Slugabed on Joining Ninja Tune and Releasing a Free New EP

Categories: Hey, DJ!, Q&A

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Approaching production as Dr. Frankenstein would a cadaver, U.K. producer/DJ Greg Feldwick, aka Slugabed, rips apart genres only to stitch them back together. Combining elements of hip-hop, dubstep, glitch-hop and even some funk in his tracks, the 23-year-old signed with the Ninja Tune label last year, and shortly after released his first full-length album Time Team. He is also currently working on his own label, Activia Benz, which he released a free EP on last week. We recently spoke with Slugabed about his newest EP, his Ninja Tune family, and Activia Benz. He plays Friday at 1015 Folsom for the Ninja Tune showcase with Actress and Falty DL.


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L.A. Producer Leech on "Chrono Dance" and His Favorite Music Tools

Categories: Hey, DJ!, Q&A

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When L.A.-based DJ and producer Brian Foote, aka Leech, isn't busy running three labels or making tracks for bands like Zola Jesus, he is procuring a sound he labels as "chrono dance." While his musical accomplishments have spanned eight years, he only recently released his first EP, Tusks, this past February. Released on the 100% Silk label, the four-track EP is a hazy acid trip through minimalist techno and house. We recently spoke with Leech about playing Boiler Room, what he's listening to, and his upcoming projects. He headlines Haçeteria this Friday at Slate Bar.


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NYC Duo No Regular Play On Making 'Organic' Dance Music, and the Benefits of Releasing on Different Labels

Categories: Hey, DJ!, Q&A

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Greg Paulus and Nick DeBruyn
Based in NYC and residing at Wolf + Lamb headquarters in the Marcy Hotel, live electronic duo No Regular Play are known for their organic spin on dance music, which features live instruments and vocals layered over funky, synth-laden beats. Comprised of childhood friends Greg Paulus and Nick DeBruyn, No Regular Play's musical adventures have taken the duo to Cuba, where they studied Afro-Cuban rhythms, and back to New York to study classical and jazz at the Manhattan School of Music. After years of releasing singles and EPs on various labels such as K7 and Wolf + Lamb, they released their long-awaited debut album Endangered Species last year. We recently corresponded with the duo over e-mail about their time in Cuba, living at the Marcy, and their new EP with Justin Miller's HAKT label. No Regular Play headlines The End Up this Saturday.


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DJ Chris Fox on the Success of Bootie, and Why He Still Plays Vinyl Sets

Categories: Hey, DJ!, Q&A

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For local DJ Chris Fox, seeing someone's hair catch fire during a gig is no longer a huge deal. His successes have been built on simply having a good time to great music, with zero tolerance for pretentiousness. This formula has propelled Fox and longtime collaborator Kool Karlo to coveted permanent-resident slots at Bootie SF. Fox also plays every second and fourth Friday at Laszlo, where he takes a break from all the big-club craziness with an all-vinyl set. He celebrates three years of Fox Fridays at Laszlo this Friday.


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Boogie Blind on Today's DJ Game: "It's More Business Than Talent"

Categories: Hey, DJ!, Q&A

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With the late great DJ Roc Raida as his mentor, it's no wonder Harlem-based DJ Boogie Blind is known around the world for his exceptional scratching, beat-juggling, and DJ battle skills. After winning the 2001 Vestax battle, he was asked to join legendary DJ collective The X-ecutioners on the road, taking on many roles, including soundman and manager. Six years later, he officially became a member. These days, he acts as DJ for Lord Finesse and Pharoahe Monch, and tours around the world showcasing his talents on the turntable. We recently spoke with Boogie Blind about his time with The X-ectuioners and how to measure DJ skills today. He headlines 45 Sessions this Friday at the Legionnaire Saloon in Oakland.


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TJR on Loving Golf, Having Psy Almost Rip-Off His Music, and the Ideal Day Off

Categories: Hey, DJ!, Q&A

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The party hasn't stopped for Southern California house producer and DJ TJR since his hit "Funky Vodka" propelled him to the top of the charts and piqued the interest of Mr. Worldwide, aka Pitbull, last year. Now a certified platinum artist thanks to his production of Pitbull's chart-topping single "Don't Stop the Party," he continues to churn out original bangers like "Ode to Oi," which was a top track at Winter Music Conference Miami this year. He's also starting his first Vegas residency this week at new multi-million dollar club Hakkasan. We recently spoke with TJR fresh off his European tour about his love of golf, analog vs. digital, and his ideal day off. He headlines Ruby Skye this Saturday.


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Ruby Skye, TJR

Super Diamond, S.F. Neil Diamond Tribute Band, Turns 20

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The first time Randy Cordero covered a Neil Diamond song, he did it as a lark, never dreaming that it would become his full time job for the next 20 years. "In 1988, I was the singer and songwriter of a regular rock band," Cordero recalls. "Sometimes I'd do open mics, playing my own songs solo, with an acoustic guitar. One night, at a club that drew a lot of punks and alternative music types, I dropped 'Sweet Caroline' into the set. I didn't think I'd get a response, except maybe to piss people off. Everybody loved it. I did it again at the next open mic and it kind of snowballed from there." Cordero did his Diamond impression with his acoustic guitar for a few years as Surreal Neil, and the reaction was always positive. In 1993, he put together Super Diamond, a full-on rock band, and they've been going strong ever since. They're still one of the top draws at Bay Area clubs, not to mention the casinos of Las Vegas, and making a comfortable living. Ahead of the band's 20th anniversary show at Bimbo's 365 Club tonight, we spoke with Cordero about how Super Diamond came to be, his approach to interpreting Neil Diamond's songs, and the time Diamond himself unexpectedly came out onstage.


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Local DJ Mr. Lucky on Six Years of Skylarking and Reggae in Mainstream Music

Categories: Hey, DJ!, Q&A

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As a member of Bay Area collective I&I Vibration, local DJ Diego Herrera, aka Mr. Lucky, is one the selectors responsible for the six-year run of Monday night weekly "Skylarking," a Mission district party showcasing reggae and world beats. Growing up in the '80s but immersed in '60s rock and Latin music, Mr. Lucky developed his own tastes through playing in bands and obsessive record-hunting. "It was like a never ending treasure hunt, where you'd dig and find these jewels of sound that you would never have found otherwise," he says. Today, Mr. Lucky is a recognized figure in the Bay Area DJ scene, where he plays a variety of sounds, including tropical bass and R&B. We catch up with the DJ about his weekly residencies, mainstream reggae, and the local nightlife culture. Catch him Mondays at Skylark and Thursdays at Bissap Baobab.


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D33J on Making Emotional Dance Music and His Upcoming Tour with Baths

Categories: Hey, DJ!, Q&A

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Twenty-two-year-old Djavan Santos, aka D33J, has established himself as one of the more notable purveyors of a new, ethereal brand of R&B, which has been attracting fans internationally thanks to fellow Wedidit Collective members like Shlohmo and Ryan Hemsworth. His attention-grabbing 2011 debut EP Tide Songs was full of emotionally-charged late night melodies, and led to his eventual signing to Anticon Records, home to artists such as Baths and Jel. We recently spoke with D33J about his influences, his upcoming tour with Baths, and his favorite burrito in S.F. He plays Friday at 1015 Folsom with Shlohmo, Jeremih, Nite Jewel, Sister Crayon, and more. D33J then returns to the Bay Area June 29 for a show with Baths and Houses at Great American Music Hall.

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Breakbot on the Remix That Changed His Life

Categories: Hey, DJ!, Q&A

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Pedro Winter
Fresh off the success off his 2012 full-length debut album By Your Side, French producer/DJ Thibaut Berland, aka Breakbot, has mastered the art of giving a modern twist to '70s disco and funk. Citing Michael Jackson as his biggest influence, By Your Side is a nostalgic homage to the King of Pop, from funky upbeat track "Fantasy" to the infectious pop ballad "Baby I'm Yours," which is currently sitting at around 6.5 million views on YouTube. We recently spoke with Berland about being part of the Ed Banger family, the success of "Baby I'm Yours," and his favorite animation studio. He performs Thursday at Mezzanine with live vocals from Irfane and support from Para One and the Lights Down Low DJs.


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