Distractionz...

Right. Back from work. Sitting on the edge of my bed. Just considering what to put into MY FIRST POST FOR ALMOST A MONTH! Bwoy, time flies! I hope everyone is well, and not getting too stressed with London life or indeed, wherever may you may be. The reasons for my prolonged absence? Exploring other musical avenues, enjoying the company of someone new, seeing my people and generally not doing this! I did wonder for a while whether I had run out of interesting things to say but I'm back now, and it feels good to be writing again.

So, I kinda failed with the 'One post everyday for a week'. Miserably. That week got waay busy. The posts will definitely be more regular after this point.

So, what topics to cover now? Firstly, the music (of course!). The last month has seen some really nice gigs, including a full on 'Team Session' down @ Plastic People along with (dare I say it) our newest collaborator...Cengiz (him again!) . We were checking out Gilles Peterson down there, first time I've heard him play since Sunsplash! A really nice gig, even better to be there with 'La Familia'.

Got lots of new tunes as well, the most important of which is the 'Ninja Tune XX' LP. Spread across 4 cds (couldn't find the bloody vinyl!), it's amazing. Amongst the artists on the LP are Bonobo, Seiji, Toddla T, Coldcut, Cinematic Orchestra, Mr Scruff, Roots Manuva, Andreya Triana, Miss Dynamite, Speech Debelle and shitloads more to be honest.

For those of you who have never heard of Ninja Tune, or indeed Coldcut, in the words of O.C, one of my all-time favourite rappers, 'lemme give you a brief bio...'.

The group, Coldcut consists of two people, Jonathan More and Matt Black and they hold a very special place in both my heart and musical history. The first thing you need to know about them, is that they've been around for a very, very long time, and you've probably heard or bought music by them, but like Keyser Sose, you just didn't know it!

The first single I ever bought was 'Doctorin' The House' (1988) featuring a then unheard of singer by the name of Yazz (from 'The Only Way Is Up' fame. They also produced that). I clearly remember dragging my mother down to the Woolworths on Kingsbury High Road (w'sup North Weezy!) in order to get it. Probably my first record shopping trip! Anyway, a few months later I saw a compilation with that same song on it. I bought that, and discovered...Hip-Hop. Specifically, 'Paid In Full' by Eric B and Rakim (their 'Seven Minutes Of Madness Mix' is probably the one people have heard the most).

A few years later, they were back with another single, 'People Hold On', featuring a then unheard of singer by the name of Lisa Stanfield (you music heads should be recognising a theme about now...).

Anyway, getting back on track. Coldcut have been creating, shaping and influencing this leftfield/alternative/miles-from-the-mainstream style music and culture since then...

...Through their record label Ninja Tune. Created in 1993, it's second to none as an independently minded base for a huge number of artists such as DJ Food, The Herbaliser, DJ Vadim Mr. Scruff and Fink...Toddla T, The Cinematic Orchestra and Andreya Triana...you get the picutre. The concept of the ninja, moving and operating behind the scenes and with stealth suits them perfectly. Most people would say that they've never heard of them but play them a couple of tracks from albums such as 'Trouser Jazz' by Mr. Scruff or 'Run Come Save Me' Roots Manuva and they'd soon get the picture. Seriously, check out their logo. It has always been this symbol. They may have adapted it in many ways, but there is always the image of the ninja. It's like the best T-shirt you never had.

(Fuck M&S or Sainsbury's here's a brand that I know and trust!)

...Through their legendary 'Solid Steel' radio shows that started out on KISS 100fm back in the 90's and is still running now... on a personal level, hearing them on KISS was very much a learning experience where I realised that (a) there was so much more potential in DJing than what I was doing at that time (mixing records together, badly) and that (b) I had a lot more to learn about music. I still have the tape of the first Solid Steel show I ever heard (used to be on 1am - 3am on a Saturday night). It features music by DJ Crystl, James Brown and The Mad Professor just to name a few...a trippy spaced-out mix of genres, a definite case of organised confusion.

...and most importantly, through their own vast back catalogue of tracks, albums remixes and productions.

I've been a huge admirer of the way the do things for so long. If you're British and into music in any way, you should proud (and thankful!) that guys like this are around and still working hard. Coldcut, I salute you.

Next up, 1HM pt. 4, which will feature a few Coldcut-related gems, old and new.

Easy.

Lebz.

1HP3: Bwoy...lateness!

OK, got in mad late and missed a post. On the plus side, had a hilarious evening back in the old hood with an old friend and a couple of new ones. OK, the main thing I wanted to post was the idea that you can't please all of the people all of the time. We're having some situations at work that reflect this...and also in the music.

Last night, my good friend who himself would like to be involved in music industry asked if I was trying to please too many people with my eclectic-all across-the-board type mixes, and it got me thinking. Alot. I came to the conclusion that whilst yes, my last mix was trying to be too many things, this is the way it is. Although I've taken what he's said on board, I have to represent the styles, genres and scenes that I have come up with. I'd feel like I wasn't giving it 100% if I didn't.

So I think the next mix I'll put up will have a theme. One style, explored as fully as possible. Whether it be house, hip-hop, drum & bass, jazz, it will be focused.

It's Thursday night and my mind switches towards the weekend...some really nice gigs on this weekend. Bpm and friends @ The Social on Friday night, Questlove @ The Camden Jazz Cafe on Saturday, and this Construction Party in what I suspect is the old Turnmills that has been re-opened for a short space of time...open till 6am...g'wan London, still got that old ravers spirit.

Oh, and the picture above? I may not be able to please all the people, but I don't have to worry about him. he looks pleased enough!

ATB

Lebz.

1HP2: Going Underground!

Jeez....this was supposed to be about to be about the music! I almost had a nightmare getting to work but thankfully, I've got more than one route to work, and they involve the train (one of the few good reasons for working in the suburbs!). You can all thank Boris for that. Ooh, and as for Boris' bikes, I hoped they helped YOU to get to work today because they sure did f*ck all for me!

Holla.

Lebz.

OHP1: You Come Without the Why?

So...first post of the week! For a while, I had wondered what exactly what I was gonna discuss for my first blog post of the week...and a topic fell into my lap, courtesy of my good friend Mr. Erkan Cetin (cheers mate!), who just happens to be the handsome chap in the piccie below!

(Honestly, the way he's looking off into the distance, you'd think he was African!) He has, to his credit read some of the blog and now accuses me of being Mr. Party on my FB page! Now, being a good mate, I ain't taken offense but it did get me thinking, 'so just why have I decided to start writing a blog?'.

After some self-analysis...I've decided the reasons I've started to write a blog are...

1) Partly because I Can!

It's sooo easy these days to put a blog together and fill people in on who you are, what you do and why you're doing it. I should have started this ages ago, but as those of you know me will attest to, I specialise in procrastination!

2) Partly because I have an opinion...and a big mouth!

Let's face it. There's so much rubbish music out there. Being made by people who only care about money. There's so much good stuff coming out that doesn't get through because the Big Mac/X-Factor Mushroom Cloud of Shite over everything, I feel people like me who are into something a lil' different have a responsibility to share it, and encourage and inform others to go beyond the middle of the road. It's all good over here on the Left side! (Nothing tooo weird or noodly though!).

3) And finally,

It's because I have always done this. Hanging out with my mates, listening to tunes, playing in clubs, going to carnival, going record shopping, making music lists, standing in the rain at music festivals, meeting new people, putting on and promoting club nights, spreading my mixes amongst people, giving my opinion to anyone who'll listen, listening and considering the opinions of others, dancing all night in sweaty basements...I ain't new to this in the slightest. I'm just sharing it all of YOU now.

1HMpt. 3: A labour of Love...or just (hard) labour?

And so, with it being the beginning of September (and the end of a beautiful summer), it's time for the next'1HM' instalment. Funnily enough, I only took the time to record it today after taking the day off work with a nasty bug, so I hope it's worth it!

Recording this one was a rather frustrating experience, I probably had to restart five or six times before getting it right. I am, and have always been the 'in-one-take' type of DJ, not recording it and then f*cking around with it on a computer for hours afterwards. That's how I started, that's how I shall continue.

This month's mix contains some nice grooves. Alongside classics from the likes of the Jungle Brothers, Jay-Dee, MF Doom (Big-Up Noel!), and The Quantic Soul Orchestra. The 'Sound From Now' is represented fully by cats like The London Snorkelling Team (I hope you like the mix guys!), MED, Elaquent, Machinedrum, Santiago Salazar, Slumgullion, Jesse Boykins III and a truly shabby re-edit of a track by Sampha (Remember where you heard the name!). I didn't really have time to tighten it up so I apologise for the levels on that one. The beautiful, the talented, and mysterious Ahu (w'sup girl?) returns with her first solo single, 'To Love'. She's been on the scene for a bit and has been involved in so many projects in the last few years, it's weird to think that this is her first solo effort!

Anyway, I'm pleased with bits, less pleased with others so as usual, let me have it!

1HM pt. 3 Mixed by Lebz (aka DJ Loki, but more of that tomorrow). Dedicated to my good friend, Mr Erky Magic. You are ALL welcome, so please, get involved (and when I say 'involved' this time, I mean it. Click on the word 'involved' to download the mix).

1HM pt. 3 Tracklisting: September 2010

1) Intro no. 2: DJ Loki

2) The Stick Man: The London Snorkelling Team

3) I Want You (Marvin Gaye Cover): Theophilus London

4) Raw Ingredients: The Quantic Soul Orchestra

5) Solar Power: Elaquent

6) Brain: Jungle Brothers

7) Go With The Flow: MF Doom

8) SirOJ: Slumgullion

9) Classic (feat. Talib Kweli): MED

10) Swimmin' In It: Mazzi

11) MeanPipSwish: PLUS+DJs

12) Rico Suave Bossa Nova: Jay Dee

13) Arabic Emotions: The London Snorkelling Team

14) El Capitalisme Foraneo: The Gotan Project

15) Rainstars (Lebz' Bashment Re-Edit): Sampha

16) Roll & Feel: Machinedrum

17) Journey To The Centre Of The Unknown Sphere: Space Dimension Controller

18) Manbo: Franck Roger

19) Monkey Nuts: Bara Broist

20) Simple Things (Todd Terje Mix): Shit Robot

21) Jamilia's Theme: Santiago Salazar

22) Tonite (Dub): Ame

23) All Systems Down (Vocal Dub): Izmabad

24) Clix (Clixmix): Brooks

25) Work Them: Ramadanman

26) If U Want Me: Deadboy

27) Computer Juice Refix: Seiji

28) To Love: Ahu

29) Prototype: Jesse Boykins III

ATB,

Lebz

With a bump!

What. A. Week! I feel as if Tuesday before last, I stepped into a time-tunnel and have been deposited here in my room last Tuesday morning without really processing and remembering all the great places I've been to and wonderful, lovely and crazy people I've met. So what have we learned this week?

1) Blog posts must be more be proactive, not reactive. So I'll be talking about gigs I'm going to, not gigs I have already been to!

2) I need to post more!

OK, so a rundown of the last week:

First up, The Hot Selection Carnival Warm-Up Show.

In the above picture are Dave, Frank and myself aka The Plus DJs. We've been friends for a long time, spun many good parties together and I love them both dearly.

They are currently running t'ings on soulradiouk on Tuesday nights between 10 and midnight and they generously asked me to come and join them to celebrate what was then, the impending carnival. I was slightly nervous but I think it went well. To listen back to the show, check out Part 1 here and Part 2 here

Then onto Friday night...in a warehouse...in Battersea? I was lucky enough to be invited to a strange part of town known only as...'The Island'.

- Testbed 1 (in association with Valmont China Clay Ltd) Presents 'The Island'

It was the best event I've been to since I moved to South London. The space was converted into a magical display of music, art, magic, liberal lashings of comedy, a barbeque and of course, a well stocked bar. It was attended by a crowd that to be honest, were more suited to an East London gig. I was very surprised indeed.

The main part of the show was a performance by a group known as The London Snorkelling Team. It's at this point I must finally admit defeat and say this blog isn't gonna work as well without pictures, so I'm going out to get a digicam this week!

Now unfortunately, this picture is not of the event I was at but I wanted to give you an idea of their performance for it is visual, and aural. The show is performed in the style of a live radio broadcast on the imaginary 'Clay FM'. The fantastically tight band of Tom Haines, Chris Branch, Ross Hughes and Pascal Wyse (a very talented man who I was lucky enough to have brief chat with) play a mad blend of styles from Jazz to 60's TV theme tunes with arabic influences. The Perrett Brothers (Tom and Mark) work the OHP (yes, like the one you had at school) and perform 'Live Art'. Usually, I'm sceptical towards such events, but it was excellent. The way the brothers transmit their ideas using such a simple and instantly recognisable medium works very well.

The 'show' is MC'd by a certain Dr. Inshiquin, the 'Doctor' of the island. A very charming man (played expertly by Ed Gaughan), if somewhat oblivious to the crazy elements of this mysterious place, The Island during his hilarious 'Island Notices' interludes. The magical part of the show is provided by the Great Braeburn Valmont. A illusionist of terrifying skill and mystical power...or so he would have you believe! The Great Valmont provided my favourite part of the show, the dude had me stitches! The actor who plays him (Will Adamsdale, possibly the funniest Old Etonian around?!) looks like a young Robin Williams. I hope he does well in the future.

The band as I've said before are amazing and should be supported. Check out there latest offering, 'Audio Recording and Map. In addition to the beautiful sleeve, which is the size of a 10", the album contains a map of the island, illustrated by the Perrett brothers. Check it out:

I've also come across a guy who lives in South London who also went along and took pictures (click here). Check Stoolball, Snail Wooing and a Special Guest appearance from God. Seriously. I was there.

- The Soul Solution Carnival Special @ Gramaphone.

So the night after visiting The Island, I was spinning @ The Soul Solution again but this time w/ Cengiz. I'm really starting to love the sessions there (Big up Soulprovyder!). It was also the first time that I DJed back to back with my new main man Cengiz (aka The Emperor Of The World). I've only known the dude for a couple of months (we met at Sunsplash) but we've got on like the proverbial house on fire and now we're working! (Excellent, my plan for World Domination through music continues!). I've mentioned it on here before, but he is a a talented DJ/producer as well and in addition to all of that he also writes a blog (Best Of All Worlds) and you should check that as well. There are some pictures but you'll have to wait for those!

After we finished our set, I went into the basement and discovered the hypest bashment party. The name of the night is W.H.A.T., ably controlled by two DJs, DJ CLK and DJ Shaq D and trust me, Dave Sacks and I had to be dragged out of there!

- The Notting Hill Carnial 2010

Carnival...I could bang on about how carnival's cultural relevance or how I've been going for so long but this year for was the best. I think perhaps Because I went on both days with people who had never been before, so I fed off their vibes. Sunday: Good Times.

Wicked. Both days. The above picture was taken just round the corner from the bus where we found a lovely lil' spot to party in peace. My Carnival companion for the day, The Lovely MissB. took this picture (again, no digicam!) on the Sunday whilst it was raining. Some hardcore partying went down that day!

After leaving there and pottering around Portobello for a bit, we met up Keeno (SoundSpecies) and slipped into a wicked house party held by West London Badbwoy, The Mighty Bullion. Again, no pictures. Sh*t.

Monday's Highlight had to be the Restless Soul Carnival After party @The Fat Badger...

Phil Asher, Aaron Ross, Bopstar, Jose Carretas, LadyBugz (Big Up Tayo!), Simbad just to mention a few of the excellent DJs down there...a proper old-skool rave. Upstairs room of a pub, big soundsysytem, wicked DJs, good vibes all round.

Right! OMG that post took sooo long to write! In order to help me improve, I have set myself another challenge: One Hot Post everyday this week. That is to say, I will make a post everyday this week, about a topic that interests me and hopefully you as well! As usual, if you have any opinion at all, hit me up on Facebook, Twitter, all the usual places I'm heavy at.

OK, so tomorrow, OHP1 featuring my next mix...Holla.

ATB,

Lebz.

Boiler Room 22 feat Hudson Mohawke

Wow. I must say that now I've reached a certain age, it's rare that I'm honestly surprised by gigs, events, club nights etc. That's not to say that I don't enjoy them, it's just that I've recently been feeling that things can get a bit samey-samey. Well, I'm glad to report that ain't the case any more! Last night, I headed across town to check BPm's night, The Boiler Room. It's been going on for most of the year and I had mentioned to Beeps that I'd like to check it out at some point, so off I went to Hackney Downs (serious mileage from South London!).

It's held every week in the roof of an old warehouse. The guests DJs this week were from LIVIN PROOF (Snips & Khalil, two heavyweight DJs) and Hudson Mowhawke. The DJing was excellent, some of the best I've seen in a long time. Great to hear some hip-hop out and about as well. A very casual, intimate vibe going on there for sure. BPm and his people have got a good thing going there. The guy in the green shirt in the clip spent the whole evening trying to chirpse the chick in the white tee and is now an internet star! Watch your behaviour whilst online folks...! Best tunes of the night?

I Really Mean It: The Diplomats/Dipset

The World Is Yours: Nas

We Gon' Make It: Ruff Ryders

Anyway, I was totally inspired by it, which is good seeing as I'm on the internet myself next week! The Hot Selection Carnival Special. PLUS+DJs, Dave, Frank & Me. Get ready... meanwhile, here's the clip from last night.

Post-Weekend Blogservations.

Hello once again from South London. Funnily enough, London seems to have reverted to it's default 'grey' colour scheme in the last week. Not that i'm complaining, when I picture London in my mind's eye, that's the colour it is.

Before I continue, I must thank everyone that has read my blog, downloaded the mixtapes and shared the info with others. It can be very easy to forget how accessible you can become when you create something like this. I swear, I used to think that the only people who read it were people who I had told about it directly, but then you forget about facebook and myspace and all the other places I mentioned it, to the point where someone who I hadn't told asked me about it the other day and I was kinda pleased so once again thanks!

The weekend has been good, even though I had to work yesterday! Journeyed back East last night to help DJ Soulprovyder celebrate his Birthday Soul Solution gig @Gramaphone. I seem to be there alot these days! Nice to see some of my people down there, StJohn & Michelle, Cengiz (my latest collaborator!), Ian, Justin et al. Soulprovyder and the guests sounding fresh and funky as usual. Simbad also passed through as well on his way to do a set for the GET SOME boys in the basement. Such a polite and friendly geezer, makes a real change from some of the eejits you meet on the circuit!

Checked out the GET SOME night downstairs as well. I haven't been to many of these type of house/garage/dubstep type nights, it was very chunky! A little heavy for my ageing ears! A good bunch of guys nontheless, I look forward to hearing what they've got coming up in the future.

There's also a good night on today down on these sides (trust me, a rarity in South London!). BogleWaltz at the Dex club in Brixton. I was supposed to be heading down there myself but having lost some crucial financial items at some point yesterday, I ain't going anywhere!

A while back, I was wondering how I was going to manage putting together another mixtape when most of new stuff had gone on the last one. The deal remember, is to put out one mix every month. Well, I sat down to do some compiling. Wow. 24 hours later, I've already got enough to do the next one. Excellent. Will be dropping it sometime in the next week as well as a lil soulful house mix in preparation for an upcoming gig in Manchester...done gigs around Europe, never done one up North so should be fun.

Anyway, to keep your ears busy, here's a 'Willesden Greenery' mixtape from 3-4 years ago. Strictly vinyl, and watch out for me nailing the needle and sending it sliding across the record at the end!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/azy9dx

ATB Folks!

Lebz.