EDM vs. "The Underground"

Techno Queen Nicole Moudaber keeps it real in this interview with Clubbing TV.  The DJ/ Producer takes the words right of my mouth when she provides us with her take on the EDM/ Underground debate.

Do You Know Jack?

Wether it be old school, Chicago-style deep house, acid house from the 90's, or a recent techno banger, the name "Jack" always seems to come up somewhere.  Is this "Jack" a real person, or is the phrase a slang term for something else? The answer is… it's not that simple.

Originally, the term "Jack," or "jacking," referred to dancing back in the old days of the warehouse parties in Chicago where house music began. Initially, the dance similar to "grinding," but later it became more of a "freestyle-esque."  The fact that is "Jack" was considered to be a "free-style," type of dance indicates that the dance allowed for self-expression and personalization. When house music came on at a party, you expressed your feelings through the music, creating your own unique movements to go along with the music you were listening to. The dancer didn't have to conform to a strict dance style; the dancer danced the dance, rather than the dance dancing the dancer (boy, that was a tongue twister…. but you get my point.) You came together as one with others at a party, but you weren't all conforming to one set style of dancing. You were being yourself.  Later on, the meaning of "Jack" took on a deeper meaning. It didn't just refer to a style of dancing anymore. What do I mean, you ask? I'll allow this  Mr. Fingers unforgettable vocal answer the question of what "Jack" eventually became:

Now some of you might wonder,

"Who is Jack, and what is it that Jack does?"

Jack is the one who gives you the power to jack your body!

Jack is the one who gives you the power to do the snake.

Jack is the one who gives you the key to the wiggly worm.

Jack is the one that can bring nations and nations of all Jackers together under one house.

You may be black, you may be white; you may be Jew or Gentile. It doesn't make a difference in OUR house.

And this is fresh.

This clip really crystalizes the meaning of "Jack."

Today, the spirit lives on in our clubs…

And in the music we love. Check this track that German producer Sidney Charles put out last month.

What is "Jack," to me? Jack is more than a style of dancing. Jack is the groove personified. Jack is the passion in the air at a party. Jack is the vibe, Jack is the beat. Jack is the Holy Spirit of house music. As long as house is properly respected, appreciated, and loved, Jack will always be among us. Now… LET THERE BE HOUSE!

We all know one.

F#CK THE VIP

At 2:30 AM on Saturday, November 16th, I arrived at the newly opened Sankey's NYC, a venue that I have been dying to check out for some time now. When I walked in, a smile came over my face. Sankey's had done a lot with the place since the days of old District 36, the nightclub that used to be in its place. I no longer felt as if I was in someone's basement (which I never cared about aesthetics that much, but hey… if you're going to make it as a Manhattan spot you need to be at least somewhat pleasing to the eye.)  A myriad of lights that hung over the dance floor provided an uncommonly funky feel and the sound system was in a class all it's own--full-bodied, rich, and engaging.  As far as the music went, it was no frills. It could be described as a pure and honest mix of deep, funky grooves with a tribal twist (it was a "Tribal Sessions Party.") At that moment, the night was looking pretty good to me, and I was ready to take it all in… every last bit of it.

                              A view of the main floor of Sankey's NYC from the booth

Unfortunately, my experience was short lived. My group and I had wrist bands, which meant we had snagged a spot in VIP. And of course you can't turn down an opportunity like that, right? We walked  up the stairs, and strolled into the VIP area. Before you could say, "bitch, don't kill my vibe," the atmosphere of the place immediately changed. The VIP area was semi-empty. There was absolutely no sign of vibrancy anywhere. Everyone was sitting down in a nonchalant fashion, talking amongst themselves.  Yeah, I saw a head bop here and there, but this was in no way, shape, or form my kind of party… not by a long shot. Now, VIP is usually a great idea when you are at a club that packs you in like sardines.. you know, packed past the legal limit set by the fire department. But that wasn't the case this time.  As I looked down, there was plenty of space on the dance floor--more than enough space. And boy, was everyone having a good time. I secretly envied all of my fellow party goers moving and grooving across the main floor.  The experience could be likened to that of a misbehaved child sitting inside during lunchtime detention as they watched their peers run around on the playground outside.

The conversations, head bopping, and the pouring of drinks continued until closing time. As we walked through the exit doors, everyone commented on how "dope" the party was and how they couldn't wait to go back. I felt like I was the only person who didn't enjoy themselves. In the end, when it comes down to it, it's all about taste. Everyone comes out to events for different reasons. Some people rather just relax and enjoy themselves. I understand that, because every so often, I rather chill out myself. Usually, however, I can't just sit down and relax.  The reason I come out is for the party is for the experience, the energy--that "underground vibe." For me the party is on the dance floor.  It's where people are clapping their hands, swaying their bodies to the music, letting themselves just loose it.  In VIP, it's hard to be a part of that energy and that intensity. Only the dance floor can give you that. 

As for Sankey's, I'll surely be back. Next time, however, you won't find me in the VIP.

                                                This oldie says it all.

Way, Way Back Wednesday: Special Edition

As always, it's all about the music, but today I'm going to take you guys back in time. Way, way back in time. For one reason or the other, whenever I'm getting ready for work, on the train, cleaning on a Sunday, cooking a meal, at the gym, etc. I always have to be surrounded by four to the floor beats.  It never fails.  Half the time, I'm constantly searching for new music I can listen to wether it be on Beatport (top 40, as well as obscure places and sections of the database that I can think of,) YouTube browsing, other music blogs, or on my boyfriend's iTunes (yes, I'm a track thief, and I have no shame in my game.) The other half of the time, however, I choose to feed my nostalgia. More often than I should, I like to tap into the house and techno music of past decades. Although I didn't party to these tunes, I grew up listening to them, and for that reason feel a deep attachment to them. One of my favorite features of old school house and techno tracks are their vocals. Maybe it's just me, but a good vocal always takes things to another level. It has the power to make the body move, the power to inspire, the power to uplift.  Here are some of my favorites.

 Detroit-based techno group Inner City was arguably the first out of Detroit who was responsible for bringing techno to the masses. No one can deny the fact that once they hear the crooning of Paris Gray, "Let me take a place I know you want to go, it's a good life…" clapping your hands and bobbing your head are an absolute must. Not only is this song one of the first techno tracks, but, above all, it's message uplifting.  It's all about leaving your troubles behind for happiness and joy… it is titled, "good life," after all.

This vocal is so damn popular to this day that you will still hear it being spun on dance floors here in New York City. And for good reason. It's another feel good tune that is to put a smile on anyone's face and makes you want to raise your head a little bit higher. "Just be yourself, and no one else." The message that this track provides is something special. It's all about being proud of who you are, and being comfortable in your own skin. It's what the scene was meant to be about. It's about coming as you are, no matter who you are. The dance floor is a sanctuary where anyone and everyone can "be themselves." This vocal embodies that idea for sure.

Before "Bigger Than Prince," there was "Preacher Man." Green Velvet's Chicago classic house classic comes paired with a powerful, spoken vocal that is supposed to sound similar to a preacher's voice. Encased within this vocal is a powerful message coming out of 80s/90s Chicago: problems that were arising within the black church.  Who said vocals were all fluff? Not this track. House is versatile.  The vocal is making a powerful political statement, and encapsulates a valuable piece of Chicago's cultural history.

Okay. Sometimes I'll play this song for people and it creeps them out. Some of my friends have likened the spoken vocals to the devil beckoning someone come with him to the depths of hell every time he bellows, "follow me." But, that's not what this song is about. If you get past the guy's sinister voice, his calls to "so get up, forget the past…" sound a lot more like leaving behind everything that's holding us back and living the one life we have to life to the fullest extent. The tone of the voice and it's message are a contradiction, but it works.

 "Not everyone understands house music; it's a spiritual thing; a body thing; a soul thing…" I think this vocal speaks for itself. This is the classic that everyone knows, and no matter if it's the first time or hundredth time that you've heard it, chills will go down your spine. It's the kind of vocal that justifies why we all love house music so much. It's so much more than just music; it's an entire culture. Moving our feet to the music, being together with friends, coming together to celebrate life through it all, wether it be in a friend's living room, a club, or even a warehouse. Some people may shake their heads at house lovers, and it's okay. Once you spend one night out at a club, you will know what this thing called house music is all about.

Black Box actually was an Italo-house group from the late 80s/ early 90s. Their production is on point, but the vocals shine in this one. They're more than powerful. They command attention. Just the tone and range of the vocalist are so different. With this vocal, it's less about what the vocals are saying, and more about the emotion the vocalist is putting into them as she's singing. Fun fact: the title of this song should have been "Right on Time," but the producers, not knowing English, understood it to be "Ride on Time" instead. Those damn Italians. 

Excuse me!

                         When it doubt, bump some controversial vocals.

Underground Halloween in NYC: Recap

How about that 2 weekend-long Halloween extravaganza we just had, folks? Some people might kill me for saying this, but I could probably go for another week of Halloween! The amount of parties in the NYC Underground was insane these past two weekends, I counted about 50 myself (including after hours) between the two weekends (correct me if I'm wrong, because I'm sure there were more.)  I happened to go to three of them myself. First, I went to Boris and Cristian Arango at Stage 48, which was packed to the brim, but a good time none the less. Immediately after Stage 48, I ventured on to see Chriss Vargas at Pacha for his after hours party, dubbed "Erotica," which, in my opinion, is always a must for Halloween--his dark tech/ techno style just fits! I finished then finished off my two week long Halloween celebration with Carlo Lio, The Junkies, and Nathan Barato, who all played back to back to back, at Studio Square Loft in Queens on the 31st, which although it wasn't essentially as wild as the first two parties, the music was some of the best, and the cherry on top of what was one of my best Halloweens ever since I gave up trick-or-treating. I desperately wanted to go check out Sankey's , Manhattan's newest underground clubbing destination, but I unfortunately was unable to do so. As soon as I go (hopefully within the next two weeks) I will definitely put my two cents in.

Back to my Halloween recap. Each DJ's set was executed to creepy, eerie Halloween perfection. But, although the music was on point, I was more taken with another element of the parties. What a VIBE! Everywhere I went, I saw everyone dancing, socializing, and smiling. I also must mention that I saw a ton of creative, sick costumes! Check my boy Michael and I below at Studio Square Loft--I was a "Futuristic Sugar Skull" (loved everything about my look except for my dress, which looking back did not go with the rest of my look..oh well) but this kid blew it out of the park with his outfit he was an evil-looking demon, but lightened up his costume and face makeup with shiny jewels and reflective pieces. House Heads love to go all out on Halloween, that's for sure!

                   Check it: Michael on the left, me on the right at Studio Square in Queens, NY. That dres did not 
                 go with the rest of my costume, but how fabulous does he look?!? This boy had heels on, too. Uff!

Something else was in the air these past two weeks. People had a different attitude, a different swagger. Perhaps since it's the one night a year you can dress up however you want (scratch that-two weekends to dress up however you want,) people allow themselves to step out of their comfort zones and be whatever they want to be. No matter where I was this weekend, everyone held their heads high and WERKED it (more so then usual,) wether they were socializing with others, dancing, or just bobbing their heads up and down to the beat. In addition to this increased confidence, I noticed that people didn't have their smart phones weren't out half as much. Less people were constantly taking flicks with their friends and recording a DJ sets, and more club goers were actually getting into and enjoying the party!  This energy was infectious, and everyone caught on. I know that I certainly did. I soaked it up, loving every second of it. I danced and danced all night, hung out with old friends, and met some new ones. I didn't want to leave any of the parties I went to, even when the music stopped playing. Need some visuals to match my description? Just peep this video from Stage 48 from October 25th, and you'll surely catch my drift.

 What inspired all of this passion and excitement these past two weekends? I honestly think the holiday is to blame. Halloween, is something special. It's more than besides horror movies and endless candy (although all of those things are amazing.)  It inspires creativity. Everyone displays the costumes they made/ put together proudly. DJs change things up, plan their sets around it.  Everyone, especially those who don't go out as often, comes out to celebrate. It's a combination of all of that and more. It all feels like something new and different, and that's exciting for people.  From the professional gogo dancers on stage, to the party goers on the main dance floors, everyone had a little extra pep in their step. There is just something special about Halloween that makes underground nightlife all that more magical, and I already cannot wait to see what next year is going to bring (and have already begun thinking up another costume… still don't know what I was thinking when I picked that dress for my last costume… mistake!!!)