THE FREE PRESS SUMMERFEST AD from Free Video Houston on Vimeo.

UPDATED: Join us DIRB! DJs at the Fancy Pants Stage at the Free Press Summer Fest on Saturday and Sunday for some cool jams–literally!

The VIP stage in the Bowl near Buffalo Bayou sponsored by Fahrenheit-Media and our Dusty Crates blog of course, is air conditioned! YES, I said AC!! Which will make it a nice break from the heat/humidity and the hotter acts at the Fest.

Brett Koshkin

Just added to the lineup: Dirty Honey’s funk master Brett Koshkin will join DIRB! DJs on Saturday. So come by and cool off with us, Gracie Chavez, Squincy Jones, G.Wizz,  Tonio, plus local hip hop act Nosaprise, electro duo Ghost Mountain, rappers Guerrilla Foco Clan, DJ Meshak, hip hop artist Mic Skillz and more special acts.

Check back for a performance lineup!

To purchase pre-sale passes and get up to date information please visit: www.FreePressSummerFest.com

Then later Saturday night, it’s the DIRB! After-Party at The Lot on Washington (4212 Washington, 77007) with Gracie Chavez and Tonio doin it real big!

Bring lotsa water and sunscreen…this weekend’s gonna be straight fiya!

Co-sponsored by www.DustyCrates.com and www.Fahrenheit-Media.com.

Raspberry Criminal from Orion Garcia on Vimeo.

This weekend, our dudes Klassen and Orion from Austin are stopping off in Dallas then Houston, completing the golden triangle of their Raspberry Criminal (sorta) mini tour. Watch them battle the best originals and remixes from musical icons Prince and Michael Jackson at the Bronze Peacock Room (House of Blues – Houston, 1204 Caroline, 77002) this Saturday, May 22nd.

The Houston battle pops off at 10 p.m. and fizzes all night long. The King of Pop and His Royal Purpleness costumes are strongly encouraged! Tickets are $10 pre-sale (available thru Ticketmaster) and $12 at the door.

Come out and get it on the floor. I’m gonna put my money on Prince ‘cuz I gotta represent for the City of Syrup!

Meanwhile, I’ll be holdin’ it down at The Lot on Washington with my DIRB! pahtnah, Cashless Tonio.

Hey, Tonio, after you get over your jet lag, I’m gonna find out what happened to my postcards from Greece! Ha!

M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.

In light of current events in the Middle East and even here at home in Arizona, MIA’s new video, “Born Free,” speaks volumes.

The 9-minute short film was directed by Romain Gavras, who also directed Justice’s thuggish “Stress,” so it’s no surprise she chose him to help convey her socio-political message by focusing on the persecution of society’s “red-headed stepchildren”.

Watch the video that’s been yanked from Youtube here and let me know what you think. But a word of warning: it’s brutal, raw and provocative.

If that’s too much, here’s MIA’s airy “There’s Space for Ol Dat I See” (also from her upcoming, yet-to-be-titled, but soon-to-be-landmark 3rd album) to temper an aggressive “Born Free”.

So how’s this for ending on a good note?

There’s Space for Ol Dat I See – MIA (filesavr)

Paper Planes (DFA remix) – MIA (filesavr)

By now Houston hip hop fans have noticed a void on the local air waves. The crazy Kracker Nuttz are no longer on KBXX 97.9 The Boxx for supposedly playing the Trae verse in a Chamillionaire song.

After 12 years on the radio, the say goodbye via their Kracker Nuttz blog:

…we want to thank everyone of you who tuned in. For all the times we felt like giving up on “corporate/commercial” radio & quitting… YOU were the only reason why we stayed. We felt like we owed it to YOU… the voice, the fan, or the listener who was never properly represented…

But these are not the last words on their abrupt departure. Taking a parting shot in an Open Letter addressed to The Boxx, writer/blogger and pusher of all things truly hip hop, my dude Matt Sonzala put it best on his AustinSurreal blog:

KBXX – you are in the wrong here. You initiated this problem, and now refuse to work to fix it. Your ban on Trae, and the subsequent actions you have taken on fairly innocent parties, is reprehensible and cowardly. It’s also lazy. I realize that in the age of 140 character tweets and Facebook updates, genuine conversations often take a back seat. This situation merits a genuine conversation, and a solution.

Your half assed, one sided solution is not the answer…

Word.

Best of luck to Clean Kutt, Baby Jay and the Nuttz; I’m sure I’ll see you out rockin more clubs where now we’ll all get that first-hand “all up in yo mouth” experience.

Read the entire Open Letter to 97.9 The Boxx at AustinSurreal.com >>

Bristol’s 20-year-old producer Joker has a passion. It’s a passion for subterranean subwoofer frequencies he’s shared with a steadfast group of dubstep fans worldwide for quite some time. Following a string of remarkable releases characterized by 8-bit sounds,  swooping synths and rattling basslines, Joker’s anthems are uniquely branded the ‘purple’ sound of dubstep.

Eventually Gritsy’s don, Suraj Kurian, tuned in full-blast.

The first time I came upon Joker was while * was running a dnb/dubstep/2step record store out of my house in 2007. I  had ordered a few copies of his first release called the Kapsize EP on DJ Pinch’s Earwax Label.

The thing that really set this release apart from all the other stuff that was coming out at the time [at least] dubstep-wise was its hype, grimey/SNES feel. It was a good release, but definitely not a game changer…

Enter Jae Swope from Sines. He dropped “Gully Brook Lane” during a set at Gritsy in the summer of ‘08.

It was the first time I’d heard [the track played] out on the Gritsy sound system, and quite frankly, it was the shit!

This track shoved my prior conceptions about dubstep immediately out the door. I wanted more.

I purchased the record that next Monday and  instantly fell for the B-side, “Retro Racer,” which became one of the first of many Joker tracks in heavy rotation in my DJ sets.

Since then it’s been a stratospheric rise for Joker, including remix work spanning various genres. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s in the company of international dubstep superstar DJ/producers Skream and Benga.

Not surprisingly, Joker’s “purple” anthems have gone over really well in Houston, particularly “Purple City” which got a lot of play last summer. I’m still partial to the monstrous “Snake Eater“.

And as expected, Joker’s recent popularity has also made him as elusive as his purple-draped comic book namesake. But persistence always pays off. Suraj and the notorious Gritsy boys finally locked Joker down for a Houston date.

Now the city infamously known for purple drank and passionate for dubstep parties is only one of four dates on Joker’s North American tour this spring. He touches down this Saturday, April 10th, at newcomer venue Wired Live (2000 Bell Street, 77003) to play alongside MC Nomad. Tickets are $20 for 18+ and $10 for 21+ before 11 p.m. with a Facebook RSVP. Doors open at 9 p.m. Purple attire and earplugs are highly recommended.

Download

“Tron” + VIP Mix (soundcloud)

Purple Wow Sound Mix (zshare)

Joker’s Guest Mix on Skream’s Rinse Show

Joker’s Sonar Mix (zshare)

“How You Like Me Know” (Joker remix) – The Heavy (mp3)

Most of you are gearing up for lots of green beer. Some of us are packing up for SXSW cheer!

If you’re staying near and feeling a wee bit of the luck of the Irish, our new friends over at Houston Blog Blog can help you find a pot of gold (or a pint of black n’ tan) amid all the local sudsy festivities.

Otherwise, head to the Hill Country as the music portion of Austin’s most coveted conference starts on St. Patrick’s day. And what a better way to kick it off than with some Down Souf leprechauns.

Hell, these videos never get old! Jump around, Jump around!!

Check back for a list of Dusty Crates sponsored and recommended showcases, and recaps from what you’ll be missing!

The beats are kickin. The bass is thump, thump, thumpin.

Your toes are tappin. The tempo starts to travel from your toes, up your leg and through your body.

Your heart is pumpin just a bit faster than the cut that’s playin right now. But all you hear is the next one cued up in your headphones.

You look up for a sec…yep…they’re still dancin. Now you’re starting to feel their heat. A beam of light shines in your eyes. The disco ball showers the dance floor with color.

OK, focus…

Levels? Check!

Beats are on…

Timin’s right…

All right, here we go…

When it comes to DJing, Austin’s DJ Mel always maintains that next level. His eclectic musical taste blends well with his masterful mixing. This DJ innovator pulls out classic gems and current tracks for awe-inspiring mixes each and every time. He programs sets from a vast collection of history’s recorded dance music. Plus, it helps when you’ve been Waterloo Record’s perennial music buyer for years.

Mel’s broad criss-crossing knowledge of music genres coupled with an unbelievable dexterity behind the decks has earned him numerous credits–Lollapalooza’s stage manager (2008), Scion “Free Your Mix” Finalist (2004) and Austin’s “Best DJ” four-times over!

But, I personally consider DJ Mel a “DJ’s DJ.” He happens to be one of my top favorite DJs of all time and, I’ll even admit, a source of inspiration for my threading musical taste in my DJ journey. But I’m not gonna discount that he still makes me shake my ass pon de floor.

Mel made his debut at The Lot (4212 Washington, 77007) with us last month in the H. It was one of the coldest weekends in Houston, but he brought some heat with him and set shit on fire. The response was tremendous!

So, I’m happy to announce that he’s back this month to DIRB! with us again! This Saturday, February 6th, get there early because traffic on Washington Ave. gets pretty heavy after 10 p.m. Parking can be spotty, but there’s valet available right out front of the Lot. There’s no cover and drink specials include our favorite Texas beer: Lone Star tall boys. I’ll be on deck to warm it up before Mel, but save me a spot on that dance floor as soon as he’s on!

Now, if that ain’t enough to get you out to see this man live in 3-D this Saturday night, push play on the video link to see what you missed last month. Or just download DJ Mel’s mixes and remixes at www.smellyone.blogspot.com.

DJ Mel Mixes

• DJ Mel – The Motel Mix
• DJ Mel – The Funky Terrier.
• DJ Mel – Live @ Nasty’s – 06.11.07.
• DJ Mel – Live On East Village Radio – 11.17.06.

For more details, RSVP: DJ MEL at The Lot, Feb 2010 (Facebook)

Kid Sister’s debut album Ultraviolet that’s been in the works for a while (you’ll recognize a few of her previously released tracks) finally dropped today, Tuesday, the 17th through Fool’s Gold/Downtown Records.

Here’s the track list with all production credits:

1. ‘Right Hand Hi’ (prod. Steve Angello & Sebastian Ingrosso)
2. ‘Life On TV’ (prod. Yuksek)
3. ‘Big n Bad’ (prod. Hervé & Sinden)
4. ‘Step’ ft. Estelle (prod. Rusko)
5. ‘Let Me Bang 2009′ (prod. XXXChange)
6. ‘Pro Nails’ ft. KanYe West (prod. A-Trak)
7. ‘Daydreaming’ ft. Cee-Lo) (prod. Brian Kennedy)
8. ‘Switch Board’ ft. DJ Gant-Man) (prod. DJ Gant-Man)
9. ‘54321′ (prod. XXXChange)
10. ‘Get Fresh’ (prod. A-Trak + XXXChange)
11. ‘You Ain’t Really Down’ (prod. A-Trak)
12. ‘Control’ (prod. XXXChange)

Sadly, the rework of Queen Latifah’s fly girl classic, “Ladies First” that Kid Sister did with Estelle was removed. However, these fine ladies teamed up with one of Kanye’s back-up singers, Joi StarRR, to upgrade Treasure Finger’s original “Come True Tonight.” Their remix, “Tonight,” will be featured on Joi StaRR’s upcoming album.

Tonight – Joi StaRR feat. Kid Sister & Estelle (zshare)

Right Hand Hi (Kingdom remix) – Kid Sister (zshare)

RHH (GreenMoney remix) – Kid Sis (zippy) <– just added!

Meanwhile, check out her ultra hot new video above for “Right Hand Hi,” the 3rd official single off the album. It was directed by Sarah Chatfield.

We here at DustyCrates are digging the underground sounds of London and all the ways that 2-step, garage and UK funky is intermingling with dubstep, house and other genres. One of those newer sounds on the scene is known as “funky” and it’s highlighted by hard-hitting, syncopated drum beats and upfront percussion.

But all along in Houston, it’s been the Lamborghini Crew who have been driving us in that direction with DJs Brad Slack (aka Bugatti) and Vince Garcia (aka Maserati) riding shotgun. They’re joining fellow DJ Antonio and I this Friday night, October 23, for our 2nd DIRB! RECESS at Boondocks (1417 Westheimer, 77006).

I caught up with Bugatti for a quick 5 ON IT Q&A and this is how he broke it down:

DustyCrates: How did Lamborghini Crew come about and who’s a card-carrying member?
Bugatti: Basically, a few of the guys like Shawn (Vishnu) and Vince (Criminal V), were playin’ 2-step and pushin’ that sound back in the day (early 2000). They joked about starting a Lamborghini crew; you know how silly Vince is. Well, I was there one time when they were talkin’ about it and loved the idea. So when we started gettin’ back into this (2-step, UKG) sound, I told him we should revive that.

Now the members are: Vicente Garcia a.k.a. Maserati; Brad Slack a.k.a. Bugatti; Dwayne Turner a.k.a. Bimmer; Shawn Jimenez a.k.a. Aston Martin; Michael Davila a.k.a. Cadillac; Ryan Boland a.k.a. Bentley; and Steve Swift a.k.a. Rolls Royce.

DC: What other forms of music were you involved with before?
B: DJ wise, it has been jungle/drum & bass, techno, ’80s and house. But I love panty droppin’ music mostly!

DC: So why are you in bed now with arrhythmic 4/4 “funky” beats?
B: Because it makes the ladies shake their ass and that motivates me.

DC: How is d&b and vinyl dealing with your breakup?
B: I still play d&b and when I do, I play 99% vinyl.

As far as playin’ on Serato, when I play UKG stuff or UK funky it’s mainly because there is so much out there and so many different takes on it that I don’t want to be limited to one vibe for my whole set. I would have to recruit a whole gaggle of record bitches, and I love the ladies too much to put ‘em through that. (DC: Gee, thanks…)

DC: What do you consider the UKG/funky/2-step anthem? And which artists are pimpin’ it hard?
B: Attacca Pesante “Make It Funky For Me” would be the “anthem,” I guess. There so many different vibes of funky it’s really tough to say just one. That tune has been in everyone’s box, though.

Also, Roska, MA1, Warrior One, Geeneus, Sticky, Greenmoney and MJ Cole are my favorite (artists) at the moment.

Roska XLR8R Mix (mp3)

Bodytronic Podcast: Greenmoney (stream/mp3)

Make your way out on Friday for the funky, fresh sounds of the newest tunes selected by our own Lamborghini Crew. There’s no cover and the show starts at 10 p.m.

Here’s a new video release from our dear and talented friend Ben Godfrey, lead singer of Listen Listen. Their video for “On the Water” from Hymns from Rhodesia (out September 22nd), is now up on youtube and vimeo!

So, Watch Watch! “Shall We Meet” with Interview >>

Hymns from Rhodesia (Murkville Music) by Listen Listen will be available in gold-embossed packaging.