Soulful Kollective Radio Show #70

Hi Soulful Peeps,

First and foremost, the Soulful Kollective would like send a huge shout out and a thank you to everyone that attended our 3rd Birthday Celebration at Rockerfella on the 16th June. Wow guys!!! What a turn out. We honestly did not expect that much of a turn out. There was a point where we had considered shutting our doors because there were so many people. Came 11 o' clock, the bar was completely empty. You guys were dancing so much that you finished everything because of thirst. Another big shout out goes out to DJ Spin The Rocker for an amazing set. Zano got the girls screaming with excitement. Almost every girl wanted to touch this man. Kholi Thwala with her amazing voice. Almost all the guys had their jaws hanging as she was singing. Thank you to DJ Ryzor from Liquideep with his guitarist and percussionist. Another amazing set. Lastly, we would like to that Ribatone for getting everyone in the club singing along to the Sai & Ribatone tunes. On the same breadth, the Soulful Kollective would like to apologise on behalf of Tshepo and Thiwe, who couldn't make it for the night. Due to circumstance beyond their control, they couldn't get to Rockerfella. On the whole though, we would like to thank you all for an amazing night, and more especially, an amazing 3 years. Your support has, and continues to blow us away.

Show #70 is upon us ladies and gents. Brian Blaq is the mix this time around. As always, expect some deep, soulful and jazzy joints from the short man. We've been preaching this for the past 3 years guys but this time, we can safely say that our long awaited website is almost finished. It shouldn't be long until you can log onto our site and see all there is to know about us. Remember, you can still follow us on Facebook (Soulful Kollective) as well as on Twitter (@SKRS).

Tracklist 1st Hour:
1.    Deep Xcape – Whisper
2.    CeiBei – Love Will Save The Day (ZuluMafia Remix)
3.    KhanyaBalani&MikkiAfflick feat. NkuliDube – Casual People (60 Hertz Project Mix)
4.    The Realm feat. Tony Momrelle – Time (Frankie Feliciano Classic Vocal Mix)
5.    Da Capo – I Choose To Stay (Main Mix)
6.    Brian Blaq&Copasetik Sole – Hunter
7.    Laid – Punch Up (WozsonikVokzMix)
8.    Halo feat. Atwater & Mr. V – Change (Vocal Mix)
9.    Mr. V – Breakers Theme 2 (Original Mix)
10.    Talk – Touching You (Lars Behrenroth Remix)

Stream from here: http://soulfulkollective.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-28T00_51_58-07_00
Download from here: http://www.mediafire.com/?vvjzm1uh0yi4aat


Tracklist 2nd Hour:
1. Selan - Gravity (roots dub)
2. Mate Ft Kimet Nuh - Rise and Fall(Sibz Vocal dub)
3. Deep Xcape Ft Thandi Draai - Don't say no(deep club mix)
4. SOULBAY - Blossoms
5. Mark Di Me Ft Nickson - You should be mine(N'dinga Gaba Remix)
6. Lilac Jeans Ft Kimet Nuh - Beautiful Joy
7. SOULBAY - Attraction
8. Critical Point Ft Vikter Duplaix - Messages
9. Atjazz - The helping hand

Download from here: http://www.mediafire.com/?cwc3zxaxcs51394

This where you can catch the Soulful Kollective over the next two weeks:

Brian Blaq:
30 June 2012 - Black Joint @ Parys (Free State)
06 July 2012 - VUZU TV Channel 123 on DSTV between 23:30pm - 1am
06 July 2012 - Space Jam Session @ DiSofeng Pub in Dobsonville

DJ Jiyane:

06 July 2012 - VUZU TV Channel 123 on DSTV between 23:30pm - 1am

Sai:

29 June 2012 - Splash Friday @ Kool n' Tsar in Dobsonville
30 June 2012 - 033 Lifestyle in Pietermaritzburg
30 June 2012 - DJ Kabila Birthday Party @ Afro Lounge in Durban
05 July 2012 - SkyBar in Durban

With all that said guys, please enjoy the show.

Yours in music,
Soulful Kollective

Be Organised...Mr Organiser!!!

Hey guys, I know it’s been a while since I last sent out a blog but things have really been crazy on my side of the world. I do apologise for being so quiet. Anyway guys, I have been doing events for some time now. My first experience at running events on my own came in 2008 when I started hosting the Blaq Soul Sessions at the Capitol Music Café in Rosebank. I have to say, that was a huge learning experience for me. A lot of people think that it’s easy doing events. They think all it takes is waking up in the morning, decide to do an event, hire dj’s and the place will be packed with people. It’s not as easy as it sounds guys. There’s a lot that goes into running an event. From inception of the idea, to the day that the last person leaves the venue. A lot of hard work goes into the process. 

With everyone thinking that they can do events, most people have “cut corners” upon realizing that things are not going accordingly. People copy each other’s concepts. Creativity has literally been thrown out the window. This has made all events look and sound the same. Event management has now been viewed as the quickest means of making money by many people. The end result of all of this has seen many venues close down before their due time. People attending these functions have felt “cheated”. The concept has become a gimmick. I was recently reminded by a company that booked me for an event on how things need to be done. Not only was I impressed by the fact that these guys kept their promises, they actually made me feel like this was my event. Everyone attending the event felt like they were a part of a “bigger family”. I was impressed. I jotted down a few things, which to many may seem tedious, however, as a “client”, these tedious tasks are the ones that add value to the whole experience. Everyone left the venue feeling very happy. The long drive to the venue was certainly worth it.

Everyone has their own way of working that makes it easier to run an event guys but here are a few things I’ve learnt from my own experiences and those I’ve admired on how to ensure that one has a successful event:

·         Know your clientele. Understand what your clientele’s “likes” and “dislikes” are. If you know that your clientele likes the “finer” things in life, why would you want to host your function at a venue that makes them feel unappreciated?

·         Plan in advance. You can’t just wake up today and decide that you are going to host an event in two days. A lot of planning goes into doing an event.  Planning in advance also ensures that you eliminate any “hurdles” in time.

·         If you are going to host an event at a venue that is owned by someone else, make sure that you discuss all the important issues well in advance. So often I’ve seen people embarrass themselves on the day of the event because certain aspects were not discussed prior to the event with the owner of the venue. Don’t assume that the venue owner knows everything about your event. Highlight the important aspects of your event. If you are going to bring your own dj’s, find out if there are resident dj’s on the venue. Discuss the issue with the owner and resolve it in time.

·         Event organisers, if you have booked an artist to perform, please have the decency of keeping them “in the loop” with what is happening with your event. Have the decency of informing your artist well in advance on the time that you would like for them to perform. There is nothing more irritating than being told on the day of the event that you’ll be performing “in two hours’ time”. Artists make plans as well. You are not the only one doing an event. Please bear in mind that artists will give priority to whoever gives sufficient information in advance.

·         Be honest. If you can afford to pay an artist, say so in time. If you are being sponsored for the event, be decent enough to inform your artist about this. Inform the artist what the sponsorship entails.

·         Don’t be greedy. Surely the aim of you doing an event is to be able to host more in the near future. Remember that you are building a reputation for yourself. If you are going to be greedy and not pay your suppliers and artists, how do you expect them to help you out in the future?

·         Stick to your promises. If you’ve promised to pay your suppliers by a certain date, please stick to that date. If you can’t pay as per your promise, have the decency to pick up the phone and let the supplier know of the delays. Again, remember that you are building relationships. Don’t burn your bridges.

·         Be professional. This goes both ways guys. If an event organizer books you for an event, send them an invoice. Remember that this is important for their reconciliation at the end of each week, month or financial year. Event organisers, you also need to maintain the professionalism. 

·         Be present. I had to learn this lesson the hard way guys. This is YOUR event. No one else will run this event the way it should run except for you. Remember as well, the people that come to the event, came to see YOU. If you are not present, people feel like you don’t appreciate them. Remember, they could’ve been anywhere else in the world, but they chose to be at YOUR event.

·         While on the same point, be courteous. Walk around, greet your customers. Again, these people have come to see YOU. 

·         Be hospitable. You’ve booked an artist to perform at your event but you can’t even offer them a glass of water? What kind of host are you?

·         Be transparent. If for any reason the schedule has been interrupted, please be decent enough to inform your artists. Most artists take their craft very seriously. They come to an event an hour or two before their performance. If your scheduled time of performance suddenly runs “over”, let the artist know. Don’t just let them stand there and not know what is going on. Remember, some artists will invite potential sponsors, friends and family to watch them perform at YOUR event. They tell their patrons what time they will perform. If your event runs into problems suddenly, and they can perform as scheduled, they also look like they don’t know what they are doing. This is a two way street guys.

·         Thank your customer. Your event was a success. You made an impression. You’ve made your money. Thank the guy that spent their R100.00. Thank the artist that entertained your customer. A simple sms or a “thank you” goes a long way. You don’t have to buy a gift to show your token of your appreciation.

Guys, there are no rules that have been cast on stone when it comes to event organizing. It all boils down to being professional and being “human”. Understand that this is a business at the end of the day, and until such time that you decide to be organized, your events will always be a joke.

A Night Of Deep

THIS IS MUSIC. A selection of unreleased tracks from some of the best producers within DO IT NOW Recordings. Beautifully smooth, seductively jazzy, a deluxe of sensual, deep soulful house tracks. This album is a collection to be enjoyed with other real house music connoisseurs. Mature, sophisticated and charming enough to make you smile with delight.

Selected by 2lani “The Warrior”, one knows that you are in for a real treat. His mix of music has always been described as sweet, but in this collection he wants you to feel and see the depth of his soul. As CEO, A&R and DJ at DO IT NOW Recordings, he comes across a lot of music and new releases from the artists, this is the cream of the some of the best productions that have come from the label’s talented producers. So much flavour, texture and intensity in each of the tracks, you will want to keep this album for yourself.  

This cd is available at all good music stores. If you cannot find it at your local stores, please order it.

 

Soulful Kollective Radio Show #69

Picture this scenario; 7th June 2009, it's 11:00am, in walks Brian Blaq at the studios in Mofolo Soweto, finding a very chilled Sai messing around his pc and listening to some music. Shortly afterwards, in walks DJ Jiyane and politely greets the two dj's in the room. The three dj's hug and there's an air of anxiety all around. We have no clue how to go about starting this project. Music is our only solace at this point and we figure, the best thing to do now is listen to the mix that has been prepared by Sai. Not long after, in walks Shaun Miyeni and start talking about the music business and gives his opinion on the mix we're listening. Inspiration hits all three of us and soon after, Brian Blaq asks for the mic. "Gents, I got it. Sai please press record". The first words are uttered onto the mic; "Soulful Kollective Radio Show number 1... Welcome to the show guys..." There is tension in the room and everyone is listening closely and waiting in anticipation to hear what the outcome will be after this link. This process carries on for the next 45 minutes as we fumble around trying to find the right things to say...and what not to say.

Before we knew it, we had recorded the last link for the show. We sit back and listen to what we've just "created". We hear mistakes, but to Shaun, it sounds perfect. "Gents, you did it. Send this show out". We're still not convinced but we figure, "hey why not, if they don't like it, we'll fix it on show #2". That Wednesday, the 10th June 2009, we send our very show out to everyone. 3 years later, it's the 13th of June 2012 and we are sending show #69 out. This is the story of the Soulful Kollective in a nutshell guys. It hasn't been an easy road. It's been a very bumpy one, but enjoyable every step of the way. We've literally grown together as dj's and you guys have mentored, criticised and most importantly helped grow this show into something we never anticipated. Words alone can never be enough to show our gratitude and thanks for your support. We are 3 years old today all because of you.

Show #69 (gives us goose-pimples just saying it) is upon us ladies and gents. Sai has prepared one special mix to commemorate our 3 years of existance. This show is really inspired by show #1. It is also a show preparing what's to come this coming Saturday (16 June 2012). We're celebrating our birthday at Rockerfella Lounge. What better way to commemorate our 3 years of existance than doing it during Youth Day?

Come and join us this Saturday and dance the night away. We've got a very special line-up of dj's and artist to ensure that you guys are fully entertained. There is one trick to the whole thing though; you guys need to get there early so that you don't miss out on anything. The line-up comprises of the following talents:

•     Sai & Ribatone featuring Tshepo & Thiwe

•     Jiyane featuring Lerato on guitar and Kholi Thwala

•     Brian Blaq

•     Ryzor (Liquideep)

•     Spin The Rocker

•     Zano - Live Performance

As you can see guys, the nice promises to be a real epic one. Come and enjoy this special night with us. With that said guys, please enjoy the show.

Tracklist:

•    Justin Imperiale ft Diviniti – Love can heal the world (Marcelo Cruz mix)
•    Tamara Wellons - Euphoria (Jose Carretas Son Liva Mix)
•    Steal Vybe feat. Stephanie Renee - High (Steal Vybe Piano-Synthstumental)
•    Anane - Bem ma mi (lou2chris instrumental)
•    Vick Lavender ft Nicole Mitchell (Vick Lavenders All Soul Inst Mix)
•    Rufus - Kalahari (Main Mix)
•    Anthony Nicholson – The voyager
•    Kevin Hedge ft  Rick Galactik (DJN Project) - Follow Your Heart (Heart Mix)
•    Ananda Project - Many Starred Sky

Download from here: http://www.mediafire.com/?16adzjiux99z4em
Stream from here : http://soulfulkollective.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-12T23_24_53-07_00

You can also catch us at the following venues over the next two weeks:

Sai:

15 June 2012 - House 22 in Pretoria

Blaq Lite Vol.2

Hey there guys,

After much anticipation, I finally decided to post the second Blaq Lite Series. A big shoutout to my boy Themba Nqaba for "nagging" me into publishing this mix. I really took my own sweet time doing this one.

I have to say though, this current mix has really been inspired by the "new" sound that seems to be taking over the dancefloors lately. In honesty though, I don't think this should be seen as a "new" sound. This is the type of house we had been jamming to in the late 90's right up to the mid 2000's. Deep house seems to be making a huge come back to the dancefloors and I must say, I'm one of the many dj's that is happy about this. I've sourced out some of the deeper sounds that are currently out and compiled them into this one beautiful, deep, jazzy mix. The beauty about this mix is that it's a good mixture of both local and international house tracks.

I really hope that you enjoy this mix, and I'm looking forward to hearing your views. Your support over the past couple of months has been really overwhelming guys. Thank you all...

Check it out: http://brianblaq.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-04T02_32_30-07_00