Hypes been abuzz in the fashion world for 2011. No, it’s not Kate Middleton or her hot sister. Urban fashion icons Akomplice have once again teamed up with the musical curators of our grimy, urban environments. Akomplice prides itself on the creative inspiration that drives its clothing line. In their words, the apparel they create attempts a “positive impact, provoke thought, and communicate about issues.” As we all know, hip-hop has been the cultural movement most evocative of these ideals. So when a classic, innovative, and conscious hip-hop apparel company collaborates with a representative artist… it’s a mad ting. Keeping in line with images and thoughts conveyed in their art, the aritst’s AK collaborate with no doubt share these forward thinking traits. Detail is another crucial aspect of Akomplice that I've admired for a while. Their tendency to use simplicity in some instances actually comes across as being a component to an overall complexity toward the meaning they are trying to convey. Get me? No worries.
Last time I linked up with AK on the interwebz was when they teamed up with Hiergolyphics on the wicked Varisty Hoodie (stillavailable online). Check out that piece covering the release reception, here. This time, the peeps at AK linked with DOOM. Formerly MF Doom, the rapper has been an underground legend for years. His easily distinguishable, kicked-back flow and ace lyrical content has blessed DOOM with a loyal following and mass appeal without any major label assistance. Even more impressive than his personal work is his other collaborative works. In addition to Akomplice, DOOM has collaborated with Danger Mouse as well as Wu-Tang; notably producing tracks for Ghostface, as well as Think Differently's compilation which featured DOOM and RZA on the experimental “Biochemical Equation”. Pushing it further forward on the left-field urban tip, DOOM, a former British ex-pat collaborated with Dabyre, which included offical remixes from FlyLo and Kode9. Massive respect to DOOM on that one, as the LA beat scene and the stateside dubstep were still relatively nascent at the time.
So as it is... a collaboration between DOOM and Akomplice is simply something to anticipate. But what exactly are we waiting for? That’s just it… no one knows, that's part the hype. The project remains a mystery as the fruits of this gauranteed-sick collab are sealed inside a wood box, with the DOOM and AK logos branded beautifully on the exterior. Don’t have a crow bar to pry it open? That’s cool, Akomplice got you covered with an engraved one matching the box's complimentary artwork. So you want to wait to find out what’s inside?? Well since that’s no fun, this purchase will only be available for 1 day on their online store. But hurry up, cause the clock is ticking and you don’t want to be without this. Whatever “this” may turn out to be. Done know!
Additionally, the item will be available at the AK’s storefront location in partnership with your Fuzion, on State Street, Santa Barbara. AK just hosted their summer release party, with some sick threads from their new collection. Patrick McCarney and the AK team blessed Santa Barbara with some ILL hip-hop with some ILL hip-hop acts throughout the night, imported from AK's former HQ in Colorado. Fuzion also brought back KC badman, and SB resident Chadillac, always kickin' the flavor in your ear. Following some high energy performances, an after-party at Tonic featuring a fashion show with some hot models modeling this summer’s hottest apparel. Be sure to cruise through Fuzion every first Thursday and check out some amazing art, clothing and music with some awesome people. The new Fuzion x AK partnership is sure to elevate both companies stature in this 805 coastal paradise. My bwoy X-seed was the first in-line for the event, and always lookin' out for their supporters, the crew HOOKED him up with madd gear. So get down there July 7th and party proper with the AK and Fuzion boys. And don’t forget to pre-order your mystery DOOM x AK piece TODAY. Check it... the clock is ticking!
"Moombah, Moombah, do-ba-dee-doo... 9FeetOfSmoke back to Moombah you."
Last year 805 DJ/Producer 9FeetOfSmoke began experimenting with Moombahton, while people still had no clue as to what it was. Playing it out at Santa Barbara’s clubs to mild reception, could it be that the dubstep selector/producer was simply onto something too soon? Yes, nearly as simplistic as David Nada playing Afro Jax at half-speed and pioneering a genre out of it. For those who aren’t familiar, Moombahton originated at a high-school ditch party in 2009 by Dave Nada, who then advanced the slowed-down Dutch House style that is now Moombahton and continuing to spread virally. A few weeks back, DJ Mackle appeared on 9Ft.’s radio show, “BluntBros.FM”, and transitioned from some dubstep tunes into a Joker moombahton remix. When the BluntBros forum was eating the sound up, its was no surprise 9Ft. would begin rethinking Moombahton’s appeal nearly a year later. Recently, L.A.’s Relentless Audio label-mates, Direct Feed and Rob Bliss, have begun pushing Moombahton as well. With the dubstep community now taking notice of the sound’s slow, dance-floor appeal, the limits of Moombahton are still not yet visible. Speaking of Direct Feed, he is having a remix-contest for Chromeo’s “Hot Mess”, and it’s a wicked Moombahton production too. So go to beatportal, spin it, then vote it up in the contest, here.
Taking another shot at this fresh house music, last week 9FeetOfSmoke dropped a new mix hot of the decks, featured below. He’s also experimented with some Moombahton productions and is looking to demo more of his dubstep tunes in the coming months. Check the prods on his soundcloud. On his show, he spins everything from Metal to Moombahton, and Dubstep to Kenny G. His radio show put on alongside his blunt brothers, Rtrd and Badmin, every Tuesday from 7-10PM PST, on iPhone or via BluntBros.FM You can also catch him playing with Santa Babylon shows on the regular, including “Bass For Boobs” in Santa Maria on April 15th, “Santa Babylon Soundsystem” @ Tonic on April 27th, and “I Love L.A.” on April 17th at The Airliner, LA. Further, the BluntBros radio show, will feature a special 4-20 smoke out broadcast with a mash-up of genres by past guests and talented Santa Barbara selectas, with plenty of blunts to go around. Tune in and smoke out. P.E.A.C.E.
Cooking up some Chicken Tetrazzini manaña... and it's on! This Wednesday, Feb. 23rd Santa Babylon presents 6BLOCC. Rocking heads all night, all long. Come kick off 2011 with the home team, party starts at 9. 6BLOCC aka R.A.W. is the LA originator. Personally, being granted the opportunity to spit for him is a humbling experience. For those unfamiliar,6BLOCC is a double-droppin’ badman and unparalleled technical turnbalist. Starting out a hip-hop head in ‘85, he went on to reign supreme as R.A.W. in the US Jungle scene. He released “Ragga 2001” which became a landmark joint for the stateside sound on the global stage. His west-coast method behind the decks earned R.A.W. worldwide tours, mass exposure, and respect amongst the UK elite.
In 2006 he decided to try his hand at dubstep and reinvented himself as 6BLOCC. With dubstep still nascent in the US, in 2008 he mixed the now seminal LoDubs compilation 'ANALOG CLASH', which was the first release of bass weight bangers featuring producers in both Americas, exclusively. With output on labels such as Lo Dubs, N2O, Tribe Steppaz UK, Bootshake UK, La Dubstep Nostra, and the popular white label War Recordings, 6BLOCC will set the bar for Santa Barbara’s dubstep scene, with a bass that is felt for six blocks. Salsipuedes Riviera to Cabrillo Waterfront. Westside San Andres to Upper State. SB, can you feel it??
Also blazing out night will be your bassline bredren, Santa Babylon clique: ERS-ONE + STEP CORRECT + 9FEETOFSMOKE + MC HOODZPAH + CHADILLAC. This special Santa Babylon is a not miss... SB Steppas, step up!! Boomin' inna 6 block radius. P.E.A.C.E.
"Here's to a deep, fearless and beautiful 2011... Forward we march." Burial (via MAH)
Happy 2011 world! As seasons change and cycles start anew, we enter a new decade. What it shall bring, only jah is privy. But if the analysis of last year amounted to any indication, it’s that dubstep --and Santa Babylon along with her-- is rolling deep. First, our 2010 recap: It’s hard to say which skyrocketed first, the 2010 brostep takeover, finally reaching into the mainstream rave scene, or rather, was it Santa Babylon’s explosion, situated in a peripheral city which is currently undergoing an EDM-slanted club-music revolution of its own. It’s clear they are definitely linked... and co-dependently. Our crew broke into a steady traction through mid-2009 at our favorite local café, Muddy Waters. Hype and anticipation would inevitably outgrow the place. A wonderful spot, but fire permit limits, wasteman extraordinaires, and SB’s growing EDM evolution forced us -blessedly- to search for a new residency in 2010. (To be honest, hippie B-Boys centered in a cipher of moshing bros, with fine artwork on the walls of a narrow café, is not a good business model either).
*To end 2010, we decided to pay homage to our beginnings by building a monument* *Santa Babylon Bass Bins @ Muddy Waters, SB.*
Back home, we continued to expand beyond our residency at Statemynt, playing Tonic’s seasonal “Summer Sunday Session” as well EOS multiple times, taking dubstep head-on into direct competition with the commercial chart-toppers at SB’s primary clubs. And it wasn't easy mind you, losing some of our core-supporters who some how believed we had "sold out", when the only thing that was 'out' was our own billfolds. Then there were those typical club-goers who just weren't having it. No respect... But FWD>>we marched.
*Rins'em out each and every bassline.* *Step Correct + Hoodzpah aka 'Each & Every'*
We are kicking the year off correct with an all-out bass assault through January. First off, we invade Whiskey Richards alongside Chadillac. Hailing from Kansas City, man is quietly expanding his sound throughout the city in addition to icing some ink into people by day as a tattoo artist for 805 Ink.
Chadillac remains humble, yet confident in himself, exploring his new-found locality within our south-coast paradise. Pure love for his selections bleeds through speakers with original style and technical edge. You can expect big collaborations with Chadillac + Santa Babylon for 2011, as well as his solo efforts around town and all the way back to K.C. Chadillac holds a weekly dubstep night, "The Sunday Grime" @ Whiskey Richards. Our Sabylon event is this Friday, Jan. 14, 2010 and will feature Cadillac and W.R. co-resident, MI².
*"Holy shit!! Is that DJ Chadillac?!" Naa... just Jesus :( * *Chadillac @ Santa Babylon's Halloween Special: "Night of the Living Bass" Statemynt, SB* *DJ Chadillac @ Whiskey Richards, Sundays Weekly*
Proceeding that local-oriented event, we head back to the goddess lounge at EOS. Always exciting to play there, the venue retains a well balanced formula of elegance and class, combined with an unpretentious, carefree atmosphere that one should expect on a night out. That will take place on the 1.21.10, a week to the day of the Whiskey Dicks debut. Following that we will participate in a huge night put on by the Nightowl Brotherhood. The supreme college-night collective will bring you LowKey, Santa Babylon and APX-1 on 1.27.10. Our boy APX got a taste of Santa Barbara when we featured him in June (here), and the city surely wanted him back. Now you got it. Following January, we are off to San Luis Obispo for “Syncopation”. Put on by Danny Style and Dionysius, with sound provided by DJ Lytic's FunDip Productions. The SLO scene has been steady expanding from its nascent EDM roots which favored electro, into a more eclectic diversity now including popular dubstep, glitch and DnB events. We are looking forward to showcasing ourselves once again for the SLO steppas who always come ready to party. Keep out for Syncopation’s DJs coming down to SB to rock out in the near future too <-Big-up! *Don't forget to style up for EOS. Alongside the house slelecta, DJ Hogg, droppin' on some underground 4x4! That's 1.21.10 in the Goddess Room. Sparx holding down the front *THIS FRIDAY.*
*Santa Babylon @ Syncopation, 2.2.11* *Library Lounge, San Luis Obispo, CA* In addition to spreading the bass virus up and down the west-coast, Santa Babylon has also turned our focus to the production-side. Both Step Correct and 9FeetofSmoke have been separately putting tracks together, and it seems 2011 will finally have their respective first releases put out. Following a summer promo video, Hoodzpah has opened some doors to collaborations with various producers, (check vid here). Aiming to make 2011 a breakout year, there also looms a possible collaboration with his British bredren, Simbad Fresh (Restoration Camp), representing Hoodzpah’s former residence in the United Kindgdom via CB-1. He has also began spinning, and will have a set on Universal Sound Stream radio soon. (TBA). 9FT has teamed up with his his DFHY brother, RTRD (formerly CityMavrick) to bring you "Blunt Bothers Radio" every Tuesday night, 6-10PM. Our crew also put out a mix featuring sets from all 3 Santa Babylon selectas! Check that mix out below. So that’s a wrap… we are all looking forward to a progressive year of bass music in the Santa Babylon crew... we hope you'll join us.
Lastly, we’d like to thank all the talent who have participated in providing Santa Barbara with quality bass music on the regular. Outs to our homeboy, DJ and videographer, Akaider. The rudeboy has been our strongest link to Los Angeles, and a true supporter of our crew from the get-go... We will certainly want you back soon, brother! In the meantime, holla at them Brazilian galdem, booom! Outs the all the talent, local or outsourced, for converging together for the simple goal of putting on a good party, and showcasing our subculture to the mass-culture. And finally, big shout out to all the SB steppas who have come out. Old-school junglists, OG dubstep massive, and all those, "never heard it in my life, but that bass drew me in" people. Without you all, it would not be possible. Big tings for 2011 so keep on the look out. All Santa Babylon 805 Bass represent! P.E.A.C.E.
Santa Babylon Roll Call: 1.14.10 - Santa Babylon hosts Whiskey Richard's, SB 1.21.10 - Santa Babylon hosts Goddess Room, EOS, SB 1.27.10 - SB Nightowl w/ Lowkey, Santa Babylon, APX-1 2.2.10 - Syncopation presents Santa Babylon, Library Lounge, SLO
Many were recently disheartened to hear about the upcoming departure of BBC Radio1's experimental bass host, Mary Anne Hobbs. Anyone who knows me personally, knows I'm a heavy fanboy of hers. Normally I'd reject with embarrassment and complete deniablity such a label. But with Mary Anne, I can't hide the truth: I absolutely adore her. I most definitely would not be in the subcultural realm I am today without her weekly guidance on global bass music. So let me tell you the story of a naive kid stranded on a far away island...
After moving to the UK, I was actually introduced to dubstep that first week in January 2008. At the time, it was quite unavoidable in Britain as opposed to the US, which was en route to materialize to the almost comparable level it is today. A friendly stranger whom I'd met dropped off a copy of Kode 9 and Spaceape's "Memories of the Future". Although I liked it for exposing me to those deep, dark, tripped-out qualities, I still think it was a bit heavy as an introduction to dubstep from an American novice. (I now rate it as one of my top bass albums ever). After coming to love those plowing, guttural basslines I still tended to treat it as strictly party music. Which was totally welcomed at the time, especially dwelling in the authenticity of urban Britain. Where a bit of acid or ketamine made even the most deep and desolate of dubstep feel like "party music.
It wasn't until August of '08 that dubstep would become entrenched in me. That same stranger whom blessed be with the sound, had by then become my best mate. He gave me a mix which he explained that I just had to check out. The normally articulate, expressive rollerblader didn't even have words for it... just left it for me listen. That mix was the now infamous "Generation Bass" on Mary Anne's show. For the those unfamiliar, in 2006, the now trademarked dubstep pioneers of today had come together on MAH's show to produce a legendary set known as "Dubstep Warz". In tandem with Mary Anne's heavy work with Barcelona's Sonar Festival, this show became one of the pivotal moments in dubstep's still burgeoning history, helping precipitate it's ignition to eventual world-wide stardom.
(Mary Anne Hobbs @ Sonar Festival Barcelona, 2010).
Anyways, for summer 2008, MAH had gathered all of the same producer-DJ's of Warrior Dubz; Mala (Digital Mystikz), Skream, Kode 9, Vex'd, Hatcha, Loefah and Distance. She asked each of the preceding to choose a special up-and-coming artist to champion. A symbolic torch passing if you will; the hype for this show was eagerly anticipated and massive recognition would surely follow. This one-off two hour event -- all alone underneath the stars with a spiff in hand-- single-handedly made me a full-throttle bass head. An eclectic line-up indeed. Joker and Kulture became and still are my favorite producers, one respectively introducing the "purple" sound to the world, as the latter rescinded into poet irrelevance; albeit with true unsung classics under belt. Not an old-school UKG head till way later, Oneman's garage overtones opened and blew my mind. Chef, although not producing at the time, went on to mix the classic Dubstep Allstars series and is still a ascending internationally. Starkey rocked Maida Vale studios, making the transcontinental trip and representing the rising US scene. Cyrus (Random Trio) closed it out creating a deep, nightmarish environment just as dubstep began moving away from those traditional qualities.
(Mary Anne Hobbs @ WMC Miami, 2010).
After that show I began tuning in weekly. I remember leaving the clubs a bit early on Wednesday nights just to come home, spark up, and post-party with MAH woman. When I was unwilling forced to come back stateside in 2009, having withdrawals and cultural re-shock, Mary Anne gave me two hours of solace. When I'd miss a show I'd feel at a loss as if missing an important doctor's appointment. She always kept everyone ahead of the game. Her gentle laugh intoxicating, her voice as soothing as the deep dubplates provided. When she ventured back to Cali, where she used to reside years earlier, her West Coast Rocks special with XLR8R demonstrated her foresight ability of sonic aesthetics by producers that broke the rules and re-energized the global movement. Exposure of LA's Low End Theory boys and SF innovators like Lazer Sword began a powerful exchange of ideas back to the origins of the UK, and infecting everywhere else along the way. It was undoubtedly taking place without Mary Anne, she simply provided her audience with a panoramic lens to view the global, subcultural movement of bass-weighted material.
When I inevitably made it to Low-End Theory, I was finally granted the opportunity to see her live. Down from SB, I was alone in LA on a Wednesday night after leaving my credit card and passport with the bar at S.M.O.G. the night before. It was a random occurrence that also happened to coincide on birthday. Finally meeting Mary Anne and induced by her gravitating personality and warm, congenial manner, only solidified my admiration for her. The set was outstanding. And when I mentioned I had come down from SB and it was my birthday, the queen granted me a sweet kiss on the cheek... best B-day gift ever.
(Mary Anne Hobbs and Hoodzpah @ Low End Theory, 2010)
Now she's moving on... as she posted a full statement on her MySpace this week:
"Last week I resigned from BBC Radio1, after an amazing multi-dimensional 14 year career. The great freedoms the BBC have given me as a broadcaster, have allowed me to help break so many confrontational artists as diverse as Slipknot and Skream, and of course, the whole genre of Dubstep in recent times. My current Experimental show is in peak condition, it’s never been stronger. And although it’s a very emotional decision to leave the show that I love so much, it’s also an optimum moment to bow out, at the very top of my game. My work for Radio1 on the Breezeblock, Rock Show, many fascinating documentaries about everything from David Bowie to Dubstep, on daytime, at festivals and award ceremonies, has been exceptionally rewarding. These have been glory days not just for me, but for all the artists who have shared my BBC platform, and of course, the listeners everywhere from Beijing to Berlin, Baltimore to Blackpool, who shared a great passion for future sound. I will continue to DJ live, work in film, and curate at Sonar festival in Barcelona. I have also accepted a new job mentoring and teaching students at the University of Sheffield’s Union Of Students radio station, TV station and the newspaper that operate out of their superb Forge Media Hub, which presents me with a really exciting new challenge. My last show on BBC Radio1 will be broadcast: September 8th>>9th … Wednesday night >> Thursday morning… 2-4am www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/maryannehobbs Thank you so much for listening." --Mary Anne Hobbs
No, thank you, Mary Anne. Your show became a staple in my life for a good spell. It will be sad not to hear that lovely, gratifying voice, but we all wish you the best in your future endeavors. You mean the world to so many people, the world over, personifying our passion for music and culture so unique and unparalleled. Can't wait to catch you back in LA for some live action! P.E.A.C.E.
Summertime for the Santa Babylon clique has been rolling on by like clouds in the sky. June gave us one of our best shows to date. Yet difficult to compare them... Jungle legend APX-1's special dubstep set was as outstanding as it was exclusive. Especially, as he nonchalantly relayed, "I've only been spinning it for a few months." Although I've only been playing my part behind the decks since early 2010, I had never seen someone mix so fast. As a nascent emcee in this shit, I must say... Damn, that was hard to keep up with. Along the lines of: 16 bars, drop new track, 16--drop, 16--drop. Bewilderment and excitement flowing through my blood, I couldn't stop admiring the skill. Then I'd remember I'm supposed to be hosting. Inevitably, my line of sight would drift from the crowd back to the turntables, as a moth to a light. He very early on switched the house Serato vinyls with his own, functionally identical pair. Expressing that he just had to. I understood, as he quickly tossed aside the house Serato's bright pink vinyl, and got back to the mastery.
On top of APX-1's mixment, there were loads of well-hard dubs in which I wasn't familiar. A few, which I would highly recommend, came from LA's Belgian badboy KNORSQ. Hosting a weekly radio show called BOMBADUB Fridays on sub.fm, where you can catch AKAIDER -- LIVE, TONIGHT at 8-10 pm pst. KNORSQ's hip-hop infused bass-rated innovations are becoming a staple within California. We also happened to host him in Santa Babylon last April in a knock-out party that would have made you think Coachella was canceled that weekend.
Our other guest selectah of June, local DJ Pursuade, destroyed it. With an almost beyond-natural ear for music (I've heard him do-up a variety of types) , man once again catered extremely well to the Santa Barbara niche in which he is becoming well established. Only recently has he begun to shift his interest moar to the darker side of electronic dance via dubstep. Looking FWD>> to the future collaborations! Our boy ERS-1, was celebrating both he and his newly-wedded wife's B-day. Big up, Geminis. So we made sure to make it a party... as usual. Which actually happens to be our standard platform and business model. Gotta have fun, get down, and get the fuck out (1:30 on the dot, or Babylon get the axe by the babylon, if ya get me). And we always do it with SB style -- it is after all, a proper bass party. All we need is moar bass. And we always got it... but that doesn't mean we can't always need moar, always. Right? Never.
Anyways, its about that time of month again. Santa Babylon will be turning up the summer heat Friday, 7.16.2010 @ Statemynt, State Street. This round presenting Los Angeles' own Dumbsteppaz. Originally dubbing their name -- as I was told -- for hating on the still-burgeoning scene awhile back. But like the rest of the lot: everyone comes around. As a dubstep artist, I admit, -- it took me a good minute to get into it. Luckily, living in the UK at the time undoubtedly expedited that listening pleasure. I was recently shown their remix of Die Antwoord, the S.A. trio we featured in April. Take a listen to the remix, below.
Dumbsteppaz will also be featured along side MC Werd. The Los Angeles area emcee has been developed in the jungle/DnB and hip-hop underground for years. Naturally, dubstep was no long ting. Werd has rocked alongside world class DJs at classic LA events such as Ghettolife and Tonz of Drumz', "I ♥ LA". He also runs his own weekly event UPGRADE, every Wednesday in Costa Mesa, OC. Santa Babylon played there in April and it was off the hook. I highly recommend it for the OC bass kids. Try and pre-party a bit at Taco Mesa near-by, cool spot... but avoid unintentionally whistling at over-guarding women like Step Correct's true-bro faux-pas.
Definitely look FWD>> to this Los Angeles link-up. Let's be sure to give them a great reception by showing SB how we get down. That said, there will be plenty of the locals steppas -- who undoubtedly make or break a party -- out in full force. It's a strange thing to watch how the SB scene -- though equally strong at either time -- is rapidly altered by the dismissal of university classes for the summer. Not better necessarily, just different. I think that's a part of why the last APX-1 show in May, was held in such high-regard. I was just tripping on different vibes.
Having now preambled the local tip, I'm pleased to let you know next Friday's show will also bring you 805 DubCorps crew member and mutual supporter, Seppuku. The collective, front-manned by man, have a growing dubstep night at midtown's Creekside Bar and Grill. Although the venue and location is a bit different, its also ironically what makes it. First off, it's on a Thursday, one of youth-ridden Santa Barbara's finest nights. They also make it an 18+ event, which is something Santa Babylon, and the city itself, has been lacking since our arrival on State St. ended our back alley under-21 action. We miss all you on that Statemynt dance floor... but most your days are coming! Big upz, Dub Corps for feeding the need. Other welcoming points of contrast between D.C. is their mash-ups off all genres of bass. The crew plays rather obscure and extremely solid sets of hardcore, jungle, D&B, bassline, 2-step, grime, etc. I believe this gives the rapidly exploding, and thus, commercializing aspect of the dubstep scene, a new set of ears to hear other forms of underground music that they normally wouldn't surrender to. Once again, big upz, brochachos. Oh yeah, they also got BBQ till 11PM! Dub Corps keeps it moving for the blazers.
(Dub Corps's Sepukku performing at a S. American prison -- Heavy). ^R.E. Union will soon post some interesting input about this tour from Sepukku.
July 16th's event will also be having the usual Babylon soundbwoys pulling bro out shenanigans between blasted airhorns and tapping bottles; which by the way, should better be rationed out this time around before we get too low -- physically, and bottle-wise. Airhorns too. Hectic. Anyway... this mid-summer's night is gonna be the kicks! So bring your best pair and get ready to dance the night away with bass-pummeling shockwaves rinsing out the night.
On another note, Santa Babylon will be playing EOS night club's "Friday Night Cover," TONIGHT, July, 9th. I hear 9FeetOfSmoke's rumored to drop some rare house tunes for the EOS crowd. Uh oh. If your prone to face melting, be sure to wear your sunglasses tonight. Too many lasers. Not sure how the emcee situation will work out for this venue. Although it is a part of our show, I'll be stoked to see you there regardless... behind the decks or on the dance floor! Especially my boy Chris G. celebrating his born day -- mesa loc style. We will be in the newly established Goddess Lounge. DJ Wicked will be in his zone on the adjacent stage. Thanks to EOS night Club and Lounge for the wicked opportunity. You can also catch SB's Underground Souls collective now on the regular at the same venue. Next US-affiliated night will showcase Niko, bringing the styles with an extended 2.5 hour set, alongside the usual suspects on July, 23rd @ EOS.
Participating in a few undergrounds within the 805 for the remainder of July, Santa Babylon does have some wicked surprises coming your way for the rest of summer and into the year. Including a couple of our artists' individual production releases, massive headliners, bigger events, flavorful merchandise and MOAR BASS. So stay chooned. Check out Santa Babylon Group on Facebook for the latest updates. SantaBablyon.com will be up and running again shortly. Big tings a gwaan on in SB. Step up! P.E.A.C.E.
Alright, alright. It's time to get back to what this blog thang was about in the first place. Hype men. Time to big up my Santa Babylon crew. Haven't gotten into them on the interwebz since I first linked-up with the hometown brethren. Back when I was just a bass head having withdrawals from living in the UK. (Check out one of the first Rebel Elite Union post in early 2009 promoting Santa Barbara's underground bass scene, here.) A lot's changed since then. As much as the multifaceted faces of dubstep itself, I suppose.
These boys have gained the city's attention in just a year's time. From the cramped quarters of Muddy Waters café, filled with intentionally overloaded bass speakers, it seemed destined to remain an event well under radar. Recent turns in the Pacific current have placed us on the State Street scene, without forgetting the intentional overload of bass speakers. State is our high street for those who don't know, and in a paradise like S.B. it's a difficult task to bring effective underground music events to the city inhabited by the likes of Oprah and Ty Warner. You only get there once you tap the inner flex of the city.
By doing it blatantly, and in complete disregard -- straight dirty -- Santa Babylon opposes the typical appeasements of the masses. Ever tired of a night out on State and hearing the reverberation of Top 40 in every direction... we bring the BASS. One of our front men got socked in the kidney by some waste girl at the first State event in January cause she couldn't handle this shit. She started crying to herself. Her mascara dripped. Then my man played some more bass.
By mixing the true steppa's supporting since 2006 with those typical state street goers and friends of years past, Santa Babylon is making some serious moves. Who would have thought go-go's would ever work for a dubstep show? Yet, strangely we've pulled it off, even if their exact role is uncertain. The last event at Statyment, was the second and most rocking yet. Finally playing their own productions alongside dubstep's global bangers, my mandem is getting felt from the inner-shock waves to the most subtle vibrations.
Keeping it local since invading State with the talents of DJ's Professor West and Mackle, the seed has been sown. Past collaborations with friends up and down the Westcoast, from Portland-based LoDubs to LA's heavy hitting S.M.O.G. crew, the Santa Babylon syndicate is ready to trigger this earthquake everyone keeps hyping up. Basslines so deep it's putting tension on the tectonic plates. The fault line is Babylon. Invading your city one bass at a time.
Lastly, I want to big up everyone who contributed to our vision. First my Santa Babylon crew: ERS-1 a.k.a. DJ Magneto. We know how consumed you are in your life's priorities and appreciate your continued presence which is always desired and often a necessity. Step Correct, he'll guarantee that he's a good guy... while steadily melting your face. As well as City Mavrick and 9FeetOfSmoke, the burning man soundbwoys known to throw down the dopest dubstep parties on The Playa as DFHY; I can't wait to find out this summer. Music aside, these cats command a tremendous amount of respect from me personally when things got sticky last summer. So safe, y'all.
Outs to Akaider, the man with the cam always holding down the Los Angeles connection. Keep us reeling, rudeboy. Professor West and DJ Mackle we know this is the begining of something big for all of us. Respect requites respecting and you guys always throw down the weight proper! Big up's to my galdem KiT, Aya and Anom, our go-go-fire-playin'-poi-slingin'-hoopers. I've just been introduced to your wicked styles but you really livened up the place. To all my 'round the world girls getting low with the subs. And to all my Santa Barbara bass heads, old and new, who came just to skank up the night... Bless.
Be sure to check us out at the Play With Fire Productions' "Neverending Party" in San Luis Obispo April 10. Santa Babylon will be hosting the Dub stage the entire night with talent from throughout the central coast. Professor West will also be making an appearance on the main stage. We'll be back at Statemynt on the 4.16.2010 and then we'll be bringing a little smoke to Ghetto Life and Tonz of Drumz' "I Love LA" 4:20 Celebration Day, 4.18.2010. Check SantaBabylon.com for upcoming events. P.E.A.C.E.
Play With Fire Productions presents... "The NeverEnding Party" All Night Dubstep Stage hosted by Santa Babylon. 4.10.2010 @ Private Location. San Luis Obispo, CA: Event Link:Play With Fire Events
Santa Babylon will be back at our current residence for Round 3. 4.16.20.10 @ Statemynt. 519 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Came across this 69-year-old British grandmother ripping up the Parisian club scene. DJ Ruth Flowers mixes techno, electro and dance hits with a dash of old school rock classics, garnering attention from Paris to Cannes. She is currently slated for an upcoming tour and a single in the works. It came as no surprise to me she's hails from Bristol; the people who always shake it up no matter the generational divide. It's not likely you'll find this geriatric superstar blowing up any massives, but her sunglasses at night chic certainly puts Corey Hart or Skepta to shame.
Still trying to piece together just what the fuck this be about... but whatever it is: Power to the people. At first my goal was to figure out if I genuinely liked this madness, or rather, if I simply listened for the novelty such an outlandish act brings out. (i.e. Sage Francis coming on stage in a Jedi robe to spit a mouthful of water on the front-row hoppers). Nonetheless, Die Antwoord, Afrikaans for "The Answer," certainly have put together a unique formula... the answer will come once this electric worldwide-hype subsides. But since my early introduction a few days ago, I've zefinitely decided these South African rats got some next level, full-flex business to handle; like opening for the Cape Town World Cup this summer. Yes, I'm certifiably serious... Or insane.
With some A-grade expert quality shit, Ninja, Yolandi and Hi-Tek perfectly demonstrate the 21st century ability for anyone to make music; to express themselves in whatever twisted mentality they please. My personal mind-state can barely comprehend the bustin' dance moves in Pink Floyd boxershorts to hyphed-up rhymes about ninjas and 'zef-style' only to be topped off with a progerian survivor avatar interchanged frequently with unspoken producer DJ Hi-Tek. Wait...what?!? Just peep the videos on my interwebz, man. These fools got mad zef-appeal which got me mad hyped for the US tour. P.E.A.C.E.
pro·ger·i·a (prō-jîr'ē-ə): n. A rare congenital disorder of childhood that is characterized by rapid onset of the physical changes typical of old age, usually resulting in death before the age of 20. Also called Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome. [pro-2 + Greek gēras old age,geriatrics + -ia1.]
