Let’s get back in to the swing of things, shall we?

One of the biggest names in Indianapolis music is Jackola.  The guy has his hands in everywhere, from promoting shows across the city through sideTrack, to his monthly “Discopolis” column in Nuvo, to playing with every Dance headliner that comes through the city.  Dude gets busy.

I’ve been asking Jackola for a mix for a minute and he hit me with an exclusive session for CCMS.  I would like to go on record as saying the following, “Session 47 of the Circle City Mixshow by Jackola is one of the most technically sound mixes I’ve ever heard, recorded or otherwise, to come out of Indianapolis.”  And not just Indianapolis either… His transitions are flawless, levels are perfectly constant, and his selections are on point.  I’ve heard Jack play in the past, but this set blew me away.

Welcome Jackola to the CCMS fold and peep this electro gem.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 47 - Jackola - “OH”  (Direct Link)

Check Jack out on the Ocean Stage at the Forecastle Festival in July and the Paul van Dyk show at Talbott on June 22.

So its been a minute (or a month) since I’ve been active out here, but that’s just because I’ve been active elsewhere.  That may not mean anything to you and may not make up for the lack of music, but now you have a reason at least.  I think everyone else has been super busy as well because the mixes haven’t been coming through as steady… obviously.  But let’s not whine about what we don’t have, let’s celebrate what we do!

Tyler Stewart comes correct to break the musical hiatus with an hour of deep, funky house.  TS has become a CCMS staple over the past year and continues to deliver quality mixes that showcase his versatility as a selector.  Expect to hear positive vibes, catchy vocals, and all the Chicago funk that made house music the beast it is today.  Be sure to check out a live Stew show around the city at high profile spots like Blu Martini and Forty Five Degrees.  Hit hisSpace for more info.  Now groove!

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 46 - Tyler Stewart - “Ladies Like It Deep”  (Direct Link)

TONIGHT!!!  Come through for cheap drinks and great food!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY SLATER!

THURSDAY - Check me out with half-priced martinis all night!

In a hurry… More to come!!!

New Logo!

Feel free to post this thing all over the web!  I’d like to get some stickers done up shortly so be on the lookout.

CCMS Alumnus DJ Stefan (Session 13) kicked us an exclusive mix to set the mood for his upcoming party.  Stefan is the dude, if you didn’t already know…  The guy does events for Scion, he’s an official Serato DJ, and he always is ahead of the curve on new music.  Stefan broke us off with some of his favorite jammies (some heaters!!) at the moment and his mix clocks in Session 45.  Be sure to peep his show with Scion on February 14th at The Upper Room in Broad Ripple.  The man himself says,

“The party is to celebrate the release of the new Release Series xB and since the new xB is red, we’re having a “Red Party”. It will be myself, dj Oh Be One and Twin Peaks DJing, goodies from Scion will be given away, all sorts of people wearing red, photos, the new RS 6.0 will be on display.  Since it is Valentine’s Day, there will be all sorts of love in the air…”

Stay tuned for the flyer in next week’s SHOW posting.  Peep the tracklisting after the jump.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 45 - DJ Stefan - “Red Party”  (Explicit) (Direct Link) 

Thursday

BIG PARTY! As you can see, there is a huge lineup for this show.  I’ve heard a good buzz around town about it so it should jump off quite nicely.  I’m closing down the night there after I’m done with half price martinis at Forty Five Degrees so be sure to stay for the whole thing!  I’m comin’ hard!

Friday
Check out the Friday Vibe on Radio Now 100.9.  DJ Orion, DJ Tec, and DJ Indiana Jones will be hookin’ it up from 8-Midnight.

I’ll be at Subterra Lounge for the Official Legends Of Fighting afterparty.  I’ll be playing everything from Jay Rock and The Cool Kids to Diplo and Laidback Luke.  Come with an open mind and be prepared to sweat it out.

Saturday
Blu Martini strong.  We’ve had some great nights up there lately.  Let’s keep it going!

Sunday

Check out the new monthly with three of Indy’s favorite DJs, including two CCMS Alums, DJ MetroGnome and Action Jackson!  Shouts out to J Moore as well (where’s my Soulternative?!?!).  This will be a great event for a great cause.  Support.

NEXT WEEK LEAK…

Our last session in The Circle City Mixshow’s 2nd Annual Mixmas was recorded just four nights ago, live at Blu Martini.  If you recall, Session 14, also a Mixmas session, was recorded at Blu Martini as well.  DJ Hustle Lin was brought in from LA on Saturday and I opened and closed the night.  What I’ve presented here is the live recording of my opening set, a fun mix of some house and dance bangers.  I worked up a sweat bouncing around the newly revamped DJ booth (like, 10 feet in the sky!) and I hope you’re able to sweat a little shaking your tush to these jammies.  Shouts out to DJ Stefan for dropping by and for the hookup!

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 44 - Cool Hand Lex - “Live at Blu Martini 2″   (Direct Link)

Thank you again for all your support over the last two years.  I’m dedicated to continue showcasing Indy’s DJ talent for the world to hear.  If you have any ideas or suggestions for the site, gripes or praise, or just need to vent about your parents, let me know.  We aim to please!

DJ Hollow Point is a regular contributor here on the Circle City Mixshow and has had some of the most downloaded mixes of the last two years, as well as being the only guest DJ to be featured on both CCMS Mixmas editions!  His drum & bass sessions always get a lot of downloads and he reps CCMS as hard or harder than anyone else.  For that, I’m truly thankful.   Be sure to check out Hollow Point with the Koncrete Jungle cats on Tuesdays at Melody Inn as well as his one offs around the city.

HP delivers our fourth session of Mixmas and this time strays from his bread and butter.  Certainly a risky decision when you’ve built your name around a certain sound, but he showcases his ear for for quality choons and his deft ability to blend records.  Tune in for some filtered bass, a little electro styling, and some party vocals.  You’ll dig.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 43 - DJ Hollow Point - “Season’s Mixings”   (Direct Link)

Session 42 is our third installment of Mixmas and it comes in the form of a demo I made a few weeks ago.  I wasn’t initially going to post it out here, but I guess I might as well.  I created it to be crossover friendly with popular songs I enjoy playing out.  There’s some house, some hip hop and top 40, some throwbacks, some live mashups… you know the drill.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 42 - Cool Hand Lex - “Winter Promo ‘08″   (Direct Link)

Big apologies for the gap in the 2nd Annual Circle City Mixshow Mixmas.  I’ve realized whenever I say I’m going to do something out here, it never gets done.  I should learn to just stop broadcasting my intentions and probably make everyone, including myself, more sane.

DJ MetroGnome had the second most downloaded session of 2008 out here and he was kind enough to bang out a brand-spankin’-new joint just for Mixmas!  If you’ve ever tried to get a mix from this dude (and why would you? Are you running an Indianapolis-based music mix blog as well?!?!), you know what a monumental occassion this is!  That’s not to say dude is stingy with mixes.  Quite the contrary, in fact.  MetroGnome is the hardest hustler in Indy’s DJ game, bar none.  He has probably 46 residencies every week, not to mention his regular events with Red Bull, Scion, Ludacris (no joke), and other one-offs.  And he runs his own successful recording studio.  And has a girlfriend.  So…getting a mix from ol’ MetroGnome is sometimes a little tough to do.  But we’re always happy when it happens.

MetroGnome’s mix of funky drums and breakbeat samples clocks in as Session 41 and is a perfect soundtrack for a day in your life.  Seriously good music.  My apologies again for being truant in posting this homie.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 41 - DJ MetroGnome - “Future Funk”   (Direct Link)

But for tonight…

Tonight I’ll be mixing with DJ EDI at Blu Lounge for the famous REMIX Tuesday. No cover, seriously inexpensive drinks, and great music from 10-3.

I’d love to see your smiling faces out tonight as we kick off Obama’s entrance in to office.
I’ve even got some special Obama records for ya!

Big thanks to everyone for inviting me out to Remix Tuesday.
This is gonna be a great time!

Blessings,
CHL

Its crazy to think that two years ago I decided to buy some webspace, a domain, and talk all my buddies in to letting me have first crack at their mixes to post online.  Now look where we are… 40 mixes deep, 12 contributing DJs, thousands of downloads, and 100s of gigs of downloaded music.  I know some of these mixes are getting posted around the world (I saw one posted someplace in FRANCE) and are really allowing Indy’s talent to be heard by the world. Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed by my little internet baby.

Don’t think for a minute we’re done pushing though!  2009 is going to be full of fire here on CCMS with new music from the classic mixers you already love, new DJs pushing new boundaries with fresh sounds, and some more goodies I can’t quite let out of the bag!  Lots of content for me to get excited about, and hopefully you too!

Of course, I can’t say thanks enough to you, the loyal listener/reader of CCMS.  You listen to the mixes, you repost in forums and Myspace, you pass the links on to your friends, and you keep me working when I’m slippin’ on my pimpin’, so to speak.  Thanks for your support, suggestions for the site, and appreciation of good people and great music.  No, great people and great music.

In keeping with tradition, I proudly present to you the top 6 most downloaded mixes of 2008.
1. Cool Hand Lex - Session 36 “Heaven & Hell”
2. DJ MetroGnome - Session 31 “Sub-Rhythms vol.1″
3. Cool Hand Lex - Session 14 “Live at Blu Martini”
4. DJ Hollow Point - Session 32 “Escape”
5. Cool Hand Lex - Session 27 “Nobody Calls Me Alex”
6. DJ Stewbot (Tyler Stewart) - Session 20 “Party Poppin’”

If you don’t already have those mixes, do yourself a favor and follow the links to their respective downloads.  Again, these are 6 examples I can give to anyone on how stacked Indy DJ’s are.  Hip Hop, House, Drum & Bass, Downtempo, Bmore, Top 40, Classics…  We got it all.

Just like last year we’re bringing back the Second Annual Circle City Mixshow Mixmas!  This consists of five new mixes from the DJs of the top DL’s list.  The first mix comes to us from Tyler Stewart who’s mixes have been as eclectic as they’ve been downloaded (very much/a lot).  TS gives us a “Party Poppin’ pt. 2″ of sorts as he mixes all shades of funk to put some bounce in your trunk.  Do ya get it?  Huh?  You see what I did there?  I’m talking about making your butt shake.  Grab this mix quick and stick around for new mixes from here to Saturday!!

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 40 - Tyler Stewart - “Big Silly” (Explicit)    (Direct Link) 

And for those of you who want to subscribe to the CCMS and have iTunes download your mixes automatically, here’s how:

• Open iTunes
• Click on ‘Advanced’
• Click on ‘Subscribe to Podcast’
• Enter this code - - - -> http://www.circlecitymixshow.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2&category_name=podcasts
• Click Ok.

THAT’S ALL!

• Watch the Circle City Mixshow come in to your life via a spinning orange circle and black text.
• Click the ‘Get’ buttons and experience head-nodding, toe-tapping, musical success.
• Return to www.circlecitymixshow.com and leave a comment.

 

Also, here is the proper way to successfully download the CCMS Sessions to your computer.

• Move your cursor over the hyperlink
• Right click
• Select ‘Save Target As…’

Viola!

I took Frank Sinatra’s “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and added some crunky 808 percussion behind it in this quick little dub. I’ve dropped it a few times to some fun responses. Perhaps you’ll have a use for it, or you just feel the need to throw bows while double fisting goblets of eggnog.  Don’t be afraid, no judging done here.

After the inital mix and test spins I anticipated doing a full-fledged overhaul of this, but I’m afraid I won’t have the time before this joint becomes useless for the year. Maybe next year I’ll give it a proper spanking.

Frank Sinatra - Let It Snow (Cool Hand Lex 808 & Snowflake Remix)

812 is back, this time wrecking your head and proving he’s as versitle as he is fonky.  I could tell you all about 812’s history and his latest mix, but I’ll let him do that for me.

“Whats so cool about this mix….
1. I did it
2. All Vinyl ( No Not timecoded)
3. Before I was into all that fast music, heck even before hip hop, I was a downtempo groupie. Yes, I loved DJ Shadow’s Midnight in a Perfect World ( Now I think the song is pretty much trash. Yes I said it, sorry to crap in anyone’s cheerios)
4. It contains the albums that were pretty influential to me 1. The Mushroom Jazz Series by Mark Farnia ( #3 is the best) Kool Keith aka Dr. Octagon. There were many a times when I just sat in my dorm room and listen to it all the way through. When it was over I would throw the instrumentalyst on and listen to it then end the evening with the Blue flowers single EP. DJ DSL albums #1. Which is pretty much the coolest downtempo album ever! Its not all depressing plus it has some Kool Keith vocals.
5. Its the first mix I made since being out here in Phoenix”

That’s right, homie is out in Phoenix now.  Sad for all of us in Indy who want to hear dude bang in the clubs, but the Interwebs allow us to still enjoy his music.  Take a load off and enjoy 812’s chilled funk.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 39 - DJ 812 - “Downtempo Groupie”

Over the years of making CDs, I’ve developed an accumulation of mixtapes without a home.  I don’t really need them, as I created them, and I want you to have them.  So, Paypal me $2 (for shipping) for each CD you want (using the DONATE button, top right corner of the page) and in the comments section of Paypal, gimme your address and the names of the mixes you want.  Its just that easy!

Available mixtapes:
High Society with Stat Quo

Bottom of the Map with DJ Jesse James

BSU Homecoming ‘05 with DJ Orion (UNDER 10 LEFT!)

Blu Years Eve ‘06

Blu Martini 4th Anniversary (UNDER 10 LEFT!!)

45 Degrees Grand Opening with DJ EDI

Blu Martini 5th Anniversary

Subterra’s Heaven & Hell

Or, if you don’t want the CDs shipped, hit me up and let me know what mixes you want and I’ll bring them to a show.  I’ve thought about putting out some of the “classic” mixes for CCMS sessions, although many of them are pretty laughable.  So probably not. 

Lastly, here are some recent Kanye quotes.  He never ceases to make me loathe him.

The grumpy superstar was upset with the choice of winners at the big shows in both America and the UK this year.  He said: “BRITNEY SPEARS over RIHANNA? Are you serious?  “I mean f****** JARED LETO? He’s my boy but he shouldn’t have won over some of those other artists.  I won nothing last year and I’d brought out Stronger.  Kanye has changed his style in an attempt to challenge the likes of legends PAUL McCARTNEY and JIMI HENDRIX — who he describes as “those artists in black and white photos.”
He admitted he “hated” his 2005 smash Gold Digger — and the new material is more PHIL COLLINS than rap.  Phil’s fingerprints are on a lot of the good pop music that’s coming out at the moment.

 

Ugh.

Through a series of events, I haven’t been able to be in studio on Friday nights with the Friday Vibe mixshow lately.  Because of that, I’ve been recording my sets and dropping them off to run like I’m really there for the show (oh the secrets of radio).  Apparently my CD wasn’t read by the players last week so my sets went unheard…until now.  Actually, I had planned on putting this one out here even before I learned of the bogus disc.  The homie JBoy expressed that he thought I should put my prerecords out here both as easily created sessions, as well as for those listeners that want to hear some top 40 and hip hop.  Well, we here at the CCMS listen to our listeners, so here’s some radio funk for JBoy, Trini out on the Hollerboard, and everyone else who wants to get down.

 The Circle City Mixshow - Session 38 - Cool Hand Lex - “Mister Mixshow”  (Direct Link)

DJ 2Deep is back again on the CCMS and as always, he doesn’t disappoint.  Deuce Deeply has been a staple DJ here since Session 4 and he proves again that he’s among the most talented and versatile DJs in the city.  He’s given us everything from hip hop and R&B in Session 4, funk and soul in Session 30, and this time comes with some heavy duty floor fillers.  I hope your boogie shoes are shined up cause we’re going dancing tonight!

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 37 - DJ 2Deep - “Dance Music”  (Direct Link)

Halloween weekend is always a lot of fun and this year was no different.  Thursday night DJ EDI and roommate Clint threw a kegger that was probably 110dB at 1am.  Friday night was the 3rd annual Heaven & Hell party at Subterra Lounge and Blu Lounge in Downtown Indianapolis.  Subterra had me release a mix CD they could pass out and Session 36 is my attempt at that.  The recorded version clocks in at 85 minutes, so I had to cut out some verses for the CD version.   I like the uncut version better, so that’s what I’ve posted.  Shouts out to everyone that stopped by Subterra.  I think we all had a blast that night.  Enjoy the mix and the pictures that follow.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 36 - Cool Hand Lex - “Heaven & Hell”  (Direct Link)

Last night was a pretty crazy evening, having essentially done three shows in one night.  I agreed to do a show for my favorite teacher back at my old high school (that ol’, giving back the community thing), so I had to record a couple mixes for the mixshow.  This show was a trip… all kids born at the earliest in 1991, were wildin’ out to all 80’s music.  I was playing real 80’s, and when they would make a request for “80’s,” it almost always turned out to be a song from the 90’s.  I even had some requests for Slayer and Iron Maiden which, as my girlfriend put, “Not even people who were alive in the 80’s like them.”  The show was fun though.

2Deep rocked Subterra until 12:30 when I got there.  The floor was packed and mobbin’, so thanks for that Deuce!  Great crowd, good people, so thanks to everyone who dropped by.  As I mentioned, I recorded a couple short sets for the radio last night.  Keep in mind the songs and breaks are longer because I have to give time for the jocks to talk.  With that in mind…

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 35 - Cool Hand Lex - “Radio Rocker”  (Direct Link)

A couple weeks ago we celebrated the 5th Anniversary of Blu Martini.  I’ve been fortunate enough to have been there three years now.  The crowd is fun, attractive, and energetic.  The food is delicious, and the staff is full of good people.  I get to play good dance music and I feel like I’m highly esteemed by the patrons.  All in all, its a great residency that I feel fortunate to have.  All that in mind, I tried to make a high energy mix thats as easy to listen to in the car as it is the club, the house party as it is the gym.  I’m pretty sure Blu Martini is out of the CD version of this mix.  I have some that I’ve been carrying around in my bag at shows.  If you want one, just ask! 

If you’ve been a patron of Blu Martini in the last three years, thank you.  Drop by any Saturday night and the music’s on me.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 34 - Cool Hand Lex - “Blu Martini 5th Anniversary”   (Direct Link)

I’ll also be playing at Subterra tonight from 11:30pm-3am!  The homie DJ 2Deep will be in effect before that so stop by and show the dude some love.

SATURDAY!
Last week was our big 5th Anniversary party at Blu Martini and it was off the hook!  Lots of good people shook some ass from open to close.
  If you weren’t there last week, stop by tomorrow to pick up the 5th Anniversary Mix CD (mixed by your’s truly) before they’re all gone!

SUNDAY!
You should have already done this, and you don’t even need to wait until Sunday, but peep the massive project by the homies Grey Granite and J. Brookinz, mixed by me.
  You can’t get fresher than this!

 GREY GRANITE AMPLIFIES THE KILLERS  

Blessings,
CHL

Honestly, I can hype this joint as much as I want, but none of the words I have to say will replace the fact that you really just need to listen to it.  Killers fan or not, hip hop fan or not, I still think you can enjoy this project.  It was crafted by some cats that appreciate good music, and if you appreciate good music, you owe it a listen.  Seriously.  Besides, its a free download!

I’m interested to know your thoughts and feelings on the project so please share through some comments, e-mails, Myspace, telegrams, or courier service.

Grey Granite Amplifies the Killers (zShare)

DJ 812 has decided to get with the music cascade that is the Circle City Mixshow by dropping of an hour long jookfest.  The dude slayed dozens of Baltimore and Booty House/Ghettotech records in his set.  Plain and simple: Your jingle is certain to jangle.  And sadly, I don’t even know what that means.  But rest assured, it will take place.  Oh yes.  And this mix isn’t for children.  Remember when I mentioned he played some Booty House and Ghettotech?  Not for children or the weak of heart.  Seriously.

Be sure to check out 812 and 2Deep at the Living Room Lounge every Wednesday for the epic “Wet T-Shirt Wednesdays,” Indy’s longest running wet t-shirt contest without ever having a wet t-shirt.  They also rock the spot on Saturdays for “Get Drunk Saturdays.”  Finally some truth in advertising!  Peep the mix, add dude on the Myspace tip, and check out some shows.  CCMS has styles for days!

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 33 - DJ 812 - “Do You Want It Wet?” (Very, Very Explicit) (Very) (Direct Link)

If you’ve been checking out CCMS for any amount of time, no doubt you’ve peeped Hollow Point’s mixes.  The dude consistently bangs some of the illest DnB Indy has to offer.  As you can imagine, Session 32 is no different.  I’ve had this mix for a couple weeks, I’ve just been stuntin’ by not putting it up (sorry holmes!).  Check it out, enjoy it, friend him on Myspace, hear him live with the Koncrete Jungle cats, and step up your beat and knock game.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 32 - DJ Hollow Point - “Escape”    (Direct Link)

TONIGHT:
Indiana State Fair
I’ll be out at the State Fair tonight DJing and MCing (wha?) (cue Rodney O and Joe Cooley) for some performances and tapings by MTV “America’s Best Dance Crew” alumni BreakSK8 and Status Quo, as well as some local hip hop.  Drop by and maybe you’ll be in the filming! If the fair isn’t your thing, head down to Subterra where CCMS homie DJ 2Deep will be wrecking shop.  Following my fun at the fair,  I’ll be down at Subterra with Radio Now 100.9’s very own Big Ass Night Show and we’ll be shakin’ ass til’ 3. 

SATURDAY:
Blu Martini
You already know.

SUNDAY:
Lulu’s
Following a triathlon in the morning, me and the Keepin’ It Deep team will be providing you the opportunity for one last party before your work week begins.  Best electronic party in the city, bar none.  Good, inexpensive drinks, great music, and it all ends at 1am so you still can catch some shuteye before work.

Thanks to everyone who voted for me in this year’s Nuvo “Best Of Indy” issue!  That’s three years running for me making the list!  THANK YOU!

I leave you for the moment with a video I was fortunate enough to capture a few weeks ago.

Blessings,

CHL

DJ Metrognome has been doing his thing around Indy for a hot minute.  The dude keeps his schedule stuffed with shows including the legendary “Take That Tuesday” party at Coaches, does mass amounts of events for Red Bull, Scion, Cornerstone, and and and…  Probably the hardest working dude in Indy, he kicked us a downtempo mix that is an awesome refuge from all the high-energy stuff I’ve been posting lately.  Metrognome’s myspace has been added to the roll as the newest addition to the CCMS.  Show the dude some love, check out one of his shows, and enjoy quality DJing and good music.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 31 - DJ Metrognome - “Sub-Rhythms vol.1″  (Direct Link)

The dirty thirty y’all!  My man 2Deep came through with a history lesson for his second CCMS appearance.  Duece Deeply, as I like to call him, has been making quite a name for himself around the city with his Soul Sensation trilogy, as well as first Mondays at Fox & Hound and Saturday nights at The Living Room (with DJ 812…Whatup?).  2Deep was kind enough to kick us the third verse of Soul Sensation and relieves you of having to “betta ask somebody.”  These are all original 45 recordings from his collection, which just means his basement is worth more than my house.  Get familiar with the samples used in your favorite hip hop jammies, cop the first two Sensations on disc, and consider yourself schooled.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 30 - DJ 2Deep - “Soul Sensation 3″  (Direct Link)

I submit that DJs hear and see some of the most ridiculous things while at work.  We’re surrounded by people drinking and generally losing their inhibition sips at a time, and then they approach us in a daring move to “better” their evening.  In the course of my career behind the wheels of steel, I’ve started writing some of the things I see, hear, or think while at my battle station.  I keep a supply of napkins in the booth and through the course of the evening they become a document of my evening.   I usually intend on elaborating about the items I jot down but in front of me are about 50 napkins compositions that would take too long.  I’ll leave you with a bulleted list of mostly things to do or not do, random thoughts and ideas, rants and raves, and if there’s a lot of interest in a specific one, I’ll elaborate in a separate post.      

• “Slow dance to “Lollipop Bmore remix“ - I love Indy, I really do, but its things like slow dancing to songs at 130bpm that make me question our musical culture and understanding.  

• “We just came up here to see what songs you have…” - Never, ever, ever, under any circumstances, think that a self-respecting DJ is going to let you rifle through their music collection.  If you’re invited, that’s one thing, but that’s probably not going to happen in a nightclub.  Think about what you want to hear, think about how that fits in with what the DJ is playing, think about it again and if you think you have what the dancing majority would like to hear, only then should you approach the DJ with the correct song title and artist with a smile on your face.  We like smiles.  

• “Yo dude, play “Baby Got Back.”  The girls will love it!” - I was currently banging some house records that had the dance floor packed, and I refuse to think the majority of people still want to hear this.

• “How about hip hop, you know, like Jay-Z or something?” - A statement like this, said in the wrong tone, is completely patronizing to any DJ worth their weight.  Again, smile, try and be a little more courteous, and know that we’ll take care of you.  Enjoy the fact that you aren’t hearing the same songs all night that you hear 40+ times a day on the radio.

• You know its race weekend in Indianapolis when everyone is fetal-position-drunk by 11pm and you see a rat tail in an ultra lounge.

•  “Hey DJ, why don’t you play something you want to hear?” - This is the NUMBER 1 way to your DJ’s heart.  The only way to top it is by dropping a tip (probably not a $1) when you make this request.  Most of the DJs I know listen to a lot of music they don’t ever get to play out.  Asking your DJ to play something (s)he wants to hear is a sure fire way to impress them, make yourself memorable, hear new music, and thereby grant yourself elite status if you decide to request a song later.

• I’ve always found songs like “Ms. New Booty” to be particularly misogynistic, so imagine my surprise when I see a group of openly gay lesbians both request, and dance to, said song. - Moral(s): Don’t judge a book by its cover; the power of a catchy tune is a very strange thing.

• What in the world is Mickey Avalon doing on a Boost Mobile commercial? - The funniest part is that he only gets two bars while JD and Jeezy get four.  Don’t get me wrong, I like Mickey and I enjoyed his show here in Indy, but putting him with two ATL heavyweights?  Just strange, that’s all.  (For the record, JD’s status as an ATL heavyweight rests solely on his past projects of 10+ years and in no way is supported by his recent endeavors.)  

• Why are DJs booked on the strength of their production work and not on the strength of their DJing abilities? - Would you book Timbaland to play when you want to hear ”Sexy Back?”  I understand, but many producers are booked for their creation library and don’t even know how do properly execute a crossfade outside of Ableton.  Just seems a little ridiculous to me, that’s all.  Or I’m a hater. 

•  “Oh I have friends that do tables…” - Let’s never refer to DJing as “doing tables” again, eh?  Great, thank you. 

•  “Play something upbeat, like ‘Cyclone’.” - I was playing Common when the request was made, but we’ll casually overlook the major issue that showcases.  Instead, “Cyclone” runs a snail’s pace of 78 bpm and the song I was playing was around 100, a much more worthy dance pace.  And certainly more ‘upbeat’. 

•  “You da Man!” - Its just funny that this phrase is still be used regularly, that’s all.  I’ve probably heard in 5 times in the last couple weeks, thankfully from no one in my close circle of friends. 

•  “Play the journey song.” - Can at least 10% of the people that request “the journey song” name two other songs Journey has done?  And what exactly is “the journey song?”  Or do you mean, “the Journey song?”  Or do you mean, “Journey - Don’t Stop Believing?”

•  “Play something with flow.” - What does that even mean? 

•  “Everyone out here wants to hear “Britney Spears - Piece of Me.” - Just because all your ex-boyfriends said you were pretty doesn’t mean that you’re entitled to tell a DJ what to play, how to play it, or when to play it.  I’m not at all sorry that the “pretty girl entitlement” doesn’t work with me.  In fact, the prettier a girl is, the less likely I am to play her Pussycat Dolls request.  Ok, so that’s not entirely true, I just mean to say a girls good looks don’t equate to my attention when I’m doing my job.  Maybe that’s just a chip on my shoulder from being an ugly kid, but in reality the best way to hear your song…is to request a good song!  Imagine!

•  “There is absolutely nothing impressive about knowing how to do the Cupid Shuffle.” - If the dance steps are in the song, and are the same steps of a dance that’s been passed down through decades (i.e. the “Hot Chocolate” disco dance is the exact same thing as the “Electric Slide,” which is essentially the “Cupid Shuffle”…), knowing how to do it is not the ‘Insta-Cool’ you were probably looking for.   

  You know, reviewing this list it might appear I’m a little bitter or upset at club patrons.  That’s not the case at all, or at least, at some.  I rather think of myself as an observer and catch-all of dumb or ignorant things.  DJs usually have the best seat in the house for stuff like that anyway.  More observations and general ramblings to come…    

On Friday night I was asked to drop by Radio Now 100.9 and audition for a spot on the mixshow with DJ Orion & DJ Tec.  I decided I wasn’t going to go “straight radio” with my playlist but instead wanted to make sure I have my own flavor in there.  Thanks to everyone that called, texted, and called in the station showing their support!  I recorded the mix for CCMS and posterity sake. 

And for the record, my name hasn’t changed to “Cool Hands Lex.”  He just had a little issue remembering it…

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 29 - Cool Hand Lex - “Friday Vibe WNOU”  (Direct Link)

Hey party people.

I just wanted to give you a quick heads up that I’ll be mixing on air tonight on 100.9 Radio Now (Indianapolis, IN).  I’ll be auditioning for a spot on the Friday Vibe Mixshow tonight between 9pm-10pm so tune in, enjoy, then swing by Subterra afterwards for the regularly scheduled program!  As always, thanks for the continued support.

Blessings,
CHL

THE.
HEAT.

It doesn’t change the amount of time you spend playing the record, but it will change the amount of time it takes to work with it on your computer.

GET TO IT!

That’s Saturday.  Tonight DJ EDI will be doing the soft opening so after you’re done drinking your penny drinks at Subterra (where I’m rocking this evening), head a couple blocks over to Forty Five Degrees for First Fridays on Mass Ave and check out EDI and the new spot!

I’m the resident DJ for Forty Five Degrees on Thursday nights from here on out.  Now there’s finally something worthwhile on Thursdays! 

See ya out this weekend…
++Friday - Subterra Lounge
++Saturday - Forty Five Degrees Grand Opening Party
++Sunday - Keepin’ It Deep at Lulu’s

Again, what a giant jackass am I.  Tyler Stewart (of DJ Stewbot fame) hit me with this mix and I sat on it for a couple weeks.  This mix is a hefty hour of jackin’, funkin’, workin’, uh-oh’in house for ya head.  Sorry for the delay Terror Squad.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 28 - Tyler Stewart - “Spring Fiend” (Direct Link)

Versus (Now Winnie Cooper)

The Disco Workout

Earwigs & Wax

FM Radio out in Vermont, WRUV

The Synth Lords

GBH Radio

Jus-Tus

…and maybe some other places, but you get the idea.  It was also posted on DJ City and here are some of my favorite responses…

“This is kinda crazy and weird. That’s why I like it.” - Ann Arbor, Michigan
“This one is pretty sick…love the sequencing and overall pretty nice remix…not too crazy like most of the ones i hear these days…definitely worth the download and for shure will get play at the clubs…thanks” - Cerritos, CA
“nice to see naptown on here…” -Bloomington, IN
“Nice remix - will DEFINITELY play it… LOVE the beat - it’s funky.” - Redwood City, CA
“This is nice work… I like this remix a lot. Its not quite the club banga that the original is, but this is really well done.” - Belmont, MA

and my favorites,
“alot going on….but not sayin anything interesting !wil have to test this one” - Belfast, Ireland
“not in my clubs: - Austin, TX

 ++Note to self, don’t play this joint in Belfast or Austin++

 Anyway, it dawned on me that I never put it out here so if you haven’t heard it already, enjoy.

Pitbull - Go Girl (Cool Hand Lex Party Rocker Remix) (Direct Link)

To wrap up the CCMS Funky Four, here’s a mix I recorded a few weeks ago, again, from the weekly Keepin’ It Deep party (every Sunday!  Don’t sleep!).  I always record my sets there because its so easy with the 57 and if I end up liking the mix, I consider upping it as a CCMS session.  The problem with recording my live sets is that I never plan out what I’m going to play and if someone requests something (like what happened in this mix), then I usually honor that.  You’ll notice that with the fact that I drop a couple Sinden & Count of Monte Cristal and Crookers tracks.  Maybe one of these days I’ll record a mix at the home studio and plan something out like I actually work outside of the clubs.  Maybe not.

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 27 - Cool Hand Lex - “Nobody Calls Me Alex”

That picture is more like the Funky Forty with all those shots.  Z has become a CCMS All-Star with this now being his fourth featured mix.  Pretty soon he’ll probably be running the CCMS so enjoy that.  “Munchin’ On Some Grindage” is a plate full of chunky basslines with a side of rediculous lyrics.  Bon apetit!

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 26 - DJ Z - “Munchin’ On Some Grindage” (Explicit)

Next up in the Funky Four is CCMS alumnus DJ EDI.  EDI holds down Indianapolis as the go-to electro house guy.  He plays at the biggest electronic events in Indy (the monthly Crush party (what up Farhan) and the weekly Keepin’ It Deep (what up Slater Hogan, DJ Stewbot, & John Larner)), as well as starting a residency at the soon-to-be-hot-spot Forty-Five Degrees.  And he makes videos through Live Nation.  And his social security number is 658-69-47teen. 

The Circle City Mixshow - Session 25 - DJ EDI - “EDI Returns”