by BBG

DOWNLOAD: Blockhead - "Which One Of You Jerks Drank My Arnold Palmer" (MP3)

Blockhead (left) with Aesop Rock

Blockhead (born Anthony "Tony" Simon) is an American Hip hop producer based in Manhattan, New York. Aside from his solo efforts released on the Ninja Tune label, he is most associated with producing for Aesop Rock, a rapper for the Definitive Jux independent hip hop label. He has also previously worked with rappers Mac Lethal, S.A. Smash, Slug, and Murs, and is also a member of the hip hop/comedy group Party Fun Action Committee.

Along with RJD2 and Mr El-Producto himself (aka El-P), Blockhead has long been one of my favorite producers out of the extra thick Def Jux stable. More than just Aesop Rock's go-to, the NYC beathead has produced a few LPs of his own as well, including the recently released The Music Scene out NOW on Ninja Tune Recordings. Cop it, and cop one of the songs from the LP above.

Blockhead is scheduled to play a show a NYC in the coming week at Mercury Lounge on Friday, 2/5 with DJ Signify. Tickets are on sale.

Blockhead recently posted some of his earliest recordings for free download.

Ex-Ninja Tune artist Antipop Consortium plays BAM with Rain Machine on Saturday night (1/30).

Former Def Jux-er RJD2 is scheduled to play NYC on 3/7 with Break Science and Chichester. Tickets are still available.

Def Jux's Cage plays Music Hall of Williamsburg on Saturday night (1/30)...

Opening for Cubic Zerconia Album release. I will be playing with F Sean,Daryl Palumbo,Jarvis Holden and Nick Hook. 45 minutes. Come Hang w/ us SPECIAL GUESTS DONT MISS OUT - Cage

Flyer below...

Continue reading "Blockhead - new album out now (MP3), NYC show soon"

DOWNLOAD: Luke Solomon - Live at Sunday Best, 6/7/09 (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Ghislain Poirier - In the Mix on Sinden's Kiss FM radio show 5/21/09 (MP3)

Tyler Askew & crowd @ Loving Day Flagship Celebration - 6/7/09 (Willie Davis)

I haven't been out dancing yet this week, but still have plenty to tell you about last weekend, specifically Sunday and how it's turning into my favorite day to get down. Things began a little out of the ordinary, trekking over to 23rd and the FDR for the Loving Day celebration (of the Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia which legalized interracial marriage in the US, which happened not too long ago in 1967!). The vibe was great - everyone just looked happy and was hanging out. Unfortunately not many were dancing to the great soulful, jazzy, housey set Tyler Askew was playing. I'm going to blame it on the massive line that had formed for the free BBQ being given out. In any case, I got down with a small group of strangers and learned more about Loving v Virginia which you can do here as well as learn about throwing your own Loving Day celebration.

Luke Solomon @ Sunday Best @ the BKLYN Yard - June 7, 2009 (cloud_city)

From there things picked up in terms of dancing. I headed down to the Gowanus yet again for Sunday Best. It was slightly less packed than it was for Mr. Scruff - still quite a crowd. I'm not sure how they did it, but food & drink lines were pretty much nonexistent and the bathroom one is still there, but much shorter. There were all the makings of a great Sunday as Luke Solomon started his set around 7, following through with 2 great hours of an interesting blend of house, soul, techno, and even hints of tech-house that had the tiny dancefloor overflowing with people. You can download his set at the top of this post, and check out other past sets from Sunday Best here, or better yet, subscribe to the podcast via iTunes or RSS.

I was perfectly happy by the end of Sunday Best and could have just gone home...but the Lower East Side is just so close thanks to the F-train, so I headed to the Rivington Hotel for Été d'Amour with Tony Humphries. The penthouse was packed with people dancing when I arrived, as it had been for Dimitri's set the weekend prior. Unfortunately it didn't last long. After hanging out on the roof for an hour or so it dawned on me that I couldn't hear the music at all. The sound only improved slightly one flight down, and by the time I was back on the main penthouse level I realized something was very wrong. The volume was way down thanks to someone complaining...so frustrating as Tony's set was great, just not loud enough! I've been assured that this week things will be under control for Stretch Armstrong's set, but more on that in a bit. First here is what's going on Saturday (6/13):

Continue reading "the week in Dance w/ Showtrotta (part 2) "

1. Sunset Rubdown, Witchies & Elfin Saddle -
   June 12, 6pm @ Studio B, 18+ - TICKETS
2. Ghostly International's 10-yr Anniversary Bash w/ Lusine, Deastro, Michna & DJ Mike Servino - June 12, Studio B, 11pm, 18+ - TICKETS
3. Bishop Allen - June 13 @ Studio B, 6pm, 18+ - TICKETS
4. Ninjatune showcase with Daedelus, Ghislain Poirier & Megasoid - June 13, Studio B, 11pm, 18+ - TICKETS

Alternatively, you can attempt to get in to each of these using your four-day Northside Festival Badge.

Brightblack Morning Light is also playing Studio B during the fest, but no tickets for that one yet. I think the Dodos are too. The full list of bands playing is HERE and HERE.

We've got another slew of announcements for you today, starting with Swedish folk singer Kristian Matsoon, whose Tallest Man on Earth has been added to the Brooklyn Vegan showcase at Music Hall of Williamsburg (along with John Vanderslice and more TBA) on Friday, June 12. We're also pleased to inform you that the good people at the legendary Ninja Tune Records will be hosting a showcase, featuring Megasoid, Daedelus and Ghislain Poirier.

The Tallest Man On Earth was just one of many artists added to the previously announced Northside Festival lineup today. Full list below...

Continue reading "Northside Fest lineup expands w/ Ninja Tune showcase, etc"