by jayman | Jul 22, 2008
Yes, It has happened. I have lost my Mac. I made the jump to upgrade my ram in my Power Mac g5 (Dual 2 ghz cpu model) from the already upgraded 1.5 gigs to 5.5 with an additional 4 gigs of ram (4 single gig sticks). After installing the ram, the system booted fine with no issues and I about shit my pants when I saw the 5.5 gig memory total in the ABOUT MY MAC dialog box. I was really excited to press my mac to the limit. The upgrade was essentially for music production. Lately, I had been getting the audio clip notification and cpu monitor was peaking way to easily. With the new 5.5 gigs of ram, I was sure to not only be jamming out in LOGIC but also able to handle some dvd/imovie compilation with a bit more ease. Two days in and a simple photoshop to itune alt-tab and BOOM! the audio started to studder and I couldn’t force quit either of the apps much less move the mouse. I had to force the machine off…then on reboot, I got what I had expected to see on the first boot after placing the memory in the machine. The Three Blinks….which I knew meant the RAM was faulty. I had to check and make sure but my guess was right, three blinks mean incompatible memory. Being a computer tech, there are a few things you can try and even with my mac experience, a few secrets to get the machine running, so I had my fingers crossed. I took all of the memory out, leaving the memory that was in before (the computer was in a working state before i put the memory in so i figure it should still work) I reboot and same issue, now my previously good memory was bunk. I took all the memory out that I had put in the machine, leaving just the original 512 that came with the unit (i know, ridiculous, isnt it) … same issue. How could this be? Of course the memory only comes with a limited warranty with no warranty that the memory could possibly damage the system. So now with no one to blame and the origianl memory no longer working, I was freaking. I had flyer work to do as well as music production I was planning on getting involved in come up on the weekend. I had my laptop from work so thank god for pc versions of CS. With all the memory swapping, I got the machine to boot ONCE but froze before it got to the log in screen. Een with all the key command to reset nvram and pram even resetting the PMU on the board (thats geek talk there) NADA! The worst part of all this is the equivalent, MAC PRO, starts, and yes,I said STARTS at a mind blowing $2700.00, WTF! That alone before taxes is more than I paid for my last car, a honda accord coupe. I think even worse than that is i’m trying to apply for financing and we all know apple and their turn down rate of 99.9999% of all applicants denied. I think i need a shot of Jager.
by jayman | Jun 10, 2008
On a side note I needed to air out some things I have been thinking lately and can’t seem to figure out. Last night during our Monday usual, Brian brought up some conversation regarding some older music styles like drum and bass, ragga and other variations of breakbeat. I started to think about how I haven’t heard Brian talk about dance music more than just a sec or more in quite some time and how odd that he would be bringing up DnB. During his conversation, I started to contemplate where Brian had begun as with most of the people I know, there passion comes from their start in the dance music scene. I was thinking how music was similar for me as well. Drum and Bass was more breakbeat/jungle then when so many genres were still a part of a primordial sludge generally referred to as TECHNO. Now, I know everyone is different and everyone has their own path to take in life but when I see someone with great talent, I feel obligated to give that extra push in hopes that something great comes of it. I thought I gave Brian that push but I guess his passion lies elsewhere. Brian has done well for himself on the point of djing, but our diversion from the DnB conversation to the idea of his career was brought about when Dirty brought in his mix for us to listen to and I asked him, “Where would you intend to play a set like this?”
At this point, I could see where all of us at the bar might get our feelings hurt (I was made privy to this fact when I was in Chicago and was told I was way too sensitive and that must be a Memphis thing – of course this hurt my feelings). Since Chicago, I have learned to be a bit more straight forward with people because if not the point would get lost in the emotional turmoil caused by such a question as this. I’m not sure where my prospering intentions for Brian’s career got lost but over the years Brian’s view of me has changed somewhat from the earlier days of our friendship. I have to think this because of what was said next, “Oh gawd, here he goes…”. Perhaps my question was misinterpreted or maybe he didn’t think I appreciated Chris’s mix, or even perhaps that he thought his artistic interpretation of the mix was being challenged, who knows?
My point wasn’t even a point, it was just a question. The reason for asking was that I was questioning my own purpose, my own reasons for djing. I wanted to know what his intentions were of the mix. One might ask, why do you question one’s artist nature? I do so because I want to understand my passion for what I love. Im always at odds inside with where I am and where i’m going, what is perceived as popular and what is not, and what I want versus what everyone else wants. Chris’s mix was great. Smoothly programmed, well mixed and groovy all at the same time. His mix however was, well, chill. There in lies the issue which raised my question. I wasn’t questioning his artistic purpose but i was interested in his inspiration.
I am driven by a force that I can’t explain. I could try to describe it to you but i’d come off sounding like a religious freak and i’m far from religious. It’s like being pushed, similar to your car that wont start and you have to get a friend to push you with their car to the first pull off. Am I making sense? The force is something deep within me that comes out when I hear a sound or have a feeling. It is intense yet soothing. I wish there was a word that would encompass it all but anxious is as close as it gets. This feeling makes me excited and hyper but focused. I causes the music I make to be mainly fast, hard and driving. Thats is why I am the dj I am. Im about energy and the immediate dispersion of it. Techno and whatever sub-genre you might want to say I dabble in is the perfect fit for me and its where I call home. Over the last 15 years I have experienced so many different facets of Techno its so hard to put a cap on it and say, here it is, this is me. I love so many different styles and other genres as well. House, Breaks, Chill Out, Jazz, Ambient, Two-Step….. Rock, Reggae, Top 40, and even HipHop. Its always Techno that I come back to. My career has revolved around it and evolved from it. When I make a mix or play a show, its that force that pushes me.
When I asked Dirty that question my reason was this. I make mixes to relay that energy. They spread the music I play, representing me and the force behind me, more or less. It’s the hope that someone will not only get the mix but enjoy it so much, sooner or later, i’ll get a gig from it. As a dj, I have come to accept that I am playing a song created by someone else and combining it with another person’s song to create a fluid atmosphere of music. I try to make that atmosphere closely resemble how I feel when i’m affected by that driving force I mentioned earlier.
I love chill out more than most and some people don’t know that about me. Chill, Down tempo or more subdued mixes appeal to that part of me as Chris’s had. His mix was not ambient by any means but yes, it was more subdued than I would have imagined. I was unclear why he would submit such a chill mix to Proton when my goal would have been to try create a prime time set to represent the energy that would have been my best moment as a dj. I know, I know….. we are different people and we all have different ideas, like I said before. Thats what makes Chris him, and me , me. I wanted to know his inspiration for making that mix and why he used it for proton. “Where would you intend to play a set like this?”
I guess I will close with this thought. I’m always at odds with myself and the music I play. When is the best time to play this track or that track. When Do I say to hell with it and play what I want to play regardless of whether people will like it or not. Sometimes, I guess its just about doing what you want regardless of the out come. Play some ambient at a 1am slot or some 160 bpm DnB at 10pm. Submit a mix to a big EDM station thats nothing but indie and folk, how do you get a gig at a house event when you play techno music, what do you play for a crowd who only wants to hear the dj after you and how do you promote to a scene that doesn’t like your music ….. who knows. I don’t have the answer, and my guess is no one does. I’ll move along and continue on with my never ending pursuit of dj happiness.
by jayman | Jun 9, 2008
by jayman | Apr 15, 2008
WOOHOOOO! I missed last years dead fest but not again! I was so jealous of all the ghoulish makeup jobs and loads of blood that was spread around. I still have my contacts ready to go so it’s Zombie time. Check out their myspace page at MEMPHIS ZOMBIES. There will be a cool after show at Ernestine and Hazels post-walk. The fun starts at 6:30 at the New Daisy or come early and you can get done up by a professional make-up artist, how cool!
Here’s what you need to know:
Just like last year, we’ll be congregating in front of the New Daisy on Beale Street, starting at about 6:30. The plan is to step off heading toward South Main at 7:15. For those of you wanting to come early to get hardcore “zombified” by our excellent makeup artists, come to the pay lot adjacent to the Plush Club at 5 p.m. Last year there were plenty of people who needed help with their makeup so the earlier you come, the better chance you have of getting a badass job done on you.
Those of you wanting to become second-generation zombies (via a hearty devouring by the first-generations) should come clad in crappy clothes marked with a duct-tape X. Just like last year.
The route has changed slightly but is a bit more simple than last year. Basically, we’re trekking down Beale, then taking a right on Second, left on Peabody, left on Main and trekking down to Ernestine & Hazel’s, where we’ll be having an after party.
by jayman | Apr 8, 2008
I’m by no means am a Basketball fan but when your city’s team, with one exception, has an unblemished record, it’s hard not to want to participate. Ive been apart of the last two sweet sixteen / elite 8 game celebrations only to watch their elimination, preventing them from making the final four. All that changed this year and I was over come with pride for the University of Memphis Tigers. Unliked by most in the other divisons and by most refs, im sure you can agree, they persevered. Practically undefeated, the Tigers past not only to the Final Four but on to the Championship game against Kansas. At the start, the Jayhawks appeared to have our number, covering Rose like a blanket and managing to get Dorsey fouled out. CDR and Rose come back in the second half to get a 56-49 lead against the Jayhawks. It was in our grasp. You could practically taste the victory and how sweet it would have been. There we were with only seconds left on the clock and we had all but accepted the trophy when Kansas gets the ball after a mishapped shot and catches a once in a lifetime break with a “shot in the dark” 3 pointer and only 2 seconds left on the clock… BOOM. A bomb might as well have gone off in the San Antonio stadium. Kansas took it into overtime with an eventual win of 75-68.
I don’t think I have ever felt this bad about something I was watching on tv, especially a sports game. The tigers had managed to bring together alot of Memphians for something to cheer for. It was great. I have seen people walking down the street just to show off their spirit with giant tiger claws, pointy fingers, and covered in tiger gear. Shit, I even bought a shirt or two myself. The whole city seemed to be united, if you will, for the Tigers. It truly makes me sad to see this pass as a loss for U of M. They deserved it. The worked hard for it. It was a great game. As it is a sad thing, I still can put my chin up and say I’m proud of the tigers. I think they also should be proud of themselves. We as a city should continue to support them as they are the champions of Memphis. They have proven themselves time and time again, showing the rest of the country that we are a force to be reckoned with. Congratulations Memphis, you are #2 in the country and thats not bad at all but just remember, and I can honestly say,you’ll always be #1 to us!
G O T I G E R S!
by jayman | Mar 31, 2008
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Underworld. This past weekend makes my 3rd installment of Underworld bliss. Atlanta hosted Karl Hyde and Rick Smith, better known as Underworld via Liquified Productions. This show was not the best i’ve seen but definitely a great time. The “close to home” road trip made for a great experience since Shelley and I had been to Atlanta before and knew our way around slightly. We got to team up with Brad and Teri as we headed over to Fuego to meet for drinks with Pete K from Nashville and Doug (Eurotrash) who is an ex. Memphian recently transplanted to ATL via Kentucky. After a small downing of RBVs, we heading to the Center Stage for a rockin’ good time! After Underworld’s 3 hour performance, we migrated over to WetBar for the official after-party ft. Kazell from LA. It was a slight haze after we arrived as the bartenders were serving hefty alcohol drinks with truly a splash of Red Bull, fine for myself but the others felt it was a bit much.
HAZYHAZYHAZY….. (insert dream sequence)
Next morning, we pulled our bodies out of the bed, showered up and headed to Einstein Bros. After quick bite to eat , we were off to IKEA for a little window shopping, or so I thought. 5 hours later and a car jam packed full of boxes and nik-naks, we headed home. The ride home had a few surprises like Shelley’s window falling off track while we were in the drive through at taco bell, about an hour outside of ATL. I had to go to Home Depot (which luckily was in the lot behind where we were) and get a pair of needle nose pliers to pull the window out of the door, in the rain, lovely. We finally made it home around 10pm, way later than expected, so we kept it home for Saturday night and spent most of Sunday putting together the furniture we got from Ikea. All in all it was a great weekend with some good friends. Underworld as always, put on a great show. Nuff’ Said!
Check out their newest album, Oblivion with Bells, its a good one!
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by jayman | Mar 20, 2008
This cracks me up every time i see it. I’m definitely a fan of slapstick. Slapstick is a type of comedy involving exaggerated physical violence or activities (e.g., a character being hit in the face with a frying pan or running full speed into a wall). I grew up watching three stooges beat each other up every sunday with my brother after kung-fu theater. There is something just plain funny about when people do doubt stupid shit ie. run into glass doors they think aren’t there (ive done it before and had to laugh at myself, it was hilarious) This commercial is the prime example. Mj and I were talking about funny commercials yesterday and I had to look this one up and post. Being from DQ’s MooLatte adverts, This one in particular is a taste test comparing it to “the name brand” latte. Regardless of the fact that I like Starbucks, the commercial rocks and their advertisement department gets kudos for this one. Check it out!!!
*** special thanks to findinternettv.com and megavideo for the vid
by jayman | Mar 19, 2008
I caught yet another cool link and discussion via RA today on the ongoing music genre skirmish. Most of this discussion refers to the recent argumentative reviews in electronic sites like Resident Advisor, who delve primarily in underground dance versus indie sites like Pitchfork, labeled by one of the readers as the “definitive indie launch pad” (loosely quoted), where reviewers are trying to examine and rate techno releases with inadequate backgrounds on the subject matter. The focus of the blog’s rhetoric is on “techno vs. indie” and the ongoing crossover between the two. I recommend you read, as I did, from start to finish. The exchange of opinions is quite insightful. Unlikely for me, coming from a more techno purist type stand, I found myself meeting halfway on their points because i’ve had to move alot between the underground and pop realms over the last few years, being the “working dj” that I am. One commenter named FRED, whom I agreed with, had this to say:
…crossover is happening, and it will continue. How else would I, indie kid living in the United States, gotten into techno/house? The answer is because I listen to anything that I judge as good, and the indie and dance music scenes are proving in these days as some of the most fruitful. I don’t lament the crossover, either– I embrace it. Perhaps I’m not “purist” enough, but I think music that bends genre or defies it generally turns out to be some of the best. But for this to turn out well, both parties (i.e. the indie and dance scenes, Pitchfork and RA, marijuana and ecstasy, etc.) are going to have to learn the other’s parlance.
One of my close friend’s girl and I always get in to discussions about this very thing. It’s something I think is hard for the extremists, like us, to wrap their “ears” around. Each day I discover new music, artists, labels etc., sometimes by my own accord or through others recommendations and its an undeniable fact that crossover occurs in all of these layers of music. I find it as a dj, that sometimes crossover is what you aim for, trying to gain new listeners, new followers and hopefully turning your “indie” friends on to the “dance” music. Before I get way to into my own opinions here on the matter, check out the blog and let me know how you feel.
by jayman | Mar 17, 2008
Simply delightful. Being the geek that I am, I’m drawn to things that glow, have cool knobs, sound electrifying and often resemble objects only those who bear pocket protectors would love. Case in point, the 40h. After reading a recent RA article on Gui Boratto and his on-stage gear, I was drawn to a cool object he held in his hands. After seeing it, I had to inspect further. In A few clicks, BAAM! . . . a Philadelphia based company called: Monome.org. The beauty of this is it’s simply a device that does nothing, as mentioned in an interview with one of the makers, loosely quoted of course. This device, other than obviously looking cool, can control step sequencers, show light patterns based on a computer program, etc. The device comes in a 64, 128 and 256 button model. If you are not among the technically challenged, you could be daring to piece one of these bad boys together yourself with their DIY 40h kit. The pic here is from XNDR’s photo documentary of his assembly project. Needless to say I’m completely beguiled by this lovely techno thing and I’m going to have to get one, immediately.
Also mentioned in the article is the cool ass LEMUR programmable surface controller. At a whopping $2999 price, its only a daydream that has the potential to become reality. Damn cool and with the ability to configure at your own pleasure, its practically limitless, still…. for that price, ill need to put my hands on one first.
by jayman | Mar 2, 2008
HANDOUT v.2
Runtime: 1hour – 8 mins – 57secs
Tracklisting:
Painikattack – Plastikman
The Curse – Voodeux
Dust Noise – Mono Music
Elevation – Tiger Stripes / Jerome Sydenham
Your Face is a mess – Gel Abril
Deliverance – Pig & Dan
Blink – John Dalhlback
Do Us Part – Par Grindvik
Anon – Fergie
Mumbling Yeah – Kabale Und Liebe / Daniel Sanchez
Evolve – Prompt
Bonus2 – Bryan Zentz / Stare5
You can listen in the audio section or if you’d like a downloadable copy, hit me up either through phone if you have the digits or leave me a message here or via AIM / GMAIL = jayman (at) gmail (dot) com
