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7.29.2009
7.02.2009
VICTORY!!!
No, I am not referring to the album by the Jacksons (yes, I am still reeling over MJ's passing and subsequent - shady - reporting on how he died, who will take the kids etc.)
I am referring to the fact that I have found a DJ mentor! Yup, someone who is going to help me 'ease on down the road.' to DJ-dom Sorry, I can't help it.... (seriously, I can't)
You'll get the formal introduction next week, but all you need to know is that this individual is going is - well not a woman. But I wont discriminate in this case. He said that I would be the Luke Skywalker to his Darth Vader. Not sure that analogy is the best, certainly not for him, but, I'll take it.
Oh, he also says that I need to get a DJ name. I have a shortlist, but I need help. Pls suggest some names - tell your friends about what I'm doing, about the blog - then ask them to help you help me.
Can you feel it? (smile, go on, let me have one more... it's how I'm celebrating him)
Oh, PS: No abusive names please!
I am referring to the fact that I have found a DJ mentor! Yup, someone who is going to help me 'ease on down the road.' to DJ-dom Sorry, I can't help it.... (seriously, I can't)
You'll get the formal introduction next week, but all you need to know is that this individual is going is - well not a woman. But I wont discriminate in this case. He said that I would be the Luke Skywalker to his Darth Vader. Not sure that analogy is the best, certainly not for him, but, I'll take it.
Oh, he also says that I need to get a DJ name. I have a shortlist, but I need help. Pls suggest some names - tell your friends about what I'm doing, about the blog - then ask them to help you help me.
Can you feel it? (smile, go on, let me have one more... it's how I'm celebrating him)
Oh, PS: No abusive names please!
6.29.2009
Death of Autotune
I'm not getting distracted from the DJing thing. Honest, I promise. In fact, many good t'ings a gwaan in that area. More on that very soon.
But I just watched the BET awards, (yes, I am still going through some things with Michael Jackson, 'tis true, but you know we'll be OK, smile).
And saw Jay-Z perform Death of Autotune. I love it. I figured it might get some folks riled. I was right. In an interview with MTV, DJ Webstar said, (and I quote): 'If you take every song off the radio, what would you have?'
Exactly.
Duh! (don't make me put angry Chick's face on again, I beg).
But I just watched the BET awards, (yes, I am still going through some things with Michael Jackson, 'tis true, but you know we'll be OK, smile).
And saw Jay-Z perform Death of Autotune. I love it. I figured it might get some folks riled. I was right. In an interview with MTV, DJ Webstar said, (and I quote): 'If you take every song off the radio, what would you have?'
Exactly.
Duh! (don't make me put angry Chick's face on again, I beg).
6.25.2009
“And when the groove is dead and gone / You know that love survives / So we can rock forever….” MJ August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009.
So, Michael Jackson is no longer with us. And no one really knows how to deal with it.
I wasn't going to write anything about it, but writing is my way of processing things, so, let's see where this takes us...
Before you ask, I was paying for some food in a supermarket when I heard about his passing. The news made an already bad day worse. I found out through three people, all of whom cited the 'internets' (Twitter and Facebook, very 2009) as their sources for this news. And one of these folks (he was in his early 20's) responded to MJ's death by saying: 'he was a freak though, but it's still weird'.
I tried not to react to that glib statement.
I got to a TV as soon as possible and started watching all of the news channels to verify what I hoped was a false rumour. No such luck. As I continued watching, I found myself getting more irked. Amongst the tributes to Michael Jackson and the news updates, some channels went to pains to remind us about the troubled final years of his life. But wait, didn't this man just die? Just HOURS ago? Now analysts are urging us 'not to forget' his troubled relationships with some young boys? This, while the entertainment networks quickly ran images of MJ on a gurney, after his heart stopped beating?
Other Hollywood stars who passed recently (RIP Farrah Fawcett - what a day... and David Carradine) weren't subjected to this kind of scrutiny on the actual day of their passing. Maybe a day later, maybe two days later, but hours after the event? No...
It must be the price you pay for being a Music Icon.
As we all try to figure out how to process this, I think we need to heed the words of Questlove (of the Roots). He said, (on the 'forementioned 'internets') that we should learn to 'separate the Art from the Artist.'
I agree. The Artist (man) was conflicted, that is for sure. I - we will never know the truth about his private life. But, at the same time, I cant write off what his Art has done for me.
Publicly, he was charismatic. He made history...He was the first black artist that MTV had on its rotation. Can we talk about the Moonwalk, please?! He got away with That Diamond Glove and the Loafer/Short Trouser/White Sock combo...He was a great business man (borderline ruthless - remember his purchase of half of the Beetles catalogue? Ouch...) Then there was Off The Wall - my favourite MJ album...and the blockbuster, Thriller.
At the same time, his private life was subjected to scrutiny and gossip for decades, and from the mid 90's onwards, intense controversy.
Others will debate his business, philanthropic, social and music achievements. I hope all of that isn't subjected to revisionist history, but who knows. I'm just thinking about how he affected my life. (Speaking of revisionist history -- 'Live Aid' came before 'We Are the World', sorry y'alls...)
It feels like one of my favourite uncles just died. Admittedly, I didn't really understand that uncle. He kinda spooked me sometimes, and I didn't approve of some of the things he did, and would never defend them. But his impact on me was positive. Now, I am sad when I think about what my life will be like, moving forward, knowing he won't be around.
One of my first memories was dancing to the Off The Wall album. When Thriller was released, a few years later, my dad rushed out to get it. I remember staring at that album cover -- staring at Michael and that scary looking tiger - and wanting to meet him so badly. And anyone who said they wanted to marry him? Naw, don't even think about it. I remember watching the premier of the Thriller video, and promptly wanting to learn the dance. I remember playing PYT to death... I remember rushing to the dance floor every time a Michael Jackson song came on at a family party... I remember going to my FIRST stadium concert (I still have the ticket stub... ) to see, yes... Michael Jackson during the BAD tour in 1987... I remember going to see him, years later, with my friends (when I started to think he was a little cheesy, but still), during his HIStory tour, and loving every moment of it... I remember dancing to Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' to purge my sorrow at my friends funeral just a few years ago. Yeah, on that day, that song was put on repeat, because for some reason, as soon as that song came on, we all danced like crazy, sang, clapped and purged our pain away. After at least 7 plays of that song, we all felt a little better.
So, I smiled, when, as I drove back home from lunch, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' came on the radio. I sang along, at the top of my lungs. Then came my favourite part:
'Lift Your Head Up High
And Scream Out To The World
I Know I Am Someone And Let The Truth Unfurl
No One Can Hurt You Now
Because You Know
What's True
Yes, I Believe In Me
So You Believe In You'
I stopped in my tracks when I heard these lyrics (thankfully the traffic light was red.) I think it's 'cause I find it so ironic that Michael Jackson, an obvious overachiever, the man who sang those lyrics never got his final hurrah. He never got to start his comeback tour; a tour many people felt would have put him back on top. Whatever 'on top' is... I mean, even if the man hadn't given us 'Thriller', he still would be a genius in my opinion. It feels like his hopes (and maybe ours?) were pinned on him starting (and completing) this tour. It's like the tour somehow, would have vindicated the Artist and his Art. Rev. Al Sharpton, who knows the family, gave some indication as to why Jackson seemed so driven to stage a comeback, on CNN's AC 360 earlier today:
'He trusted a lot of big names that he went out for and stood up for, that he felt didn't stand up for him...A lot of other people hurt him, and he felt betrayed. And I thought this tour would help bring him back...because the people give him the energy and electricity. But I think a lot of people you will hear saying a lot of great things in the next couple of days - they broke Michael Jackson's heart way before it gave way today.'
Whatever one might think about Rev. Al Sharpton, his comment strikes a chord. Michael Jackson was under intense pressure for the last few years of his life - if not for most of it. That's a lot for a person to take.
But none of that really matters now. I just hope that he was able to smell the roses, so to speak, while he was with us.
I'm going to miss Michael Jackson. His death feels epoch and generation defining. There are people alive today who will know 'Michael Jackson' only as a name in music history. But, I'm grateful that I got to grow up with his music, -- and got to see him perform live, TWICE. I can say, I remember when I saw Michael Jackson do the Moonwalk.
So, I'll feel sad for myself, but I will continue to embrace Michael Jackson's Art, and be thankful for what he gave me.
It's been said the Peter Pan of Pop said he wanted to live forever though his music, He'll have no worries there.
Rest In Paradise.
I wasn't going to write anything about it, but writing is my way of processing things, so, let's see where this takes us...
Before you ask, I was paying for some food in a supermarket when I heard about his passing. The news made an already bad day worse. I found out through three people, all of whom cited the 'internets' (Twitter and Facebook, very 2009) as their sources for this news. And one of these folks (he was in his early 20's) responded to MJ's death by saying: 'he was a freak though, but it's still weird'.
I tried not to react to that glib statement.
I got to a TV as soon as possible and started watching all of the news channels to verify what I hoped was a false rumour. No such luck. As I continued watching, I found myself getting more irked. Amongst the tributes to Michael Jackson and the news updates, some channels went to pains to remind us about the troubled final years of his life. But wait, didn't this man just die? Just HOURS ago? Now analysts are urging us 'not to forget' his troubled relationships with some young boys? This, while the entertainment networks quickly ran images of MJ on a gurney, after his heart stopped beating?
Other Hollywood stars who passed recently (RIP Farrah Fawcett - what a day... and David Carradine) weren't subjected to this kind of scrutiny on the actual day of their passing. Maybe a day later, maybe two days later, but hours after the event? No...
It must be the price you pay for being a Music Icon.
As we all try to figure out how to process this, I think we need to heed the words of Questlove (of the Roots). He said, (on the 'forementioned 'internets') that we should learn to 'separate the Art from the Artist.'
I agree. The Artist (man) was conflicted, that is for sure. I - we will never know the truth about his private life. But, at the same time, I cant write off what his Art has done for me.
Publicly, he was charismatic. He made history...He was the first black artist that MTV had on its rotation. Can we talk about the Moonwalk, please?! He got away with That Diamond Glove and the Loafer/Short Trouser/White Sock combo...He was a great business man (borderline ruthless - remember his purchase of half of the Beetles catalogue? Ouch...) Then there was Off The Wall - my favourite MJ album...and the blockbuster, Thriller.
At the same time, his private life was subjected to scrutiny and gossip for decades, and from the mid 90's onwards, intense controversy.
Others will debate his business, philanthropic, social and music achievements. I hope all of that isn't subjected to revisionist history, but who knows. I'm just thinking about how he affected my life. (Speaking of revisionist history -- 'Live Aid' came before 'We Are the World', sorry y'alls...)
It feels like one of my favourite uncles just died. Admittedly, I didn't really understand that uncle. He kinda spooked me sometimes, and I didn't approve of some of the things he did, and would never defend them. But his impact on me was positive. Now, I am sad when I think about what my life will be like, moving forward, knowing he won't be around.
One of my first memories was dancing to the Off The Wall album. When Thriller was released, a few years later, my dad rushed out to get it. I remember staring at that album cover -- staring at Michael and that scary looking tiger - and wanting to meet him so badly. And anyone who said they wanted to marry him? Naw, don't even think about it. I remember watching the premier of the Thriller video, and promptly wanting to learn the dance. I remember playing PYT to death... I remember rushing to the dance floor every time a Michael Jackson song came on at a family party... I remember going to my FIRST stadium concert (I still have the ticket stub... ) to see, yes... Michael Jackson during the BAD tour in 1987... I remember going to see him, years later, with my friends (when I started to think he was a little cheesy, but still), during his HIStory tour, and loving every moment of it... I remember dancing to Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' to purge my sorrow at my friends funeral just a few years ago. Yeah, on that day, that song was put on repeat, because for some reason, as soon as that song came on, we all danced like crazy, sang, clapped and purged our pain away. After at least 7 plays of that song, we all felt a little better.
So, I smiled, when, as I drove back home from lunch, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' came on the radio. I sang along, at the top of my lungs. Then came my favourite part:
'Lift Your Head Up High
And Scream Out To The World
I Know I Am Someone And Let The Truth Unfurl
No One Can Hurt You Now
Because You Know
What's True
Yes, I Believe In Me
So You Believe In You'
I stopped in my tracks when I heard these lyrics (thankfully the traffic light was red.) I think it's 'cause I find it so ironic that Michael Jackson, an obvious overachiever, the man who sang those lyrics never got his final hurrah. He never got to start his comeback tour; a tour many people felt would have put him back on top. Whatever 'on top' is... I mean, even if the man hadn't given us 'Thriller', he still would be a genius in my opinion. It feels like his hopes (and maybe ours?) were pinned on him starting (and completing) this tour. It's like the tour somehow, would have vindicated the Artist and his Art. Rev. Al Sharpton, who knows the family, gave some indication as to why Jackson seemed so driven to stage a comeback, on CNN's AC 360 earlier today:
'He trusted a lot of big names that he went out for and stood up for, that he felt didn't stand up for him...A lot of other people hurt him, and he felt betrayed. And I thought this tour would help bring him back...because the people give him the energy and electricity. But I think a lot of people you will hear saying a lot of great things in the next couple of days - they broke Michael Jackson's heart way before it gave way today.'
Whatever one might think about Rev. Al Sharpton, his comment strikes a chord. Michael Jackson was under intense pressure for the last few years of his life - if not for most of it. That's a lot for a person to take.
But none of that really matters now. I just hope that he was able to smell the roses, so to speak, while he was with us.
I'm going to miss Michael Jackson. His death feels epoch and generation defining. There are people alive today who will know 'Michael Jackson' only as a name in music history. But, I'm grateful that I got to grow up with his music, -- and got to see him perform live, TWICE. I can say, I remember when I saw Michael Jackson do the Moonwalk.
So, I'll feel sad for myself, but I will continue to embrace Michael Jackson's Art, and be thankful for what he gave me.
It's been said the Peter Pan of Pop said he wanted to live forever though his music, He'll have no worries there.
Rest In Paradise.
6.24.2009
Sarrato or not to Serato?
It took less than a day for the questions to start. Why do you want to DJ? You want to DJ with vinyl? Whaaaat? Why?! WHY???!
Charrr man, why NOT?!
Last night, one of the folks I shocked with the announcement of my new mission, suggested - after he regained his composure - that I DJ with digital files. He asked me (and I quote) 'Do you really want to carry a bunch of vinyl with you?'
Hmmm...trrrrrrrruedat, I dunno... Do I?! I'm not getting any younger, and unless I hire a man-servant, I have noooo intention of carrying box loads of records with me to every session/class/event... My delicate bones may break under the weight (cough).
But, but... at the same time, isn't that part of the experience?! You know, to find that classic tune and to be able to drop it in a mix?! That's half the fun!!
My friend suggested I get something called 'Serato', cause, 'it will help you out a lot.' The conversation, then continued like this (sort of):
(me) ''Se-' wha'?' (geddit?! Whatever...)
(him) 'Serato'
(me) 'whassat then?'
(him) 'it helps you with the mixing of the records.'
(me) 'cool. ok, that sounds interesting, how do you spell that thingy??'
(him) 'S-A-R-R-A-T-O.'
That is what my friend told me. Twice (I asked him to repeat it, cause I was so confused). A second source (in the room) even verified it.
(...pause for dramatic effect...)
(that's my blog representation of a confused face, btw - I needed an excuse to use the chick. She's still mad at something.)
It turns out that, 'Serato (spelled 'S.E.R.A.T.O') Scratch Live' (for those of us who don't know), is a program that allows you to '...scratch and mix files from your computer hard drive using Serato Vinyl, CD or Approved USB Controllers.'
Hmm, so in other words, like homeboy said, rather than carrying some heavy a$$ vinyl, I can mix tracks from my computer. BUT, rather than hitting the play button and letting technology do all the work (i.e cheating), I am still in control of mixing the tunes!
Nice one, friend!! I like the sound of that! But, there is a lot to be said for the crate diggin' aspect of this DJ malarkey. I think I would miss that, if all I did was download songs.
Conclusion? I'll check out Serato ... when I have the caaaarsh ('cash' to you), and when I am a little further along the line. For sure.
In the meantime, I'm going to stick with the basics: turntables, a mixer and vinyl.
Of course, if one of you wants to treat me, my birthday is coming up... I'm just sayin', I'm just sayin'...!
Charrr man, why NOT?!
Last night, one of the folks I shocked with the announcement of my new mission, suggested - after he regained his composure - that I DJ with digital files. He asked me (and I quote) 'Do you really want to carry a bunch of vinyl with you?'
Hmmm...trrrrrrrruedat, I dunno... Do I?! I'm not getting any younger, and unless I hire a man-servant, I have noooo intention of carrying box loads of records with me to every session/class/event... My delicate bones may break under the weight (cough).
But, but... at the same time, isn't that part of the experience?! You know, to find that classic tune and to be able to drop it in a mix?! That's half the fun!!
My friend suggested I get something called 'Serato', cause, 'it will help you out a lot.' The conversation, then continued like this (sort of):
(me) ''Se-' wha'?' (geddit?! Whatever...)
(him) 'Serato'
(me) 'whassat then?'
(him) 'it helps you with the mixing of the records.'
(me) 'cool. ok, that sounds interesting, how do you spell that thingy??'
(him) 'S-A-R-R-A-T-O.'
That is what my friend told me. Twice (I asked him to repeat it, cause I was so confused). A second source (in the room) even verified it.
(...pause for dramatic effect...)
(that's my blog representation of a confused face, btw - I needed an excuse to use the chick. She's still mad at something.)
It turns out that, 'Serato (spelled 'S.E.R.A.T.O') Scratch Live' (for those of us who don't know), is a program that allows you to '...scratch and mix files from your computer hard drive using Serato Vinyl, CD or Approved USB Controllers.'
Hmm, so in other words, like homeboy said, rather than carrying some heavy a$$ vinyl, I can mix tracks from my computer. BUT, rather than hitting the play button and letting technology do all the work (i.e cheating), I am still in control of mixing the tunes!
Nice one, friend!! I like the sound of that! But, there is a lot to be said for the crate diggin' aspect of this DJ malarkey. I think I would miss that, if all I did was download songs.
Conclusion? I'll check out Serato ... when I have the caaaarsh ('cash' to you), and when I am a little further along the line. For sure.
In the meantime, I'm going to stick with the basics: turntables, a mixer and vinyl.
Of course, if one of you wants to treat me, my birthday is coming up... I'm just sayin', I'm just sayin'...!
6.23.2009
Jungle, Rubbish and Mayhem
As you know, I am keen to get on this DJ thing fast. And waiting around is not something I do well.
I always end up causing some kind of mayhem. I'll do things like...
...create a blog with a deliberately dodgy name (yess, I KNOW you thought this was an 'adults-only' site, and now look, you can't leave! shaaaaame...)
...or produce silly pieces for my friends, just cause I feel like it (the folks at '35 is the new....35' know all about that, right?!!). Click here to find out what I am talking about!
PRODUCTION NOTE: the song used in this masterpiece is called 'Digital' by Roni Size, from the album 'New Forms', which was re released in 2009. The track 'Beatbox' is pretty incredible... Sorry. That pun wasn't intentional, but I'm going to stick with it anyway. It's someone actually beatboxing a jungle beat...
And, speaking of General Levy - what is up with this video?!. Nah, SON! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsyia-ihdy8 The muppets do General Levy? Really?
But, you've been warned. I need DJ assistance, now.
I always end up causing some kind of mayhem. I'll do things like...
...create a blog with a deliberately dodgy name (yess, I KNOW you thought this was an 'adults-only' site, and now look, you can't leave! shaaaaame...)
...or produce silly pieces for my friends, just cause I feel like it (the folks at '35 is the new....35' know all about that, right?!!). Click here to find out what I am talking about!
PRODUCTION NOTE: the song used in this masterpiece is called 'Digital' by Roni Size, from the album 'New Forms', which was re released in 2009. The track 'Beatbox' is pretty incredible... Sorry. That pun wasn't intentional, but I'm going to stick with it anyway. It's someone actually beatboxing a jungle beat...
And, speaking of General Levy - what is up with this video?!. Nah, SON! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsyia-ihdy8 The muppets do General Levy? Really?
But, you've been warned. I need DJ assistance, now.
Angry Chick. Let's talk about it.
This is my own creation -- it's a (near) literal translation of the blog name. I felt I needed to be clear on what I wanted to convey to you all.Yes, yes, it's exactly what I was looking for. Actually (sigh, smile, look to the ceiling), it's better (i.e funnier)
I man, how VEX' does that chick look? Attitude.
See, this is what happens when I have time on my hands and technology at my fingertips - carnage.
I dunno what the chick is thinking, but can't be nice. Innit?!
**(remember, I'm still looking for my DJ instructor, right now, I have two leads...)
6.22.2009
Will a DJ run come save me? Please!
I feel like I have to let you know a little bit about my motivation to do this DJing thing. So, this post will be longer than the rest.
You see, I've always wanted to play records, for as long as I can remember.
Ask my parents. I wanted to be a radio DJ back in the day... just after I decided that I didn't want to be an air hostess, and before I decided being a journalist was a better fit for me than being a high powered lawyer in a skirt suit.
Come to think of it, I think its safe to say that it was my desire to DJ that got me into broadcast in the first place!
I know every pop tart says it but, 'music has always been a part of my life.' Growing up, there was a song for every mood and occasion in my home. And as for the LP covers? I LOVED finding new things in the artwork! I remember wondering why my mum and aunties didn't like that I thought Donna Summer looked like a lovely, friendly lady, sitting on that crescent moon on the 'Four Seasons of Love' album. I remember dreading the moment when I would have to dance to Stevie's 'Happy Birthday', EVERY year between 1981, and...hmmm. I recall singing my favourite song, 'Buffalo Soldier', All.The.Time. in despite my inability to pronounce the word, 'soldier' (apparently, 'showujwah' was the best I could do when I was 3.) On a totally random tip - I even remember getting a cheesy RED promotional record from the Avon lady. I hated the song, but loved the fact that the record was red!
My talent for drawing was even discovered because of music... I recreated a cover of a Debbie Harry vinyl single, using only a pencil. I remember showing it to mum, who, after getting over her shock, showed it to everyone else in the house.
So, it was probably inevitable that at age 7, I worked out how to produce my own *live* radio show just by using my super-gadget-electric piano, which had two tape player/recorders (to record my favourite songs on the radio), and a mic input (to record my voice)! I had high production values even then... (lol). Those demo tapes still exist somewhere in my parents house. Come to think of it, my obsession with music was such, that while other tween girls were spending their pennies on clothes and lipstick, I was going to the local record store, looking for that bargain record that I knew would make it big.
I'm telling you. Playing music and talking. That's all I wanted to do.
Then my desire to right the worlds wrongs kicked in at, oooh, around 14 years old. And jacked all of that up. I went from wanting to talk about music to wanting to save the world, through journalism, instead. The crate diggin' slowed to an eventual halt, while I focused on my studies.
At University, I discovered that I could learn to DJ...If I sucked up to dude who ran Uni events (no thanks). THEN, I found out that competition to apprentice DJ was tight (even though a friend would have happily taught me). I turned my back on that idea, got my own radio show on the campus radio station, and started a music society with some friends instead!
After I moved to the US, I toyed with the idea of DJing again (this time as a hobby), after being blown away by an incredible DJ in New York City. Sorry, I cant remember her name, I just know that she tore the house down. I even went as far as to talk to her, and ask if she could teach me. She is yet to get a phone call from me!
But, I did go halves on some decks and a mixer. I even learned how to mix four songs. After song number four, I yawned and decided to focus on singing with my friend, instead.
Years later, the (not) DJing is still haunting me. And I'm sooo over being haunted.
There you have it. Now you know that, I can get on with the business of learning how to DJ!
If I can find someone to help me. Which I find to be almost funny. I know plenty of DJs in London, NYC, Washington DC, and not one person L.A -- the city I've called home for two years.
So, can you help me?!
I've asked on FBook and Twitter, and I'm askin' here now -- So, hit me back if you know of anyone!
You see, I've always wanted to play records, for as long as I can remember.
Ask my parents. I wanted to be a radio DJ back in the day... just after I decided that I didn't want to be an air hostess, and before I decided being a journalist was a better fit for me than being a high powered lawyer in a skirt suit.
Come to think of it, I think its safe to say that it was my desire to DJ that got me into broadcast in the first place!
I know every pop tart says it but, 'music has always been a part of my life.' Growing up, there was a song for every mood and occasion in my home. And as for the LP covers? I LOVED finding new things in the artwork! I remember wondering why my mum and aunties didn't like that I thought Donna Summer looked like a lovely, friendly lady, sitting on that crescent moon on the 'Four Seasons of Love' album. I remember dreading the moment when I would have to dance to Stevie's 'Happy Birthday', EVERY year between 1981, and...hmmm. I recall singing my favourite song, 'Buffalo Soldier', All.The.Time. in despite my inability to pronounce the word, 'soldier' (apparently, 'showujwah' was the best I could do when I was 3.) On a totally random tip - I even remember getting a cheesy RED promotional record from the Avon lady. I hated the song, but loved the fact that the record was red!
My talent for drawing was even discovered because of music... I recreated a cover of a Debbie Harry vinyl single, using only a pencil. I remember showing it to mum, who, after getting over her shock, showed it to everyone else in the house.
So, it was probably inevitable that at age 7, I worked out how to produce my own *live* radio show just by using my super-gadget-electric piano, which had two tape player/recorders (to record my favourite songs on the radio), and a mic input (to record my voice)! I had high production values even then... (lol). Those demo tapes still exist somewhere in my parents house. Come to think of it, my obsession with music was such, that while other tween girls were spending their pennies on clothes and lipstick, I was going to the local record store, looking for that bargain record that I knew would make it big.
I'm telling you. Playing music and talking. That's all I wanted to do.
Then my desire to right the worlds wrongs kicked in at, oooh, around 14 years old. And jacked all of that up. I went from wanting to talk about music to wanting to save the world, through journalism, instead. The crate diggin' slowed to an eventual halt, while I focused on my studies.
At University, I discovered that I could learn to DJ...If I sucked up to dude who ran Uni events (no thanks). THEN, I found out that competition to apprentice DJ was tight (even though a friend would have happily taught me). I turned my back on that idea, got my own radio show on the campus radio station, and started a music society with some friends instead!
After I moved to the US, I toyed with the idea of DJing again (this time as a hobby), after being blown away by an incredible DJ in New York City. Sorry, I cant remember her name, I just know that she tore the house down. I even went as far as to talk to her, and ask if she could teach me. She is yet to get a phone call from me!
But, I did go halves on some decks and a mixer. I even learned how to mix four songs. After song number four, I yawned and decided to focus on singing with my friend, instead.
Years later, the (not) DJing is still haunting me. And I'm sooo over being haunted.
There you have it. Now you know that, I can get on with the business of learning how to DJ!
If I can find someone to help me. Which I find to be almost funny. I know plenty of DJs in London, NYC, Washington DC, and not one person L.A -- the city I've called home for two years.
So, can you help me?!
I've asked on FBook and Twitter, and I'm askin' here now -- So, hit me back if you know of anyone!
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