“21 Again” is a new track by Q-Burns Abstract Message that is his contribution to the latest installment of Brique Rouge’s 12″ compilation series, Secret Gems From Da Vault. Appearing on Volume 7, this cut is an upbeat fuzzy house number complete with the Qubes’ trademark bizarro sounds and funkity funk. Observant listeners may recognize some elements from another Q-Burns production which is covertly referenced by the song’s title. Other fine artists on this compilation 12″ include Baris Bicakci, Spike W. Hell, and W.A.R.R.I.O. Released on France’s Brique Rouge.
Out now on Geisha House Music, a new label set up by our good friends Smitty + Davenport, is a single by Clover Club AKA Monkey Bars called “Dudu Brown”. It’s a fantastic slice of deep house music with live bass and sax as well as some lovely melodic key parts. Q-Burns Abstract Message gives one of his deeper remixes. It’s swirly with some tribal elements and we love those bizarre native chanting vocals. Smitty + Davenport also contribute a couple of mixes in their fabulous funky dancefloor pleasing style. Available now from your favorite DJ vinyl shop.
To the public at large, these are remixes of a mysterious Q-Burns Abstract Message track called “YAMB”. The inside scoop is that these are actually radical re-workings of the Invisible Airline stand-out “You Are My Battlestar”. The first mix comes from our Icelandic friend Thor 54 who helms the amazing Thule Musik label. His mix is epic and huge with impressive production. We’re tempted to say it’s icy and volcanic as well but…well, we just did. On the flip is a banging and severely funked up mix by our Seattle pals Jacob London. We dig it. Both mixes also tweak out the vocals of Lisa Shaw to the point where they are basically another strange instrument in the mix. Wild. You may also be able to spot a manipulated vocal shot from the Qubes himself. This record is available on the French label Stay True, a subsidiary of Brique Rouge.
Much thanks from the qbam web team to Xeni at Boing Boing and Maitri V-R from Whatcharockin? for linking up the Future Past Tense album preview. Maitri V-R also has a fine review of the album in case you want to read before (or while) listening.
A couple cool new remixes by Q-BAM have just been released in the UK. On Multiply Records you can find the Q-Burns Abstract Message remix of “21st Century” by Weekend Players, one of our favorite new bands. The mix is squelchy and bumping with a lovely vocals of Rachel Foster. Check out the Weekend Players’ site.
Also, as part of the continuing adventures of the 2 Drunk Punks on Funk, Q-Burns Abstract Message has remixed Robbie Hardkiss’ fabulous track “Everything is Changing”. This psycho-delic treatment of an already twisted track is being released on the fabulous Classic Music Company.
As you may know I’m quite politically concerned and am trying to think of ways I can help raise awareness in the months leading to the upcoming election. I’ve been trying to figure out how, in my pseudo-lofty position of DJ dude, I can make some difference. Thus, I’ve collaborated with my friend Laurin Fedora to come up with a t-shirt design. It’s basically the word “VOTE!” in a replicated stencil. I’m having a number of these shirts made in different color combinations and then will wear one at each of my US DJ gigs from August until the election.
The idea is this: I know the age demographic that I am mainly playing to (people in their 20′s) is traditionally the one that does not vote. This is a shame as the actions of the current administration will resonate strongly in their futures. I don’t know if wearing a t-shirt with this design at my gigs will inspire any of these potential voters, but I can hope and have some optimism. Perhaps seeing a DJ in the supposedly apolitical world of dance music caring enough to send a message will inspire a few people.
You can probably guess where my feelings lie and how I will vote in November. It’s hardly a secret. But I wanted to keep the message on the shirt non-partisan as I think that explicitly taking sides will turn off pretty much anyone outside of the ‘choir’. Thus my simple message of ‘VOTE!’ which also states my feelings accurately: if more of us voted, then maybe we will find more candidates who truly represent us. And if more of us voted (as opposed to the %40 or whatever miserable statistic that currently stands) I’d feel less disillusioned than I do when these candidates get into office that maybe 20% of our population actually voted for. I think most would agree with me.
Why am I telling you this? Well…I’m wondering if you’d like a piece of the action. Laurin is offering, for a limited time, to make more of these shirts for the public. If you’re interested in getting one, then drop an e-mail to Laurin and he’ll give you the information that you need. They are cheap…we’re charging for materials and time without any profit. It would be great if you could join us to spread a message that couldn’t be further from abstract: VOTE! For more about what you can do in this election year, visit Rock The Vote.
These fantastic remixes definitely raise the energy of the classic original track. This is also (in a roundabout way) the first Q-BAM #1 hit, as these mixes recently hit the top position of England’s DJ Magazine Hype Chart. From the NRK site: “Already causing a stir amongst the UK fraternity (both Pete Tong and Lottie have aired this track on BBC Radio 1 now), Joey Negro has crafted two remixes of anthemic proportion, making this Lisa Shaw vocal cut ooze pure class.” It’s true! If you can’t find this record in your local shop, you can order it (and listen to a clip) at the NRK web site: http://www.nrkrecords.co.uk
The much in demand Rivera Rotation remix of “This Time” from the album Re-Routed was never properly exposed in England and Europe, so we are happy that top UK label Slip N’ Slide have picked up this single for an overseas release. Other mixes on this 12″ are the cool and quirky David Duriez remix as well as the “Q-BAM Funk Dub”, a bass heavy house mix from Q-Burns himself that was only available previously as a limited Italian single. For more information on this record and Slip N’ Slide, please visit their web site: http://www.kickinmusic.com
The alliance with our funky French friends continues as the fine Bazoline label releases their own version of the Re-Routed album. How is it different? Well, there are brand new remixes of “Drifting Off” by Theo (in a broken beat vein) and “You Are My Battlestar” by Mana Traya vs. Bene Luxe (in a minimal funky techno rub). Bazoline also changed the artwork and added “…to Europe” to the title. It’s a great package, definitely on par with the original Re-Routed, and it’s fantastic that our European listeners will have a chance to hear the Invisible Airline remixes. For more information, visit the Bazoline site: http://www.bazoline.com/
Those of you in Orlando may remember the weekly party I used to do a couple of years back called iHoly Frijoles! It was known for funky vibes, strange people wearing Mexican wrestling masks, heavy drinking, and cool surprise guest DJs flying in from parts unknown. I’m happy to say that we are bringing the party back. We are now going to have iHoly Frijoles! every month at the AKA Lounge in Orlando, Each event we are bringing in a “friend of Q-BAM” and getting all freaky deeky. For our inaugural party on Friday November 22, we are thrilled to host Funky Transport from Scotland, who you may know for his spectacular remix of “Differently” on the Re-Routed CD. Also, stay tuned for iHoly Frijoles! on Friday December 27 when Q-Burns will be joined by Dallas madman Brett Johnson (Classic Music Company, Seasons Recordings).