Chinua Achebe was right. Things Fall Apart….or at the very least, divide and evolve. Take Dubstep. Once used to denote a specific crossbreed of steroid-pumped dub and skunked out two-step, the term now shelters a clutch of vaguely related forms ranging from the technoid to the unashamedly dubwise . When I first heard the sounds of 2562 aka Dave Huismans and his alter ego A Made Up Sound, I was excited. he’d managed to carve out his own niche, and by the time his debut Aerial LP dropped he’d built up a long list of accolades and received perhaps the greatest compliment – imitators.
One and a half years later and it’s that time again. November 2nd will see the release of his second collection Unbalance. With more than a hint of the detroit disposition of his A Made Up Sound alias, Unbalance promises to be everything you’d expect and quite possibly, a little bit more. We’ll leave the last word to Tectonic head honcho Pinch
‘I’ve worked closely with 2562 over the last few years and I can honestly say that Unbalance is an incredible album – it’s one of the most exciting releases that Tectonic has seen to date – it vastly exceeds the already high standard he set himself with Aerial’
1. Intro
2. Flashback
3. Lost
4. Like A Dream
5. Dinosaur
6. Unbalance
7. Superflight
8. Yes / No
9. Who Are You Fooling?
10. Narita
11. Love In Outer Space
[12. Escape Velocity – digital only]
If you’re numb to the repetitive sardine-esque vibes of the Notting Hill Carnival, why not try something different this year?
… Yes, Yes, I know: the hype is done and dusted BUT that doesn’t stop Michael Jackson being the legend that he is and will be for generations to come.
Whatever your thoughts are, this Saturday (29th) and Sunday (30th), Jazz Cafe have decided to host a sincere tribute to the greatest entertainer that ever lived. Calling a spade, a spade: the line-up is dope. This s**t is beyond the hype.
You have got: Eric Roberson and Phonte (Little Brother/ Foreign Exchange) presenting the night… This alone will be well worth the investment. But then you’ve got performances coming from an array of artists who’s contributions to music are worthy of recognition in their own rights. From ‘late disco-early house music’ diva, Kim Mazelle to Chris Ballin who’s worked with megastars such as Chaka Khan and Pink Floyd. For more artist lineup info, click here.
I have a feeling this tribute will go beyond the ‘Thrillers’ and ‘Man in the Mirrors’ to delve into some of MJ’s hidden gems that slipped under the radar. So this will be a true fan’s opportunity to be educated in the rarer selection from his extensive discography.
Above all… The music is guaranteed to be massive. So why not?
Click here for more details.
Electronic or organic? Both have a place and both need each other to survive. Symbiosis. If you’ve heard any of Reggie Dokes‘ output you’ll know he understands this relationship. You’ll know he knows (poly)rhythm, African composition and how to translate soul through machines. Basically, Reggie Dokes is a deep brother. The good news for us is his depth has long been noted. Prime Numbers, Philpot, Third Ear, We Play House, Clone and Planet Harrier have all signed his wares, following in the esteemed footsteps of the Transmat, Sound Signature and Rhythmic Deep labels who came to the party early. His own Psychostasia imprint provided the foundation and continues to broadcast soul transmissions. I wanted to write a feature on Reggie because he embodies precepts that I hold dear. Innovation, depth and knowledge of self….so here it is…
Everything I’ve read about Reginald Dokes points to his father, musician and music teacher Dr Limuel Dokes, as the prime inspiration for his work – the foundation. He bought him his first copy of Martin Circus ($50!) and moved him to train formally on the concert snare and later the drums. So that’s where he got his rhythm from. In his own words…
‘My first inspiration would have to be my father, Dr. Limuel Dokes. His life to me has been truly inspirational. He touched many young people with his gift of music. He was formerly trained. Taught high school stage band, concert band and marching band. As a kid, I remember walking and marching with the drum section as they played on the football fields of various Detroit high schools performing. He taught me how to be a great man, father, lover and creator of good music, R.I.P. Dad.’
Detroit again. I’m sure there’s a portal to some kind of higher artistic dimension in that city. There’s just so much talent, and not just any talent, it’s deep, timeless, raw creation. There’s something so special about Detroit that no matter where artists move out of the city, or for what reasons, a piece of the magic remains with them indefinitely.Reggie is no exception.
‘I was born and raised in Detroit. Although I am in Atlanta now, I will always love my city. There are some hard realities in my lovely city, high unemployment and a lot of vacant buildings. Despite the run down buildings and vacant structures, artistically, I am still able to go within and bring out that creative side to my music. I like to think many things inspire me when it comes to music. My surroundings would certainly be number one on my list.’
Now seems a good time to mention Derrick May. Our awareness of Mr Dokes east of the Atlantic is due in no small part to Reggies’ relationship with the Bellville Three innovator. (The championing of his ‘The Skin I’m In‘ cut by one Theo Parrish didn’t harm either.)
‘Derrick May and I are still great friends to this day. He helped considerably in exposing me to the professional side of DJing. I had a residency in Canada a long with my partner Randall Washington. Thanks to Jerry the Cat, the head DJ at the club, he wanted us to come in and do some different things musically. Derrick would come to the club and hang out, especially if he had some gigs that way. I remember him coming up to the DJ booth. He was very cool. Two weeks later I was hanging out at this late night party off of Woodward, and saw Mr. May. He turned to me and said, “Hey what’s up? I want to help you with your DJ career.” The only thing I could say is, “Thanks.” At the time he had a DJ agency called Point Blank with this guy named John. He exposed me to parties in the states and eventually overseas. It was rough going though because I did not have any records out at the time, so basically Derrick would have me open up for him. It was a great experience but also quite nerve racking. I got over the nervousness eventually and just started having fun with it. Derrick is a great DJ. I have seen a lot of them. I remember we were doing a party in Detroit together and a record scratched while he was playing. He immediately hit the effects button and spun the record backwards. I was like, “oh shit!” No one really even noticed, the vibe was still on point. He did not even sweat it.’
It wasn’t all opening for legendary innovators though. We’ve all got to start somewhere and Reggie’s career began in the basement of his family home, cutting and pasting hot wax from New York and across the water in Europe.
‘I have been a DJ since I was 14. I had a good family friend that had a DJ set up. Naturally I wanted one, because he was mixing records that sounded very unique to me. A lot of them were records from overseas and New York records. DJing back then was such a cool thing to do for a kid. A lot of these records from Yazzoo, Yellow, Beat the Street, Capricorn, I Want it to be Real by John Rocca. These records were so different. The vibe was so amazing to me and intoxicating. My father started to support me in buying these records every week. Finally I got a DJ setup. It was a Realistic mixer with two Technics turntables called SLB 200s I believe. My setup was in the basement of my parents home, and I spent hours mixing and making mixed tapes for my friends at school. Sometimes I would make a mixtape before doing homework. My parents did not like that at all. Then I hooked up with a guy name Greg Freeman who DJed, and we just connected. Another guy joined us name Will Guest, and we formed a group called Audio Sounds. We eventually became this popular DJing crew playing Progressive and House Music at house parties. We progressed from playing house parties to being booked by clubs and various venues. Everybody started wanting our mixtapes and we became like local stars at our high school in Detroit. One memory I have is playing this event in Detroit and all the guys would stand around the table watching how we mixed records and stand by the speakers to hear our blends and transitions. It was quite competitive, but very fun.’
On to Psychostasia. Reggie’s label and home of his early output. Established in 2000/1, Psychostasia has consistently served up the goodness from Reggie’s own lab, not forgetting tracks from associates like Jerry the Cat, JuJu and Jordash and the fruits of collaborations between himself Craig Huckaby and fellow Detroit dweller Pirahnahead under the Napi Headz moniker. The label is still going strong today and has never swerved from it’s original aim of releasing eclectic, innovative, soul drenched productions.
‘It [Psychostasia Recordings] was inspired by my experiences in meeting road blocks with other independent labels. Many of them were giving me the runaround. I got tired. Decided I wanted to start my own thing. Psychostasia Recordings was born. With any label it is always a struggle. I remember sending my records overseas to shops in London for free, just to create a buzz. The fortunate thing is that my artistry came from the inspiring streets of Detroit. Considering Detroit’s history or ties to techno, that helped my label. My vision was to have a label that reflected independence. Meaning a label whose vibe was different or eclectic, soulful and genre bending. In addition, it was my aim to show that you could still put out records that particularly did not have the dancefloor in mind. I have manifested my vision, and I continue to push forward with my music.’
Focussing on this music, there is a strong African thread binding together Reggie’s back catalogue. Imagine Ali Farka Toure and Mustapha Tettey Addy in the studio with Juan Atkins and you’ll be getting close. It’s a real skill to balance those Motherland influences with more Westernized styles and do credit to each of the sources. Reggie has this art on lock.
‘…in that there is an intentional injection of African vibrations on my part when it comes to most of my productions. I make no excuses about that…I can only speak for myself, but I always try to make that connection and recognize the beauty of indigenous African rhythms with my electronic music, whether it be House or Techno. The African history/legacy that is a part of me, I share and send out through my music productions … At the risk of repeating myself, I think any person that creates should put a part of what is important and spiritual in their work. Without hesitation, I will unashamedly articulate that Africa, specifically the music, has influenced the world many times over. My first album was called Afromation. I wanted the world of electronic music to know that I am about Africa. I am about history. I am about peace. I am about love. I am about spirituality. I am about music.’
The Afromation was a truely breathtaking debut long player. Released in 2004, it still sounds as fresh today as when I first pressed play. The same goes for his ‘Rhythmicity EP‘. Reggie cites these as his most cherished works.
‘The productions that I am most proud of would be my first EP on Psychostasia and my first album, “The Afromation.” Like most artists, you always have a special connection with that first piece of work. I remember struggling trying to get that first EP out, and most importantly, creating that minimal track, “Black Thoughts” while my daughter was on my lap. The first album is always significant to the artist, this was a body of work that I presented to the world, representing all that is important to me: sprituality, family, music, genre bending artistry.’
The journey is far from over. With a new long player and Psychostasia reissue programme from in the pipeline, plans for a collaborative album with his brother in music Boddhi Satva and murmurs of a European DJ tour early next year, the master of the deep continues his walk….and long may it last.
Reggie has blessed us with a free download of his ‘Funk Below’ which you can pick up here:
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We like moving pictures too, so I included this trailer for the TechnoMecca which features Reggie discussing the black roots of Techno. And for throwback value, check out Sharon Redd in all her black leather glory in the original video for the awesome ‘Beat The Street’.
Many Thanks to Reggie for his patience and assistance putting this piece together. Our blessings stretch out to you brother…
We’re gradually getting back on top of things in here. Decent content, regular podcasts, we’re loving you the right way. Here’s a selection from the Duke to make you feel nice. He lost his voice half-way through but it’s all good, the music speaks for itself…
Lizzy Mercier Decloux // Hard Boiled Pearson Sounds // WAD Sole Fusion // Bass Tone John Robertson // Blame Reggie Dokes //Walk In Deepness New World Aquarium // Tresspassers Block 16 // Morning Sun (Pepe Bradock Refix) Lightening Heads // Message Beats Nanyo Addo // Wo ba wo ba shue Jimi Tenor & the Kabu Kabu // Fast Legs Silkie // Purple Love Elemental // Braindrops James Blake // Air and Lack Thereof’
Build an Ark Remix (Unknown – Help us out!) Amede & The Soundsmith // Tip Toe ft. Shanazz Dorsett Sa Ra Creative Partners // Soul’s Brother
I have to admit that Reggaeton has always been a guilty pleasure of mine (much to the dismay of certain other members of the Heads High crew LOL). But I’m continually exasperated at the unimaginative production and mindless posturing of most mainstream artists so it’s always refreshing to hear the output of people like Tego Calderon and Calle 13.
Calle 13 are one group from the Latin urban / Reggaeton world that should crossover more, eschewing the traits of most mainstream Latin urban artists, their enlightened take on the genre goes well beyond straight Reggaeton and Hip Hop, taking in elements of Samba, Cumbia, Tango and much more. Led by brothers rapper Residente and production man Visitante ,the combination of inventive music and knowing clever lyrics have contributed to their success worldwide. They have tapped into a kind of Pan-Latin American consciousness, making them accessible to both the discerning music listener and the Mamis and Papis, they even recently experienced a spiritual re-awakening in the high plains of Peru, the focus of a new documentary about them “A La Venta Ya”
Calle 13 held nothing back for their startlingly brilliant live show that debuted in London the other night (August 12th) with an eleven-piece band that included a horn section, drummer and two percussionists, a welcome surprise I’m sure for many accustomed to the usual Reggaeton and Hip Hop PAs. A welcome addition to the show is the brother’s sister – PG13 – who punctuates some of the songs with her fantastic vocals and kooky stage presence, as illustrated on this MTV live clip one of their earlier tracks Hormiga Brava which demonstrates their live show whilst retaining the sound quality lost on most YouTube clips.
For some, Calle 13 mash up action courtesy of my main man in Buenos Aires, Argentina check Diamante’s website
or attached here for your convenience
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Capoeira has its roots in Africa. Africans brought their dances, rituals and musicality to Brazil, and motivated by the need to be free from slavery and their ’senzalas’ (slave quarters) capoeira was born. At once serious and playful, dance and fight, spiritual and profane the uniting element behind the art from ancient to present is it’s drive for freedom.
The love-child of Abigail Clarke (Producer) and Daren Bartlett (Director), O-Zelador shoots a wide-angled gaze at Afro-Brazilian tradition using the life and experience of Capoeirista Mestre Russo as a medium. A humble figure, Russo prefers to be known as O-Zelador or ‘The Caretaker’ in reference to his self-appointed role as the guardian of the culture and integrity of Capoeira. A title which he richly deserves. If you’re looking for Russo, you’ll be guaranteed to find him every weekend at the famous ‘Roda De Caxias‘, a street Roda (capoeira circle) of which he has been the guardian for decades. Sometimes as many as three generations of capoeira players can be found at this Roda, and it provides a vital opportunity for the residents of the Baixada Fluminense to come together in spirit, dance, song and of course battle. Having survived attacks under dictatorship and hostility from the various state sanctioned academies, the Roda De Caxais is a symbol of defiance, strength and freedom to it’s participants.
Afro-Brazilian culture runs deep. O Zelador successfully communicates stories of the origins of capoeira, and its links with the Orisha worshipping Candomble ‘cult of nature’ whilst relating Russo and his family’s personal stories, lived out against a backdrop of poverty, crime and government oppression. The thread linking all these elements together is community, something we feel very strongly about…
Check out the trailer and a brief description of the Candomble religion below and if you want more, jump to the official O Zelador site here.
Ancient Africa has given us more than we know. sciences, principles, processes and most of all knowledge. Egyptians defined the Ka as the life force of an individual, which although it was an ethereal projection, required food and drink for sustenance. I’m not going to extend myself further and try to decipher the full meaning of Shafiq Husayn’s new offering – i’ll leave that to you. What I can tell you is ‘Shafiq En’ A Free Ka‘ is a heavy journey into the psychadelic, tripped out reaches of a spiritually focussed master of the boom-bap. Composed entirely using outboard equipment and packed with collaborations from the likes Rozzi Daime, Bilal, Fatima, Count Bass D and Om’Mas Keith, Shafiq En’ A Free Ka is an eagerly anticipated project from 1/3 of the Sa Ra Creative Partners.
As a follow on from the SaRa interview I posted a couple of days back, we thought we’d drop this preview mix of some LP tracks lovingly cut and pasted by Brownswood’s DJ Lefo to free up your life forces….
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