The Sonic Native.. or the night Magic happened!

A few years back, Earl Mixxen McKinney had the notion to form a group of DJs who had mad skills behind the table. That group consisted of his life long best friend and Detroit legend Al Ester Jr., and a new kid out of Boston name Chris Habibian. Chris had come to Detroit seeking his fame and fortune and was introduced to the Detroit House community by every ones favorite Hi Energy fitness goddess Nancy Gavoor. ( y'all know them Armenians stick together) - insert big cheesy grin.

The very 1st time I heard Chris, I dubbed him the Boston Banger he calls himself KidBibs - personally...I like my moniker better, but I'm kinda bossy that way!
Anywho... Chris came to Detroit and blew us away with his DJ stylings he was a young Cat with Vet skills and he loved the wax, vinyl that is!

Both Earl and I saw something in the youngin and my guess is once Earl put thought to action Chris was on board from the get go., and he did not let the newly formed Sonic Natives down! But times changed and Chris sadly had to leave to go back to Bean town but with lemons you make lemonade right...? So with Chris we expanded our Sonic Native reach and brand!

How did yours truly become the only chick in the group AND I can not DJ to save my children's lives.. welp, I'll tell ya! Earl and I just clicked.. we bonded we became like brother and sister ( and with that came all the sibling arguments) two strong personalities he, being the Scorpio and me being the Aries and all.. But I know Earl had a vision and I was his ride or die. Right or wrong I rode with him to help his vision become a reality.
 But enough about that, I've written about how we came to be.

I have to say, this Blog almost didn't happen! NEVER EVER tell me what I, "better" do! That is on no level cool or acceptable.. but calmer heads prevailed and I wrote it because "I"..ME..PJ wanted too! When you come to me, come correct or don't come at all! 



Then... Magic happened! He came from the windy city, he served our country, he's like some kinda kungfu master, and he's a DJ!

Now, when Earl 1st ask/told me about adding Magic to the line up I wasn't sure if this would be a good look. I was not all that impressed with his playing...real talk, but Earl was, and Earl had been in the game far longer than I had and he knew what he was doing. I had to concede to the one who had the acumen, and that was Earl!- insert "side eye".. ol' micromanagin ass (but only I can say that)

Now, it's pretty well understood that if I do not talk or write about you I feel ( and this is just MY opinion) that you need to go back and work on your skills. So what I am about to say is strictly my opinion I could be dead ass wrong but... well let me just continue writing and we will see where this goes.

I saw Mel as new to the game even though he has been djing since before his time in the United States Army. But to me Mel was just trying to find his footing here in Detroit. He is a Chicago native and they play much different than we do. So I had to adjust and become accustomed to his style. 

Welp!!! Let me tell ya, that dread locked DJ made a believer out of me last night! Now Ms. Iris ( who has been in the game a mighty long time and knows a thing or 3 about this music and DJ game.) Now SHE told me how Magic had showed his entire ass for her birthday back in February. I'd started hearing things. How Magic was coming with straight hard beats. Banging tracks, playing with all kinds of gusto!  

When Magic plays he has all the right moves, but I was not a big fan of the tune selection... but again, I had to allow him to teach me. I can be stubborn sometimes ya know! 

When DJ Magic hit the decks last night I knew everything Ms. Iris had told me was 100 % correct cause Mr. Magic took a hold to those tables and did not let them go until they begged him to! Magic had the room hyped and controlled them just like he controlled that mixer and fader ( look I like using DJ speak) allow me a little latitude here.  Track after track after track was a heavy hitter. Well, ok... The Fleetwood Mac track didn't fit with where the vibe was going but that's just me! 

Yes, Mr. Magic last night was your night. To me its like you came out of a shell and showed us who you REALLY are! I want you to KEEP playing just like that. Don't deviate, one iota You came, you saw, you conquered! 

...and while the views and opinions expressed by me may not be the same as others. I can say this.. Melvin Tuck, DJ Magic, Trey's daddy... you were ER'BODIES daddy last night the way you whipped the hell outta us with your tunage and style. 

At one point it was me and the Magic Man. I was deep into writing and he was deep into the beats. Together he was doing his thang and I was doing mine,  we were in sync. Magic made me feel what no other dj had made me feel before. I now know what it feels like to be in the zone! I was writing and he was playing and boy oh boy was that man in the playing zone. I didn't need to see the keys I was typing I knew where they were just like a great DJ knows where all his/her buttons knobs and controllers are. For a moment Magic was controlling my words and actions with his heavy deep beats! Last night Melvin went home. Not to Chicago, he went back to the motherland. He took us all on birthday journey! He played for himself.. but the gift of his style was to us! The floor was all a glow with feet stomping to his skills. Wow Magic... simply wow!  BLEW ME THE FUCK AWAY!!!! 

Never a selfish man he allowed his brotheren to join in on the fun, but this ain't about them Mumford Mustangs! - its about that light skin Cat from Chicago! - you know.. the one with the dreads. The one who created Magic! Flossmore Homewood High school ya dig! 

We hear you Mr. Magic, loud and very fucking clear! MOVEMENT is coming, Charivari is coming and there will be plenty of parties in between time and in the mean time. And as long as you play like you did last night!!! bay-BEE!  you gonna be too hot to handle and too cold to hold! 

And while I am no longer a Sonic Native, that group of rag tail DJs will always be MY boys, MY loves! We fight, we laugh, we love, hell sometimes we don't even speak! But each and everyone of the Sonic Natives are MY brothers, MY babies.. and I can talk about them.. but bet not nobody else say one word against them.. cause no matter what! Earl, Al, Chris, Melvin, Steve, and the newest member Big Rob Martinez Jr. will ALWAYS be my family and I will ALWAYS be their ride or die! - even when the do piss me off and I know I piss them off but, I'm the girl, the sister, that's my role in this thing of ours - (insert big cheesy grin) hey... that's family ya know!

I give credit where credit is due! To whom respect is given, respect is earned.. and Mel... to you all the credit and respect my brother...my friend! We hear dude... WE HEAR YOU!

Let the Music Play!!

~P


  

Summer 2017 its not just music, its an experience!

Now y'all KNOW good and damned well I'm all extra excited and stuff cause the spring and summer is about to be in full swing. Folks will be traveling up and down I94 to directions both east and west! People from across the oceans will be landing at DTW in May for that annual weekend of dancing and foolish musical shenanigans. Yes, the Mid west is going to be a hot bed of House and Techno this year.

With the climate as it is right now with so many people feeling. "some kinda way" it will be good to let go of all that pent up hostility, fear, and anger. Laying all of our cares on the dance floor or outside in the park, or in our car, or wherever you choose to groove!

Now more than ever its OUR time to show the world what UNITY REALLY looks like. We always come together like no other time when the music starts to feed our musical soul(s) and we can never get enough. We go past full and gorge ourselves on good vibes, new friendships and hot ass music!  The word for this years summer festivities more than any other year is, POSITIVITY!! As always I have thoughts and you good people know me, I will share them with my House and Techno peeps. 

1st and foremost, for those of you traveling from abroad,, WELCOME!! Rather its your 1st time here in the states or your back for a return visit. Welcome to our country never mind the idiot now running it, rest assured he will not be there, and here is where you come in, No matter where you go, no matter what country you're from lets greet and be greeted with warm hugs and smiles. Let's show the world what togetherness is! Share stories, take pictures of and with both new and old friends. Post them bitches all over the Internet! Show folks LOVE wins, NOT hate!!- OK, BRB gotta take an hour pause for the cause aka lunchtime ill be right back and we will continue the summer of, "Make love not hate global movement 2017"!

The one thing we all share is the love of the music we are so all inclusive with those we attract. For my family over seas.. Please don't let anything you hear on the news keep you away from our great Midwest region. 

...ok, Im back
--now where was I? Oh yeah, the summer of LOVE! 

MOVEMENT

Thank you Paxahau, you have made this festival one of the best in the world., and yes, I have had  my issues with how things are done, but real talk... I don't run shit! I will ask that everyone treat Detroit's streets with respect keep it clean, keep it musically funky, keep it positive! In the past I would have concentrated on the after parties., but I am extremely happy that this year includes many many many local DJs. I mean they needed Theo and Marcellus on the bill, but again.. I'm not in the big office so I don't get to make the call. 

...but y'all KNOW how I feel about my peeps so I am going to ask you, Paxahau ( and normally I don't "ask") - but I'm trying to get into heaven so I have softened my tone a bit. So,... again, I am asking that you PLEASE DO NOT PUT THE DETROIT DJS ON NO PUNK ASS STAGE WITH ZERO FLAIR AND LIGHTING! IN THE BACK FIELD WHERE YOU HAVE TO WALK A COUNTRY MILE TO SEE THEM!!!  THEY DESERVE THE SAME QUALITY AND RESPECT AS ALL OTHER DJ'S PLAYING. Thank you!!!!! ( - insert smiley face)

Look for helluva sets by two (former) radio jocks who are two of the baddest boys to rock the 1's and 2's Earl Mixxin Mckinney and DJ Gary Chandler. Now I know these two personally. 

The small one is a Scorpio and the larger one is a Capricorn.. they have egos so trust and believe when I say them boys are gonna wear you OUT... !!! That's just what they plan on doing!

This year you will have more of what I have heard over and over. People who DO come from(insert wherever) come to hear Detroit/Midwest/American DJs. Well this year you will have plenty of that. My guess is because, 1. I'm sure securing acts from over seas is extremely expensive. 2. People want to see more Detroit acts. and three- cause I wouldn't be me if I did not address this small elephant in the room. Y'all, (yall being Paxahau) got yaself some healthy competition with that Charivari Fest in August!

The after parties have started to be announced! MUST attend events. Dee Jones, Stomp the House at Truth Music cafe! Centrally located this is party always delivers! 

MOTOR CITY WINE,  

Plays host to anyone and everyone who is House and Techno. You don't want to miss an event plus, the wine is just so darn tastee! Look for The House Gallery Cat's day party always a crowd pleaser. and.. Mr. "where would we be without him" John Morales will be playing as well

M!X Bricktown will be functioning all weekend long. The new sound system is sure to make your ears happy. 

There are two new spots in town. The Situation Room and Sicaro's Bar ( the djs playground)  - nothing in the works... YET! but stay tuned they have some big plans on the horizon for MOVEMENT weekend! 


Kai Alce's  DEEP DETROIT 9

This is one of those, dance until your feet don't move event! Top notch line up and yet another MUST attend event! There is one thing above all others that I love about Deep Detroit. When the folks are there.. they are there to DANCE! The music is far from ordinary. It's so good to see so many diffent faces and here so many differnt languages and dialects. This party like Excusions brings the global village together on the dance floor. 

Cordell Johnson's Excursions has been the most massive of all the after parties. Please see Facebook as I do not have a link! Marcellus Pittman (Unirhythm) and my friend and brother the Beast from the east DJ Masahiko Uchikawa aka Loftsoul. Along with DJ Taz (DET) never let's us down. I would like to see him play a little earlier in the evening please. When they touch the tables its magic all night long. Location change so please stay tuned for updates. This party above all others is the best yet! People dance from the time they get in until the time they leave and most dance their way out the door. Don't meet them there...BEAT them there!!!

..as more parties are announced I will keep ya posted!- hey, its what I do!! 

CHOSEN FEW

BAY-BEE when I tell you, that is not a picnic, it's an experience.. that my friends is and understatement! The 1st time I went I was blown away so much love so much music so much barbecue! Now, I don't know the folks who run the event personally, but I like to think I do. Wayne Williams(my fav) Alan King(my fav) Terry Hunter(my fav), Mike Dunn(my fav), Jesse Saunders(my fav), Andre(my fav) and Tony Hatchett(my fav).. ( I feel like I might be forgetting someone) -any who! If you want to experience what it may have been like in the beginnings of House you DO NOT want to miss this 2 day event! They tear your behind out the frame with the music! Plus, its Chicago.. everybody loves The Chi!! 25 + years strong and... AND Its endorsed (so to speak) by the WORLDS President Barack Obama- he's a House Head ya know. Be ready to be loved on, ample space to dance once you enter the gates you are family, its just like the track Terry Hunter pinned. " We are one" I never miss this event! 

Of course my pick of every event is my CHARIVARI DETROIT event. While new to the festival line ups It certainly is not new to the music. The goal is to showcase the Detroit and Midwest talent that is so loved around the globe. New site will be up and running soon but until then check out the link. The best of the best plays at this picnic and what's even better, they play a lot of Detroit music by Detroit musicians and thats what its all about, showing mad love to and for each other! New Heat from Dez Andres - straight fiyah baby!- yeah, Dez needs to be in that lineup as well as Marcellus and Theo!- but I'm bias so....yeah! Last year Eddie Fowlkes gave us ALL KINDS OF LIFE! as did Mike Huckaby, Norm and Terrence Parkers protege. I would expect more of the same this year. 

.. and on a personal note., to said DJ/Producer(you know who you are!)  I have been asking to complete the damn track, "if you don't have this track done and completed by the Charivari Picnic I am going to personally give you shaken DJ syndrome" 

If you see me at the park shaken the hell out of said DJ you will know he did not finish the track, although to my untrained ear its ready right now! 

I'm passionate about Charivari Detroit because.. thems my people! and while I can not say who will be dropping new heat, I can say there is a track that will be the hottest thing since the Sun.  I would like to see some changes this year, and thankfully the powers that be would also like your input! So please voice your opinion, let your voice SHINE!

I would also like to see the likes of Glenn Underground, and Jamie 3:26 play at the picnic. No need for all the fancy smansy vendors, not right now. Im thinking scale it back just a tad and watch it grow from there. Plus I think its just cost effective. 

and Team Charivari, look imma just put it out there. We want to barbeque! We are happy with the vendors and all., but real talk its a picnic! We want to pic-nic! that involves a grill and all the fixins. We will also need you to come down on the price of that water! - y'all know what I'm talkin bout! Kids are there and they are wasteful., ain't nobody got time or money to buy drink tickets only to have lil Jun-Jun waste that water trying to keep cool! Loosen up on them restrictions. 

Thankfully someone schooled me on the insurance and stuff so I know one of the reason why but yeah, y'all gonna have to work som'in out!

More info on House in the Park ( Atlanta) at a later date. I just don't know enough about this event other than it on another level all together!


Keep in mind there will be a lot of up close and personal sets this year., keep your hands to yourself. lol what I mean by that is, if you are not a DJ, I don't care how close you are to the mixer DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS ON IT! They don't need your help!.. and ya might get ya hand slapped!! I know it feels good to ya but you keep your hands lifted in the air not on the fader or mixer! That really grinds my gears every time I see it! 


Divinity will have your, Little Bit cards, inspirational sayings that we want you to spread around the globe. Please accept this as a part of making the world a better place. Just a little bit at a time! 

This year more than any other, we should come together in the spirit of what this music is all about. Unity, Love, Togetherness!! and as always.....

Let the Music Play

~P

They gave us the night...and then some!

Had to adjust my glasses so I can get all this down right!

Soo, about last night. Coming off of 4th Friday at the Alpha House and just the day before at M!X AND the fact that I work the oddest hours known to man, I really didn't think I was going to be able to make it to the birthday party. I was just super tired! 

Then, I truly believe my house is  jealous of my social life. Let's see, I almost caught the kitchen on fire the night of my old bosses birthday party THEN the laundry room flooded the night of Scott Ashley's big 50th. So I knew something was going to happen this night, - and it did! 

Now its no secret that I'm not a size 5, I'm ample, rubenesque, curvey and sexy! ( I mean if you don't love yourself who else will) - so yep, sexy! - Its a state of mind ya know, its what you exude! but none the less I get a run right at the bottom of my pants, just under the booty. Wardrobe adjustment and off I went! - FUCK YOU HOUSE... I WIN and I'm in them SKREETS!!

I missed the DEQ party- mad shout out to Vincent Patricola! Putting your mind, skill, money, and voice, where your heart is.. the music and scene that is Detroit! - but ya girl was tired as a Hebrew slave! Let's keep the support going Detroit for this Cat!

Now, since I work so close to M!X and I had not been home in some time. I decided after I got off work I would go to hear my fam play. I'd heard that patronage on Thursday nights had dropped off a bit and I am very disappointed to hear these things but this night the crowd was a little  more than light, and old faces where in the building. Dave Spivey made an appearance, Rio Smalls was there.. and a few other DJs. from Benedictine, Good to see everyone! - I'm getting to the point I promise.

I was a little more than disappointed with what I heard coming out of the new sound system. Mike Clarks set was good, I ve heard him play better. and all that followed just gave a lack luster set! - I was NOT a happy House Head! 

When you are a vet and you start writing checks about how good you are and how you bout to crush mofo's and how you got new fire and heat. YO PUNK ASS BETTER BE ABLE TO CASH THE FUCKING CHECK!!! When you're  known for many things. Your phenomenal tune selection being one of the things you're known for, and you come with some straight bullshit that's just tragic and horrible!

Love y'all to the moon and back again, but if you love this music,then for the love of all that's holy..., then play like you do each and every damn time.  This was not done by anyone on Thursday- perhaps that could be part of the problem. But to be fair I have not been there with any consistency, so hell, they could be playing their respective faces off and this was just and off night! 

Vets, should never miss a beat or blend, the mixes should be top notch at all times. I mean you been DJiing for 30 years right??? All DJs I know are one with the music, so intimate, they make love to the tables.. to the one they have loved since before they got their lil tally wackers licked the very first time. There is a reason we don't put gyms shoes in the dryer, That sound is irritating as hell! just irritation at its highest form. Take time to get to know this new fire, better still let me add none of that shit was fire. I know better, Step ya game up!- cause I KNOW what you can do! 


I expect better cause I KNOW what you can do! Tighten your game up and bring that crowd back! 

Listen I do praise  and give  credit when and where  it's due, but I am also going to call you to the carpet when you don't play like I know you can! 

With that being said. I had the most awesome time at the Historic Alpha House, When I got there it was more of an R and B feel, but I wanted to get a close parking space so I dealt with it! 

The Godmother was playing and I was missing her DJ stylings so I did not want to miss her again!

I'd gone out to smoke and one of my house brothers being the gentlemen that he is invited both myself and a friend out of the rain and into his car to keep warm and listen to music! 
......and BAY_BEEE everything he played for us was hot dripping fiyah!!!

I had heard Mike Micahnik play, and he's good but the tune selections he played for myself and a friend will leave you all feeling euphoric at best! we had to listen to over 40 songs.. he played about a min to 2 half min of each tract and they were smoking! THAT man needs to be heard out more often!! 

Keeping in theme with this Blog, the good thing was, when we did go back into the Alpha House Stacey ( Hotwaxx) was on that same vibe she was consistent to what I was hearing in the car- hard funk soulful House! - but I wanted to hear more of what Mike had, so off to his car we went again! The man is hot as fish grease! I wanted to beat his ass and take off with the CDs. but homeboy looks like he can swang so I let calmer heads prevail and let him and his music off easy! 

On to Saturday night, again,,, I was so fucking tired but I love both Phil and Christa and have never missed the birthday gig they throw each year, and coming off a a lack luster month for birthday parties it was time to hear some slammin tunage!

I was not going to miss Wayne Williams, Chosen Few founder and leader of the light skin DJ crew- they making a come back ya know! and I was not going to miss Big Rob Martinez Jr. aka Tu Tu, newest member of the Sonic Natives- and a well deserved position.

I really dig Wayne as a DJ and dude is funny! I'd written about him before and have only heard him play at the Chosen Few picnic.. but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE his mix and soundcloud., he and I use to roll bounce all the time before they stole my DVD/CD player- I still have not gotten it replaced. If you or  anyone you know  would like to contribute to getting me a new one please feel free!- lol! 


ANYWHO>>> back to ...

Mr. Williams, ok y'all like in real life., the 1st track he played I...I ain't like it- sorry big guy! then he played my kinda music... some good ass disco laced tracks- but I thought, ut-oh.. he might lose this fickle ass Detroit crowd... plus coming off of Tu Tu's set...but more about that later! 

Guess I forgot who was up there playing, guess I forgot this man has been doing his thug thizzle since I was still taking naps in grade school! Guess I forgot music is not only what he does, its who he is... its what pays his mortgage.. I forgot this man is a Grammy winner! cause BAY-BEE!! Wayne Williams cleaned our clocks! He beat us in an Ike Turner like fashion.. He grabbed the torch from that NKOTB( new kid on the block) Big Rob Martinez Jr. and ran across the finish line...

Yeah, I forgot who I was fucking with cause Wayne showed his entire booty- I need to be his PA he can pay me in edits and remixes, and cover my health care... cause the tracks he played while some not new they were different then what I had heard before..

Then he did it!, He dropped Peven Everett- we NEVER get to hear Peven like we should. Let me take a moment to say, Wayne repped his Chi town fam, as he should... love it when DJs support their home towns.. I wanted to take my shoe off and throw it at him but the dance floor was packed and Dora Dee was directly in front of me and I didn't want her to get hit by a flying boot. 

Wayne is straight smooth with it, his technique and skills are effortless. I closed my eyes - while standing as close as I could to him, and for a moment in time.. it was just he and I, in the exosphere. I became what he was playing., he was already there.. I just needed to let go and I did.. we ALL did! ..and the more I let go, the higher we got! We floated well beyond the space you and I. We went to a place where it was just he, me, and the music!


While I bow in respect to Wayne, last night belonged to Big Rob Martinez Jr. -I was not there for Phil nor Christa's set.  I was still at home fighting with myself on getting out of the house. Side note.. THANK YOU Tamar Dunn -can you say, "life saver". So! before you good folks get your panties in a bunch cause I am not writing about Phil and Christa.. I wasn't there!! but I heard Phil showed out! - ok like um. that's what that Phool does, especially when he is lookin, and smelling good! AND it was his birthday paw'leeze I KNOW my PTM... he clown'T and Christa.. don't let that fair tale like princess face fool you.. that chick is Malificent behind the decks! Heard she once made Murph ass cry the day cause he realized the Padawan had become the Jedi Master!

Big Rob Martinez Jr. is.. Obviously the son of Big Rob Martinez NYC. DJ and producer.. his greatest production were his children and his namesake. Last night Big Rob Sr. was in the room.. I'm pretty sure he was looking down on his child with that big smile of his bobbin his head being a proud papa,  Now.. Tu Tu as he is called by his family and loved ones.. is his daddy all the way, looks and all. If I were his momma I would ask for a DNA test cause that child looks EXACTLY like Big Rob! I would need to find out if I was his real momma! 

I want to know, Tu? What did the music do to you? Cause you were KILLIN it! You came to kick butt and chew fucking bubble gum., you had that floor on fiyah, you played like the music had talked about your grandmomma and you came to whip its ass! You played like this was your last night on earth! You had complete and total control.. You beat that table and I do believe you got a hard on whilst playin... YOU COMMANDED that dance floor! YOU my dear fried had us in the palm of your hand and we ate from it gleefully! You fed us like we were hungry starved for good music. You played like you were the 2nd coming of the musical lord! Each and every track you laced hit us hard! You have arrived baby! and was yo momma there? Cause I saw a woman with a smile on her face filled with pride and love, and I know that is the face of a mother or 2nd mother aka auntie!

Lemme tell yall what this lil phool did.. he came off a Monique Bingham track to a EWF track.. that shit ain't even supposed to match. oh and y'all the blend was so clean.. pristine even! The crowd LOVED you! I don't know who you THOUGHT you were but you, my dear friend are a DJ and Big Rob son, he lives on in you! - but you are YOUR own man! now its time for you to spread your wings and be all that he knew you could be and beyond. You showed that last night. If there was EVER any doubt in your  mind... it has been removed! You are festival ready baby!- and his set ended in a monumental way! "BABY>>>BYE"-in my Wayne Willams voice!

Listen, If  I were Wayne, I would have listen you him like.. " kids got skills..i might need to rethink this" and come real real hard! show this lil musical miscreant some thangs" - not in a competitive way, its just a great DJ makes another great DJ play even better! It keeps the party going. 

The momentum was high! and consistent. You don't follow what Tu Tu put down with your everyday run of the mill same top 4o house tracks! you come in there and continue the vibe and lay the SMACKETH DOWN- YES!! I said it! Cause I EXPECT better ! Yes the crowd stayed on the floor but they were going to cause they had been so lifted and elevated by the last set, and the sets before! when you DJ you give it your all 100% of the time! - and lets just call a spade a spade.. we love the top 40 house tracks. but this would have been a good night to show them another side of you! You a big dawg you play with big dawgs then play like a fucking big dawg! 

This was clearly the best party of the new year! Meaning the family that we love to see and laugh with was all there. The venue is nice but that one way in is some bullshit! but bet dimes to donuts I will be in there again. Ample space to dance and socialize! - black owned right in the heart of downtown Detroit! But last night the heart of the city was OWNED by the NYC's newest Sonic Native and The Chi's original Chosen Few! and they gave it to us so good they deserve an encore, standing ovation, and some coins on the nightstand! DJ Wayne Willams and Big Rob Martinez Jr. y'all truly, fabulously, masterfully, technically, and skillfully

Let The Music Play

~P 

A Beautiful Sunday, or the night DJ Boxx made a cold January night feel like deep heat summer

On any given 3rd Sunday you can find most of us at a little place called Motor City Wine. A quaint spot where all are welcomed and the wine is better than average. The owners and staff truly care, about... not only the business itself, but also the clientele that calls this place, the urban musical utopia right in the middle of cork town!

Dave and Melissa have steadily raised the bar on talent that's selected to play in their cozy and comfortable spot! Louie Vega has played there, Francois K, Danny Krivit ( I think I spelled that right) John Morales(<---my BFF and I have like a MAJOR crush on this guy)  Joe Clausell, Carl Craig, Theo Parrish, Norm Talley, Delano Smith, Mike Huckaby, Osunlade- I feel like Im missing another big name act...??? anywho

They also play host to just about any good local DJ's as well.  Some have standing sets every weekend. 

- Todd Weston ( don't believe the Facebook photo)- Todd Weston is blacker than me! Todd Weston is so good he, and I have seen this happen,, has make a blind man see! Well, he and David A-P ( who also doubles as the bar owner) have The Hotpot night and the crowd..hyped! Music classic and new disco and house.

-You have the House Gallery Cats - Jason Garcia, Jay Ramsey, and Adam Francesconi ( side note: I can now spell his name without looking it up!- yaay me)

The House Gallery brings all the forces of nature together and let them explode in this little place we call home. The anchor man- Jason Garcia, The pretty boy Jay Ramsey The Beast- Adam Francesconi

Now many may think I have a favorite, and you would be right. So there is no need to mention him since you already know who he is. - but truth be told. ALL THG cats are just that fucking good at what they do! Jay and Jason are sure to drop new fiyah when they hit the decks and Jason is a prolific producer in his own right. My only concerns is I just don't feel they get the love and respect they deserve. I have seen them at damn near every ones event but is the favor returned?... hardly never! Here is the cool thing about that... THEY DON'T GIVE A FLYING FUCK! Their turn out speaks for itself - and it continues to grow.,, they set the bar higher and are always inviting their DJ brothers and sisters to play. But how many of those have invited THG to play with them?!?!... DAMN shame! 

anywho 

-rounding out the end of the month you have 2nd Sundays with Norm Talley and WHEW that night is a FEVER.. musical life is given, its where the dancers come to shine and move furniture- When Norm puts those bags down and drops the needle he is on 10000 from start to finish.. there are no shorts when he takes control.. but then again, I am a wee bit bias as Norm Talley is my #1 

There was a night when both my favs played and I selfishly kept all the pictures and didn't post anything on social media. That night it was me and my #1 and #2 PJ, Norm, and Delano-- and musically speaking, I wanted them all to myself! and them two brothers BANGED!!! crowd was light to mediocre but being who they are they played like they were over seas on tour!

-3rd Sunday's are simply Beautiful - a love for vinyl. Your host is Rick Wilhite. Listen, Its no secret that when it comes to getting some real names Rick plays a pretty significant role in bringing them here. Him, or Moody - don't believe the hype! that's RICK WILHITE that has something to do with the bigger named talent! Rick also has a love for his city and his fellow DJS from all over. They don't have to be big name talent, they just have to be good/er'great! ( my assessment)- if you have only played ( and you're a local DJ) - but you have only played one maybe two times... you might want to brush up on your skills-but that's just me talking.

This past Beautiful Sunday, Rick brought his Nu Bang brother DJ Boxx- (Chicago), to bless the tables!

Now, when Boxx is not sleeping, cause that brother loves the inside of his eyelids., he is up doing his thing behind the tables. I have heard him play many times. He keeps a hat on his head- I have never seen him without it, My guess.. THAT brother has a big ass noodle ( head)- it also serves a dual purpose.. if the hat gets lower.. he ( Boxx ) bangs harder! 

Last night Boxx did what I hardly see now-a- days, He sat his shit down and was on 10,000 from start to finish!  When I tell you the room was packed full of dancing folks, that's an understatement! We could have left our outer wear in the car! Hell I listen to most of his set outside because I was like a hot box all to myself. There was no heat on! The heat in that room was pure people power! and it was HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!!!!!! IT WAS FUCKING HOT!!- THE MUSIC, THE VIBE, THE ATMOSPHERE,  the only thing that was chilly... cold even was the outside and the wine that was supposed to be served chilled!

Everything Boxx played last night was a straight fire banger! - oh let me jump back. Rick came in the door playing some heat too! his 1st track was bliss..musical bliss!

ok back to.. not about Wilhite! lol

Boxx set what like fucking- yeah, fucking like when two people bump uglies and the end result is a messy clean up! He didn't start out making love, there was no four play,, he came in like a good man should have gave us the business! Ladies, ya know when ya man comes in with that look in his eye, and you know its just time to let him ravish the hell out of you- and you know you like it! -  he put that Ike Turner stank on it! and we all turned around to have him slap us on our fannies ( with that... sting so good).. cause it was just that good! We should have left that man some money on the night stand.. cause Reg Anderson ( government name) straight RIPPED it last night. There were more than a few ladies who had to go home and rinse them panties out in the sink! Boxx played so good last night I'm almost certain he had a hard on! He showed those decks NO and I do mean NO respect! He beat em like they talked about his momma! Every tune was straight fiyah! .. and as he played, the hat got lower! Boxx played so good I damn near called him, " daddy"

He took NO prisners last night his set was perfect in every way. If that DJ makes love, screws, fucks.. like he DJs, there is a lucky woman out there! Please fix him a ham sandwich!! WITH cheese and ALWAYS let him have the big piece of chicken!


Boxx played like a seasoned Vet should play none of that, " I was gonna play this or that" he came in and played it! no pre-set list of music ( if that's what ya call it) he went from start to finish pure heart mega massive energy and along the lines got about 6 chicks pregnant.. musically speaking that is. Hell my tubes are tide and even I will be giving birth to a tune in about 90 days and Boxx is the daddy! Cause Boxx was Daddy last night- sugah daddy..ooh! He was EVERYTHING sweet, nasty, funky, hawt, sweaty, stank, good, moist, hard! He gave us life and we swallowed all of his goodness- no money shot needed!

Let the Music Play!!

~P

He came from the east!

As we speak...or as I type I am hyping Peter Croce's newest release, listening to Gari Romalis and about to tell you good people about a man., a sensei, a force, a phenomenon - oh... AND I'm at work !

As you may or may not know I also do the, "out the house" street report for Tina Nelson's Internet radio show. It is my ultimate pleasure to give a snippet of night life here in Detroit to listeners across the globe.  I can't think of anything I love more than music and people. To be able to combine those things is something short of a miracle..meaning I never thought this would happen to me. 

I have been able to meet some of the most dynamic group of people from across the world. But there is one who stands out from the rest. 

Now a few years back, you may remember me telling you, my mother was a world traveler., and had been to parts of the world most of us dream of. One of her many stops was Japan. I remember her stories of "pushers" how the bullet train had people that actually pushed you onto the trains. wow what a different world, And this was back in the early 80's when she went. I have Geisha dolls and fine China ( wait... do we still call it China wear if its from Japan).. anywho rice bowls and tea sets.  So there was always a fascination with Japan for me. 

I was amazed at this Island nation. So as a young child I was learning all about this place. A place where tradition, customs, and education are at the for front of everyday life. Never in my wildest dreams did I think House music was also a way of life.

When I got back on the House scene ( after doing, "the family thing") I found myself steeped deep deep inside everything House! One of the newer tracks I heard was one called. Dear Friend. By this Cat... Loftsoul. At this time I had NO idea who made this track.. All I knew was, it was deep and groovable. It was sexy and made you think and do things on the dance floor that would make a person blush with sexual excitement. 

I soon came to find out that this Loftsoul was a Cat from.. where else, Japan!!! An unassuming man of few words and many talents. His name, Masahiko Uchikawa. Member of Nu Bang and a very big name in the Japanese musical underground. What was even better is, he too also falls under the zodiac sign of Aries. A born ruler! A man of action! Talent! Who focuses on energy and what can be done... NOW not later!!!

You see, I have met many people through broken friendships. HOWEVER... relationships, I have built on my own. And this one in particular is one of friendship, respect and love! 

Uchi ( as he is called here in the states) has fostered friendships with some of the most prolific DJs in the Midwest! Rick Wilhite ( whom Uchi considers his best friend) Cordell Johnson ( no relation) and Vincent Intrieri ( who is a masterful DJ himself)/and Marcellus Pittman!!

I remember when I 1st met Uchi, I did not know rather to bow, say, " what up doe" , shake is hand... I didn't have a clue but what I did know is., this beast from the east was one person I had to get to know.

I even thought about taking up conversational Japanese so that I could have a conversation with Uchi when he calls... which to my surprise is more often then not! 

Every year Uchi makes his journey to the place I call home., Detroit Michigan it is Uchi that packs the dance floor! I mean when Uchi gets behind the decks you are guaranteed a sexy, deep, hard tracks back to back good time!..He is the main reason so many show up for the Excursion party year after year. It is the Excursion party that hands down wins year after year for BEST party experience! 

I can remember driving with my friend Iris Cole banging my head to a CD she had playing in the car. Of course I ask, " who is THAT"!! her response, Girl... that's Uchikawa! 

Uchi is the DJ who knows and understands when your come in... you come in to BANG!! no excuses no, " I was going to play" He PLAYS it! and we go CRAZY!

He is everything I think a DJ should be! Masterful, perfect in every way! He, like Norm, does NOT know how to play anything other than real right! His blends and mixes are precision personified! 

You MUST bring your A++++ game if you are to follow Uchi! 

You see, being an Aries, Uchi does not know the meaning of failure, nor does he understand the word, "can't"!

If you are so lucky to catch him behind the decks please understand you are in the presences of a Sensei he teaches you, by showing you.. he becomes not only the music but the tools used to play the music! He  cuts into you like a Bushido blade! Again his timing skill and tune selection is nothing short of amazing! 

For my East cost friends. Uchi will be on a tour coming right to you. My advice.. DO NOT MISS HIM! He will take you around the world! How did this little man become so soulful? I still have not gotten him to answer that question yet. But being who I am, I'm going to pull it out of him!

Guess who has tour dates... MEEE!!!

Check out this phenomenal DJ 

- House Music Friday's @ AC Lounge in Dan Diego January 27th with resident Matthew Brian and Vincent Intrieri

-January 28th in LA @ For those who know with Soul Reble, Vincent Intrieri, Dig Deeper, and resident..Alison Swing

- January 29th back to San Diego @ Gossip Grill with Francisco Collazo from Philly and resident Ala and Mikeytown..

...ahhh but Midwest no worries good peeps Uchi will be back to make YOU dance !!!

-Sunday May 28th at THEE party of parties.. Excursions - um, Cordell?!? can you PLEASE put Taz on just before or after Uchi... PLEASE! thanks sweets. 

-Monday Nu Bang party- venue TBD ( to be determined) 

I'll be working on getting him at MCW with Jason Garcia and The House Gallery Cats; ( yes, Jason.. I did just put you on the spot!)

You see I may be fairly, "new to it"! but, I'm TRUE to it! I know a good DJ from a mediocre one. I also know a great DJ- because I am not only a fan of the music but how its played. How the soul of a DJ feeds our inner core and keeps us dancing until the wee hours of the morning.

DJ Uchikawa is like a casino.. you walk it and get seduced by all the bells and whistles, and when he is done with you..you walk out and understand that time has no time because you were wrapped in his magic and my Uhci has you under his spell!

Side note! Last year Uchi gave me a Loftsoul shirt., black on black- and someone stole it! Keep the shirt whomever you are! I have Uchi! ..and I am blessed to call him Friend!

Let the Music Play

~P

://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1341707189469&id=1434894470

Your story will be told..this is. our HOUSEtory

We FINALLY got our night! TV One's Unsung episode was about this thing of ours. After years of being underground someone understood that House music is here to stay and has millions of followers.

From MOVEMENT, to Chosen Few, Charivari, House in the park...House music continues to make scores of folks from around the globe move with that 4 on the floor beat..it's the same beat we hear in the womb..it's our heartbeat!

With that being said I understand why some were a little upset that others were not mentioned in the one hour special. I get that..I do! I really really do!

...Let me pause here to advise I'm not speaking as a professional because I'm not one! What I am is a fan, a lover of the music and the people who dance to it. And it hurt my little House head heart to see so many people getting upset that others had not received a mention in the segment.

1st!!! It's an hour long show! 2nd!! We don't know what ended up on the cutting room floor post production. I'm almost 100% sure during taping those they DID interview made mention of Ron Hardy, Lil Louis, Chip E etc..etc.. Cause if I don't know NOTHING else I KNOW a DJs conversation. They LOVE LOVE LOVE to talk about, "back in the day"! The parties..who were the best in their craft at the time. Playful banter that, to those not in the know may sound like a full blown argument. But it's not...it's a DJs passion.

I get my House news source from a few people. But when I REALLY want to know something my most reliable sources are. Alan King, Mike Huckaby, Jamie 3:26, and Delano Smith. Why?? Because they are CREDIBLE sources..they state the facts..(I'm sure they may put their own spin on it...but whatever- the brothers are my source) and they've been around long enough to know.
So of course I went DIRECTLY to AK's page. He's like my NPR source..fair across the board sees both sides..eloquent in his dialogue and writing style.. It's a well known fact he and Frankie Knuckles had a close working relationship..they were friends. And since AK is who he is. I'm sure stories were told and AK is one of a few(no pun intended) left to tell Frankies story. To help continue Frankies legacy.
...and the brother is doing a fine job of it!

Jamie is my local in depth news reporter..he gives me the story with commentary.. kinda like Larry King! Hard hitting, fact giving..Take no prisoners. Delano is much the same. Huck educates me. My PBS, I learn so much from him..But for this Blog imma leave my Detroit players out of it!

Insert my sadness to see the post about the non-mention of Ron Hardy..look!! I dig it.. he was just as much a part of the history as Frankie..but IMO THIS was Frankie Knuckles story...and again, In My Opinion..WHO better to tell it than his friends. Now, ya didn't see AK talk much but that's because..he doesn't talk much( well he doesn't strike me as a big talker)..enter the more vocal one, Wayne Williams..sidenote: Wayne is simply ADORBS! like I want to be his BFF SO bad! He seems like he's a LOT of fun and has a permanent "happy face"! Eyes full of wonder and merriment. And Jessie with that cute lil lisp it's vague..but it's there!

ANYWHO...

I saw so many screaming foul about Ron and others...so I go check him out via the web! He was indeed a very important figure in our journey. But it wasn't Ron's story. I know he was mentioned..I just know it! But for whatever reason once the final cut was done he unfortunately didn't make it! His story WILL be told! Lil Louis story WILL be told. Chosen Few story WILL be told. MOVEMENTs story WILL be told! Charivari's story WILL be told! It just takes time and time, music, and memories are all we have!
Let Frankie have his just due without the negative. You took away some of the magic when y'all jumped on the, "complain train"! You all are looked at GLOBALLY! Don't show anyone any ill in this House!.

No one man owns House!
No one story will tell all there is to tell!
Many things have been left out of history. But here's the most awesome thing..our House history is still being written. And there will be many MANY more stories to come.

SO...get your facts together and Your stories about days gone by written down. Because one day a producer may come to you and ask for your input and it's your duty to tell the story!

But NEVER EVER minimise others for telling theirs.

Right now Ron and Frankie are in Heaven kickin it and I'm sure shaking their heads..

This music is about LOVE!!! Point blank PERIOD! Show more respect for the progenitors of it! They played for the love of it. They played for you! And their music and DJ stylings will live on. When it's time for Ron's story to be told..it will be! Cause from what I read and heard, the man was a BEAST!
So, tell the story..and

Let The Music Play

~P

X Factor or The Miseducation of a former DJ Princess

Yeah,,, the title alone already has a few tongues wagging, a few waiting with baited breath to read past this intro and then there are those who are reading this thinking, " who is going to think this is about "me" ( insert anybody) or as I like to call it.. To whom it  may concern.. but no worries it concerns  all of you, us we, you, he, she, me!

I belong to a few groups in cyberspace and someone ask a good question. " What do you do when one  woman has your heart and the other has your back? As I was deep into the conversation I realized. You go with the one who has your heart. Cause you will only shit on the one who has your back. 

Now you may  be wondering what in THEE hell this has to do with the House music scene.. well it has a lot to do with it. 
..as most of the people I deal with are in that scene and I have seen far too many tears from my sister's.

1st I'm going to offer an apology to The House Gallery Cats cause I had full intentions on writing about them for the next Blog. 

But then Lauryn Hill came on the radio and I had to listen as I always do to each and every word of that song.  I thought about that question.." who do you love? I thought about the conversations I have had with DJs both locally and globally who have said they had a woman who did not understand them who did not believe in them. Hell one DJ told me he and his then wife had actually drawn a line through the house all because if his love for the craft. "WOW how sad" was my thought. 

I've known DJs to get with and and marry some women who, once that ring goes on the finger or that comfort zone sets in, wants that dj to stop doing what he loves.

But then I thought about some of my House sisters who have understood and have had the backs of their men be it pseudo boyfriend or real..for real for real boyfriend/husband.

I thought about some of the beautiful sisters who have been so  disrespected.. - cause fellas we DO talk. We may not name names but the situation(s) are still the same. You fucked faced retards are all the same. ( and I say that in a loving way) The ones who used these sisters always cry that same bullshit, " I'm married to the music"! to that I say..."NIGGA WHAT"!! well.. the music ain't married nor is she faithful to your ass! ( and when I say NIGGA - Im talking to yall white boys too) 

I've known some of my House sisters that have helped you build your brand.. sell your wears.. promote ya parties, take you to gigs.. been your biggest cheerleader only to continuously get treated so so badly.. but your heart belongs to a woman who didn't or doesn't understand your passion. I've seen some of you use these women who want to see you get to that place you've been trying to go since you started spinning. 

But here's the thing once a man get's his heart hurt, he will take ALL his toys and bust up out the sandbox. Some of you are too silly and simple minded to see that with this woman who has your back.. who has put up with more shit than a little bit could build mountains together.. but no,  please by all means run back to the one you love the one who has your heart.. cause she is the one who rolls over your and makes you feel..less than however she is also the one who does not support or understand your dreams and passion ( yes this is a run on sentence) 


I was once a DJ Princess then I became a Queen and I have never known a Queen to need a Prince( yeah... marinate on that for a hot second) .. the key word is "NEED" sister's you are your own Queendom and if these middle ages boys don't appreciate all that you have done FOR them, then be done WITH them! You see they were so busy reaching for Jupiter they neglected to see Venus was right within arms distance.

I was disrespected on SO many levels  - wow how much I have grown... ( can't fully blame the dude cause this is MY life and when its YOUR life its up to YOU to accept or not accept bullshit! My point being we BELIEVED in y'all..ran you from gig to gig and in some cased city to city., only to have your utter disrespect for us thrown in our faces..

There have been public displays of stupidity.. I know cause I have been involved in one or two in my House head lifetime. 

Ya can't continue to treat good people like shit. You can't continue to bite the hand that LOVES you.. cause one  day... oooh one day all that shit you pulled with come back and bite you on the ass ( or other parts of your anatomy) - then want to yell.. " I brought her on the set" Yeah brotha.. and she helped elevate your sorry ass existence! So you need to be thankful and grateful and mostly...respectful!

One sister told me the DJ she was dating told her, " I have no more use for you" that hurt MY feelings and it made me realize Karma has every ones address and you WILL have a seat at the karma cafe and get EXACTLY what is being served! Some of you have nothing but a record collection., but you have a woman who is your Harriet Tubman your Sojourner Truth trying to get you to the promise land..but you want to stay on the plantation and continue to be a slave to madness. I guess the saying is true.., " hurt people., hurt people"! Are you hurt because you haven't been elevated to the place you feel you're supposed to be in this game? Are you hurt because the one you truly love can't or won't be your...ride or die..your..right hand high!? Or are you just a selfish prick! And Mr. DJ(s) if this beat I'm bangin makes you feel," some kinda way" then feel free to match that bitch up and spin yo ass on to the next one! One day when you're old and grey you will look back on the days when you made a good woman turn into a vicious vindictive crazy person. But you married to the music..news flash that bitch don't love you!  The ones who sacrificed her soul..who has let her pride down who loved a broken man and loved him with that agape type of love did..she had your back! She danced to your tunes when no one else in the room did! She protected you and your interest. And you foolishly let her go! I hope that brings you comfort when your hands no longer work. When you have no more gigs to play. When people only remember you in passing.

 It could all be so simple

But you'd rather make it hard
Loving you is like a battle
And we both end up with scars
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

Is this just a silly game
That forces you to act this way?
Forces you to scream my name
Then pretend that you can't stay
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

No matter how I think we grow
You always seem to let me know
It ain't workin', It ain't workin' (No, it ain't workin')
And when I try to walk away
You'd hurt yourself to make me stay
This is crazy, this is crazy (This is crazy, uh-huh!)

I keep letting you back in
How can I explain myself?
As painful as this thing has been
I just can't be with no one else
See I know what we've got to do
You let go, and I'll let go too
'Cause no one's hurt me more than you
And no one ever will

No matter how I think we grow
You always seem to let me know
It ain't workin', It ain't workin' (It ain't workin')
And when I try to walk away
You'd hurt yourself to make me stay
This is crazy, this is crazy

Care for me, care for me!
I know you care for me!

There for me, there for me!
Said you'd be there for me!

Cry for me, cry for me!
You said you'd die for me!

Give to me, give to me!

Why won't you live for me?!

Sisters..hold yo head HIGH AND ALWAYS REMEMBER..YOU ARE THE BADDEST BITCH IN THE ROOM! Continue to love that brother because as much as I hate to admit it..we wouldn't be where we are in this game if it wasn't for them..but only from a far! They did not deserve the love you gave them. This is a game of chess not checkers. Protect the king..but ONLY if he treats YOU like the queen you are!!

Let The Music Play

~P

https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=aB16IfZ6zwQ