We are doing a last big push on a project here at work. Finding it difficult to find the time to do the things at home which make everything worth it. I was able to wake up early this morning and jam out some chords and rhythms. Its a quick piece with little complexity but with a full track layout.
http://soundcloud.com/kirkwoodwest/work-vibe
Enjoy.
Space Police was djing tonight at Redstar and the vibe was just right. It’s great to hear him play because he is always playing new tracks, re-inventing the old, integrating it with his digital setup. In my mind it was perfect.
Then there was this guy calling him out on music. Wasn’t sure why at first because the music was incredible classic tracks mixed with newer and still tasteful sounds. He was complaining about something, maybe it was the format(digital djing)? Yet the groove was there, the sound was fresh and the music was flowing. I couldn’t really understand it until we sat down and had a couple words.
He told me stories about…
Waiting 2 hours for the record store to open, so he could purchase the new records.
Working and saving up for weeks, so he could buy the new jams.
Learning the art of mixing using turntables on an old realistic mixer.
Learning how to use classic equipment to make beats.
Meeting with heads one on one, sharing information which would introduce an element of culture.
How its so easy to do these days because its all instant access via computer, internet and software.
How people can now get all this stuff for free.
How all the new methods of doing music ruins the love behind it.
I could see his point of view. I started out at this level of “analog” because I lived it and did these exact things. This is what I grew up on and over time it evolved into what it is now. However, one thing he made clear was that doing in the old days was needing to have the love and passion to make it happen.
This passion and love is crucial for anything to be worthwhile. Times have changed because of new technology, but this still doesn’t mean you can leave the love behind. Love is about putting in the time. Love is about the effort. Love is about patience. Love is about the passion. True love is unconditional, not wanting or needing anything in return.
I too miss these old ways of doing things and will always reflect on them. I’ll reflect on them here on this website, with friends from back of the day and with new friends of the future. They were important stepping stones for me and the rest of the world. Everyone will continue making those steps. I know my passion hasn’t burned out and I’ll continue doing the music and continue loving every moment of it.
To Space Police Radio, keep doing what you do. Digital or vinyl this seems irrelevant in modern days. You dig for hours on end for music, you can hear this in your sets. You know whats up, keep at it, keep making this music new and fresh to inspire the younger generations about house music.
To the guy calling Space Police out, take a step back. This music and its format will continue to evolve. History shows us that we are constantly in a transition phase for music. Before house/disco records of your generation came out, the real musicians were being replaced by DJ’s who didn’t know what middle C is. My message to you, is to keep loving what you do, stop trying to call people out because they aren’t doing it like you used to. Inspire people with your message by love and devotion to your craft.
slow motion tracks.
Been in the studio lately working on slow motion music. I can’t get enough of it… for example.
Also, if you know of good slow motion recommends. I’m also into more of the weirder sounding stuff… Like the stuff on workshop. Please hit me up or leave a comment!