Dusty Crates

Here’s a bit of the hair of the dog that bit ya last weekend.

With so many Valentine’s-themed mixes to choose from, it felt like standing in front of the condom aisle wondering which was gonna get the job done.

I rounded up five mixes, so choose a flavor to get you in the mood. Or try them all–just be sure to also pick up Alka-Seltzer for that love hangover in the monin‘!

1) The Motel Mix 2: For the Ladies – DJ Mel (aka Mel Caravicci) [mediafire]
A nice segue from our last post, this smooth transition is brought to you by none other than our dude in Austin, DJ Mel.

It’s been a minute and since it’s that Valentines time of year, I’m breaking you off another volume of THE MOTEL MIX. This time around, the focus is on the ladies and female R&B groups.

Get the track listing at www.smellyone.blogspot.com.

2) VDAY Mix – DJ A-One [mediafire]
Double-whammy! Also coming off an All-Star weekend high, Dallas’ DJ A-One found time to drop this joint. Find out how insane it got at www.djaone.blogspot.com.

3) #CHNS2DSD – Bobby Trill [zshare]
This one hails from our boy Bobby Trill in S.A. He’s been rampin’ up on them Twitter hash tags and this is the pantie-droppin’ outcum. Squincy Jones pimped it on his blog Awwready:

This mix hops around genres with dope cuts and blends while staying on that luvy dubby tip.

4) Cowboys & Girls, Vol. 1 – Ace Boon Coon & B*Luxe [mediafire]
B*Luxe dropped this hot one on me via email. Now that he’s back in the H, B*’s ready to ro-de-oh with pahtnah Ace BoonCoon! Check ‘em out at www.cushcushco.com.

5) LuvStep – Dirty South Joe & Flufftronix [direct]
With dude-step now synonymous with dubstep, it’s a huge relief to hear that Dirty South Joe & Flufftronix exposed a softer, more feminine side thru LuvStep. No half-steppin’, this podcast mix made me wonder why I didn’t think of it first (thanks, SDF-One ;P)! Mami likes!!

We live in a cynical world, and we work in a business of tough competitors, so what’s in a wobble? You don’t have to be a smart man to know what love is. LUVSTEP completes you and is programmed for pleasure. It’s music for starry nights and candle light…slow wine and grind time. Dirty South Joe and Flufftronix are your captains for this maiden voyage into the heart of the boom’s cosmic bosom. It’s amazing, the love inside. You take it with you.

Peep the track listing and more on Mad Decent.

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)

We’ll miss you…

DIRB! wherever you go.

<3 Mami

I met artist Christian Navarrete over the weekend. This guy has been on the Houston art and music scene for a few years. I finally put a face to a name and his artwork. He’s part of an upcoming show, ROCK EM’ DEAD, on Tuesday, October 27th at the Continental Club (3700 Main @ West Alabama, 77002).

The mixed media show includes art not only by Christian, Lizabeth Ortiz, Catfish and more, but also live music acts, belly dancers, human torch performers, Aztec dancers, body art and fortune tellers. If you can make it out on a night during the work week, stop by and support your local artists at this free–yes, FREE–event. Doors open at 8 p.m. www.myspace.com/artelibre

FRIDAY 9/25

We look fly! We feel GOOD!…Come out and play with us!

FB RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131841798479

SATURDAY 9/26

11am-3pm – GRACIE CHAVEZ DJs DANA DAVIS Fall ‘09 Trunk Show
at Nordstrom – Galleria, Houston.

THEN…

10pm-2am – Nacional Records, Fahrenheit-Media & Lunaface Promotions combine forces to present PACHA MASSIVE listening party & KINKY after party with DJ GIL CEREZO (Kinky, MEX) at DEAN’s Montrose.

The Pacha listening party is followed by the official Kinky after party with none other than Kinky lead vocalist DJing Gil Cerezo on the 1s and 2s. Check out the interview with Gil and more info at Lunaface’s blog.

Be the first to hear their NEW sophomore album, If You Want It, and get FREE CDs. Their music is a funky bilingual fusion of traditional Latin rhythms, like Colombian cumbia, Dominican palo, reggae, dancehall, sexy dub and electronica.

Then, DJ Gil joins Gracie & G.Wizz as we spin new sounds of Latin music (bajo tropical, cumbia bounce, dance rock, disco, electro and beyond) for the night.

FB RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131405053068

See you on the dance floor!

Pioneering turntablist Grand Master Roc Raida passed away on Saturday, September 19. Roc Raida was a founding member of the New York DJ crew X-Ecutioners, whose pyrotechnic scratching helped redefine the art of turntablism in the ’90s. (AllHipHop.com)

In 1998, I had the pleasure of interviewing and writing a feature on the X-men, including Roc, for a national ‘zine for posterity. As it turns out, it was their turntablist skills–orchestrated together and individually–that seemed unprecedented, leaving a personal lasting impression. Literally, I was blown away.

In the wake of yet another seminal DJ’s passing, DJ AM, it brings to light the fact that disc jockeys and DJing have become such an integral part of our, dare I say, pop music culture. From celebrity DJs to celebrated turntablists, these individuals have helped craft DJing into a true artform.

One way to keep that legacy going has been thru the Scratch DJ Academy. Founded in 2002 by the legendary Jam Master Jay (Run DMC), Scratch aims to legitimize, validate and extend the role and importance of the DJ and producer into new arenas. The Academy has set up shop in NYC, LA and Miami and also books talent for top-notch events nationwide. I may just be one of the few hundreds, but I’m glad to be representing Scratch in the H. I’ve just been added to their roster of DJs. I plan on doing my part and taking it to the next.

In the meantime, respect and may you rest in peace Roc Raida and AM.

Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve written here. What, maybe two weeks? Well, that’s way too long. Since then we experienced Oktoberfest in August, the start/end of a *ahem* new monthly (it had potential–just sayin), and the close of a high-flying venue (it went three months strong, yay! *applause*). Here’s the long-overdue recap:

Lasting longer than the requisite 16-day beer fest, Sista Stroke’s tour through Texas evidently still has some of us in an intoxicating honeymoon phase. The newlywed popped into the H for special “homecoming” performance at The Flat’s Sideways Tuesday with DJ Pooks & Drew and then played along with Eddie Spettro in her original hometown, San Antonio. Who knows how long she’ll be in the Lone Star State or if she’ll make another cameo behind the decks before jumping the pond back to London. But if you happen to somehow miss her Freaking Freely here, you can always tune into Mr. and Mrs. Hun’s Brick City House podcast sponsored by ChicagoHouseFM.com on Wednesdays.

Meanwhile, the DIRBY! came out of the starting gates at a slow trot. I’ll admit, we enjoyed the pageantry and newish spot; who cares if there wasn’t much participation–we still had fun. We did manage to declare a DIRBY! mustache winner at the end of the night. Thanks to TABC’s late entry, we thought G.Wizz had it in the bag until said agent and pahtnah swaggered in at 1:45 a.m. He won, hand(lebar)s down!

Speaking of going down, let’s all pause for a moment of silence for the untimely demise of the indirigible airship-themed venue. In it’s heyday it was a mecca for Rich’s over-spill; in its most recent short-lived rendering, it was a ragbag of music and misfits. And although it didn’t amass the notable acts and acclaim that Walter’s on Washington did, it goes to show that throngs of d-bags don’t always ruin it for everyone.

So now that we’re moving on, I should note that DIRB! Block Party is on an indefinite hiatus from Washington Ave. Last Saturday’s performance with Jessica Lozano at the Boo Williams show at Block was certainly memorable enough that I recorded our Les Femmes reunion. G.Wizz capped it off on the decks after 3 a.m. Click below for a listen.

On short notice, however, I’m closing out the HMNS Mixer & Elixirs summer series tonight before the lively Latin act Grupo Ka-Che takes over the Dino Exhibit Hall. It’s been a fun gig all summer long, thanks to the open-minded museum curators!

And tomorrow, Saturday, 8/29, Antonio & I are DIRH! (Doin It Real House) again at the swanky Zimm’s wine bar while LBO Takes 5. And heed this: no socks for shoes people! RSVP pronto on Facebook >>

Meanwhile, I’ve updated DustyCrates’ sideline events widget with upcoming event flyers. Peep it. iCal it. Twitter it.

And as promised, more music mixes:

DIRB! Live on KTRU (May 2009) (mp3)
Listen to the 3-hour long live mix with Squincy Jones, Gracie Chavez, Tonio, G.Wizz & Jep in it’s entirety.

Les Femmes Gracie Chavez & Jessica Lozano Live at Boo (August 2009) (Zshare)
Thanks to HMH’s Jep, I’m learning to record on the iKey-Audio. Here’s the raw, 3-hour live set from last Saturday.

Thanks for reading this extended DustyCrates Blog-a-thon of the Month. You’re now exempt from the pop quiz.

Awwready.edu & Nana Chill Present…

Speakerboxx Thursdays Grand Finale

Thursdays in July, 2009
The BACKROOM (3718 Main @ Alabama, Houston, TX)
Doors open: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.; No Cover; 21+

For Immediate Release
Contact: Fahrenheit Media, info@fahrenheit-media.com, or pr@fahrenheit-media.com

Houston, TX (07/21/09) — This July is the final month that Speakerboxx runs its course at The Backroom (3718 Main behind The Mink). Thursdays belong to the Speakerboxx heavyhitters two more weeks with hosting DJs Squincy Jones and Dayta on deck plus El Roy Boogie and Reko Trill on the mic. The last Thursday night, July 30, is host to the not-to-be-missed Sneaker Summit Pre-Party.

For a year and some change, the weekly hot spot, which was a spin-off of the wildly popular Rock Box at The Proletariat, has been hosted by resident DJs Squincy Jones (Awwready.edu) and Dayta (NanaChill.com). This duo continues to meld music genres, bring in national touring DJs and, most importantly, bring up local talent.

You can catch the Speakerboxx gang over at Block 21 (2420 Washington) on Fridays, where they regularly spin more “party rocking jams”. Their official Rotate Fridays kick off at Block 21 on July 31st.

So for now, don’t sleep on the LAST TWO Speakerboxx Thursdays in Houston:

Links to more on Speakerboxx:

Bring your cameras, folks. The last night is going down at the Backroom!

[Note: Dusty Crates is not responsible for any visual distractions herein. Blame it on Squincy. Thanks.]

El Fin.

Calm down!

We’ve got the next installment of the DIRB! KTRU live mix recording from last month.

And it comes your way on a very special day! Yes, it’s now officially summer, but it’s also DIRB!’s third anniversary.

So in celebration, and without further ado, here’s DIRB! Live on KTRU Part 2 mix from our latest DIRB! family member, Squincy Jones.

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD DIRB! Live On KTRU – Squincy Jones PT. 2

http://www.zshare.net/audio/616307815afc2adf/

PART 2

Bassnectar – Art of Revolution (Original)
Jayou – Crack Hands
Brumak – Arcade Rave
Deadmau5 – I Remember (Caspa Remix)
Kid Sister Feat. Kanye West – Pro Nails (Rusko Remix)
La Roux – Bulletproof (Foamo Dubstep Remix)
gWorm (Slimer) – Windowlicker Remix (EXCLUSIVE DEMO)
Virgo – Freak
Distance – Night Vision (Skream Remix)
Dave Gahan – Saw something (Skreamix)
Stagga – Sick As Sin (Feat.Skamma)
Mims – Move If You Wanna (gWorm Dubstep Edit)
Joker – Digidesign
The One True Jazzy Devastator – Textbook
Squincy Jones – Pop Trunk (Nintendub Edit)
Gangsta Red ft 2 Mello – Ima Tell Ya Mama
Menusha & The Girls – You Boys Can Boogie
Rick James – Superfreak (NES Remix)
Sonido Del Principe – Wumbia

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE MIXES AT WWW.AWWREADY.BLOGSPOT.COM >>

- DIRB!
…in case you thinkin’ we ain’t

Twitter, I wish I could quit you!

JUST IN TIME FOR OUR ALL-OUT DIRB! BLOCK PARTY (aka SDF-One’s B-day) THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 27 AT BLOCK 21 (2420 WASHINGTON) …

DIRB! DJs took over the KTRU Rice Radio airwaves on May 22. Here’s the first installment of the 3-hour long mix we recorded. SQUINCY JONES, GRACIE CHAVEZ, ANTONIO, G.WIZZ & JEP were on hand to make it happen. The only thing that didn’t happen was that awkward family photo Antonio forgot to take!

First up, it’s a dubstep mix (PT. 1) by Squincy Jones featuring an intro by moi–Gracie Chavez.

Enjoy!

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD DIRB! PT. 1 here:

http://www.zshare.net/audio/616304082588f349/

GRACIE CHAVEZ (INTRO)

Faust – Feel.Love.Thinking.Of (Mexicans with Guns Remix)
M83 – We Own The Sky (Udachi Dubstep Edit)
The Postal Service – We Will Become Silhouettes (Mexicans With Guns Remix)

SQUINCY JONES

Rumblejunkie – Training
Rusko – Bionic Commando Theme
Skream – Sandsnake Ft. Cluekid
Prodigy – Breathe (NumberNin6 Remix)
Dread Foxx – Pump up the Volume Remix
Chase & Status – Eastern jam (Vaski VIP)
AC Slater – Calm Down
The Streets – Blinded By The Lights (Nero Remix)
Marchmellow – YoungFolkDub
Dubbel Dutch – Dem Bones (EXCLUSIVE DEMO)
DatsiK – Nuke Em
Joker – Do It

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE MIXES AT WWW.AWWREADY.BLOGSPOT.COM >>