DJ Pete Savas presents "Press Play"
By DJ Pete Savas
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ExplicitImpact | The third in a four-episode set, "Impact" follows "Freefall" in a progression of the overall arc theme. This is an electro/progressive set. You'll either like it or hate it, and that's probably a good thing. This set was pulled together with a minimum of vocal tracks; I was honestly trying not to use any songs with vocals, but that's not always possible. I will say I had a difficult time pulling this one together, which is why it's been so long since I've released a podcast. This set is indicative of mood and feeling. Sometimes, it can be really hard to convey this particular place appropriately. I feel like I've sent a clear message, and I hope you are able to catch that. As for the music itself, chances are, unless you're a fan of the genre, there will be few tracks you'll recognize; I have played some of these out at my live sets recently, but not to this extent. Nonetheless, you should recognize some of the artists in here (Fedde LeGrand, Wolfgang Gartner, Adam K, and Deadmau5) from my other podcasts. As you listen to "Impact," please try to feel the music more than just hear it, or dance around your room to it (which, undoubtedly, you will). Bear in mind this is the third volume in the series, and it follows on the heels of "Escape" and "Freefall," both thematically and musically. As for volume four? The only hint I'll provide is: What comes after an impact? Remember, after the fall, there's no avoiding the "Impact." | 1/11/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Freefall | The second in a four-episode set, "Freefall" follows "Escape" in style but not necessarily in theme. This is another mainstream house set you all seem to love so much; and while the music may be upbeat and happy, if you pay attention to the lyrics, you might notice what they have in common. There are some definite big hits rolling around in here: Adele's "Rolling In the Deep," Gaga's "Judas," Alex Gaudino's "What a Feeling" (which is sure to be a summer anthem), as well as new songs from Kylie Minogue and Robyn -- both of whom have rocketed into the consciousness of clubbers in the last year, despite their long careers as singers. I'm also really happy to toss in a few songs with male vocals; there's not enough male vocal in the club scene these days -- then again, it's always been about the divas -- so when good songs pop up with a male vocalist at the helm, I take notice. Pay special attention to "Without You," "Not Getting Any Better," and "Beautiful World," to hear what I'm talking about. Finally, this set ends on a bit of a darker note, musically speaking. It's a foreshadow of what's to come next, but I don't want to ruin the surprise by telling you too much. I will give you a hint though: What comes after the freefall? Fire up the MP3 player, put on your dancing shoes, and remember to close your eyes, becuase, after all, "if you close your eyes, it's a beautiful world." When your world is spinning, and everything seems out of control, it can feel like you're locked in a "Freefall." | 5/26/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitEscape | We are, each of us, besieged. Overwhelmed by this and that, problems and circumstances great and small, some of which we can control, and others still both out of our control and uncontrollable. The world hands us lemons, and we make lemonade for a while, until there is no sugar left. The walls close in. The doors close and lock; the windows shutter tightly. The lights dim, and finally go out. And all that is left is hope; even if it may be borrowed. Hope for something better. Hope for tomorrow. Hope for clarity to see through the siege. And then a patch of blue sky breaks through. The climb may be exhausting, the goal out of reach no matter how many rungs we ascend. Nothing truly changes, for we are we, and the we remains; but just then there is fresh air, light, and the possibility of hope's promise, no matter how brief. So, take respite, even for a short while. Go ahead: Escape. | 5/13/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Everything Old is New Again Vol. 2 | Old songs, particularly the good ones, have a way of hanging around. Catchy "hooks" become the basis for a whole new song, as you'll hear in several of these tracks. Then again, the original versions of other were so popular, or so tapped into the zeitgeist, they've become ingrained in every generation to come after them. And then there are the classics, the songs we've been singing for decades, so they remain a part of the current consciousness, but unless given a "freshening," would be unpalatable on a club floor. It's the cycle of things; songs come, songs go, and some songs come back for a second, third, fourth, and more, round. In this go round, you'll find songs from George Michael; LIPPS, Inc.; Chic; Mike Oldfield (a name you may never have expected to hear in conjunction with a dance set); Faithless, Darude, Georgio Moroder, Stars on 45 (Yes! Stars on 45, can you believe it?); the Michael Zager Band; Everything But the Girl; Diana Ross; Aretha Franklin, and even Elvis. As I picked these tracks, I kept smiling and flashing back to the first time I'd heard them (yeah, I'm that old). It's been a fun walk down memory lane for me, and an even more fun notion thinking of how I'll drop each of these into a live set. Why? Well, not only because I can, but really, because they're that good and that fun! So, here you go, a collection of new remixes of some great songs dating back over the past 30 years, proving once again, that Everything Old is New Again! | 2/25/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Shine | Mainstream sets are the most popular with all of you; I'm pretty sure this one will quickly become a favorite once you hear it. Upbeat, happy and bright, it's full of current chart toppers from the Freemasons, Katy Perry, Cher, Rihanna, Kylie and Britney Spears. Sets like this one seem to come together without any effort. The music seems to fit together easily, almost as if the songs were written to go together. Nowhere is that more evident than in the transitions between "Irresistible" and "Believer," and "Believer" and "Firework." I tossed in a couple of songs that are currently rockin' my world as well; Friscia & Lamboy's "Rock the Bells" and BT's "The Emergency." While the lyrics may not always be the happiest, the music certainly will make you a smile. I was so pleased with this set, it's going to be the one I'll send out with my Press Kits for the next few months. I'm sure once you've listened to it, you'll understand why I named it "Shine." | 1/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Top of 2010 | This set is a collection of my favorite tracks from 2010. A few of these actually hit #1 on the Billboard Dance chart, and some never even made it onto the chart at all. Many of these may be familiar as I've used them in previous podcasts, while a few are making their debut in this episode of "Press Play." What binds all these songs together, aside from them being my personal favorites from the last year, is the epic quality they all posses. But what makes a track "epic?" In some cases, it's the artist and the remixer teaming up. In other cases, it's the lyrics, or the emotion conveyed in both music and words. The key to "epic" for me is the way a song hits me. I can't tell you exactly what "epic" is, but I (and you) know it when I hear it. A word about my #1 and #2 picks for 2010; they're probably something you'll find unexpected: #1: Morel - Shoegazer Disco (Linus Loves Remix) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Rich Morel is practically an institution in the music industry, and "Shoegazer Disco" leaves no doubt as to why. There's almost a mythical quality to this track (thanks in part to Linus Loves' brilliant treatment in the remix). But what pushes this one into "epic," and into my #1 slot, are the lyrics: "There's a moment when everything changes, the split-second from which point, everything that follows is forever different, from what came just an instant before. Sometimes it's a phone call, sometimes it's a hand-shake, sometimes it's a look in your best friend's eyes. You never expect it. You never forget the moment, when for the first time you realize, that you can't go back ever again. I'll remember you, And I hope you'll remember me too. Again." Rich, thanks for this one; you've touched my soul. #2: Matt Alber - End of the World (Morgan Page Pop Mix Extended) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The first time I heard "End of the World," I was visiting friends in L.A. My buddy plopped me down in front of the TV and told me I had to see the video for this song because the L.A. artist was gay and it featured two men dancing together. By the end of the song, I was crying. Alber had sung a ballad so beautiful, so romantic, so poignant and so powerful, that I was unable to talk for a few minutes. I immediately logged into Amazon.com and ordered a copy of his album based on this one song alone. I also wondered if "End of the World" would find its way to the dance floor, and if anyone would be able to do it justice in a remix. Well, when I saw Morgan Page's name attached to it, my fears vanished. I love this song, and this mix; I'd have to place it at #2 for the year in fact, and every time I play it in a set, someone undoubtedly either comes up to ask what it is, or to thank me for included it in the set. There is no other word to describe this song than "epic," and I'm very proud to be wrapping up this set on such a beautiful note. I realize my picks may not be your picks for the year, but hopefully, you'll have found a few of your favorites in here somewhere. | 1/8/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Pause Again | It's been a while since the last one; well over 28 months. Between now and then, things have been the way they always are: hectic, rushed, and at times stressful. I know in the last 28 months, I've reached for "Pause" many times; and truth be told, I constructed Episode 18 more for my own benefit than anything else. However, the reaction I got from that set has been the strongest of the all -- many of you contacted me to say how much you enjoyed it, that I started working on this set right away. Once again, I tuned to my computer-based multi-track mixing software; and once again, many hours later, another downtempo set emerges. Is this one for me? Yes. But it's also for all of you, especially those who asked for more, and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as you did the last one. So now, it's time to stop, to take a break and recover, if only for a few minutes. Relax. Breathe. Chill. Pause Again. | 12/27/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Surge | The music is strong, hard, edgy. It pulls you, moves you, drives you to get up and dance. It's progressive, electro, even playful. But it always comes as a Surge! I haven't given you a progressive set for a while, so I thought it was time. You may recognize one of these songs, or if you've been out to hear me live lately, maybe three or four; you all know how I love to throw a little of the dark progressive goodness into every live set. It's the bass; it practically compells you to dance, and it feels sooooooo gooooood as it rumbles through your chest right down to your feet. Oh, don't look like you don't KNOW what I'm talking about, 'cause I've seen you out there dancing to it! So here's a slice for you. There are some monstrous tracks in here. Some are minimal. Some have a less-aggressive groove to them, but if this set doesn't get you dancing, well, you might as well go lay down in the dirt 'cause you're already dead! You may have also noticed another new thing with Episode 40 -- that's right, a new podcast logo! I think it's a lot better than the old one, and hopefully you will too. Well, enough chatter. Press Play, and dance to the Surge! | 12/1/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Endless Summer | It was a long, hot summer, filled with lots of songs with great staying power; so good in fact, they still sound great months later. It doesn't happen often; a full range of songs first finding their way onto the dance scene in Apil, May and June, still charting, getting airplay, club play and requests come fall, but this group surely did. So in the spirit of those days at the beach, by the pool, bar-b-que-ing on the back patio, or just crusing down the highway with the top down and the speakers turned up, I present this collection of chart-toppers (many of which made #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart) for you to use as the blustery weather moves in and the temperatures drop. With any luck, they'll put a spring back in your step, and the sunshine back into your heart. After all, it's an Endless Summer! | 10/13/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Joe.My.God. | This episode of the podcast was created for the readers of the "Joe.My.God." blog. My introduction to Joe Jervis, and his incredible blog came after REAL BAD XVIII in 2006 (see Episode 6 for an excerpt of that night's party). When I got back home to Salt Lake City, my very excellent friend Richard Dupler (who has a great podcast called "Danceteria," BTW) sent me an email with a link to Joe's blog. Right there, was a review of my set. Joe said it "took us on a soaring, triumphant journey of beautiful melodic techno/trance, holding us in the palm of his turntable until the very last note at 4am." Needless to say, I was flattered beyond measure. I didn't remember meeting Joe that night, and didn't know if I ever would, but I resolved to send him a copy of the full set once I got the discs burned. I got his address from an other friend in San Francisco, and eventually dropped the CDs in the mail, and figured that would be the end of it. Fast forward to 2010. Promotoer Joe Fiore contacts me asking if I'd like to play in NYC for Furball. Of course I said "yes!" It was a great night, and a great party, and the Bears in New York are among the sexiest, friendliest group of guys I've had the pleasure to play for. As the night ended, a very handome gentleman walked over to me and we were introduced. Yep, it was none other than Joe Jervis! Well, I promptly began to thank him -- profusely -- for the wonderful review, teling him how much it meant to me, and asked if he'd mind taking a photo with me. Thankfully he didn't. As I left New York, I figured that would be the lasd I'd hear from Joe, bt it wasn't. Shortly after the event, Joe sent me a message on Facebook, asking if I'd put a se together for his listeners. How could I refuse? So, what you have here is that set. Joe's readers have already had the opportunity to hear this set, but I wanted to share it with my podcast subscribers as well. Thanks, Joe, for extending the invitation! Go visit "Joe.My.God." at www.joemygod.com Enjoy! | 6/30/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Schizosonic | It's progressive! No, it's pop! No, it's mainstream! No, it's progressive! Oh hell, it's a little bit of everything. When you can't make up your mind, you might as well just be Schizosonic! | 5/20/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Audé-licious | The power of a remix: It can take a ho-hum song, and make it outstanding! Just as every generation has their artists, so do they have their remixers. In the 80's, it was Junior Vasquez and Shep Pettibone. In the 90's, it was Rauhofer and Calderone. Now, there are too many to list; but one stands out from the crowd with a distinct sound, Dave Audé. This podcast episode is a compilation of remixes by Dave Audé, with songs by some of today's most popular artists. While some of these may not be as familiar to you as others, what you'll notice is each one carries Audé's distinctive sound, making this episode, well, "Audé-licious!" | 4/13/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitBounce | You start tapping your toe. Then you nod your head. Then there's the gentle sway, the shimmy of shoulders, the wiggle of the hips. The beat is so infectious, so captivating, so compelling you can't stop yourself! Don't worry, it's okay, go ahead, Bounce! I won't tell anyone, I promise. "Bounce" has been hanging out on my hard drive for about a month now. I recorded this on at the end of January after getting a few tracks I was really excited about. It's been waiting for a name though. Let me tell you, sometimes the hardest part of putting a podcast together is not finding the tracks (heck, I've already got enough music right now for two more sets); rather, it's about finding a name, or picking a picture to use for the "cover" art. I mean really, listen to this set and tell me what you would call it! I listened to this set well over two-dozen times, and could't figure out what to call it until just a few days ago. Then it was a matter of searching for a "cover," and finding artwork for all of the tracks; those title cards don't come easy, you know. :) At any rate, here's "Bounce," named such becuase the tracks here all have a kind-of bouncy quality to them. I hope you'll agree. By now, some of these tracks will be familiar territory. But there are two, in particular, I'd like to highlight for you: First off, is Chicane ft. Natasha Bedingfield's "Bruised Waters." The original version of this track is taken from Chicane's "Saltwater," which contained a sample of "Harry's Game" by Clannad; you might've heard this tune in the movie "Patriot Games." Well, Chicane brilliantly turned that little sample into a full track, and now has gotten Natasha Bedingfield to add her beautiful voice to it. But wait! There's more! Add the brilliant Michael Woods (aka Out-of-Office) to the mix -- literally -- and the tune really gets some punch and bounce taking on a progressive feel. It wasn't enough for me though. This track sounded so much like Michael's 2008 remix of "Cafe Del Mar" by Energy 52, I had to mash the two up. What you get in this podcast, is my own "Cafe Del Bruised Waters," which I hope you'll enjoy. The oher noteworthy track here is from gay artist, Matt Alber. "End Of the World" is a stunning song about the end of a relationship, and the desire to give it one more try before abandoning it altogether. In it's original version, the song is a poignant ode to love, and the power of love to make even the most tumultuous relationship worthwhile. The label decided to take a chance on getting this one remixed, and they handed it off to Morgan Page, who obviously heard the beauty in it, and rather than overpowering it with heavy synths and a driving percussive line, decided to enhance it's gentility with lush synths and a gorgeous guitar line. If you've never heard this song, find it and give it a listen. If you've heard it, but never seen the video, find it on YouTube. The first time I saw the video, it made me cry. And don't forget to buy Matt's album; you'll get a great deal on it from Amazon.com. The rest of "Bounce" is filled with Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, the DT8 Project, Timbaland, Whitney Houston, some old tracks from the 80's re-imagined by Foundation and Dave Darell, and a few other familiar names. It's a great ride. So go ahead, let your head bob, your toes tap, and your body move; Bounce, baby, Bounce! | 2/25/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Excursion | It's late, you're restless, not ready for sleep but you don't want to be around a lot of people either. So you grab the keys to the car, pop in a CD, and head out. The music has to be just right though. It starts off just like the drive, easy, smooth and silky. But like any road trip, this drive has a few surprises in store; some moments of excitement, an unexpected twist, a little excitement, and then the return home to familiar streets with turns and stretches you can drive without even thinking about. And before you know it, you're home again, relaxed and ready to turn in, your late night adventure behind you. This episode is very much like that drive. I pulled all the music together knowing it reflected some of the best new tracks I could find, but with no discernible theme -- until I gave it the first post-production listen. Then it just reminded me of a late-night drive, when you're not really in the mood to go anywhere in particular, but rather just out and back home again for the sake of the drive. So go on, take it for a spin; your "Excursion" awaits! | 2/7/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Deep Spin | A little bit funky, a little bit chunky, a little bit electro, and a little bit tribal; this is peak hour, late night, in the house. It's all "house" music, really, just different flavors. In fact, if you want to really quantify this set, the first half is electro-house, while the second half is tribal house. The one song that separates them, Serge Devant's "Addicted," is actually pure progressive house, and it acts as a transition between the two, with a driving yet less-intense bass line to pull you up out of the heavier electro lines; and yet a strong enough percussive line to introduce the stronger tribal rhythms. At first listen, you may find it a bit jarring -- I did, so much so, I asked another DJ to give it a listen. Now that I've listened to the set a few times (as I usually do while getting them ready for you all), it feels quite smooth. Go ahead, give it a few listens -- put your headphones on for at least one of them. I think in the end you'll agree. In the end, just enjoy the ride. To quote A-Divizion, "it's all about house music." It always has been. It always will be. It's just a matter of the genre. In here though, it's a Deep Spin! | 1/4/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Solstice | The Winter Solstice is a time steeped in deep history and tradition. Ancient cultures all over the globe have celebrated this time of the year as the "rebirth" of the sun, the beginning of the solar year, as a festival in the name of the ancient Roman God Saturn, and Mitrha, the Persian God of Light. Monuments -- many of which baffle man to this day -- have been built to capture the Solstice (or "midwinter") sunlight: Stonehenge in England, and Ireland's Newgrange Tomb to name just a couple. So ingrained in the ancient peoples were this time and the symbols surrounding their celebrations, that anient Christians co-opted them, transforming them from their original purposes of aiding the sun's return by bringing light into the home (i.e. the burning of the Yule log; lighting of the "Christmas" tree); even language itself became repurposed as "the rebirth of the sun" became "the birth of the Son." The Solstice continues to have a powerful effect on us in modern times as we have come to realize the importance of sunlight on our physical, mental and emotional states: the recognition and understanding of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is just one proof of how powerful ol' Sol is in our lives. When this set was coming together, I never envisioned it being about this time of the year, but as at least three of the songs -- "Sunset," by Arty; "See the Sun," by Matt Darey and the Urban Astronauts; and "Anjunabeach" by Above and Beyond -- envoke the image and spirit of our Sun, it just seemed a natural for this set to be published today, on the Solsitce. So, as you celebrate this season, whether it be the Solstice, Hanukkah, Chirstmas, Festivus, or you roll them all up into one for Chrismahanukwanzakah, remember to take a moment (or more like 80 minutes) for yourself and this set. Invite the Sun back into your life, let it brigthen and warm you with the promise of longer days and the summer-to-come. On the shortest day of the year, at the start of Winter, I hope this trance set will chase away the darkness and nurture the light within you at this time of year. Happy Solstice! | 12/21/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Echoes | No, you're not hearing things. Some of these songs sound like other songs you may've heard before. They're not covers, or remixes, but rather entire new songs based on phrases or themes from old ones. It's not a new trick; in fact, the first new song based on another song that I can remember was "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang, which came from Chic's "Good Times." Much of early rap was created this way, in fact. Sampling is now a time-honored tradition these days, and some of the tracks in here may sound familiar enough to make you wonder at their origins. I do have to admit it's pure coincidence these songs are all appearing in the same episode of the podcast. I didn't collect, or stockpile them in any way. So much of "Press Play" is about brining you the best new music I can find at the moment, and this episode is no different; so what does it say about these artists? Well, I can't be sure, but perhaps they're all just finding their inspiration in gems from the past! So try this: Listen through this episode once before you read the rest of this narrative, 'cause I'm gonna tell you where they came from, right...wait for it...now: The first song, "One Love" by David Guetta snags a familiar musical line from the Eagles song, "Hotel California." Can you hear it? It starts at about 1:18 as Estelle starts singing. Track three, Morgan Page's "Fight For You," borrows a riff from Faithless' "Insomnia." This is one musical phrase you should recognize immediately considering how popular "Insomnia" was in 1996. Track four, "Right Here," by Carmen Reese, borrows from another 1996 gem which has been remixed many times over the years: Robert Miles' trance classic (and a personal favorite of mine), "Children." Lastly, track six, Allesandro Viale's "Sweet Little Thing," borrows from not one, but two different trance tunes from the late 90's/early '00's: "Beach Ball" by Nalin and Kane, and "Played A-Live" by the Safri Duo. As for the rest, it's all brand new from some great artists, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, Plumb, and Beyoncé. I'm really pleased with this set. It's always fun to pull together some great music, and even better when it carries with it the memory of great songs past. I hope you enjoy this set, and I hope the "Echoes" are as clear to you as they were to me the first time I heard the new songs! | 12/16/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Explicit30 Pop | It's all about love, sex, and money; it always has been and always will be. Episode 30 of "Press Play" pays homage to the way the world goes 'round with the latest crop of chart-toppers. There's a few gems in here for you; a new mix of a song that had no less than six videos when it first came out -- one of which was actually banned by MTV -- by Frankie Goes to Hollywood; the return of Janet ("Miss Jackson, if you're nasty!"); the re-emergence of a genuine pop Diva, Whitney Houston; a drop from my favorite pop group, the Pet Shop Boys, who are still at it and at the top of their game 25 years later; a song extolling the virtues of threesomes (as if I haven't been telling everyone about that for 10 years) by Britney; and the return of the "Days Gone By" (you know, the one from that Mitsubishi commercial) guys, Dirty Vegas, with their new song remixed by my favorite Trance artists, Above and Beyond. With all this mainstream goodness, it just seemed right to call it "30 Pop." | 12/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitSocket | You feel the spark. It's shocking at first. Then energizing. It makes you want to move. It makes you want to groove. It makes you want to let go. The sound is dark, hard, edgy, funky, chunky, positively charged! We're talking electro here. Mild, minimal, deep, chunky and funky; it's all here. Consider it a "primer" on the current electro scene. You may recognize a name or two in here: Wolfgang Gartner, the Starkillers, Dabruck & Klein. As for the rest...well, trust me, they won't disappoint. This is the sound my good friend and fellow DJ, Funkybear Martin, has mastered and has been playing for years (why do you think he's calld "Funkybear?"); and this set is lovingly dedicated to him. Thank you, Martin, for being a friend, a mentor and a muse. I love you, bear. So to paraphrase Timothy Leary: Turn on, plug in, drop out ; your Socket is waiting! | 11/13/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitContempo | Summer is just about at an end this year, but that's no reason to turn the fun meter back down and get into school-mode (even if you have started back at school already)! So with that in mind, and following hot on the heels of last month's podcast, here's another excursion into mainstream club music that begs the following question: What do you get when you take a few fresh tracks (some just minted in fact), and throw in some old familiar songs given a new lease on life, as well as a little musical twist? The answer is pretty obvious when the playlist includes top-of-the-chart artists like David Guetta, LaRoux, the Pussycat Dolls, Kim Sozzi, Marina Chello, Cascada, Robin S, Rozalla, Crystal Waters, the Black Eyed Peas, Paul van Dyk, and Madonna. You get a set I hope will have you on your feet and dancing before the second track is done; a set that's "hip," that's "happening," and that's "now." As that's such a mouthful, I just call it "Contempo" for short! | 8/24/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitScorcher | With temperatures cresting 100 in many parts of the country, there's no let up on the dance floor either! The "heat" started right after this year's Winter Music Conference in Miami. The music just started streaming out from the labels, one hot song, one floor-filler after another. You have to know I wanted to release podcast after podcast filled with tunes from all the artists who's names are part of our everyday conversations: Madonna, Maria, Beyoncé and her sister Solange, the Pussycat Dolls, Rihanna, Pink, Lady GaGa (who's first single, "Just Dance," I actually disliked intensely), the Ting Tings, Kelly Clarkson, Wynona (yes, THAT Wynona, the country music star, Wynona Rider)... Hell, even the boys got in on the act: U2, the Pet Shop Boys, David Guetta, Enrique Iglesias... I mean it was literally non-stop with all the great tunes that kept coming and coming and coming... Unfortunately, I was so busy with the Gay Internet Radio Live (G.I.R.L.) GayDays contest, I didn't have time to use all of that great stuff in podcasts with the exception of my final-round set, Episode 25 of "Press Play" (while the rest of my entries can be heard in the streaming media player on my Website at www.dj-jester.com). But now, summer is upon us. We're all out celebrating Pride, and there's still plenty of great new stuff filling my DJ bag! Rather than go back a few months and sound like an FM radio station, I thought I'd make it up to you with the most current stuff I could get my hands on. So here you go: new music from Beyoncé, Whitney, the Pussycat Dolls, U2, David Guetta, Agnes (winner of the Swedish edition of "American Idol"), Sophia May, Bellatrax, Erica Jayne, and even a couple of less-familiar names like Chris Kaeser and Ralph Falcon. Some of these tunes have already hit #1; others are destined to be there within the next month-or-two. But anyway you want to look at it, these tunes are top-of-the-chart right now, and are likely to keep summer clubbing on fire! So get out your fan, turn up the air conditioning, and grab a large Sweet Tea from Mickey-D's, 'cause you're gonna need it! This one's definitely a "Scorcher!" | 7/28/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitEmpyrean Beat | "Empyrean Beat" is the third installment in the Trance series, created again for the gang at the Dallas Flaggers' Weekend, held every summer in Dallas, TX. The artwork for "Empyrean Beat" is once again courtesy of Phillip Bryan, who's tie-died flags are a wonder! There are four different flags represented in the set artwork, created a few years ago for some shows he did in Thailand. Phillip notes the impetus for these designs was an effort "to create a design that conveys dimensionality, a volume that normally doesn't come across with tie-dye." I would say he succeeded without a doubt. "Stacked Pride," is the design behind this set's title card. Three others, used for individual tracks, were offshoots of the work that went into "Stacked Pride;" Phillip named them "Woven," "Stacked," and "Honeycomb." The most amazing thing to me about these flag patterns is they were created sheerly with tie-dye methodologies! "Empyrean Beat," is likewise an effort to take you on a journey through the Empyrean fields themselves, and right into the halls of mythology. With songs ranging from progressive to euphoric, this set should help you ascend to the heights Olympus itself, and sit at Zeus' right hand as the feast of Dionysius is laid before you. After all, even the Gods need a soundtrack! | 7/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitGoin' to GayDays! | 6 | 4/17/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Avanti! | Let's face it, 2008 sucked! No one I know had a good year. Many of my friends lost their jobs and have been having great difficulty finding work. The price of gas went up above $5.00/gallon in some parts of the country before falling back to more accurate levels at around $1.50/gallon. Banks failed, the automotive industry is in great peril, and companies laid off workers at an astounding rate. About the only good thing in 2008 was the music, and I expect that to continue into 2009. So this set is something of a send off to 2008, with the first track being a mash-up of some of the most popular songs of the year. The rest, is pure shake-your-ass music, that with any luck, will put a great big smile on your face while putting a wiggle in your butt. So, let's say "goodbye" to 2008, and dive into 2009 with new enthusiasm! "Avanti!" | 1/29/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Holidazed | At this time of year, it's so easy to get overwhelmed. There's the shopping, the dinners, the crowds, the parties, the shopping, the incessant holiday music, the shopping, the crowds, the traffic, the shopping... It's so easy to get, well, Holidazed! Rather than try to fill a set with nothing but holiday music (and believe me, it'd be real easy to do that, given the overabundance of holiday dance music out there), I thought I'd go the other direction, and give you all something fun, frenetic, and upbeat to provide a break from all the holiday overload! So, go grab a cocktail, put on your dancin' shoes, slip on the headphones, or crank the stereo up really loud and unwrap this present. This one is 100 percent pure fun. Go on, get "Holidazed;" you know you want to! | 12/27/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Transition | If there is one constant in the universe, it is, as Bowie said, "Ch-ch-changes." Beginnings and endings. Finding the unexpected. Looking over the fence and dreaming about how much better it could be. "Transition" is about all of those things, all of those changes, the unexpected twists and turns, disappointments, hopes and dreams, and new directions. It's odd, actually, how much this set is a reflection of where I find myself right now, at this moment, at the end of one opportunity that didn't work out, and facing another opportunity in the distance; but in the meantime, in limbo, looking at what might be, and what I would love it to be. "Transition" marks these transitions in my own life. Hopefully, you'll find your own change in here as well. | 11/28/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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More | More beats, more bass, more funk, more chunk. "More" is a bit, well, more. This one is the result of too much good music to fit into one set, but definitely not the "left-overs," or the "B-sides." Honestly, nothing could be further from the truth. This set is a bit broader in it's presentation. You're going to find everything in here from pop, to house, to progressive, to dark 3:00 am music, to chunky house, and even a touch of trance. It may feel a bit scattered at first listen, and on it's surface, it really can be. But there is one thing that binds all these tracks together, that makes the variety work in a way you wouldn't expect, and that's the bassline. Tune into it, and you'll hear exactly what I mean. It's what allows things to go from the progressive sound of Foamo, to the more melodic Natasha Bedingfield. So here's the challenge: If you don't click with "More" on your first listen, give it a few more. I'm pretty sure it'll grow on you. Go ahead, have a little "More!" | 9/26/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Miracle | When a song is too good you can't decide between two mixes, what do you do? Why, use 'em both, of course! Using a technique called "bracketing, or "bookending," Miracle wraps 11 other tracks, some of the most popular on the dance floor right now, along with a couple that will be big real soon, between two mixes of Oceanlab's beautiful new single, "Miracle." What you get is a set that comes full circle, right back where it started, but not quite in the same way. It's a nice effect, and not something that's always possible; but when it does work, it makes for fun listening, especially if you start the set all over again right after it ends and hear the two mixes back-to-back. I hope you'll enjoy this set, and maybe find a miracle all of your own somewhere along the way. | 9/26/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Blacklight | An excursion into Tribal sounds, from minimal to layered and progressive, this one will speak to your primitive side. Some of these tracks may be familiar to club-goers (especially if you've hit parties like "Magnitude" and "Aftershock"), some may not. You may even find the same with the artists; there were some I'd known for years and some new names I'd never encountered before, but will certainly be on the lookout for in the future. I had more tracks for this than I had time, and cutting some of them was a difficult task; but it leaves me with a good start for Blacklight II, perhaps. At any rate, this set should get you up from the first track, and keep you moving through the end; even if that shaking is just your rump in your office chair. So turn the lights off, strip down, get hot and sweaty, but don't forget to fire up your "Blacklight." | 9/4/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Pause | Relax. Breathe. Chill. Pause. In this day and age, where rush, rush, rush; go, go, go, now, now, now, is the way things are done, it's time to sit for a while. As such, I'm really proud to be presenting this set. Taking a break from the usual, this is my first foray into Chill music. It's a lot harder than you might think, really. The music has to be more in so many ways. Sound and mood and even words become more important when there's not a beat to drive them; because of that, it's taken a lot longer to bring this set, first conceived way back after Episode 3 when I first heard Carrie Skipper's "Time Goes By," and just knew I needed to share it with you all. Over the months, one-by-one, each of the songs fell into place as I heard them. And then it came time to mix them down, and once again, I broke my own rules. This set was mixed down using multi-track audio editing software, not my usual CD decks and a mixing board. It doesn't mean the computer mixed the set for me, but rather, the ability to move tracks around, nudge the mix points by fractions-of-a-second, allowed me to get this just right. It's not "live" mixing per se, but it is still me, making the decisions and choosing where the next song starts. I'm not likely to repeat this technique again, unless I do another chill set because this kind of music just lends itself perfectly to this technique. So there you have it. A departure from the ordinary for "Press Play." A departure in terms of creation and recording. And a new direction for me as a DJ. Come with me. Take a moment from your busy day. Relax. Breathe. Chill. "Pause." | 8/4/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Heaven's Reach | A Trance set that's a bit more on the progressive side. This set is named after, and features images of, another set of flags, made by "Texas Flagger Boy," Phillip Byran, for this year's Dallas Flagger Weekend festivities. Flaggers and Poi Spinners are such an integral part of a club experience for me. They add beauty and grace to a night out, giving the music another dimension, and expressing so much emotion through movement and color. It's an art; these guys practice constantly, and it take just as much strength and stamina as many athletic disciplines. So next time you're out dancing, and you see someone on a stage, a box, or just another high point in the venue, stop and appreciate what they're doing. If you like what you're seeing, give them a tip; they deserve it. I hope this music inspires. I loved putting this set together for you. | 7/4/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Next | Are you ready for summer? The heat has already arrived, and I'm not just talking about the weather. Episode 16 of the podcast is ready to get your summer off to a rollicking start with some scorching tracks. Representing the circuit tribal and diva grooves, the progressive scene, a little retro fabulous, and good old reliable house music, you'll find a little bit of everything (just how I like it) in this mix. In addition, there's an exclusive remix of a hot new track, "I Remember" by Kaskade, done just for me (and your enjoyment) by the ever-fabulous DiscoPup! What's really amazing about this set is that almost 50% of the tracks are either reworks/remixes or samples of songs that were big hits in their own right. You're going to recognize these right off the bat, and I hope they'll bring back some good memories for you, as well as create some new ones. A couple of these are going to be huge summer anthems, like the new mix of "Dive in the Pool" and "Cafe Del Mar." These two blockbusters have been given a very deft re-treatment; the new mixes just blew me away the first time I heard them and I knew I had to use them in a podcast. It's funny too, in a way, especially for "Dive in the Pool," which when it first came out, not only filled the floors no matter where it was played, but got the hands up in the air and the crowd chanting along. But like any big song like that, it crested fast ad then crashed hard, landing in "cheese factor" territory. This new mix, however, breathes some new life into the track, reviving it and Pepper Mashay's "Let's get soakin' wet!' Then there are the two new stormers, one from the "Queen of Disco" herself, Donna Summer, and one from the newest sensation on the block, Rihanna. You're going to hear these tracks a lot over the next few months, and I'm predicting Rihanna's "Take a Bow" will have the longevity of "Please Don't Stop the Music." So, no sitting this time; get up on your feet and shake your thang, 'cause this groove ain't gonna let you sit down. And it's all coming up, "Next," just for you. | 6/20/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitMorning | Morning comes. For some, the promise of a new day; for others, the end of an amazing night. Or is it? "Morning music" has a sound of its own. While gentle in one respect, it's still got enough punch, enough drive, to keep a crowd going long after the sun has risen. My first real understanding of "Morning music" came as I prepared to play REAL BAD in 2006. I knew what the sound was, but had never really called it "Morning music" before then. Lately, however, there's been a new sound emerging from a few producers that has, in my mind, epitomized "Morning music;" and while any of these songs would be equally at home at the beginning of the night or at the peak of a big set, I found bringing them together in this set to be an excuse to make some "joyful noise!" I may have used a couple of these tracks in previous podcasts, or you may wind up hearing some of them again; I try rather hard not to be repetitive. But then again, one of the things I want to do with "Press Play" is explore different themes and moods, so I hope you'll forgive me if the richness and versatility of these tracks inspires me to use them elsewhere. Without further adieu, then, I give you "morning," hoping your day is filled with happiness, beauty and love. Namaste. | 6/8/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitZephyr | The zephyr winds are blowing, hot and fresh. They surge from the heat of creation, bringing with them the familiar strains of warmer music, happier times, and the light, carefree feel of the summer-to-come. "Zephyr" is my attempt at catching this spirit, and of setting the tone for what is surely to be a fantastic summer season. This set starts off a little on the darker side, with an unexpected sound from Cosmic Gate, best known for there trance sound. But this progressive kicker from them sets up a nice groove from which to start a set. At the other end, you'll find a new group, Dobenbeck, with a different mix than what's been popular on the airwaves, but a perfect cap to the set. In-between, you'll find some familiar names: Stonebridge, Natasha Bedingfiled, Moby, Mariah Carey, the Shapeshifters, and even an exclusive remix of Madonna's "4 Minutes," done just for me by my good friend Disco Pup. All in all, I hope "Zephyr" will warm you up for the coming summer, and that like the winds for which it's named, carry you off into the sunshine. So, strip off those extra layers, and prepare to heat up! | 5/25/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitGolden Basket | Music from "The Golden Basket;" KUMA|SF's monthly party, held April 2008 at Club 8 on Folsom. Filled with funky progressive tunes, this episode of the podcast was put together before the night of the party; it's not a "live" recording, but I used all of the songs in this set (except one) that night. If you were there, this should take you back to that night; if not, why the hell not? :) See you bears in May for the final (?) Basket! Don't forget to bring your toga! | 5/3/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitThaw | It's been a long, hard, cold winter; so bring on the Thaw! This set is dedicated to the return of spring, of longer days, warmer weather, fewer clothes, and just plain fun! With that in mind, you'll find this episode filled with songs to warm you up, lift your spirits, make you bob your head, shake your butt, smile, laugh, and generally bring the sunshine back into your life. So go get out in the Springtime air, Thaw out! | 4/4/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitHeart | It's February, and time for as much love as you can handle. Thus, I present "Heart," dedicated to the two loves of my life: First is David, my husband of 10 years, my rock and my wellspring, my first, and my reason for remaining in Salt Lake City. And now there is Paul, my heart, my soul and my inspiration; the man who came out of nowhere, and wove himself so completely into my being I feel as if he's always belonged there. I could not ask for two better men in my life, and I will never understand what they see in me. I love you both! Happy Valentine's Day. This set does a few things differently than before: to begin, the tempo goes from faster-to-slower to show how the excitement of love calms down over the years. Next, the music goes from trance and progressive to house and pop, to exemplify the progression of love from initial infatuation, to it's deep and abiding nature. Lastly, pay attention to the lyrics in this one; they're really more important than anything else, and the songs chosen were picked primarily because of what they say. These lyrics also reflect the nature of long-term love, how it starts with a sense of wonder and amazement, and as time goes by, deepens into the kind of feeling that exemplifies true partnership and companionship. I hope you all enjoy "Heart," and find within it, the "Love You Feel." | 2/20/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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ExplicitEt tu, Paco? | "Et tu, Paco?" was constructed using only tracks given to me by my friend (and fellow DJ) Paco, this set is my way of thanking him for the gift. The name of this set is a play on the words spoken to Brutus by Julius Caesar right after being stabbed in the back by Brutus. Rather than convey a sense of betrayal, as was Caesar's intention, my use of "And you, Paco?" (as it translates from the Latin) is meant to tell him this set is for him, from him, and is my own way of combining the songs (some of which he's used in his own podcasts). Deep, dark and funky, this set is a perfect companion to "Crush," but even more on the progressive side! | 2/2/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Everything Old Is New Again | You can't keep a good song down, or from the hands of remixers! It's something to be grateful for, actually; especially in light of the track listing for this set. Here are some old favorites, made fresh again, and honestly, they've never really sounded better! Spanning eras from the '60's to the '90's, from "classic rock" to "new wave," with artists as diverse as Pink Floyd, Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, the Eurythmics and David Bowie to name a few, each of these songs has been tremendously influential in their own time. Some have held up for decades, being remixed again and again for contemporary audiences, while others, are going under the remixer's hand for the first time. No matter what, though, all of these mixes can be traced no further back than 2004, with Danny Howell's take on Donna Summer's signature song, "I Feel Love". "Everything Old is New Again" brings them all together, in an effort to take you on a journey through the years, and show just how much has and hasn't changed in that time; you could even say this set was decades in the making! | 1/5/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Passionista | What is "Passionista?' I think of it as passion with an attitude. This one starts off with the new song from one of my favorite artists, Seal, and flows into songs about passion, including a cover/remix of a song called "Passion," originally by Gat Decor, and now done justice by Danceteria! From there it's time to crank up the attitude before we bring it back home with a bit more passion, this time for the very music that gets us all moving, courtesy of Rihanna. It's all part of "Passionista," passion with an attitude, you'll hear it that way too. | 11/24/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Crush | As I put this set together, I knew I wanted to create a kind of departure from my normal form. Gathering my inspiration from four of my DJ friends, who go from "budding" to the "big room," who's never fail to blow me away with every set they produce, I wanted this one to include a touch of funk, a bit of chunk, and a slice of electro; but still be wrapped up by a couple of tracks that bear the melodic goodness I've grown to love over the years. The tracks all came together quickly; faster in fact than I'd expected (as I have at least two other episodes in pre-production right now that were started before this one), and as I recorded this, it just felt right. This is the way I'd love to play for hours on end. Drop a groove and go. Take it deep. Pull it back. Then plunge head-long into the funky, chunky, dirty beat for a few more hours, until there's not an ounce more that the crowd can sweat out. Then give 'em one more track so beautiful, so smooth, so melodic, they can't help but throw their hands up in the air and give up anything they have left in reserve to the euphoria. What a rush! I want to dedicate this set to the four DJs who inspired it, and who rock my world: Donovan (aka "Big Red Dee"), Funkybear Martin, Paco and Ted Eiel. These guys go from the "budding" to the "big room." They've all introduced me to artists and songs I might never have heard otherwise. They keep me fresh and excited with their own sets. They make me want to hang up my headphones and retire sometimes too, 'cause I wonder if I can ever be as good. And not only are they a treat for the ears, but they're also a treat for the eyes, and more importantly, for the soul as well! Thank you, guys. This set's for you. So, are you ready? It's time to feel the Crush! | 10/18/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Real Bad XVIII (Excerpt) | This is a segment of the set from REAL BAD XVIII, held at 1015 in San Francisco on September 24, 2006. REAL BAD is an annual party, held immediately following the Folsom Street Fair, and benefitting AIDS Charities in the Bay area; REAL BAD XVIII raised $115,000 dollars. The event starts at 7:00 pm, Sunday evening, and goes until 4:00 am on Monday morning; yes, that's right, nine hours, and one DJ. This section of the night is from about 1:10 am to 2:30 am; it represents the end of the "Peak" set and the beginning of the "Morning" set; it was selected from the full set by the GRGR/West team to be given to REAL BAD party hosts, as a "thank you" for their work in selling tickets to the event. REAL BAD XVIII changed me forever, and not only as a DJ. I was honored to have been chosen from a field of 24 DJs who were invited to submit for consideration. Every year a new DJ is chosen, someone who hasn't played to a crowd of over 300 in San Francisco previously, and the committee takes a chance with each selection. That night was the fulfillment of a dream for me, and I may never have a better one, but I'll keep trying. I hope you will enjoy this segment of the night. If you want to hear the full recording, it's available on my Website as a free download. Remember: The music is love, and we're all part of that. | 9/28/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Melancholia | This set has been in the works for the last few months, and speaks to the way I've been feeling of late. These songs, some new, some old, have a particular resonance to them. Perhaps it's the minor key most are composed in; or the powerful bass lines; or the haunting vocal quality; or even the sadness that pervades them in one way or another. Whatever it is, they all have a certain feeling of melancholy to them, that drove me to bring them together this way. This set also marks my first foray into "harmonic mixing;" that is, putting songs together based on their musical key, as well as their tempo. It makes the set smoother, and I'm really pleased with the overall effect. I hope you will enjoy listening to "Melancholia" as much as I enjoyed making it. Even if it's not among your favorites, perhaps it will find a place for those moments when you need something with this "voice." | 8/9/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Soar | From pop to trance, this set covers the bases; high and happy, deep, funky and progressive, with a smooth, calm finish. I hope you'll enjoy this mix, designed to get you ready for summer! | 6/30/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Eyes of God | This set is specially designed for flaggers and poi spinners everywhere, and is lovingly dedicated to two men who's grace and beauty go far beyond their art: Chris "Firecub" Dayson and Jim "JuicyFruit" Hauck. This set is inspired by the flags given me by JuicyFruit, named "The Eyes of God," and it has been shaped by the range of emotions in the music. The artwork for this Podcast is based on a picture of the flags themselves. | 5/18/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Fireball, Volume II | -- | 4/22/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Fireball, Volume I | Excerpts from Fireball at Winter Pride in Whistler, BC, February 10, 2007 | 4/8/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 47 Episodes |
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