The Bird House

Blog

  • Decemberness pt 2 (The Videos Strike Back!)

    In my last post, I mentioned a fun gig at Marula Cafe. Here are a few videos from that night. Many thanks to DJ/Producer Ralph Session for grabbing this for me! Check out his stuff by clicking on his name, it links to his Bandcamp Site.

    \"\"
    \"\"

    The video above is from my first night in Basel last month. I was DJing at Grenzwert Bar. For some reason, I can’t get the video to be horizontal like the linked photo…

    There’s EVEN MORE content to come, so hold tight for part 3!

  • Decemberness!

    \"\"

    December can be kind of an intersting month in general–end of the year, multiple holidays commemorating light/sun/son/community… Mine started out with a wonderful night at Marula Cafe Barcelona!

    The Hit Me! Funk Jam did their usual Thursday night vibe – locals laying it down and featuring a few guests on the mic and various instruments. Folks come out to party and they were already having a great time when I walked in! The next day was \”Constitution Day\” (national holiday) so I knew there was a good chance people would stay if I started out with the right vibe… The great thing about this venue is that it has an identity, so on a night where people are out folks will stop in to check it out. The set above is what I went with as my opening…

    Session above is a little later on in the night. I handed off to Darkomedia after my set and he took it to the next level…
    The following Thursday I was booked to play in Switzerland–Geneva\’s Cafe Le Petite Reine, which is always a gas. The turnout seemed more noticeable than other times I\’d played there, the bartenders were happy (always a good sign) and it felt fun and like I was \”connecting\” with the crowd. Here\’s a link to my playlist from that gig: https://serato.com/playlists/djtbird/le-petite-reine-12-12-24 The next night, Friday, the venue was Grenzwert Bar, in Basel, which I have been playing since 2006–almost 20 years! The sessions below are from that night.

    There\’s a bit more to the month, but it\’s late and I\’ll do another post with more \”goodies.\”

  • Recent Gig Videos

    Played a bunch of gigs since last entry! Here\’s some videos from a few at Marula Cafe Barcelona, Nomada Beach Club & Curtis Audiophile Cafe…

    Above, Marula Cafe (music: Por Encima Del Nivel [Sandunguera] – Juan Formell y Los Van Van)… Below Promotional Video for a session at Nomada Beach in Sitges (music: BB Boogie – Sweating and Shaking (On the Dancefoor) [feat. Monica Blaire]).

    Below, Three videos from Curtis Audiophile Cafe!

    Pauline Henry – Love Hangover (Joey Negro\’s Extended Mix)

    DJ Krush – Final Home (Vocal Version) feat Esthero

    Trailer Limon – Love Don\’t Pay The Bills

  • July Biznizz…

    As usual in July, the weather got hotter and the tourism got more intense…
    For me, personally, I played some great gigs–Mon Ami Barcelona last Friday and the weekend before that I played a Saturday/Sunday double-header at Marula Cafe. Saturday DJ & impresario Joao put on his Organikka event at Marula featuring live band Vinocio. Some solid playing was going on with them! My set above (Part one) started JUST after the band. They caught me off guard because they ended a bit early–normally I begin at midnight and they finished about 10 minutes before that. Unlike my previous date at this venue, I didn\’t manage to keep as many of the attendees from the show. Initially I took it as my fault, but I realized about 30 minutes later when the club began to fill up again that it was just the normal ebb & flow–the time before was an exception.
    Sunday was considerably slower, but the crowd was no less enthusiastic! Following a major sporting event loads of people weren\’t really in a position to go clubbing after–but the ones who were definitely came to party… Many thanks to the bar staff who made the night just as much fun, even with fewer people.
    Mon Ami, the following Friday was a slightly different vibe–being a lounge, rather than dancing space. I played far more laid back and even got into some classic soul on more of a listening tip… I recorded the session and will upload for listening in a while.

    …Keep cool and enjoy your summer!

  • Art Week(end) Pt 2 + Sant Joan!

    So after a fun session and meetup on Thursday, I made my way up to Basel the next afternoon to play my usual spots, Amber Bar & Grenzwert. The staff always looks after me and their clients enjoy the music I play.
    I was really fortunate that Friday one of my DJ buddies (actually, the person who got me started playing in Basel by introducing me to Grenzwert and owner Cecile), Kat LaLuna, was spinning for Radio X in Soft Space. DJ Feline, who has also hooked me up, was in the house too.
    I recorded Friday\’s session at Amber and you can listen to part one above! I\’ll be adding the other parts to my Mixcloud page over the next few weeks. After my session at Amber Bar, I went to see Alma Negra playing at a cool venue, Schall und Rach, that appears to be a jazz club! Unfortunately, I didn\’t last long there–though Diego & Dersu were playing stellar tunes–I was just wiped out.
    Saturday afternoon, I went to visit Klara (another spot I often DJ) and saw my buddy Nik, who was quite busy–due to the popular football matches being shown that weekend. That evening I spun at Grenzwert, had a great time and went to bed quite early so I could be on my game to catch the train Sunday midday…
    Upon my return to Geneva on Sunday, I dropped off my bags, changed my clothes and \”settled\” for a short while before heading back to Le Cormoran to play a sunset session by the lake as pictured above…

    \"\"
    \"\"

    On Monday my host took me to meet an old friend of his in Fribourg. We had lunch with the old friend and his husband (a character) and then the 3 of us (the husband was busy after lunch) were taken around Fribourg on a personally guided tour by the old friend. These pictures are from the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (yes, that one!) First is a stamp (a room & board discount ticket, essentially) for pilgrims on \”The Way\” (El Camino) of \”Saint Jacques\” (Santiago) of Compostelle (Compostela.) Second are figures near the entrance of the cathedral. Is it just me or does the one on the right look like they\’re holding a mobile phone? Unfortunately, because I was concerned about time, we didn\’t get to see the old town of Fribourg–which sounds amazing to experience. Hopefully, I\’ll return another day and get to see that.
    Upon return to Geneva, my buddy Moez met me at Le Cormoran and then we headed off to Le Petite Reine for a last minute session before my return to Barcelona!

    \"\"
    \"\"
    \"\"

    A few days after my return to Barcelona was a very popular holiday here, Sant Joan. Essentially, it\’s the celebration of the Summer Solstice and is full of fireworks, firecrackers and parties until late… We had planned to see Nickodemus of Wonderwheel Recordings at Nómada Beach Club in Sitges. Unfortunately, he needed to stay in NYC that weekend and had to cancel his engagements. Being the good guy that he is, he recommended me to the owner of Nómada since I was already in Sitges and we have a lot of crossover in our DJ style. Via Los Chicos Altos (me & my production partner Maxey Blaze) I have some releases on Nickodemus\’ label. Above are some pictures from that night courtesy of my \”ride or die\” (who also played a hand in getting me booked for Sant Joan.) Center photo is a fabulous percussionist and sweet human, Miguel Guerrero. Photo to the right is me with DJ Diego DeLippo (Bongo Lounge/Dope Brothers) who played before my set and Big Papi\’s Abraham Figueroa (formerly of Dos Trece.) Unfortunately, we didn\’t get any photos of Jade Rolt who opened and closed the night, but her music is featured in the video below with the \”winged\” dancers.

    Diego DeLippo (Bongo Lounge/Dope Brothers) dropping George Benson\’s cover of Donny Hathaway\’s classic \”The Ghetto\” accompanied by percussionist Miguel Guerrero.
    One of the few quick jam sessions featuring Nathan Hunter on vocals, Juanlu Leprevost on bass, Miguel Guerrero on percussion and T-Bird looping a beat.

    Another interesting element of the Sant Joan event was the jam sessions that would happen from time to time during the evening. The leader was local legend and one of the more important members of the live music scene, bassist/bandleader/producer Juanlu Leprevost. Juanlu was an original member of Ojos de Brujo, who were so big that some USA labels were licensing their albums. He also founded Calima and is an important member of Fabrica de Colores–which platforms local music artists. At one point Dani Macaco, another former member of Ojos who has gone on to do great things (including collaborating with Michael Franti on a tune with a video shot in Sitges), joined in!

    Let\’s close this entry out with a video of people having a good time to some music…

  • Art Week(end) pt 1

    Back in Confederation Helvetica (BKA \”Switzerland\”) playing records. I\’d forgotten until just before I left home that it was also Sonar weekend! I\’ve been blessed to play my second Art Week in Basel, though the trip began in Geneva. A new venue for me, Le Cormoran is right on Lake Leman (BKA \”Lake Geneva\”) and I did a live stream on Instagram of my first session. It\’s a wee bit abstract as it was a last-minute idea and the goal was more to document that it happened than to film myself. Shout out to the homie Moez, who hooked me up with the session and later introduced me to the members of 47 Soul who performed that evening at Usine. Getting excited for tonight\’s session at Amber Bar in Basel!

  • Marula post-mortem… (Pt. 1)

    \"\"

    Wow! Had a fabulous time at Marula Cafe… Oye Sebas was great, followed them with the set you can listen to today (Part 1 of 3) and the crowd ATE IT UP. It was so much fun to play to a crowd that was ready to party in a place designed for people to dance! Bartenders, sound techs and the rest of the crew were all lovely to work with. I had my good buddy Bella Cuts in the house to share the joy with (along with a bit of \”body guard\” work–above and beyond the call of duty!) First hour following the band is available above. \”Mil gracias\” to Ivan Ivanovich, El Matachin and Blanquito DJ of Tropikal Rockers!

  • Upcoming…

    There\’s some events coming up REAL SOON that I\’m excited about!

    \"\"

    The first is this Saturday 25 May in Sant Pere de Ribes – Artistes x Palestina (Artists for Palestine) presented by La Alfombra Voladora (The Flying Carpet) – a benefit featuring music, dance, theater, poetry & live painting! A few of the performers are former members of legendary local group Ojos de Brujo, vocalist Dani \”Macaco\” Carbonell & bassist Juanlu LePrevost. I\’ve been hearing great things for years about the venue, Bar Social Ger (c/ del Pi, 25, Sant Pere de Ribes) and I\’m stoked to check it out.

    The second is my return to Marula Cafe (c/ Escudellers, 49, Barcelona), Friday 31 May!
    I\’ll be following local live act OyeSebas, on at 22h, whose music seems to be rooted in Colombian elements. I\’m warming up from 00h for Blanquito DJ who comes on at 03h.
    While the set will be eclectic, you can expect to hear classic and deep cuts from the legacy of Music of Black Origin. I\’m sure a few newer tracks will be played too, but things that call back to classic sounds will be the focus. To dispel any confusion about the venue, Marula does NOT serve food–just hot beats (it\’s a discotheque!) See you there?

    \"\"

  • 2023 Catch-up… (pt 2)

    On my last trip to Switzerland I was blessed to play a new venue in a new city, La Petite Reine (The Little Queen) in Geneva! I have some lovely friends who live in the city and I\’d been going there to see them, but as a DJ, I was always hoping to pick up some new gigs. Finally, thanks to some good timing and well-connected DJ colleagues, I managed to get in touch with the talent booker who needed someone the weekend I wanted to be in CH (Confederation Helvetica, the official name of Switzerland.) Unfortunately, Moez wasn\’t going to be around when I was there, but I was well looked after by Matt & Cecilia. I have to thank Yann H (aka Ian Ash of Boogie Butt Records), Nickodemus & Nappy G (Wonderwheel Recordings/Turntables on the Hudson) who were my door and golden ticket… It\’s a fun little spot and if you happen to be in Geneva, you should definitely stick your head in!

    \"\"
    \"\"
    \"\"
    \"\"

    More travel memories! I finally broke my (self-imposed) ban on traveling to the UK. I\’d been a bit apprehensive about going there post-Brexit. It just seemed like there were so many hurdles that the country was dealing with and I was thinking I would wait until they sorted all of that out. A wise British person I\’d met the previous year said to me, \”That may be a long wait, mate–go now.\” My true destination was Exeter, where some dear friends live, but the airport I flew into/out of was Bristol. If you know my music tastes, you should be aware of how important Bristol is in my music collection–Smith & Mighty, Roni Size/Full Cycle Crew, Up Bustle & Out, Cup of Tea, Massive Attack, Nellee Hooper, Stanton Warriors… I couldn\’t be that close and not at least take a peek at the town responsible for all of this fabulous music! My buddy and I headed into town and I snapped a few pictures before we wandered around a bit and eventually met with my friend Ollie, who I knew from his time in Barcelona, and Dave Cridge of Up Bustle & Out. Dave was great and very generous with his time, knowledge and wisdom. First picture is in the Bristol airport, the second is a street sign on the way to Bristol, third is a mural Dave showed us and the fourth is a mosaic next to our first parking spot in town. The mosaic touches on another of my fascinations, mythology. The subject are two ravens, Thought & Memory–servants of the Norse All-Father, Odin.

    \"\"
    \"\"

    Speaking of the north…
    Thanks to Vibe Select Entertainment, I was invited to Stockholm, Sweden to assist with their event featuring guest DJ, Mr Thing (next to me preparing to tear the roof off!) Marc (aka Mr Thing) is a terror on the decks and the sweetest person you\’d ever meet off them. It was a gas to hang out with my buddy R.D. on his home turf, see a new part of the world (Finland & Iceland remain to complete my bingo card for the Nordics–apologies to Greenland & Faroe Islands) and get treated to the Cane Rum Society–a FABULOUS Caribbean restaurant with an astounding collection of rum. Did I mention that I got to open for the headliner? You can listen to what I played below.

    The next picture is something I saw during \”Art Week\” in Basel. I finally made it to the festival when the whole city seems to become an art gallery!

  • 2023 Catch-up…

    Wow.
    It\’s been a whole year since I posted something! 2023 was full of… …things. Gigs, releases, radio shows, travel and the like. I have a Friday residency in Sitges right now at El Club–down the street from my home. I\’m really grateful that Miquelo contacted me about playing. I get to play what I like and it\’s a cocktail bar, so I\’m not expected to build or maintain a dance floor (though that\’s happened a few times.) It\’s a great opportunity to play all sorts of things, such as music never intended for dancers or productions I\’m still crafting. If you\’re around, stop by: El Club c/ Bassa Rodona (fka c/ Espanya), 6 Sitges 08870 23h till late, free entry.

    \"\"

    Curtis Audiophile Cafe in Barcelona\’s Eixample is like our second living room. Far better sound system and more interesting drinks than we have at home. They have been kind enough to host my birthday gigs for the last few years and this one was no different. I got to play music I love for people I dig and an appreciative crowd. If you haven\’t been, stick your head in–music is always stellar. c/ Mallorca, 196 BCN

    \"\"

    GEAR UPGRADE! Until late December, I had still been using Serato DJ Pro with the obsolete Rane SL2, which meant I couldn\’t update my computer OS either. For some reason, the only place I could find the \”replacement,\” Reloop Flux, was Cutoff.es! They\’re lovely people and I\’d forgotten that I\’d purchased other gear from them in the past (my first DJ controller by Icon.) It was about 100 less than I\’d paid for the original Serato Scratch Live (aka SL1) box that got me started on digital DJing, but does so much more. 3 ins/outs, switches for phono/line inputs PLUS two physical switches for thru on channels 1 & 2. It\’s a USB C device, so I was concerned I would need an extra cable since my laptop is configured for USB A–but they included not one, but two USB cables: USB A to USB C and another USB C only cable. This box can be powered by the laptop (expected) or external power, USB C to wall plug–JUST LIKE A MOBILE PHONE! No worrying about getting the right voltage/polarity adaptor, just use your phone cable. Oh, did I mention that it also functions as a USB hub with two USB A outlets? So you can charge your phone while you play and someone else\’s (if they\’re being cool) OR use additional USB devices! I can also use more current versions of Serato DJ Pro–though I\’d already been using stems when playing through a Serato mixer (eg, Pioneer\’s S9.)

    Gonna do a part two–a whole year is a lot to handle in one post!