Curriculum

TVYKS, ETHIX and SHOOTING HORSES TRACKS GO BOOM..!

2010-08-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

So I had a few tracks brought to my attention recently. A real mixed bag; from some pretty melodic instrumental funky, to some bass heavy booty beats. Enjoy this little selection:

Ethix - Breakin' Bad by meanbucket

Tvyks - Mitte Riddim ft cmonts by meanbucket

And this one for download from our boy SHOOTING HORSES. Tearing it up as per usual:

The Living Graham Bond - Winter Hunter Feat. Fiona Bevan (Shooting Horses Remix) by Fat! Records

DJ ZHAO MIXING IT UP AFRICA STYLEE...PLUS TRACK DOWNLOAD

2010-08-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

DJ Zhao is the man behind many banging super ethnocentric sets, and is also responsible for the artwork of the Ayobaness compilation as well as a load of other collabs with people doing epic things with afrobeat ish and world vibes...

This is his latest EPIC mix for Reboot FM:

DJ Zhao Live - Afromundial, Klub Fabryka, Krakow by reboot.fm

And to top things off you can also grab his mashup of a Mujava drums and a touch of Mandela here:

Mandela Derbuka Mujava by djzhao

THE VERY BEST... REMIXES

2010-07-26T03:26:00.000-07:00

Boom selection; some big remixes from some big names. The Very Best kicked serious arse at MELT festival, and if you get a chance go along and see them whenever they play near you.

The Very Best Remixes of The Very Best by cooperativemusicuk

CURRICULUM DJs at MAGNET, BERLIN!!

2010-07-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

I am pretty excited to be playing at Magnet next week. Having seen some amazing acts play at GET WAVEY over the last few weeks, and there are more coming soon too including; ZZK RECORDS (who I will post about later, who are just amazing and good, honest pioneers...), SOLO, EGYPTRIXX, EDU K, KINGDOM, and on Wednesday 21st - YOURS TRULY.

To celebrate, I have drawn up my current top 10, have a gander, and a listen, and a few downloads:

1.

Isa GT - Pa´Las Mamasitas (Daniel Haaksman Remix) by Daniel Haaksman / Man Rec

2.

Bert On Beats ft. Anbuley - Suomo by Bert On Beats

3. Zonora Point - Huachita Rica (Douster remix) - Download HERE

4. Seiji - Agua Riddim - Download HERE

5. Prince Nico Mbarga - Aki Special (Uproot Andy Remix) - Download HERE

6.

10 - THE TEST feat. Shunda K by Flore

7.

Mumdance - Eskimore Riddim by mumdance

8.

Arroz Con Pollo (feat Ogguere - MJ Cole remix) by MJ Cole

9.

Gregor Salto and Mokoomba - Messe messe (club mix) by GregorSalto

10.

Mugwanti (Shooting Horses Remix) - DJ Mujava by shootinghorses09

Download HERE

Enjoy.

SHOOTING HORSES MUGWANTI REMIX!!

2010-07-15T05:18:00.000-07:00

Mugwanti is a massive track from DJ Mujava. Basically the anthem of the Ayobaness compilation which was blaring out loud all over the place during the World Cup, and now re-imagined by Shooting Horses.

It's a banger.

Mugwanti (Shooting Horses Remix) - DJ Mujava by shootinghorses09

You can download it HERE.

NEW DANIEL HAAKSMAN EP - OUT NOW

2010-07-15T05:08:00.000-07:00

Daniel Haaksman just released his latest EP; 'Hands Up' which features the following tracks:

It is an absolute gem, and sure to tear apart dancefloors this Summer. With tracks ranging from plinky plonky African vibes all the way through loop house slow jams right into Balkan madness.

Get it on your speakers. Definitely not one to miss.

You can also grab a Haaksman remix of Classixx - I'll Get You HERE.

This saucy little number has also been doing the round on the blog circuit. With over 2000 views in 4 days! Mental. Enjoy.

BAILE BAILE BAILE!!!

2010-06-28T02:57:00.000-07:00

Well needless to say I have been balls deep in Baile Funk whilst here at Man Recordings, but this is a mix I have been enjoying a LOT. Made in 2005, but still a full energy blast and booty booom boom MESS...

Nice. Listen below, or download HERE

1. Abertura—Furacão 2000
2. Eu Vou Te Fazer Mulher—MC Edi
3. Baile Funk One—M.I.A./Diplo
4. Camarao—Funk Da Gente
5. Toca DJ—Funk Da Gente
6. Toma La Toma La Dentro—?
7. K-Delicia—Jhonathan DJ
8. Hoje Eu Vou Beijar Você—PÃ© de Pano
9. Baile Funk Three—M.I.A/Diplo
10. Tira Gosto da Madrugada—Lacraia
11. Montagem Gordinhas—DJ Paulinho CabeÃ§Ã£o
12. Ela Me Gozou—Funk Da Gente
13. Mont. Candy Shop—Funk Da Gente
14. Taosu na Vava—Bonde dos Magrinhos
15. Beijando Seu Marido—?
16. Dedinho—G. das Popozudas
17. Ela Fogi—Funk Da Gente
18. Fogo no Pavio—Funk Da Gente
19. Chapadona de Vinho—Funk Da Gente
20. Me Engole—Funk Da Gente
21. Valsa da Meia Noite—Funk Neurotico
22. Isqueiro—Funk Neurotico 29
23. Baile Funk Two—M.I.A./Diplo
24. Venenosa—Funk Neurotico 29
25. Eu Vou Te Botar Tudao—Funk Neurotico 29
26. Mexe Caldeirão—Bonde de Vinho
27. Tem Que Ser Fiel—Funk Neurotico 29
28. Tango—Funk Neurotico 29

Plus a few extra gifts for you on this FINE day...

DOWNLOAD HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

Another one bites the Baile... Download HERE

South Africa: Exploration with Spoek, Dirty Paraffin and MORE...

2010-06-22T03:05:00.000-07:00

So NIKE are on the ball... sadly. And bad pun. Apologies.

Check the DIRTY PARAFFIN MYSPACE for more tracks from them.

Also this is a nice little mixtape from South African MC Spoek:

DOWNLOAD HERE

Tim Turbo f. Spoek Mathambo and Gnucci Banana, “Linyora” (SA)
DJ CNDO, “Terminator” (SA)
DJ Mujava f. DJ Menace, “Tshwara” (SA)
BB Ramazani, “Fouka Fouka” (Cote D’ivoire)
Dirty Paraffin, “Aha” (SA)
Pastor Mbhobho, “Ayobaness” (SA)
Shanaka, “2010 Football” (Cote D’ivoire)
Spoek Mathambo, “Mshini Wam” (South Africa)

And I just wanted to throw this in for fun...

PICKS OF THE DAY!! Nate Mars, World Cup, MC Gringo, Douster and MORE...

2010-06-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

So the Mixcloud World Cup is upon us... and this is GREAT...

Frank Gossner - Ghana Nigeria Connection by Cardiff Arts Institute on Mixcloud

Also, some big tracks I have been vibing off greatly over the last week:

Petrona Martinez-ARoRo (Nate Mars Remix) - Get it HERE (courtesy of Ghetto Bassquake)

Poirier - Coco Drunk (Douster Remix) - get it HERE

Bits and Pieces... Nigerian dancing kids and DJ Zhao mixes...

2010-06-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

So last night, along with a great selection of artist in my CD wallet, I met DJ Zhao... he seems to be pushing the whole African vibe in Berlin, and is in fact putting on the Ayobaness party here.

Check some mixes below:

And this one...

Man FM 5: An hour in the hands of Bert On Beats and Tim Turbo

2010-06-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

Man FM is the Man Recordings podcast radio that gives you access to exclusive first listens to all the new Man Recordings releases, interviews with all Man artists, DJ mixes by special guests plus brand new tracks and classics that inspire the Man Recordings crew.

Hosted by Tim Turbo.

This installment’s guest is Estonian stallion, “Kid Conga” remix competition winner and Tallin's most wanted DJ: BERT ON BEATS.

Tim Turbo talks with him about his first EP on MAN RECORDINGS, the SUOMO EP (featuring the gorgeous Anbuley), his music career in Estonia and of course he blesses the show with an exclusive DJ mix. On top you’ll get the usual heavy bass accessory parts added by our host.

Enjoy the show!

Man FM 005 - Bert on Beats by MANRECORDINGS

Lucas from ZDS unveils Solo Project and Label!!

2010-06-10T04:05:00.000-07:00

Lucas Hunter of Zombie Disco Squad (I think by default anyone interested in world music or world influenced house is a fan of ZDS) unveils not only his solo project, but also a new label; KLASSE RECORDINGS orchestrated by himself and fellow Berlin-dweller Daniel Zedelmair of the uber agency JACKMODE.

In preparation for the album launch this Sunday in Berlin, Lucas has released a super sick mix (I have had it on repeat all day) which includes a new track under his solo moniker; LUCA LOZANO

luca lozano & sacha robotti - process part 210 (klasse recordings) by modyfier

01. Intro
02. Martin Buttrich - Enough Love To Hate It - Desolat
03. Omar - Lay It Down (Andre Lodemann Remix) - Peppermint Jam
04. Kiki - Good Voodoo (Visionquest Remix) - Bpitch Control
05. Azari & III - Reckless (With Your Love) (Luca Lozano Unofficial Remix) - CDR
06. Luca Lozano & Sacha Robotti - Bartok (Siopis Remix) - Klasse Recordings
07. The Royal We, Hector, Shaun Reeves, Seth Troxler - Party Guilt (Acapella) - Crosstown Rebels
08. Stimming - Melodica - Green
09. Sacha Robotti & Hofhauser - Das FF - Takt Records
10. David Keno & Jaxson - Living Large - Yellow Tail
11. Hector Couto - Serio - Anabatic
12. Markus Fix - Research - Cecille
13. Christian Burkhardt - Doubledub - Raum...Musik.
14. Heinrichs & Hirtenfellner - Down - Dekandent Schallplatten
15. Radiohead - Nude (Justin Martin Remix) - Buzzin Fly
16. Bearweasel - Superhero (Boris Werner Remix) - Supernature
17. H.O.S.H. - Funk King (feat. Markus Homm) - Diynamic
18. Hoste - Bumps - Klasse Recordings
19. Sebbo - Elephanze Ce Danze - Souvenir Plus
20. Jaydee - Plastic Dreams - R&S Recordings
21. Marco Carola - Bloody Cash - Plus 8
22. Luca Lozano & Sacha Robotti - Bartok - Klasse Recordings

Exciting times...

Curriculum Podcast 9

2010-06-09T11:47:00.001-07:00

Curriculum Podcast 9 by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

1. Luanda/Lisboa (feat. Dj Znobia) - Buraka Som Sistema
2. March Of The Soundbwoyz - Original Mix - Tayo
3. Morning Drums - Gregor Salto
4. Dama Salon - DJ Gregory, Sidney Samson
5. Beach Brazil - DJ Sany Pitbull
6. King Riddim feat. Lady Chann - Warrior One
7. Jump n' Shout - Basement Jaxx
8. King Of The Dancehall - Beenie Man
9. Insane (feat. Warrior Queen) - The Bug
10. On a Ragga Tip '97 (Original Mix) - SL2
11. No, No, No (You Don't Love Me) - Dawn Penn

DOWNLOAD PODCAST 9 HERE

Dickon Does Berlin 2: People and Parties

2010-06-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

So as expected the above look is rife here.

But there are a few more fashion blips on my OH DEAR radar that have to be highlighted. These include;

The Terminator:

The Stand By Me cast:

And the Almost Boys Noize:

All thriving styles here in Berlin.

You can drink on the Tube here. Beer bottles are worth money, and can be cashed in at newsagents; thus there are less smashed in the streets/on heads.

I got the chance to go to the Havana Cultura release party; beautiful German girls who were all taller than me filled the room. It was ace.

There have been squat parties, bonfire parties on building sites, swimming in lakes, very little payment for travel to anywhere, outdoor raves, clubs that are open for days on end...

I also got the chance to sit down for dinner with Daniel Haaksman and Edu K; something which made me want to wee just a little bit.

More coming soon...

Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - My Summer Nod-In-Your-Direction

2010-06-08T04:18:00.000-07:00

Using the revolutionary blueprint of afrobeat as a launching pad, the dozen-strong members of Antibalas weave a rich tapestry of latin, jazz, classical, funk and soul into their rhythmic, horn-driven mix.

As distinguished as their recordings may be, Antibalas has truly become renowned for their relentless live shows. The band has averaged over 100 concerts a year, incessantly traversing the U.S, Canada and Europe in venues large and small be they the sweaty clubs of Brooklyn or in front of hordes of festival goers around the globe in exotic places like La Reunion and the Canary Islands.

The New York Times, the New Yorker, Rolling Stone magazine and a slew of others have taken serious notice.

Last year, Antibalas spent their time working as arrangers, orchestrators, composers and performers for the Off Broadway show “Fela!”.

Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura Remixed

2010-06-07T03:02:00.000-07:00

Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Cultura: Remixed

Podcast 7 featured a number of songs from the Havana Cultura CD series. Out today, Havana Cultura: Remixed, an album that is well worth your attention in our view.

'Havana Cultura: Remixed' is the follow-up album to the outstanding 'Gilles Peterson presents Havana Cultura: New Cuba Sound', that was put out by Brownswood in October at the end of 2009. The original album was the product of an in-depth two-year exploration of the underground Cuban hip hop, afro-jazz, reggaeton and funk music scene, and a series of recording sessions taken over twelve months in the world famous Egrem Studios in Havana, culminating in a double CD release.

Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura Band - Roforofo Fight (Louie Vega's EOL Mix) by Brownswood

The first of the two CDs featured cover versions, as well as some original material as played by Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura Band; The result of hours of improvisation in the studio. It is these tracks that have been remixed by a whole host of exciting global electronic dance artists on the latest album.

Picking highlights from the album is a tough task but there are some stand-out tracks. The three remixes of 'Arroz Con Pollo' by Carl Cox, MJ Cole and Gotan Project's Philippe Cohen Solal, are all incredible songs in their own right. Whereas Carl Cox takes the track down the spaced-out dubstep route reminiscent of a Benga tune, MJ Cole keeps much of the upbeat Latin soul from the original, adding a driving bassline to some processed soca rimshot rhythms. Meanwhile the 'Solal "Soy Cuba" Remix' is a downtempo afro-beat take of the same song, but focuses much more on the playful vocal aspect of the original.

Also worth mentioning is the remix of 'Chekere Son' by Wichy de Vedado, who was specifically chosen as a Cuban remixer, and presented with the opportunity to fully exploit the Havana vibes from the Egrem recordings. His remix is a beautifully percussive, organic Latin explosion that really hammers home the origins of the overall release.

'Havana Cultura: Remixed' also comes as a double CD. On the second CD is an hour long mix by Gilles Peterson himself, that brings together all the remixes from the first CD including the four already mentioned and the remaining remixes by Seiji, Productor en Jefe, Michel Cleis, Skinner, 4hero, Rainer Trueby and Louie Vegas, plus a few extra remixes that do not feature on CD1. Below is a teaser of what you can expect from both CDs.

Havana Cultura Remixed Podcast with Gilles Peterson by Brownswood

Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura Band - Chekere Son (Seiji ReRub) by Brownswood

Dickon was also lucky enough to be at the release party for the album in Berlin, with live music from Kumar, one of the artists from the original release:

Gilles Peterson is playing at East Village in Shoreditch this coming Friday with support from Seiji, get yourselves down for a spot of dirty UK funky, broken beat and of course, plenty of Havana sounds.

Die Antwoord... Great hair... I thought it was about time to do a feature on them...

2010-06-04T05:41:00.001-07:00

This is from a VICE interview...

An introduction please:

Ninja: Yo, wat pomp? I’m Ninja (shows tattoo on hand), and this is my homegirl Yo-Landi Vi$$er. We’re kicking it here by Snoekies, at the harbour in Houtbaai.
Yo-Landi: That’s right. Just eating a chip roll and some fish.

How’s your day working out so far?

Ninja: Fokken lekker. I just made up this track today thinking of that whole Yin-Yang concept we were talking about. The lyrics was going something like, um… Yin, Yang/Yin, Yang/Good, Bad/Happy, Sad/Kwaai, Kak/Life’s tough (beat box)… It’s gonna be duidelik.

Right. So, are you hip-hop or what?

Ninja: Ja we’re from the hip-hop family, but we do rap-rave next level shit. Die Antwoord started with my one homeboy, DJ Hi-Tek (shows tattoo on hand)—He’s got his own PC computer and he makes basically like phat rap-rave beats. I was checking out his shit, and we started making some beats, you know, next level shit. So then I was speaking to my homegirl Yo-Landi, you know she’s got some funk and super flavour, so we started with a kind of, like, 2Unlimited, C+C Music Factory kind of thing… but a bit more gangster, with a street edge. Then we found out you can put the songs for free on the interweb, no problem. Now the album’s pumping worldwide, like some next-level futuristic shit. Scotland, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Japan… In like, one second we’re in the overseas, it’s instant—like the matrix.

Umm, rave’s been a bit quiet lately.

Yo-Landi: It’s never been quiet in our homes.
Ninja: Here in South Africa the taxis play rave music fokken loud my bru. You can hear it from the next city when the taxi comes through, you hear DOOM DOOM DOOM—they gooi the rap-rave megamixes pumping like a nightclub. So my main inspiration is the taxis. The whole album is based on the sound it’s gonna make when it’s pumping through a taxi—It’s that high energy shit you can’t compare.
Yo-Landi: Our whole philosophy basically is, like, drive fast and play kak music loud. It’s a zef rap-rave jol, with lasers, smoke machines, 3D graphics, rappers… and everyone’s gonna be there.

Zef?

Ninja: Zef is our flavour, our style. It means fucking cool. But even more cool than fucking cool. No one can fuck with your shit. Zef’s the ultimate style, basically.

You reckon zef rap-rave in Afrikaans has any potential beyond, say Sunnyside or Parow?

Ninja: Our first album we decided to dig into our own personal flavour and just keep it real you know, and represent where we’re coming from and how we speak. The next album we’re working on is called Ten$ion, and on this album we want to rap more like tour guides of South Africa, like maintain our SA style and flavour but still bring it for people in the overseas to understand… with like 95% English and then just a bit of Afrikaans
Yo-Landi: Afrikaans for all the swearing bits.
Ninja: To sum it all up, in this place, South Africa, you get a lot of different things: whites, coloureds, English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, watookal—I’m like all these different things, all these different people, fucked into one person.

That may be true sir, but nobody from South Africa ever really makes it overseas. You do realise that?

Ninja: Ja, check it, but it’s like the long distance runners from Ethiopia—they always come to the Olympics and fuck everyone up heavy! Now why is that possible my blaar? It’s ‘cos in Ethiopia the air is fucking thin. There’s like fuck-all air there basically, so when they come to the levels of the Olympics they’ve got like super oxygenated lungs and fuck everyone up ten-nil. So that’s basically how I’m feeling about this; South Africa’s the fucking shit. All my inspiration, all my funk, all my flavour is from here but also we’re training at minimum oxygen levels, so I’m basically like a Ethiopian runner just waiting for the fucking Olympics. Give me the mic, give me the baton and we’ll see whose gonna take these motherfuckers out. I’m feeling that shit, I’ve got fucking goosebumps my bru.
Yo-Landi: Mmm, these pickled onions are very nice
Ninja: Ja these onions are pumping.

Curriclulum @ Dive - Nottingham

2010-06-04T05:06:00.000-07:00

Massive thanks to Roya for putting this together. Love it.

Lazerproof, Perhaps; But Not Curriculum-Proof...

2010-06-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Diplo has released fairly groundbreaking stuff to date; his Piracy Funds Terrorism Mixtape was amongst this awesome output, along with Favela On Blast and Favela Strikes Back - 2 grimey and pretty amusing insights into the world of Brasilian Baile Funk; helping bring that sound to a wider audience.

The Favela On Blast film is all over torrent sites, and things seems to be going rather well for old Dippers...

...And then...

My scepticism about Diplo's latest collaborations leads me into this mixtape rather sheepishly; La Roux and Tiesto in the space of a couple of months? Really Diplo?

Sounds like someone wants another slice of the Commercial cake... or maybe the Royalties Pie...

The opening remix of the uber-overplayed "ladies' favourite" Bulletproof features pitched up vocals teamed with half step dub vibes.

As if, after a remix competition, I could stand to hear those same naff vox again, at yet another BPM... This orchestral take on La Roux's hit wouldn't have won the remix contest. And I have unticked it from my iTunes... That song is OVER.

My faith returns somewhat with the next dubby number; a delightful Jamaican heartbeat with pretty dreamy harmonies from La Roux. Something different; refreshing.

A few tracks later and a few either; " La Roux A Cappella + new instrumentals" or "La Roux instrumentals + new vocals" formulas into this mixtape, and, although I am mildly enjoying what's going on (and there is a lot of stuff I recognise as a result of La Roux's successful radio runs and I think at this point 'recognition' can be mistaken for 'enjoyment'), this whole concept seems disgustingly contrived...

And oh god here comes the autotune ghetto vocals. Get me out of here..!

Hold on, next track, that sounds like a Rusko bassline...

Yes. It's a Rusko bassline.

Funny, for a little while I thought Major Lazer had an ounce of integrity, but this is pure pop, pure money making.

I knew Diplo was a business man, but this is pretty ridiculous. It isn't that the music is in anyway BAD, it just isn't nearly as interesting, groundbreaking, experimental as I hoped it would be; total and utter radio-friendliness.

This is an album for La Roux fans, (The Death Of) Dubstep fans, and girls with skull candy headphones...

The 'SMD does Boy 8-Bit'-esque remix of Quicksand is pretty cool, that has to be said, but i would take those steel drums over it any day.

I feel like Diplo is confused. I feel like he is naive even, to work with such big artists and not expect fans like me to moan...

This mixtape is fun. I will admit that. And i know umpteen girls that will have it on repeat on their iPods... BUT I wanted something more; I wanted something special, and instead I have been given a faux lo-fi faux Jamaican-market-cassette rip of La Roux covers.

Lazerproof is an interesting take on what is going on in the contemporary mainstream, and certainly a good listen, but I find a lot of it baffling. Some odd decisions, and I was really hoping for something with an edge.

Meh.

Get yourself a copy of the Lazerproof Mixtape HERE

Dickon Does Berlin 1: Arrival

2010-06-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

Ok. So, I was going to start a seperate blog for my Berlin adventure, but then it just seemed entirely relevant to Curriculum; since I am out here doing an internship at our recent Label Of The Month (for May) - Man Recordings.

I am going to try not to waffle, and to keep things concise and relevant, and post music I find to be in line with what we have been doing with Curriculum.

So, first of all, I arrived, I met a friend of a friend at the airport, we went to a bar, we got some drinks, we ate an awesome keb'ub (4% of the Turkish population or something resides in Berlin).

We headed home and got shitfaced on 1 Euro bottles of red wine. I was introduced to this:

Next day we trammed and trained into Alexanderplatz to meet some friends...

I wanted to have a look about so we split up and I headed to see some culture, since I had 2 hours to myself.

I walked a while and found some incredible buildings at Lustgarten. Google it to see what I mean. There were a lot of Bosnian refugees who constantly harassed for money. Obviously a tourist hotspot.

Next we went to a flat in Friedrichshain for a curry, and I met some ace people. One of whom is supporting Steve Aoki on the 17th, and another who has a friend who runs a Brasileiro radio show who he thinks I will get on with... so, BOOM.

Lots of beers, lots of banter. Tomorrow I meet Daniel Haaksman. Hooray.

This is an interview I found of him, which is interesting...

Curriculum Podcast 8

2010-05-30T08:59:00.001-07:00

Curriculum Podcast 8 by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

Tracklist:

1. What Is Guru? - Renaissance Man
2. Habibi (Shir Khan remix) - Malente and Dex
3. Midgets In Bricklane - Solo
4. Asian Taiko Drum Music - Drums of the World
5. Call for Dawn Prayer - Ahmad Abd Raffur
6. Pmc Boliyan - Punjabi MC
7. Vix Itn Tappe - Lehmber Hussainpuri
8. Electro Jugni - Swami
9. Flight IC408 - State of Bengal
10. Equation - Equal 1
11. Desert Search For Techno Allah - Mr. Bungle

Postman Patois

2010-05-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

My picks of the day... Morning Drums, Steel Pans, and Booty Clapping...

2010-05-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

My picks today are pretty varied... Starting with one of my favourite tracks from Gregor Salto, it gets a bit techy after the initial carnival beginning, but it comes back...

Yo Majesty are ace. I couldn't find a full length version of Booty Clap on youtube, so you'll have to deal with these kids swinging their lovely hats about instead. HAHA!

But never fear... Party Hardy will pick you up...

Big tune from The Bug...

The Steel Drums are the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobego... This is a SICK version of Toto - Africa. I don't think you cannot smile to this... it is immense.

Ayobaness / Ayoba / Ayeye / Ayoyoyo !!!

2010-05-27T04:10:00.000-07:00

The term ‘Ayoba’ is an exuberant expression of general delight or approval, rather than a word with a specific meaning. It has its origins on the dance-floor, and is an evolution of expressions like ‘ayeye’ / 'ayoyoyo’ used to express approval or appreciation of good dancing. As with many slang words, no one knows its exact origins but it is believed to have evolved in Johannesburg township culture.

Outhere presents:

Ayobaness - The Sound Of South African House

South African DJs started playing Chicago house in the 80s and were selling mixes out of their car boots. By the time apartheid finally came to an end in 1994, the South African township youths had created their own club music called Kwaito. In the early days, Kwaito was not much more than slowed-down house beats overlain with raps in Zulu, Xhosa and broken township English. Soon Kwaito became the soundtrack for celebrating a free South Africa and catalyzed the rebirth of a new black entertainment industry.

(Here's a track from a man dubbed "the King of Kwaito"... he starts with 'AYEYEYE'...)

Even throughout the Kwaito boom, house music was always around. DJs started to fuse and produce their own local version adding uniquely South African sounds from Kwaito vibes, Zulu Mbaqanga bass lines to Hugh Masekela samples, and local house duos like Revolution or BOP were instant chart breakers. With the Kwaito craze somewhat fading in recent years, house has again taken the lead as South Africa’s number 1 party music and the heartbeat of urban SA music. Today South Africa is the only country on the continent that has its unique local house culture. It is also the only country in Africa where kids dream of being a DJ or a producer - not a singer.

The most well-known artist on the compilation, known far beyond the suburb of Pretoria he hails from and South Africa as a whole, is of course DJ Mujava whose 2008 single “Township Funk” (released in the UK on Warp Records) became a global club anthem and as such first introduced many people to SA house.

Buy the full Ayobaness album, and have a cheeky listen, HERE

But here are a few of my favourites from the album in their entirety. Really big stuff.

Curriculum Clubnight 21.05.10

2010-05-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

WHAT A NIGHT!?

Not only did we manage to coax our unsuspecting friends to a
refurbished toilet, but we also managed to coax some strangers to a
refurbished toilet... AND play them a plethora of music from around
the globe... AND have them break sweat dancing to it.

In no way was the mission statement of Curriculum jeapordised; we
stuck to our guns, and it paid off in a way that made me smile from
ear to ear.

Every forehead glistened with the proof that we have something special
to dish out, and as a result. We will be back very soon.

Curriculum Podcast 7

2010-05-20T18:42:00.001-07:00

Curriculum Podcast 7 by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

CURRICULUM CLUBNIGHT IS TONIGHT (21.5.10) at Public Life, 82a Commercial St, Shoreditch.

FREE ENTRY before 10pm. Do not miss out.

1. Intro - African Underground
2. Pasa el Borrador - Los Aldeanos
3. Bukom Mashie - Oscar Sulley & The Uhuru Dance Band
4. Death of the Revolution - Flowering Inferno
5. Kahaloopo - Erisu
6. Mugwanti - DJ Mujava
7. Roforofo Fight (feat. Mayra Caridad Valdés) - Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura Band
8. Homenaje a Benny Moré - Gente de Zona
9. Individual - Danay
10. Arroz Con Pollo (MJ Cole Remix) - Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura Band
11. Chekere Son (Seiji ReRub) - Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura Band
12. Bangkok - Malente, Dex
13. Gathina - Genghis Clan

You can download this podcast HERE.

My picks of the day... East African Hip Hop and some shoe obsessed Jamaicans...

2010-05-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

I thought it was about time to unleash a bit of the quality hip hop that has been tickling me recently.

Straight out of Tanzania and Uganda, this is some awesome stuff.

Also, big up to Danny from Un Bongo for bringing the Clarkes video to my attention. Enjoy that!! THEY LOVE THOSE SHOES!

Spoonfed talk to Dickon about Curriculum. Which hits Public Life TOMORROW

2010-05-20T01:38:00.000-07:00

So, Spoonfed got in touch to find out a little more about the night... which COINCIDENTALLY is TOMORROW NIGHT at Public Life, 82a Commercial St., Shoreditch. It's FREE before 10pm...

What can Londoners expect from a night like Curriculum?

You can expect to find music from almost every continent, hand picked for it's specific energy, rhythm, or some unique nuance that makes it viable for a London clubnight experience.

As well as retaining the Curriculum world vibe.

I think we certainly challenge the contemporary club norm; since we don't just play straight up house, or purely clean well-produced, well mixed music; there really is a great deal of variety in the selection, with BPMs all over the place, and yet retaining this energy that will be familiar to the contemporary clubber over the course of the night.

You could start by sitting enjoying a glass of red with a candle to some Ugandan hiphop, or an Asian aria, and end it bouncing off the walls to South African House or some twisted bass heavy Lambada...

I guess basically, we will make you sweat, but it wont be to stuff you would expect - though maybe a baile funk rendition of Kernkraft 3000... Haha

So world music seems to be your thing, why? Is there an importance in branching out, and getting a sense of what's out there? Where, when and how did your love for world music begin?

I think the thing that grips my ears most of all about 'world music' is simply hearing noises that are new.

There are sounds that I couldn't even fathom before. And the fascination is not only on an aural level, but reading the history and the evolution of sounds and rhythms and dances etc. just blows my mind.

Tuvan throat singing for example, or listening to Alla Rakhar playing a tabla solo 108 cycles long, made up of cycles formed in 10 beats divided 2 3 2 3... WHAT!? Just, totally rinsing everything I ever learned about music theory.

I think there is a certain staleness about western music, and there is so much out there... its just fun to hear how other people do it.

How did the idea come about?

Curriculum is my baby.

My friend TLGB came up with the name when I said that i wanted a word that had Latin roots and also a powerful meaning surrounding notions of a journey; and Curriculum does
just that.

Not only does it have connotations of flowing, exploration, learning, and knowledge, but it also rolls nicely off the tongue..!

I think the idea really came about after Rob Swaine (Shooting Horses) and I were in his car listening to a CD with loads of Brasilian and Latin influence on it; stuff like Daniel Haaksman and Riva Starr, but a few years ago, when Riva Starr was making stuff like La Conga...

Then we all went to my house in the middle of nowhere to play with music and I did a mix with some wacky tracks from Mowgli and Solo and Justin Martin and I was just in love with the noises and the beats... So much soul.

From there it just blossomed I guess, exploring 'other' sounds, but also moving away from the likes of Fidget, and trying to find something a bit more organic.

Any comments on the other chaps hitting the decks come Friday night?

I think Rob and I are both stoked about Tom's (Trol23) set. Cant wait for the dancehall!

Other than that I think Friday sums up what we want from Curriculum; a get together of people for a good time. I'm not going to make any money from it, it's just an excuse to have a good dance and play some tracks I love with my mates, to my mates.

And if anyone else wants to come along then awesome.

What kind of tunes can we expect?

Best way to get a grasp of what we play is to listen to the PODCASTS, we upload them weekly and you can hear anything from a Greenlandic shaman hitting sticks together, to Sambass, to Baile Funk, Indian Jazz, all the way to Dub, Reggae, Dancehall, and then the more upfront dance like Midget, House, and Ghettopop.

So if we were jumping on a jet plane, heading off to find the music you'll be playing, where would we go?

I think you would have to go on google maps and just spin the Earth as fast as you could. That blue and green blur would probably be pretty close to Curriculum's sound.

What came first, the podcasts or the club night?

We put out a podcast most weeks. They go up on mixcloud, but soon you'll be able to subscribe on itunes.

The clubnight came first, a long time ago now, but the podcast and the blog have become really intrinsic to the evolution of the night, and I suppose to the broadening of our horizons.

Every time we get together to make a new podcast we just end up throwing music into the pot and getting hyped about something new that one of us has found.

It's a constantly growing beast. I love it.

What makes Curriculum so original?

There are other nights that have influences from various nations, or, which employ gimmicks to bring the carnival vibe, or whatever, but there seems to always be this desperation to be "cool" beneath all that and it just falls into yet another future garage night...

I think there is a rawness in Curriculum. We aren't pretending to be anything we are not. We just love this music. And here is a platform on which to play it. We aren't going to be playing THE LATEST TRACK FROM THE COOLEST DJ. I dont care about that kind of thing.

If Curriculum was an animal, what animal would it be and why?

A duck billed platypus; cute, cuddly, a total mish mash of constituent
elements, and just a little bit poisonous... with plenty of intrigue.

What are your hopes for Curriculum? Where do you see it going?

I hope people come down to see how we do things. I hope people tune into the podcasts and get excited by this kind of thing. It isn't going to be "London's biggest clubnight"; we aren't appealing to the masses, we aren't putting a boucey castle and playstations in a club. We aren't claiming to be in a wearhouse, or a squat, and we arent having a fancy dress night.

It is just purely about the music and the atmosphere. And if that appeals to people then I will be happy. Come down and try something different.

Looking to the future I hope to get the label up and running by 2011. I cant find the music here, so I'll bring it here. And maybe someone will buy it.

Massive thanks to Skye at Spoonfed! You could check out the preview HERE

Featured Artist: Lady Chann

2010-05-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

Lady Chann is making waves in the UK music spectrum right now.

And she's also bloody lovely.

After tearing up Trouble Vision last month at the launch of Toddla T's label Girls Music - her single Sticky Situation being it's first release - Lady Chann is opening up the doors of public affection to Dancehall.

Who are you? Where are you from? And what do you do?

I'm a female Dancehall artist, originating from West/North West London, from a group called Suncycle who consisted of Gappy Ranx, Dolamite (Producer/Artist/CEO), Vigilante, and Infra Red Man.

I sing and MC... In a dancehall style, and fuse electro beats, dancehall, grime, whatever; with my vocals.

What is your musical background?

Musical background is everything from Madonna, Boys II Men, Michael Jackson, The Fugees to Capleton, Beenie Man and Bounty Killah.

How did you become involved in Dancehall?

My dad was from the sound Exodus... And was on pirate radio... And toured with some artists like Beenie Man, Dennis Brown, who I had the privilige of meeting when I was very small.

Why do you think this kind of music is becoming more and more accepted
by mainstream audiences in the UK?

I think dancehall has become much more popular because of artists like Patra, Sean Paul, Rhianna, Movado, Ward 21, TOK, Suncycle, Lady Saw etc. banging out GREAT songs and presenting the whole genre in a more adaptable and mainstream way...

The image, the lifestyle, the swagger, fashion of Dancehall has a mass appeal.

What's life like for an artist emerging into the limelight? How have
things changed for you, if at all?

Life is good, though it's harder work as a solo artist, and is a bit mind boggling; flattering receiving the love that I have been all around the world...

I'm here to work and provide a service; a very grounded bubbly fun girl, and have been in music many years, but led a very normal life before this 'limelight'.

It's different from 'hood limelight' where you're popular in you're ends.

But being 'normal' for a long time, I know myself, and had time to be myself without all the focus, so has kept me grounded and I appreciate that.

I've always been apart of Reggae/Dancehall as my father and uncle were in the soundsystem business... Suncycle discovered that although I could sing, they honed my craft into dancehall spitting.

When your around the best, you gotta step your game up and match it!

Who do you see as your biggest influences, firstly throughout your
life, and secondly artists right now..?

Well the artists I named previously did and still do influence me... But recent artists in any genre doing their thing inspires me too.

Who do you think is responsible for the music scene shifting ever
further towards the territory of alternative rhythms?

The alternative thing has become a big movement... With the likes of Toddla T - who at heart is a Dancehall fan big time - who has the love for big bars and riddims, so he's combined a sound, with broken beats and has made this very popular, alongside producers like Chase and Status, Scream, Benga etc.. The sound just seems unique to the UK, but has been adopted world wide it seems.

Sticky Situation came out in at the end of '09, what do you have lined
up for 2010?

Sticky Situation actually first got played on a British radio station in December 2008(!) by Target from Roll Deep, who loved the song, and always featured it...

But the song's just going from strength to strength and building even more; being played in the clubs, with my other Sticky produced track Eye Too Fast.

It's amazing really, to have 2 simultaneous club tracks, so that's why when we realeased through Toddla T's new label Girls Music as his first signing of a project, Eye Too fast was included on the 3 track EP - which charted on the Japanese electro Itunes chart at number 13!

Lucky number for me now!

It's out now on all digital retailers (You can get it HERE).

We then left it til last to shoot the video, as sometimes artists shoot videos to songs that aren't even being supported on the radio, or there's no real demand for it.

So the vid's out now... And in it there're a few faces from the music and entertainment world, who I'm flattered came.

What was it like collaborating with House producers like Warrior One?

Working with Warrior One was a lot of fun, they played me a few beats, and the King Riddim stood out to me by a mile, and decided this was the track.. We're all friends now too, and occassionally hang out.. So we always have a load of fun.

What do you listen to at home?

At home I'm currently just listening to the newest Alicia Keys album, I've just bought Ushers new album which is a banger! Also I'm listening and bought Ellie Gouldings Starry Eyed ep, ... My itunes at the moment consists of Mclean, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys, Lemar , Tinchy and also have Chipmunks re-packaged album...

Crikey. What a busy lady. Hit this LINK for Lady Chann's myspace for more tracks and updates, and you can also download her MEGA mixtape DUM DEM: Volume 1.

Keeps your eyes open for more from this one.

My picks of the day... Dancehall, Kuduro, and Amputations!!

2010-05-17T10:16:00.001-07:00

Dancehall artwork is pretty racey. We love that booty. Though not all Dancehall is straight outta Jamaica...

For some serious shakin', check the clips below. Uber cheesy. Prepare for some laughs. But the music is wicked. This is my sound of the day.

Also, right down the bottom, you HAVE to take a peek at the one legged genius dancing about with a crutch. Boom riddims.

Featured Artist: Uncle Bakongo

2010-05-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

Uncle Bakongo first came into my ears over a year ago, we got a few questions in with Roska; the man behind the music...

Well firstly, for those that don't know; where are you from? and what do you do?

I'm from the London jungle. I produce tribal music for Roska Kicks & Snares

How would you describe the music you currently output?

Kicks, Snares Bongo's and Congo's

Who do you see as your most influential contemporaries?

I dont really have any main influences but I listen to a lot of African music and Reggae influenced music which helps me to obtain my sound.

With this huge influx of minimal percussion and a great use of space in a lot of tracks from various big producers right now, is hype dead?

Hype is what you make it. I believe in making good music.

What do you listen to at home?

I listen to all music, but a lot of Reggae and Calypso music.

What are you doing for the rest of 2010?

I have a track coming out on Brainmath called 'Amhara' later this year

Why do you think all this "world" influence is suddenly jumping into the scene?

I think everyone is opening their ears to different sounds.

You can check out more Bakongo beats at the MYSPACE or alternative check the box below where you can also buy some of Bakongo's releases.

Read full review of Maasai - Uncle Bakongo on Boomkat.com ©

Label Of The Month: Man Recordings

2010-05-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

Man Recordings is where it's at; few individuals can claim to have done as much for the exchange of musical ideas across the globe as DJ, producer, remixer and label owner Daniel Haaksman.

His involvement in remixing duo Haaksman & Haaksman (alongside his brother Felix) and compilations for Best Seven and Sonar Kollektiv put his name on the map, and after running Essay Recordings from 1997 to 2004 he started his own imprint Man Recordings in 2005. The label has since become the most prominent outlet for Brazilian baile funk in Europe. Man Recordings established artist collaborations between Brasil and Europe with names such as Crookers, Feadz, Jesse Rose, Edu K amongst others, and became also the platform for Haaksman's own productions and releases such as the "Who´s Afraid Of Rio" EP and the "Gostoso" EP and their remix edititions. As a DJ, Daniel Haaksman has played around the globe, and is loved for a club ready eclectic mix of baile funk, house, uk funky, electro, kuduro, dancehall or whatever...

I got a rush when the man behind Man agreed to share a few words with us.

Who are you? Where are you from? What do you do?

My name is Daniel Haaksman, I´m based in Berlin, I´m a DJ, music producer, label owner. I just became father, my son Francis is 2 months old now.

As an artist, what has inspired or informed your own productions most throughout the years?

Well I always had a passion for club music as well as music from all parts of the world, but since the mid 00´s Rio baile funk has been my major inspiration source.

In baile funk I found an exciting, powered-up blend of my favourite music genres such as 1980s electro funk, late 1980s rave, early 1990s Euro house, the rich tradition of Brasilian music, the cut n´paste productions by The Bomb Squad; all put into one.

At what point did you decide to start the label? and why?

In 2004 I put together a compilation called Rio Baile Funk Favela Booty Beats on my old label Essay Recordings, which I started with Shantel in 1997 (and left in 2004).

The compilation put baile funk on the map for a global audience and became a pretty good seller. I saw that baile funk had its market, at the same time there
was absolutely no label in Europe that was interested in Rio funk so I decided to start the label on my own.

Man Rec is celebrating its 5th anniversary and its 50th release this year.

How would you describe the Man Recordings "sound"?

The Man Recordings sound is certainly defined by a love for mad beats, bass and energy, ready for club play, using musical references from a wide range of music styles from across the world.

Which artists should we be looking out for from your label?

The Tallinn, Estonia based Bert On Beats will release his debut album in summer, the Afro-Tec project Ku Bo by Viennese producer Stereotyp will also see an album release this year.

What has Man Recordings got coming up for the rest of 2010?

A Man Rec 5 Years compilation, my debut album, an EP by Seiji, more Beware+Motorpitch, Schlachthofbronx and other trans global bass music.

Back to you as a producer and DJ; what do you listen to at home?

Lately I´ve been listening to a lot of classical music like Stravinsky and Schönberg, but I also listen to a lot of African music from the 1970s and 1980s, I still listen to a lot of Moondog, I like Gonja Sufi, Erykah Badu and Mohammad Reza Mortazavi, it´s all very mixed.

Who are you vibing off on the scene that isn't on Man Recordings?

I think Switch continues to make great stuff, I dig Jan Driver, I like Douster, plus the new kids on the block like French Fries and Beataucue, with Funky it´s great to see that London is bringing out exciting club music again.

What do you think of the influx of "Midget" and "World Minimal" making its way into the limelight?

House and Techno are in a big artistic crisis.

When Fidget started, it was a fresh kick in the ass but soon got overdone by too many weak producions.

So people went to a more reduced version of it and "Midget" was born. And with "World Minimal" I think the reason for it´s success is that the whole African American music legacy from disco to Chicago and Detroit house has been sampled to death, plus the current state of African American club music is pretty boring so people naturally go for other sources of inspiration and sampling.

Is the fact that mainstream producers (from places like the UK, US etc) are beginning to take sounds from the likes of the Favelas, and other interational equivalents, bastardising national treasures? A musical Imperialism almost?

I think it´s great when commercial artists use Baile Funk elements in their tracks at it sonically opens the doors for genres that havent been known to a bigger public.

I don't think it´s music imperalism at all - it´s just part of the circular movement music has always been doing across the globe.

I mean baile funk is the best example for this flow of music ideas, I always like to call it the "Kraftwerk Cycle" - which can be traced chronologically and geographically:

Kraftwerk´s "Trans Europe Express" was released in Germany 1977, then it moved to NY where it was picked by Africa Bambaataa who made "Planet Rock" out of it in 1983, "Planet Rock" moved South and kick started Miami Bass in Miami in 1984, and from there it was taken to Rio and in the late 1980s you had the first Brasilian baile funk productions, using samples of Bambaataa, Kraftwerk and Miami Bass.

And then baile funk came to Europe in the early 00s so the "Kraftwerk Cycle" was complete, bringing back the sound Kraftwerk to it´s source - in a very bastardised version.

So I think that the phenomenon you mentioned is just a very normal process.

Why did you decide to base yourself in Berlin?

It´s the biggest city in Germany and at the same time due to its low economy, also the most affordable. Rents are still very cheap compared to other capitols, plus there´s a giant club scene and many DJs and producers live in Berlin.

Life is pretty relaxed and musicians and artist don't have to have extra jobs to make a living.

Finally, are Brazilian women the most beautiful on Earth?

No. Israel women are the most beautiful!!

Massive thanks to Daniel Haaksman for contributing that. You can check out our Brasil Special Podcast HERE where we play a LOT of Man recordings material, as well as a little mini mashup of Haaksman productions.

MAN RECORDINGS WESBITE

Definitely check out the label, some really interesting and banging stuff going on there. Absolutely one of our top labels that inspire us. Boom.

Curriculum Podcast 6

2010-05-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

Curriculum Podcast 6 by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

Our Brazil special contains:

1. Popozuda Rock 'n Roll - De Falla
2. Berimbau (Bongo Re-Edit) - Mandrake
3. Trans Europe Express - Kraftwerk
4. Planet Rock - Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force
5. We want some pussy - The 2 Live Crew
6. Planeta Dominado - SD Boys
7. Jogo Do Bilhar feat. MC Betta - Original Mix - Daniel Haaksman
8. Who's Afraid Of Rio? feat. MC Jennifer - Original Mix - Daniel Haaksman
9. Senta Senta - Daniel Haaksman
10. Bingo - MIA and Diplo
11. Way More Brazil - Diplo

**Daniel Haaksman feature coming THIS WEEK!!

Mike Simonetti: Back To Africa Mix

2010-05-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine brought this to my attention recently... Just a cool little 30 min mix of African Blues, rock, guitar stuff... Really nice, good flowing grooves. Big ups to Mike Simonetti for (afro)rocking it out, and to Angus for sharing.

Download HERE.

Curriculum Clubnight @ Public Life - Friday May 21st

2010-05-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

CURRICULUM CLUBNIGHT is back.

On the 21st of May, Curriculum will be hitting Public Life (82a Commercial St. - Just off Bricklane) for a night of delights.

With sets from:

Shooting Horses
Beat Takeshi
and more...

Opening at 8pm, and with FREE ENTRY before 10pm, it would be great if you could come and join us for an expedition into the wonders of:

World Bass
Midget
Baile Funk
Reggae
Dancehall
Sambass (Brazilian DnB)
Percussive House
World Music

and many more interesting and wonderful sounds...

Since I love all of it, and as you may not be familiar with some of the above terms...I threw together a little mix to give you a bit of an idea of what to expect throughout course of the night.

I got a bit arty on it... I hope you enjoy.

SEE YOU ON THE 21ST

Beat Takeshi 'Half Hour Of Curriculum Power' Mix by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

Crashroots - a plethora of rhythms and Latin fever...

2010-05-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

This is a truly inspiring site/forum/community I came across via SAMIM's myspace blog.

HIT THE ABOVE IMAGE TO GO THERE...

"...'Calypsa' is inspired by Colombian Cumbia, mainly by Andrés Landero, a great accordionist from Colombia - dead some time ago. This mashup is kind of saying “thanks” for his wonderful and moody music. The track I used is: Andrés Landero - Vírgen de la Candelaria. Download it, mash it up or create something completely new and share it with the crashroots community..."

This is the attitude of Crashroots, and you can hear the result below (right click for download):

Latincontra - Calypsa (by Jin Yerei)

THAT ACCORDION SOUND FAMILIAR!?

Once you have signed up there are just SO many brilliant little tracks to get your hands on. I feel like this really is a gold mine for inspiration, and with everyone sharing everything they do for free, and handing out timeless audio bits to be sampled, I am pretty drop jawed at how fantastic Crashroots is.

Another name that seems to come up again and again is MIGUEL TORO and if you follow that link to his myspace you can enjoy the full range of collaborations with Samim, as well as his own solo productions...

Definitely a great site to get yourself signed up to. Loads of dabbling producers making some intriguing beats.

And just for good measure here is a mix only of Crashroots' material by 'Razz'.

Circle Chilren - Armand Van Helden's Former Guise...

2010-04-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time Armand Van Heldon used to make beats under the guise of Circle Children, releasing records on Strictly Rhythm that included Zulu, Mamba Mama and Indonesia. He took the name from a dance craze occuring in the late eighties/early nineties where kids in clubs would form rings in which they'd take it in turns to go solo in busting some moves on the dancefloor. His output as Circle Children was distinctly minimal, focusing on tribal grooves, the sounds of which could be heard at many an early nineties rave.

Although written in 1993 and 1994, his two EPs are still immensely relevant to today's underground (and increasingly mainstream) dance scene, with contemporary dance producers often taking samples of world music and using them in inovative ways, layering them over various dance rhythms, be it techno, midget, house or dubstep. Take a listen to these 2 tunes below to get an idea of what we're on about:

This following track, Zulu, was recently remixed by Mastiksoul... See remix at bottom of this post.

And the remix:

Curriculum Podcast 5

2010-04-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Curriculum Podcast 5 by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

1. Qubula - Swazi Men
2. Darkest Light - Lafayette Afro Rock Band
3. Missing Pancham Da - Kyabaat
4. The Moth - Julio Bashmore
5. Indulj el egy úton - Muzsikás
6. The Three Moment Of The Gate - Chan Heung-Wah
7. Trompe D'Amour - Riva Starr
8. Espagnol - ICS
9. Zulu (Change Mix) - Circle Children
10. Sunchyme - Dario G

Featured Artist: Shooting Horses

2010-04-26T02:42:00.000-07:00

Shooting Horses is really quite exciting.

Shooting Horses - Bongo Man by shootinghorses09

Shooting Horses - Jungle People by shootinghorses09

After smashing Hype M's LIKE feature to pieces with his Riva Starr remix (Check that out HERE), and now with more material on the horizon including several original tracks, it's time to start paying attention to Shooting Horses.

Let's get to know a little more about the man behind the moniker...

Who are you?

I'm Rob Swaine, I'm 23 and I make electronic music under the guise of Shooting Horses.

Where are you from?

South West London; the part with the leaves and the low crime rate.

What do you do?

I procrastinate, I dream, I watch Eastenders, I serve tapas, and sometimes I get time to do what makes me happiest, and write music.

How would you describe your sound?

A whole mish-mash of things I listen to, things I like and things I aspire to be. Tech-house with a bit of imagination.

What do you take most influence from?

I take influence from myself, from other artists I respect and from my musical history. I don't mean the time I was in a band playing heavy metal but music I've listened to for the past ten years or so.

My music taste is constantly evolving. The only thing I probably don't draw influence from is the pop chart and it’s soulless, over-produced, distasteful excuse for 'music'/moneymaking.

I find film soundtracks of particular inspiration and a lot of my productions contain a strong element of sound-scaping as well as straight-up dance beats.

Whats your musical background and how does it inform your production?

I started producing while at sixth form. At the time I was in a band and we were recording our ground-breaking nu-metal sound in our various kitchens. I found myself much more inspired by the recording and production process than by playing in the band itself. I’d spend hours doing remixes of our songs and it was through this that I got into production.

I got into dance music through drum and bass and it was only when I started DJing while at university as one half of Obstacle One with Rob Hubbert, that I got into house music.

For me, drum and bass was a gateway to discovering a whole world of new and exciting rhythms and sounds, a lot of which I try to incorporate into my productions now.

Who are your most influential figures from A: the current dance music
scene you see as relevant and B: any other musican from the past?

A: I’d have to say Daniel Haaksman for me. He’s the perfect example of someone who’s completely immersed himself in the music industry and paved an original path/sound while helping out and inspiring a whole list of budding producers. I put 2 of his remixes in my latest mix. He’s very relevant to me and where I’m progressing.

The whole Dirtybird outfit are hugely influential to me. They don’t take themselves too seriously but they consistently deliver the best in dance music. Their influence can be seen in a lot of up and coming producers. Not naming names.

B: I’d have to say the Mars Volta. I’m constantly in awe of their energy, their skill as musicians, their sound, rhythms and ability to layer so much together and still maintain total control over their compositions.

Current top tracks?

Baby (Daniel Haaksman Remix) - The Phenomenal Handclap Band
Balance and Ridum – Christian Martin
Alcatraz (Zombie Disco Squad Remix) - Kasper Bjorke
Urubu No Telhado (MJ Cole Mix) – Bazeado
Très De Niul – Barem
Selene - Jacob Korn
Sugar Coated Lover - Geiom Ft. Marita

What do you have coming our way for the rest of 2010?

Hopefully some bootlegs. I’ve been meaning to do some for a long time now. It’s tough deciding which ones to do. I’ve made a start on three so far but don’t ever see myself finishing them.

Goal of the year is to get an EP out, I’ve got a plethora of unfinished originals waiting to be completed, it’s just a matter of finding the time to do so.

The ongoing dream is to play at a summer festival. I just want to DJ in a tent. It’s not too much to ask I don’t think.

You can check out Shooting Horses on MYSPACE and SOUNDCLOUD. But be sure to listen to the exclusive mix below...

Shooting Horses Exclusive Curriculum Mix by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

1. Empina A Pipa feat. MC Gi & Cabal (Samim's Crashroots Remix) - DJ Chernobyl
2. Romane (French Fries & Bambounou Remix) - Bart B More
3. Da Bass - Riley, Durrant, Juan Kidd
4. Alcatraz (Zombie Disco Squad Remix) - Kasper Bjorke
5. Bollyhouse - Minimow
6. Indonesia (Sambal Badjak Mix) - Circle Children
7. Yoppul - Mike Monday
8. Baby (Daniel Haaksman Remix) - The Phenomenal Handclap Band
9. Nice up the function - The Boogaloo Crew
10. Zee - Funkin' Matt
11. Bongo Man - Shooting Horses
12. Vem Que Tem (Daniel Haaksman Remix) - Schlachthofbronx
13. Since Last Night - Cosmin TRG
14. Eyesdown (Warrior 1 Remix) - Bonobo Featuring Andreya Triana

Milt Mortez drops another banger...

2010-04-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

When Milt Mortez said there was more up his sleeve yet to come... I didn't realise he was gonna drop this little delight - Hit the link below to download...

DOWNLOAD HERE

Rhino Run by Milt Mortez

If you missed it first time round, check our our feature on Milt Mortez, with Exclusive Mix too...HERE

And if you want to hear more of his stuff, hit this like to the MYSPACE, or this one to his SOUNDCLOUD.

Curriculum Podcast 4

2010-04-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

Curriculum Podcast 4 by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

1. Embarrassment - Gregory Isaacs
2. Voce Me Apareceu (Gui Boratto's Horns Mix) - Kaleidoscopio
3. Que Pena - DJ Patife
4. Nao Vou Fugir (DJ Marky and XRS Mainline Mix) - Ive Mendes
5. Man With Stick - Traditional Greenlandic Inuit Shaman Song
6. Hummingbird Song - Traditional American Indian Song
7. Fishing Song - Australian Aboriginal
8. Random Angolan Song - Unknown
9. Mirror Dance [Original Mix] - Afefe Iku
10. Takeshi Beat - Pete Lazonby
11. Balance n Riddum - Christian Martin
12. Bongo Man - Shooting Horses

*NB - Bongo Man by Shooting Horses will be available to download in the Shooting Horses feature going live THIS WEEKEND. So stay tuned... It's BIG.

Shab Ruffcut: It_TizZ Recordings EP7 - Come With Us...The Remixes

2010-04-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

Shab Ruffcut has been making waves in the music scene for years now, and is currently concentrating on his new project; Dandy Kid Record's little sister label, 'It_TizZ Recordings'. And they have another monster sized EP ready for the drop...

Monday 19th April saw the release of the highly anticipated 'Come With Us - The Remixes' EP, which is bursting at the seems with eight delightful remixes from the likes of Mad Kids, Robert Boogert, Holyboyz, Wetrooms, Rocut, Dan Styles, Disco Killah and Oliver $.

With major support coming in from all angles including Camel (Deadfish), Jenni Philbin (Dirtybird), Lee Mortimer (Wearhouse Music) & TJR (Potty Mouth) this EP is percussive tech-house dynamite.

Head over to www.dandykidrecords.com to keep up to date with all the latest news from both Dandy Kid and It_TizZ...

For now, check out EP7:

EP 7 - The Remixes by IT_TIZZ Recordings

You can purchase any of these tracks on beatport HERE.

Most notably on EP7, in my eyes, is the remix from Bournemouth duo Wetrooms (South coast whizz kid Samson being half of this production partnership)... Check out another wicked Shab Ruffcut remix from them below, with some funky brass and seriously sassy percussion. Keep your eyes peeled for more from Wetrooms...

'Happy' - Wetrooms Remix by IT_TIZZ Recordings

Shab Ruffcut's previous release on the label - with the Original of 'I don't Know' and a few other nice little ditties... - is also well worth a look in too:

EP 6 - 'Come With Us' by Shab Ruffcut by IT_TIZZ Recordings

Featured Artist: Altered Natives

2010-04-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

Podcast 3 saw us play Rass Out by Altered Natives, probably his most well known tune but one that highlights only a fragment of his production output.

Playing alongside Joy Orbison, Julio Bashmore, Darkstar, and Mount Kimbie this Friday at The Big Chill House, we got on the blower to Danny Native to chat about his forward-thinking sound, his vast experience in the business, the excitement of current music scene, and his home-town of London.

So how would you describe your sound?

I've lived in London all my life, having grown up in Hackney, I've never lived out of the city though I've lived all over different parts of London. I love my city. I love the fact that it's so diverse and we've got so many different cultures and races all melted together; that is my sound really, it's a diverse mish-mash of every culture. It contains every element of every culture there is.

I've never been a person to stick in one kind of scene. I'm sure if I'd just stayed in house music for a couple of years I'd be a better known name but I like to be diverse and free with my writing.

I've never sat down and been more of a square peg in a square hole if you know what I mean.

Your songs are generally very percussive/rhythm based, do you play any instruments yourself?

No, not really. I got my first real taste of messing with beats was when I was a kid. I used to make tapes and tapes of loops using a double deck tape recorder, and loop in bits of my favourite tracks and that was the start of it.

I'd actually chop up beats by pausing and starting, trying to make my own beat out of a beat, they all sounded shit but that's where I started. But no, I've never had a drum lesson in my life, but I know how a drum kit works, I'm fully aware of how a drummer plays them; I can write beats in a way that it sounds live and it would be playable by a drummer.

I love drums, I've always been a fan of drum samples and sampling. I guess that's kind of a hip hop thing really, the love of drum samples.

Since the release of the Rass Out EP early last year, probably your best known record, which featured in Martyn's Fabric mix at the beginning of this year, how has your musical life changed?

Rass Out was written over three years ago. I remember the first time I played it, it was in a broken beat club.

When I play, I kind of play production sets, although I do play bits of other people's music too but because I make so much music I'm at liberty to play three or four hours of purely my own production. I remember playing Rass Out and people were like 'what the fuck'. It became a bit of a broken beat anthem before the US house guys and the UK house guys started playing it and then it ended up a bit of a UK funky anthem.

It was mad to actually have created something that was appreciated by dubstep heads and UK funky fans as well as house DJs. Last year was a bad year for me personally so I didn't entirely celebrate the success of it.

It raised awareness of what I'm doing though. People will now hit me up and ask me about my last album and old stuff that was released in the past and they're appreciating it, it's nice.

I've got quite a lot of stuff coming out this year off the back of it so this year should be a good year.

Are you sick of Rass Out?

No I wouldn't say I'm sick of it because it's probably the biggest achievement I've ever made.

In terms of a song that has crossed over and been appreciated on more than one platform, I don't think many people have actually really done that. You'd never get a house tune that's appreciated so much by a dubstep crowd, so it's mental.

Everyone can appreciate the energy and the drums on it, everyone can get with that groove, you can't not nod your head to it. We've just entered the greatest time in dance music, everyone's openned up a bit, everyone's diversifying their sound. You've got DJs like Martyn and Kode9 who're playing fucking everything, and people are kind of following that and diversifying what they put in their music.

Are there any artists who particularly influenced you as you started out or have you always tried to pave your own path?

I've never been overly influenced by music. All my influences come from life experiences really. People who have come to know me, sometimes when they listen to my music they'll ask what the hell was wrong with me that day and stuff like that.

You can tell if I'm in a good mood or bad mood through my music, it's kind of like a diary for me because I write on a daily basis. I get pissed off if I don't write. If I go away on holiday, I get tetchy, I know I'm supposed to be relaxing but I relax better when I'm writing. I don't intend to stop or ever want to stop. I'm happy and blessed that people are starting to enjoy what I'm doing because it doesn't begin or end anywhere for me, it's just constantly flowing.

I just want to keep it like that and enjoy the rest of my life doing something I love doing. With the music industry it's all to easy to accept what's played to you, not many people will dig and dig, it's all too easy to be led.

Especially DJs as well, it's easy to be a top DJ and buy all the same tunes as all the others.

Do you have any favourite producers at the moment or any people you've played with who've stood out?

There are a lot of younger producers who are coming through that I'll support.

I found when I was coming through writing music, no one wanted to help me or give me their support. The music industry is very selfish in the way that people will try and grab every opportunity but keep it for themselves.

No one helped me to get to where I am or do what I do.

When I was younger I only had a couple of people who believed in what I did and really pushed my sound. Phil Asher was a big UK house producer and DJ, mates with Masters at Work and all that lot; he really pushed my name and played every track I've ever done from the very first one I ever did as Altered Natives. That really helped, and inspired me, gave me a bit of strength. It's nice to know that you've got someone who believes in what you're doing because there's a million fuckers out there trying to do what I'm doing. But I mean, there's a bunch of young UK producers who are coming up and making names for themselves now.

I kind of see myself as their big brother and try to give them my advice and support whenever it's needed.

Are you a fan of Julio Bashmore and Mount Kimbie, and other acts playing with you this Friday?

Julio, Joy Orbison, all these guys coming through, they're changing up the face of what's going on.

Julio Bashmore's take on house is fresh, bringing new angles and perspectives. Bok Bok, and L-Vis 1990, they've got a nice sound coming on, as well as Beat Technology.

It makes me really proud to be involved with it.

Before, everything seemed so segregated, now everyone's sound seems to compliment each other, it's almost like someone's found all the jigsaw pieces and is now fitting them together.

This year's going to be a good year for a lot of people, I'm just excited to see how it all pans out. On a personal level, I can't say I ever envisaged myself on 3024 but I obviously am now. I guess it's just how it all falls into place.

Danny has his own show on DeJa Vu Fm called 'The Altered Natives Radio' show, going out every Thursday night from 8-10pm, playing broken beat, house, hip hop and dubstep as well as exclusive productions from the man himself...

Check the MYSPACE for more music and upcoming gigs.

Enjoy this track from the new album, and grab the one below available for download for a few more days...

ALTERED NATIVES - WHAT LIFE ONCE WAS by ALTERED NATIVES

BADMAN SAGAT *STREET FIGHTER 2* FREE TRACK by ALTERED NATIVES

Featured Artist: Edu K

2010-04-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Edu K Curriculum Exclusive "Awkweird" Mix by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

For those of you who might have missed the legendary Edu K on your musical travels, get ready...

Who are you, where are you from, and what do you do?

I’m Edu K; King of the jungle.
I come from the South of South America; more precisely from the city of Porto Alegre in Southern Brasil.
N’ , well, what I do is party a lot... crack some fat as tunes n’ then travel the world droppin’ those same tunes n’, yay, u guessed right: partyin’ a lot all over again! HA!

Of late your "sound" has changed rather dramatically, and moved further away from the old hype stuff towards something altogether more... sparse(?)... How would you describe the music you currently output?

Hmmmm, I’d call it HOUSE MUSIC (or at least, accordin’ to Mista Teki, that’s what our fathers used to call it).
Of course it’s infused with lot of tropical drums, dark-side tech n’ the, err…”sparseness” of Mins but, still it’s House, right?

Who do you see as your most influential contemporaries? Who do you most look up to at the moment?

Fuck. Shit loadsa dudes!
But most of them German; Alex Niggemann, Heinrichs & Hirtenfellner, Daniel Steinberg, etc.
But I also love the Dirtybird crew sound n’ what dudes like Lazaro Casanova n’ Jay-You are doin’ in Miami n’ LA – the new Deep House thang! N' French Fries has been givin’ me the hots recently too!

With this huge influx of minimal percussion and SPACE in tracks, is hype dead?

Nah… Nothin’ dies, just transforms! Kids still love bangers but they are also opening to other (n’ sexier) stuff now too!

What influences you most musically, when you write tracks?

Hmmm, not just music but also comics, books, tv shows, movies, club nights out n’ many other kinds of kool shit!

What do you listen to at home?

It goes from Iggy & The Stooges to John Coltrane n’ Frank Sinatra. But also a whole lotta Exile on Main Street n’ Pet Sounds on repeat, every single day!
Yeah, lotsa club trax too, of course!

What are you doing for the rest of 2010?

I’m spendin’ 3 months tourin’ Europe soon.
Also workin’ on tons of nu tracks n’ remixes.
In the summer (Brasilian Summer that is) I’ll just chill for 3 months at the beach, on an island!

How has being Brazilian informed what you do? (if at all)

Hmmmm, I guess besides the drums there’s the famous “Brasilian way”, ya know, I guess that we can grown the lemons AND make the juice in any given situation! ha

Why do you think all this "world" influence is suddenly jumping into the scene?

I think things change all the time n’ faster n’ faster n’ FASTER each day.
N’, I guess peeps where tired of the violence of bangers!
When the Fidget hangover came down with a thud that was the right time for slower BPMs, groovy beats n’ percussion n' a lil' emptiness too, I guess!

Where is it taking us is the one million dollar question nobody has the answer to - which just makes everything MORE fun!

Check out another quality Edu K mix below... For your health...

Edu K Só Na Percussão MIX by edukeduk

Download the EXCLUSIVE CURRICULUM AWKWEIRD MIX HERE.

Massive Props to Edu K for taking the time to do this mix for us. It's an absolute banger!! World Minimal in essence. So enjoy, and check out his MYSPACE.

Edu K is playing the Zulu Tea Party in London, May 15th.

Curriculum Podcast 3

2010-04-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

Curriculum Podcast 3 by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

1. Xtatic Truth - Crystal Fighters (Renaissance Man Remix)
2. Malente and Dex - Lions (Douster Remix)
3. Big Stef - Solo
4. On - Round Table Knights
5. Mariachi - Camel
6. Spaced Out - Tom Flynn
7. Tamiflu - Mowgli
8. Afreaka - Solo
9. Lazy - X-Press 2 and David Byrne (Mowgli Remix)
10. Afro Maniok - Lazy Flow
11. Eerbek-Aksy - Huun Huur Tu
12. De Ushuaia A La Quiaca - Gustavo Santaolalla
13. Rass Out - Altered Native
14. Inflation - Crazy Cousinz
15. Avec Bon Bons - Edu K
16. African Drum Concert - Jeff Doubleau (Nat Self Remix)
17. Khattabi - Kenton Slash Demon

Featured Artist: Milt Mortez

2010-04-14T10:24:00.001-07:00

Milt Mortez Curriculum Exclusive Mix by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

Milt Mortez (MYSPACE) is an artist that caught my ear recently with 2 tracks in particular; 'Astoria' and 'Lungisani'...Hit links to download.

Milt Mortez - Astoria

Milt Mortez - Lungisani

Milt Mortez is a 20 year old DJ and Producer from London/Canada also running a radio show called Basics with pal, Gingy.

Check that HERE

Claiming his main influences to be the weather, liquor, special effects and Opaque Mixtapes, I was stoked when he said he would do a mix for us (download at bottom of post).

With new track 'Pluto' upcoming on Discobelle Records' 'Turned On Vol. 1' Milt Mortez is a pretty exciting prospect for the future...So keep your ears peeled for more.

Pluto by Milt Mortez

Milt Mortez Top Tracks:
French Fries - Senta (Bambounou Remix)
Delphic - Halcyon (L-Vis 1990 Remix)
Todd Edwards - I Might Be (MJ Cole Remix)
Gingy - Thermite
The Knife - Seeds
Koreless - Up Down

Now on to the mix, enjoy, and download HERE.

1. The Count and Sinden - Mega (Bambounou Remix)
2. Mad Kids - Mumboi
3. Homework - Fissa Tune
4. Qoso - Jurassic Park
5. DirtyBeats - Alone in the Jungle (French Fries Remix)
6. Mumbai Science - Woof
7. Momma's Boy - At Night
8. Deebs - Dollop
9. Sekta ft. Spoek Mathambo - Jabajaws (Femme En Fourrure Dub)
10. Jeff Doubleau - African Drum Concert (Nat Self Remix)
11. Mom & Dad - Judas (SonicC Remix)
12. Milt Mortez - Pluto
13. Gingy & Bordello - Vaporizer (Rynecologist Remix)
14. Wildlife! - Jumbie (Beware & Motorpitch Remix)
15. Myd - Train to Bamako (Milk Run Remix)
16. MVSEVM - French Jeans (Edu K Remix)
17. Camel - Smoking Trumpet
18. Bart Bmore - Romane (French Fries & Bambounou Remix)
19. Femme En Fourrure - Plump Bisquit
20. Cubic Zirconia - Josephine (Egyptrixx Dub)

Label Of The Month: Deadfish

2010-04-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

I love these EP covers...

A new feature to look forward to every month on the Curriculum blog is our Label Of The Month feature.

Every month bringing you a different creation station who's output we greatly dig, or who seems to be bringing something interesting to the contemporary scene.

This month we have chosen Deadfish; an influential label who have brought a lot of fresh sounds to the table over the last few years, and who continue to hone their sound within Worldwide House underbelly.

We grabbed a few words from label boss Mowgli...

How did Deadfish come about?

I wanted to be independent from other labels; once you learn how to distribute and promote a record why would you license your tracks to someone else and split the profits with them??

Also I could release whatever I wanted and whenever I wanted...its freedom!

Who does what within Deadfish?

I do almost everything.

I've now hired a guy that helps me with the network promotion as the workload has become too much and I don't want to take to much time off from my music productions.

Then my manager helps me with licensing, and I have another person for accountancy.

How would you describe the Deadfish sound? and how do you select artists that you think would be right for the label?

I think we do house music with a weird funny touch...

Well, honestly I don't select many artists, even if I receive a lot of good promos, cos I want to have just a few good ones.

I don't want to become a massive label like Defected... We want to be like a family, and this what we actually are.

In fact I will never release an amazing producer if he's a dickhead; I could never have a party or a tour with him...

Who are your hot prospects for the rest of 2010?

Looking into my family I must say Camel, Tom Flynn and Round Table Knights.

Others its hard because there are SO many good producers, it would be a long list...

What does the future hold for Deadfish?

We'll obviously continue to release EPs trying to keep the quality high;

12th April there's my EP "I Want Everything EP"
26th April Tom Flynn "Just Can't Play EP"

Then in May I've got a remix album for our 1st anniversary, with a lot of friends that picked up a favourite from the catalogue and remixed it; remixes by Me, Solo, Camel, Round Table Knights, Renaissance Man, Tom Flynn, Zombie Disco Squad etc.

Who chose those awesome EP covers?

I do all the covers, I find the jellyfish really psychedelic... And there are so many different species that I'm sorted for few years of releases..!

What advice would you give to up and coming producers (how to get heard etc), and people thinking about starting labels?

To new producers I suggest to spend time in studio more then trying to promote themselves, if you are really good someone will notice your music and sign you.

First good advice I can give to start a label is, again, to have really good music; this is what makes you stand out from the million labels out there; don't release something if it's not amazing... One bad release can ruin your reputation.

Second advice is to stick to a sound; don't be all over the place - it's all about becoming really good in one little niche and slowly building a fan base.

Third piece of advice is to be patient! There's no short way to success.

Keep doing your work every day, every week, every month, and you'll get results.

Like my manager says, "It's not a sprint is a marathon!"

Check out the Deadfish Podcast HERE.

Mowgli's new EP; "I Want Everything EP" is out NOW on Deadfish, and can be picked up HERE

MOWGLI-I Want Everything-96kb by DeadFish audio

MOWGLI-Panacea-96kb by DeadFish audio

Throat Singing: First Inuit, then Overtone.

2010-04-11T03:11:00.000-07:00

This is mad.

Two women face each other, usually holding each other's arms. One singer leads by setting a short rhythmic pattern, which she repeats leaving brief silent intervals between each repetition. The other singer fills in the gap with another rhythmic pattern. The sounds used include voiced sounds as well as unvoiced ones, both through inhalation or exhalation. The first to run out of breath or be unable to maintain the pace of the other singer or the first to laugh, or to simply stop, will lose the game.

At one time, the lips of the two women almost touched, so that one singer used the mouth cavity of the other as a resonator, but this is less common in present day. Often, the singing is accompanied by a shuffling in rhythm from one foot to the other. The sounds may be actual words or nonsense syllables or created during exhalation.

That first video is a pleasant example of this Overtone technique, though I have found that so much online footage is teaming with background noise and instruments, and right now the main thing I am interested in is the actual singing itself.

What is happening there is that the partials (fundamental and overtones) of a sound wave made by the voice are being selectively amplified by changing the shape of the resonant cavities of the mouth, larynx and pharynx.

This resonant tuning allows the singer to create apparently more than one pitch at the same time (the fundamental and a selected overtone), while in effect still generating a single fundamental frequency with his vocal folds.

The below video is from the Chevy Chase show, so forgive the mid 90's wholehearted American-ness of it.

That said, with no background distractions or hullabaloo, this is one of the best pieces of documentation I have found showing off Overtone throat singing, and I am pretty certain it will blow your mind.

Featured Artist: Monkey Safari

2010-04-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

Monkey Safari are two guys looking for their way on the ride through the musical jungle; always avoiding the big beaten paths of commerce.

With the experience of making music and working as DJs for almost seven years, their sets and productions contain influences of African rhythms, Hip Hop, Funk, Midget House and a variety of musical styles from all over the world.

In the year 2008 Monkey Safari founded What! What! Records with their studio partner Mike Okay, since which time they formed their own jungle in the wide What! What! world.

Check out their latest mix...

MONKEY SAFARI - After Winter Is Spring Like Summer by Jackmode

1. Louis Armstrong - Nobody Knows (Monkey Safari Remix)
2. Joan Reyes - Shakedown (Bass Kleph Remix)
3. Kruse & Nuernberg - Lovers n´Fighters (DJ Madskillz Remix)
4. Super Flu - Bude Baun
5. Monkey Safari - Those Dancing Days
6. Kaiserdisco - Aguja
7. Pirupa - Blu
8. CCO - Sicillia Parvenza Lacate
9. Monkey Safari - Berlin
10. Rampa - Falk
11. Hanne & Lore - Und Die Schufa Klausel
12. Yolanda Be Cool - We No Speak Americano
13. Ed Orable - Sarracino
14. Round Table Knights - Calypso
15. Forro In The Dark - Perro Loco (Solo Remix)
16. Nhan Solo - Fortune Cookie (Monkey Safari Remix)
17. Riva Starr - Caballeros
18. Bart B More - Romane (Rubix Remix)
19. Monkey Safari - Panda

And get their remix of Louis Armstrong's Nobody Knows below...

Louis Armstrong - Nobody Knows (Monkey Safari Remix)

With forth coming releases upcoming

Monkey Safari - Those Dancing Days (To be released on Sweat It Out!)
Monkey Safari - Hunter Of Berlin (To be released on What! What!)

As well as remixes for Nhan Solo and Ed Orable on the way.

Monkey Safari seem to be busy pushing forward their own sound of the tropical underground, I can't complain...

And while we are at it, check out these 2 remixes of The Very Best below:

The Very Best - Warm Heart Of Africa (Monkey Safari Remix)

The Very Best - Julia (Monkey Safari Back In The Jungle Remix)

Curriculum Podcast 2

2010-04-07T17:11:00.000-07:00

Curriculum Podcast 2 by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

1. DJ Sany Pitbull - Tribos
2. Beenie Man - Dude (TLGB Remix)
3. Gorrilaz - White Flag (feat. Bashy, Kano & The National Orchestra for Arabic Music)
4. Incubus - Aqueaous Transmission
5. The Beatles - Tommorrow Never Knows
6. Ravi Shankar - Tabla Solo in Ekial
7. Four Tet - She Moves She
8. Frikstailers - Tô Com Saudade (feat. MC Maiquinho)
9. Jan Driver - Kardamoon
10. Milt Mortez - Astoria
11. Preacherman - Daniel Steinberg
12. Randomer - Scapegoat

The Caterpillar Dance

2010-04-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

TLGB on the Remix...

2010-04-07T03:51:00.000-07:00

Beenie Man - Dude (TLGB Remix) by thelivinggrahambond

Direct Download HERE

Flick it...Radioclit

2010-04-07T03:43:00.001-07:00

Fu Na Na Na Mix by Radioclit on Mixcloud

Badazz Riddims...Ouch

2010-04-06T06:14:00.000-07:00

I WANT ONE OF THESE...

2010-04-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

A little bit of Douster...

2010-04-06T03:23:00.000-07:00

Uucko riddim ft. Aidonia by douster

Douster - Zadunge by douster

Zombie Disco Squad - Rolex Pills Mixtape

2010-04-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

We should Bang ZDS Intro
Johan Vermeulen – Mbaya
Vincent Thomas – Heureka
Hanne, Lore – Und Die SchufaKlausel
BingoPlayers – Chop (Original Mix)
Idiotproof – The Bouncer
Blackbox – Ride on time (ZDS Bass Mix)
Riva Starr – Dance me – (Fatjam Remix)
Round Table Knights – Calypso
Tok Tok – Circus
Ramon Tapia – Say
Sascha Braemer- Some Sweat
Saeed Younan – Yeah Ha
Detroit Grand Pubars – One Hump Or Two

Drumming Boy...

2010-04-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

Ravi Shankar + Alla Rakha tearing it up...

2010-03-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

Adventures in the Beetroot Field...@ Fabric - April 1st

2010-03-30T14:57:00.001-07:00

I am wetting myself with excitement over this...

Check out a few bits from some my favourites from the line-up:

The New Stuff by Renaissance Man

CAMEL - Mariachi by DeadFish audio

And some total lushness...

Mount Kimbie 'Maybes'

2010 Artwork

2010-03-30T14:12:00.001-07:00

Curriculum Podcast 1

2010-03-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

We made a podcast. Check it out. Please share.

Curriculum Podcast 1 by Curriculumclubnights on Mixcloud

What you won't be hearing on our podcasts:

Infinity 2008 - Klaas Vocal Remix - Guru Josh Project
Bad Romance (Larry Tee & Per QX Super Disco Party Machine Extended Mix) - Lady GaGa
Show Me Love 2009 (Radio Edit) - Steve Angello And Laidback Luke Feat Robin S
Forced (Foamo Remix) - Cagedbaby
Party Like Us (Original Mix) - AC Slater
Chin Up (A1 Bassline Remix) - Rochelle
Day N Night (Crookers First Remix) - Kid Cudi

On with the show:

Hoy - Duke Dumont
Tatanka - Mowgli, Solo
No Quiero - & Arsenio Rodríguez
Who Let the Dogs out - ?
Boladona - Tati Quebra Barraco
Gold Dust - Boy 8 Bit Remix - Devil's Gun
My roots - Burning Spear
Lomhlabathi - Shiya Group
Title Music from Merchant-Ivory's film "The Householder" - Jyotitindra Moitra & Ustad Ali Akbar Khan
Absence Heard, Presence Felt - Quantic
Nur Mal Kurz (Philip Bader Remix) Renaissance Man International Edit - Nicone and Sascha Braemer
Vietjam - Original Mix - Jamie Anderson
Grace (Justin Martin Remix) - Mike Monday

Just a little Reggae ting...

2010-03-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

SubNav.com is a pretty sick resource for finding mixes to pass some time.

Here is one of the finer reggae selections in it's vast catalogue...

Freddie McKay - Nah Mek It Look
Desi Roots - Black Justice
Anthony Johnson - What Kind Of Herb
Devon Russel - Gully Bank
Cultural Roots - Drift Away From Evil
Edi Fitzroy - Work On, Mr Farmer
Alpha Blondy - Bloodshed In Africa
Dry & Heavy - Strictly Baby
Iqulah - Jah First
Panache Culture - Back Again
Anthony Simba - Jah Watched Over Me
Lidj Incorporated - Long Time (And I’m Still Waiting)
Special A - So Blind
Dub Judah - Babylon Is A Trap
Improvisator Dub & Asney - Be Yourself

GetDarker brings it... For FREE

2010-03-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

GetDarker launches 'This Is Dubstep Vol.2' after the storming success of it's debut release. A FREE party showcasing some of the album's hottest talent

HATCHA b2b N-TYPE
CHEF b2b LD
CYRUS b2b DISTANCE
J DA FLEX b2b EL-B
DARKSIDE b2b TUNNIDGE

Hosted by MC CRAZY D

FREE MOBILE TICKET! Txt DUBSTEP to 81330 -- standard txt msg rate!

Streamed live on the night from 9pm (GMT time)

:: getdarker.com ::

'This Is Dubstep Vol.2' available from iTunes, HMV & Play.com Dropping 29 Mar

Shooting Horses Riva Starr remix - Massive Hype Machine love...

2010-03-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

With some big love from Hype Machine over the last few weeks, Shooting Horses seems to have nailed it with his Riva Starr remix; hat off to Vogelspand for the BIG UPS.

Check out the remix below, and also some original material from the man himself...

I Was Drunk (Shooting Horses Remix) by shootinghorses09

Jungle People (Unmastered) by shootinghorses09

SubCity Glasgow Radio Interview and Mixes..

2010-02-20T10:18:00.000-08:00

CLICK TO LISTEN BACK TO THE SHOW: http://www.subcity.org/shows/subcitypresents

Rising star Shooting Horses gets interviewed (above) on Glasgow radio station SubCity, and also has a mix, tracklist here:

1. Guillaume & The Coutu Dumonts - Safety Meetings
2. Pizeta - Klezmer (feat. Reagadelica)
3. Sascha Braemer - Go Loco
4. Daniel Steinberg - Bailando
5. Harvard Bass - 81 (Renaissance Man Remix)
6. Riva Starr - I Was Drunk (Shooting Horses Remix)
7. Tom Flynn - Spaced Out
8. Mowgli - Tamiflu
9. Hot City - If That's How I Feel
10. Dirtybeats - Alone In The Jungle
11. Mosca - Square One (Greena Remix)
12. Harvard Bass - Caked
13. Boris Dlugosch - Bangkok

Beat Takeshi mix also featured on the show, tracklist here:

1. Cornershop - The Roll Off (Solo Remix)
2. Kenton Slash Demon - Khattabi
3. Raziek - Wake Up (Zombie Disco Squad Remix)
4. Dubbel Dutch - Trollsta (Round Table Knights Remix)
5. Renaissance Man - Aloha
6. Buraka Som Sistema - IC19 (James Talk Remix)
7. Tim Green - Bee Laying
8. Martin Brothers - Stoopit
9. Shooting Horses - Bongo Man
10. TLGB - Untitled

To download either mix, hit up the soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/curriculumclubnight

Curriculum DJs @ DIVE - VIDEO COMING SOON!!

2010-02-20T10:17:00.000-08:00

Massive line-up. An absolute pleasure to be a part of it.

BAM. Nottingham radio before Curriculum VS Dive GOES OFF!!

2010-02-20T09:50:00.000-08:00

Check out the interview with Beat Takeshi, with a bit of input from TLGB and Shooting Horses.

Nice on Tom Whiter. Hat Off.

Curriculum Interview HERE

Riva Starr Mix: The Lead Up To THIS THURSDAYs LAUNCH!!

2009-10-24T15:07:00.001-07:00

Onelove & Mixcloud Present... Riva Goes Oz Mix by Riva Starr on Mixcloud

Wow-weee!! TLGB EP promo!!

2009-10-16T11:44:00.001-07:00

Crikey. This is lovely work from Shooting Horses (half of Obstacle One) remixing the title track to TLGB's forthcoming debut EP; "Incredibly Soft".

Nice.

Check out the other content of the EP - released November 2nd - on youtube, including:

"Drinkies"

Samson climbs in bed with Zombies...

2009-10-10T05:24:00.000-07:00

Bournemouth gig lothario Samson just delivered this snazzy little number:

Samson Guest Mix From Zombie Disco Squad's Diesel U Music Radio:

Unkown - Unknown
Rampa - Wife
Steed Lord - You (Kleinemusik Remix)
ICS - Tale Of The Deaf Band
Maps - I Dream Of Crystal (Solo Dub Mix)
DJ B.Noice - Vietnam Whazz Massiff
The Boog-A-Loo Crew - Nice Up The Function

http://www.mediafire.com/?y5hyzlttlzw

Yummy.

Obstacle One: Flipping Clever Chaps...

2009-10-02T02:46:00.000-07:00

Obstacle One have been billed with pretty much anyone you would ever want to see DJ, and the list gets longer this year with their residency at DIVE in Nottingham plonking them in the booth with the likes of Riton, Style Of Eye and Jokes Of The Scene...

This mix pretty much sums up why they have gathered rosettes of praise left, right and centre in terms of their style and vibe;

Download the Obstacle One Curriculum Mix HERE

A haunting and engaging journey and one well worth taking. Bloody lovely.

Obstacle One Curriculum Mix:

1. Xtatic truth (Renaissance Man Remix) - Crystal Fighters
2. Cursed - Zombie Disco Squad
3. The Big Stef - Solo [UK]
4. Air Race (Worthy's Mid Air Collision Remix) - Style Of Eye
5. Maldito Nino (Tom Flynn's Big Momma Remix) - Momma's Boy
6. Belly Dance - Round Table Knights
7. City Slickers - Luna City Express
8. The Kiss - Stimming
9. Ole (Mastiksoul Classic Remix) - Balearic Soul
10. Block Party - DJ Gregory

FULL LINE-UP ANNOUNCED!

2009-08-10T16:46:00.000-07:00

BIG headliner; Riva Starr is confirmed as the headliner to the October 29th Launch Night of Curriculum @ Corsica Studios!

Hit this image for his myspace:

Riva Starr is a master of the funky, percussive house that Curriculum sticks thumbs up at on a regular basis.
With his album due for release towards the end of Autumn, and remixes galore (including an ACE Gossip remix) expect a plethora of new material and a storming set of rhythmic bangers!

Pure Class. Can't wait. More on our launch night DJs over the next few days. Keep it locked.

Hit the flyer to follow Curriculum on Facebook.

RESIDENT TLGB IS AT IT AGAIN!

2009-07-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Living Graham Bond is making an exciting entrance onto the circuit...

With huge kudos across the web for his bootlegs; Stardust's 'Music Sounds Better With You', 'You're Not Alone' by Olive, and Jack Penate's 'Todays Tonight' (all available here):

http://hypem.com/search/TLGB/1/

TLGB also smashed competitors aside and won the Nightcrawlers AC Slater REMIX CONTEST (also available at above link)...

This time he is collaborating with Andy Fell on a percussive side project named BOO TO A GOOSE; you can check out their first bootleg here (La Roux - Bulletproof [BOO TO A GOOSE REMIX]):

http://www.mxp4.com/remixcontest/laroux/bulletproof.html

So check out the BOO TO A GOOSE remix and hit the heart to vote!

+ FULL LINE-UP FOR OCTOBER LAUNCH NIGHT COMING SOON!!

SAM SON to hit Room One on Launch Night!!

2009-07-22T01:03:00.000-07:00

Click image for his myspace!

Yes yes yes.

Bournemouth's biggest export since sunburned tourists is landing in Room 1 for the October 29th Launch of Curriculum @ Corsica Studios.

SAM SON has a sick back catalogue of support slots with acts such as:

JUSTICE -FAKE BLOOD - ANNIE MAC - DRUMS OF DEATH - TOP BILLIN DJs - MUMDANCE - THE C90s / ROB DA BANK - TREVOR LOVEYS - RATTUS RATTUS - THE BOOG-A-LOO CREW - CASPA & RUSKO - CHASE & STATUS - ZANE LOWE - REX THE DOG - STOPMAKINGME - MODULAR DJ'S - AND MANY MORE...

And this mix is pretty rad too:

http://www.zshare.net/audio/62688846c652f518/

Originally aired on local Bmouth radio station FIRE, this is racking up plays on my Itunes atm.

Tracklist:

1. Scottie B & King Tutt - African Chant (Top Billin remix)
2. Worthy & Yankee Zulu - Concumbia
3. Jet Project - Sa Punta (Duckbeats Remix)
4. Harvard Bass - 81 (Renaissance Man Remix)
5. Kaiserdisco - Trombone
6. Sebo K - Diva
7. Nima Gorji - Survivors
8. Goshva & Drive D - Sacrament Of Shamans
9. Zombie Disco Squad - Vie!

Get that in your ears!

Afrequan also confirmed for launch night! Oct 29th!

2009-07-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

Nice. Afrequan (formerly Afrikaan - as below) now confirmed for Room 2. Check out this mix - just minimise the video so you dont have to watch him wiggle!! It is sicky sick liquid techy DnB. Love it.

Part 1:

Part 2:

DJ KAZOO CONFIRMED FOR LAUNCH

2009-07-19T09:11:00.001-07:00

DJ Kazoo has got some serious skills. I have had this on repeat for TOO long now. I am very happy to announce that he will be dubbing up the dancefloor in Room 2 on our October 29th Launch Night...

Download his extremely sick mix here: http://www.miestomuzika.lt/muzika/miksai/MMLTMIX010_Dj_Kazoo_-_Mind_The_Dub_2009.rar

MIND THE DUB – mixed by DJ KAZOO

1. LV feat. Dandelion – CCTV
2. RSD - Love Of Jah Light
3. UKNOWN ARTIST - Polizia Remix
4. CAPER – Friction
5. MUNGO'S HI FI - Babylon
6. RSD – Kingfisher
7. MUNGO'S HI FI - Dubplate Fi Dem
8. DJG - Shadow Skanking
9. CHIMPO - Children Of Isreal
10. SILKIE – Dam 4
11. MARTYN & MARCUS INTALEX - After Seven
12. PINCH – Chamber dub
13. MARTYN & MARCUS INTALEX – Strom watch
14. TRG – Decisions
15. DJG – Neon Down
16. BENNY PAGE - Pan Pipes
17. KOSHEEN - Guilty (PLASTICIAN remix)
18. UKNOWN ARTIST – Zion road