would want to shout out to Paul Raffaele. Always helped with, not only these parties, but just as a friend and music in general, always supportive. Benny Soto as well. My partnership with him with 718 sessions and the support he gives me. My wife, AK, who is a supporting artist and again, just so much help with the things I do regarding music. And really, there are so many special regulars out there. Some of which are going to be at this party [September 12th] or 718 sessions or Body and SOUL. Certainly a shout out to Body and SOUL, François K and Joe Claussell. I’ve been very blessed with over the years these regulars that, you don’t realize how much they hold up the parties in general. Not just mine, but the scene. They’re individuals, you can’t compare them to anybody and they bring a kind of energy that is so missed if they’re not there. They’re not all so young, but they have a youth that young people spot and emulate when they come in the parties. So, I’m really thankful to these people. There’s too many to mention, but really thankful to the people that have come to my parties regularly. Very special.

Last Remarks:
As far as what I’d like to tell people, is just that I really enjoy what I do. It’s not just the music alone, but it’s the music and how I can share it with people. And what my focus is on music that has substance to it and that’s why I’ve been able to do it this many years and feel that it’s just going to continue going as long as I can. But it’s something I love doing in that I think it’s a little bit of a fountain of youth. It’s funny, I’m surrounded by a group of friends that I’ve known most of my life and we all feel like kids because we have this love of music. It’s got that kind of energy. I think if I was selling insurance all these years, I’d be done. Because when I grew up, everybody I knew had some sort of music collection, had some sort of involvement in music. And now it’s a lot more specialized. A lot of people, music is what they hear somewhere. They don’t really get lost in it. I think it’s just what falls on them that shapes what they’re into. The whole short attention span problem, it’s a problem in life in general. So, I just like to tell people, it’s a life giving experience to be involved. It really brings me most of my happiness.

Gigs:
Thursday, September 12th – vinyl only 100% 7″ party at Shimanski 6-10pm-ish

Saturday (Early Morning), September 14th, Golden Record presents A Rooftop Party with Danny Krivit & Charles Webster.
@ Taafe Street Loft, 226-262 Taaffe Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11205. I’ll be playing from 8:30am-11am

Sunday, September 15th, Mighty Real presents Body And Soul @ SVN, San Francisco

Sunday, September 22nd, 718 Sessions with Danny Krivit & Special guest Sting International @ 3 Dollar Bill, Brooklyn (Feat Sting’s incredible sound system)

Sunday, October 13th, 718 Sessions celebrates King Street Sounds 25th anniversary & Columbus Day @ Good Room, Brooklyn with a very special guest to be announced soon.

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Name, Location, What You Do:
Miranda Maxwell. Brooklyn. Artist/DJ/Designer #shescrafty

Influences:
Soulful melodies, Aretha Franklin’s voice, Songs to #socksnstuff to… since I was a kid (Michael Jackson’s Thriller might have set it off) I dance enthusiastically by myself. I have been video taping this for almost 20yrs! Haha.

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Brain Story’s debut album on Big Crown Records; Buck is playing a lot at my house. I have been on a soulful rock/jazz kick, which James Taylor and War classics are a heavy part of. The Freddie Gibbs Madlib Bandana is also a current favorite.

Best Digging Story:
Last year I went to the Allentown 45” record fair. A few years ago I hardly had any 45s in my collection. There I spent the entire day at two booths getting 1$ gems and doubled my collection, and now have a much better understanding and appreciation for the 45” craze!

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
DJ Rahdu made a D’Angelo Flips, remixes and tributes mix I like to play on my desktop while working. Can’t go wrong with D’angelo! I also am amazed by J.Rocc’s mixes. His Thank You Jay Dee series is incredible.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
I prefer listening to LP’s at home. My favorite records are an experience from start to finish. The personal touches that connect you not only to the music but the artists’ style, choice of artwork and arrangement of tracks.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
I have a sweet tooth, love it all. Last year I moved to Brooklyn from the East Village. Peter Pan, a mom and pop donut shop took the place of my old neighborhood fix, Vinero’s.

Most Memorable Gig Played:
One stand out is June 2017 Sweet Chick booked me to spin their annual Block Party in Brooklyn. During that set I had the honor of DJing for Mobb Deep! Sadly this was the last time Prodigy performed in New York. He passed away the following week. RIP.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
I always try and slide Prince into my sets! My favorite album of his is Sign of the Times.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
Thank you for having me. Shout outs to all the dope DJs and collectors you have interviewed in the past. Happy to be part of the collection. Love.

Miranda Maxwell will be the special guest at Shake! this Saturday, November 16th at Friends and Lovers in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

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Name, Location, What You Do:
Daniel Collás, Williamsburg, Producer.

Influences:
Rotary Connection, Eddy Grant, Shocking Blue, Francis Grasso.

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Gece – Altin Gün
Liquid Diamonds – Leon Lowman

Best Digging Story:
Unfortunately, there are very few. I’ve never been very lucky or had the persistence to really dig. So I would say the time I found a mint copy of the Elephant’s “Memory Take It To The Street” and Coke Escovedo’s “Comin At Ya” in a stack of records that had been left in my building by a previous tenant, apparently. Also the time I found Joe Bataan’s “Singin’ Some Soul” and Pagan’s “I Can See” for a dollar at some flea market upstate. The thing is, around that time, people were finding Acid for a dollar left and right, so I was more disappointed that I couldn’t find a copy and kinda felt like those two were a consolation prize. I was pretty quickly disabused of that notion.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
I don’t listen to mixes too often, but I really liked that one Andy Votel from years ago, Songs in The Key of Death, I think it was called. There was also one from Muro and Dmitri from Paris that had War’s Good Good Feeling and that Spartacus jam. Disco Friends, maybe?

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
Lots of my favorite tracks were never singles, so they weren’t released as 7” or 12”. I’ve got some European 7” 33 rpm that are poorly pressed, sound pretty lousy, and some LP cuts that are mastered really hot. Just depends on what sounds better. That being said, generally speaking, for soul music I prefer, 45s, disco, 12”.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
A lot of people consider pizza junk food, so I think that’s probably the most succinct answer here. But to those people, I will say you are woefully mistaken, in my humble –but correct– opinion.

Most Memorable Gig Played:
Probably Bonobo in Tokyo, on a mixer handmade for David Mancuso when he had come over in 2000. At least that was the story.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
“All Woman” by Cheryl Dilcher. Super tough feminism funk.
A close second would be “Sea Hunt” by Patrick Cowley. I only recently found out that it’s his interpolation of an old TV show theme, and that kinda ruined it for me, to be honest.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
Phenomenal Handclap Band’s “Remain Silent” 12” came out last month, and our new album will be out next year on Toy Tonics. I’ve also been working with [legendary Gil Scott Heron collaborator] Brian Jackson on his forthcoming solo album.

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Name, Location, What You Do:
DJ Mihoko. Brooklyn, NY. Professional DJ.

Influences:
I started listening to reggae music when I was 16 years old and started going to a reggae club in Tokyo when I was 17. My mom used to pick me up at the club with her bicycle at 5 o’clock in the morning! A few years later I began working at the club and started to play records, mostly lovers rock and roots reggae. My friend and I started a sound system. We were the first female sound system in Japan! We toured all over in Japan and I went to Jamaica five or six times to make dubplates with artists like Dennis Brown, Sizzla, Lady Saw, Anthony B, and others.

In 1998 I decided to move to NYC to become a DJ. I started playing not only reggae but hip-hop, soul, funk, disco, etc. Not long after moving to NYC from Tokyo, my apartment in Washington Heights caught on fire. The flames destroyed half of my record collection. Later my neighbor came to my apartment with a stack of wrinkled bills totaling like $200. She said that I should stop at her boyfriend’s place sometime. When I went there and knocked, Gil Scot-Heron opened the door eating an ice cream bar! He welcomed me into his place and I had ice cream with him. We talked about music and life, it was a memorable evening! And I’m still alive and still DJing in NYC!

Favorite Records at the Moment:
“Heaven” by The Vision

Best Digging Story:
I used to go to Jamaica to make dubplates because I used to have an all-female sound in Tokyo called Time Machine. In the ’90s in Jamaica, going digging for reggae rare 45s in the basement of record store.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
Soul, funk, disco, hip hop, reggae and house mixes by DJ Spinna, Danny Krivit, Rich Medina, Bobbito, and Qool Marv.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
12″, but I would love to get more soul, funk. or disco 45s because I mostly have reggae 45s.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
I don’t eat junk food I eat only healthy, good, stuff!

Most Memorable Gig Played:
Playing at the Ace Hotel with Q-Tip in 2009/2010.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
“Give Me Your Love” by Sylvia Striplin.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:

DJ Mihoko Website

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Name, Location, What You Do:
DJ C-Reality, New Jersey. I currently do a weekly online radio show called Flip The Script Radio with my co-creator/co-host Greystoke, and co-host Mateo. I consider myself a tastemaker on the show, featuring hip hop music from all over the world that I feel should have a platform. I’m also an active club DJ, if the venue is right and suits my needs.

Influences:
I was heavily influenced by pioneers like Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, Bambaata, Red Alert, Marley Marl, DST, and Jam Master Jay. These were the people that sparked my interest in the art of DJing in my early, formative years. Especially Red Alert from a radio perspective. Years later, I received further inspiration from the turntablist and battle scene, with such DJ’s as Steve D, Alladdin, Richie Rich, The Supermen, X-Men, and the Scratch Pickles.

Favorite Records at the Moment:
Being exposed to so much new music its a hard pick for me. I will say that Rasheed Chappell’s First Brick and Oxygen’s Age Appropriate have stayed in my rotation for a while now though.

Best Digging Story:
I’ve had a few interesting digging stories over the years that’s for sure, but the one that stands out was records I pulled out of a dumpster behind an apartment complex once. There were some classics in there from artists like, The Meters, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, and even a couple Strata East joints.

Favorite Mix and Why. Any Genre, Any DJ.
As far as favorite mixes, there are way too many to remember, and so many great ones by some incredible DJs. One that I always find myself going back to though are J-Rocc’s Syndromes series, and DJ RIz’s Live From Brooklyn volumes.

LP, 12”, or 7” format?
I always relied on 12inches as the main source of music, I was fascinated with them for a long time actually. In the last few years, I’ve been using a mostly digital format (Serato) especially since beginning the radio show and featuring lots of stuff that isn’t released on wax as much. Plus, I’m nearing senior citizen status so convenience is also an issue..haha.

Junk Food You Can’t Live Without:
It’s not so much a food, but more of a drink. I love soda, I’ve cut down drastically on the amount I drink in later years, but nothing beats an ice-cold Coke!!

Most Memorable Gig Played:
I was part of an 8 piece band called Sunny Daze and we recorded a live album in front of an audience at The Crossroads, a pretty well-known club for performances in NJ. The crowd was really receptive, and it was just one of those nights where all the planets were in alignment. That gig was definitely memorable for me.

Record That Never Leaves Your Record Box:
The Ohio Player’s “Ecstasy” is a go-to joint for me. It’s not only a great tune with super energy, it works across a whole different demographic of people.

Shout Outs, Last Remarks, and Gig Info:
I have to shout out my super supportive wife Sandra for putting up with this DJ crap for decades, all the people that have followed me and supported me at gigs for years, and to anybody that opened up opportunities for me to be a part of that were really life-changing. Lastly, a super-strong shout out to Greystoke and Mateo, my partners in Flip The Script Radio for their endless effort and work to make the show as awesome as it’s become. Can’t forget the homie DJ Prestige for including me in “Big Ups”, its an honor and a privilege.

Dig Deeper!