Q-Tip free Myspace show at Pipeline Cafe

12/13
Free Myspace show @ Pipeline Cafe

Limited tickets will be available at Dig Lifestyles 12/10 at 7 pm.

Nightshift: Flavor Fridays at Indigo

In. Dig? Go.
by Kalani Wilhelm / 10-29-2008
Give Mayor Mufi credit for revitalizing Chinatown, but Fridays at Indigo get the props and praises for rejuvenating the area’s night scene.

It may go with little fanfare or acknowledgement by some, but the First Friday staple isn’t downtown’s longest-running weekly party by accident.

As the core of the recent downtown nightlife makeover, Flavor Fridays cook up a well-balanced product that separates itself from the all too familiar carbon-copy experiences found in Waikiki, Aloha Tower or Ward Center.

While new, trendy, over-hyped ultra-lounges seem to be popping up everywhere these days, Indigo draws its share of the best fun seekers in Honolulu.

Three rooms, each with its own distinct vibe, help mesh the variety of personal styles, ethnicities and music tastes. Although on crowded nights conditions can be uncomfortable and muggy no matter which room you choose to hang in, people clearly will trade a little bit of perspiration for good times. Instead of caring about being seen, it’s more about the scene for the young professionals and party pros at this down-to-earth hot spot.

On the drinking front, expect elbow-to-elbow space at all three bars, so it’s wise to order and keep it moving. With the loud music and constant people traffic around you, your best bet for social stimulation will be in the all-too-narrow hallway that connects each room and the open-air patio area adjacent from the main entrance. Wherever you find yourself, you’re bound to find others, and lots of them, so don’t come if you have personal space issues.

Goldie, Mark Farina, Rhettmatic and Shortkut are just a few of the global rockstar DJs who have graced the turntable decks at Indigo, which scores big points with those passionate about their music. You won’t find the promoter or owner looking over the DJ’s shoulder trying to dictate song selection at this joint. The music is in good hands with credible groove theorists Sovern-T, Lava and Quiksilva in charge.

Halloween downtown is a unique experience in itself, and Indigo plans to let it all hang out with tricks and treats and signature beats. Call it the perfect alternative to the Waikiki madness and get straight to the party without all the parking problems and bumper to bumper traffic.


Indigo
Get Fresh: Flavor Fridays
1121 Nu’uanu Ave.

Getting In: $10, 21+, Bring ID
Dress Code: Ezekiel, Bamboo Sky, Sean John, Ed Hardy
Soundtrack: “Love Lockdown,” Kanye West, “Electric Avenue,” Eddy Grant, “Body on Me,” Ashanti
Sightings: Christy Turlington, Lanai Tabura, Killowattz Da Mongoose, Molly Watanabe
Signature Drinks: $5 Newcastle, $6 Crown and Coke, $6 Vodka Red Bull

AM best dance
by Kalani Wilhelm / 10-29-2008

The America’s Best Dance Crew phenomena returns to the island, but this time fans of the show will get to see two crews for the price of one when Season 2 champions Super Cr3w and Supreme Soul bring their street dance stylings to the Blaisdell Concert Hall Saturday.

Ballin’ after taking the $100,000 grand prize and still flying high from the victory and recently completed ABDC tour, the crew of Ronnie “Ronnieboy” Abaldonado, Mike “Murda” Carrasco, Angelito “Vex” Casal, Jon “Do-Knock” Cruz, Abenamar “Ben” Honrubia and Rufino Josef (RJ) “Rockadile” Puno will also be the featured attraction at “The Lockdown” Halloween night at Level 4 nightclub.

From not making the season one cut to becoming season two victors, had it not been a last minute decision to try out on the very last day of auditions, the bad boys of b-boy might have never risen from their underground dance-scene successes.

Joining Super Cr3w will be the versatile styles of season two favorite Supreme Soul.

The Know Your Rank boys from the Bay Area will also get their own chance to shine on the Level 4 stage following the show at the Blaisdell.

And to think, critics of the urban street dance thought the mainstream movement was just a passing fad. It sure hasn’t passed yet.

Level 4, 2201 Kalakaua Ave., Fri. 10/31, 10pm–4am, $20, $15 w/ costume, 21+, 946-4441; Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., Sat. 11/1, 7pm, $35–$65, all ages, [ticketmaster.com], 1(877) 750-4400

Illmatic at the Living Room

3 Years and Runnin'

DJ Compose Spinzone

Composition
by Kalani Wilhelm / 10-29-2008

DJ Compose
DJ Compose and his world-renowned Nocturnal Sound Krew camp have been running the DJ and club scene in Honolulu for years. But why rest on past successes and achievements, when you can continue to keep things moving forward and possibly make Hawai’i hip-hop history in the process?

Consider all that part of the objective with the release of Can’t Noc the Hustle Volume 2: Knowxone’s Business, his second mixtape and the second installment of the ongoing NSK series.

“The whole DJ game is so saturated and so watered down, that projects like this keep me inspired and hungry,” said the DJ fundamentalist.

Set for release at the Halloween edition of Soul Clap at thirtyninehotel and then available on Kicks/HI, Fitted, Dig Lifestyle and In4mation stores, the hip-hop purist promises to pack the swag and polish that fans and supporters are accustomed to hearing.

“I wanted this mix to sound effortless,” he said. “I could easily be that dude who could play all this crazy stuff and show off my scratches or whatever is trendy, but I’m more about the subtleties and things. I think if you pay attention to this, you’ll hear it.”

Soul Clap Halloween Edition, DJ Compose CD Release Party, thirtyninehotel, 39 Hotel St., Fri 10/31, 10pm, $10, 21+, [thirtyninehotel.com], 599-2552

Halloween at the W Hotel

Too Short Pipeline Show is cancelled

CANCELLED....(SAY DAYUM!)

P & P

Charlie, Dan, Packo, Lex.One, Flykid, Sam, Xtine, Mike M., Alvin, Ryan Chang, Ryan, Bryan, Alvin, Nikki, David, Alaine, Kama, Mochi, Harris, Revise, Paul Brandon, Mike D., Aaron, Jess, Dan, GoldenChild, Marko, Angry Chris, Shelly, Annisa....

Men-do-za!

Tassho Pearce w/ DJ Compose on KGMB morning show

Peep the video
http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/10749/108/

Update: Too Short and Q-Tip shows at Pipeline Cafe

According to Pipeline GM JED ROA it appears the status of both concerts is still up in the air. Check back for updates.

"Not sure yet for both shows. Will know on Sunday for Too Short. Atmosphere and E 40 are definitely on." in an e-mail received from ROA on 10/24.

Common's new album drops 12/9

Posted October 21, 2008- Common usually doesn’t have to do much to catch anyone’s attention. Whether it’s appearing in videos, starring in feature films, popping up in a rare episode of NBC’s, “Scrubs” or collaborating with well renowned producers, Common could sneeze and garner the attention of many.

However, with his new body of work, Universal Mind Control, predominately produced by The Neptunes, a couple of eyebrows quickly shot up; some were even considerably concerned with the move. But if you let Common tell it, approval is the last things he’s in search for this time around. “The new sound for Universal Mind Control was inspired by me just wanting to create some music that was fun and people could enjoy,” Common explained to BET.com.

Though Common’s last Lp, Finding Forever, was mainly produced by Kanye West, collaborative efforts from Mr. Love Lockdown himself, are obsolete from UMC. No, the two aren’t beefing, but with Kanye tweaking his latest offering, 808’s & Heartbreak, finding time to hit the studio with 'Ye was a bit difficult.

No worries, Pharrell and The Neptunes had no problem stepping in for Mr. West. Common said of linking with Pharrell and his team, “We’ve always talked about doing music and I would run into him occasionally, but there was a particular situation when I ran into him and I said, ‘Man brother let’s do some stuff’ and from then we started working.” And once both parties got started, nothing could derail their course of action, “It became such a natural creative process that we felt we needed to keep on with the work. Energy is energy, so this had that natural flow to it.”

And since Common’s vocals touched a good number of records this past year, one should assume returned favors would be shooting in left and right, right? “On this project, I really don’t have a lot of features to be honest,” Common disclosed. However, he did manage to reveal some information about two individuals on Universal Mind Control outside him, The Neptunes and Mr. DJ, “I do have Celo from Goodie Mobb and Gnarls Barkley featured on a cut called, “Make My Day”, which was produced by Mr. DJ. It’s also an artist from the UK that I have on the album named Martina Topleeburg, who’s really dope! I really took the album somewhere else more than anything.”

Surprisingly, Common did in fact reach out to one specific songstress for a guest appearance, but oddly enough, didn’t receive a call back, “I did make a call out to Sade, but she didn’t call me back, though. It’s all good," Common said with a chuckle.

Universal Mind Control hits stores December 9 via G.O.O.D. Music/Geffen Records

courtesy. BET

Kanye talks about his new album 808's and Heartbreak

Kanye West visits Big Boy's Neighborhood from qdeezy on Vimeo.

Note: Listen closely and you'll hear him say that the album was indeed recorded in Hawaii.

Super Cr3w and Supreme Soul

CeeJay Da DJ interview

WHAT ARE SOME DETAILS ABOUT YOUR JOB THAT YOU WISH PEOPLE TOOK THE TIME TO NOTICE? it aint that easy.... i get song requests by customers to play a song and expect to just play it on the next song... there is a consistant speed transition... we can't just play it... there is a certain speed to match the tempo of the music or the song might be off the type of music we might be playing at the time....

WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS ABOUT BEING A DJ? WHAT ARE THE WORST AND MOST STRESSFUL ASPECTS? the best thing about being a dj would probably be, doing something i love to do and i get paid to party with some of my friends.... some stressful aspects would be reading the crowd... i get frustrated trying to figure out certain genre or era of music to play to get the party started but when you get it, its a sense of pride that you got the party going..

FOR THOSE THAT THINK ALL A DJ DOES IS PLAY MUSIC, HOW IS THAT THE FARTHEST FROM THE TRUTH? we set the tempo of the club... we are the reason why a guy can go up to a girl and ask, "hey, do you wanna dance?" its kinda hard to do if the music isn't right or the mood is all wrong... we pretty much do all the work to have everybody jumping in a club to give them the courage to go up to a guy or girl to talk to them...

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF A DJ? HOW MIGHT YOUR DEFINITION BE DIFFERENT FROM THE AVERAGE EVERYDAY CLUB GOER? someone who doesn't just play music like everybody might think... sombody that truly understands music to know what song to play and when to play it....

WHAT'S ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT DJS? my biggest pet peeve is a customer would come up to me and tell me, "hey, if you play this song next the dance floor is going to get slammed." yeah well, how bout you give me 20 bucks and i'll give it back to you if i see atleast half the dancefloor half packed when i play the song... we love to play for the crowd don't get me wrong, its just that there are certain customers in the crowd that think they can just get up on the dj booth and just start djing.... it takes sometimes months to years to truly understand just the fundamentals and basics of djing...

WHAT WAS THE SCENE LIKE IN GUAM? HOW DID U ESTABLISH YOURSELF THERE? HOW OFTEN WERE YOU SPINNING? guam was great... i learned how to spin for the first time when i was living there... i was spinning about 3 days a week... mostly on the weekends..

AFTER TWO YEARS AWAY FROM THE TABLES WHAT WAS THE MAIN REASON YOU DECIDED TO GET BACK INTO IT WHEN YOU GOT TO HAWAII? i would go to all the clubs on the weekends and i would get a really bad itch for it... it was almost like cigarettes... as soon as i touched a pair of tables i got hooked... and the second time is always the worst....

HOW HECTIC IS YOUR CURRENT DJ SCHEDULE AND WHERE CAN PEOPLE HEAR YOU? i spin friday at redlion and playbar, saturday, sunday, tuesday, thursday at the playbar.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AN ASPIRING DJ WHO WANTED TO BREAK INTO THE CLUB SCENE? it may get frustrating and time consuming at times but if you love doing it don't just give up what you love to do...

DJ COMPOSE DISCUSSES HIS LATEST MIXTAPE CREATION interview sneak peak

What was your primary goal with the new mixtape?

- Basically, this is the 2nd mix in the CNTH line... and my primary goal, as it is with everything We (NSK) do is to always strive to be the best. I was happy with the 1st volume, but there was definitely some room for improvement... So, I guess I took my time, chose tracks that i'm feeling, added some of my flav, and hopefully cooked up a classic.

What do you hope the mixtape will help you accomplish?

- more than anything, it's just another way for me to express myself. The whole DJ game is so saturated and so watered down that projects like this keep me inspired and hungry. I just hope a bunch of people listen to it and dig what I did.

Where can people pick up V2?

- i'll be releasing this mix on Halloween at this month's SOUL CLAP event at 39 hotel. it will be available at all the major shops and boutiques (shout to KicksHawaii, In4mation, QUEENS, Dig, Fitted, Prototype, and everyone else who always hold me down.)

How is it different than volume one? If it's still available how can people cop volume?

- This time around, I had some assistance with the homie KnowXone (www. knowxone. com), who runs a very dope music blog. This mix concentrated on Songs and Artists that made noise in the "Blog" world. He gave me some input on some songs, and got some exclusives meant specifically for this mix, which is pretty crazy. That being said, I am always search for dope music... commercial, underground, whatever. I think this mix refelcts that.

- also, we are dabbling into production, and we have a remix from DJ Jami featured on this tape to Kanye's "Love Lockdown", which is craaaaaaazy!

- btw - What's funny about the last mix was I felt like I was trying to make a mix of "under the radar" joints I felt were fresh, and it ends up including some of the biggest songs in the radio, even till this day! (paper planes, superstar, flashing lights) funny how things work out. anyways, here is the mix available for download. (insert zshare link)



The cassette tape cover art is ill, how did you come with the idea?

- big up to KnowXone for that... I think it's pretty sick too.

How much time did you put into the project and what went into selecting each track? Were you going with songs people were familar with? new ish? old school ish?

- Honestly, I've been kind of working on this ever since the last one, cause some of the tracks didn't fit in Vol. #1. And I really got started on this around the Pemberton Festival (which I performed with My Main MC/Homie TASSHO PEARCE). He was working on his recent album, and played me his track "Fresh to Death", which is featured in the mix, and it was in the vibe I wanted to portray. Lots of swag and style... which I'd like to think I got.
- I wanted this mix to sound "effortless"... I could easily be that "dude" who could play all this crazy stuff and show off my skratches or whatever is trendy... but i'm more about the subtleties and things, I think if you pay attention to this, you'll hear it.

What's the status on mixtapes by the rest of the NSK fam?

- Man, we are always trying to push the bar, and stay one step ahead of the game... Mixtapes, Parties, everything. Jami just came back from a very sucessful Asia tour thru Japan and China. E$kae just hopped off the plane coming back from New york playing at THE RUB and SWAY amongst other spots (which is HUGE... for those who don't know about those party's... google it). Deception is a Rockstar, spinning all over the Country... $$$$solution is still doin his thing, and is just starting to get into the club game, which is gonna be dangerous!

Packo, Wigs, Revise, Lex.One etc..more and more DJs are coming out with mixtapes these days? Any thoughts on that and have you heard any of the other DJs offerings?

- I love the fact that other Hawaii DJ's are doing it as well... I haven't had a chance to listen to any yet (HOOK IT UP!), but all those dudes you mentioned are the homies, and I'm sure they are all super sick!

Last words?
-Shout to everyone who helped me out with this! DJ XL for helping me master it out, all the special guests for the drops. Big thanks to Ges a.k.a knowXone, make sure you check his site. and make sure you peep www. nocturnalsoundhawaii. blogspot. com for all things NSK!

Cop these Tees by STYL3Z

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DJ Diamond Honolulu Weekly Spinzone

Diamond dogs
by Kalani Wilhelm / 10-15-2008
If you’re a hot female who spins records, you have to earn your respect. For DJ Diamond, her beauty often makes the first impression, but her skills leave the one that lasts.

Born and bred on the beaches of O’ahu to surfer parents, the electro-house specialist left the rock at the age of 20. After dabbling in the sports medicine profession, she gave it up to pursue her lifelong passion of putting the needle on the record. Today, you can consider this local girl to be on top of the “she-jay” stratosphere.

Appearances in Playboy, Maxim and FHM may have increased her global eye candy appeal, but dance music is about the ear candy. Either way, it’s time to get your sweet tooth on, courtesy of this superstar dance club diva.

Fri 10/17, Indigo, 1121 Nu’uanu Ave., 10pm–2am, 21+, 521-2900; Sat 10/18, The Shop, 580 Dillingham Blvd., 9pm–4am, 16+, $5 presale, [groovetickets.com], 1(877) 87-GROOVE


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEXT WEEK'S SPINZONE: CJ THE DJ, RESIDENT MAN OF THE MUSIC AT PLAY BAR WAIKIKI

Upcoming Club Reviews in the Honolulu Weekly..

AND

LEVEL 4

Super Crew and Supreme Soul at Level 4

Super Crew will be performing at Level 4 on Halloween and Supreme Soul will be doing their thing after the big show at the Blaisdell. You heard it hear first.

DJ COMPOSE DISCUSSES HIS LATEST MIXTAPE CREATION interview sneak peak

KALANI: What was your primary goal with the new mixtape?

COMPOSE: Basically, this is the 2nd mix in the CNTH line... and my primary goal, as it is with everything We (NSK) do is to always strive to be the best. I was happy with the 1st volume, but there was definitely some room for improvement... So, I guess I took my time, chose tracks that i'm feeling, added some of my flav, and hopefully cooked up a classic.

KALANI: What do you hope the mixtape will help you accomplish?

COMPOSE: more than anything, it's just another way for me to express myself. The whole DJ game is so saturated and so watered down that projects like this keep me inspired and hungry. I just hope a bunch of people listen to it and dig what I did.

K: Where can people pick up V2?

C: I'll be releasing this mix on Halloween at this month's SOUL CLAP event at 39 hotel. it will be available at all the major shops and boutiques (shout to KicksHawaii, In4mation, QUEENS, Dig, Fitted, Prototype, and everyone else who always hold me down.)

K: How is it different than volume one? If it's still available how can people cop volume?

C: This time around, I had some assistance with the homie KnowXone (www. knowxone. com), who runs a very dope music blog. This mix concentrated on Songs and Artists that made noise in the "Blog" world. He gave me some input on some songs, and got some exclusives meant specifically for this mix, which is pretty crazy. That being said, I am always search for dope music... commercial, underground, whatever. I think this mix refelcts that.

Also, we are dabbling into production, and we have a remix from DJ Jami featured on this tape to Kanye's "Love Lockdown", which is craaaaaaazy!

What's funny about the last mix was I felt like I was trying to make a mix of "under the radar" joints I felt were fresh, and it ends up including some of the biggest songs in the radio, even till this day!

***TO BE CONTINUED***

Prediction: UH 27 La Tech 21

PREDICTIONS SURE TO GO WRONG

HAWAII WINS IF:
- The Warrior offense racks up at least 350 total yards on offense(250 passing, 100 rushing)
- Funaki runs for a TD and at least 50 yards while throwing for 250 yards
- In his return to the starting lineup Adam Leonard compiles at least 10 tackles.
- I'm not going to guess who but a UH reciever will break the 100 yard mark for the first time this season.
- Dan Kelly is perfect on extra point and field goal attempts and makes at least 2 field goals, 1 over 45 yards.
- Mouton has at least one return of 40 yards or more
- The Warriors win the turnover battle

Other things I hope will happen:-
Offensive Coordinator Ron Lee calling the shovel pass at the right times and employee a play action fake off of it.
- More emphasis on stretching the field.
- A minimum of 30 pass attempts by Funaki. Along w/timely qb draw plays
- More formations with eight defenders in the box to stop the run. I'll trade stuffing the run on a regular basis for a big play or two by LaTech. Besides, UH can afford to put 8 in the box to give "the look" but bluff out of it when the ball is snapped.
- Blitz Mouton more especially on third and long situations

Current Diet

My current eating regimen includes the following items. Of course, I still eat at McDonalds and Zippy's and snack on candy mind you. This is my attempt of gradually shifting my eating habits towards in a more healthy direction.

Chicken Breast, Soy Beans, Green Beans, Carrots, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Salmon, Broccoli,Loplait Yogurt, Sprouts, Tuna, Eggs (over easy, boiled limited yolks), Chow Fun Noodles, Lipton Pasta sides

Absolutely none of the following:
White Rice- I don't know how long this will last!
No Soda *Monster Energy Drinks and 5-Hour Energy does not count
Mac Salad

Limited
Mayo, Salt, Shoyu, Juice

Waikiki Nei at Level 4 taking a break

The Waikïkï stage show Waikiki Nei has ceased production for now. The show’s producers decided to put the show on hiatus because of low audience attendance. Producers say the closure is temporary and it has not affected the Level 4 nightclub, which shares the same space. So, party on, people.

source: honoluluadvertiser.com

Dropping on Halloween: CNTH V2 by DJ Compose

.

DJ Kyoko Spinzone

Vinyl rights
by Kalani Wilhelm / 10-8-2008

From DJ Kyoko’s early days in the Tokyo underground, to wrecking absolute havoc at legendary island massives like Atlantis at Sea Life Park and Children of the Corn, no matter how big or small a scene may be, the most important factor is cohesiveness.

“It’s better for all of us to mingle with and learn from each other. Constant little changes and challenges are key to a DJ’s progression,” said the minimal techno and progressive psy-trance purist.

While she’s a renaissance DJ of sorts because she plays strictly vinyl, her dedication to Hawai’i’s electronica dance music movement is unquestioned.

“My ultimate admiration and appreciation goes to all those who really know how to spin vinyl, because to me that is the true art of DJing. So here’s to all the vinyl-slingers and all those who are still keeping it real.”

Venus Night Club, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd., 18+, [myspace.com]

SuperCrew and Supreme Soul