Saturday, March 6, 2010

LIBRARY MUSIC NUGGETS #1











Any one who's well-acquainted with me knows I love my rare funk and jazz. If you're like-minded, and do some digging, you'll uncover a satellite world revolving around PRODUCTION MUSIC or 'LIBRARY MUSIC', which is basically original soundtracks, scores, and music for scenes made specifically for film, TV and other media. Although a large portion of this music was never actually used and has been locked away forever, many nuggets have indeed been used in various capacities and have even made their way onto re-issues and compilations. As you can imagine, in the 1970s, it was heaped high with the funk. One of the finest keyboardists/session players/writers/arrangers in the game from that era was UK's ALAN HAWKSHAW, who penned seminal jams like "THE CHAMP".....







.....Father of songstress KIRSTY HAWKSHAW (who's lent her vocal talents to DnB artists such as PARADOX, SEBA, and OUTRAGE), ALAN made countless, complex takes on fusion which fit snugly into mood-setting backdrops for action and dramatic scenes in '70s pop culture. Also a prolific collaborator and session musician or 'sideman,' HAWKSHAW found time to record a few solo LP's including 1977's 'THE ROAD FORWARD' (KPM 1192) which produced many a dope cut, including these.....





ALAN HAWKSHAW - "MAN OF MEANS" (KPM, 1977)








ALAN HAWKSHAW - "SKY TRAIN" (KPM, 1977)








If you're hip to the printed word, check out Issue #38 of WAX POETICS. Since the publications's inception in late 2001, WAX POETICS has become somewhat of a bible to me as I continue seeking knowledge on the funkier side of culture's past and future. Issue #38 has a great article on European Library Music production houses/labels such as KPM MUSIC and DeWOLFE MUSIC. It's all written and put into context by none other than DAVID HOLLANDER, 70's and 80's childhood actor who played "LITTLE EARL" BENNETT on TV's WHAT'S HAPPENING!!, and more recently, the man who lent his expertise as music supervisor for 2009's cult funk celluloid hit 'BLACK DYNAMITE' (which is pure entertainment on its own, but is also expertly complemented with a soundtrack featuring many slabs of LIBRARY MUSIC tracks and scene 'stingers' - quick, mood-enhancing, shots of music) alongside a great original score by ADRIAN YOUNGE.







More "LIBRARY MUSIC NUGGETS" to come in the future.....

MAGE Releases Debut Album 'IF I COULD' on KILL INC




This month sees the release of Russia's up-n-coming producer to watch MAGE's debut LP for the KILL INC imprint entitled 'IF I COULD'.









Feel-good music... personified.

A jam-packed set of dancefloor smashers coupled with deeper vibes (with a healthy dose of soul and funk to top it off), 'IF I COULD' is online now exclusively at BEATPORT.COM for digital download. Come April, it will see a worldwide release in both digi and CD formats.




Tracklist:

01. Mage - "A Deeper Love"
02. Mage - "Let's Try Again" (feat DK Foyer)
03. Mage - "Imagination" (feat D Int)
04. Mage - "Sleeping" (feat Grinda + Zigzag)
05. Mage - "If I Could"
06. Mage - "I'll Fly With You"
07. Mage - "Movin' On"
08. Mage - "My Soul"
09. Mage - "Purple Clouds" (feat Zigzag)
10. Mage - "Summer Love"
11. Mage - "The Movable Sound"
12. Mage - "Voices"
13. M25 + Subsid - "Rio" (Mage's Summer remix)
14. Sequent Industry - "You're In Love" (Mage remix)






Check out some previews from the LP...

















An artist who's already been extensively featured on GREENROOM shows, MAGE is becoming a prolific producer with a staggering catalogue of tracks, collabs, and remixes under his belt thus far. The 19-year-old KIRILL hailing from CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA has also found time and energy to run his own imprint ONE SIZE RECORDINGS. Featuring a delicate blend of dancefoor burners mixed with deep atmospherics, ONE SIZE has already made its name known with excellent releases and forthcoming music from LAZY, HIGH FEEL, DJACKONDA, GAD, D.INT, and THE STATESMEN.






• MAGE on MYSPACE
• MAGE on SOUNDCLOUD
• ONE SIZE RECORDINGS on MYSPACE
• KILL INC on MYSPACE

Friday, March 5, 2010

SUBMORPHICS - 'GOLDRUSH' (Free Tune Giveaway)




Helping kick off the GREENROOM Blog this week, Detroit-native and now fellow Chicago resident SUBMORPHICS has graciously given the previously unreleased track "GOLDRUSH" from his extensive back catalogue up for FREE download.




Grab your copy: ** HERE **










A few words from the man himself...


"Originally slated for release on US-based label CYMBALISM RECORDINGS as the flipside to another SUBMORPHICS tune “STEREO 72,” this 2005 liquid gem unfortunately never saw the light of day. I was reminded of this track recently by an enthusiastic Polish gentleman, and though I had lost the mp3 years ago (fail), trusty Chicago friend JAY CAPPO had the mp3 in his archives. Now you, the DnB public can download this slice of rolling funk onto your computer, play it in your DJ sets, brock out in your car to it, put it on at your next dinner party, or play it for your nan when visiting her at the retirement home."


- SUBMORPHICS








Since SUBMORPHICS first releases in 2006, he has gone on to grace many of the scene’s best soulful labels such as WESTBAY, SPEARHEAD, FUTURE RETRO, PHUNKFICTION, FOKUZ and BLU SAPHIR. Having received heavy support in 2009 from FABIO, BUKEM, and MARKY, SUBMORPHICS is currently locked away in his Humboldt Park studio working on a series of fresh cuts for WESTBAY MUSIC to be released in Summer/Fall/Winter 2010. He is also collaborating with fellow soulfully-inclined junglists RANDOM MOVEMENT, LENZMAN, and noodling on his guitar for GREENROOM curator DJ STUNNA's lush atmospheric works.





• SUBMORPHICS on MYSPACE
• SUBMORPHICS on FACEBOOK

Offworld Recordings 002: METHOD ONE - 'In The Dark Hours'/'Bloodlines'







Scotland's LM1 has recently launched his OFFWORLD RECORDINGS label featuring deeper, atmospheric tracks. March sees the debut release from San Francisco-based producer METHOD ONE with two thick slices of goodness in the form of "IN THE DARK HOURS" and "BLOODLINES". Definitely grab yourself copies.










METHOD ONE aka JASON LEDER has been producing and DJing since the early 90's, with a string of impressive releases under his belt from labels such as LEVITATED, VIBEZ, VAMPIRE, COVERT OPERATIONS and many more. With forthcoming releases on DOC SCOTT's prestigious 31 RECORDS and DJ support from the likes of LTJ BUKEN, LOXY, MARCUS INTALEX, FLIGHT, PRESHA, ASC, SUBJECT 13, and STUNNA, METHOD ONE has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with.


"IN THE DARK HOURS" is a sublime reinterpretation of a track which originally was released on ASC's now-defunct (and very missed) COVERT OPERATIONS label. With deep pulsating bass, tough drums and hypnotic synths, "IN THE DARK HOURS" is a journey into the darkest regions of outer space, a point where deep atmospherics converge with obvious dancefloor sensibility.

"BLOODLINES" is a caffeinated hit straight to the cerebral cortex, with a rumbling analog bassline setting the stage for a massive Amen workout. While the beat-and-bass assault are sure to keep the dancefloor on its toes, subtle details abound to reward repeated listenings.


Available now from the OFFWORLD SHOP and all fine online digital outlets.





On the BASSDRIVE-tip, you can catch METHOD ONE Fridays, 3-6pm CST/9pm-Midnite GMT for his 'VINYL + CIRCUITRY' program. Also, LM1 will be debuting his own brand-new show on the station this month on March 15th.







METHOD ONE Links...


• MYSPACE
• SOUNDCLOUD
• FACEBOOK

'LAB SESSIONS' Spotlight Feature on STUNNA - March 7 on Bassdrive




So after a few years creating 'Spotlight Mixes' on various Drum+Bass artists that I respect during select 'GREENROOM' shows, the tables have now turned and good friends FUSION from the URBAN CHEMISTRY RECORDINGS label and hosts of the 'LAB SESSIONS' show on BASSDRIVE are going to be airing a spotlight mix on my work through the years. It's airing this coming Sunday, March 7 from 6-8pm CST/Midnight-2am GMT (early Monday).










A quick peview...


"We are pleased to announce that this Sunday, March 7th 2010 Lab Sessions will be hosting a special spotlight mix to honor one of the most talented and respected Drum and Bass producers from the states today. STUNNA (aka J. Cappo) has skillfully crafted his own unique style and sound within the intensely fast-paced world of Drum+Bass music. With a number of strong releases on various high-profile labels worldwide, and a solid Stateside and international touring schedule under his belt, this host of BASSDRIVE Radio's popular 'GREENROOM' show is determined to spread his own sound as well as exclusive tracks from producers around the globe. Please join us this Sunday as we pay a tribute to a good friend and brilliant artist... STUNNA."





STUNNA Label Affiliations:

31 | Bassdrive Radio | Basswerk | BIOS | BS1 | Defunked | Fokuz | Fokuz Ltd | Forestry Service | Funk Star | Future-Retro | Golden Orb | Have-A-Break | Influenza | Levitated | Lucky Devil | New Identity | Outsider | Peer Pressure | Phunkfiction | Phuzion | Point 9 Audio | Red Mist | Respect Records | Santorin | Sidechain | Telluric | Urban Chemistry | Vampire | Vibez | Westbay




Link to invite page...










Also, get ready for a brand-new compilation from the URBAN CHEMISTRY RECORDINGS crew hitting the market this April entitled 'STANDARD GRAVITY' which will feature music from myself, BIONIC1, ATMOSPHERIX, QUMULUS, ATP, CALCULON, CYBASS, MIKROB, HEAVY1, QUANTREK, PK, FONIQZ, PROZOO, MOLECULAR STRUCTURES, FUSION, SQUASH, SENSUS, NUSENSE, BROKEN DRUM, ALEX M and DIZZY MUZZY. It will feature an un-mixed CD alongside a mixed CD of the cuts and exclusives.



Thursday, March 4, 2010

'THE GREENROOM' March 3, 2010 Tracklist




Yes, I do indeed post my weekly 'GREENROOM' show tracklists over on the BASSDRIVE ARCHIVE FORUM, but I thought I'd use this blog as a bit more of an in-depth view of each week's show (when I have the time!).

Many people ask 'where can I download each show?' Quick and easy answer is: I actually don't upload them online. Main reason is because the music each week is very new or 'fresh' and some of the producers don't want early or unfinished versions of their music spread on the web yet to download. As a producer myself, I totally understand their point-of-views and can relate. To be honest, having a 3-hour show each week is not necessarily an easy task to fulfill as I'm constantly trying to provide brand-new music each session, air young producers' work, and promote friends' and colleagues' labels as well as my own work. So, all that combined makes for a delicate equation and I really try respect all the producers' wishes as well as attempt to provide a unique experience each time you tune in to a show. If you really want recorded documents of shows, I suggest using a Streamripper, but I don't appreciate having shows re-uploaded online. I do however have a vast archive of my BASSDRIVE sessions, GREENROOM Spotlights, and various mixes I've done for other sites, blogs, etc which you can grab over on my MIX ARCHIVE PAGE courtesy of the POSTBOCKS website.














STUNNA
'THE GREENROOM'
MARCH 3, 2010
BASSDRIVE.COM




TRACKLIST…



• FOREVER WEEKEND (MR JOSEPH)
• LEARN TO FLY (SEATHASKY + BEATCHEMIST)
• BREEZIN' (BLUE MOTION + ANDY SIM)
• HIDE WITH ME (SUNNY CRIMEA)
• SIMPLY (EVESON)
• FRY UP (CAPSIKA)
• KICKBACK (INDIVISION)
• REVIVED (RADICALL FEAT. KATEE)
• COCKTAIL (IMPLANT)
• BLUEBERRIES IN AUTUMN (BLUE MOTION)
• IZMIR (JUSTICE + METRO)
• TRAIL OF TEARS (ECLIPSE)
• MIDNIGHT HOUR (BROKEN DRUM)
• OVERTIME (FRICTION + K TEE): SPECTRASOUL RMX
• DRUMS MUTED (HEAVY1)
• OCTOPUS (CJ WEAVER)
• SKIES, KINDNESS, HAPPINESS (MR SIZEF)
• SQUISH ME (BRANDON MILES + TRICKY PAT)
• ROLLER X (NAIBU, HYDRO, SPINLINE)
• NIGHT WATCH (arQer + REALTIME)
• CHAPTER TWO (SPIRIT)
• MNML FUNK (ICICLE)
• DARKEST FEAR (OUTRAGE)
• DEAD RISING (DATA + DYNAMIC)
• THE DEAD SEA (ASC)
• THOUSAND MILES (RADICALL)
• SEOUL (NAIBU)
• SUPERSTITIONS (IMPLANT)
• TOUCH FEEL (JUSTICE + METRO FEAT. MOMENTUM)
• LAST TEAR FROM YOUR FRUITY EYES WILL CONCERN MY SPACE WHEN NIGHT WILL VISIT US (MR SIZEF)
• EXPLORERS (BLUE MOTION)
• LISTEN (CJ WEAVER)
• YOGA (SPECTRAL TYPE)
• KID RIO (EDWARD OBERON)
• THE BUG (S.P.Y.)
• YEAH, THAT'S IT (RANDOM MOVEMENT)
• DUMBSTRUCK (COMPOUND)
• SO MUCH SILENCE (RADICALL FEAT. KATEE)
• CAPTURED MOMENT (POISE + HYBRID J FEAT. CHINA)
• FIRST DREAM CALLED OCEAN (HELIOS): STRAY RMX
• DRAWN FACES (TYLER STRAUB)
• I'M GONE (BLUE MOTION + THE SQUARE)
• SUPER BASS (MARKY + DRUMAGICK)
• THE LOOKING GLASS (arQer + REALTIME)
• TRACTION (FUSE)
• THE RED SUN VIP (STUNNA + INDIVISION)
• PHOTOGRAPH (INSTRA:MENTAL)








As I mentioned during the show, SOUNDCLOUD has successfully integrated itself in this music's scene as a means for producers and labels to trade each other's works, preview music, and network in general. Personally, I've not upgraded to the more advanced package for my own personal page, but it's a great site to check out and join if you're a producer. That being said, this week's show featured a few different artists I linked thru SOUNDCLOUD, namely IMPLANT out of Hungary and D.C.'s CJ WEAVER. Both have a ton of great, original sounds. Seek 'em out. Debuted a few minimal tracks from past GREENROOM 'Spotlight' artists BLUE MOTION, as well as Russia's MR SIZEF. Played a few more bits from the excellent, debut collaborative LP '839' courtesy of JUSTICE + METRO on the unique and experimental MODERN URBAN JAZZ label (which should be dropping in shops and online in the coming month or two). New Orleans-based ECLIPSE continues to amaze with his well-polished soundscapes - you'll be hearing a lot more of him and fellow producer SOMA in the coming months for sure. Tokyo's HEAVY1 is quickly becoming my go-to guy for deep, clean tracks (be on the lookout for a podcast mix I did for him and the DEEP FLOW TOKYO FM show). Poland's RADICALL keeps coming with the goods and I played a few cuts from his own wicked imprint entitled NIGHTWORKS MUSIC. Watch out for RADICALL's debut 'EMOTIVE' LP on the great ABSYS RECORDS. Bigups to SHO and the Dublin, Ireland kru. Good friends FUSION who run the Miami-based URBAN CHEMISTRY RECORDINGS are set to drop their next label release featuring BROKEN DRUM's "MIDNIGHT HOUR" backed with "STOLEN LOVE" rounding out another great release for the imprint. Look out for a label LP and Mix coming soon from UCR, as well as a spotlight mix they're doing on my work - more info on that in the next blog........

Exclusive Interview for PATTERNAWARENESS.ORG and FREE Tune








Recently did a quick interview with Florida-based (and fellow Bassdrive DJ) METHODUS for the PATTERNAWARENESS blog and also gave away a FREE track.






Quick preview...



STUNNA is a Drum+Bass producer, DJ and live performer from Chicago whose jazz-influenced style is spreading rapidly. He’s also well-known for his 'GREENROOM' internet radio show via BASSDRIVE, the internet’s go-to spot for Drum+Bass, 24/7.


Besides sharing some insight into his views on the current state of DnB, his influences and where you can catch him during the 2010 Winter Music Conference, STUNNA's sharing his tune “Strange Behavior," which you can download here.



Special thanks to METHODUS and SOMEJERK for hooking the interview up.






Check out the interview and grab the FREE track: ** HERE **

The Door Opens.......










Welcome all!



Glad you could join me here in THE GREENROOM for what potentially will be a winding road of a journey thru an assortment of music, media, arts and funky bits from around the globe. Just a bit of background for those who don't know me: after growing up in suburban Chicago, I've been involved in the music scene for the better part of my life. Starting from the beginning: I had a few years' keyboard and theory training which progressed into playing in various live bands, toured around the U.S. a few times, and have also been lending my hands on a number of House music productions and remixes by the likes of ROY DAVIS JR., MARK PICCHIOTTI and RALPHI ROSARIO.


Fast forward a lil bit to now and I've been producing and releasing original Drum+Bass music under the name 'STUNNA' on a wide variety of established and new electronic dance music labels for the past few years. It was only a natural progression that I also picked up the DJ'ing aspect of the music, too, and have toured extensively around the States as well as over in Europe. Back in the early 2000's, I linked up with fellow Chicago DJs who themselves were involved with the still-young BASSDRIVE internet radio station. After many hours logged guesting on various shows, I was given an opportunity to host my own program which I named 'THE GREENROOM'. A bit of a nod to the term referring to the dressing room or 'waiting room' used by live acts at music venues, 'THE GREENROOM' was officially launched April 26, 2006 as a platform to showcase new artists, fresh music and also as an informal 'view' of the scene as it quickly progresses.


You can catch the show live every Wednesday from 2-5pm CST / 8-11pm GMT on www.Bassdrive.com.


There is a chatroom on the main site (I suggest using an IRC client for optimal use) and I also have an Instant Messenger set up during shows as well under the name: greenroomdnb





For further links and info on my music + live shows, here are a few links to get you started...


SOUNDCLOUD
MIXCLOUD
MIXCRATE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
DISCOGS
ROLLDABEATS






So there you have it folks. I'll be updating this page with a bunch of different things on a regular basis. Thanks for stopping by!