Rhythmism.comWMC 2010 Countdown: Jay-J
by rhythmism
Monday, Mar 8th 2010, 02:54 PM
Spanning a career with over 150 releases, Jay-J has a Grammy nomination, had his own Coke bottle for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, DJ’d the 2006 MTV AVMAs and launched two comp series for Defected. His syndicated radio show, “Live From…”, allows fans to “join him live from” his gigs worldwide, showcasing the latest tracks from his signature, Funky House/West Coast sound.
As a producer, you’ll see his name on the biggest releases from Ultra, Moulton Studios, OM, Naked Music and Defected. He’s remixed artists from Jill Scott to Joss Stone and has collaborated with producers from Kaskade to Miguel Migs.
On his new label, Shifted Music, you’ll find releases by Jay-J as well as some of the best talent he’s discovered while sharing his passion for House Music around the globe.
WMC 2010 COUNTDOWN: JAY-J
Your WMC Events
Daytime Wednesday March 24 I will be the Change Of Pace Party presented by Basic NYC which goes from noon to 9pm at the Bentley Hotel Rooftop, along with Mes, Tommy Largo, Pezzner, Jeff Craven, Sleepy & Boo, Hoodfellas, Lego and JC Disko, John Hawley, Eddie Leader.
Daytime on Thursday March 25 is my main party. The 4th installment of Jay-J and Friends. This time on the Rooftop of the newly renovated Clevelander Hotel complete with a special Live House Jam Session featuring musicians, singers and programmers, all performing live. The music will be from noon to 9pm and features performers and DJ sets by Chuck Love, DJ Meme, Soulmagic, Joshua Heath, Random Soul, Scott Wozniak, Ricardo Torres, Darren Holland and singers Big Brooklyn Red and Michelle Shaprow plus surprise vocalists.
Nighttime on Thursday March 25 I will be with Apt Entertainment for the 5 Years In Your Ears party with roster mates Mark Farina, Chuck Love, DJ Heather, Fred Everything, Joshua Iz, Olivier Desmet, Pezzner, Gene Farris, Ken ECB and others.
Daytime on Friday March 26 I will be with the Afternoon Delight crew at the Beach Plaza for the 5 year anniversary party in conjunction with Basic NYC and featuring Ron Carroll, Jamie Lewis, Andy Caldwell, Marques Wyatt, Jask, Groove Junkies, Sleepy & Boo, Adam Auburn, the Housing Project ft. Aaron Dae & Dirty.
Nighttime on Friday March 26 I will be at the Shore Club for the Beast Build Hope Benefit for Nextaid, Lifebeat, Soil (Haiti) and Green Wave which goes from 8pm till 5 am. Featuring an amazing line up of music spanning 4 areas with folks like Crystal Method DJ Set, Mark Farina, Heather, Collette, Ultra Nate, Chuck Love, Gene Farris, Turntable On The Hudson, Halo, DJ Rap and others.
Daytime on Saturday March 27 at the South Seas Hotel, I will join the Sundae Philadelphia Crew for another year along with King Britt, Hector Romero, Rich Medina, Nickodemus, Oscar P, Lee Jones, Dirty and others.
Nighttime on Sat March 27 I will be at Nikki Beach for the Switzerland's Purple Music along side Jamie Lewis, DJ Meme, Soulmagic, Justin Michael, Dario D'Attis and other DJ's as well as Cynthia Manley and Keith Thompson live on stage.
After 7 parties in 4 days I will look forward to chilling out and enjoying the music on Sunday.
How many years have you been coming to WMC
I started going to WMC in 1991 I believe.. its so long ago I can't even remember. . but I think that was the year. I missed one year out of the past 19.
Biggest change at WMC since you’ve been coming
Well everyone used to gather in one location and network and meet friends and colleagues. . there were only a couple parties and it was all still about networking and meeting fellow producers and DJ's. It has become a party destination for the fans of this music. I am a fan as well as the many who ascend on South Beach every year. Its different now as a music industry professional but the merits are there just in a deferent way. I break it down like this. . . WMC now is more about Marketing your brand as a DJ and Record Label where as before it was more about the inner working of the music industry in terms of licensing, remixes, productions, collaborations, of course those types if ideas get talked about now a days but its in the midst of the party craziness led by those who love this music.
Most memorable/craziest WMC experience you’ve had?
There are a few for sure...
In 2002 when the Jill Scott Remix that went on to win me a grammy nomination was being played everywhere I was getting calls and text messages from many different people hearing it and Louie Vega playing it twice at one of his parties, Tony Humphries playing it and the culmination of that was hearing it twice in one night at the magic sessions with Louie Vega and Tony Humphries both playing it. I had certainly heard songs I had done in the club before but hearing the guys who I looked up to playing it and witnessing the crowd reaction of the 2000 plus singing and going crazy was in its self a memory that will last forever.
in about 2001 my party was at the top floor of a club with a large capacity downstairs like over 1500 and it was packed down there and up stairs... over 2000 people in the venue and the AC went out. Since heat rises the top floor was so hot we almost called it and went home... It was ridiculous, but the faithful kept strong and eventually it came on but not before a bar manager grabbed a huge tank of CO2 and opened it right next to the dance floor to cool the room off. The high pitched spraying sound of when one of these things goes off was so loud that the DJ playing at the time thought the sound system blew and turned off the music wondering what that loud hiss was. It was a crazy night, sweaty but fun in the end.
I remember the Defected Day Party a few years ago when it was pouring rain and there were a ton of people huddled under the bar canopy and under the trees, wherever they could get some sort of shelter. Latrice was scheduled to sing live and my set was almost over so we decided to do it anyway in the rain... I was DJing under a tarp and peering out to see the people periodically. She was singing under a umbrella. People started dancing and splashing in the puddles and wet sand and seemed to really love the whole thing and it was inspirational to witness the house music lovers enjoying themselves despite the conditions.
There are a few more crazy ones but we'll leave it at that to protect the innocent.
What are your ideas for making the WMC a better conference
Theres a big part of me that believes it becomes what you make of it. The weeks after the conference as I talk to people the experiences are so different, some good, some bad. The sheer volume of parties makes it impossible to see and experience all that there is and so one has to choose when to go where. Other folks can attend those same parties at different times and have a totally different experience. Much of it is just timing and all that. As far as business goes I know I need to make a effort to set up meetings and not get lost in the fun party aspect of it all. The schedule can be pretty crazy but I thrive on crazy. I tend to be a "go with the flow" type guy so the conference is what it is and there not much I can do about it. What I can control is my experience. I plan to have a great time connecting with friends colleagues and fellow house music lovers, have some fun, listed to some great tunes and hopefully line up some exciting projects for when I get home.
Favorite place in Miami to eat/drink/chill and why
Puerto Sagua is the spot for me, The Cuban Food food is great and I always run into so many friends. It is usually my first stop, and my last. . . and a few in between.
Favorite Miami hotel
I have stayed at plenty of hotels through the years and I have a few favs.
I like the Hotel Victor, Gansevoort, Delano, Shore Club, and from back in the day the Pelican was fun.
Artists you’re looking forward to checking out in Miami
I am looking forward to hangin with some of my west coast friends and hitting some parties with Miguel Migs, Julius Papp, Marques Wyatt, Andy Cladwell. Fortunately I am playing with some good friends and inspiring producers like Random Soul, DJ Meme, Ron Carroll, Mark Farina, Chuck Love, Collette, Soulmagic, and many others. I will get to listen and be a fan myself. After all, I love this music as much as the next guy.
Best clubbing moment of 2010 so far
I was just in Ecuador for my 3rd trip and the parties are really fun and I got to spend a few days as there were some other DJs in town for the events over Carnival Weekend so that as great. . Then I came home to Frankie Knuckles playing on my birthday and he rocked one of the songs from my album, "Decide" (DJ Meme Remix) so thats was fun and great to celebrate with such a legend and fellow friends and DJ's Mikey G and Scott Wozniak who also played a few of my productions that night.
What’s in store for 2010
I am working on a all electronic album in a more techie direction which is exciting to me since I spent so much time on my last album going in a musical and song oriented direction so its nice to explore the other side of what I play, contrary to popular belief I don't just play mellow songs when I am DJing so its nice to have some fun with a more dance floor driven direction.
My last album "Love Alive" is still getting the remix treatments and theres upcoming releases by Jon Cutler, Joshua Heath, Random Soul, Christian Alvarez, Chuck Love and a few others, so that is still going strong.
Along with remixing all the time. My most recent releases include updated for 2010 versions of "Keep On Rising" (one of my most well known records) release on Defected and a remix where I had the opportunity to work with the legendary India's Vocals for Harley & Muscle "And Then Came You" and a remix for the debut single of the new Random Soul label "Its What You Got".
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Smoke City Music, Soul Fuel, Hudd Traxx, and Basic NYC present
A CHANGE OF PACE
Jay-J, Pezzner, Jonn Hawley, Tommy Largo, Hoodfellas, Jeff Craven, DJ Mes, JC Disko, Eddie Leader, Lego. With residents Sleepy & Boo
Bentley Rootop
510 Ocean Dr.
Miami, FL
12pm-9pm, 21+
For guestlist: RSVP changeofpace@basicnyc.com
Friday, March 26, 2010
Basic NYC presents
AFTERNOON DELIGHT 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Ron Carroll, Jamie Lewis, Andy Caldwell, Marques Wyatt, Jask, Jay-J, Groove Junkies, Adam Auburn, the Housing Project ft. Aaron Dae & Dirty. With Basic NYC residents Sleepy & Boo. Plus more TBA.
Beach Plaza Hotel Gardens
1401 Collins Ave
Miami, FL
12pm-11pm, 21+
For guestlist: RSVP delight2010@basicnyc.com
www,myspace.com/jayj
www.shiftedmusic.com
As a producer, you’ll see his name on the biggest releases from Ultra, Moulton Studios, OM, Naked Music and Defected. He’s remixed artists from Jill Scott to Joss Stone and has collaborated with producers from Kaskade to Miguel Migs.
On his new label, Shifted Music, you’ll find releases by Jay-J as well as some of the best talent he’s discovered while sharing his passion for House Music around the globe.
WMC 2010 COUNTDOWN: JAY-J
Your WMC Events
Daytime Wednesday March 24 I will be the Change Of Pace Party presented by Basic NYC which goes from noon to 9pm at the Bentley Hotel Rooftop, along with Mes, Tommy Largo, Pezzner, Jeff Craven, Sleepy & Boo, Hoodfellas, Lego and JC Disko, John Hawley, Eddie Leader.
Daytime on Thursday March 25 is my main party. The 4th installment of Jay-J and Friends. This time on the Rooftop of the newly renovated Clevelander Hotel complete with a special Live House Jam Session featuring musicians, singers and programmers, all performing live. The music will be from noon to 9pm and features performers and DJ sets by Chuck Love, DJ Meme, Soulmagic, Joshua Heath, Random Soul, Scott Wozniak, Ricardo Torres, Darren Holland and singers Big Brooklyn Red and Michelle Shaprow plus surprise vocalists.
Nighttime on Thursday March 25 I will be with Apt Entertainment for the 5 Years In Your Ears party with roster mates Mark Farina, Chuck Love, DJ Heather, Fred Everything, Joshua Iz, Olivier Desmet, Pezzner, Gene Farris, Ken ECB and others.
Daytime on Friday March 26 I will be with the Afternoon Delight crew at the Beach Plaza for the 5 year anniversary party in conjunction with Basic NYC and featuring Ron Carroll, Jamie Lewis, Andy Caldwell, Marques Wyatt, Jask, Groove Junkies, Sleepy & Boo, Adam Auburn, the Housing Project ft. Aaron Dae & Dirty.
Nighttime on Friday March 26 I will be at the Shore Club for the Beast Build Hope Benefit for Nextaid, Lifebeat, Soil (Haiti) and Green Wave which goes from 8pm till 5 am. Featuring an amazing line up of music spanning 4 areas with folks like Crystal Method DJ Set, Mark Farina, Heather, Collette, Ultra Nate, Chuck Love, Gene Farris, Turntable On The Hudson, Halo, DJ Rap and others.
Daytime on Saturday March 27 at the South Seas Hotel, I will join the Sundae Philadelphia Crew for another year along with King Britt, Hector Romero, Rich Medina, Nickodemus, Oscar P, Lee Jones, Dirty and others.
Nighttime on Sat March 27 I will be at Nikki Beach for the Switzerland's Purple Music along side Jamie Lewis, DJ Meme, Soulmagic, Justin Michael, Dario D'Attis and other DJ's as well as Cynthia Manley and Keith Thompson live on stage.
After 7 parties in 4 days I will look forward to chilling out and enjoying the music on Sunday.
How many years have you been coming to WMC
I started going to WMC in 1991 I believe.. its so long ago I can't even remember. . but I think that was the year. I missed one year out of the past 19.
Biggest change at WMC since you’ve been coming
Well everyone used to gather in one location and network and meet friends and colleagues. . there were only a couple parties and it was all still about networking and meeting fellow producers and DJ's. It has become a party destination for the fans of this music. I am a fan as well as the many who ascend on South Beach every year. Its different now as a music industry professional but the merits are there just in a deferent way. I break it down like this. . . WMC now is more about Marketing your brand as a DJ and Record Label where as before it was more about the inner working of the music industry in terms of licensing, remixes, productions, collaborations, of course those types if ideas get talked about now a days but its in the midst of the party craziness led by those who love this music.
Most memorable/craziest WMC experience you’ve had?
There are a few for sure...
In 2002 when the Jill Scott Remix that went on to win me a grammy nomination was being played everywhere I was getting calls and text messages from many different people hearing it and Louie Vega playing it twice at one of his parties, Tony Humphries playing it and the culmination of that was hearing it twice in one night at the magic sessions with Louie Vega and Tony Humphries both playing it. I had certainly heard songs I had done in the club before but hearing the guys who I looked up to playing it and witnessing the crowd reaction of the 2000 plus singing and going crazy was in its self a memory that will last forever.
in about 2001 my party was at the top floor of a club with a large capacity downstairs like over 1500 and it was packed down there and up stairs... over 2000 people in the venue and the AC went out. Since heat rises the top floor was so hot we almost called it and went home... It was ridiculous, but the faithful kept strong and eventually it came on but not before a bar manager grabbed a huge tank of CO2 and opened it right next to the dance floor to cool the room off. The high pitched spraying sound of when one of these things goes off was so loud that the DJ playing at the time thought the sound system blew and turned off the music wondering what that loud hiss was. It was a crazy night, sweaty but fun in the end.
I remember the Defected Day Party a few years ago when it was pouring rain and there were a ton of people huddled under the bar canopy and under the trees, wherever they could get some sort of shelter. Latrice was scheduled to sing live and my set was almost over so we decided to do it anyway in the rain... I was DJing under a tarp and peering out to see the people periodically. She was singing under a umbrella. People started dancing and splashing in the puddles and wet sand and seemed to really love the whole thing and it was inspirational to witness the house music lovers enjoying themselves despite the conditions.
There are a few more crazy ones but we'll leave it at that to protect the innocent.
What are your ideas for making the WMC a better conference
Theres a big part of me that believes it becomes what you make of it. The weeks after the conference as I talk to people the experiences are so different, some good, some bad. The sheer volume of parties makes it impossible to see and experience all that there is and so one has to choose when to go where. Other folks can attend those same parties at different times and have a totally different experience. Much of it is just timing and all that. As far as business goes I know I need to make a effort to set up meetings and not get lost in the fun party aspect of it all. The schedule can be pretty crazy but I thrive on crazy. I tend to be a "go with the flow" type guy so the conference is what it is and there not much I can do about it. What I can control is my experience. I plan to have a great time connecting with friends colleagues and fellow house music lovers, have some fun, listed to some great tunes and hopefully line up some exciting projects for when I get home.
Favorite place in Miami to eat/drink/chill and why
Puerto Sagua is the spot for me, The Cuban Food food is great and I always run into so many friends. It is usually my first stop, and my last. . . and a few in between.
Favorite Miami hotel
I have stayed at plenty of hotels through the years and I have a few favs.
I like the Hotel Victor, Gansevoort, Delano, Shore Club, and from back in the day the Pelican was fun.
Artists you’re looking forward to checking out in Miami
I am looking forward to hangin with some of my west coast friends and hitting some parties with Miguel Migs, Julius Papp, Marques Wyatt, Andy Cladwell. Fortunately I am playing with some good friends and inspiring producers like Random Soul, DJ Meme, Ron Carroll, Mark Farina, Chuck Love, Collette, Soulmagic, and many others. I will get to listen and be a fan myself. After all, I love this music as much as the next guy.
Best clubbing moment of 2010 so far
I was just in Ecuador for my 3rd trip and the parties are really fun and I got to spend a few days as there were some other DJs in town for the events over Carnival Weekend so that as great. . Then I came home to Frankie Knuckles playing on my birthday and he rocked one of the songs from my album, "Decide" (DJ Meme Remix) so thats was fun and great to celebrate with such a legend and fellow friends and DJ's Mikey G and Scott Wozniak who also played a few of my productions that night.
What’s in store for 2010
I am working on a all electronic album in a more techie direction which is exciting to me since I spent so much time on my last album going in a musical and song oriented direction so its nice to explore the other side of what I play, contrary to popular belief I don't just play mellow songs when I am DJing so its nice to have some fun with a more dance floor driven direction.
My last album "Love Alive" is still getting the remix treatments and theres upcoming releases by Jon Cutler, Joshua Heath, Random Soul, Christian Alvarez, Chuck Love and a few others, so that is still going strong.
Along with remixing all the time. My most recent releases include updated for 2010 versions of "Keep On Rising" (one of my most well known records) release on Defected and a remix where I had the opportunity to work with the legendary India's Vocals for Harley & Muscle "And Then Came You" and a remix for the debut single of the new Random Soul label "Its What You Got".
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Smoke City Music, Soul Fuel, Hudd Traxx, and Basic NYC present
A CHANGE OF PACE
Jay-J, Pezzner, Jonn Hawley, Tommy Largo, Hoodfellas, Jeff Craven, DJ Mes, JC Disko, Eddie Leader, Lego. With residents Sleepy & Boo
Bentley Rootop
510 Ocean Dr.
Miami, FL
12pm-9pm, 21+
For guestlist: RSVP changeofpace@basicnyc.com
Friday, March 26, 2010
Basic NYC presents
AFTERNOON DELIGHT 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Ron Carroll, Jamie Lewis, Andy Caldwell, Marques Wyatt, Jask, Jay-J, Groove Junkies, Adam Auburn, the Housing Project ft. Aaron Dae & Dirty. With Basic NYC residents Sleepy & Boo. Plus more TBA.
Beach Plaza Hotel Gardens
1401 Collins Ave
Miami, FL
12pm-11pm, 21+
For guestlist: RSVP delight2010@basicnyc.com
www,myspace.com/jayj
www.shiftedmusic.com
