One of my longterm goals is to bring house music to a wider audience. When you think about it, the only people who regularly get exposed to house are club goers. And many of them do not really know what “house” is, since they frequent a variety of clubs with different styles of music. Its interesting to think that house music has been around since the early 1980s, and to this day (2006) it is still largely confined to clubs. I would like to take the music out of the clubs and expose it to a larger audience.
Why?
I think people are generally musically deprived. When I listen to top 40 radio (very rarely) I always hear the same songs played over and over again. I guarantee that if I switch on the radio right now, it won’t take long before I hear a song that has been on the playlist for over 2 years. This fact isn’t bad in itself. Afterall, if the music is good, then it should remain on the playlist. The problem is that the music is not that good. It is pop music, designed to be listened to for a couple of months and then thrown away. It was never designed to be listened to daily for 2 years. And since it is played over and over again, people’s musical knowledge and taste cannot grow passed the simple pop tune. I believe that many house tracks have a level of sophistication that sets them apart from pop music. I think non-club goers should be given the opportunity to access this music.
Now, I know that there are countless house mix CDs and there are some stations that play house sets. But the problem is that the general public will not try these out because they are unfamiliar. People tend to stick with what they know. So the question is, “how do we bring house music to the people?” There is no simple answer to this question, but I think the Internet is the place to find the answer. If sites containing house music can be made mainstream–linked to from other mainstream sites, then people may be tempted to try the music. Changing a radio station is risky for people who like familiarity. But clicking a link is a low-risk activity.
House is great music, and I would love to make it available to more people. I believe our goal should be to get house music mixes linked from a range of non-related, mainstream sites. Tempt people to try it out. As long as the music remains true to its origins and does not devolve into a “pop/house” blend, I think reaching this goal will help grow innovation in house music.
Brent Silby (2006)
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From time-to-time I will archive the weekly mix, and keep it online. I’ll do this when there are several new tracks included. This will give us something to look back on in the future. I imagine that archiving once every couple of months will provide us with a good record to look back on to track the development of the music.
So, if this mix is not archived it will disappear next week. If you like the mix, feel free to download it before it gets replaced with next weeks mix set.
Stream the mix (32kbps low quality)
Stream the mix (128kbps high quality)
Download the mix (right click, Save Target As)
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This mixed set is hosted at musicv2.com. Titled simply “Ibiza”, this set shows off the Ibiza influence that Danny brings to his sound. The music is unmistakably “house”, yet it is also unmistakably “Ibiza”. This is “Ibiza House”. Strong on the dance beat with engaging percussion, the track selection speaks “serious party”. This set is light on the vocals and strong on the dance sound. Perfect for a Saturday night dance party 
Stream the mix (128kbps high quality)
Thanks for the link Rene
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Steven started DJ’ing at his highschool radio station back in 1994. He attributes his musical taste to time he spent in Europe. When you listen to this mix, you understand what Steven means. There is a strong latin influence in the mix and you’ll also hear samba type sounds with lots of nice creative bongo percussion. Many of the tracks have a strong female vocal content, which adds to the overal party feel of the set.
When the mix first loaded, I listened to the first track which was slightly laid back . I imagined sitting on a beach with a nice cool drink watching the sun set. As the mix progressed, the music became more party orientated, as if the sun had set and the night was starting. It took me on a pleasant journey.
For more on Steven Feinberg, check out his page on musicv2.com.
Stream the mix (128kbps high quality)
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Many of the mixes I’ve reviewed here fall into the soulful house category. This mix from Hector Romero fits into the other end of the house spectrum. This is what I would call a “down-to-business” set. The general sound is more synth orientated as opposed to the soulful house sound which contains pianos, strings, horns etc. This mix almost has a techno feel to it–lots of percussive synth sounds and hypnotic vocals.
The mixing is spot on, and if you like a techno-house sound then this is worth checking out.
Stream the mix (Note: This is encoded at 160kbps–highspeed connection needed)
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Rene Hewitt has had a rich history in music and DJ’ing. He has DJ’d alongside many of the other big names that we associate with house music, and he has played in some of the most popular clubs in New York. He was also involved in the history of house documentary “Maestro-The Documentary“I haven’t seen this documentary, but it is definitely on my “to see” list.
The “Sunday Mix” featured here is another deep house set. Now, when I say “deep house” I’m referring to the fact that much of the set is slightly lower tempo–perhaps around 120bpm, and it is sort of has the “deep house” feel. Having said that, I don’t like putting mixes in strict boxes and labelling them. This mix contains a number of tracks that I would say have a slight disco-house sound and the tempo does move up and down a bit. So I’m using the term “deep house” quite loosely. In fact the mix gets quite upbeat as it progresses.
There are lots of nice vocals in this mix, and some very clever bass lines which have that real “house” feel. Keep an ear open for a house mix of “Time after Time” that comes in around 60 minutes into the set. Very nice.
Stream the mix.
Note: I have noticed that sometimes .rm files attempt to download fully before playing in the Real Player. To get around this, open Real Player first, then select File/Open, and copy-paste: www.renehewitt.com/SundayMix.rm
into the location box. This will stream the mix. I don’t know why this happens with .rm files. Maybe its just my system.
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There is a distinction between different types of DJ. First, you have the so-called radio DJ. Traditionally this refered to the host of a radio show. In the past these show hosts were responsible for setting up music on turntables or carts (like tapes) and pressing “GO” at the right time. But this type of radio DJ’ing is a thing of the past. The role of a radio show host is more that of announcing songs and promos. The music is generally automated, and run from a computer. The playlist is generated by an algorithm that takes into account the target audience, who’s paying for commercials, and a bunch of other factors. In most cases the show host has little input in the music.
Having stated this, radio DJs still exist. But they are not radio announcers. Many stations offer mixed shows, which are run by DJs who select and mix records club style. These DJs are essentially “Club DJs” who are playing mixed sets on radio.
Club style DJs are what I want to talk about here. I say “club style” because they may be DJ’ing for radio or for the Internet, but the style of DJ’ing is in the tradition of the club DJ. Now, what is a club DJ? What do they do?
The skill and art of DJ’ing is far more intricate than many people appreciate. The DJ has to play a selection of music that runs nicely together and creates and experience, or journey, for his/her audience. In order to do this, the DJ has to do a lot of work behind the scenes. The DJ has to build a record collection that suits his or her chosen genre. Now, this is not an easy task. Consider how many house records are released every year. Hundreds! The DJ can’t simply collect them all. The DJ needs to find a style of music that fits well with his or her musical taste and collect music that fits into that style. To do this the DJ has to sift through all the releases, and scrutinize their sounds. The DJ has to be discerning and choose only those records that fit within his/her musical sensibilities. In this way the DJ develops his/her own distinct sound, which will be different than other DJs.
This is important because the DJ’s audience need to know what type of sound the DJ has to offer. People want to go out and listen to a DJ who they trust. People enjoy going out to a show knowing that they will like all of the songs the DJ plays. People know that the DJ has collected songs that they think are worthy. People enjoy getting to know a DJ’s style and feel safe in the knowledge that the music will be good. DJs become popular because of their musical tastes.
I believe this is the DJ’s goal. When people listen to one of my sets, I want them to think “yes, that’s Brent’s type of music. That’s Brent’s sound”. This is what a DJ does. The DJ sorts through available music and integrates the songs they like best into their collection. In this way, the DJ creates their own distinct sound.
Feel free to add comments and thoughts to this post
Brent Silby (2006)
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DJ Manureva is self described as “Music Addicted†and holds residencies at a number of clubs in Paris. He plays a selection of house/US garage/soulful music. In mixing, DJ Manureva is commited to keeping a happy, festive vibe. His commitment is demonstrated in this mixset.
Like many of the other sets I’ve featured, this set from DJ Manureva contains a selection of vocal house tracks. The tunes included in the mix have a soulful feel and this feel is coupled with an uplifting/uptempo percussive track. This makes the mix a perfect party/dance set, unlike many soulful house (or US Garage) mixes which are slightly laid back and less party orientated.
This set is about 1 hour long. Enjoy…
Stream the mix (This is a RAM file, and requires REAL player)
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Pulzar FM is run by Andy Pulzar and Jason Akehurst and broadcasts on 105.7fm in Christchurch City. For the last 6 years Pulzar has been filling a niche in local broadcasting, providing a range of shows that cover all of the major genres of dance music. Many of the daytime shows offer a mix of dance music from a range of genres. The evening shows are dedicated to specific genres and usually take the form of mix sets provided by local DJs.
Apart from being the only local station that caters specifically to the dance music audience, Pulzar FM has also been fundamental in providing a platform for exisiting (and up-and-coming) DJs to gain exposure across the city. Pulzar has been responsible for the promotion of many International acts in Christchurch city, and has helped bring dance music to a wider audience. In this way, Pulzar FM has become one of the central pillars in Christchurch’s dance music scene.
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Keep an ear open for the 5th track. It is called “feel what you want” and to my mind is a good example of the “House” sound. It is a new record and is very pleasing to the ear. It is built upon a standard House chord progression. Simple vocals laid over the top add to its appeal. The best thing about this song is that the chord progression is constant until about 2 minutes towards the end at which point it changes slightly. The last chord in the chord progression shifts (whereas for most of the song the last two chords are the same). This new chord progression leaves you hanging, waiting for the next change. It continues for about a minute until returning to the original progression, which brings a nice “resolution” to the song. This is a classic house trick, which is one of the song’s most endearing qualities. I like it. In fact, if I were to compose a house track I would want it to sound exactly like “feel what you want”.
Stream the mix (32kbps quality)
Stream the mix (128kbps high quality)
Download the mix (right click, Save Target As)
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The “Summer of Love” set is very well mixed from a technical point of view. The mixes are well executed and the track selection is very effective. As you listen to the set, you get a nice feel for where Donovan wants to take you. The songs follow on well from eachother and are harmonically suited. Put simply, they sound nice together.
I enjoyed the music in this set. The songs have a jazzy house feel. They sound similar to deep, soulful house music in many respects but their tempo is faster, which gives an upbeat, uplifting feel.
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This recording is worth listening to because it starts with an interview with Frankie Knuckles. In the interview he explains his musical style and the process he goes through to find new music. Its very interesting and provides an insite into the life of a world touring DJ. He tells us that he recieves up to 200 new records every week from record companies. Imagine being so renowned that record companies send you that much music in the hope that you will give it exposure.
The set is brilliant too. Frankie provides us with a unique mix of new and classic house tracks. Enjoy…
Stream the mix (This is an RAM file and requires REAL player)
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Musically, Alex’s interest focus on the commercial end of club/dance music. The mix here reflects that interest. Although many of the tracks in this mix are not specifically “house”, it contains a good range of club/dance tracks. Listening to this mix, you can hear many similarities between house and commercial club music. You can also notice the differences. The set starts off in a laid back fashion and builds as it progresses.
I think this is a good mix for commercial radio because it contains a range of familiar songs, which are mixed club style.
Thanks for sending me this mix, Alex.
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I’m also hoping to get some mix sets from a local dance music station called “Pulzarfm”. They have been a fixture in our local dance music community since 1999, and they have a lot of DJ sets in their catalog.
In the meantime, check this one out from David Morales. I think this was recorded on KTU on New Year’s Eve. This is a different sound to the Morales mix I reviewed a few days ago. Its a bit harder, slightly less inclusion of vocal orientated tracks.
Stream the mix
Download the mix (right click, Save Target As)