March 8th
It’s funny when you look at the calendar and reflect back on a two month period since I last dropped some stories of my day to day activities. As I said in my last installment the next adventure was my favorite thus far… This dirty beat maestro that I’m covering has been with me since the beginning and is responsible for me meeting my wife… the man in question is a legend in my eyes… an underground rock star so to speak; Ladies and gentleman I’m about to give you my experiences with DJ Dan… oh yes… but don’t think I’m done there… oh no… I have more adventures for you! On top of this journey to Vegas I also went to Cleveland to interview Gabriel and Dresden, and traveled to LA as well to get down on tape some old memories with my long lost pal Mike and my dear friend Shauny B… these are good times indeed!
Lets start things off with a little Vegas recap… it was a crazy trip leaving Toronto; it was an early morning flight involving a connector and the custom agent decided to flex his muscles and give me a hassle about my camera. Now a hassle can be something of a moment that passes but this particular agent took it upon himself to be the prick we only stereotype about in the movies or on television. The delay became one that dragged out and within moments of coming to the conclusion that I couldn’t bring my camera, I was on the verge of missing my plane. It took me only a matter of moments to realize I needed to stash my camera in a locker, call my wife to pick it up, and make like the road runner and beep-beep through customs like a bat of hell. Sweat dripped and by the time I reached the plane with my belt and shoes in one hand and a ticket hanging from my mouth, I was a sweaty mess but fortunate for me they held the plane. Oh yeah, I was the asshole who held up the cause of getting everyone in the air and on time to their destination. I apologize but I can’t take all the blame. Fuck you custom GUY! Who ever you are! I solved the problem of a missing camera with a rental place in Vegas but this with a connecting flight drained the tank. I was tired but excited.
The night was like no other… Vegas, the city that never sleeps, ended up being the stage for my first meeting and introduction to my favorite DJ … Dan. JET nightclub was the setting and after some initial interview words from one of the icons within this culture, Dan took the house down with one of the best sets I’ve heard him play in years… it was truly an eye opening experience and the beginning of a fantastic relationship with one of my heroes.
The second adventure begins with a crazy snowstorm and a drive to Cleveland. My camera guy Dallas and I jumped into our rented car and made our way south of the border expecting a nice 5 hour drive to Cleveland but were greeted with 9 hours of super slow bumper to bumper driving as our legs lost feeling and we barely made it in time to interview our next subjects Gabriel and Dresden. This electronic music duo was a new introduction to me this year in terms of listening material and I have to say I was intrigued with their original beats and quiet demeanor. My friend Mike Mellon, who was the promoter for the event, suggested coming to check these guys out and get their thoughts on the culture. With really no background on their history except some exposure to their music, I was pleasantly surprised at what they had to offer in the comment department as well as what they brought to a live event. Club Sinergy was bursting at the seams as these two quiet guys blew away the crowd with their great beats and journey like control over their subjects. I gained a whole new respect for the duo and became excited at the prospect of having them come to the party I’m planning for September. I would recommend a night of booty shaking with these two anytime.
Now the last chapter on this particular adventure ends with my trip to Los Angeles. This was truly an exciting day for me when I got on the plane because I was excited at the prospect of spending some time with my old long lost friend Mike and his wife Monica. You become curious if things will be like they used to be and as I said before it seemed like we picked up where we left off when we met New Years Eve but this to me would be the true test. I was a little nervous but more excited then anything. This was one of my best friends during my East Side days and I just wanted it to be right. I could go on and on about our adventures over the two weeks I spent on the coast but you know what, those are memories I’m keeping to myself. Let’s just say it was two of the best weeks of my life and the two of them have been a missing piece of my life that I’m so happy and excited to have found once again. They’re truly great friends and people I have grown a strong attachment too. On top of that I got to connect with Shaun and the two of them helped me close another chapter of interviews for my documentary with their thoughts and reflections on our time back in the day at East Sides. It’s funny how individuals grow up and become respected adults but this is the point of this project. It’s about reflection and connection. Those days were our growing years as human beings and it’s nice to revisit and see that they have grown up to become amazing individuals. The more people I track down and the further this project pushes itself forward, the debt I’ve accumulated thus far and the vision I see this all becoming in it’s final presentation, makes it all worthwhile… thank you for being a part of my life… I owe you one.
For more news on the network check out www.groovetheglobe.com
No comments:
Post a Comment