Pablo Alfieri, is an Argentinian graphic artist who’s Playful interpretation for his love of design has grown into a personal gallery for his poster and printed works. This 3D typographer uses geometric shapes suspended in space with lush color, bursts of energy and soft to edgy color gradient fades and solid fills. Alfieri has been featured in ComputerArts UK Magazine.
You can check out his Flickr photostream here.
Today, being high tech means delivering the newest and freshest gear ALL the time. One person, we can definitely say is all high tech, is the American Producer, DJ, Sound Engineer, Adam Freemer(AF). Freemer has been producing/remixing/DJing for nearly 15 years, with billboard hits on Twisted Records(U.S.) and TKC Music. He has continued support from underground DJs such as Danny Tenaglia, Victor Calderone, DJ Vibe, John Digweed, Danny Howells and Tom “Superchumbo” Stephan to name just a few. Adam has worked on and engineered some of the world’s best sounding nightclub systems. Freemer’s involvement in club audio goes further than just a system. His philosophy on sound is defined like an art form. As technology expands, his ability to make any venue an enjoyable and memorable experience for any club-goer remains untouchable. Adam shares his philosophy on sound, his involvement with “G” Philadelphia and his new label, MECHA RECORDINGS in this exclusive interview.
VM: Adam, like most of us growing up in the golden era of the 80’s tell us a little about growing up. How do you define your best childhood memories?
Adam: Yes!, the 80’s was a great time!! I was a huge video game and computer geek growing up. Atari was my tech of choice and hmm, let me see, I started with an Atari 2600 game console, and went on to have an Atari 800, 800XL and finally a 520ST with a whole 2 megs of RAM (upgraded of course)! It’s amazing thinking back how far computers have come along. Interestingly enough, my 520ST was the first computer to have built in MIDI ports/support (circa 1985) and the 520ST was what peaked my curiosity about electronic music, synthesis, music production, etc. I got my first MIDI editor on my 520ST and started playing around with the primitive synthesizer software they had back then, and picked up my first keyboard, a Casio CZ-230S and that kept me occupied for hours on end.
One of my best memories of that era was my best friend, who was also named Adam, whom was also an Atari computer nerd like me. We spent a lot of time together growing up and playing around with computer stuff, video games, etc. The memories became especially important when a few years ago I found out, after losing touch with Adam for several years, he passed away.
Besides playing on the computer, I really remember a lot of classic 80’s movies with which I identify with. Ferris Bueller, War Games, Back To The Future, etc. It definitely was simpler times back then, if I dare say, a much more “fun” time to live in.
VM: You have an Engineering and Pro Sound background, which has certainly helped in your career. An example of your sound system and video engineering capabilities is the system at “G” in Philadelphia. What do you have going on over there?
Adam: “G“ was a project that literally fell into my lap after a manufacturer rep friend of mine in the industry, got this job passed to him, and felt I (and my company) would be the best to take on the project. After spending a great deal of time with the owner of the club, I helped guide him and educate him on the sound and video for this new venue. The owner had his vision, and I just kind of ran with it and came up with the design for the audio and visual systems in the club. It was very challenging and unlike anything I’ve ever done before, as G is a real hodge podge of analog, digital, hi-fi and multi-zone audio technology, all wrapped up in one project.
The owner wanted to be able to take his venue, split it into different sections and have multiple dj booths and sources that could be reconfigured on the fly in a simple manner. Also, the main dance area was required to have very high fidelity sound, which is typically a contradiction with digital matrix audio routing designs. Without getting into the nitty gritty (here’s a link to the actual details of the design: HIGHTECH HOTSPOT ARTICLE), in the end, I pulled from what I knew, which was combining traditional analog nightclub technology that us “big nyc system” club types like to see in a club, with modern digital technology to take care of the technological challenges. It worked out well, and G is the hottest lounge in Philadelphia right now. I’m especially proud of the fidelity there, which to me, is so important. You can listen to a dance record, or even something like a jazz or 80’s record, and it sounds great and doesn’t hurt your ears, even over an extended listening period. To me, that’s at the core of my philosophy based on my years as a clubber, if it doesn’t hurt your ears, its good sound.
VM: What philosophies do you believe in when it comes to sound?
Adam: Well I should read ahead a bit I guess?! However, to continue where I left off from the last question, the core of my philosophy is being able to listen to a system for hours on end and not be fatigued. It was always a simple concept to me. If the sound is hurting your ears, your ears get fatigued. If your ears get fatigued, you physically feel fatigued. When you feel fatigued, you leave the club. It never made sense to have a system so obnoxiously loud where the patron would want to leave.
I also believe in a statement drilled into my head during college “KISS”, or KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID! If you don’t have to make something complicated, don’t. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. As much as I love analog technology, sometimes digital makes sense as well, when you can reduce devices in a signal chain. Less devices means lower signal loss and less chances of a component failing.
Shorty (Craig Barnabeu) my friends from China, Dave K and Eddie Nesh, and myself. It was during the end of a month long installation of the sound system at G-Spot in Shanghai, an amazing experience.
I could not talk about my pro-sound background without mentioning Shorty (Systems By Shorty, Craig Barnabeu) as I learned a great deal from him and admire his work ethics and amazing knowledge of nightclub audio. Shorty has a lot of admiration for the famed sound engineer Richard Long, whom I admire as well. Being that club sound goes so hand-in-hand with the music that plays through the speakers, I’ve always felt that it all connects and knowing my way around the studio as well as the systems in a club, can only be helpful.
VM: Mecha Recordings, is your new record label. We notice you are starting with a talented and diversified group.
1) Toby Dreher – “Sommertag im Neissetal EP” ……brilliant artist.
2) Exit 59 – “Disco” Remixes by: D-Formation, Toby Dreher, Roman S and Costanzo & Vukas….getting A LOT of play time on the PULSE in NYC.
3) Syntec & Quick – “Small Room EP” ……an amazing minimal tech duo.
Tell us a little about Mecha Recordings, the direction and who can we expect on the fourth release……
Adam: “Mecha” was a name I had just floating around for a long time as a possible label name. Originally the idea popped into my head after watching the Steven Spielberg movie: A.I. which moved me quite a bit (I’m a sci-fi junkie). Mecha was a term thrown around in the movie meaning mechanical, not of the Earth, but based on living things. To me it was an interesting term, and I’ve always produced music which I felt was partly organic in nature, having drums, traditional instrument sounds, etc, but combined with synthetic sounds, from synthesizers, etc. So the phrase “Mecha, not of this Earth” came together as the statement for the label. The Mecha symbol is Japanese for Earth or soil. So Mecha below, Earth above, not of this Earth. A little too far off on a tangent here, but I just thought I’d explain my thoughts.
The label was born when one of my best friends, Sergio Caetano and I sat down and really brainstormed the whole label concept and what we envisioned. While in the brainstorming phase, my long time friend, Mike Constantini came into the picture because of his amazing knack to find great artists and music. All 3 of us are very close in style musically, so with Mike on board as A&R, the stage seemed set to move forward. The three of us were “molded” musically by our long nights listening to Danny Tenaglia in the 90’s/early 00’s era, and one thing we all agreed on was to not limit the label to any one style. All of us acknowledged that there are so many labels these days and the last thing we wanted was another label just releasing random material of one genre. Our concept was to release music that covered all the genres that we liked. Whether it be minimal, progressive, techy or even more commercial, we wanted to create a label that could release music with no boundaries. And to take it further, have releases that reflected many different genres, all in one package. Our first few release we feel really reflect that, especially with Disco, a commercial track by any measure, but with remixes covering a whole gamut of sounds and styles.
As far as our fourth release, that’s still under wraps at this point. We have about 6-8 releases scheduled, but we’re just trying to determine the best release order. One thing we want to do is keep people anticipating the next release by mixing it up. Our first release, Toby Dreher’s EP is a definite minimal techno styled sound. Our second a more commercial / mixed sound, etc, etc. Upcoming after release 3 is an amazing deep house original vocal track that will be featuring soon to be determined remixes as well as a single I’m working on with Alan T that will be co-released with Sessions recordings out of Japan, the in-house label/promotion company that works with Womb, Tokyo.
VM: You have been based in Philadelphia, will this be the base for Mecha with international artists?
Adam: We consider Mecha an American based label with Sergio and I currently residing in Philadelphia. However, with Mike located in South Korea, it definitely gives Mecha an International flavor. Overall the 3 of us consider Mecha an American label with what we would consider to be a global sound.
VM: You seem to be 50/50 with production and DJing at the moment, do you see this changing soon? If so why?
Adam: Well, that has definitely changed! Now it’s 33% DJ’ing, 33% production and 33% label business! haa! When we started talking about the label, I knew part of my duties would be working the artists and remixers on developing tracks to what we were looking for, mastering, helping with production, etc. Also I’ve taken on quite a bit of the technical aspects from developing the website, myspace page, etc, as well. It’s definitely very time consuming.
However, from the standpoint of what I do best or like to do, I really like dj’ing and making music / production equally. And in this day and age of your music being your promotional vehicle, I feel it’s important to keep your production release schedule as consistent as possible.
VM: You have been playing around the world, met a lot of talented producers and djs. How do you see America ‘s role in dance music. Past to present.
Adam: I’ve always believed that America, specifically New York, was the center of dance, or more specifically, house music. The point is, New York / America is the roots from which dance music has sprung, but at this point, with the internet and instant access to anything and anyone, the scene has truly globalized. One downfall of the U.S. is its quest for commercialism and greed. MTV and the push of a type of brandable and marketable music (Hip Hop, Pop, whatever you want to call it) has destroyed a great deal of dance culture in the U.S.. We never had a culture quite as strong as the European dance scene, but the little we did have, seems to have withered into a poor state.
Over the last 10 years I’ve watched an amazing underground scene in New York give birth to the current commercial scene where it seems most clubbers go out to do their naughty little things and just be out. It’s so much less about the music it seems these days, unfortunately. I think the core is still there and there are great clubs such as Cielo, Love, etc, and many say it all works in cycles. I hope in a few years it all comes around again, who knows!
Visao Media would like to thank Sergio Caetano, Mike Constantini and especially Adam Freemer. We can’t wait to hear what comes from Mecha Recordings!!
Check out these eye-catching Wall paper designs by American designer, Matt W. Moore (MWM) for Maxalot.com in Amsterdam. This product is fully customizable by Maxalot and gives new meaning to home decor. We like the multiple color range and primitive shape applications in MWM’s conceptual designs. 
“Maxalot crosses digital arts with emerging pop surrealism, aiming to reach broad audiences with individuals and studios who break boundaries in art and design.” Taken from their site.
We just picked up this fresh limited edition Retna Tee from Upper Playground by Fifty24SF. Seemed fitting for a euro trip.
VM’s recommended accessories: red cap, fat silver chain and sunglasses.
Retna’s LA studio and recent works.
Keywords: LA Urban Graffiti // Calligraphy // Sensual // Ancient // Vivid
OK party people!!! System Audible collaborated to do the first V-ROC Mix Series for Visao Media, lets just say we are more than delighted to have their 2-part mix exclusively here. The SA collective is continuing to strengthen NY dance culture with a positive outlook. What makes their night life/parties positive? By focusing on what inner city night life needs, and that’s positivity and creativity in all forms. The V-ROC mix they provided, has a soothing deep sound from latin percussion instruments with timeless vocals awakening any sound system. Some keywords to illustrate System Audible: innovation, progression and sense of community. Direct from New York City, our spotlight with System Audible.
System Audible started as a DJ collective/party 3 years ago, originated by Borali and his partner Ron Steiner(Team 1) and were soon joined by Doug Galorenzo and Jeff Vigilante(Team 2). The four organized monthly events all over the city including Pacha, Shelter, Rebel, Element, and Water Taxi Beach. In the past SA have hosted and collaborated with artists such as Danny Tenaglia, Antranig, Burchan, Eric Kupper, Onionz, Ivano Bellini, Timmy Regisford, Silverbull and Stimulus Response to name a few. Recently, SA had success globally in Club Vertigo (Costa Rica), Club Vessel (San Francisco), and Central Park (Florance, Italy).
SA’s goal is to bring good people together with good music to produce a good vibe. Each DJ in System Audible has their own unique style and groove, which makes for musically eclectic nights. System Audible is always conscious of the roots of the Dance music culture. So don’t be surprised to hear anything from Frankie Knuckles to Manu Dibango, or Mr. G to Pink Floyd.
VM: Music is an art form, any other forms of art you love?
Ron: Without a shadow of doubt, the other art form that I love is dance. Especially, dancing to that infectious 4/4 beat that house music provides. There is something hypnotic when those BPM’s hover in the 124-130, which is how I like my house music. Dancing to anything above that, you wont last very long, but in that range we are talking musical bliss of dancing for hours. It allows you to release anything and everything that might stress you. In that moment dancing in the darkness, acting like a child on the floor with all your friends. You’re apart of something, when the whole dance floor becomes ONE. In a time and age when everyone on the train is lost in their own world. Whether its on the phone, texting, listening to their Ipod, no interaction whatsoever with anyone. Having those dance floor moments is something I will always cherish and I will spread the gospel that is House any chance I get!
Why I love New York?…
Ron:Well I was born in Queens, but raised in the Burbs of CT. We would come see grandma & grandpa every weekend when I was young. There was always that magnetism that the city had. I didn’t know what it was but I wanted to be there. It’s the city that never sleeps and being the night owl that I’m it was a perfect fit. “At midnight I really come alive, midnight, my fantasies run wild” From the classic T-connection Midnight, pretty much sums it all up. Pretty much any night, till the wee hours of the morning if I need to I can hop on a subway and go listen to some of the greatest DJs in the world.
When making a mix I will usually outline a few specific genres I want to touch prior to making the mix. I love starting out a mix with a acapella and a twisted spaced out beat. From there I will just let it flow. I have a library of over 20,000 songs to choose from at my fingertips. Some songs will just flow with each other. It might be a couple vocals that will speak to each other. It might be a track that has a element that will remind you of another track. I love to have that free flowing creativity with each of my mixes.
VM: What was the first CD you bought?
Borali: Wow, that’s something I haven’t thought about in a long time….lol. My family and I came to New York in ’88 with 5 suitcases and no money. I didn’t have a CD player until maybe 91. Living in downtown Brooklyn at that time, Hip Hop was life and I was engulfed in it. I was too young to go to clubs but back then, my school would organize block parties and dances in the gym. KRS-ONE and Rob Base came to perform at one of them. That was the first time I saw a Dj set up and I was sold.
The very next day I bought 5 albums that to this day, are still my favorites. LL Cool J – Walking with a Panther, A Tribe Called Quest – The Low End Theory, Cypress Hill – Cypress Hill, Shabba Ranks – As Raw as Ever, and Eric B and Rakim – Paid in full. Two days later, I made my first mix tape. Hitting PLAY or PAUSE at the right time to make the cut. I even remember pressing the Pause button just a little bit during the recording to make a fake scratch sound. Eventually, hip hop lost that certain edge for me and i fell in love with house. But never the less, I still keep that block party/ “mix tape” mentality and incorporate it in my sets and parties.
Why I love New York?…
Borali: I love it for its diversity and accessibility. We have everything here. The people, history, architecture, art, music, food, you name it. Every street has its own story. There is no place in the world that has the same characteristic. At any given time you can have anything you want at any given time. That’s the magic of this city; it constantly builds on itself to create something new and different.
VM: If you could change the world with music how would you do it?
Doug: I think the set we have done provides a good definition of our sound. It is definitely on the the tech-housey/minimalish side. However, it doesn’t lack the soul that all too often minimal does. With tracks from forward thinking producers such as Mathias Kaden, Alex Jones, and Tiger Stripes you can hear the ELEMENTS of house music creeping back into the music. The afore mentioned producers are leading the charge to bring some emotion back into the techy side of things. I believe the music is correcting itself. It swung too far to the bleeps and blops and now the pendulum is coming back the other way. Also in the mix we dropped in a few classic acapellas that defined our club “upbringing”.
My goal is to affect people on an emotional level. If I can make one person who has had a bad week at work or is going through tough times, forget their problems even for an hour or two on the dance floor, then I have changed the world. Our goal and I know speak for the group here is to make people smile. We want our parties to be a sanctuary and emotional release where people know they can come and have fun.
Why I love New York?…
The reason I love NYC is because its like a long term relationship. Cities like Miami and Vegas are great on the surface, but when I dig deeper I find them to lack the soul that NYC does. I also love the NYC attitude. It’s one of acceptance of who you are, and people here have such hectic lives with the pace of NYC, that when they party, they party. People outside of the city have a misconception that we are mean and lack hospitality and that’s categorically false. We just don’t have time for bullshit.
VM: Jeff what is your musical thought process?
Jeff: I would like to think that my thought process and musical flow is as unique as the music I play. My musical taste has evolved so much since I first started DJing. I have begun to be more daring and experimental with my track selection. I use to stick to “safe” tracks or tracks I knew people would dance to because they knew it, heard it before, or it was or it was popular at the time. I think this is a formula that many DJs tend to stick to… and hey, why not? It works! But, it will never get you recognized and you will only blend in with all those who do the same. To dare to be different… AND make it work…. now, that’s a whole another level! This is what I try to keep in mind while buying music and every time I spin, whether it be in front of a crowd or by myself in my room. I try to keep my track selection as new and innovative as possible, yet remain true to house music’s roots.
The set that Doug & I have prepared for the V-ROC Mix, is one that definitely represents where I/we are currently at musically. Yes, it is more of a techy & darker sound – but I don’t label myself as being a techno/minimal DJ, rather, a DJ who plays “quality-music”. That is, if it’s good – house, deep, minimal, electro, techno, etc… it’ll be in the mix.
VM:Who is responsible for your interest in house music?
Jeff: To be honest? I would really have to say that my mother is most responsible for my love of music in general, which was probably instilled in me by her unconsciously through the very passion she exuded for all sorts of genres. Growing up, I was exposed to so many different kinds of music at home – classic rock, older dance music, disco, etc… At an early age I learned to play the drums fairly well and the guitar (sort of). I was even in a few so-called bands at one point in my life that never seemed to pan out. Good thing, because I eventually got my hands on some vinyl and turntables and never looked back since! I guess it was just in my blood to DJ!
Why I love New York?…
Jeff: NYC has been home to so many of the most influential and important pieces of house music history. Between the legendary clubs and the larger-than-life DJs that have resided at them… nothing else compares. I love NYC because of the people. They constantly keep me in check, musically. When you have clubbers that have been in the scene a while, they aren’t easily impressed having lived through The Garage, Twilo, Tunnel, and Vinyl days. My belief is that if you can get a crowd jumpin here… then you can make it anywhere.
VM: Upcoming gigs?
SA: We just got a confirmation for a system audible event at Pacha October 3rd with Sander Klienenburg in the main room.
VM: We would like to thank Indy Bocanegra for making this happen, you bring warmth from the sun for us all to FEEL. Thank you.
Listen: V-ROC Mix_SystemAudible_Ron & Borali_August 2008
[audio:VisaoMedia_SystemAudible_Ron&Borali_Aug2008.mp3]
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Listen: V-ROC Mix_SystemAudible_Doug & Jeff_August
[audio:VisaoMedia_SystemAudible_Jeff&Doug_Aug2008.mp3]
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Links:
www.systemaudiblenyc.com
www.myspace.com/systemaudiblenyc
Designer: James White
While moving the term “Riding Retro” forward, several designers are revamping the art of future living from the 80’s. James’ art is clean with organic and opaque vibrant fragments existing and moving in space. While his art implies futurism with age, we like to call it “Vintage Retro”.
Check out the rest of his art at Signalnoise.com and his inspirations.
Listen to Danny Tenaglia on Sirius Radio: FUTURISM compilation
‘FUTURISM’ Tracklisting – CD One
1. Yello – Indigo Bay
2. R.T.A. – Metaphysical Vibe
3. Afefe Iku – Bodydrummin’
4. Guillaume & The Coutu Dumonts – Can’t Cheat With Concrete
5. Jitzu & Sire G – Cyclette
6. Wighnomy Brothers – Hankkofloppe
7. DJ Msoga – Tiir (Burchan’s Bomb)
8. Magik Johnson – Asylum Sneaker
9. Luca Bacchetti – Rolling Brooklyn
10. Shinedoe – Filthy Phunk
11. GummiHz – Desire
12. Bumpin’ Ugly – Work Me
13. Mastiksoul – Emergency
14. Danny Tenaglia – The Space Dance
CD Two
1. Fred Giannelli – Mid Life Crisis
2. PuNto – 3Tempo3
3. Silent Servant – Murder Murder (Burch Bomb 2)
4. Phase – Morodem
5. Gel Abril – Your Face Is A Mess
6. Dave Angel – Mothership Pt. 1
7. Daniel D – Beatific
8. Davide Squillace – I Ment to Be Sharp
9. Hertz – Big Bang
10. Joris Voorn – No Revolution
11. Peter Horrevorts – Birth
12. Ultra Nate – Twisted (Got Me Goin’ Round)
13. Andreas Heiszenberger – Perfect Moment
14. Danny Tenaglia – Space Dance Vox
Featuring: The Space Dance
Stay tuned for: Space Dance – Radio Slave Remix – Tommy Boy
& more remixes:
Antranig & Burchan’s Loft Mix
That Kid Chris’ Remix
DTNY Asseteria Dub Mix
Luca Bacchetti’s Vocal and Dub Mix
New York, is and always will BE, a place for a certain brand of artists, specifically DJ’s, to express themselves and BE themselves. Today in dance music, DJs play an intriguing role, night to night, day to day and yes, it has been years. Who are these infamous magic mixers of the night? And out of them, WHO could possibly turn down a chance to open for the man himself, the maestro, DJ Danny Tenaglia? A “Big Hearted Italian”, from New York that’s who. DJ Michelangelo(NYC) turned down the offer only to make it his goal to accept the offer a year later to open at Vinyl with Tenaglia. Proving himself worthy, he played 6 more times at Vinyl/Arc until it finally closed its doors in 2004. The rest as it seems is taking Michelangelo on a fun musical journey.
Emerging himself into the blend of tribal, acid and deep house mixing, he comes from the same musical background many of us share, early 90’s hip hop, HA! Remember making mix tapes, Yo! MTV raps, Z. Cavaricci jeans and Cross Colours. Michelangelo is no stranger to droppin 80’s and 90’s music into his sets. His recent Miami, Las Vegas, Mexico and Toronto gigs have pumped up the fun factor for these world-renowned venues. A business man, an entrepreneur, an art collector and an entertainer, he’s doing what he loves. And for him, Djing “is just a hobby”. We got a chance to reconnect with Michelangelo after his brief visit to San Francisco.
VM: What were you like growing UP? Danced in front of the mirror, hung with the boyz, watched mom cook, played videos games?
M: I was a little wise ass! Always stirring something up. I hung out w/ “the older kids” & was into graffiti….been playing hockey since I was 10 which kept me out of trouble the rest of the time
VM: How did you start Djing, what did you start with, first tracks you loved playing with…..
M: A friend had DJ equipment & I started out using his set-up. It was a decent rig. Tech 1200’s (that’s vinyl turntables for some of you) & a nice Vestax rotary mixer. I can’t recall a specific record I loved to play at the time but I was into the semi-cheesy BXR & Platipus records.
VM: You are quite a character. You are business minded, love music, a jokester…What best describes your character and how you entertain people who love the music you play?
M: Many people think they are either to old or to cool to do or act a certain way. My take on that is: There is a time & a place for EVERYTHING. I’m just tapping into my inner child & trying to get others to do the same…Lately I have been getting really silly…. I basically DJ all the time w/ that propeller hat. Last week in Toronto I busted out some new toys. Lucce Libre mask, clown nose, few other things but I’d rather it be seen live I try to apply this “inner child” to my work projects as well. You can’t be afraid to fail or mess up….Mistakes are the currency of creativity!
VM: What would you say is the underlying factor in getting “the call” to open from Legendary Danny Tenaglia himself?
M: Well I was going to Vinyl every week & I had some tracks which I would have LOVED to hear out. My good friend Special Agent Eric Ortense intro’d me to Danny & I was dropping off CD’s in his music bin ever so often. At the time Danny lived on my route to work so it was an easy drop. I think Danny appreciated that I was giving him UNmixed music & not trying to prove that I was a DJ. We also have similar personalities & taste in other things.. but over all I think its the fact that we are lil I-talians w/ big hearts
VM: Most memorable moments from playing around the world?
M: My most memorable moment is closing for Danny one night @ Vinyl. He had to leave early to drive up to a Montreal-Stereo gig. I played from 5am-10am & really felt like I had something going in there. I really gave it my all… once I stopped I was so drained I couldn’t even drive home. Hats off to any DJ that plays extended sets!
VM:What artists move YOUR body?
M: Anyone from the likes of: Mr. G, Switch, Dousk, Jorvis Voorn, Len Faki, Paul Ritch, Mateo Murphy, Maskio, Samuel L. Sessions, The Fix…all I can think of now.
VM: You are an urban art collector and shop online. What piques your interest for a purchase?
M: I love collecting pieces from some of the graffiti legends I saw growing up. Especially “Ghost” (www.cousinfrank.com).
VM: In the world and society we live in today, what is your biggest hope in change for the near future?
M: Energy Independance…
VM: DO you have any productions you are currently working on?
M: I’m in the process of setting up a new studio….stay tuned but don’t hold your breath!
VM: You are very busy with your family businesses, music, clothing line, traveling…. what is your bottom line for rest and happiness?
M: Finding the balance & not letting any one aspect get overwhelming. Have big dreams but enjoy the ride as you go.. & ALWAYS be thankful for what you have…especially HEALTH.
VM: Favorite early 90’s hip-hop album?
M: Nice & Smooth – Ain’t a Damn Thing Changed
VM: You love New York because……
M: You can find anything & everything! NY will always be my home base…
VM: Upcoming Gigs?
M: I’ll be playing w/ Victor Calderone 7/5/2008 in the Hamptons & I just got confirmed to play with Danny Tenaglia at Space in Ibiza 8/21/2008.
Michelangelo, keep doing your hobby and we look forward to seeing more of you and around the globe. Check out the fresh gear from Michelangelo’s T-shirt company www.ASTROSAUCE.com.
Listen to Michelangelo’s Mad Hatter Mix (May 10th, 2008) Live at Pacha, NY with Danny Tenaglia
[audio:http://djmichelangelo.com/uploads/Michelangelo_Live_PachaNYC_Danny%20Tenaglia_Mad_Hatter_Party_5_10_08.MP3]
Links:
www.djmichelangelo.com
www.myspace.com/michelangelonyc
August 3rd, 2007
The Mediterranean talks to us in a luscious language delivered through broad airwaves of advanced technology. What is this sound you hear? The ethnic cultures of Africa and South America echo a tribal pulse from ancestral decades of human existence. These drum-centric rhythms were the driving force behind spiritual rituals. Over the seas and across the airwaves from the Spanish regions of Madrid and Portugal, comes the sound of STEREO! Chus and Ceballos are STEREO Productions, coined flavor, the Iberican Sound. These two have independently developed an underground sound synonymous of its historical culture and landscape, the Iberican Peninsula. Percussion, warm tribal rhythm and electronic groove help describe the sound of STEREO!, but mere words cannot catch the essence of distinct music. A mixture of global sound and passionate culture, Stereo delivers a dance floor pitcher of Sangria(sangre’).
Chus L. Esteban aka Dr. Chus! started his musical journey at 16 years old at a club called Alien, Grupo Kapital in Madrid. Chus was a resident at Kadoc in Vilamoura, Portugal and played along side of the best djs in the world. He soon would play at the top events in and around Spain and the world. He started producing with David Penn (Black Vinyl rec.). In 2001 with Pablo Ceballos and Carlos Calico (head of A&R and responsible for Stereo Management and Dj Agency), STEREO Productions was born.
Pablo Ceballos also started at the very young age DJing and producing. First drawn to the Techno scene then developed a passion of progressive house. His quality productions and collective roots teamed him with Chus, jump starting a talented label into a worldwide production haus. Their teamed efforts contribute to a definitive brand of high quality music.
Together Chus and Ceballos have acquired a long list of accomplishments. They have released a number of tracks and compilations on Yoshitoshi, Shinichi, Defected and Twisted to name a few. Notable remixes include Deep Dish’s “Say Hello”, Danny Tenaglia’s “Dibza” and remix of Madonna’s “Hung Up”. Several times elected “Best DJ of the Year” by the Spanish Deejaymags Awards, Chus is quoted amongst the top 100 world DJs, next to Ceballos, by the British DJ Magazine.
These two are relentless in their labor. It’s difficult to capture word for word, all things known about these two, but nonetheless time well spent. I remember coming across the STEREO web site a couple years ago, it immediately caught my attention with top notch sound, recognizable branding and attention to detail. So, I downloaded their custom desktop image and set it as my background on my Apple G4 while working through design school(It’s still there). Little did I know how much of an impact they would soon make in the electronic music industry.
Crossing the Bay Bridge, we slipped into the city of San Francisco with Chus and Ceballos before their Rubyskye appearance for a private interview.
VM: How do you manage running your own club, record labels, digital download site and tour around the world as djs?
Chus: Good question, we try to do the best and sometimes it’s very difficult. We try to separate DJing, running labels and personal life, it’s not easy.
Ceballos: There are two keys, one is we are workaholics, we are always working on our laptops in the hotel, on tour, pretty much everywhere. The second is help, our partner Carlos Calico who helps runs the labels and also with a team about 4 or 5 people working full time.
VM: What are the names of labels you currently run?
Ceballos:We currently have 5 labels, Stereo Productions, Stereo Cool!, Iberican! Recordings, Solar Recordings, and Tribal Recordings. We also started a digital download site called Trackingspain.com, you can download alot of tracks that come from our labels and artists that work with us.
VM: Both of you grew up in Madrid, you must have had several musical influences. What was you first dance music experience?
Chus: About 20 years ago, I was at a big festival in Portugal, of course DJ Vibe and it was the first time I saw Danny Tenaglia. Long time!
Ceballos: I’m 31 now, I started producing when I was 18 and started DJing at 20. I started DJing in my hometown at a local club, really underground. I started producing on my own and came out with some demos. We are somewhat pioneers in Madrid, of course there were DJs and producers before us. We are pioneers in a sense because we went abroad, we started remixing for international artists and labels.
Chus: We were the first label with a global mentality in Spain(Stereo Productions), which is very important and many people followed.
VM: You both have produced numerous tracks and compilations, any particular project you’ve had a memorable time with? and why?
Chus: Maybe the remix we did of Haunting Me by Cuba Computers…there are so many tracks, they were are all good memories.
Ceballos: Cuba Computers was supported and a favorite of Danny Tenagalia that year and at WMC, it was important to us because that was when people first started to notice Chus and Ceballos. The Strong Rhythm was the first track on Stereo Productions and the remix of Baguio Track with Luzon which was the 100th release for Yoshitoshi EP, just to name a few. Good times!
VM: When can we expect something from the “Madricians“, Chus and Ceballos and Danny Tenagalia?
Ceballos: It’s going to be a crazy groovy thing, dance floor destruction.
Chus: We are working on it, it’s very difficult for us all to get together, maybe in the next year or two.
Ceballos: We started the collaboration, it hard to find time. Danny is very busy and we are really busy too, maybe by next year.
Chus: It’s going to be huge, for sure!
VM: How did Dibiza on Stereo come about?
Ceballos: What happened with Dibiza, Danny sold us Dibiza about three or four years ago, I remember like it was yesterday, a magic day.:D It was at his loft, he has his own disco. He said, “Guys, I want to release this on Stereo.” We were like, “Wow!”
Chus: He said he needed to fix some things, record some voices, and go to the studio and work together. Danny came to Madrid and stayed one week with us in the studio. Recorded some voices… Bring the Drums Back, Bum BUm BUM!! It was an amazing and magical experience.
Ceballos: I remember it being a lot of fun. Sometimes it’s a little strange because you have to do what you have to do, and you have deadlines. That week with Danny was just fun, you know. We had fun eating going out to dinner, going to the studio and recording some takes. Danny was kidding and jumping around. If you listen to Dibiza it has a lot energy and a lot of fun.
VM: Define what is quiet time for you and how do you relax?
Chus: We don’t have time to relax.
Ceballos: (Laughs) There is no time for relax. We have maybe just a few days, it a lot of work with our labels, remixes and the studio.
Chus: I have a special place to lose myself in South Portugal, Algarve. I have a house there, my family, daughter and wife go there. I try to relax a little bit there.
Ceballos: I travel a lot, I stay one or two extra days here or there because I have friends where I go, but no real holidays.
VM: Any particular producers killing it right now that we should be on the look ut for?
Ceballos: Peter Bailey and Richie Santana having been doing stuff for a long time now and I think they are on fire now. They are doing good stuff laterally with new remixes, very interesting.
Chus: There is a lot of new talent on TrackingSpain.com, Spanish producers like like D-Formation, Sergio Fernandez, Oscar De Rivera, Peter Tha Zouk from Portugal, Rob Mirage from New York and Simon and Shaker from Spain.
VM: Which places do you like to visit and play?
Ceballos: There something special about Stereo in Montreal, we have a residency there every three or four months, it’s magic. It’s a special night every time we go. It’s an after hours club we play from 4am to 12pm, 8 hours of good music, good vibe, an amazing club, an amazing sound system, and a good booth, but the best is the people. The people listen to you and you can feel what they are listening to.
Chus: Theres another club in Asia it’s Zouk in Singapore.
Ceballos: Bulgaria is an amazing country, with two or three cities with different clubs but the crowds are amazing. It’s a pleasure to play there.
VM: What would you like to say to the global dance community in 2007?
Ceballos: All the people in house music, it’s a transitions time, a hard time for labels, because of vinyl and piracy. Support the music, buy legal music, and go to the clubs to see DJs and support dance music.
Chus: Keep the music alive, don’t destroy it, the music industry please!!
Ceballos: Support the music!
VM: We would like to thank Chus and Ceballos, Carlos and Victor at Stereo, Malik at Vital and everyone at Rubyskye. Chus and Ceballos, thank you for all the time and energy you have given to dance music, lord knows we all appreciate the Iberican sound.
Keep doing what you do! Gracias!
April 21st, 2007
Life provides us with so much over time. Its good to occasionally stop and look at the work we have done over the years. And sometimes we haven’t even begun. In some instances you could say this about one amazing DJ/producer named Behrouz(myspace). In a class of his own and an undefined style to pin him to, he travels the world astounding dance fans all over.
Behrouz Nazari, born in Iran and raised in the Bay Area(CA), got his start playing at Club DV8 in San Francisco, after 7 years he moved on to play for Release at 1015 Folsom. Release quickly became one of San Francisco’s premier nights for dance music. His undeniable sound took flight, he started playing at top clubs around the world. Behrouz eventually starting producing/remixing notable tracks such as Safe From Harm, Never Felt So Good, What You Do In Life Echoes in Eternity, and Narcotic Thrust,…. on the labels Yoshitoshi, Renaissance and Shinichi his sound quickly traveled. Behrouz has also mixed astounding compilation CDs such as In House We trust, Frontiers with Yousef, an Essential Mix for Pete Tong’s Radio One Show and the widely praised CD Yoshitoshi Ibiza.
Behrouz began working alongside tops djs/producers throughout electronic music. He met with Deep Dish at WMC and they eventually held a monthly residency in SF. They pushed Behrouz further along with similar likes which became a lasted friendship. In 2003, Behrouz was named DJ to watch in DJ Mag’s annual Top 100 DJ issue. IN 2004, Behrouz was nominated for Best Breakthrough DJ at the Dancestar Award, nominated also for Best Breakthrough DJ at the 2004 DJ Awards in Ibiza and nominated for Best Resident DJ at the 2005 Club World Awards for his famous Pure Behrouz residency at Ruby Skye in San Francisco. At this time Behrouz had already been djing for over 20 years, he’s just getting started.:D A special moment at the 2002 Winter Music Conference, good friend Danny Tenaglia stopped the music and played two of Behrouz tracks. “He’s the bomb”, Tenaglia said to devoted music fans.
Straight from the 2007 WMC, Behrouz had six successful gigs and each one gave him an opportunity to show a different side of Behrouz. we got a chance to enjoy a special B-day Celebration at his SF
residency at Ruby Skye, Pure Behrouz on April 21st. An amazing show to the very end, he painted a portrait of a nice future for house music.
VM: You were born in Iran, when did you come over to SF?
Whats your best childhood memory?
Behrouz: Yes, I was born in Iran but I grew up in Santa Cruz. I actually came here when I was very young and was fortunate enough to have most of my family here as well. One of my best childhood memories was going to my first record store in Tehran and being fascinated by all the international music. At the time Cerrone, Bonny M and Jean Michelle Jarre were big.
VM:With such a diverse background growing up, do you have mixed feelings about the US and it’s world affairs?
Behrouz: I have mixed feelings about the prejudices that still exists in the world. For me, my family and culture taught me that we are all the same and are all human beings. But as I travel around the world, I see the opposite. These days you are judged by your religion or color of your skin and it exists right here our backyard in the US. My music is my foreign policy and through it I teach others to love and to express themselves in a positive way.
VM: You play in SF, Paris and Miami routinely for residencies. How do you prepare yourself for your many travels and gigs throughout the year?
Behrouz: Preparation begins with realizing what region of the world you are playing for and for what club. You have to know what people are feeling in all those regions. For instance in Europe, people are more into minimal or techno so I have to program my music geared towards that sound. But it all comes down to walking into the club and feeling the overall vibe of the crowd. There is no preparation for this. You just have to open your mind and your heart and taking your listeners on a journey.
VM: Behrouz, you’re an artist and a storyteller when it comes to DJing. What inspires you outside of music? Explain to us a little of your musical stories…..
Behrouz: I am inspired by so many things- everything around me depending on how I feel. If I’m sad, you can feel in my music because my music is full of emotions. My mother, my wife even my dog inspires me as does some of the amazing books I read. Then you have the people from all over the world I meet, good and bad. These inspirations, whether good or bad, affect my music and are incorporated into my journeys into sound
VM: You have completed four new tracks this year, Touch, Free Your Mind with DJ Simi, Beat Box and the highly reveared track, Dreams. What was everyone’s reaction to them at WMC 2007? Is there a new Behrouz label we don’t know about?
Behrouz: I got a great reaction from all my tracks at my Pure Behrouz show at Mokai this year during the conference. My set was aired live on Sirius Radio and people called and emailed me about my tracks which made me very happy. I really produced each one of those tracks based on life experiences I had this year so to get positive reactions from my fans really means a lot to me. I’m working on some great projects this year and who knows, a label might be in the works.
VM: Any new artists or djs that continue to impress you?
Behrouz: I’m impressed by so much great talent out there. First and foremost, my mentor and good friend Danny Tenaglia continues to amaze me with his dedication to music. EVERY year he out does himself during the conference and every year I continue to learn so much from him. There are a lot of new producers / remixers like Radioslave, Shlomi Aber, DJ Yellow, Roman S., DJ Simi, Martin H from Sweden, Andy Slate and so many others. I’m so impressed with the unique sounds that each of these producers are coming out with.
VM: Some of us don’t get to see what its like in Dubai, Shanghai or Bangkok, what’s it like?
Any particular parts of the world that embrace what you do most?
Behrouz: I really enjoy the scene and fans in Tunisia as well in Dubai. Whenever I play in Dubai I have many fans that come from Iran (clubs are not allowed in Iran so it’s great to see so many fans enjoying themselves).
VM: What is the toughest decision you have had to make professionally?
Behrouz: Transitioning from the corporate world into the dance music industry. I spent half of my life preparing for corporate America and sacrificed all of my education and work experience for the love of music and today I realize I made the best decision of my life. There is no greater feeling in this world than waking up and doing what makes you most happy in life.
VM: Many have heard you play for SF Releases 15th Anniversary with Danny Tenaglia, what an amazing night in music for SF. Any other amazing Berouzza and DT moments you care to share?
Behrouz:All of my sets with Danny have been amazing. We did a great set together in Ibiza at DC10 and we both dove into the crowd. We did a techno wedding at the Cannes Film Festival (we were playing techno for a bunch of guys in tuxedos, lol). I love playing with Danny in NY as well. We bring out the best in each other. It’s like two soccer players passing the ball to each other – you know exactly what the other wants to do with the ball and we know the timing and where we want to go without speaking to one another. It’s about knowing the professionalism of how to build up a night properly and setting it up right for Danny.
VM: Scenario: Its the very last night for house music, the very last night of house music to be played anywhere on this planet. Where would you play and whats the last track you’d play?
Behrouz: I would play in New York city because I love the people there and my last track would be my track What You Do In Life Echoes in Eternity (on the Shinichi label).
VM: Any expressive words you would like to share with global dance community for 2007?
Behrouz: Good music is good music. Stop making it all about genres. If you feel the music play it and don’t be judgmental about what others play. At the end of the day, good music is good music.
VM: On behalf of Behrouz fans around the world and the many people who get to enjoy life for what it is, whether its music, art, traveling, good food or even if its just watering the grass…… Thank You, Behrouz what you do is endless. Special thanks to Megan, for making this interview happen….. your a gem!