Recently on a Sunday I had a chance to visit Tiny Lounge at the 3 way intersection of Lincoln, Leavitt, and Montrose. The reason for the visit was to play some tunes for DJ Leann's birthday party. After visiting Tiny a few weeks ago and sampling their cusine I was pretty geeked to be visiting again. This time instead of going with the outstanding truffle fries and pizzaetta with fontina chesse, shitake mushrooms and white truffle oil I decided to see what's next on the menu. Ahi tuna tacos with avacado, wasabi, shredded zucchini, and red pepper, and the grilled chicken empanadas with fresh oregano and chimicurri sauce. Both selections were mind blowing and the presentation was fly as well.
On this evening I started out drinking red wine but made an illegal switch to liquor when a quote from Fred Sanford popped into my head... "Wine is fine but liquor is quicker". Plus I changed up when I saw what the bartender was doing. There I saw her specially hand crafting one of the drinks from their fall drink menu. After perusing the drink menu and being indecisive on what I wanted she choose for me the "Root Down" fully equipted with gin, orange zest and few other interesting ingredients I couldn't remember. The aroma from the orange zest sold me as soon as it was put in front of me plus the presentation was solid. The special touch of the presentation and aroma made me realize this is not your typical bar and that they take food and drink very serious. Some of the other items on the on the drink menu were hot or cold cider with fresh apple cider and pumpkin pie with crushed gingerbread cookies.
If you plan to visit Tiny Lounge I would suggest going on Sundays for a great music selection of Soul and Rare Grooves courtesy of
DJ Leeann and friends.
To learn more and have your pallette pampered please visit
www.tinylounge.com
4352 N. Leavitt
(773) 463-0396
If you don't know you betta ask somebody...JLC
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Event Review: DJ Jazzy Jeff
Ok, so it's Friday night and I couldn't be happier to be at home in bed by 9pm. Then I get a text at 10pm saying DJ Jazzy Jeff at the Shrine. I set my alarm clock to wake up in a reasonable time to be able to catch approx 1 hour of his set. Upon arrival I move through the crowd as the spot is packed shoulder to shoulder.
The first time I saw him was at Zentra a few years ago and it was oddly enough promoted by a House Music promoter who's one Hip Hop event each year was Jazzy Jeff. Going with lowered expectations I was shocked to walk in the room to hear Big Daddy Kane's "Raw" being tricked out by The Magnificent himself. As the night progressed he played dope Hip Hop, Breakbeats, 80s Classsics and a little bit of Funk. After hearing his set I promptly came to the conclusion that in terms of Hip Hop and skill there was no greater DJ than DJ Jazzy Jeff. His cuts were precise and he dropped them at the perfect time. Selection and programming was fluid and his turntablism and live remixing was ridiculous. Also, what made the set dope was in Zentra there is a mirror behind and above the DJ booth where the crowd can see the wizardry taking place on the tables. Another idea that was dope was Mad Skills was his MC/Hype man and he was standing in the middle of the crowd on one of those cubes you usually see "go go dancers" on. It was almost like a remote mini stage.
This time was a little different. I walk in once again to a packed house but instead of Raw, I hear "Color Me Bad". After going thru a series of bubblegum ass 90's R&B classics he flipped the script and began to teach class. Playing an original sample and then next playing the current day song that used the sample was a good call. He also transitioned from one to another very seemlessly thus making it better than any other sample set I have ever heard. On this episode he didn't do too much turntablism and was just playing for the Friday night "weekender" crowd.
I missed a good portion of his set but heard that he was playing top 40 Rap earlier in the night. I guess that's what he thought they wanted to hear...and he may have been right. The one thing that many DJs of his stature may or may not realize is they can pretty much get away with playing whatever they want and people will still love it mainly because people want to bear witness to the mystique of that DJs fame. So, if he wants to play the first 5 songs off Ultra Magnetic's Critical Beatdown the reaction from the crowd may be "What is this?, I don't know but if Jazzy's playing it, it must be dope. Let's look cool and dance". Nevertheless, I do understand. If you wanna get the gigs that pay the commercial paper some cats feel like you gotta play some commercial music. In my opinion DJs like him can walk the fine line of playing real music and stuff many heads would consider goofy or wack. After all its a business and you want to make your clients happy. I remember at one point the DJ was the tastemaker and dictator of what music would be hot and what he wanted the crowd to hear. In 2010 that is not necessarily the case. People's desire to be entertained does not have much to do with education and progressing their ear and musical taste. Its funny how he still made the crowd happy just 5 years ago when he played all good music. Big props to DJ Jazzy Jeff for the other times I have heard him but this time I have to say I was a little disappointed.
Thanks for reading!
Peace and Blessings,
Sean
If you don't know you betta ask somebody...JLC
The first time I saw him was at Zentra a few years ago and it was oddly enough promoted by a House Music promoter who's one Hip Hop event each year was Jazzy Jeff. Going with lowered expectations I was shocked to walk in the room to hear Big Daddy Kane's "Raw" being tricked out by The Magnificent himself. As the night progressed he played dope Hip Hop, Breakbeats, 80s Classsics and a little bit of Funk. After hearing his set I promptly came to the conclusion that in terms of Hip Hop and skill there was no greater DJ than DJ Jazzy Jeff. His cuts were precise and he dropped them at the perfect time. Selection and programming was fluid and his turntablism and live remixing was ridiculous. Also, what made the set dope was in Zentra there is a mirror behind and above the DJ booth where the crowd can see the wizardry taking place on the tables. Another idea that was dope was Mad Skills was his MC/Hype man and he was standing in the middle of the crowd on one of those cubes you usually see "go go dancers" on. It was almost like a remote mini stage.
This time was a little different. I walk in once again to a packed house but instead of Raw, I hear "Color Me Bad". After going thru a series of bubblegum ass 90's R&B classics he flipped the script and began to teach class. Playing an original sample and then next playing the current day song that used the sample was a good call. He also transitioned from one to another very seemlessly thus making it better than any other sample set I have ever heard. On this episode he didn't do too much turntablism and was just playing for the Friday night "weekender" crowd.
I missed a good portion of his set but heard that he was playing top 40 Rap earlier in the night. I guess that's what he thought they wanted to hear...and he may have been right. The one thing that many DJs of his stature may or may not realize is they can pretty much get away with playing whatever they want and people will still love it mainly because people want to bear witness to the mystique of that DJs fame. So, if he wants to play the first 5 songs off Ultra Magnetic's Critical Beatdown the reaction from the crowd may be "What is this?, I don't know but if Jazzy's playing it, it must be dope. Let's look cool and dance". Nevertheless, I do understand. If you wanna get the gigs that pay the commercial paper some cats feel like you gotta play some commercial music. In my opinion DJs like him can walk the fine line of playing real music and stuff many heads would consider goofy or wack. After all its a business and you want to make your clients happy. I remember at one point the DJ was the tastemaker and dictator of what music would be hot and what he wanted the crowd to hear. In 2010 that is not necessarily the case. People's desire to be entertained does not have much to do with education and progressing their ear and musical taste. Its funny how he still made the crowd happy just 5 years ago when he played all good music. Big props to DJ Jazzy Jeff for the other times I have heard him but this time I have to say I was a little disappointed.
Thanks for reading!
Peace and Blessings,
Sean
If you don't know you betta ask somebody...JLC
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Hennessy Artistry Event with The Roots, Q-Tip, Yahzarah and Erykah Badu
Saturday Night Live from Halsted Street...
Non Traditional Venue and Good Music. It's been a while since I have seen The Roots Live. The Last time was prior Things Fall Apart's release and it was a $7 Jam Session on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Yahzarah, will be performing in Chicago Monday Sept 20th and of course we've seen her rock dope shows solo and with The Foreign Exchange. Q-Tip I saw a few times with A Tribe Called Quest (say the whole thing) and most recently at Rock the Bells a few years ago, and although I've seen Erykah a few times in the last few years her Mama's Gun tour always stands out in my mind.
While walking on the "Black Carpet" and looking confused and reluctant to take pictures I walk in and start sampling the customized Hennessy drinks. I bumped into a few friends and while making sure all of my guests were able to get in I continued to drink and wander about aimlessly until D-Nice's DJ set commenced as I waited for the live show to start.
To start the show Black Thought and Q-Tip hosted and MC'ed by performing Hip Hop classic songs that were done by other artists as well as projects they are affiliated with. Next they gradually moved into host mode and welcomed Yahzarah, Curren$y, and Kid Sister to the stage to rock along with them. All of the acts were good but since this was a real Hip Hop/Soul show some of the crowd looked confused when Kid Sister performed. However, there was one crew of girls behind me profusely screaming and cheering her on and kept saying "Oh my God I love Kid Sister", so there were fans that came to check her and she was better than I anticipated.
The show was standing room only which created a real dope atmosphere for people who love real music and would prefer to dance and jump around instead of sit down in their seat and appear to be cultured.
When Erykah came out the crowd went crazy because it was a surprise but some people knew she was the surprise guest. I enjoyed her show and may even suggest that she change her name to Erykah Badi (Body). All the fellas and women who like women saw that she was fitting her jeans quite well which added an extra entertainment value to the show. Her show would've been dope if she came out with baggy jeans but I'm just sayin...
Overall, this was a very well put together classy event for people who love to celebrate real good music and good beverages and appreciate the global art of mixing.
Big shouts out to Hennessy for allowing me to be part of such a dope event!
After the show I was welcomed into the press area and had the priviledge to interview Q-Tip and Questlove. The audio interviews will be on my podcast page within the next few weeks. Stay tuned....
Thanks for reading!
Peace and Blessings,
Sean
If you don't know you betta ask somebody...JLC
Non Traditional Venue and Good Music. It's been a while since I have seen The Roots Live. The Last time was prior Things Fall Apart's release and it was a $7 Jam Session on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Yahzarah, will be performing in Chicago Monday Sept 20th and of course we've seen her rock dope shows solo and with The Foreign Exchange. Q-Tip I saw a few times with A Tribe Called Quest (say the whole thing) and most recently at Rock the Bells a few years ago, and although I've seen Erykah a few times in the last few years her Mama's Gun tour always stands out in my mind.
While walking on the "Black Carpet" and looking confused and reluctant to take pictures I walk in and start sampling the customized Hennessy drinks. I bumped into a few friends and while making sure all of my guests were able to get in I continued to drink and wander about aimlessly until D-Nice's DJ set commenced as I waited for the live show to start.
To start the show Black Thought and Q-Tip hosted and MC'ed by performing Hip Hop classic songs that were done by other artists as well as projects they are affiliated with. Next they gradually moved into host mode and welcomed Yahzarah, Curren$y, and Kid Sister to the stage to rock along with them. All of the acts were good but since this was a real Hip Hop/Soul show some of the crowd looked confused when Kid Sister performed. However, there was one crew of girls behind me profusely screaming and cheering her on and kept saying "Oh my God I love Kid Sister", so there were fans that came to check her and she was better than I anticipated.
The show was standing room only which created a real dope atmosphere for people who love real music and would prefer to dance and jump around instead of sit down in their seat and appear to be cultured.
When Erykah came out the crowd went crazy because it was a surprise but some people knew she was the surprise guest. I enjoyed her show and may even suggest that she change her name to Erykah Badi (Body). All the fellas and women who like women saw that she was fitting her jeans quite well which added an extra entertainment value to the show. Her show would've been dope if she came out with baggy jeans but I'm just sayin...
Overall, this was a very well put together classy event for people who love to celebrate real good music and good beverages and appreciate the global art of mixing.
Big shouts out to Hennessy for allowing me to be part of such a dope event!
After the show I was welcomed into the press area and had the priviledge to interview Q-Tip and Questlove. The audio interviews will be on my podcast page within the next few weeks. Stay tuned....
Thanks for reading!
Peace and Blessings,
Sean
If you don't know you betta ask somebody...JLC
Monday, August 2, 2010
DJ Spinna Interview by Sean Alvarez
Swank Society Presents: 20 Questions with DJ Spinna
Interview by Sean Alvarez- sean@swanksociety.com
Sean Alvarez of Swank Society had a chance to chat with world-renowned Hip-Hop, Soul, and Dance Music DJ/Producer DJ Spinna. Enjoy!
Swank:
You travel all over the globe doing your thing. What are your top
3 places to spin (Venue and City) and why?
Spinna:
Anywhere in South Africa, Club Yellow
in Tokyo, and Southport in the UK, mainly because people are very well
educated musically. The crowd is genuinely receptive to the dj in
general. If you are rocking the crowd they will give it up whole
heartedly.
Swank:
What was the best/most memorable event/party you’ve ever been a
part of or experienced and what makes it the best/most memorable?
Spinna:
I can honestly say that the Wonder-full party in New York in 2005 is
the most memorable. It was the year that Stevie Wonder called into the
party and spoke to the audience over the sound system right after his
last child was born. He called from the hospital!
Swank:
You appear to be around my age group, which means you were born in
the late 60’s or early 70’s.New York was very rich in it’s music history
during this time and still to this day. What was your favorite era and how did it cultivate you musically and personally?
Spinna:
I would have to say that the mid seventies through the mid eighties
were the best years for music for me. NY radio in particular was very
unique and diverse in the 70's. Frankie Crocker on WBLS in particular
would play artists like The Police and The Clash next to George Benson
and Manu Dibango and Grace Jones...very eclectic. This era was also the
transitional years for the organic live sound to electronics which lead
to hip-hop and dance music the way we know it today. I like so many
grew up on funk, soul, disco, jazz, and even pop. If it weren't for the
New York music scene, especially radio and block parties, I definitely
wouldn't be where I am today.
Swank:
Describe your vision of the perfect party/event?
Spinna:
Good music of course, good atmosphere, and people dancing. I can't take
going to an event and seeing people stand around and profiling. That's
not a party, it's a gathering.
Swank:
You are very diverse musically. Do you have a particularly favorite
genre you prefer to spin and produce? How bout listen?
Spinna:
I enjoy playing everything but I have a special affinity for house and
dance music. I love to see people move and express themselves and
unfortunately hip hop nowadays doesn't evoke those emotions out of the
people like it used to. When I play hip-hop I find myself playing more
of the classic material because it reflects fun times. I also find that
dance audiences are very open-minded and you can incorporate jazz,
latin, rock, rare grooves, etc within your set without someone looking
at you like you're crazy. On the other hand, I still love to make hip-hop
beats. As far as what I listen to, it can vary. I listen to most of
the new music I receive in my car so it can be pretty much anything. I
also love to listen to reissue cd's, compilations, and whole artist
albums while I'm in the car.
Swank:
Who are your musical influences as far as producers, musicians,
and/or DJ's you looked up to when first getting your career started and is there
anyone you pattern your sound after?
Spinna:
I have three angles to this question. The dance side, the B-Boy side and general. On the dance side my influences are;
Frankie Crocker, Larry Levan, Tee Scott, Shep Pettibone, Francois K,
Tony Humphries, Larry Heard, Lil Louis, Marshall Jefferson, Timmy
Regisford, Masters at Work, Blaze, and Kerri Chandler.
On the B-Boy side; Grandmaster Flash, DST, Jazzy Jay, Larry Smith,
Pumpkin, Kurtis Blow and Russell Simmons (as producers), Rick Rubin,
Bomb Squad, Jazzy Jeff, Dj Scratch, Dj Daddy Rich, Dj Chuck Chillout,
Dj Cash Money, Marley Marl, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Diamond, Prince
Paul, De La Soul, A.T.C.Q. Jay Dee a.k.a J-Dilla.
The general producer side includes Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Charles
Stephney, Mizell Brothers, Rod Temperton, Herbie Hancock, Roy Ayers,
Kool & the Gang, Brian Auger, James Brown, Michael Jackson (his vocal
arrangements are incredible), and George Duke.
I pretty much try to stay current no matter what style of production
I'm doing. We've had many trend setters throughout the years who have
created a standard sound of their particular era. I try to take
whatever's happening at the moment and incorporate my own thing.
Swank:
What is your thought process when producing a song and what do you
typically try to convey to the audience?
Spinna:
I usually go with my mood. I usually start with the rhythm track or
beat and go from there. Whatever accompanies the beat is the vibe that
I'm on at the moment. Often times I would listen to or think of an old
record to get inspiration. That old record could be anything from a
collectable rare jazz fusion record, 70's Brazilian tropicalia, or a
progressive psych rock record. What's conveyed to the audience is
whatever was on my mind during the creation of the song.
Swank:
Describe the perfect song for you to create?
Spinna:
There's no such thing as the creation of a perfect song to me.
Sometimes I would even let errors slide if it feels good.
Swank:
When constructing a song what sound/instrument do you typically like
to start with?
Spinna:
I always technically start with the beat. It's the foundation.
Swank:
You produce and spin Soul, Hip-Hop, House, and Broken Beat most
notably. When I hear your music what always stands out to me is the
melodic balance between the baseline, drums and keys. What element of your
production do you feel puts your signature stamp on a song?
Spinna:
I think you already answered that! Lol.
I put a lot of focus on my beats first and foremost. Believe it or not
I usually don't use drum sounds that are already stored on my disks. I
always start from scratch sampling kicks and snares and hi hats. Even
if I already have the sound on a disk somewhere I would snatch it off
the record again. Something is always going to be slightly different
the second time around. I guess I'm also known for the kinds of synth
sounds that I use. I'm big on spacey analog keyboard sounds.
Fender Rhodes is my favorite musical instrument.
Swank:
Usually the first thing that catches my attention with music is
drum programming. What do you typically notice first when you hear a song?
Spinna:
I listen for the drums as well as the melody. Lyrics usually are the
last thing I check for in a song unless it's outstanding.
Sometimes mediocre songs are saved by a good track.
Swank:
You have countless remixes and originally composed material. From
a methodical standpoint how different or similar do you approach remixes and
original compositions?
Spinna:
Obviously with remixing there are limitations. There's usually vocals
or something musically happening from the original song that you must
compliment, otherwise the results could be disastrous. Nothing hurts my
ears more than remixes where the keys don't match what's happening
vocally. With original productions there's more creative freedom.
Swank:
What do you believe sets you apart from other DJ’s and
Producers?
Spinna:
My eclecticism sets me apart for sure. As a dj especially, I've been
blessed with being able to master quite a few genres and play them well
with authenticity.
Swank:
What drew you to becoming involved in music and how did you get
started?
Spinna:
Music has always been part of my life. I started playing records at age 3. I learned a few instruments at an early age and started djing in my
bedroom by 11 years old. It's just part of who I am. Witnessing local
Brooklyn mobile jocks rock parks and street jams played a major role in
me wanting to dj as well. I started out doing basement parties in my
neighborhood in the mid 80's. In my college years upstate New York I
played parties almost every weekend. I was also a college radio dj
breaking new music every week. Once I graduated and returned home in
1994 I decided that music was my professional destiny. By the end of
that year my first official party record was released and "Everybody
Bounce" became a club anthem.
I used that as my tool to get more work from record labels, and the
rest is history.
Swank:
What would you be doing if you weren't doing music?
Spinna:
I have no idea! Hahahaa. Maybe some kind of social work. I love talking
to people and giving advice.
Swank:
What are you doing when not working with music?
Spinna:
Sleeping!
Swank:
What Dj's and producers have you really been feeling over the last
year up to present day?
Spinna:
Madlib, and J-Dilla.
Swank:
What projects do you currently have in stores and what can we
anticipate in the near future?
Spinna:
The latest thing in stores is a Tortured Soul remix of "Why" on
Delicious Vinyl.
There's also the Polyrhythm Addicts second album "Break Glass."
The next remix due to drop by the end of the summer is for new artist
Mellow Madness and the track is called "Now You're Calling." They're signed to Osunlade's Yoruba label.
In the near future expect a few productions on J-Live's next album
dropping on BBE records.
I'm also currently back in the lab with Krim working on the long
overdue Jigmastas sequel album, and Tiye Phoenix debut album.
Swank:
What are your Top 5 favorite songs? (Any genre or era)
Spinna:
Give It Up Or Turnit Loose (Remix) - James Brown
Melting Pot - Booker T & The MG's
Love Is The Message - MFSB
Bra - Cymande
anything by Stevie Wonder bertween 1971 to 1976
Swank:
Out of all the music you’ve produced what song(s) do you hold
closest to your heart?(Any genre)
Spinna:
The Stevie Wonder remix of "My Love Is On Fire." Although it never got
an official release, it doesn't beat Stevie calling my phone and
leaving a voice message requesting me to do a remix. It's still a
surreal experience for me.
Bonus Round
Swank:Prince or Michael Jackson?
Spinna:Both for different reasons.
Swank:Up-tempo or Down-tempo Music?
Spinna:Any tempo
Swank:Winter Music Conference in Miami or Southport Weekender?
Spinna:Winter Music Conference.
Swank:Wild Style or Beat Street?
Spinna:Wild Style. Beat Street was Hollywood.
Swank:Disco Classics or Modern Day Dance/House Music?
Spinna:Disco Classics all day!
Swank:Hip-Hop before or after 95?
Spinna:After 95? That's a laugh.
Swank:DJ or Produce?
Spinna:Dj first, Dj till I die.
Swank:Favorite Movie?
Spinna:City Of God
Swank:Favorite Food?
Spinna:Sushi.
Swank:Favorite City as a Tourist?
Spinna:Osaka, Japan
Swank:Favorite Venue/Event as a fan?
Spinna: The Shelter NYC
Swank: Do you prefer wearing Locks or a Mini Afro?
Spinna: Mini Afro.
Swank: Artist you’d like to work with in the future?
Spinna: Stevie Wonder, but next time in the studio with him.
Swank: This may land you a shoe endorsement. What kind of kicks are you
rocking on the regular and all time favorite pair of shoes?
Spinna:I stay in Air Force One's but my favorite all time shoe is the 95 Air
Max.
Swank:
Cool my man. That’s concludes the interview. Thanks for your time.
Spinna:
No Problem. Thank you.
Interview by Sean Alvarez- sean@swanksociety.com
Sean Alvarez of Swank Society had a chance to chat with world-renowned Hip-Hop, Soul, and Dance Music DJ/Producer DJ Spinna. Enjoy!
Swank:
You travel all over the globe doing your thing. What are your top
3 places to spin (Venue and City) and why?
Spinna:
Anywhere in South Africa, Club Yellow
in Tokyo, and Southport in the UK, mainly because people are very well
educated musically. The crowd is genuinely receptive to the dj in
general. If you are rocking the crowd they will give it up whole
heartedly.
Swank:
What was the best/most memorable event/party you’ve ever been a
part of or experienced and what makes it the best/most memorable?
Spinna:
I can honestly say that the Wonder-full party in New York in 2005 is
the most memorable. It was the year that Stevie Wonder called into the
party and spoke to the audience over the sound system right after his
last child was born. He called from the hospital!
Swank:
You appear to be around my age group, which means you were born in
the late 60’s or early 70’s.New York was very rich in it’s music history
during this time and still to this day. What was your favorite era and how did it cultivate you musically and personally?
Spinna:
I would have to say that the mid seventies through the mid eighties
were the best years for music for me. NY radio in particular was very
unique and diverse in the 70's. Frankie Crocker on WBLS in particular
would play artists like The Police and The Clash next to George Benson
and Manu Dibango and Grace Jones...very eclectic. This era was also the
transitional years for the organic live sound to electronics which lead
to hip-hop and dance music the way we know it today. I like so many
grew up on funk, soul, disco, jazz, and even pop. If it weren't for the
New York music scene, especially radio and block parties, I definitely
wouldn't be where I am today.
Swank:
Describe your vision of the perfect party/event?
Spinna:
Good music of course, good atmosphere, and people dancing. I can't take
going to an event and seeing people stand around and profiling. That's
not a party, it's a gathering.
Swank:
You are very diverse musically. Do you have a particularly favorite
genre you prefer to spin and produce? How bout listen?
Spinna:
I enjoy playing everything but I have a special affinity for house and
dance music. I love to see people move and express themselves and
unfortunately hip hop nowadays doesn't evoke those emotions out of the
people like it used to. When I play hip-hop I find myself playing more
of the classic material because it reflects fun times. I also find that
dance audiences are very open-minded and you can incorporate jazz,
latin, rock, rare grooves, etc within your set without someone looking
at you like you're crazy. On the other hand, I still love to make hip-hop
beats. As far as what I listen to, it can vary. I listen to most of
the new music I receive in my car so it can be pretty much anything. I
also love to listen to reissue cd's, compilations, and whole artist
albums while I'm in the car.
Swank:
Who are your musical influences as far as producers, musicians,
and/or DJ's you looked up to when first getting your career started and is there
anyone you pattern your sound after?
Spinna:
I have three angles to this question. The dance side, the B-Boy side and general. On the dance side my influences are;
Frankie Crocker, Larry Levan, Tee Scott, Shep Pettibone, Francois K,
Tony Humphries, Larry Heard, Lil Louis, Marshall Jefferson, Timmy
Regisford, Masters at Work, Blaze, and Kerri Chandler.
On the B-Boy side; Grandmaster Flash, DST, Jazzy Jay, Larry Smith,
Pumpkin, Kurtis Blow and Russell Simmons (as producers), Rick Rubin,
Bomb Squad, Jazzy Jeff, Dj Scratch, Dj Daddy Rich, Dj Chuck Chillout,
Dj Cash Money, Marley Marl, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Diamond, Prince
Paul, De La Soul, A.T.C.Q. Jay Dee a.k.a J-Dilla.
The general producer side includes Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Charles
Stephney, Mizell Brothers, Rod Temperton, Herbie Hancock, Roy Ayers,
Kool & the Gang, Brian Auger, James Brown, Michael Jackson (his vocal
arrangements are incredible), and George Duke.
I pretty much try to stay current no matter what style of production
I'm doing. We've had many trend setters throughout the years who have
created a standard sound of their particular era. I try to take
whatever's happening at the moment and incorporate my own thing.
Swank:
What is your thought process when producing a song and what do you
typically try to convey to the audience?
Spinna:
I usually go with my mood. I usually start with the rhythm track or
beat and go from there. Whatever accompanies the beat is the vibe that
I'm on at the moment. Often times I would listen to or think of an old
record to get inspiration. That old record could be anything from a
collectable rare jazz fusion record, 70's Brazilian tropicalia, or a
progressive psych rock record. What's conveyed to the audience is
whatever was on my mind during the creation of the song.
Swank:
Describe the perfect song for you to create?
Spinna:
There's no such thing as the creation of a perfect song to me.
Sometimes I would even let errors slide if it feels good.
Swank:
When constructing a song what sound/instrument do you typically like
to start with?
Spinna:
I always technically start with the beat. It's the foundation.
Swank:
You produce and spin Soul, Hip-Hop, House, and Broken Beat most
notably. When I hear your music what always stands out to me is the
melodic balance between the baseline, drums and keys. What element of your
production do you feel puts your signature stamp on a song?
Spinna:
I think you already answered that! Lol.
I put a lot of focus on my beats first and foremost. Believe it or not
I usually don't use drum sounds that are already stored on my disks. I
always start from scratch sampling kicks and snares and hi hats. Even
if I already have the sound on a disk somewhere I would snatch it off
the record again. Something is always going to be slightly different
the second time around. I guess I'm also known for the kinds of synth
sounds that I use. I'm big on spacey analog keyboard sounds.
Fender Rhodes is my favorite musical instrument.
Swank:
Usually the first thing that catches my attention with music is
drum programming. What do you typically notice first when you hear a song?
Spinna:
I listen for the drums as well as the melody. Lyrics usually are the
last thing I check for in a song unless it's outstanding.
Sometimes mediocre songs are saved by a good track.
Swank:
You have countless remixes and originally composed material. From
a methodical standpoint how different or similar do you approach remixes and
original compositions?
Spinna:
Obviously with remixing there are limitations. There's usually vocals
or something musically happening from the original song that you must
compliment, otherwise the results could be disastrous. Nothing hurts my
ears more than remixes where the keys don't match what's happening
vocally. With original productions there's more creative freedom.
Swank:
What do you believe sets you apart from other DJ’s and
Producers?
Spinna:
My eclecticism sets me apart for sure. As a dj especially, I've been
blessed with being able to master quite a few genres and play them well
with authenticity.
Swank:
What drew you to becoming involved in music and how did you get
started?
Spinna:
Music has always been part of my life. I started playing records at age 3. I learned a few instruments at an early age and started djing in my
bedroom by 11 years old. It's just part of who I am. Witnessing local
Brooklyn mobile jocks rock parks and street jams played a major role in
me wanting to dj as well. I started out doing basement parties in my
neighborhood in the mid 80's. In my college years upstate New York I
played parties almost every weekend. I was also a college radio dj
breaking new music every week. Once I graduated and returned home in
1994 I decided that music was my professional destiny. By the end of
that year my first official party record was released and "Everybody
Bounce" became a club anthem.
I used that as my tool to get more work from record labels, and the
rest is history.
Swank:
What would you be doing if you weren't doing music?
Spinna:
I have no idea! Hahahaa. Maybe some kind of social work. I love talking
to people and giving advice.
Swank:
What are you doing when not working with music?
Spinna:
Sleeping!
Swank:
What Dj's and producers have you really been feeling over the last
year up to present day?
Spinna:
Madlib, and J-Dilla.
Swank:
What projects do you currently have in stores and what can we
anticipate in the near future?
Spinna:
The latest thing in stores is a Tortured Soul remix of "Why" on
Delicious Vinyl.
There's also the Polyrhythm Addicts second album "Break Glass."
The next remix due to drop by the end of the summer is for new artist
Mellow Madness and the track is called "Now You're Calling." They're signed to Osunlade's Yoruba label.
In the near future expect a few productions on J-Live's next album
dropping on BBE records.
I'm also currently back in the lab with Krim working on the long
overdue Jigmastas sequel album, and Tiye Phoenix debut album.
Swank:
What are your Top 5 favorite songs? (Any genre or era)
Spinna:
Give It Up Or Turnit Loose (Remix) - James Brown
Melting Pot - Booker T & The MG's
Love Is The Message - MFSB
Bra - Cymande
anything by Stevie Wonder bertween 1971 to 1976
Swank:
Out of all the music you’ve produced what song(s) do you hold
closest to your heart?(Any genre)
Spinna:
The Stevie Wonder remix of "My Love Is On Fire." Although it never got
an official release, it doesn't beat Stevie calling my phone and
leaving a voice message requesting me to do a remix. It's still a
surreal experience for me.
Bonus Round
Swank:Prince or Michael Jackson?
Spinna:Both for different reasons.
Swank:Up-tempo or Down-tempo Music?
Spinna:Any tempo
Swank:Winter Music Conference in Miami or Southport Weekender?
Spinna:Winter Music Conference.
Swank:Wild Style or Beat Street?
Spinna:Wild Style. Beat Street was Hollywood.
Swank:Disco Classics or Modern Day Dance/House Music?
Spinna:Disco Classics all day!
Swank:Hip-Hop before or after 95?
Spinna:After 95? That's a laugh.
Swank:DJ or Produce?
Spinna:Dj first, Dj till I die.
Swank:Favorite Movie?
Spinna:City Of God
Swank:Favorite Food?
Spinna:Sushi.
Swank:Favorite City as a Tourist?
Spinna:Osaka, Japan
Swank:Favorite Venue/Event as a fan?
Spinna: The Shelter NYC
Swank: Do you prefer wearing Locks or a Mini Afro?
Spinna: Mini Afro.
Swank: Artist you’d like to work with in the future?
Spinna: Stevie Wonder, but next time in the studio with him.
Swank: This may land you a shoe endorsement. What kind of kicks are you
rocking on the regular and all time favorite pair of shoes?
Spinna:I stay in Air Force One's but my favorite all time shoe is the 95 Air
Max.
Swank:
Cool my man. That’s concludes the interview. Thanks for your time.
Spinna:
No Problem. Thank you.
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