1st Annual Atlanta Weekender + Karizma/Ian Friday + House In The Park

Can I just say this: IF YOU MISSED THIS PAST WEEKENDER, YOU ARE STRAIGHT LOSING IT!

Never had this much fun and dancing the entire weekend. I got to see peoples from all over (big ups my NYC family! I LOVE you all), dance my heart out and let out tears of joy. Once again, THANK YOU Salah Ananse for conceptualizing this idea and making it a reality. Atlanta is TRULY impressed, as am I. Oh, the consensus from people that heard you spin is that you are phenomenal! Keep it going, brother! I am here if you need ANYTHING!

Alright, back to the goodness: I got my interview with Baltimore's own, Kris Klayton, better known as Karizma. When I tell you this cat ripped his damn set - OOOOOOH WEE!! Hearing 'Chasing' and 'Rain' through the speakers gave me an out of body experience. Last time I saw him was in the UK at Southport Weekender and he did not disappoint. I missed Saturday night and I am a sad panda because of it. Nonetheless, Sunday made up for it all.

I volunteer every year for House In The Park and every year I go, I always get something out of it.

Lesson Number One: Folks never learn. Why you out at the park 4:30 in the MORNING setting up your grill and food?! It was that serious, folks!

Lesson Number Two: Hugs and Love are essential in Life.
I had an emotional moment not only because of a hug, but the song that was played. Kai Alce was banging ':Let Me Show You' by Kenny Bobien and a good friend I have not seen in a while came up and hugged Rodney Williams and myself. We let out a sigh and then tears rolled. The power of Love and support is something that I never take for granted. This individual gave me open arms when I came onto the scene at the age of 16 and it is only just that I continue to spread that as well to those who are not used to this sound called House.

Lesson Number Three: DO NOT set a park on fire.
I'm going to need for folks to get their grills in check. Why was the event ALMOST shut down because of someone and their grill?! Then people in the pavilion dancing scream out loud, 'The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire! We don't need no water let the motherfucker burn!'  Really everyone?

THANK YOU Kai Alce, Ramon Rawsoul,Kwest_on, Ian Friday, Roland Clark, DJ Kemit, Salah Ananse and SO MANY OTHERS for making Labor Day the business! So yeah, the stats of House In The Park: Fire Marshalls say 6,000 to 7,000. Let me be honest and tell you AT LEAST 10,000 EASY.

 Here are pics to prove the craziness that weekend...


Much Love

The Atlanta Weekender : The Beginning

Get passes here: THE ATLANTA WEEKENDER

Let me rewind this for a second...

One night while out getting my dance on, I greeted Salah Ananse and Nina with a huge hug and similar sentiments were expressed. Us, along with several others, are music festival lovers and have had the amazing opportunity to travel across the pond to England. We all met up in 2008 for Southport Weekender and had a blast! Salah cultivated the idea and placed it into motion. The concept in a nutshell: A series of events held in a distinct location that played ANYTHING that was of SOUL in different rooms at the same time (Afrobeat, House, Soul, Funk, etc;), hence the idea of this event. The Atlanta Weekender will be taking place at SoundTable and Space 2 (Thursday - Sunday night) and Grant Park (Sunday during the day).

I am thankful to see the idea come to the table with such amazing acts, such as: Ian Friday, Karizma, Roland Clark, Miranda Nicole and Stephanie Cooke. Oh yeah, I cannot forget some of my FAVOURITE DJs on the bill : RamonRawsoul, Salah Ananse, Kai Alce and DJ Kemit. In my honest opinion, these men encompass the TRUE sound of HOUSE MUSIC in Atlanta for me. Sure, there are others that I can mention, but in all honesty (Ron Pullman and Cullen Cole are hands down favourites of mine too!) these men do it for me. Having flashbacks as to when these men truly touched me on the dancefloor is nothing but beautiful.


The breakdown:

Thursday Night: The Love Sexy Party - The title says it all! Salah Ananse and Chicago's own, Kwest_On on the decks spinnin' the likeness of: Prince, Apollonia, Vanity 6, Morris Day and The Time. What a way to kick off Labor Day Weekend

Friday Night: Afrique Electrique and Distinctive: I am gonna need water and straight Aleve for this. Ian Friday will be holding it down on the decks. Whenever he plays, I seem to lose it and go bananas! The music he plays is a dancers' dream. Along with acts mentioned earlier in the post, this should be a memorable night.
Jump over to the other room and you have Baltimore's own, Kris Klayton AKA Karizma AKA Kaytronik. Having goosebumps from memories at Southport Weekender, 4:30 in the morning with 5,000 heads jamming to dopeness. All I know is, it is gonna be hot!!

Saturday Night: DJ Kemit will be in one room spinning some beautiful tunes to get the crowd going. It is suffice to say that the true heads will be in the building! Congrats on your latest album, 'Everlasting'. It is everything a music head needs and then some. Oh, did I mention in the other room we have Chicago's own, Sadar Bahar playing some wonderful Soul and Disco gems for the vinyl heads to get down with? Come with an open ear because this evening is about to be spectacular.

Sunday: Yep. I will have my damn whistle with me for House In The Park. I ain't playing with you all when it comes to my music. To my friends: Be cute and get there late if you want. Your behind will be without a parking spot and nowhere to chill. Several people learned last year. We had rain all day, but that did not stop folks from dancing. Imagine 5,000 people dancing in the name of music. IT IS ABOUT TO BE BANANAS.

Oh and sidenote: Jamie 3:26 is gonna put a hurting on us all come that night after the park. Get ready, folks!

Get your pass, folks! It is about to be a CRAZY weekend.

Oh yeah! One more thing: On Saturday night, Secrets is having a party at the Metropolitan Lofts with my fav ladies on the bill: Lynnee Denise, Sabine Blazin and DJ Fyre.

DO NOT SAY THAT ATLANTA LACKS A SCENE NOR LACK ANYTHING TO DO ON THIS WEEKEND! REST UP AND GET READY, PEOPLES!


Much <3 nbsp="nbsp">

Tambor Party PRESENTS Djeff Afrozilla (Kazukuta, Nulu, Tribe)

Let me just say this: If you missed this man on the decks last night, I really do not know what to tell you.

REWIND TO WMC 2012 - Tribe Records Party at The Vagabond: So my brother, Carlos Mena is like, 'Yo, this kid is the truth! You might wanna stay for his set for a second...'. Ausar also informs me that this dude is the TRUTH and is to not be slept on. I go to greet him and he says hello and then HANDS ME A SHIRT and CD! He thanks me for dancing and I thank him for keeping the tunes going. Jose Marquez is finishing up his set and did the damn thing as well. Big ups Jose! We gotta get him to the A soon! His sound is amazing and so raw. Okay, I digress.

He steps on the decks and the SPEAKERS are RIGHT there in front of me. I am in a complete trance when he is on. I could care less if no one was dancing around me. I felt my ancestors the entire night while I was there. However, it was a warmth that covered his sound, along with the Angolan beats that kept me on the floor until Carlos tells me it is time to bounce. Such a humble and warm being. His set was INCREDIBLE!!!


DJ BE warms the crowd up with some dope bangers to get people AWAY from the walls and onto the floor in order to get Djeff nice and right for all to feel whom he is as a being on the decks. Stan Zeff closes out the night with some goodies I have not heard. A sista needs to know where she can her download from of the tracks you played. I WILL pay and dance even more.

Suffice to say when he played last night at 595 North, he did not disappoint. I am still on a high. I am a big fan of Kuduro and still learning more about it. The scene in itself is taking Angola by storm. Stadiums are filled with the sound. Reminds me a little bit of Soca with a little bit more of deepness intertwined. If you do not know about Kuduro, do your RESEARCH, folks!!! I am thankful that we as a city have the wonderful opportunity to experience sounds that other major cities do not have the opportunity to experience. It says a lot about our scene and the music overall. Atlanta is bringing the heat, folks!

Now onto the pictures and quick interview I did with him:

DISTINCTIVE Presents DEEPER SHADES 10 Year Anniversary at The SoundTable

HANDS DOWN: Lars Behrenroth never disappoints when he is on the decks. I remember at the South African Party when he was on and I could not stop dancing. As the ay rolled on, Liquideep just finished performing and we peek into the back of the stage. This fool is dancing and getting it in! Talk about a cool ass individual and being.

Nonetheless, he brought his A game to the Sound Table for the 10 year Anniversary of his Website/Label, Deeper Shades Recordings. Kai Alce opened up with gems that many DJ's would never rock. It takes me back to the time I was at Satellite Records and I bought on vinyl CeCe Penniston's 'He Loves me 2' and I could not stop jamming. Kai blazed that track through some speakers and I knew it was about to be an amazing night. Lars got on the decks and before you knew it, the crowd was moving and sweating the ENTIRE night. I completely lost it when Omar's 'Lay It Down', remmixed by Andre Lodermann was on. Screaming left and right, hollering 'til I could not holler anymore. Oooh! On top of that, the shirt is fab! Orange is my colour.

Thank You Lars and Kai for an amazing night! Until then, my brother! Keep it 100%!

Pictures:

Three years wiser...

Wow!
It has really been THREE YEARS since I have been updating the blog?!
Thank You ALL so much for the love and continued support!

I started the blog with the purpose of getting the word out about the House Music scene from a younger perspective. I feel as if many (especially in my age range) do not understand the genre itself and confuse it with other foolishness. I am still learning myself and it shall continue to be a process that is ongoing. I remember the first entry I wrote: Very simple and to the point about Atlanta. From there, pictures, interviews, video and so much more surfaced and I can truly say it has been a whirlwind of awesomeness! 

Some of my favourite interviews thus far (big ups to Kevin Latham for the suggestion):
- Josh Milan from Blaze
- Ian Friday
- Osunlade
- Boddhi Satva
- Carlos Mena

 I appreciate these warm individuals taking time out of their schedules to let me interview them so that all can get a deeper insight as to whom they are. Nonetheless, the interviews will continue. The videos and pictures, too!

As for HDA: We have been on a bit of HIATUS, but catch us back soon! If you do not know who we are, look us up on Meetup.com or facebook.com under 'House Dancers of Atlanta'.  As Atlanta spreads its wings to bigger and better things, this is for US ALL!

To the naysayers: STOP coming into my city with that foolishness THINKING that we are some country ass bumpkins who do not know squat about House Music. We have so many imports that it makes no sense for the division. People hear about us far and wide and want to come here. Regardless of what sound of 'House' you prefer, we are ALL in this together. Family stays together and sticks up for one another when others have bullshit to spew. Just sit back, have a seat and eat a damn cookie... IT IS OUR TURN!!!!

<3 - Deborah (deephouseATL.)

 DONATE TO HOUSE IN THE PARK: LABOR DAY WEEKEND! For more INFO: DONATE TO HOUSE IN THE PARK 8!!!!

The BEMBE Experience

As a DANCER and a music LOVER, there are so many events that I attend which make me move (given the DJ and the ambiance they provide). I can truly say this for a fact: BEMBE is one of the FEW parties that actually has me locked in on the dance floor. Now some may not understand nor care to understand the reason behind this event. My good friend, Carlos Mena, started this event while in Oakland to share the sound of music, not only through dance, but through the ancestors. I have been wanting to attend one of these events because I heard such great things about it from Oakland and Miami.

However, as soon as he touched down in Atlanta, it was ON! ThatGyrl Inc's own, Tiffany and DJ Ausar of the Kalakuta show on 89.3 play an integral part in its success. The night came into play and Ausar opened it with a crazy mix of afrobeat, House and Broken Beat (or as he calls it - HouseBroken). The crowd picked up and as soon as Carlos came on, the floodgates opened even more. I do not know what Orishas came into that one space the first night, but it was BANANAS! It was so crazy that I ended up with scratches, bruises AND getting my hair stepped on! YES! By the way, that was NOT in any means for a PR move. When I heard 'The Bright Forest', I LOST IT! You see, many do not understand the reasoning behind this event. I tell folks this: It is not for all to understand if you are not in tune with the ancestors/Orishas. BUT if you are willing to give your ears a chance to experience bliss like NO other, I urge YOU to attend the NEXT one.



Here's a glance of what BEMBE is about:

P.S.- When this comes into town, DO NOT be offended or taken aback if I do not dance with you. Zoned out the ENTIRE evening. Secondly, if there's anyone that I forgot, please forgive me, I am on a high right now STILL. Much respect to you and yours :-)

Much Love!

WMC 2012

So I am MAD late with this post because I am slowly coming down from my HIGH from Winter Music Conference this year. EVERYTHING and ANYTHING that happened for the best came into play and I am thankful to be a part of such an amazing festival.

First and foremost, I want to say Thank You to the following:

Talaia, Soukeyna and Shana - These three right here are the business! Made the trip BOMB from day one! No cattiness, no drama and most importantly, everyone did their own thing and we all managed to meet up at the same place. Memories I shall cherish because you all are my sisters! I LOVE YOU ALL!

Yoli Chisholm - Such a pleasure getting to bond with my sis! I can truly say her wings are bigger and shall continue to immerse herself in positive vibes. Love You bunches, lady and Thank You for letting me do your makeup once again! You ARE FIERCE, baby!

Carlos Mena - This is my brother! Stellar sets during WMC. I mean it! Still mad about not getting that chocolate shake because they were out of Ice Cream. Where they do that at? LOL!

Madam CJ - She is my big sister and has taught me the realness from day ONE! Thank You for making this trip for me hilarious, yet memorable! DARKNESS!!!

Brian Scarlett - One word for you: Allriiiiiight! Always keeping it hundred no matter what.

Amonds Mack and Rodney Williams - One of the first to show me Love and open arms. Without these two, I truly would not be immersed in the scene as I am now. Made me a fierce chick times ten! I love having beautiful men by my side. I Love You with all my HEART!

The TRIBE RECORDS UK CREW (Dean, Kristelle and Matt) - Another banging party this year at The Vagabond. Thank You so much for the Love and keep bringing out the tunes!

The ATL crew - As you know, we did the damn thing and represented! We are a force to be reckoned with. Now we just gotta take it to the next level. Big ups RamonRawsoul, Salah Ananse, Ausar and any others. We are laying it down, folks!

Boddhi Satva - What can I say, brother? You are divine and such an honour to be acquainted with you. Still trying to find video from the dance circle that we were in when you called me out. Keep banging that goodness and by the way - Is that 'Window Seat' out?! HEAT!!!

South African Peeps - THANK YOU DJ FRESH for the Love! I had a blast at the South African Invasion! YOU DID THAT!!!

Djeff Afrozilla - Such a pleasure meeting you. Thank You for the CD and the shirt :)

My Toronto, Australia and London Peeps - Always a pleasure seeing EVERY single one of you! I plan to travel to see you all. Better have something on deck when a sista arrives!

ARE YOU AFRO? CREW - Bring the Afro to the masses and keep pushing! See you in NYC this summer :)

Sabine - I cannot wait to see you! I am so proud of you, sis! Keep climbing and banging those joints, mama!

Laurent and Seydou - It was brief, but fun nonetheless! Thank You, gentlemen!

If there is anyone else I forgot, my bad. I send an abundance of LOVE! 

Quick recap: Favourite Parties
- Ocha Records Rooftop Party
- Global Soul Launch Event
- Brooklyn Mecca
- TRIBE
- Dance Ritual
- Sounds of Atlantis
- Dance Ritual
- Afrique Electrique
- South African Invasion

Know what is even better to prove the awesomeness of this event?! VIDEO! Enjoy!



LOVE and see you at the next!