paper buddha » techno

Elite Force Interview and Mix

dj.michael.todd — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 02:49:52 +0000

Sorry for the tardiness on this post, but the past weekend just absolutely spent me!

Paperbuddha has an exclusive interview with arguably the most innovative producer/dj we have seen in quite an eon. I had the pleasure to meet Simon Shackleton, aka Elite Force, this past weekend as he played a sweaty 3 hr set in Dallas, Texas at Afterlife. We even managed to muster up enough strength to watch the World Cup Final at a proper pub in Grapevine before he had to jet back home. Enjoy!

01. You obviously love to meld different styles of music. What do you listen to that catches your ear?

I was talking about this the other day actually on my Facebook page and regardless of the genre I think I just respond to music that ‘connects’ with me somehow, on a personal level. I guess it comes down to the ‘heart & soul’ of the music above anything. I’m just as taken by the dripping rock’n'roll ethos of something by Dead Weather as I am by the savage drop of an Excision dubstep monster … and equally the compulsive techno groove of something by Alex Di Stefano will ‘get me’ whilst on the other hand I will be singing my HEART out to something like ‘Station Approach’ by Elbow. Music for me is about a personal connection & a passion – I couldn’t care less about what other people say & think. I just trust my own personal judgement and I’m comfortable with my own choices without having to justify them to anyone.

02. You were one of the first electronic artists to use direct to fan marketing. What attracted you to the concept?

In some ways that sounds a bit corny or a bit ‘focus group’ but that’s more a reflection of the terminology and the use of the word ‘marketing’. I’m keen to develop relationships with the people who buy into & enjoy what I do, and technology is just a facilitator that allows me to do that in a way that’s inclusive and reciprocal.

03. Deadlines for remixes/artist collaborations are inevitable. How do you start projects and manage the timeline to the release dates?

It’s a constant juggling act, but deadlines are to be embraced. They are your friends. They ensure that you buckle down and commit to studio time as & when you need to and it’s very rare that I’m late with delivering something to someone … time just becomes more elastic as you reach the deadline.

04. New technology is always paramount nowadays to production, especially with electronic music. How do you weed through all the new programs and gadgets to make your sound fresh?

I’m as guilty as anyone of buying into the ‘trade mags’ in whose interest it is to constantly hype the newest, latest updates & softwares, but at the same time I’m more than aware that none of this ‘new-hype’ really matters. Look at what Hawtin’s been capable of in the past by massively restricting his sonic palette – you can say the same of many musicians over the years across a whole load of different musical fields. What really matters are the quality of your ideas, and more importantly, that your workflow expedites these ideas rather than hampering them.

05. What qualities do you look for in new talent to sign for the U & A label?

Obviously the music needs to fit the bill for me, but just as important is that our artists understand the need to seize the networking opportunities that are out there for everyone. The more output we have from them to work with, the better, and the release of singles or even albums is now just part of that process and not the be all & end all.

06. What do you have in the pipelines that will just blow everyone away, of course without giving away all your secrets?

I could tell you, but I’d have to kill you.

Elite Force Pantheon/Afterlife DJ Mix July 2010

TRACKLISTING
01 Intro – Godspeed You Black Emperor – Dead Flag Blues (Elite Force Revamp) [CDR]
02 Mike Hulme – Set The Controls [U&A Recordings]
03 Alex Di Stefano – Something is Movin [Mantide]
04 MJ Cole – Sincere (Nero Mix) (Elite Force Revamp) [CDR]
05 Excision – Subsonic (Elite Force Revamp) [CDR]
06 Dirty Super Car – Get a Grip (The Loops of Fury Mix) [Grand Hotel]
07 Felix Luker – Mechanical [U&A Recordings]
08 A.G.Trio – Bass Effect (Zodiac Cartel Mix) [EtageNoir]
09 The Loops of Fury – Rack Em (Zodiac Cartel Mix) [U&A Recordings]
10 Zombies for Money – Numbra One (Foamo Mix) [CDR]
11 Sub Focus – Move Higher [RAM Records]
12 Vandal – Big Dog (Elite Force Mix) [Benefit]
13 Elite Force feat. Bare Noize, Fatboy Slim & Chemical Brothers – Hangover Deep [CDR]
14 Outro – Elite Force – Psychotrope Jams (extract from a mashup)

TJR – Summer Pool Mix 2010

dj.michael.todd — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:49:30 +0000

For the last 16 years, TJR has been weaving his way in and out of the electronic music world as a DJ and producer. His djing roots began in North Carolina where he went to college for golf but discovered mixing and scratching instead. After graduating in 1998, he went full throttle with djing by making a name for himself with track selection and a scratching & mixing technique that set him apart from others. He managed to win a few DJ battles along the way and was featured in URB Magainze as a DJ to watch in the future. A few years back he utilized his DJing background for producing and has so far released original tracks and remixes on some of the most cutting edge labels around like; Potty Mouth Music, X-Mix, Wearhouse, Jack Union, InStereo, Simma, Promo Records, etc. He continues to craft his skills in the studio as well as on the decks and with his recent move across the coast to Los Angeles, CA, be on the look-out for his new label and sound.

Connect:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/TJR
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TJR_official
Myspace: www.myspace.com/djtjr

Download:
DOWNLOAD: TJR – Pool Side Mix – 320mp3

Tracklist:
01 Tarantula – Pleasurekraft (Eklektisch)
02 Headshotboyz – Something With A Beat (DubNoir)
03 Tom Flynn – Twisty (Deadfish)
04 Man Da – Oh My God (Siwell remix) (Sphera Records)
05 Aki Bergen – Alma De Dios (Loko remix) (Noir Music)
06 Popof – Blow Me Down (Mistakes)
07 Geoff K – I’m Fred Astair (Matthew Garton remix) (Potty Mouth Music)
08 Sissy Nobby – Lay Me Down (Renaissance Man remix) (Mixpak)
09 Plattenspieler – Tonal (Danny Serrano & Westboy remix) (Sphera Records)
10 Mark Knight – Devil Walking (Toolroom)
11 Hermanez – Soms (Leena Music)
12 Yankee Zulu & Worthy – Humble Mumble (Dirtybird)
13 Pierce – Espinosa (Blufin)
14 Per Hammar – Bang (Great Stuff Recordings)
15 Lusine – Two Dots (Nic Fanciulli remix) (Saved Records)

Danceairwaves Mix May 1, 2010

dj.michael.todd — Thu, 06 May 2010 02:05:14 +0000

Here’s the mix from last Saturday. The intro is most likely the funniest shit I’ve ever heard. It was sent to me from a good friend who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent!! Late night debauchery at it’s finest.

May 1 Mix

01. Taxicab Confessions – Unknown
02. Cold Shoulder (Basement Jaxx Vocal) – Adele
03. White Horse – Slash Dash
04. Dirty Disco – STFU
05. Saxofonia – Riva Starr
06. I Give You Bass – Fuckkk Offf
07. Bring The Panic (Elite Force Refix) – Hijack + Meat Katie
08. Make My Day (Elite Force) – Emanuel Kosh
09. Get Ya Dub On Pt. 2 – Switch + Trevor Loveys
10. Hey Hey (Riva Starr) – Dennis Ferrer
11. Work Your Body (Dopamine) – Hatiras + Bass Kleph
12. 81 (Peace Treaty) -Harvard Bass
13. Let The Bass Kick (Silvio Ecomo) – Chuckie
14. Jungle Boogie (Knob Jockies) – Kool and the Gang
15. Nice And Wet (Mike Balance) – LJ MTX & Connie Lingus
16. Monchichi – John Dahlback + Lisa Stansfield
17. Passion (Stanton Warriors) – Gat Decor
18. Lummox (Michael Todd’s Plump DJ’s Refix) – Dave Spoon
19. Ain’t No Disco Music – Kelevra f. Nine Lives The Cat
20. Summer Rain (Stupid Fresh) – Signal Drivers + Miles Dyson
21. Got Your Wild Thing – Bassbin Twins
22. Monster Island – Christian Martin

Danceairwaves Mix April 17, 2010

dj.michael.todd — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 01:24:44 +0000

Here’s the live mix from last Saturday. Enjoy!!

April 17 Mix

01. Time For Some Action (Nom De Strip) – NERD
02. aNYway (Lazrtag) – Duck Sauce
03. Oh Ley (Dopamine) – Calvertron
04. Shakedown (Bass Kleph) – Joan Reyes
05. Sofia – Down Right Rude
06. On The Run (Ralvero) – De Bos
07. Ghetto Ass Bitches – Cold Blank
08. Binola – Sebastian Leger
09. White Horse – Slash Dash
10. Monster Island (Christian Martin) – Claude Von Stroke
11. The Final Whistle (Elite Force) – Dylan Rhymes, Lee Coombs, Delon, Dascan
12. Chop Shop (Hot Mouth) – DJ Dan
13. You Can Do It (Bass Kleph) – Ice Cube
14. Lummox (Michael Todd Re-edit) Plump DJ’s – Dave Spoon
15. Get Your Wild Thing – Bassbin Twins
16. Ganja Man Get Loose – Radiokillaz
17. Don’t Wanna – Kelevra
18. Satisfaction (Afrojack) – Benny Benassi
19. Upside Down – Punk Rolla
20. Numb Wrist – Foamo, Will Bailey, Ill Phil
21. Breaks My Body (Casual Bill) – Roby C
22. 12 Inch Therapy (Bass Kleph) – Robb G
23. Harness The Noise (Elite Force) – Elite Force + Daniele Papini
24. Reclaim Control (Elite Force) – Calvertron

Danceairwaves Mix April 10, 2010

dj.michael.todd — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:17:39 +0000

Just in case you didn’t know, I have a little online mix show that airs every Saturday night from 6 – 8pm Central Standard Time (Dallas TX time for the geographically challenged). It’s a live mix, so there is no re-edit, pre-recorded or audio trickery involved. Just me playing the music I love and music I want you to hear. The chat room is a great way to hit me up if you want to know what track is playing, or if you just want to make a smart-ass comment! You can tune in at www.danceairwaves.net to listen and I will be posting up the mixes for every show here, tracklisting included. I have guest DJ’s drop in from time to time so make sure you check out my Facebook and Twitter updates to see who is next up on the decks. Hear ya on the dancefloor!!!

Michael Todd

Here’s the mix from April 10, 2010

April 10 Mix

01. Big and Round (Maetrik) – Claude Von Stroke
02. All Day – Zodiac Cartel
03. I Think I Like It – Fake Blood
04. aNYway (Lazrtag) – Ducksauce
05. Intro (Bart B More) – Alan Braxe + Fred Falke
06. Sofia – Down Right Rude
07. Make You See – Magik Johnson
08. Joker and the Thief – My Dog Bruno
09. Jack It Like A Zombie (Nom de Strip) – The Bulgarian
10. Get Up Yeah (Stupid Fresh) – House of Stank
11. Oh Ley (Dopamine) – Calvertron
12. Bangduck – Afrojack
13. Hot! Drum Attack – Herve
14. On The Run (Ralvero) – De Bos
15. Dance The Way I Feel – Armand Van Helden
16. Jungle Boogie (Knob Jockies) – Kool and the Gang
17. Lummox (Michael Todd Re-edit) Plump DJ’s – Dave Spoon
18. Standing In The Way Of The Engine (EF Re-fix) – Elite Force vs. The Gossip
19. Noise f. MC Lady Lauryn (Nom de Strip) – Tom Piper
20. Breaks My Body (Casual Bill) – Roby C.
21. Monster Island (Christian Martin) – Claude Von Stroke
22. Ghetto Powder (Michael Todd’s Refix) – GDR + EF + Whiplash
23. Don’t Wanna – Kelevra
24. Just Bounce For Me (Malente) – Jay Robinson
25. Ain’t No Disco Music f. Nine Lives The Cat – Kelevra
26. Rocket Action Hero (Hot Mouth) – The Bulgarian

Techy Shit – A Mix by DJ Michael Todd

dj.michael.todd — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:30:30 +0000

I am very pleased that Gary has agreed to let me do my first blog post solo style. I am still quite the noob at this, so my first post will be simple and to the point. If you know me at all, my musical tastes change on a weekly basis. I have really been into the groovy tech house stuff, as you will see in this mix. Many of the artists here will be easily recognizable, and there will be some that are unfamiliar. Most can be found on Beatport or What People Play, so go get ‘em. Enjoy!!

Techy Shit – DJ Michael Todd

01. For Weirdo’s Only (Momma’s Boy) – Douster
02. Beat That Bird – Justin Martin + Claude VonStroke
03. Squash – Riva Starr
04. London to Paris – Mowgli
05. 1234 – Hatiras
06. The Freaks Come Out 2009 (Idiotproof) – Cevin Fisher
07. Mars (Style of Eye) – Fake Blood
08. My Hi Tops (Riva Starr) – Plump DJ’s
09. Surdo – Worthy
10. Wind It Up (Jeff Doubleu) – Jack Les L
11. Alpha 1 (Popof) – Transistor
12. Get Ya Dub On Pt. 2 – Switch + Trevor Loveys
13. Yebo Yebo (Berlin Rework) – Neuroxyde
14. I Think I Like It – Fake Blood
15. Mosquito – Channel X

“Ze ‘Stache” – A New Mix by DJ Gary-O

gary-o — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:42:47 +0000

It’s been a looooong time since I’ve stood behind the decks and put together a mix – 3 months in fact. The birth of my beautiful son, Griffin was the reason for this extended break and I’m more inspired than ever to continue following my music passion. I can’t wait until he’s old enough to tag team with me on the 1200s – won’t be long I’m sure (check out Britton’s son, Brayden – he’s down).

So for this latest mix, which I am calling “Ze ‘Stache”, I threw together a bunch of minimal, tech and electro tracks – there are a few rubber-neckin’ numbers in the appropriate places so there’s definitely some variety. I’m a little rusty after 3 months of downtime, but for the most part I think this thing sounds pretty good. Have a listen and don’t hesitate to hit up Beatport if you like any of the tracks you hear.

Ze ‘Stache – DJ Gary-O

01 – Vocal Chords – Claude VonStroke
02 – 23:59 – Hobo
03 – Antarctic – The Subtenants
04 – Gaseous – Jill Bellac
05 – Hot Cookies – Neuroxyde
06 – Bolingo Grigo – Andreas Henneberg & Simon2
07 – Raw Sweat – Coyu & Uner
08 – London to Paris – Mowgli
09 – Disco Recordz – Dirtyloud
10 – Get It – Wax Motif & Csk Ok
11 – I No You – Uberzone
12 – Latin Fever – Wolfgang Gartner
13 – This is Real Shit (Frederik Mooijs Moogtastic Remix) Lee Mortimer
14 – O Superman Feat. Laurie Anderson (Original Mix) M.A.N.D.Y. & Booka Shade

Edgeclub Midnight Mixes – 20 Years and Counting

gary-o — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:31:37 +0000

June 30th marked the 20th anniversary of the top alternative radio station in Dallas, KDGE, and there was a party last night to celebrate this milestone (wish I could have been there). The station launched on 94.5FM, then moved up the dial to 102.1FM where it currently sits today. The one show on KDGE that has stood the test of time is Edgeclub, founded by my good friend Jeff K, and presently hosted by another dear friend, DJ Merritt. When Kelly and I first started dating, we used to listen to Jeff K’s KNON show “Thudslap” and one Saturday when we were driving around Dallas listening to the show Jeff announced he was leaving KNON and moving to this new station called KDGE. We were skeptical at first, but were quickly hooked.

Edgeclub was a breath of fresh air for Dallas airwaves and currently enjoys a position as the nation’s longest-running and highest-rated mixshow on the air. During the 5-6 years Jeff hosted the show, he and his sidekick (and world-renowned DJ) Redeye/Scottie Canfield, played host to the most talented and sought after electronic/techno DJs and producers from around the globe. Miss Melissa was also Jeff’s partner in crime for a few of those years. Merritt took over the show and made it his own in 1996 when Jeff packed up his family and moved to LA to start Groove Radio with Swedish Egil (the same month Kelly and I moved to LA from Dallas). Every Edgeclub show features a late night guest mix from local and out-of town DJs, and I’ve had the privilege of being invited to guest mix 8-10 times, with my most recent appearance in February 2009. In the early years, I recorded a number of shows on tape and I’ve digitized a few of my favorite old-skool recordings for you to enjoy, including my first guest mix from July 1994 – I followed Scott Hardkiss‘ in-studio interview and debut of God Within – “The Phoenix”. I also shared the bill with him that night at a party called “Pure”. Stream or right click to download the mixes at your leisure.

Skinny G & Tim Chapman – Edgeclub Midnight Mix – 1991

Rob Vaughan – Edgeclub Midnight Mix – 1991

N.A.S.A Project – Edgeclub Midnight Mix – 1991

DJ Gary-O – Edgeclub Midnight Mix – 1994

Track listings for these mixes can be found on Jeff K’s site.

You can also find more recent Edgeclub shows on Merritt’s blog – www.ipodfood.com.

Oh, and if you know where other Edgeclub mixes are posted on the Internet, leave a comment with links. Thanks!

“Scrimps” – A Mix by DJ Gary-O

gary-o — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:07:24 +0000

It’s been four months since my last mix – way overdue for something fresh. I’ve been buried (in a very good way) helping a few very talented artists set up shop and sell music directly to their fans via the Topspin platform (Freeland, Van Hunt and Eminem to name a few).

Well, I made up for lost time digital crate digging this weekend at Beatport, and stocked up on some meaty, bouncy techno, tech, electro and straight-up house beats. Man, have I deprived myself of some good tunes. After straightening up my studio (the 4.7 magnitude earthquake we had a few weeks ago knocked over my monitors, among other things), I settled in for a two-hour mix session. I love stringing new tracks together for the first time, especially when the end result is something worth sharing with those who appreciate the bouncy stuff.

Hope you enjoy the ride.

Scrimps – DJ Gary-O

01 – PS. You Rock (Spektre Remix) – Marc DePulse
02 – Spunk (Original Mix) – Dopamine
03 – Stich (Bass Kleph Remix) – Twocker
04 – Word Problems (Original Mix) – Deadmau5
05 – Distrait (Nick Curly & Gorge Remix) – Steve Lawler
06 – Amelie (Format:B Remix) – Butch
07 – Yin (Original Club Mix) – Francis Preve & Wolfgang Gartner
08 – Again Again (Original Mix) – Matteo DiMarr
09 – Cheyenne (Uto Karem REmix) – Spektre
10 – Snapshot (Original Mix) – Sebastian Leger
11 – Positive Education (D’Julz Remix) – Slam
12 – Yes Ma’am ‘All Nite Long’ (Trentemoller Remix) – Visti & Meyland
13 – Cool (Afrojack Remix) – Spencer & Hill
14 – Monday Evils (Original Mix) – Richard Dinsdale & D-Unity
15 – Girls Speak Louder (Donique Remix) – Costello
16 – One Funky Fresh DJ (2009 DJ Hero Remix) – Huda Hudia
17 – Doggie Style (Zodiac Cartel Mix) – Calverton
18 – Shock Horror (Mike Balance Remix) – Z-Listers
19 – Sewer Gash Ft. Beardyman (Far Too Loud Remix) – Stereo Type
20 – The Answer feat. Margeau (Dabruck & Klein Mix) – Joachim Garraud & CB Lyon
21 – I’m Not Alone (Deadmau5 Remix) – Calvin Harris

“Girls Love Techno” – DJ Michael Todd

gary-o — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 22:27:56 +0000

It’s been a while since I’ve posted and I apologize or this. I’ve been working 14-hour days on average lately and finding the time to break away and post on Paper Buddha has been a challenge. Anyway, enough of my excuses.

DJ Michael Todd sent me another mix that I think you’ll enjoy. Lots of techno and electro goodness. Head to Beatport is you like the tracks you hear.

Girls Love Techno – DJ Michael Todd

01 – Intro – Miles Dyson
02 – Hype Up – Stupid Bastard
03 – WTF (Nadastrom on Drugs) – Tittsworth
04 – No You Girls ( Zodiac Cartel) – Franz Ferdinand
05 – What U Do 2 Me (Stupid Fresh) – Ryan Murgatroyd
06 – Records Back (Electrixx) – Hardy Hard + Lady Waks
07 – Where The Party At – Lee Mortimer
08 – Raver Lovin’ (Nadastrom) – Edu K
09 – Minimal My Ass (Miles Dyson + Flutuance) – Miles Dyson
10 – Doo Doo – Calvertron
11 – Hey (Switch + Low Vis. 1990) – Diplo + Laidback Luke
12 – Breakdown – Calvertron + WONK
13 – Who Freaked Who – Dopefish
14 – Motherfucking Bass (Popof) – DJ Rush