Saturday, January 11, 2014

F.I.L.A.M. = Forever I Love ATLANTA Music

DISCLAIMER: If I forgot some tidbits, my apologies. Things were coming to my mind at that moment and HAD to get it out.

My apologies for the lack of posts. Life has kept me on my toes I am now in NYC and savoring all that it offers. Truly thankful for this experience. However, I am missing my Atlanta Music family right now.

Last night was a fine example: I got to see Kai Alce at Output. Anyone who know Atlanta KNOWS of Kai Alce. Yes, he is Detroit bred in his sound, but his home is ATL. I remember meeting this being at 16, while scoping records with my mom at Satellite Records (Rest In Peace). Such a humble being, yet a music connoisseur who could tell you EVERY single piece of info about a track. Talk about amazing! One of the 1st records I bought there was from Tortured Soul. I got home and played it on my Technics and the sound was Heaven to my ears.

I say all this to say: TREASURE those who impact the movement in the RIGHT direction. The uniqueness of our movement (notice how I did NOT say scene. That ends and another chapter starts. Movements shift and create energy) is what I love. As a young being in this movement, I am always amazed and blown away by the history that paved the way for many to do what they do in this city today. Still learning and growing from the experiences that I have encountered. From people playing at Ying-Yang Cafe, Kaya, MJQ, Backstreet and so many other joints. I can go to ANY city and when I mention Atlanta, I get a few of the following:

A) I did not know that you all had a scene there
B) Yeah I have people down there that do events
C) What's that event that happens every Labor Day? House In The Park, right? Friends of mine went and were blown away
D) Tambor is the lick! I have to make it down there for it.
E) There are some fine ass women who go to the events that I see in pictures and posts. What's their names?
F) Such a youthful and open quality that you rarely see. Keep it moving!



I remember one night while at MJQ dancing on stage with Rodney, RamonRawsoul approached me. No lie, I was wondering who the heck he was. He reached out to me to check out this event that he was doing at Candler Park called House In The Park. Changed me and turned me out. There was less than 200 bodies there. We are now celebrating its 10th year. About 10k the year before and one of my closest beings that I know. THANK YOU!

Meeting Salah Ananse one day through Nina and hearing his sound was like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. He paid attention, got advice, took notes and BOOM! Respect, homie!

I remember mom coming home with Ron Pullman CDs and we jammed out. Letting the children have it and losing it all at once in the middle of May. Going to Earwax and seeing what Ron offered to everyone. Such a cool cat and I miss that sound...

Ausar bridging the Ancestral World with this realm always makes my soul sing. Opening up discussions and having powerful beings on panels that reach out to the masses. I have so much Love for this being. Respect!

The way Cullen Cole fuses B-Sides and Disco with some House favourites/rarities guarantees that all will be good while on the dance floor.

Meeting Kemit through moms and Kai, then being blown away at his sets at MJQ. Always showing Love to everyone and reaching out to those who want to know more. He keeps it funky, raw and soulful.

Going out to MJQ my first night and meeting Rodney Williams, Ruby Omar (Rest In Peace), Content, Soul, Twa, Talub, Tac, Shana, Isis, Cardrian, Pebbles, Jennifer, Brian Scarlett and so many others.  Some of us danced to House Music and some House Dancers (there is a difference, you know...). Losing our ever-loving minds (sometimes clothing) whenever a track came out. The darkness of the club and the bodies all in motion...


Thankful to have met and know pioneers of this movement, even though some may not understand or fully grasp their sound. We are losing pioneers and we must respect and honor what we have.

My definition of Atlanta's sound: You have a conglomerate of cities that influence it. However, it is of our own. You have Chicago, Detroit, NYC, Milwaukee/St.Louis, London and so forth. You cannot just peg our sound just by hearing one DJ.

Sure, you can go The Gathering and hear RamonRawsoul and Kai Alce play. You hear their distinctive cities, BUT you do notice a variance of sounds that is blended into the sets, which makes my Heart sing. You can go to Tambor and hear Stan Zeff and DJ BE spin, but you hear their roots. Just listen.

Too many people pigeonhole one city's sound and honestly, it bores me. I cannot hear Afro all night. I cannot hear classics all night. I cannot hear Disco all night. I cannot hear Garage all night. Mix it up, folks! That is what makes House Music unique.

And to those who like to create ruckus for the simple fact to bring attention to themselves within our movement: Stop it. It ain't cute. I know for a fact that I will not be attending an event if all you do is bitch and whine about things that ABSOLUTELY have no merit. If you disagree with things that occur within our movement, reach out to the pioneers and get some knowledge before you spew inaccurate statements. I have had to distance myself from several due to this. I personally do not care nor want to contribute. We are here for the music, not ANYONE'S personal agenda. If you are of that Light, do us all a favor: remove yourself. You are only causing yourself more harm to your reputation than anything.

Our family may have its imperfections, but at the end of the day, we come together in the name of music. I am sick of outsiders coming in and saying rude things about our movement. If you do not know, ASK. To be honest, it is disrespectful and detrimental to you.

I get it. Your city knows House Music and do all that it can to preserve its sound. Although that may be the case, do not come to Atlanta and think that we are behind, some country ass bumpkins or lack knowledge. You may be surprised if you step outside the box and experience something brand new. Your ears will appreciate it. Trust me.

I may be in NYC and getting a taste of the movement here, but ATLANTA will always be my HOME!

I LOVE each and every single one of those who bring happiness to many on the dance floor.

THANK YOU!!

P.S.- If you are in the Atlanta area MLK weekend, PLEASE go to MJQ for our MLK celebration. Cullen Cole, DJ Kemit and Kai Alce on the decks. Date: January 19th!! One of the few events that gets me happier than a child on their birthday.

Love.