I hear techno-salsa Denfriendlies and these old azz slow jams turned into club music.
I hear more music being played at home listening to mixes on BringTheHeat, Deephousepage and ChuckBrothers.com than I have heard at any venue!!!!!!
And I can't even turn on my radio and XM radio is some bullsh!t too!!!!
What the hell is up Brothers, Sistahs can't play music no more!
This is some bullsh!t!!!!!!!!!!”
This is very harsh and very abrasive I know. We are a city that is supposed to represent house music to the fullest but I see so much disharmony with the community and the type of music that is being played. The rigmarole certain djs go thru to play at venues in this city and the fragile egos that make it hard to even communicate, perpetuates the discord in Chicago's house scence.
The replys to post started coming in with different people plugging there parties and some letting me know that music is being played.
Jamie 3:26 from www.deephousepage.com started by saying, “Now how you gone come in here starting something like that?
Hey lady. I think you need to clarify a little bit more in your topic.
You have to remember, this is not just a Chicago board, so everyone is not gonna pick up on the local lingo and things.
To break it down...she wants a deep, bangin ass disco party.
She doesn't dig the new shit, she prefers music with live musicianship.”
Terry James said, “U gots to be kidding...last week was disco city in this mofo...Rahaan at PEs, Erica K at the Studio, The Shop, Party at 720 (Some Disco), Family Den....Celeb w/DJ Reg. Dating Game w/Emmanuel...pahleaze!!!!!”
I agreed that was a great weekend for house music in Chicago but in regards to consistency, you will find that parties with such a variety are slim here in the city of Chicago.
Physicalheat-The MusicMaster said, “I'm glad you cleared that up, I had no idea what she was trying to say. But I will say Chicago has and plays it all, from obscure tunes, rare disco, new shit, and shit that’s not out yet. Just seek and you will find. – JMO.”
Däp added, “Last I heard this was a disco city.”
If by “Disco city” you mean repeater sets for the mainstream lounge participants then yes. There are still very few venues with every week stability for the obscure, rare, disco and new music to be played and enjoyed.
Jamie 3:26 agreed with my topic, “Ain't no tunes being played...”
Däp also agreed, “Well that's true.” As he used the rolling eyes symbol to animate his reply.
DHP member Ish replied stating , “I was about to start a thread on the opposite end of the spectrum...
If you want dope rare disco, funk, soul, Chicago is the shit.
If you want Dancetracks top ten, Chicago is the shit.
If you want forward thinking Dance music....
:sleep:
Not that jocks don’t buy it or want to play it, but I am lucky if once in 2 months there's a party where I can hear at least 1 hour of solid new releases, and I dont want to hear the arguement that "nothing is coming out..."
Just listen to the radio shows of some DHP members, tons of heat out there, its an exciting time for this music IMO. But you gotta stray from the same 2 producers...”
DHP member Candles said, “Yes...Yes...Yes....all you have to do is follow the right DJ's bottom line.....”
Very true but this statement is also contingent on what venue this particular dj happens to play for. There are certain places here in the city where the DJ will have constraints pertaining to the type of music they are allowed to play.
Terry James continued to give me examples of various parties, “JR was at Leos, Elvis was at Visions and Craig has a Friday spot...”
He said Elvis’s set was raw and uncut.... not for the mainstream but he beat it.
Chuck P that has now started doing a regular set every Monday night at Jun bar said, “Classics sets are not hard to find...I love the classic stuff, but the new music is hot to death as well.......”
RaHaAn81 said, “You need to come to the UK. That Northern Disco is sick and new shit is on fire in the UK , Spain and Japan. I always love imports. I think she's saying everybody playing the same stuff in Chicago, but I don't know...”
But as the comments continued some members of DHP became more agitated and pugnacious even inciting that my knowledge of the house scene may not be valid. Some even began using humoring rhetoric to dismiss my claims.
DJ Celeste Alexander said, “****in grandma's voice***,”
“Babeeee, Where yous been partyin at, You just be needin a good night out @ a Real Party. Check the CHICAGO Party Page Erry Nows and thens, They will tells ya where to go okay? :therethere:
G-MAN! You done left the door open again didnt ya!!? What I done told ya bout that! Lettin dem damn Nubis run round here all willy nilly postin dis crazy stuff!”
Angeet654 said; “B more specific. What Venues have you visited? What do you call "Real music" Better yet!! You throw the party and teach us.”
I responded, “All I've seen through this entire thread is Ima newbie.... where you been....blah blah blah
And If I did come to the many parties that's been posted on this thread I would hope that I'd hear some cutz but what's the likelihood of that?”
Jamie said it plain as day earlier.
"To break it down...she wants a deep, bangin ass disco party.
She doesn't dig the new shit, she prefers music with live musicianship."
Also my brothers on BTH said it well too!!!!
Quote taken from www.bringtheheat.com by Rahaan:
"I so agree with you. I can play in a far away land and play cutz , but when I'm here in Chicago most all parties I do I can only play
The sing-along and den friendly's. Then people say want you play some cutz, but
when I do I clear the floor.
I think people here are just stuck. Then you got these djs that don't care they just want other djs to know they have cutz. So what! Chicago only like the songs that are played time and time again. It sucks.....
Here’s another one....
Quote taken from BTH by Zernell:
Chicago’s stuck in the remember when syndrome.
Remember when Ronnie played that.
Remember when Frankie played this.
There are a few cats out here that try to push the envelope but like Rahaan said no one dances.
You would think in a city with a 1000 dj's you should be able to hear all kinds of cuts any given night but that’s not the case. Most of the older well known dj's are playing underground or the same records they had 20 years ago. And a lot of the new cats are being spoon feed the same records and aren't digging for heat. And now what we've been reduced to is the lounge (tavern) disco party. I remember when...
And Celeste I haven't forgotten about you.....
“****In grandma's voice***
Babeeee, Where yous been partyin at,You just be needin a good night out @ a Real Party. Check the CHICAGO Party Page Erry Nows and thens, They will tells ya where to go okay?
G-MAN! You done left the door open again didnt ya!!? What I done told ya bout that! Lettin dem damn Nubis run round here all willy,nilly postin dis crazy stuff!”
Just because ima newbie don't mean I'm new on the scene....
All I'm sayin is play some Cutz not the same ole same ole.”
Terry James said, “I hear ya, peep the chucks at the shop. I admit I've only been there once but I know how they roll. The new MIA partys with Darryn, he's brining the hotness, real sick disco sh*t. Several cats mentioned like Craig and Rahaan also but you have to consider the venue. Ultimately the crowd will dictate the music. If you want your funk raw and uncut, holla at the promoter. In most cases it comes down to business.”
I replied to him stating I missed parties that resonated that sound like Sadar Bahar or Lee Collins plays with at their sets and there should be a regular place to go where that sound could be experienced.
Djroc2u said, “I miss sadar, lee, russoul and richierich(rich, give a brother a pm every once in awhile huh-lol). i miss hearing rahaan and craig as well(both them brothers as well as c. white and the chuck got me back listening to northern soul and disco) plus my girl Erica doin her thang with Dave Maze.
Met Rahaan and some other folks at family den last year (couldnt stay after listening to aint no need by skye for the 2,000,000th time) and decided to hang up partyin for good and stick to picnics and the Chosen Few Celebration.”
Noshaluv, brand new and old music is being played here in chicago all the time, you just gotta find the right dj that suits you.
Peace”
I responded to the understanding eyes reading my frustration that,
“Thanks djroc.......Sincerely......But I have found a dj that suits me. That's not the problem......Politics, egos and plain old haters get in the way instead of letting these brothers be themselves and play music......And going to the DEN to hear Rahaan play in constraints makes me go insane (LET THAT BROTHER PLAY MUSIC)....I always check out the chucks so I'm never disappointed with them...Craig can beat the sh!t out some music too... Nate be down at the shop beatin some tunes..... but I don't want to break my neck or crack my skull tryin to snap-off......but for the most part I've heard the same ole same ole and I hit parties where reputable djs play not all but most play.........well you know what I'm gone say.
Its kinda makin me do what you said earlier and stay at home, listen to my baby beat tunes or go to homies parties at they crib/backyard or picnics.(I got winter blues)
but because I love the music, the community, and dancing in a wide open area........ it draws me back to theses venues. So I have to tune out and plugin to the matrix........”
The voice of reason, Shannon Harris, stepped in helping to sort out the chaos this thread had started.
“Well I see different topics of discussion here..
I would like to address a couple of them:
New music versus old music: Does something being new eliminate the notion of live musicianship and soul from a recording because it's current? I can play 6 records I made and bet you couldn't tell the time period. In fact Rahaan and I have played my records in Chicago, London, Japan and abroad with a welcoming response from the audience because they maintained the live musicianship. There is tons of new music being made with that musicianship you are seeking. Now the question is who are playing those records with a mixture of everything else.
The new music problem (I think you are referencing) that exists is revolved around a pop trendy sound (formula) in songs that everyone seems to gravitate towards playing. If it’s moving their floors then that’s why they are playing them. I would ignore those events and try to broaden your exposure to others that are open to music not categories or a sound.
Disco parties are great but a party where the DJ is able to play "music" without discrimination in which you have based this thread off of is important. New or old the DJ/Programmer should have an ear for what will work for their event. So if the thread is about music then good music to me is timeless.. If the thread is about disco then there are also disco records being made today.
Another issue I see here is Chicago's nature of dissing successful positive events that are either different from what one is exposed to or geared towards a different listening/dancing audience. Every event isn't for everyone. Nor for every DJ. It's arrogant to walk into a event that’s not geared towards a person or scene and see a packed place with people enjoying themselves and complain. If the event is successful from what they have built it upon then acknowledge that and move on.
Personally I like the variety of Chicago and know where to go to get my fix for what I want to hear. I also can produce and play music with that sound as well.
We don't have to like what everybody else is doing. But we must respect it if it’s respectable. New music, different genres and whatever. If it’s a successful scene and night then it is what it is. Let's stop finding something wrong in things and look for something right.
To have many jocks here embrace disco and expose new music to the people in the city is a great thing. An obscure disco record is still new music to a person who have never heard it before. In fact most of these "obscure" DJ's rotate those same known obscure records making them pop songs to their people. That's how you break music. Those songs are now sing-a-longs.
I can personally say I am proud to see everyone doing there thing here. What I am not proud of is the misconception of certain jocks, producers and certain patron DJ groupies who take the low road to always trying to shine light on themselves and what their comfort zone is. Who cares if someone doesn't sound like so and so. Or they are not playing what so and so plays. Let people have their own identity and if they are Ronnie clones let them be that as well. Seek out the good things in the city and don't even waste energy on something thats not catered towards ones taste. That's the blessing behind having options and alternatives. Use them. Support them!!”
I responded trying to further explain my intentions.
“For anybody that didn’t understand..... Have variety Chicago... and play some cutz that’s it.
I don't expect everyone to understand where I'm coming from because everyone doesn’t have the same appreciation for music. But damnnnn its people that do and they don't have a venue for it or I should say there's no consistency.
I support I haven't been a complacent complainer. But like my girl said last night when we were discussing this topic alot of djs don't know they suck!
This thread is meant to inspire someone to dig a little deeper in their crates.
And for one I like new stuff ‘Kinetic Energy’, ‘Keep on Reachin’, as well as that ‘Sky Is Cryin’ and others..... There a list of names, titles I can give each and every dj on the scene.
But I am only expressing the frustration I have heard from other well known djs and patrons to these events in the city of chi. (That's why alot of them leave......HMMM)
Quote from Shannon, "Another issue I see here is Chicago's nature of dissing successful positive events that are either different from what one is exposed to or geared towards a different listening/dancing audience. Every event isn't for everyone. Nor for every DJ. It's arrogant to walk into a event thats not geared towards a person or scene and see a packed place with people enjoying themselves and complain. If the event is successful from what they have built it upon then acknowledge that and move on."
Your right Shannon ! And the one thing I try not to do is bad mouth a successful event. Not me Not my style.
Like I said play them cutz, play them cutz, play them cutz..... if you haven't got that by now then then you'll never get it.
I immediately came under attack behind this comment. With a name like “Fred Da Warrior”, I knew I was in trouble.
He said, “Why don't you name names of the DJs that suck and then you can bless them with your vast (egotistical?) appreciation of music and give THEM a list of the cutz.....shit, as far as I'm concerned you can start with the radio jocks......”
“You came on here with a sweeping indictment of all things Chicago, so I'm not sure if you are being a hater either, so if you clarify yourself as to who EXACTLY amongst the unwashed masses of Chicago DJs that need the benefit of your appreciation of music and the list of cutz, then we can all understand what you mean.....”
I then offered to keep it cordial on a more personal myspace interaction with Fox The Warrior but he insisted that I put all of Chicago’s business on front. Claiming that I should give everyone a playlist and blast the dj’s I’m talkin about .
Däp: “We are a diverse city with tons of talent. to each his own. if there's a void with a true demand, fil the gap.”
Fred Da Warrior: “Why not do it here? You brought it up here....”
My response: “You know what. I'm done. I can't even have a this conversation anymore....To many _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in the midst!
You want a playlist......
Find out how I really feel send me a message on myspace.
I don't believe in putin people on blast!
Just tryin to make a point and my point was made.”
Fred Da Warrior continued his rants, being aggressive in his comments and confrontational in his approach.
“How is it that you can call others egotistical when you just anointed yourself the possessor of the playlist of the cutz to make Chicago DJs better AND the spokesperson of dissatisfied patrons searching for venues for the DJs that do possess said cutz and you won't put nobody on blast?”
See there, confrontation.
Hmmmmmm… and people wonder why there’s no so-called unity in the city of chi…………
Fred Da Warrior continued, “If you can name the DJs that do play them, why can't you name those who don't play them? What's this REALLY about?”
Shannon the voice of reason on this site of haters responded answering some of the comments I’d posted.
Noshaluv said, "But damnnnn its people that do and they don't have a venue for it or I should say there's no consistency."
Shannon: “I suggest you meeting with places or talk to promoters who are professional (key here is professional) in creating a spot for them. Don't shoot for a main night that already has a successful event on the bill. Since you are presenting an alternative then you will probably get a alternate night as well. For instance a week night.
Noshaluv:"I support I haven't been a complacent complainer. But like my girl said last night when we were discussing this topic alot of djs don't know they suck!"
Shannon: “Well the best way for a DJ to know they are not bringing it as they assume they are is to not patron them. The numbers and feedback from that is worth more than anything. A negative opinion about a DJ who seems wack to one person but has a following or crowded venue isn't going to convince them otherwise. Hell they can be playing in their bedroom and have one fan and still think they are doing what others can't. I have seen these types walk into a crowded event and complain as well.”
Another thing I have notice that works is someone from the dancing audience make a suggestion and the DJ who wasn't to arrogant to play it would bring it next time and drop it. I've had women who come to me and ask what that song is and then I knew that that vibe catered to them.”
Noshaluv : "This thread is meant to inspire someone to dig a little deeper in they crates. And for one I like new stuff "kinetic Energy" "Keep on reachin" as well as that "sky is cryin" and others..... There a list of names, titles I can give each and every dj on the scene.”
But I am only expressing the frustration I have heard from other well known djs and patrons to these events in the city of chi. (That's why alot of them leave......HMMM) "
Shannon: “Thanks for the mention and compliments on "Keep On Reachin" and "Kinetic Energy". :) The digging deeper in the crates thing is a perception to DJ's. One may think playing a new unreleased Quentin jam is digging while another jock may see playing an obscure disco record is as well.
I think in both cases it's the quality of the content that matters. We have to remember that. All disco wasn't hot. All new jams are not either. Hot being the perception to the crowd and fans who are responding to it. That's were the focus is to be put upon. The people not the DJ. You being a sample of the "people" I honor this thread speaking up about what you and your friend are wanting to hear more.
I think it kind of throws stones at us as a city because every week we receive messages here stating that a famous guy isn't getting props.. People are having parties on the same night as another one. Chicago House Music wars on whom started it first and taught who what. How we have no good flyer designs/designers. How Chicago doesn't give Detroit props. How everyone is either LATE or too underground here. How Frankies party sucks every year. Chicago has no unity. And the list continues. This makes the people who express themselves from here seem as if they speak for the majority of people in the city and their experiences sum up everyone’s here. We have to remember that many people read this board. So when some say "Chicago" in the title of a thread it is a reflection of the entire city and culture. Not a particular incident or experience shared by that particular person.
You’d think after such an insightful and positive post the madness, the hate, the uninformed, and the bellicose comments would stop but they continued on
Fred Da Warrior: “Brother, you are being FAR too diplomatic......”
Noshaluv: “Shannon the voice of reason as always........Nothing more needs to be said.....Fred the warrior be peaceful and stay true.”
Terry James: “Anybody else wanna sh*t on Chicago while we're here?”
Däp: “ya damned if you do, damned if ya don't...Shannon is on point and constructive with his comments. but on the real, they go in one ear and out of the other to someone who comes on the dhp to complain about the "scene" and the music. The phrase ‘deeper than thou’ suddenly comes to mind.”[/QUOTE]
DHP member Cordell: “People like her think that new music with live musicianship is techno...Go figure”
Fred Da Warrior: “I tried to get that out here, but I gotta head over to myspace for this valuable information......you better head over there too, so the next time you play at your own party n shit, you won't be deficient”
But to my rescue and angel appeared …….Mizzmeme: “Dude you are trying to start some sh*t! I know exactly what she is talking about and you guys do too. There are some DJ's that at every set or every other set, they play the same songs in their mix every time damn near. Every time you go and hear one of these Dj's you already know what they are going to play before he starts because its always the same songs every set. Like those songs is a comfort zone or something. PLAY SOME DIFFERENT SH*T SOMETIME, DANG! Add some different tunes to your set instead of playing the same songs every set I go too. That’s it and that’s all.”
Fred Da Warrior: “WHO ARE THE DJs? Please pass along this valuable public service HERE.”
Terry James: “If the SAME jocks are playing the SAME songs, then check out DIFFERENT jocks that play DIFFERENT songs holla at the promoter or throw your own party.”
These rants went back and forth for the next seven pages of people giving their opinion of why I shouldn’t have come on DHP, why my opinion isn’t valid, there were few out of the masses that agreed.
Mizzmeme: “Why you trying to start some Sh*t! First of all I’m sure you understood exactly what was said. You dont need a list of names because if you party in this city you know what’s up. You don’t need all that. There is no PUBLIC SERVICE going on here. I don’t know maybe it’s you that plays the same sh*t every set, I don’t know but don’t go there dude. It’s not worth it. I’m done. Poke me with a fork because I’m done. You need to stop trying to start chaos and educate, and teach.”
Fred Da Warrior: “Your girl starts a bullshit passive aggressive thread and I'm starting shit? I understood EXACTLY what was said, and I asked her to clarify who EXACTLY she was talking about because as mentioned before Chicago IS a diverse city, so her coming on here and generalizing Chicago needs to be called out, or SHE needs to get out more.....If I did play the same shit every week, she in all her infinite wisdom should be able to call me out on THIS forum and not on myspace in double dark secret......She is the one who is supposed to be educating us and teaching us about her vast knowledge in music, right? Isn't that what SHE said?”
Actually No I just want djs to expand their playlist and give variety in their sets……..
Fred continues , “As far as going there, we can play passive aggressive double dutch as long as you want to with the "double handed" talk.......who's next?”
Terry James: “The topic is " Why is no music being played in Chicago!" this accusation is false and unsupported. Shouldn't there be some level of scrutiny for such a general claim. Ya gotta explain that sh*t cuz I'm out here and I see what's happening.”
HMMMM wasn’t clarification made about what I meant 3 pages ago .........
And so I post a plugger on the thread since I was told to put a playlist out throw my own party as well as other things I gave the invitation to anyone that wanted this playlist to come to me and get it personally.
All of a sudden......
Terry James: “...just contradicted your own topic...lol”
Fred Da Warrior: “Well, it took 5 pages to get a plugger posted......y'all couldn't just ask dap to post the plugger without all the generalizations?”
Terry James: “Chicago is worth sacrificing .....Obviously”
Housewithme: “Oh my, reminds me of when I complimented a nice club I had gone to, everyone thought I was plugging, but really I was just saying how beautiful the club was, wow!”
Fred Da Warrior: “I'm taking my passive aggressive jump rope and going in the house now.....the street lights are on, i.e., the agenda has been exposed”
Orlando Vaughn: Greeting peace and blessings.....
I think what my wonder twin is tryin to say here..... there's different levels of music. We have folks that play that other level of music and those who don't. So don't get upset with someone because you’re afraid to play music.
It’s not her fault that you guys suck!
She just is tryin to find some venues that are playin some real music.
Now for all you club djs she wasn't talkin to you cause yall don't play music anyway!
And Fred the Warrior..... you talkin about being deceptive you must be dj with your feelings on your sleeve,
Who won’t use his real name or I should say dj name.
So until you’re ready to be real honest shut up!
Now for those who play DEN Licious music, This reply is not meant for you !!!!!!!!!!
Stop fakin the funk and get it together.
Peace and Blessings OV1”
now back on subject .........
Pang: “I'll be the first to bite. . . . . What is "That other Level" and Real music is subjective . . don't you think?”
Fred Da Warrior: “I'm not a DJ, so what my name and occupation is to you ain't worth a squirt of ant piss to me.....now, when are you gonna post your plugger and your mix, since this is what all this bullshit is about......
Kats kill me, peace and blessing out of one side of their mouth, and bullshit out of the other side.
"Scorched Earth" promotion at its finest......
After trashing the city where potential customers reside (especially supposed DJs that suck and dancers)? Especially when cats are reaching from the same limited pool? If someone on here lurking was an owner of a venue, would they want to work with someone who pulled this kind of promotional tactic?”
Tina Johnson: “Wow TJ, Good looking out. We try. You have mentioned everyone else but yo self. You know you be beating it too.
Although I am a Disco Head I like the variety, sometimes I am glad to know if I want to hear a song I like, I know where/who to go to.
Further, it depends on my mood and the place. New Music sounds soooo good in a more trendier setting (that is if it is played all night) Jun Bar, Sonoteque etc.
I like old/classic music Like Leo's, Pleasure dome etc.
Variety @ G-spot
Raw Disco....M.I.A Parties
Internet-chicago House Radio be bringing it also
Check out the Forum this Saturday Feb 23rd at the Urban League. All this will be discussed....OH, and the M.I.A. party
Either way, I like it all...”
After pages and pages of verbal beat downs and peripheral babble I gave my final response.
Noshaluv: “For the record this wasn't a plot to plug (goofeys) if that was the case I would have done it a long time ago. Maybe what..... when everyone eles was doing it on the first and second page.
But see this goes to prove my point that some and I do mean some of these people on this site are petty sh!t starters. With nothing better to do. My whole reasoning behind the post was to get opinions and to incite music to be played that was it.
But no! We want to hate.... call me a hater..... I'm trashing chicago..... now you want a playlist...... I don't support..... Blah blah blah......
Again a bunch of whiners up in here. Yes I said it.
Don't blame me cause I called you out.
And don't blame me cause I said come at me where I'm gone be. (the invite to come and get your playlist with the plugger) I thought it be easier to address me face to face cause it seems some of yall got gums to pop!
I'm not scared nor am I afraid to speak my mind!
So shoot me for not sugar-coting Sh!t for you.
I don't have to prove anything to anybody get that through your heads.
Now this doesn't apply to anyone that’s doing what they need to do. You know who you are.
There were more comments posted pages after my last. Some thoughtful and profound some giving props to the thread. Even though the rants and pompous remarks continued to be made the thread went on for fifteen pages and to my surprise for three days. I was truly impressed by the level of commitment the house-heads in Chicago vested in such a menial topic like this. It just goes to show if we really put our minds to something it can make a difference.
For a full view of the entire thread please visit http://deephousepage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155770
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