dwala

NOMAD / REMY AMEZCUA

2010-08-06T13:36:00.001+01:00

via for the Guggenheim / youtube competition called Play entitled "NOMAD".

Written & shot by the great Remy Amezcua , I was fortunate enough to create the sound with Alex Joseph .... The woman's voice is by Erika Latta.

Pinot Dark / Nature Boy

2010-07-05T09:55:00.000+01:00

one more from the Pinot crew .....

Nature Boy (feat Ike Quebec) by d'Wala

Memories of The Funhouse

2010-05-14T13:23:00.005+01:00

selection of shots taken at The Funhouse with DJ MK and DJ Harry Love

for the full set click here

if you're not listening to The Funhouse already, GET TO KNOW --> good music, good people .

BIGUPS as always out to MK & Harry....

LINKS:

The Funhouse on UStream
DJ MK's World // DJ MK on Twitter
DJ Harry Love // DJ Harry Love on Twitter

Pinot Dark

2010-05-14T12:43:00.002+01:00

new band i'm working with ... have a listen, space jazz vibes

Pinot Dark // Pinot Dark by d'Wala

Re-edit Suite pt.3 - Nag Champa

2010-05-14T12:09:00.001+01:00

Part Three of my re-edit suite of the amazing Suite For Ma Dukes

*** LIMITED TO 100 DOWNLOADS ***

Last one in the series .... check in / via twitter / subscribe via RSS / Soundcloud for more coming soon....

If you haven't already, don't forget to check Part 1 - Fall In Love & Part 2 - Antiquity

"The J Dilla Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves to help fund inner-city music programs, and provide scholarships to students attending schools that have progressive music curricula. The foundation was started by Maureen Yancey, mother of acclaimed producer James “Jay Dee aka J Dilla” Yancey"

:: LINKS

Find out more about the Dilla Foundation

www.jdillafoundation.org

:: Read more about the record Suite For Ma Dukes, including an interview with Carlos on Stones Throw

www.stonesthrow.com

:: Mochilla Records

www.mochilla.com

:: Carlos Niño

myspace.com/buildanarkdawn

:: Miguel Atwood-Ferguson

myspace.com/miguelatwoodferguson

New Camera // TBF015

2010-04-06T01:25:00.005+01:00

finally managed to bag me a lovely Nikon D90 a couple of weeks back..... here are a few from the first batch of shots taken during recording of Transmit Box Flat 015 in the Brownswood living room...

Re-edit Suite pt.2 - Antiquity

2010-03-24T14:25:00.000Z

Part Two of my re-edit suite of the amazing Suite For Ma Dukes

*** LIMITED TO 100 DOWNLOADS ***

One more in the re-edit series to follow - check back here / via twitter / subscribe via RSS / Soundcloud for the heads up link....

If you haven't already, be sure to check Part 1 - Fall In Love

:: LINKS

Find out more about the Dilla Foundation

www.jdillafoundation.org

:: Read more about the record Suite For Ma Dukes, including an interview with Carlos on Stones Throw

www.stonesthrow.com

:: Mochilla Records

www.mochilla.com

:: Carlos Niño

myspace.com/buildanarkdawn

:: Miguel Atwood-Ferguson

myspace.com/miguelatwoodferguson

Message From The Tribe

2010-03-20T14:12:00.001Z

In the early 1970's, Detroit was a city carrying with it the musical legacy of Motown as well as the title Motor City as one of the USA's main car manufacturing centres. But, by 1970, Motown had moved to Los Angeles and the city's car industry was in decline leaving Detroit in a cultural and industrial void.

Out of this wasteland came Tribe. Over a five year period a group of creative jazz musicians from Detroit took control of their own lives by running their own label, Tribe Records, where they proudly put forward the message:

"Music us the healing force of the Universe"

Picked this up earlier in the week - one of those rare, almost flawless records that just gets you..... encapsulating this amazing 1970's sound through free jazz // spiritual // soul // bebop // modal // Detroit funk // groove // & more....

Nice packaging too - the CD comes in the new Soul Jazz box-case with a 60 page-mini-Tribe magazine, while the double pack vinyl includes a very limited edition free Tribe magazine

As deep as you like, can't recommend this one enough, make sure you get it!!

--> BUY NOW via Sounds of The Universe

the illest

2010-03-09T14:16:00.008Z

13 years ago to the day, the passing of the greatest rapper of all time - Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997) aka Biggie aka Biggie Smalls aka Frank White aka The Notorious B.I.G

Biggie Smalls changed my life

It was all a dream

I used to read Word Up magazine

Salt'n'Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine

Hangin' pictures on my wall

Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl

I let my tape rock 'til my tape popped

Smokin' weed and bamboo, sippin' on private stock

Way back, when I had the red and black lumberjack

With the hat to match

Remember Rappin' Duke, duh-ha, duh-ha

You never thought that hip hop would take it this far

Now I'm in the limelight 'cause I rhyme tight

Time to get paid, blow up like the World Trade

Born filla, the opposite of a winner

Remember when I used to eat sardines for dinner

Peace to Ron G, Brucey B, Kid Capri

Funkmaster Flex, Lovebug Starsky

I'm blowin' up like you thought I would

Call the crib, same number same hood

It's all good...

and if you don't know, now you know....

download // listen DJ MK's 2007 Biggie Tribute Mix

---

Re-edit Suite pt.1 - Fall in Love

2010-02-28T18:59:00.015Z

February 10th this year marked the 6th anniversary of a legend passing - James Dewitt Yancey aka J Dilla.

There have been many tributes from the music community, such was his influence, cementing deserved recognition as one of the true great producers of hip-hop, if not the greatest.

Released in mid 2009 via Mochilla Records was the brilliant "Suite for Ma Dukes" - Carlos Niño & Miguel Atwood-Ferguson choosing to pay tribute to J Dilla by interpreting his music in a contemporary chamber music style.

I remember first hearing this record on Gilles Peterson's Radio One show and thinking WOW !! - Niño & Atwood-Fergusons beautifully interpretted arrangements of some of Dilla's finest beats are simply incredible....

Anyways, so inspirational was the music that I decided to re-edit the tracks.... and attempted to re-create the trademark Dilla sound - drum grooves, drops, & classic arrangement - that appeared on the originals of these records over the chamber style instrumentals.

The re-edits started with Fall in Love as originally recorded by Slum Village on the 2000 classic Fantastic, Vol.2 on GoodVibe Recordings.

Until now, there's only been a couple of low quality mp3's online with a few sneaky copies floating about..... but now they're available via my Soundcloud for a strictly limited time only!

*** LIMITED TO 100 DOWNLOADS ***

There are two more in the re-edit series that'll be up soon - check back here / via twitter / subscribe via RSS / Soundcloud for the heads up link....

:: LINKS

Find out more about the Dilla Foundation
www.jdillafoundation.org

:: Photos by Grace Oh
www.graceoh.net

:: Read more about the record Suite For Ma Dukes, including an interview with Carlos on Stones Throw
www.stonesthrow.com

:: Mochilla Records
www.mochilla.com

:: Carlos Niño
myspace.com/buildanarkdawn

:: Miguel Atwood-Ferguson
myspace.com/miguelatwoodferguson

New York City

2010-02-26T02:17:00.012Z

a few shots taken on a trip to NYC back in the summer of 2007.

all shot on Nikon D40 with stock 18-55mm lens.

:: limited A1 prints available

J Dilla Documentary Pt.1 (of 3)

2010-02-26T00:14:00.001Z

Part one of a three part documentary on J Dilla by the good folk @ www.stussy.com

Loose !!!!

2010-02-25T20:47:00.007Z

only just realised i haven't posted anything for a minute..... LOOSE !

new design is here, posts coming soon.....

:: SNOW:CAST ::

2010-01-08T22:02:00.010Z

needed some deep vibes to compliment these beautiful snow filled days we having here in UK.... also wanted to put together a few bits i've been working on over the past months, give you some flavours....

...so here it is, a one hour mix -->

d'Wala :: snow:cast ::

:: DOWNLOAD ::

TRACKLISTING:

Miriam Makeba :: Tribute
d'Wala :: Reckon
Basic Channel :: Basic Reshape (The Climax (Basic Reshape))
Little Dragon :: Fortune
Tokimonsta :: Smoke and Mirrors
S.E.V.A feat Danay :: Lagrimas de Soledad (d'Wala Outer Oddidty Mix)
d'Wala :: Nude
Zero 7 :: Ghost Symbol
Alix Perez :: Portraits Of The Unknown (Interlude)
d'Wala :: Introspective
Subeena :: Solidify (feat. Jamie Woon & Om'mas Keith)
d'Wala :: Sound Design
Burial :: Fostercare
Burial & Four Tet :: Moth
d'Wala :: Spacelife
d'Wala :: Song For Her
Martyn :: Efdemin - B - Acid Bells Martyn Bittersweet Mix
d'Wala :: Dreamlands
d'Wala :: Namaskaram

comments // thoughts always welcome

Havana Cultura RIDDIMIX !!!!

2010-01-08T21:53:00.003Z

put together a cheeky little bogle / flex / get LOW vibes remix S.E.V.A's Lagrimas de Soledad (feat Danay) .... check the link on Gilles Petersons Worldwide, or click play below....

--> bass up !!

2009 Retrospect

2010-01-08T21:42:00.007Z

dropped a little 1 hour mix over at holdboxflat.com - a kinda mixed bag look-back at two double-o nine, some nice bits....

listen // download

The Sound of Cereal

2010-01-08T14:08:00.006Z

created the sounds on this advert at the end of last year, starting to see it playing out on the box recently, nice --> and yes, I am Chris Hoy's voice double for the gym scene.....!

bigup to the team - Lee Grainge, and the legend that is Mr. Alex Joseph

.... & to Pete over @ A-Bomb for the gig

my top tunes of 2009

2010-01-06T00:27:00.000Z

bit late i know, blame the chest infection....

anyways, obviously this list could be debated all day, all night, all year... and it's by no means comprehensive, or in any particular order.

these are just some of the tunes that really struck me in 2009 - all extremely talented artists, all brilliant tracks.

I'm not gonna go on and on about them as I could be here all night.....

simply put - they're amazing, LISTEN UP !!!

---

:: Robert Glasper & Bilal

:: All Matter

:: Blue Note

---

:: Burial

:: Fostercare

:: Hyperdub

---

:: Commix

:: Underwater Scene

:: Soul:r

---

:: Martyn

:: For Lost Relatives

:: Aus Music

Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli - History Official Video

2010-01-05T12:35:00.003Z

doin it like only they do.... BIG !!

12" :: 2009

2009-12-19T01:42:00.018Z

this year i got back into buying vinyl in a BIG way.... it's hard to beat the sonic of vinyl, the warmth, the depth... BIG !!

I also hooked up a beautiful Ecler Nuo mixer, and a pair of Shure M44-G's carts for the full experience.... trust me when I say they sound DEEEEE-CENT !!!!!! the proof is via Transmit Box Flat...

anyways, i digress - in no particular order, here are some of the 12's I'm happy to have found this year.

absolute MAXIMUM RESPECT must go out to 0800dark and DonSTaR for hooking me up.... and of course Sounds Of The Universe ....

BIGUP !!

---

:: Floating Points

:: Vacuum Boogie EP (EGLO002 - BUY)

:: Eglo

brilliant EP, three killer tunes.... title track is DOPE, but it's Argonaut that steals it for me

---

:: Joy Orbison

:: Hyph Mngo / Wet Look (HFT009 - BUY )

:: Hotflush

H U G E ! ! ! no doubt one of the tunes of the year -- > simply no denying Joy Orbison right now.... real future business here, what a sound.... 2010, gonna be BIG !!

---

:: Ramadanman

:: Humber (PIPS005 - BUY )

:: Applepips

FRESSHHH ! what a beautiful tune, love the choppy chord / broken beat vibes on this one.... gorgeous! Bigup DK, another masterpiece from Mr. Hessle Audio

---

:: Various

:: All Night Long EP 2 (AUS0920 - BUY)

:: Aus Music

A1 :: Appleblim & Ramadanman :: Sous Le Sable

B1 :: Martyn :: For Lost Relatives

B2 :: Pearson Sound :: Indelible

what a piece to have! Sous Le Sable is EPIC, For Lost Relatives is one of my tunes of the year, & Pearson Sound just rounds it off nicely..... nice.

---

:: Instra:mental

:: Watching You (NONPLUS002)

:: Nonplus Records

I remember hearing this for the first time and thinking WOW !! another completely fresh sound, it features vocals from D Bridge, and is on a half time d'n'b flex.... really feeling this experimental side of drum'n'bass, a really beautiful and amazing sound .... Instra:mental are killin it!!

---

:: Shut Up And Dance

:: Epileptic (Martyn's No Strobe Mix) (SUAD 63 - BUY)

:: Shut Up And Dance Records

Martyn has smashed it this year, some absolutely killer bits (check out Friedrichstrasse).... this one is no exception - DEEP bass, choppy beats, old skool chords.... RUDE !

---

:: Blue Daisy

:: Strings Detached (ACRE 015 - BUY)

:: Black Acre

some white label business courtesy of Donstar - really feeling these experimental / electronic / dubby vibes... real nice piece from Blue Daisy, BIGUP!

---

:: Eveson

:: Hotwax (CH8201)

:: Channel 82

debut release on Alex Evesons' Channel 82 label. liquid business at it's best, a beautifully put together number with what sounds like an Aaliyah vocal sample giving it those dreamy vibes. this was a big tune over the summer for me, really revived my interest in d'n'b. head over to the Channel 82 website to check the limited edition cover art prints too....

---

:: Spectrasoul

:: Guardian (Know You Want Me) (METH081)

:: Metalheadz

Brighton duo Spectrasoul giving us a release on Metalheadz - you know it's gotta be KILLER!!! loving these vibes, a real roller..... turn it up and enjoy

---

:: Blu Mar Ten

:: Above Worlds (BMT001)

:: Blu Mar Ten

Luscious .... Gorgeous .... Beautiful .... say no more

---

been a minute....

2009-12-16T15:49:00.006Z

... since i've posted anything - been holed up in the studio making music & sounds.... and staying warm ! !

lots of bits to come... sneaky Havana Cultura remix going up on hold box flat very soon, some mixtape business that's been on the list for a while, my records of the year... plus the sounds for a cereal commercial !

stay tuned...

BIGUP ! !

Cypher (BET Award Show)

2009-12-04T14:21:00.000Z

DJ Premier, Mos Def, Black Thought, and Eminem absolutely killing it....

HoldBox55 weekender

2009-11-27T01:12:00.004Z

join the dark side...

2009-11-25T19:39:00.025Z

Adidas Originals teaming up with Star Wars - DEEEEEP !

Planned for release in the 2010 Spring/Summer season through Adidas Originals stores, gonna be limited no doubt....

hope they hit us here in the UK, need me a pair of those Stormtrooper high-tops....!!

The Magic Hour

2009-11-18T17:45:00.009Z

Buttermouth is complete and out there, maximum goes out to Andrew Gibbs for creating something very special.... shouts to the audio team too - Lee Grainge, Richard Kondal, and Alex Joseph, nice one gents...

taken from guardian.co.uk

The Magic Hour is a collaborative project, supported by the UK Film Council's New Cinema Fund... For me, the piece which was the most interesting and fully realised was Buttermouth, directed by Andrew Gibbs, a poetic and melancholy evocation of blindness.

nice to see the film getting some much deserved publicity and love :)

Novo Som Sistema // Friday November 13th

2009-11-12T19:47:00.005Z

NOVO SOM SISTEMA @ Guanabara

6.00 – 9.00 :: DJ Dan
7.30 – 8.30 :: Basil (percussion show)
9.00 – 10.45 :: bPm (Brownswood / Soul Jazz)
9.30 – 9.50 :: Capoeira (Grupo Cordão de Ouro)
10.45 – 11.30 :: LIVE :: LOS CHINCHES
11.30 – 1.30 :: Mr Bongo Soundsystem
12.30 – 1.30 :: Hugo Mendez (Sofrito/Soundway)
1.30 – CLOSE (2:30) :: bPm (Brownswood Soul Jazz)

the bPm // Brownswood // East Village 23.10.09

2009-10-18T21:01:00.003+01:00

5 years of Hyperdub

2009-10-14T13:47:00.005+01:00

celebrating 5 years of life as a label comes Hyperdub 5 - double cartridge style CD pack with tune after tune..... first disk lends itself to previous releases, whilst the second gives you the freshness....

highlight for me is the simply gorgeous Fostercare by Burial.... beautiful sounds, signature manipulated vocals... absolutely killer

cop it on CD @ Sounds Of The Universe...

... be sure to watch out for forthcoming limited edition 12's

Alix Perez :: 1984

2009-10-09T12:43:00.010+01:00

** BRAND NEW **

coming out today on Shogun Audio from the man Alix Perez - debut album entitled "1984"

lot of hype on this one, and from what i've heard, thoroughly deserved.... my favourite so far? Forsaken feat Peven Everett & Spectrasoul - simply beautiful, definately one of my tunes of the year...

if you a Londoner, get yourself down to Blackmarket on the 15th October for in-store launch business.... album signing // goodies // free cider !

BIGUP

‘1984’ transcends the club/home listening divide with ease providing not just another drum and bass album but something so much more special. Going against the grain Alix Perez has delivered an album for real music lovers the world over. Crossing genres he delves from blessed-out downbeat and experimental hip hop to funk, soul and of course his beloved drum & bass, fusing them all together in the ultimate urban electronica album for 2009.

LINKS:

Alix Perez on myspace

Spectrasoul on myspace

Shogun Audio on myspace

Blackmarket Records

Learning @ 55 Studio

2009-10-02T01:11:00.013+01:00

party gwannins @ 55DSL Carnaby Street tonight.... upstairs, a private viewing of an art exhibition Andrew Clark entitled 'The Learning'.

Inspired by the nostalgia of 55DSL's fifteenth birthday, 'The Learning' gives a nod to the past in resurrecting the old school. The work is new, but the delivery traditional. accetates, slides, and frames give the viewer a chance to interact and be educated in this first solo exhibition from emerging illustrator Andrew Clark.

also checked the new winter collection from 55 - bright colours all around, feeling the YELLOW, FEELING the PURPLE ! yeah, as always, some really nice pieces....

check the XV/55 sneakers too - cold as ICE! a sneaky limited edition collab between 55DSL and Adidas Originals.... rude

bigup Billie and the whole crew @ 55DSL

www.thisisandrewclark.com
www.55dsl.com

Couchtape vol. 2

2009-09-30T00:10:00.004+01:00

giving this one some heavy rotation - capturing the feel and sound of a classic cassette mixtape, it goes by the name Fresh Air Couchtape Vol. 2 from the man called Tomcat Beats..... listen >> download >> BIGUP !

download the mp3

HIP-HOP SOUL BEATS FUNK JAZZ CHILL INSTRUMENTAL REGGAE

including: house shoes-slum village-city slick-hugh whitaker-dam funk-ras g-jay electronica-stoopz n breeze-leaf erikson-remarkable mayor-kankick-tha connection-ahu-sa ra-byron lee-gordan-dak-vincent price-will widdoss-blu-fluent-q tip-the lacks ....  

www.myspace.com/tomcatbeat

tomcatbeats on soundcloud

Antiquity // d'Wala re-edits....

2009-09-20T23:10:00.006+01:00

my re-edit of Dilla's Antiquity as played by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Carlos Nino.... as dropped by Gilles Peterson on Radio 1

check out Stones Throw for more information on Suite For Ma Dukes.... highly, HIGHLY recommended

B I G U P s go out to Mr. Carlos Nino, and of course the G.Pizzle

have re-edited all 4 from the record Suite For Ma Dukes, hopefully gonna get them all out there for your listening pleasure soon, watch this space...

til then, check this one and hit me with your thoughts...

peace

Antiquity // d'Wala re-edit by neeld

Bigger Better FOLEY

2009-09-17T02:21:00.007+01:00

Just finished shooting the foley for the forth coming Andrew Gibbs short animation Buttermouth.

Not only was I fortunate enough to be shooting at the amazing Universal Sound Foley Studios, i also had the foley expertise of Mr. Lee Grainge.

All we got left to do now is fit it, and put the mix together.... it's starting to come to life, Bigger, Better, Butter....

BIG respect and MASSIVE thanks go out to Phil, Paul, Simon, and Ian at Universal Sound, and of course, the mighty Lee Grainge (good game son....!)

Gilles Peterson Impressed...

2009-09-15T18:23:00.005+01:00

get yourself down to Ronnie Scotts's this weekend - Roots Manuva with special guest Tony Allen on Friday (DJ set from the G Pizzle), and then brother darkness himself, the bPm DJ-ing on Saturday. See you there....

ECLER IN THE HOUSE !

2009-08-17T14:52:00.005+01:00

finally got me a new Ecler Nuo 2.0 mixer - RUDE !!!

build quality and sound = killer

simply gorgeous

go get one... NOW !

visit Ecler DJ Division

the rum punch experiment...

2009-08-11T16:20:00.002+01:00

BIGGER BETTER BUTTER

2009-08-07T14:58:00.021+01:00

I'm currently working on a short stop-motion animation called Butter Mouth, written and directed by the incredibly talented Andrew Gibbs. A couple of days ago I was lucky enough to go down to Studio 9 in Hackney Wick to meet some of the super skillful crew at Wolf & Sheep Animation, and to see their amazing work in action.

The work these guys are doing has to be seen to be believed - their focus and attention to detail is simply stunning. The set in itself is a masterpiece of intricate detail - lush piled carpet, a kitchen that i can only imagine must have taken a ridiculous amount of hours to construct, mildew effect on the wallpaper, fantastically crafted furniture... wow!

Whilst I was there, I got to see don animator Andy Biddle doing his thing - to see him at work really emphasised the meticulous nature of animating. Minute movements captured frame by frame to achieve crazy realistic emotions from these wonderful characters.... awesome! Andy was telling me he animated on the upcoming Wes Anderson movie Fantastic Mr. Fox - again, really impressive work, be sure to check that out too...

On the other side of the set wall was the production area where artist Zosienka was crafting heads of main character Clara with obvious calm and patience. As you can see in the picture, there are rows of heads at various stages of production waiting to be finished and used - again the detailing and emotion is just ridiculously good, unbelievable work...

We're recording ADR tomorrow, and hopefully I can start work on sound design next week.

Be sure to check the Wolf & Sheep Animation blog for production stills and progress of Butter Mouth, gonna be absolutely stunning when it's finished.

Thanks again guys for having me over, was magical! Vitamin D pills in the post....

LINKS:

Wolf and Sheep Animation blog

Andrew Gibbs on Vimeo

Andy Biddle on youtube

Zosienka.com

d :: cast :: 001 :: listen :: download

2009-07-30T01:28:00.012+01:00

:: bollywood :: house :: tribal :: downtempo :: bass heavy :: dubstep :: garage :: chilled :: dark :: broken :: hip hop :: cosmic dust :: beatstrumental :: London :: beat heavy :: outer worldly :: drum'n'bass :: cinematic

d :: cast :: 001 by neeld

or click here to download

bigup the bPm @ Soul Jazz Records for the vinyl selections

TRACK LISTING:

1. theme from Qurbani :: Kalyanji Anandji

2. we belong to the night :: Suges

3. horns and roses :: dOP

4. sleeper :: Jimpster

5. humber :: Ramadannan

6. down on me :: Wookie

7. superflight :: Chateau Flight

8. el din 2 :: Shackleton

9. tealeaf dancers (dub bootleg) :: Flying Lotus

10. gazzilion ear :: DOOM (Thom Yorke Remix)

11. cosmic dust :: James Asher

12. falling (dub) :: Dudley Perkins

13. let yourself go (blog preview) :: Ramson Badbonez

14. disco dancer :: The Beat Konducta

15. sprockets :: Frederick Judd

16. introspective :: dwala

17. vancouver :: Martyn

18. misty winter :: Digital Mystiks

19. work song :: Hold Box Flat

20. leaves :: Data

21. ataciara :: Alaska (Paradox) and Nucleus

22. heading north :: Chris Coda

23. anya :: neel d

Relax Yourself

2009-07-26T13:32:00.004+01:00

Ramadanman - Humber (Apple Pips Recordings)

2009-07-24T01:02:00.007+01:00

gorgeous tune, heavy video.... B I G U P the Ramadanman

cop it NOW at Sounds Of The Universe

check Ramadanman on Myspace

the bPm live @ worldwide festival DOWNLOAD

2009-07-16T19:16:00.007+01:00

sun, sand, & tunes... the bPm live in session @ ACD beach at this years Worldwide Festival

the bPm // Worldwide Festival // 2009 by thebpm

Click here if you'd prefer to download

recorded and production by dwala

photo by Gwanaelle Chan

Final Day Beach Party @ WF Sete 2009

2009-07-10T14:54:00.009+01:00

After crashing around 7:30am, found myself woken up around midday to hit the beach - today was an all dayer at ACD beach, been told so much about last years, this was the one i was looking forward to. Reached ACD by 1pm - nice and early but then found out the party was going til 4am!!! Gonna have to soldier this one out, last day and all....

Lots of DJ's on rotation all day, found a spot by the dancefloor, chilling on a lounger, boiling hot.... lovely. Absolutely gorgeous people everyone, sun kissed skin on impossible bodies.... beautiful women everywhere you turned, everyone on the good vibes, a music lovers affair, fantastic!

Spent the whole afternoon drinking / chillin / dancing / people watching all afternoon... highlights included (but not limited to) Lefto dropping a nice mixed bag (that included Award Tour), and DJ Sub from Reprazent dropping a little drum'n'BASS (one crazy ass d'n'b remix of Human Nature!).... by the time the main man GP came on at 9pm, the beach was absolutely RAM UP!

Gilles smashed it as always with a trademark eclectic set... to hear Jill Scotts Golden played out on a beach in the heat was a REAL TREAT! Was also a nice upcoming downtempo track from Fat Freddy's Drop... all the hallmarks of some solid GP business really, exactly what you want :)

After Gilles came Simbad.... and so came some heavy dubstep / d'n'b / anything else that was gonna provide general chestplate business - bass was turned UP, and the main beach area in front of the DJ booth was POPPIN OFF!!! went in there a few times by the speakers, what a vibe, what energy... CRAZY!

HIGHLIGHT - Simbad dropping Thriller to a backdrop of moonlight glistening off the ocean - simply incredible!!!

At some point, Dean pitched up with a botle of voddo, we got a couple of bottles of wine, and then Dean balled in with another bottle of champs.... it was now gone midnight, i'd been partying for a solid 12 hours, and there was still another 3-4 to go!!

With the moonlight shining bright, we took a moment to raise a toast - Dean, Mike, Trist, and myself - sat on the sand looking out to sea, trying to soaking it all in.... what a weekend!

After that, was pretty blurry if i'm honest?! Carried on raving til the early hours, dunno what time we got back... all i know is that it was a 16 hour jamdown, and i gotta be at the train station soon - man I need some rest.

zzzzz

WF Day Three - Saturday Night

2009-07-10T14:29:00.002+01:00

So after Jimi Tenor Live, i headed down to St. Christ for the last night at the pier - Fulgeance, Alex from Jazzanova, local cat Boozig, and Larent Garnier live. Linked Dean, Mike, Fab, and Lyndsey in the VIP and got our rum on...

So yeah, by the time i headed in the pit, Fulgeance was already playing - dunno much about this guy, but man was using two MPC2000's for his performance so props must go out... Tunes sounded heavy, super thumping, he was obviously loving it... and I totally understand why too - to plug your MPC into a system like that and have a play??!?! Man, i'd be buzzing too...

Next up was Alex from Jazzanova - he absoluted ROCKED IT! Sound system was cranked, and the b-line was tumping - it peaked at Plastic Dreams by Jaydee, and then again when he dropped the original demo version of Don't Stop Til You Get Enough (one of many MJ tributes throughout the weekend...). By this time, the crowd was heaving, everyone ready and up for it - everyone was waiting for Laurent Garnier.

Should point out that by this time, my camera had given up the ghost (hence no pictures).... well, it actually died during Jimi Tenor - battery ran out, and my travel plug adaptor decided up stop working. tried to find another one, but no joy... what a time for it to go, gutted, there was so much more i wanted to film. Still, at least I managed to get a sneaky minute of Jimi Tenor playing Global Party...

Anyways, by this point, i was safely plotting backstage as the venue was now completely ram up - anticipation was high - France was so ready for man himself, Mr. Laurent Garnier. Due to lack of equipment / last minute rushing, it took them a good half hour to build and sound check a very elaborate setup - numerous laptops, about 40 banks of faders spread accross 3 control surfaces, couple of drum controller pads, a few synths.... and that was just for Laurent!! Worth mentioning there was also a fender rhodes (with a beautiful sounding wah wah), couple more synths, guitar, plus 3 piece horns, so this obviously wasn't a regular DJ set...

Can't say the music was 100% my bag, but similar to watching Carl Craig - an inspiration to watch a master of their craft command the stage. Music styles went right accross the board (house, d'n'b, techno, afro house).... everyone was buzzing, hype set. Watched it from up top, but did have to go in with Ekow down in the thick of it for the d'n'b number...

Gotta give props to Ekow - really cool guy, drummer with Jimi Tenor, member of Kabu Kabu, played with Tony Allen, & Wumi to name a few... proper safe... we had a proper mashup one!!! He's got his own record coming too Going For Gold, look out for that.....

Back to Larent Garnier - i'm so, SO gutted i didn't have my camera for this one as the crowd were just wild, without a doubt the most packed the venue has been over the whole festival. Mad energy, what a great vibe.

After Laurent, a local cat from Montpellier, the DJ known as Boozig. Didn't know much about this guy - rocked an electro influenced set that kept the crowd hype after Laurent Garnier, no mean feat.

Finished up about 6am, and thankfully managed to blag a lift back to the hotel - after walking throughout the day, and also with my rucksack, needed that ride... Finished up in the boulangerie over the road from the hotel, sitting outside in the blazing sunshine, eating some dodgy hotdog concoction?! Better get some zzzz, last day tomorrow, and you know it's gonna be BIG...

Day Three - Saturday daytime @ WF Sete

2009-07-09T12:39:00.011+01:00

Another beautiful day in Sete, so decided to walk over to ACD beach today.... ended up taking well over an hour, but the sun was blazing, and the walk is along was the coast so all good. Excited to catch the bPm's set this afternoon at the beach, know he has the killer selections, man's ready to bogle!

When I got the beach, Aline & Da Vince were in the mix - really nice set, dropped a very sneaky downtempo house remix of Busta Rhymes & Missy Elliot's Touch It, loved that one, need to find it... anyone?!

Must have been around 5:30 when the bPm stepped up - no need to tell you he smashed it as always! Nice mixed bag from the darkness, had me and many others grooving from the get go. Highlights for me were Suges' We Belong To The Night, and Heatwave's Boogie Nights (a bit of a bPm signature!?)... yeah, loving the selections, hardest I've got down so far....

So after the ACD party, I walked to the Theatre De La Mer - once again, stunning backdrop, probably the most gorgeous music venue i have had the pleasure of being at.... nice food backstage too! oysters, great salads, fresh bread, pasta, couscous, rose wine.... Sophie dem arrived today - with the exception of Chif (missed you man), the crew was now complete

First of the two live music acts scheduled for tonight was Mocky - didn't know much about Mocky apart from what it said in the programme, but took a seat midway up, and tuned in. If asked to categorise the sound of Mocky, I'd have to say hip-hop / experimental / with a touch of folk?! What i loved about his set was the fantastic blend of instruments used for the performance - a sumptuous pallette of sounds, that compliment each other so well, it gives you a sound on the right side of sickly sweet - Upright Piano & Fender Rhodes (mk1 i think?), Flute & Vox, Viola, Upright Bass & Percussion (looked like Giovanni Congas...), and Drums (lovely 18" bass drum) & Vox... yeah, a perfect sonic to the visual backdrop.

After Mocky was the band I'd come to see - the wonderful Jimi Tenor live - rude, rude, RUDE!! A very close call against Soil & "Pimp" Sessions for the top show!? Three piece brass with Jimi going between keyboards and sax... killer bass player Patrick Frankowski with the most beautiful, warm sound.... Drummer Ekow Alabi Savage from Ghana, & percussionist Akinola Famson from Lagos, Nigeria - KABU KABU IN THE HOUSE, afrobeat, K I L L E R grooves, man these guys can play!

The floor in front of the stage quickly filled up, great energy, definate good times vibes, loved it. Special shout to the rhythm section on this one for playing the groove C O L D A S I C E !!! Highlight was the afrobeat laced Global Party from Jimi's latest release 4th Dimension. A really cool bunch of cats, had a long nater with the Eko (the drummer) backstage after the show, real real cool.

Again, as after the Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, I could have gone home a happy man, but there was Jazzanova followed by Laurent Garnier to come. I'd heard backstage that there were a few problems - Laurents gear didn't turn up, nor did Alex's records - apparently Alex was sat in his hotel frantically burning CD's trying to put his set together, whilst a mad scramble around Sete for wires for Laurent ensued....

LINKS

who is the bPm?
Suges on myspace
Chif Music
Mocky
Jimi Tenor
Kabu Kabu
Ekow Savage
Akinola Famson

Video from Friday @ Worldwide Sete 2009

2009-07-04T13:33:00.003+01:00

The Weekend Has Landed - Friday - Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, Martyn, and Carl Craig

2009-07-04T11:50:00.012+01:00

Got up a little late today, long day yesterday, really needed those zzzz.... headed over to ACD beach late afternoon to check the party going on there. Really cool spot, they had these sprinklers inside the bar spraying a super fine mist of water, nice and cooling, so necessary for the heat today.

Chilled at the beach for a while, quick pitstop with Dean and Mike, then grooved on over to the gorgeous Theatre De La Mer to catch a couple of live acts. First of all, what an amazing venue - behind the stage, you have this beautiful backdrop of the sea and coastline - breathtaking.... then as the sun goes down, you can see the moonlight shimmering off the waves.... easy to get lost looking out. Backstage was decent too - oysters, fresh bread, nice salads, good wine.... yep, feeling this venue hard.

On to the music - we were it a little late, so unfortunately didn't get to see Elan Mehler play. As we arrived, Sebastien Schuller was just going on stage. I guess i'd describe it as a curious blend of indie / rock / electronic... some with vocals, some instrumentals.... felt right for the time and surroundings, yeah, nice.

After Sebastien we had Soil and "Pimp" Sessions - don't really have the words to describe these guys - simply AWESOME!!! The music, the vibe, the clothes, the players,.... just KILLIN!!!!! It's been a long time since i've seen a band for the first time, and been blown away... but man, these guys absolutely smashed it, a real force at work.

For those of you that don't know about Soil and "Pimp" Sessions, you need to - a six piece Japanese jazz band made up of Midorin (drums), Akita Goldman (bass), Josei (piano, keys), Tabu Zombie (trumpet), Motoharu (sax), and President aka Shacho (agitator) - put together, the stage exploded, they popped off!! Can't say enough good things about this band, so refreshing to see and hear... each player commands their respective instruments, and the sum of all parts just nails it... and to top if off, they're proper safe too! Check the video, check their myspace page, become fans.... trust me, have a listen.... so worth it, highlight of the festival for me, absolutely brilliant.

Anyways, after their amazing performance, i would have been happy to call it a night.... but obviously couldn't - scheduled for the main stage tonight was Dorian Concept, Martyn, and Mr. Carl Craig. Couldn't go straight though cause I had to slide back to get my earplugs and another memory card (filming Soil and "Pimp" Sessions cained my camera). Had a bit of a moment on the way back with the weather - that unmistakable smell of a storm brewing was in the air, and it started to rain. With all the venues being outdoor, that would've been a big problem... but thankfully it stopped, and we headed back to the main stage... at 1:30am.

As we walked down the pier towards the venue, a bass line started creeping in - a bass line that had Martyn written all over it!! Soon as we got in, had to roll backstage and get down on the stage! Some killer bits from Martyn as always, deep in it as always, i dig this guy and his music. His whole set had this infectious groove to it, one of them shoulder poppers if you know what i mean... couldn't stop getting down, rude, rude, RUDE!

And then to the main event - Detroits finest, the one and only Mr. Carl Craig. Straight off the bat, there was no messing - man went in DEEEEEP, and stayed there, proper chestplate business!! It's always awe-inspring to watch a master of his craft at work, and this was certainly the case for me watching Carl Craig. I sat backstage for over an hour watching him do his thing, working the crowd, and just going off! Maximum respect goes out, a true professional, an honor to watch.

Grabbed a pain au chocolate on the way back to the hotel, and strolled home watching the sun rise. It's now gone 7am, and I've been treated to some amazing music tonight. Thank you Soil and "Pimp" Sessions, thank you Martyn, thank you Carl Craig.

Later on today i get to see Jimi Tenor live, followed by Jazzanova on the main stage, finishing with none other than Mr. Laurent Garnier. Oh, and the bPizZaaM is playing on the beach - yep, It's gonna be another big one.....

LINKS

Soil & "Pimp" Sessions on myspace

Soil & "Pimp" Sessions @ Victor Entertainment

Martyn on myspace

Theo Parish and Diplo @ Phare Du Mole, Sete

2009-07-03T14:36:00.011+01:00

First night of Worldwide last night, so i'm bit fuzzy today... walked down there with The bPm, and Naomi, about half hour from the hotel... beautiful venue right by the sea, backstage up by the lighthouse... real cool.

On to the tunes, on to Mr. Theo Parish - some gorgeous music, Detroit in the house! Just a shame that the sound wasn't tumping as hard as is should have (man bought his own mixer, but didn't get to sound check it...). But some heavy tunes, nice to hear a 2 hour set played off vinyl... really great energy from Theo, deep stuff man, feeling it!!

After the Parish came Diplo.... if I'm being honest, i don't know how hard i was feeling his set? Don't get me wrong, there were a few killer tunes, but overall, wasn't really FEELING it if you know what i mean. Whole set played off Serato too.... hmmmm!??!?

But yeah, a nice little opener, nothing too mad, setting the tone for the rest of the weekend. Don't think i'll be saying the same about tonight - Dorian Concept, Martyn, and Carl Craig - for me, it's all about Martyn right now, loving his sound... Just hoping there's not another four in the morning walk home and realising The motherf*cking bPm had lost the hotel key moment....

PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES.... A BUS, AND A SUITCASE WITH BROKEN HANDLE

2009-07-02T16:50:00.007+01:00

Made it to Luton Airport this morning after a night of running about, trying to get everything ready.... 3 hours sleep, then a drive to Luton Airport at 7:30am, not much fun.... but I'm off to Worldwide Festival, Sete, so all good!

The sun is shining, and it's an absolute heater in London - got off the bus (from the supposed local the car park) to find the handle on my wheelie suitcase bust up... so I'm hunched over trying to wheel it without a handle looking like a proper chief! A £2 bottle of water and a £1 ziplock bag for security later (yes, they've for got wise to the game and started charging for them...), I managed to fix up a little string /carrier bag solution to the suitcase handle.... yes, this is a proper ghetto move, and i look like an even bigger chief.... but I'm a chief with a handle....

Landed at Nimes Airport to cloud and drizzle, but still very humid. Pretty small airport, guess quaint is the word.... a little vending machine for coffee, and three trolleys at the whole place.... yeah, quaint...

Found out that the station is actually in the town rather than anywhere near the airport, so was gonna be a bus or taxi ride. Met some fellow Sete revelers at the airport who spoke french, so chilled with them whilst looking for a way into town, cool cats...

After finding the only bus into town was full, had to order a cab into central Nimes.... sounds like a fairly simple ting, but fast forward an hour, and we were still chillin out front waiting for a cab - even the peeps who worked at the airport had started to leave...

Anyways, the madcap taxi driver finally arrived and got us to the station in one piece... just... bought my ticket from the machine, ran to the platform to see my train slowly crawling out of the station - sheeeit! I would say it's looking like one of those journeys, but the sun is back out, and Ryan didn't f*ck up, so I'd say I'm doing alright.

Quick coffee, few snaps, and i'm on the next train as i type. Trains here are decent, definately a step up from the Silverlink... beautiful views, super smooth...

another half hour, and I'll be in Sete ready for the madness to begin.

Gilles Peterson Worldwide Festival 2009 - here we go....

Worldwide Festival, Sete

2009-07-01T20:17:00.010+01:00

heading out to Sete, France for the Gilles Peterson Worldwide festival tomorrow morning... internet access permitting, will be posting sights & sounds both here, and on www.holdboxflat.com ... so yeah, tune in all weekend for the goodness....

peace

www.holdboxflat.com

www.worldwidefestival.com

Michael Joseph Jackson, August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

2009-06-25T23:56:00.002+01:00

A real inspiration, a true genius. Thank you for the music

// Rest In Peace Michael Jackson

The Clown Prince play the Greatest Show in the Universe!

2009-06-23T16:39:00.001+01:00

as you may or may not know, i also am part of a band called the Clown Prince - me and the chif rocking out our usual madcap business....

anyways, last week i finished cutting foley on a movie called 'The Story Of...' - it's a comedy about the music industry, a band called F*CK who get signed to the greatest record label in the world 'Cosmos Records' ... proper jokes!

so got the Clown Prince as the official support act for F*CK playing the greatest show in the universe!! chify got a few lines warming up the crowd, and we ended up using 3 tunes in the movie - nice! will post up trailer when it's becomes available, meanwhile check the out the Clown Prince tunes on Myspace....

Gilles Peterson plays Fall In Love re-edit on BBC Radio 1 !

2009-06-10T18:45:00.001+01:00

Put this little piece together last week - a re-edit of Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Carlos Nino playing the Slum Village classic Fall-N-Love - a tribute to the late, great Jay Dee. Comments welcome....

BIG respect to the G.P for dropping this one on his show last week.... respect and thanks, it's good to be Worldwide :)

fall in love // neel d edit by neeld

Links:

Gilles Peterson on BBC Radio 1

Stones Throw Records

Nuits Sonores // Carte Blanche // Worldwide // 2009

2009-06-10T18:12:00.002+01:00

Recently went with the bPm out to Lyon for an 8 hour Nuits Sonore session at le Piscine du Rhone alongside Gilles Peterson, Phil Asher, Ashley Beedle, Motet, and Shea Soul...

video and music by neel d // the bPm for Hold Box Flat

download a sneaky half hour mix from Nuits Sonores by the bPm here

the bPm // Nuits Sonore 2009 // Tracklisting

Francesco Trsitiano - The Melody (C2 beatless edit)

Floating Points (feat. Fatima) - Peroration

King Midas Sound - I-Dub

Digital Mystikz - Anti War Dub

Calibre - Stolen Shadows

King Tubby & The Aggravators - African Roots (dub)

Tony Allen Podcast

2009-06-10T17:41:00.003+01:00

Couple of weeks back, I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Tony Allen over at Brownswood.... & then be offered the chance to edit / mix the interview!

Don't really have enough time to tell you how much of genius Tony Allen is - if you don't know, you should! A definate drumming hero of mine, up there with the likes of Clyde Stubblefield, John 'Jabo' Starks, & Carlton Barrett.... a true legend.

Anyways, some great stories, exclusive tracks from his new record Secret Agent (out on World Circuit Records), well worth checking...

One of the co-founders of the Afrobeat scene as well as one of the greatest drummers the world has ever seen, Tony Allen drops into the Brownswood Basement for some real talk with Gilles

Download Podcast

subscribe to Gilles Peterson Worldwide Podcast via iTunes

i'm in

2009-06-10T16:59:00.000+01:00

finally managed to sort it out and get my blog going - new music // videos // vibes forthcoming.... enjoy

peace

dwala

NOMAD / REMY AMEZCUA

Pinot Dark / Nature Boy

Memories of The Funhouse

Pinot Dark

Re-edit Suite pt.3 - Nag Champa

New Camera // TBF015

Re-edit Suite pt.2 - Antiquity

Message From The Tribe

the illest

Re-edit Suite pt.1 - Fall in Love

New York City

J Dilla Documentary Pt.1 (of 3)

Loose !!!!

:: SNOW:CAST ::

Havana Cultura RIDDIMIX !!!!

2009 Retrospect

The Sound of Cereal

my top tunes of 2009

Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli - History Official Video

12" :: 2009

been a minute....

Cypher (BET Award Show)

HoldBox55 weekender

join the dark side...

The Magic Hour

Novo Som Sistema // Friday November 13th

the bPm // Brownswood // East Village 23.10.09

5 years of Hyperdub

Alix Perez :: 1984

Learning @ 55 Studio

Couchtape vol. 2

Antiquity // d'Wala re-edits....

Bigger Better FOLEY

Gilles Peterson Impressed...

ECLER IN THE HOUSE !

the rum punch experiment...

BIGGER BETTER BUTTER

d :: cast :: 001 :: listen :: download

Relax Yourself

Ramadanman - Humber (Apple Pips Recordings)

the bPm live @ worldwide festival ** DOWNLOAD **

Final Day Beach Party @ WF Sete 2009

WF Day Three - Saturday Night

Day Three - Saturday daytime @ WF Sete

Video from Friday @ Worldwide Sete 2009

The Weekend Has Landed - Friday - Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, Martyn, and Carl Craig

Theo Parish and Diplo @ Phare Du Mole, Sete

PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES.... A BUS, AND A SUITCASE WITH BROKEN HANDLE

Worldwide Festival, Sete

Michael Joseph Jackson, August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

The Clown Prince play the Greatest Show in the Universe!

Gilles Peterson plays Fall In Love re-edit on BBC Radio 1 !

Nuits Sonores // Carte Blanche // Worldwide // 2009

Tony Allen Podcast

i'm in

the bPm live @ worldwide festival DOWNLOAD