System Audible: V-ROC 01


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]
DL

Listen: V-ROC Mix_SystemAudible_Doug & Jeff_August

[audio:VisaoMedia_SystemAudible_Jeff&Doug_Aug2008.mp3]
DL

Links:
www.systemaudiblenyc.com
www.myspace.com/systemaudiblenyc

Signalnoise: The Art of James White



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.

Danny Tenaglia: Futurism Compilation

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

Download

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

SATI – Pic Vert Attack


SATI audiovisual : “Pic vert Attack” from Jesse Lucas on Vimeo.

This animation is by SATI. Erwan Raguenes & Jesse Lucas. Good stuff guys! We love their eye catching energetic thrust of minimal graphics in this video. They take you on a depth of field journey (2D to 3D) in a static cyber-world forcing you to take a non-cyclical ride. It hits home with us.

In today’s clubs, visuals are too busy with layers of mindless repeats and random video. Its a pleasure to see audio synced with video, well done. The design process to make such a video is very involved on many levels as many artists struggle to begin a brilliant project. Conceptual brilliance is key. Sati keep rocking it.

VM Artist Spotlight – DJ Michelangelo (NYC)

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]

DL

Links:
www.djmichelangelo.com
www.myspace.com/michelangelonyc

The Royal Magazine – Summer Solstice

The Royal Magazine is a superb mag covering Cvltivation of Cvlture: a collection from artististry & designers.

See Summer Solstice issue online.

“Royal is the private journal of The KDU. (Keystone Design Union).
The publication focuses on Collisions, Culture and Capitalism.

We believe that we are more than just editors or filters.
We believe in active media, and live by the rule of “never just observe, always interact.”

We believe that the gravity of our culture is so powerful, nothing and no one are immune to its pull. We are dedicated to injecting sensation back into a numb world.”

Trust the KDU.

20+Years Mixing_Frank McGahon

We love finding artists who have 20+years of DJing with passion……enjoy.

“The musical genres I’m mainly into are Broken-Beat/Nu-Jazz, House in various flavours, Jazz, Funk, Soul, Rare Groove, Disco, Brazilian, Latin, Afro-beat, Old School Hip-Hop.”

# 01. Stop The Rain – Anton Zap (Deep Explorer)
# 02. Passin – Inverse Cinematics (Pulver)
# 03. En La Calle, On The Street (The Dining Rooms Afro jazz Remix) – Gecko Turner (Lovemonk)
# 04. Wildflower (Povo Mix) – Nostalgia 77 (Tru Thoughts)
# 05. Everything Will Get Better (Danny Tenaglia Underground Mix) – Lisa Stansfield (Arista)
# 06. Breakin Bread – Chris Barker (TrebleO)
# 07. Chicago – Roy Ayers (Ichiban)
# 08. The Way It Goes – Daco (Jus’ Listen)
# 09. Track 4 – Slowhouse One (Slowhouse)
# 10. Tribute – Moodymann (Peacefrog)
# 11. Garoto (feat Joyce Muniz) – Cusmos (G Stone)
# 12. Busted Trees (C’s Spacetrumental) – Directions (K-7)
# 13. North Central – Nagano Kitchen (Ibadan)
# 14. Anything’s Possible (Mark Force Remix) – Zero Db (Ninja Tunes)
# 15. Jazzhands – Nubian Mindz (Bagpak)
# 16. Untitled Flow (Franck Roger Dub’thrumental Vox Mix) – Ursula Rucker (Vega)
# 17. Girardet – Manuel Tur (Freerange)
# 18. Shogun (Jimpster Remix – Mark Knight & Funkagenda (Toolroom Trax)
# 19. Speed Up (Alix Alvarez F1 Series Dub) – Funkerman (News)
# 20. Coming Back Around (Domu Discotech Dub) – Domu presents Pete Simpson (Papa)
# 21. The Clash – Franck Roger (Real Tone)
# 22. It’s What I Am (Simbad remix) – Karizma (R2)
# 23. Abicah Soul (Main Mix) – Abicahsoul Project Abicah Soul (Abicah Soul)
# 24. Alibi (Dennis F’s Out On Bail Mix) – Reel People featuring Darien (Papa)
# 25. Warrior Dance (Yema Ya) (Extended Mix) – Copyright Feat Shovell (Defected)
# 26. Music For Gong Gong (album) – Louie Vega Presents Luisito Quintero (BBE)
# 27. Majico (Doruk’s Beat-A-Pella) – Anto Vitale (Seasons Limited)
# 28. Can’t Stop (Wahoo Dub) – Kings of Tomorrow feat. Rae (Defected)
# 29. U & Dem feat. Paul St Hilaire (High altitude mix) – Seven Dub (Play)

Download Frank McGahon: 08-06-15 June 08 Mix

Claude Vonstroke & Justin Martin – Dirty Bird Records

Here is some video I took at the Sunset Boat Party touring the San Francisco Bay on April 20, 2008. Featuring the DirtyBird’s, Claude VonStroke and Justin Martin. Wreckn a hot shop on the high seas. Always a treat to hear these guys play.

We recommend:
Justin Martin’s – Sad Piano Itunes
Claude Vonstroke’s – Scarlet Macaw