WHERE I'M FROM

Wassup guys,

Almost a week ago, on my way home, I got a call from a dj friend who not only inspired me into becoming a dj, but a guy who has become a big brother to me. He told me he was around Soweto and wanted to know where I was. Sometime back I had wanted to meet up with him but because of our busy schedules, we couldn’t meet. Seeing as he was around Soweto, he thought it best that we meet up so we could talk. Feeling tired and not being in the mood, I really wasn’t up for meeting up with anyone. I just wanted to be home by myself. He told me he was at the house of another big dj from Soweto who in my opinion has inspired just about every dj that comes from this massive township. I was asked to come over to his house so we could talk (as per our arrangement). Again, it really was not my intention to go there. I was after all tired and not in the best of moods but for some reason or the other, I found myself driving towards the direction of this dj’s house. I got there and found these two dj’s hanging out, laughing, sharing jokes about their travels around South Africa and experiences they had been through. Needless to say, I was drawn towards their conversation, and jokes. The genuine love, respect and overall bond that these two “massive” individuals had, blew me away instantly. As we were joking around, sharing a drink from the same bottle and eating from one plate, at the back of my mind there was so much going on and to a degree, I became somewhat emotional about what was going on. Bear in mind that these two individuals have been in the forefront of the dance culture in South Africa. They have shaped the djing industry in more ways than a lot of you reading this blog can never imagine. They practically carried this industry and made me, and a thousand other dj’s become household names. One would think that these achievements would go to their heads and they could never sit in the same room because they are so “big”. Sure they will never have the same interests all the time and yet, the can drive to each other’s houses, laugh and share ideas with each other.

You may be wondering where I’m trying to go with all of this. Well, I have been djing for many years now. I have been inspired by these two gentlemen in more ways than any of you can ever imagine. I come from an error where djing was done for the sole purpose of love and a genuine willingness to entertain. I come from an error where dj’s would wake up early in the morning, catch taxis to 5 different record stores in and around Gauteng in search of that one record that will rock the crowd. Yes, these guys would travel from Horizon View, to Orange Grove right up to Pretoria searching for one...just one record that would make you, the party goer have a good time. I come from an era where people would go to a party to dance, and not hang around in the corner of a club to see who’s wearing what and who’s rolling with who. I come from an era where girls would go to a party and not have to fear that some guy would want to harass or ask for telephone numbers, or even try hustle a one-night stand. Girls would go to a party to really enjoy themselves and not look at who the other girl was with. I come from an era where dj’s would willingly share knowledge without the fear of thinking that the other dj was “out to get them”. I come from an era where dj’s would go to a party to support each other…genuinely. Not to go to a party so that you could hear if the other dj’s mixing was crap or if he was playing music that is known by the general public. I come from an era where people would go to a party and pay at the door, and not have to hustle or look for their names on the guest list, because they understood that the person organizing the event was also trying to make a living. I come from an era where dj’s would be genuine enough to sit down with the next dj and tell them where they were going wrong.

 Ladies and gents, times have changed. Technology has evolved. There is no need for dj’s to wake up in the morning to catch 5 different taxis to go buy records at 5 different stores. Technology has made it easy for the world to become “one”. Unfortunately, the complete opposite of this is happening. I see dj’s drifting further and further away from each other. I see a lot of animosity amongst dj’s and party goers. Music is supposed unite all kinds of people and cultures from all over the world, but all I see from these social networking websites and the parties that I go to, is hate and jealousy amongst people. Ladies and gents, I took a drive to a house of one of the biggest dj’s in South Africa and I managed to laugh and learn a few things about this industry.  I wished the night would never end. I looked at these two individuals and had a lump in my throat as we parted ways. The older generation united and they built the industry into a respectable one when no one was willing to take dj’s seriously. One would think that we would carry the legacy on and make the bond even stronger. Unfortunately, I don’t see all of that happening. I would like each and every person reading this blog, that genuinely loves djing and the overall dance industry to sit back and think about where this industry comes from, and where it is going. Think about all the things that inspired you into being involved with this industry and think about these older dj’s and realize that there is NO hate amongst these guys. Think long and hard, and ask yourself, “WHAT HAPPENED?”

For Your Listening Pleasure

Hey guys,

It's been a while since my last blog. Thank you once again for taking the time out to reading and giving advise. I appreciate the support. A massive shoutout to everyone that came to the Backyard Party this past Saturday (18 February 2012). What a blissful night it was. I'd like to think that all of you had a beautiful time, even when you guys refused to leave after they closed the door. My highlight for the night would have to be when the lights went out. Somebody, somewhere at the back must've switched the wrong switch. It was dark, but the music continued... This all happened when I was playing. To my surprise, I heard people cheering on in the darkness. This just goes to show that you guys really are crazy. Thank you once again you guys...

It was a real shock to hear about the sudden death of the super talented Whitney Houston. A massive loss to the music and entertainment industry. May her beautiful soul rest in peace. There isn't much that I want to share this time around and I just thought I'd surprise you guys by sending you all a mix I did for a movement that has hosted some of the hottest gigs around Jozi. I've had the pleasure of playing at a few of their events and I recently did a mix for them which was sent out to their loyal followers. I thought I'd share this down-tempo mix with you guys since you've been so loyal to my blog. Here it is guys, a mix I did for La Dolce Vita late last year. Hope you enjoy it...

http://brianblaq.podomatic.com/entry/2012-02-20T07_37_46-08_00

Tracklist:

1.       Jazzanova feat. Clara Hill – That Night

2.       Nuyorican Soul – Nautilus Mawtilus

3.       Jazzanova – L.O.V.E. and You and I (DJ Ghe Mix)

4.       Doctor Rockit – Café De Flore

5.       4Hero feat. Marcos Vale – Escape

6.       Byron Stingly – Flying High

7.       Reel People feat. Omar – Outta Love (4Hero Remix)

8.       Nadirah Shakoor – Touched My Soul

9.       Nomumbah – Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser

10.   Nuyorican Soul feat. George Benson – You Can Do It

11.   Glenn Underground – Funky Ghetto

Marco Finotello feat. Maggie Smiles - Please

Hey guys,

Thank you all for the positive feedback on the last blog. I'm glad it was able to inspire most of you. As you all know,  my blog touches on various subjects that are close to my heart and this week is no different. We take a look at a release the blew me away the first time I heard which is coming out tomorrow (10 Feb' 2012) on Traxsource (www.traxsource.com). I would urge you dj's to go out and get this single. M60's Moonwalk Mix is one that is close to my heart. You be the judge. Below is a brief history on the release:
 

Marco Finotello is a soulful musician, born in the beautiful city of Venice. From a young age the art of music has always intrigued him, which led him to study music professionally at the Academy of Music, specializing in percussion instruments and drums.

He has mixed and produced a number of tracks laced with jazz, smooth melodies and deep soul.

On this EP he works with the talented singer/songwriter, Maggie Smiles. Her true passion is funk and soul and it has always been within her and pushed her deep inside. Through collaborations with Marco on his deep house and soulful productions Maggie found her true expression for music.

Please is a beautiful, loving, longing track with a deep soulful bass.

The remix package exudes with amazing productions from Deep Xcape, Charles Webster, DJ Sibs, Koulz Monodelux and M60. Each track flows from upbeat, smooth lounge to deeply emotive and jazzy house tracks.

PLEASE…

FEATURING:

1. Deep Xcape : Love Mix
2. Charles Webster Instrumental
3. Charles Webster Mix
4. DJ Sibs Remix
5. Koulz : Southside Chill Edit
6. Monodeluxe Instrumental
7. M60 : Moonwalk guitar Mix
8. M60 : Moonwalk Mix
9. Main
10. Main Instrumental

PASSION

Hey guys,

Thank you all for the great feedback I got about the last blog. The love and support is greatly appreciated. The blog got so many people inspired and it’s only fitting that I have a follow up to that conversation. Often I chat to people and they always tell me just how envious they are at the fact that I love music so much. I keep hearing the same question over and over again; “Brian, how do you do it? How do you keep going?” The answer is simple guys, PASSION.    

It’s no secret that I love music guys. I love djing. I love the feeling I get every time I play a song and have the crowd sing along, nod their heads and watch people forget their problems for those few minutes and just be “free”. It’s an indescribable feeling. So often people confuse this feeling and think the moment is about me. It’s never about me. It’s about the people listening and the emotion they have when they hear a song. I’m only the facilitator of that relationship they have with that artist at that point in time. It’s a job I feel I’ve been assigned to do. I’ve been brought to this earth to fulfill that duty. I thank God every day that he gave me this job. Like any other industry though, there are politics involved in the music business. Enough politics to make one want to quit and just do something else. I did quit once. I felt I had had enough and decided to do something else. That decision didn’t last for too long though. People have asked me what made me come back, and the answer was and still is simple, PASSION. In all the time that I had quit, and never wanted anything to do with the music industry, I realized that I had been miserable and didn’t have anything to live for. It all felt so “dry”. Until that one evening when I was driving around Jo’burg with a friend and heard that one song on 5FM that just brought back that feeling I had when I bought my first record. The same feeling I had when I played my first record from my run down turntable I bought from a dj friend. The indescribable feeling I got the first time I stood in a dj box to play for people in a club in Sebokeng. It all came back. Right there and then, I decided that I wanted to go back to the music industry. I had found my PASSION. I was excited, and I made things happen. I’ve never looked back since.

Guys, I’m not here to convince you to all go into the music industry, or even act as your career guidance teacher. This industry is not as glamorous as it seems. What I’m really trying to say is that everyone out there needs to find their PASSION. I always say that finding your passion means finding that one thing that brings joy and a sense of fulfillment each time you do it. If you have a passion for numbers, then maybe you need to pursue a career in accounting. If you are the talkative type, then a career in public speaking could be the direction you need to consider. All in all, it really needs to be something you love doing. Once you find that passion, understand that it will never be smooth sailing. You will be criticized, made fun of, turned down and even told that you’re not good enough. That should never deter you and break your spirits. As long as you have that burning desire and excitement whenever you do it; know that it is exactly what you need to be doing. Surround yourself with people that’ll help you grow and be willing to have them give you the good and bad that you do. Let the criticism build you. I’m often told that I play rubbish. I’m told I’m arrogant, but all that never breaks me down. If anything, it only means that someone is conscious of what I’m doing…and that is enough for me. Guys, find your PASSION, work on it constantly. You will find that life is worth more than just waking up and going to that same old depressing desk and doing the same thing over and over again. Find that PASSION AND LIVE IT!!!

There Is No Set Formula

Hi guys,

I know I have been quiet for sometime now and I apologise for the silence. So much is happening currently. Yes, it's not an excuse and I apologise for that. I wish I could explain the reason for the quietness but unfortunately, I cannot share the news right now but hopefully will soon. Now that everything has gone back to "normal", I just wanted to talk about an issue that has been bothering me for quite sometime and would really like to get your input on this matter.

So often I've had dj's come up to me wanting me to "help" them with their dj'ing career. This kind of  "help" ranges from giving music, to "guest featuring" dj's at my events and mentorship. Now guys, I would really like for you to read this blog carefully and make sure that my words are not misinterpreted in any way. I honestly do not have any problem with helping anyone get somewhere with their career. I don't have any problem sharing ideas on the industry and even giving advise on how to go about achieving certain things. My biggest problem has always been with people that expect "hand outs" from other people. I don't expect anyone at this this day in age to still expect me to take them by the hand and show them how things are done. With the availability of information from the internet and social networking, I've seen "ordinary" people become superstars overnight. Fact of the matter is that people need to read...equip themselves with information and be at a position where they can achieve what they want in a short space of time. Fair enough, I've had someone that helped me in some way or the other to get to where I am, but I am very far from making it. Getting help from someone required that I own my career as well and use the little information I obtained to take me somewhere.

Guys, at this day in age, we can't have a generation of people not wanting to empower themselves with knowledge. READ guys. The internet is there for a reason. Use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and even MySpace effectively guys. We are in the djing industry for a reason. We ultimately want to make a living from this industry we are so passionate about. How do I take you with me to an event that I'm getting paid for and have YOU play on my behalf? Who's getting paid at the end of the day? Use my "path to success" as a means to make your path better. Do not copy what I have done with the hope that you will also make it. Vinny Da Vinci, Fresh, Euphonik all don't have the same stories however, their point of referrence is similar. They all took someone else's path as an inspiration to become better. Be yourself and have faith in what you do and start making things happen for yourself. I've listened to so many mixes from so many dj's and to be quite honest with you, they all sound the same. I feel like I'm listening to another mix by Vinny Da Vinci. Be creative guys. How do you expect to be famous when you sound like another dj who already is famous. There is so much music out there available to us guys and yet I go to all these parties and hear dj's playing the same old music over, and over, and over again. I hear mixes with same old music over and over and over again.

Guys, this simple. There is not set formula to this industry. I know of dj's who didn't have to go to a dj school to learn the art of mixing and yet they were able to become household names. I know of dj's that didn't finish school and became famous and of course I also know of dj's who went to school, studied, had someone teach them how to mix and became very popular. The common denominator with these "famous" dj's is that they chose to be real to themselves. They chose to be innovative. They chose to be creative and most importantly, they took the little knowledge they obtained and chose to be different to the next dj. We become so fixated at pleasing the crowd and criticism that we loose ourselves in this industry. People will forever criticise. Whether you do the "right" thing or not, fact of the matter is that, you take the criticism, turn into a positive and work at being better. Success does not happen overnight. It takes time, effort and consistancy. Maybe that's the answer that everyone is looking for. So yes, I may have just found the answer to the formula after all. Use that, and empower yourself. Don't expect me or anyone else to make YOUR career flourish.

Happy 2012!!!

Hello everybody,

Happy new year everyone!!! I hope the festive season was good for all of you. Eventhough I was working the entire December, I still managed to have a good time with friends and family. I hope you did the same. So often we tend to forget what the holiday season is about and end up spending it with people that don't really matter in our lives. I hope 2012 is a good year for all of us. I'm not even going to entertain the whole new year resolutions and staff. If you've made them, stick to them. If not, hey, life goes one. I do however hope that you've set realistc goals and will be doing your ultimate best to achieve them.

A big shoutout to each and everyone of you that booked me for your events during December. All of them were on point and I hope I did not disappoint you as well. Let's hope the relationships will continue in 2012 as well. My first Saturday for 2012 was really a good one. I checked out The Warm Up Sessions in downtown Johannesburg. Whoever said that downtown Jozi was dead obviously hasn't been to these sessions. I have unfortunately missed the first three sessions but this one really was on point. Shoutout to Phat Jack, 2lani The Warrior, Kid Fonque, Till Von Sein and everyone behind these sessions. You guys really made my Saturday. I got there in the afternoon and already the party was on fire. The rain didn't spoil the fun. My man 2lani The Warrior was about to hit the decks when I got there and as always, the man didn't disappoint. He got everyone dancing with some seriously deep house tunes. Kid Fonque was up next and this man just took the party to the next level. The boy's got soul no doubt. He had an amazing set as well. Watching the sun go down from the concrete jungle while listening to some funky house music is an experience that one never forgets.

The night was young. 2lani and myself still wanted to party. We then went to Bryanston to check out Benny's party. Very nice, secluded location. An intimate set up is what awaited us. The weather was beautiful and the people were just nice and chilled. We got to hang out with some old faces while sipping on whisky and got to have good conversation with everyone there. The environment was so nice that we even lost track of time. Next thing we knew, we had the employees of the venue informing us that the venue was closed and we were the last people there. A big shoutout to Benny. Nice party my man.

Guys, plans are underway to make sure that 2012 really is a good year. I have big plans and you are all gonna be a part of those plans. So keep your ear to ground...or better yet, check out the blog and you will be in the loop with all that I have planned... FOR YOU!!!

Here's to a good year!!!

The First Long Weekend

Hey you guys,

I can barely keep my eyes opened as I type this. I'm not sure if it's the heat, the long weekend, or the fact that one is not getting any younger; but fact of the matter is that I'm really tired. Hopefully after reading this, you'll have an answer for me. Anyway, the "first" long weekend has come and gone. I have to admit, it was a really good weekend. On Thursday I had a "catch up" session with an old friend and ended up singing wedding songs at another friend's house who was getting married on Saturday. We'll leave the singing of wedding songs for another day. On Friday morning I woke up with a hangover but was happy at the fact that it was a holiday. I spent the better part of the day with family...and "extended family" in the afternoon having meat and beer. What a great afternoon that was. The rest of the day was spent "reconciling" with a few cold ones...LoL

On Saturday morning I woke up thinking it was a Sunday morning...and I'm sure I wasn't the only one. Not much happened in the afternoon but then I had to go and play at the Love Revolution gig in Meadowlands. I had an early set. I'm not sure how the rest of the night panned out because the afternoon was a bit slow. People really need to be in the habit of attending gigs early. The whole idea behind the Love Revolution was a picnic. By 7pm, the place should've been packed to capacity. I could tell when I left that it would get packed later at night but was kinda disappointed by the fact that people didn't arrive "on time". I had to rush off to Rockerfella Lounge for the last Soulful Kollective Night for 2011. When I got there, Cnr537 was on the decks. Looking nice in his summer outfit, the boy was really painting the scene on what to expect later in the night. Pity he had to leave early though. Up next was the talented dj/producer from Tembisa, Copasetik Soul. Oh my goodness, was I impressed!!! From the first track right up to the last one, the boy had a flawless mix and the tracks were simply out of this world. He really kept me on my feet till the end of his set. Bee Kay, the boy behind the compilation Deep Xpressions was up next. I just like it when people always come up to me and  always ask me the same thing; "how come we never get to hear such dj's play on a regular basis?" Up next was Thabang from the Chilla Nathi crew. Once again, I was blown away. Jeez, this guy was on point. By this time, people were starting to come in by the numbers. Unfortunately, due to reasons beyond our control, Deep Xcape could not make it to Soweto on time. They missed their set. This however, gave us enough time to play. I had another one-on-one set with my man Jiyane. Really nice time I had. Zakes TruSole decided that he wanted to join. This now became a one-on-one-one set. A super dope time we had. We took people down memory lane, introduced them to new music; had them sing along to a few familiar tracks; had them throw their hands in the air... Oh my goodness...

We'd really love to thank each and everyone of you for making it on Saturday. We really closed the year of in a beautiful way.

Guys, this will probably be my last blog for the year... Key word being, PROBABLY. If I don't get to chat to you for the rest of the year, I would really like each and everyone of you to have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Please take care of yourselves over the rest of the festive season guys. I will see you this coming weekend at the following venues:

23 December: Soulful Evolution @ the Rockerfella Lounge
24 December : 3rd Revibe Party @ the Rockerfella Lounge
25 December: Morris Pub in Dobsonville