Osunlade, a night to remember! Or the night Marc Duncan reminded us he is more than just the sound man!

Remember I'd stated in several Facebook post that, I have had major issues with writers block. A good friend suggested I start writing down my thoughts while in the moment. So...I did, and the Osunlade was the 1st time I wrote, while in the moment. So if ya saw me standing off in a corner, or thought I was aloof and not paying attention, trust and believe, I was! To the crowd, the vibe, the music, and the people. ( I SEE EVERYTHING)

Hangin with one of my best buddies that night started with a bangin birthday celebration for the Chicago import Melvin "DJ Magic" Tuck. I did have my reservations about the party since it fell on the same night as Osunlade, but as it were. The Sonic Natives have a standing night at DRIVE and it just happened to fall on the same night. There is where I began to write, in the moment.

The music was on point and Magic took us on a funky, groovy ride, and his counter parts played for their fellow Native. Most important. The people danced and had a awesome time. ( this was also the night where I got in free for the last time.., well maybe not). Here is where Jon Easley made me realize support is necessary for the scene to continue.  Change begins with the person in the mirror, damn I'm going to hate that guest list life. But I mean.... there will be times when I need to be on one!  Let's just keep it real, we'd all like to be at the gigs, but the way our bank accounts are set up...

On to the next spot.. Cause Jon was rushing me ( scape goat) TV bar played host to this Yuroba Priest.. Who's music took us from the Motherland through the great jazz age to the funk and all musical spots in between. People grooved to the magnanimous musical prowess.

It was a birth, re-birth, and spiritual awakening, He is Osunlade, he is one for the mind! Sexiness was the mood of the evening, rich and decadent was the vibe in the building. All kinds joined at the hip by the soul of the music and the man who played it. Universal energy., body, mind, one in spirit connected in sound the reverberated through both walls. Alchemy, organic energy, The Priest lead his people and we were all grateful for his the medicine that is...the music. Most felt like it was an orgasmic experience that lasted all week. It was pleasure at it's most pleasurable.. ( yeah, that only make sense to me) ANYWHO...

It was my 2nd time hearing Osunlade, he is extremely approachable and he makes you feel welcomed into his world. You feed off of his vibe. This Midwest man owes his status to both Detroit and Chicago he took Techno and House and made it his own. Most don't even know Osunlade worked in production for Sesame Street pinning songs for the likes of Oscar the Grouch, and Mr. Snuffleupagus that's how far his reach is. Here is a man who can write for pieces of material then turn around and bring all kinds together in one big massive musical orgy., and he left you filled but longing for more.

I always like talking to folks on the patio, ( one of my favorite spots at TV) I love to people watch period. I enjoy seeing others having a funky good time. It was refreshing to see TV looking like the United Nations, conversing with each other, grinding on each other.. there, but on another plane of existence. He took you to the highest of highs and played nothing you hear on a weekly basis. He educated us! Oh I'm sure the DJs had heard most of the music before but for the lot of us, it was just that... an education. The dance floor stayed packed some in awe of the man who opted to spend his birthday here, with us, in Detroit, at TV! Yeah, Detroit House, soulful sexy House is gaining power again., and WE are in the middle of a revolution. We don't need this revolution to be televised, we don't want the watered down version of House we want pure natural House. Banging beats and love! and HE brought that..!!!!

I had the opportunity to talk to Aaran Daniels tall kid, like REALLY REALLY tall! Fresh off his gig with Delano, I'd asked Aaran what he liked about Techno/House. This kid spoke like this was imbedded in his soul. In part he stated this was the one place where if felt the openness to bring all kinds together no black white straight or gay just human beings! I'd love to have a conversation with him again. I got to meet Kevin ( a special shout out needs to be given to Kev) he helped put this all together, along with the usual suspects. Nancy, Rick, Bruce and Marc Duncan ( bang up job to that team)!

Now on to Mr. Marc Duncan, THAT MAN!!! Oh, Lord and sweet baby jeezus! He reminded folk he was NOT just the sound man! He played his entire ass off that night, had the walls in the blue room walls sweating.

Most often you see Marc putting up or taking down his sound systems, I love to watch Marc at the end of the night. Often by himself, he can break down a system in like 20-30 minutes and PLEASE do NOT get in his way! He may just run ya over! Marc has always been at the top of my list for favorite DJs but I did leave him for Norm, I mean.. he doesn't DJ that much anymore, and I need my fix on a regular., but I digress. Marc slung us around like a rag doll he played like his life depended on it! You had to stop and look up to see, "who the fuck was that behind them decks" and there he was always smiling ( except when its time to break down that equipment) he played slamming track after track, he NEVER let up. He gave left NO room for error! Marc Duncan gave you LIFE! It was like a Menage a trios. Now, I've never had two men at one time before.. but that night I did! Musically speaking I mean.. I'm no THOT ( that hoe ova there) but THAT night I was., and damn proud to have been one!

We all left with a euphoric feeling, we gathered at the river, and drank from well., that sweet nectar of the beat that quinces our souls, we rejoiced in dance, we embraced each others aura. We smiled, we had multiple orgasms all while clothed. We saw no color, no religion, no socio economic status, we only got and gave love. That night LOVE was shown, it started in the pits of our souls and escaped through our heads elevating our consciousness collectivly. We, were awakened!

Today we lost one of the pioneers of Rap, as I drove to work I was stopped at a light in the car next to me all I heard was commercialized music ( I can not stand the new music) but it reminded me, how lucky we are to have had Phife Dawg, J Dilla etc..etc.. they changed the game they made noise. They taught us. They made a statement through music! While the genre's may be different the message is still the same.

For those music makers.. aka producers keep producing because long after your gone. your mark will be left, and we will continue to

Let the Music Play,

~P

 

photo cred. Merrick Beavers

 

I come across as harsh but this is about love. Maybe a little tough love!

Well here we are just two months shy of MOVEMENT., and 2016 came in like MOVEMENT weekend started on January 1st! When I tell you the atmosphere has been off the meter since the beginning of the year, that my friends is an understatement! Mike Clark ( Agent X) Nancy Gavoor, Al started this year off with a bang! The LOVE and the vibe that was shown was amazing. Throughout the scene you would hear folks say how much it felt like MOVEMENT weekend.. party after party after party. If the years start is any indication on how things are going to be I HIGHLY suggest you eat and rest well.. the Midwest (but mostly The D) will be one for the record books. There has been plenty of love displayed ( with a few exception), and ya KNOW I'm going to touch on that subject a little later on!


Love.. the love we have for the music goes without saying.. the love we have for each other, not so much! I have to admit we have had some big names playing in our city recently and not many of you get out to see them like ya should if you love he music like we claim we do. Some of you get upset because you may not have been invited to a private party ( Louie Vega reference) now, even though the party took place before the new year the discord amongst some that it evoked is a subject matter that we must address if we are to move forward.

Now, granted.. we choose to party with whomever we want to, but let's keep it real some folks had a high class hissy fit cause you didn't get invited to a party?? REALLY?? Where they do THAT shit at!! I thought we were adults.. I get it. Ya wanted to see El' Presidente' aka Louie Vega but what about supporting those who you see every day!?!? Where indeed is the LOVE? Do you go to the Grasshopper, which showcases some of the hottest names in the business..NOPE! Ya know why, cause you have become like mindless sheep.. afraid of trying something new, because ya girl or your homeboy ain't going. But you will flock to a party with folks you see weekly.

Yes, Theo did have a private party and I was a part of that.. he requested ME with stipulations and I followed them to the letter. Do I like private parties.. well, no not really but if I'm requested to do something I do my very best to follow instructions.

Case in point, Alan King was here at M!X Bricktown the turn out was beyond embarrassing.. This is ALAN FUCKING KING!! you will spend your time and money to go see this Cat EVERY summer, but he comes to OUR hometown and...crickets Now, if I were Mr. King, I wouldn't lose any sleep(I think its a safe to say, he didn't ) over it cause again WE spend our money and time to go see him and his homies EVERY summer! ...but I digress, Good turn out for Jamie 3:26 at The Motor City Wine ( he beat the hell outta y'all didn't he)- anywho He comes with Terry Hunter, and while the crowd was better it still failed in comparison to the night Jamie played at the MCW by his damned self. It was Jamie AND Terry the 1st time they played together and they did it here.. at M!X for $5.00 fucking dollars! and the turn out was lack luster we all had a good time but...! Where is the love?

--- Let me stop here and say, I know I can come across as chastising but I'm not! I just want us to think beyond our small circle. I follow the music, what do you follow?

What can WE do to grow this thing called House?

Two of the BEST DJs in Detroit had parties, and while I too was not there I heard about em, and the love was not shown! Let's try to make a concentrated effort to change this. Each one bring one. Let's open this up. I think the Como's event does a wonderful job of bringing in all types to House!

Im going to move on to recognizing your peers.. Now, a few years back, Lynda Carter LOST a DJ battle because she played a form of House that is now called Ratchet.. Let's be clear, it was LC who brought this out! I'm glad to see it gain momentum but give that woman her props!

The Sonic Natives show us some Real Love every month.. support them! DJs this means YOU too! I have seen The House Gallery Cats at events thrown by local DJs I haven't seen any of you at there's. But here is what I do like about those Cat's they keep moving forward and have 3 of the deepest brothers ( well light skinned play cousins) in the game!

My point is.. don't go crying about big names when you (we) don't even support local DJs if you REALLY loved the music we have our butts in the spots where they play for you because they love it, and for some its their bread and butter.

Let me ask, do you KNOW who Delano Smith is? Marcellus Pittman, Malik Alston, Mike and his brother Craig are?  For that matter.. my personal fav, my #1 Norm Talley.. these Cat's SLAY! and the amount of love we show them at home is barely a blip on the musical map. I know I've said this before but I felt the need to bring it up again.. so I did!

We all complain about the price of the MOVEMENT tickets, but still wont pay 5 or 10 dollars to pay for the jocks who play again.. every week! But you love the music.. no ya don't you love the phone and Facebook stats that you post while at the few parties you go to. Yup, me too, ( let me add.. I got a little spoiled with that guest list life) But my buddy Jon Easley put it best.. support the players. So I do.. but I really, really miss that guest list life!

Now, Ive said my peace about the party goers.. now on to you DJs please, please, please, support your peers.. and stop throwing all the low key shade you throw at each other..( thought: I think I've written about this before. ANYWHO... you can dislike the Hustler, but for the love of all that's Holy do not knock his/her hustle. Cause, news flash., some of you think a little too highly of yourself. Stay humble!

A few months back., a collective of DJs I'd done some work for ( hard work) went to a spot where one had a residency. As we were going up the stairs the resident DJ told the door people  everyone with him was on his guest list. I stepped out to have a smoke with a friend., and when I got back and tried to go in I was told I had to pay, I'd asked the manager of the club to get said resident, and they ( resident) acted like they didn't even know who I was. So I'd asked them to get the ring leader of the group, as I stood there watching the club manager talking to the ring leader of the group I CLEARLY see said ring leader shrug their shoulders and shake their head. Needless to say, the club manager told me I'd have to pay. And while this was a major blow to my ego, moreover I was hurt, I couldn't help but think.. " these low down dirty motherfuckers, after the work I had put in... I see, Ok, cool" but I still supported, and from time to time will continue to do so. Because I have a love for the scene, and the music.


At the beginning of the year I saw the love from both the party goer and the party throwers can we please continue this.

I'm willing to bet at least one of my kids ( and if I lose, please take the oldest one) The next House Gallery set will not see the love that should be shown, and I hope and pray that I'm wrong cause Kai will be playing so for those who played for him.. it is your obligation to show him the same courtesy.. Please Lord I hope I'm wrong about this!

Since my mothers passing and all this responsibility that has been thrown in my lap, I have found that the shade and the hate don't matter. I need this music, cause I don't do drugs. cause if I did, with my life I'd surly be on some kind of hard core dope! I chose to make music my drug I chose to make the DJ my dealer I will attempt to make as many parties as I can.

..can we just raise our fist, unite in dance and

Let The Music Play,

~P