Welcome to 2012. Very delayed I know but better late than never I always say. My music hunting hasn't been going so well for me lately for a few reasons but mainly, I just can't seem to find any tunes worthy of blogging.  In my absence a few points:

You've probably come across a few social media posts or other blogs complaining about requests/demands patrons make towards DJ's. This is something that happens quite often and in most cases, there is no arguing with the drunk fool on the other side of the table. Take last weekend for example. Husband was DJing at a local club in the lounge bar and had a strict house music brief to stick to.  I'd like to add at this point that the same club he was playing in had another level playing all the popular club tunes.  Husband was doing his thing when  two people come a request Level's by Avicii then asked that after he mixes into a Swedish House Mafia song. Firstly, couldn't they be more predictable but husband took the high road and tried to explain his brief and why he wasn't going to play their requests.  These people couldn't care less. Husband was feeling a little ill from the night before so I stepped in to talk to his new fans. I explained exactly what Husband had already told them and added, he really wants to get paid and to be asked back so he'll be doing what the club management wants and not what they want. I politely noted, the club was open upstairs and they would hear the songs there or alternatively, hire him for yourself and he'll play what ever the fuck you ask for. At this point they decided to back down and continued on with their night. Don't be fooled it's not always that easy, drunk people most often don't give up and will keep going and going until either the club closes or they pass out. 

That same night Husband was playing away and had a douche bag come up to him and tell him that he was a better DJ than Husband because he has supported Marlo. Little did this person know Husband has supported the likes of Plump DJ's, Laid Back Luke and Nada Strom just to name a few. Now without hearing this man actually DJ I am not claiming he isn't true, however to walk up to someone and make an assumption is just plain dumb. To make himself look more like a dick, he added Husband should go and talk to two people who run a club night at another local bar. These two people are the very people who started booking husband three years ago and who continue to give him gigs regularly. Now if he was genuinely trying to get Husband gigs it would be fine but this man was trying to big note himself which leads me to my next point. 

 He like many other DJ's about are to caught up in the whole scene. For example: quotes like "I was the first person to find this song in [insert city/town here]. Who the fuck cares. If its popular it will be played to death anyway.  Or the simple 'Hey hows it going?' and the douche bag DJ responds with "I'm just going to meet up with [insert super star DJ here] and [club owner here]. Not what I asked mate and  again, couldn't care less. Maybe if you were going to ask these famous people you hang out with some tips on production or DJing but you're not. You're going to liquor them up harass them for gigs and post photo's of yourself on Twitter so all your followers can see how totally popular you are.

I could go on and on about this but I'll keep it brief and leave you with this fantastic request a friend of mine got while playing a gig in Sydney one night.

When I started thus blog I had every intention of updating it regularly and turning it into something that would be of use to others. As you can see, I have seriously neglected my blog of late due to an array of different reasons.

In short, I have been working and studying far too much and haven’t had much time to source amazing tunes or attend any gigs worthy of writing about.  

Next weekend will be a different story. I am dusting off my festival gear and driving to Sydney for Stereosonic.  I went last year and had a blast and was with some terrific people. This year is guaranteed to be the same.  With the amazing line up of Carl Cox, Kascade, Armin Van Buuren etc how could it not be an amazing day.  I can’t wait.

If you’ve been following the music news or have been to Stereosonic previously, you’d be aware they have a shirts on policy.  Its purpose? Who knows. Waste of time? Definitely. Last year it wasn’t policed – there was topless guys and girls everywhere. Did anybody care? No.

I’m pretty excited to be going to the beach or even at least near the beach. Or those who don’t know, I live in Canberra, a state nowhere near any form of water mass (well that’s at least swimmable) so the prospect of smelling that sea air is delightful. 

Until then I’m stuck with the daily grind. On the plus side I have rediscovered the Ministry of Sound Progression CD from 2008. It is absolutely bliss and makes work bearable.  If you haven’t heard it, I suggest you locate a copy immediately.

I’ll update you with my Stereosonic experience soon.

Adalita - The Repairer - lyrics say it all really.

What I've been up to

Life has been a little crazy of late hence the lack of posts on my blog. You’ll be happy to know though I have been finding lots of little gems worthy of posting and some not so much (but I’m going to tell you about them anyway.)  The first gem being that of Jerome Isme-Ae, I’ve never really paid him much attention before but 959 is a pretty awesome track.  

James Zabiela is one amazing man.  I’ve seen him on two separate occasions and both times I have been left mesmerised by his sets (and possibly his good looks.) His 20 years of Ministry of Sound DJ set is exactly what the title suggests – 20 years of excellent music. Covering everything from Bjork to Deep Dish it’s exhilarating from start to finish.

I’ve also ventured out of the house and have attended a few gigs. I am partial to the odd trance session so thought I’d go and check out Tydi last time he was in Canberra.  We got there early to see peekz, a local DJ who always impresses. He played the ultimate set to get you into the mood for the night, only to be ruined by Tydi who played utter poo. His set was some sort of electro trance junk filled with lasers. Now I’ve seen him play before and it’s been impressive so I don’t know what happened. Needless to say I won’t be so keen on seeing him next time.

I also had the pleasure of seeing D.I.M at Trinity Bar last weekend. Having never seen him before I didn’t know what to expect but I’d heard rumours he taught Boize Noize everything he knows.  His set was full of energy and made why wonder why I stopped going clubbing….until the drunk guy fell over me trying to shuffle covering me in alcohol. Call me old but I just don’t enjoy going out anymore…in Canberra anyway.

I came across a Nero remix of I’ve got a crush on you, not sure how old it is but triple J have been playing it a fair bit of late. God knows why….it is fucking horrible.

That’s all to report for now.. peace!

Gym music Vs everything else music.

The gym requires a certain type of music. I find angry music like Rage Against the Machine, System of a Down or Marilyn Manson often do the trick in getting me through a work out. Why? I don’t know…. It just helps. We’re not talking about running on a tread mill or a pump class, we’re talking cross fit.  Generally I find this is a great song for getting shit done..

Remember these?

good vs bad music

Today I find myself wondering why all of a sudden main stream artists have been teaming up with DJ’s/producers and making terrible music.  First David Guetta and now Afrojack. Is  it that its easier to make shit music? Or is that you make more money from shit music? Both are very likely.

Now I know what you’re thinking – It can only go up from here. But you would be wrong, now we have to listen to people like Beyonce and Jason Derulo singing over amazing dance music songs and generally making them shit. You’re probably thinking well, show me some good music then.  So here are some pretty good songs, enjoy!