• FATHOM DJ UPDATES
  • ABOUT & CONTACT
    • CLIENTS, VENUES & REVIEWS
    • PRESS, PODCASTS & PEEPS
  • SERVICES & BOOKINGS
  • FATHOM DJ ORIGINAL MUSIC
  • MULTIMEDIA ART PROJECTS
  • FATHOM'S STORE
    • Original Music
    • Gear
  • Music, My Life & More Blog
#FindingFathomDj

​Music, My Life & 
​More...

A Special #BoozeandBoogie Session

9/27/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
.Anyone who has had a conversation with me knows how I feel about facebook and what I call "the birthday parade".
One of the many things that annoys me is those who parade around social media begging for attention, based on the fact that it's their bday. Not only did I make the decision to hide my bday, but vowed to not celebrate it publicly. After getting down to the week before my bday, I decided to invite a few friends, colleagues and family to The Charleston, for what ended up being more than a simple drink.:) I curated a playlist specifically of my favorite artists, disco edits and such. Feel free to take the journey to youtube or spotify and listen to the #BoozeandBoogie playlist.
Thanks to Sarah, Sol and those who joined us, for what became an official birthday party for me. I'm still smiling based on the surprise that started with a simple invite for 1 drink!
Consider joining us 10/30 for another #BoozeAndBoogie session for #scorpioseason!!
1 Comment

#BOOZE & BOOGIE AUG. SESSION

8/30/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture

Monday a patron (aa) sat and pretty much rocked with us all night. Towards the end of my set he asked, do you play this great music at the black venues you spin regularly? My reply I try. We both sighed of embarrassment. #whichboxareYOUin #didYOUbuildit#ordoYOUmaintainit? #boozeandboogie


I am committed to creating a space where i can be free musically. Where people don't make request and allow the dj to navigate the experience.... 

I've updated the playlist on youtube so you get an idea of where the journey goes when i lead... 

​www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6wMpgDpeCKVoqq4yvR70_E2P8qGJdKLm

Picture
0 Comments

#BOOZEANDBOOGIE7.31.17PLAYLIST

8/1/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
In Chicago SOME folk need to be sold on what they are getting before they show up (social media whoas).
Last night we had another booze and boogie session. After getting quite a few compliments on the selections, I decided to start publishing a playlist of the tunes here that I run (per event) and on youtube. 


Uncle Sam (Original Mix) Jet
Negro Muzic Glenn Underground
All Is Full Of Love (Miquifaye Vocal) Anthony Nicholson & Jaidene Veda
Come Into My House Queen Latifah
Get Your Money will.i.am
Weekend Phreek
Kissing Strangers (Ralf Gum & Crisp Original Club Mix) Ralf Gum feat. Monique Bingham
Lovebeat SUMO
Can You Feel It (Original Afro Samba Mix) Carlos Francisco
Beat Goes On Ripple
Queixme (MAW - kuts mix) Tom & Joyce
Beng Beng Beng Femi Kuti
Talk to Me Third World
I Can't Get No Sleep Tonight (Original) Monodeluxe
Get On Up, Get On Down Roy Ayers
Voices Inside My Head (Roger Sanchez Mix) Police
swimming places Julien Jabre
Do You Have It (Maurice Joshua Remix) DJ Spen, LeRoyal, Maurice Joshua
I'm ready---kano
Your Ways The Jacksons
Numbers Kraftwerk
Glamorous Life Shela E
It Must Be Magic Teena Marie
Am I Wrong (feat. ScHoolboy Q) [Explicit] Anderson Paak
It Seems To Hang On Ashford & Simpson
Get Lucky (Clean) Daft Punk ft Pharrell Williams
Restart Bilal
Hold On (feat. Sampha) Sbtrkt
Until The Dawn (Milk And Honey Pt. 2) The Foreign Exchange
Take Me To My Love (Ralf GUM Main Mix) Ralf GUM feat Monique Bingham
Jimmy go n=boom james brown rmx
The Trumpeter (Original) - 4A Ray Foxx
Never Figure Out (Stimming Remix) Rasmus Faber feat. Emily McEwan
In My Heart (Original Mix) Sean Ali, Munk Julious, Rona Ray
Lettin' Go! Janelle Monáe
Baby Gets High Peter Brown
Burnin' Up Imagination
Afro Jump (Afro-Jump-Uptown Remix) Solodinjgo
Walk Right Now Jacksons
I Kendrick Lamar
American Boy (118 bpm)INTRO - 8A Estelle & Kanye West
Beat Goes On  (feat. Kanye West) Madonna
Dirty Low Down Boz Skaggs
Do I Do Stevie Wonder
Jamiroquai - Blow Your Mind (FFS & JRG Rework)
Hey Love Quadron
Lite Spots KAYTRANADA
it's the falling in love (mikeandtess edit) Michael Jackson
Chameleon [Unmixed] Pregunta
Funky Nassau (Part 1) The Beginning Of The End
Erykah Badu - (one) 20ft Tall (De Spice Rub) - Uncle D
CONVERTION - LETS DO IT (KRYSTAL KLEAR NY MIX)
Apache Sugarhill Gang
Treat'em Right Chubb Rock
A Roller Skating Jam Named "Saturdays" (Disco Fever Mix) De La Soul
Superstarr Pt. Zero K-OS
Blame it on the boogie     The Jacksons                  Liquid Spirit Gregory Porter
The Spinners - Its a Shame (The Groove Supplier Remix)
Call The Law Outkast Feat. Janelle Monáe
We Trying To Stay Alive – Clean
DAngelo - Betray My Heart (Chillhop Edit)
Free Your Dreams Chantae Cann
Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly Lizz Wright 


Of course the goal is to get you to come and join us on the last monday of the month, which is 8.28.17 at The Charleston 2076 N Hoyne Chi 9p.
Picture
0 Comments

#MUSICMONDAY A Few of My Favorites ..Who Sing...

5/22/2017

0 Comments

 

Yes, I don't really care to socialize electronically much. I prefer to look folk in their faces physically. The issue with this is most folk are in public gazing in their fons. I too struggle.(lbs)

This past weekend my long time friend Patrick and I took to the road, as he assisted me in providing the soundtrack for another wedding ceremony (all love). On our way home I played one of my current mixes for him and turned him onto a few new songs and artists.  I just wanted to give you a bit of background for the inspiration to this post...

No they are not in order, but we will start off with one who I've followed for a few decades...

I don't have to explain it really. When I hear her voice and lyrics I don't simply hear moniquebingham.com/ in her current "genre", which is soulful house. I hear HER BLUES, wrapped in soul and jazz, made danceable to a four on the floor kick. I am now a lifelong fan. #endofstory

I really don't care what you think about any of my picks for some of MY favorites.

This next cat has been labeled a bit of everything, from gay to crazy. And though few give him the title of genius, I'm certain that he is... Another genre bender Bilal is not confined by eras or sounds from rock to jazz opera to soul, just to name a few. I hear my mother's music and the future, free and uncensored by the confines of pop/hip hop.(who knew american music would ever associate these two so closely #wateradded) 

I might be cheating by putting these two together. I just saw a video to the remake of one of my  lifelong favorite songs by Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway. 
I can't recall when I first heard Tony Momrelle, but I'm certain it was based on some house tune he was featured on or in association with incognito. Of course I thought of Stevie and the other soulful greats easily categorized under #mymamasmusic. Yes TONY has been dope and combining him with the lovely sweet vocals of  MS. Chantae Cann makes for a fresh and fun  remake that still fits nicely under many categories, including disco, funk and most certainly SOUL. Back Together Again...

Thanks to Sean Ali and Sounds of Ali for the intro to the beasty Rona Ray. Every time I play the song Patrick asks the same question... "who is that!?, then he goes on to talk about her sounding like India Irie and Mariah Carey. Thank god they are both great compliments to Rona Rays credits. I have yet to venture further into her catalog as I know it's wider than soulful house. I am living for what she has done with these two Chicago underground producers and looking forward to more.

I know your attention span can't take much more so, upon occasion I'll pop up and add a few more of my entries of my all time and current favorites. Be glad, maybe I've spared you and your wallets, that is if you decide to PURCHASE music. #seehowispunthat :)


Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Repost from 2010... Djing and Mixing doesn't change ...

5/15/2017

0 Comments

 
Please take this for inspiration though it may come off harsh.I am not the perfect dj, and yes art is subjective! Just this afternoon, I decided instead of roaming through the radio stations (educating myself on random tunes), while driving to Evanston (which is beautiful this time of year) I would listen to mixes that other “dj’s” had given me recently. Though I will not name names (I could LOL), I was utterly disappointed to find that these individuals either are not mixing at ALL or doing it poorly. Having come from being awed on the dance floor and wanting to convey the feelings that one LIL LOUIS happened to evoke in me (as a kid), I became obsessed with listening to and figuring out how dj’s transitioned from one song to another. I was slow about calling myself a dj because I knew that Chicago was (and still is) a breeding ground for dj’s AND of course harsh critics. When one comes from vinyl; straight arm pitched dial tables, to standard technic 1200′s, to cdjs, up to mixing software (serato), you learn the ropes. The entire trip is MOSTLY based on tuning ones ear, translating through the equipment to the crowd.Of course there has been many debates about technologies influence and the trend of djing, with everyone from random celebrities, to little kids playing dj hero, assuming that they can rock a party. My issue is TITLE. In my opinion if you aren’t even attempting to MIX 2 mp3s, vinyl or cds TOGETHER seamlessly (or close), you are not “MIXING” and I’d almost go as far as to say NOT DJING. Scratching, transitioning, even dropping tracks, ON BEAT is a part of the art. I even respect cats hollering (though I hate the air horn) over tracks when transitioning from song to song. Titling yourself as a “dj” and getting gigs to play out and simply playing one song after the other without honing and using the skill as stated above is NOT DJING (in my opinion). Call it selecting, call it hosting or toasting. When i think mix cd’s i think MIXING. A cd with spaces (dead air) between each song is not a mix it’s a compilation. I don’t care if you have the hottest music taste, find the rarest grooves, unearth every bob marley and michael jackson tune never heard.People need to know that mixing and djing is an art and learn the true fundamentals. You only add to why ipods can easily be used to replace dj’s doing otherwise.Listen to your tunes and find out what sounds similar and work on mixing and transitioning. No one is perfect at it and yes some rely heavily on editing or djing software instead training their ears.I am applying this way of thinking to my next endeavor (production) as well stay tuned!Even the best of the best can learn new and different things, I love this cat and his videos! Peep and be inspired!If you want it to be real work at it. There are far too many ways to learn.
Picture
0 Comments

Every Dj should have one #BOOZEANDBOOGIE

4/25/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture

This past Monday was the beginning of my new monthly residency at the charleston in bucktown/wicker park. It reminds me of my beginnings at Buddha Bar. Yes BAR not lounge. Simply put a place to get free. If you are lucky you might have a spot where you can navigate the journey and the patrons allow it. This unfortunately is not the norm for djs anymore. People have gotten so demanding, they expect the dj to spin everything they want to hear. This most certainly works for weddings, birthday parties and corporate events. Uh huh bookings that PAY you to play exactly what they want. The current club, lounge and bar scene has allowed people to navigate the musical journey, which has eliminated taste-making. Taste-making, no requests, simply the dj and their history and experiences leading to all things fresh. The god son sol nakai, dj and producer knows of this first hand. I think this in part of the reason why he invited me to join him and his long time friend Sarah for their Monday vibe building. And vibe building we did and shall..

here are a few of the tunes i referenced on monday

Michael Jackson Todd Terje rmx

solange kaytranada rmx

tullio de piscopo stop bajon

freedom in django anthony hamilton

jukka eskola 1974

yesterdays new quintet life's angles

rich medina too much

prince i feel for you

anderson paak am i wrong

​
our next session is planned for 5/29/17 which is memorial day ... consider joining us for another #boozeandboogie session!

0 Comments

#Musicmonday new magic .. I mean music ... ;)

4/17/2017

0 Comments

 

At the end of this week, we break new ground. Khari B. (Discopoet) and I have known each other longer than I can remember. If we didn't cross paths anywhere else, we would meet on the dance floor. And the boogie IS still for real. We have worked together on more than a few occasions, as I have provided the soundtrack for events he has hosted and performed. We recently joined forces on stage, to create a bit of an impromptu jam session for Brews, Brats and Brass. What's different now? We have added making a music together to our evolving conquests. Working with Khari affords me to be craft quietly and strategize. I love the idea that I can simply whisper and he nods.

This first project "Apocalyptic Conversation", started with me and anger. The world shows me things that lead me to believe we are doomed. I took that energy and made a title and then a beat. I know we need to talk about what is to come, that is, IF we don't collect out resources and them together. I hand Khari the title first and don't recall having to explain why. (whispering) I drop the beat in dropbox and in no time flat we have the beginning of our upcoming release. Initially it was going to be a beat track. We powwow about keys and Shawn Wallace enters the conversation to add dreamy strings, pretty chords and "Ooooo's". This changes the angry / doomfield energy I intended into... HOPE. Shawn takes it a step further and suggests we add Maggie Brown to further drive that point.
Needless to say I now see this as community art and healing.

Apocalyptic Conversation is now a beautifully woven tale of how to make wrongs right. The magic in the process of creation to completion has me overwhelmed with the possibilities, that will come from this one tune. Using the term tune might be cheapening the experience. After finishing it, it sounds more like theatre. I am excited to see what stages we get to give life to this piece on.... 4/21/17 we give this first piece to the digital world.




​

Picture
0 Comments

#musicmonday getting busy  & a chicago jedi master

3/20/2017

0 Comments

 

no, i'm not new to this game, well not completely. last year i released my first 2 singles online and i can't say that the response was soo overwhelming. based on the critics and haters  who don't have the gumption to try it,  i wasn't met with an overwhelming stream of yays. lol i am most certainly continuing my process of creation and very excited about what is set to come. as my goal is to release a continuing stream of tunes in order to build up my catalog, i have quite a few comrades on board to assist.., as always i am inspired and grateful.

yesterday i had the honor and pleasure to meet aundre miller. aundre is a seasoned multi talented musician who has played with quite a few of chicago's soulful luminaries. he talked of dinha washington, sam cooke, donny hathaway and ​the chi lites, just to name a few. we had many conversations about technology and i even got a few lessons for my usage of logic x. aundre showed me a book called the man behind the music about carl davis, one of chicago's music pioneers. there is soo much beneath our understanding of chicago's legacy as it pertains to music. aundre is most inspiring to me based on the fact that he is still working and feverish to enlighten young jedis by helping them to navigate through the waters of this ever changing music industry. aundre is the jedi master this music monday!

0 Comments

#sundaystruth i am being reminded of why i am not fond of fb

3/18/2017

0 Comments

 

we are not all alike. we don't share the same ideologies and world views. we don't have to. what we have to do is UNDERSTAND people individually and you don't have time or the attention span for that.  for some strange reason it feels like we are pitted against each others based on the NUMBERS GAME and insecurities. grown people are very easily manipulated these days. you now seem to believe everything that comes down your timeline without further and  direct SOURCE research. algorithms show you what they want people to see OF you and immediate  judgments are made without seeking further explanations. you won't get a real understanding of people UNLESS you know them in REAL LIFE. videos and livestreaming does help but only if people care to understand. i have tried it time and time again. my participation started with myspace. your every move was not announced and seen as it is on fb. youtube probably was my second space for communication because i needed to break myself of shyness. i have had enough again. my entire reason for being on sm is to market myself and again fb fails me in doing so. so i will keep my interactions on personal page to a minimal, drive my content to  fanpage, instagram, and my youtube accounts, besides it being collected HERE.

Picture
0 Comments

Creativity & Djing

2/25/2017

0 Comments

 

The other day I was reminded of how many angles there are to djing, in addition to the reason why people do it.
I was drawn to the art of djing based on feeling the power of a dj by the name of Lil Louis. I'll never forget the day that I stood on the floor at Medusas and looked up at him with the feeling of relief. My thought then was, I want to make people feel like he just made me feel. There was power in how he played and also what he played. I know I caught the bug that night, though it didn't show up in my real world until a few years later. I can't say that it was JUST house music that he played. Having a better understanding of what house music was comprised of helps. As far as I understand today, it started with danceable rnb and soul. Tunes over 105 bpms and higher. And yes it was more than those 2 genres. There were splashes of pop, new wave, gospel, latin vibes and even jazz. I can't recall rap or hip hop being played specifically, but when you consider what hip hop was doing in the mid to late 70's, the music came from the same sources.
Why mention this? I feel like the dialogue needs to be expounded upon again now, especially based on the popularity of djing. 

There are tons of reasons why people are drawn to djing. There's a power in manipulating people, music most certainly has a way of doing that. The perspective of several different djs could probably better help you understand, but I will give you my multi layered opinion. At this point people are doing a lot of things simply for attention. This is based on influence.Technology plays a very important role in this. Social media is of course a part of this. Attention for brands that produce products music related and other, are using it to draw people in. Some people dj for money. That's a simple explanation. There are people who love music and can't or won't learn to play musical instruments or produce music, who dj to express their love of music. And then there's me. I like to make people happy. Music relieves and heals. It's always around and has a way to speaking to your woes.  The dj has the power to create a space for people to let go of their ills. NO not all djs are aware of or interested in healing people. Radio, tv, news and most certainly social media, pay prominent rolls in setting the tone for society. It is supposed to be based on what we do, but more so it's about what they want us to do. What I want is for people to get relief and inspiration. The concept that they can go on and feel good, even though life throws them curves, speaks to the healing it can convey. Music has the power to help push mankind further. It' s why I persist. Just my thoughts out "loud".

0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    fathom spits

    when i come to the jam 
    know who i am
    aint bout the flim flam
    no i dont give a damn
    about where you been 
    or what you rocking
    when the tunes hit
    we'll see whats popping
    not stopping
    though i did slow up
    to be more precise 
    and detailed 
    catch a close up
    or maybe get a glimpse
    nobodies hoe
     but the game got pimps
    i stay exempt
    and stand in the light
    fame got glimmer
    but my glow just right

    ​

    Archives

    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    September 2017
    August 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017

    Categories

    All
    African Dance
    African Drums
    Boo Williams
    Chicago
    Chicago Arts
    Chicago Djs
    Creatives
    Culture
    Dance Music
    Disco
    Edits
    Fathom Dj
    Female Dj
    Free Spirits
    Glenn Underground
    House Music
    International Djs
    Literary Arts
    Music
    Non For Profit
    Poetry
    Producers
    Soul
    Soulful House
    The Boiler Room
    Underground House

    DONATIONS

    RSS Feed

    Listen to "Fall things ..." on Spreaker.
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • FATHOM DJ UPDATES
  • ABOUT & CONTACT
    • CLIENTS, VENUES & REVIEWS
    • PRESS, PODCASTS & PEEPS
  • SERVICES & BOOKINGS
  • FATHOM DJ ORIGINAL MUSIC
  • MULTIMEDIA ART PROJECTS
  • FATHOM'S STORE
    • Original Music
    • Gear
  • Music, My Life & More Blog