:: Laidback Luke on FIRE107.6FM ::

If you missed my radio show last night then shame on you! The extremely talented "thriller from Manila", Laidback Luke, joined me on the phone to discuss his current projects and play some of his latest tunes. He let us into some secrets of his production methods and told us how he originally hooked up with Daft Punk and Steve Angello. He also expalined how he gained his inspiration to create some of the spell-binding remixes we all love so much.

Luke van Scheppingen: aka Laidback Luke

It seems everyone who's into their dance tunes love Luke's work and the phone calls and texts to the studio last night proved what a popular guest for the show he was. Thanks for your feedback. All we need to do now is to get him to Bournemouth to 'Break The House Down'!

Luke's new tune: Laidback Luke & Tom Stephan ft. Romanthony 'Show' is a cracker! Go and buy it now! And look out for his new mix for Steve Angello due to surface any day!

My thanks to Luke for taking the time out to chat and for sharing so much with us.

:: illin' & chillin' ::

The Mixbuster massive went down to sunny Spain for a week of illin' & chillin'. I could show you the delights of Alicante (!) and the beautiful beaches of Calpe and the striking Altea hills, but instead I'm going to show you another in my series of airport terminals (see previous blog entries). You see, the life of a superstar DJ always seem to include ridiculous amounts of time waiting in airport terminals!

Aeropuerto-de-Alicante

Our Spanish break was great, apart from the bad weather (2 half days of sunshine), a lifetime of searching for the villa when we arrived and the freezing cold swimming pool! All the same, I now have a strong desire to turn my back on the UK, buy a villa in Spain and have my recording studio looking out over the mediterranean!

:: Ten out of Ten Velden ::

Previously on the blog I shouted about the great re-working of the Orbital's classic 'Chime' by The Shapeshifters.  Yesterday, those lovely record people at Defected chucked the tasty Martin Ten Velden remix my way.  First rotation was on last night's Pure Fire, before letting rip with it over the weekend.  First UK airplay?  Quite possibly.

Defected have also put together this great video for the original tune.

Enjoy it you Acid House monkeys!

:: 50,000 people used to live here... ::

If you have geek tendencies, or are clued up on your popular culture references, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about if I say:

"Fifty thousand people used to live here - now it's just a ghost town!"

Yes, I have finally succumbed to the 13 year old boy stuck inside my bald head and bought a Playstation 3. Being a complete petrolhead, I've mainly bought the PS3 to race cars (Grid/GT5 Prologue), but I have unsurprisingly been sucked into the world of online gaming and in particular, the awesome 'Call Of Duty 4:Modern Warfare'.

"Oi, have you seen Soap?" "No mate, try the shower!"

A visually stunning first person shoot'em up, that takes you on an intense ride of missions and challenges. The graphics, gameplay, action and plot are all highly convincing and the speed with which the action takes place makes your heart race.

As a complete novice I'm absolutely rubbish, but it doesn't seem to matter in this parallel world of Special Ops and covert missions abroad.  Just sign up as a new recruit, get battling online with your mates, or at home on your own, and blow sh#t up!

:: Shifting Shapes ::

I've now got two new quality productions from The Shapeshifters on heavy rotation. They've brilliantly re-worked the seminal 'Chime' by Orbital, as part of their Treadstone E.P.  I know lots of people may not like the idea of Orbital being tampered with, but I'd rather hear a quality remix of this tune, by quality producers, rather than a half-arsed bootleg of the original 12" matched to a naff drum loop.

The Shapeshifters have also come out with a fantastic remix of Todd Terry's 'Get Down'. I've consistently used the original Kenny Dope mix to warm up an audience, but now Simon & Max breathe a jacking bassline and lots of space into this cracking tune.

Top work fellas.

:: 4 Minutes To Save Pjanoo ::

As featured on tonight's radio show, my latest mash-up is now online for you to grab. Go to the downloads section and help yourself.

Madonna vs. Pryda '4 Minutes To Save Pjanoo' by THE MIXBUSTER.

The brilliant pop partnership of Madonna and Justin Timberlake '4 Minutes To Save The World' meets the epic club anthem 'Pjanoo' from Eric 'Pryda' Prydz. This bootie is already getting a great response from DJ mates and a fantastic dancefloor reaction, so thank you. Download, turn it up, and enjoy!

:: Rickrollerz ::

The Rickrollerz 'Never Gonna Give You Up' (Strangers2Love)

There's an amzing buzz surrounding this remix of the 80's classic 'Never Gonna Give You Up' by ex-tea boy Rick Astley. This was and still is a massive party tune and was undoubtedly ripe for a noughties remix. The whole project apparently came from the internet craze of 'Rick-Rollering', where spam email links take visitors to the original video. The producers apparently got caught up in this craze and decided to re-work this wedding disco favourite. Personally, I don't believe a word of it!

I can't help but think that it's been a genius piece of viral marketing from the record company right from the beginning. PWL (Pete Waterman Limited), created hits for Rick Astley, Mel & Kim, Kylie, Jason, Bananarama, Dear Or Alive etc... and were masters of marketing in their hey-day. For example, in 1987 there was a white label 12" import that was being passed around DJ's and dance music fans of a supposed cool underground track from the USA called 'Roadblock'. It turned out to be the clever little scamps at PWL. Many, many, many people fell for the campaign before the track hit the shops under the group name of SAW (Stock, Aitken and Waterman) and 'Roadblock' became a massive hit for them, just like everything else they touched.

Welcome back Mr. Astley and perhaps I should say welcome back Pete and the PWL hit factory! ;¬)

:: Plastic Bag vs. Paper Bag ::

Charging the public for carrier bags is another example of ill-thought out and ill-advised decision making. Whilst shopping the other day for a lunchtime snack I was charged 10 pence for requiring two small plastic carrier bags to transport my purchases. Being a bloke, I don’t tend to walk about carrying a handbag, or any spare plastic carrier bags! So, chances are I will always have to purchase one when suddenly deciding to buy a snack, or a new shirt! Unless of course I:

a) Keep a plastic bag in my pants for emergency use.
b) Acquire a man-bag/bum-bag/fannypack....
c) Stop shopping completely and survive by eating my own waste.

Whilst I am happy to help attack the huge problem of non-biodegradable plastic carrier bags littering the planet, I fail to see how charging punters is a solution. Surely it would be better to use paper bags!? Paper is bio-degradeable and the bags can be made from already re-cycled paper waste.

John Lennon's inspiration for his 'Plastic Oh No Ban'!

Incensed by this thought and feeling the pain again in my wallet as Gordon Brown (yes, he gets the blame) and the corporate suits steal more of my hard-earned wedge, I went home and hit the web for some answers. It seems that the paper bag manufacturers are quite angry too. See here.

However, it seems that the plastic bag is not really the true villain and that they are more eco-friendly than first thought. See here.

It did occur to me whilst I was in the queue to buy my limp over-priced sandwich, a packet of crisps, a fruit smoothie, a 3 pack of socks and a slice of the most amazing chocolate flapjack in the world, that the packaging enclosing my purchases was far more harmful to the environment than the sodding bags I was about to be charged for!

My whole experience was brilliantly punctuated by a very lad-di-da lady in front of me in the queue, who loaded her shopping into hessian re-useable bags and walked purposefully out of the shop with an air of eco-authority. I followed her with my purchases swinging in my 10 pence plastic bags, thinking about how this whole issue was perfect material for my blog. I then watched as the posh-eco-woman clambered into her Porsche Cayenne (4.8 litre, V8 petrol, averaging 14mpg) and booted it up the high street! Shall I explain it to her, or will you?

:: Intro-Inspection ::

If only you could have seen the huge smile on my face when I played out the brilliant 'Intro-Inspection' by Osymyso on my radio show last night on FIRE 107.6FM. I've wanted to give this incredible production some exposure from when I first picked it up in 2002. Last night, the time was right. The FIRE audience were ready, and wow they really enjoyed it! I was inundated with texts and emails, so thank you if you got in touch.

~

Mark 'Osymyso' Nicholson's creation, 'Intro-Inspection' features 101 intros to popular songs, blended together into the biggest pop quiz challenge you'll ever face! Even though this mix has been around for years, it has really only been DJ's and mix fans that have had the pleasure of enjoying this mind-melting 12 minutes of madness! Being able to share it with the FIRE audience last night was great and made me very happy indeed, as that's what the PURE FIRE slot (from 8pm Mon > Fri) is about and is what makes FIRE unique amongst the blandness of UK radio.

Check out Osymyso's other work on his website. Quirky is probably the best word to describe Mark's work, with his Eastenders creation 'Pat'n'Peg' still one of my all time favourite Osymyso productions. Long may he reign as one of the kings of the pop culture/mash-up scene.

The full tracklisting for Intro-Inspection is here.

:: P...p...p...pick up a penguin ::

I'm not a fan of April Fools gags. Mainly because they're normally rubbish aren't they!? A classic from years ago was when the BBC's Panorama programme duped viewers into believing that spaghetti was harvested from trees. See the clip here. (It really isn't if you're having to think about that.)

This year, the BBC surpassed themselves with the following news bulletin.

I saw this first thing yesterday morning on the BBC News 24 breakfast show and thoroughly enjoyed watching Bill Turnbull and Sian Williams only just managing to maintain their poker faces! The production took weeks of filming, 3d modelling and green-screen wizadry, with the icing on the cake being the cameo role by Terry 'Python' Jones. As spoofs go, it's a classic! See how it was made here.

:: Simon Says ::

Click to Play!

Let's go back to the 80's with this great online version of SIMON. When the original game came out, my school friends at the time enjoyed taking the mickey out of me for having the same name as this bleeping copycat toy. Kids are weird aren't they?

Kid: Err you've got the same name as this game!
Me: So what!
Kid: Yeah but your name is the same!
Me: (Sigh)
Kid: That means you're a 'SIMON'!
Me: (Double Sigh)

Well I guess that's why that individual is digging holes for a living and I'm sat in my luxury beachside apartment, blogging about retro-games, whilst waiting for the limo to take me to the airport, so I can fly to the Miami Winter Music Conference.

Dream on.

I never had a 'SIMON' myself, but I vividly remember playing with one at a party as a kid and completely nailing it. I'd love one now in my studio that I could use to trigger samples. If you're a techy-geek capabable of re-wiring a 'SIMON' to trigger 'midi' signals then drop me a line. I wouldn't mind a Speak 'n' Spell re-wired to say nothing but expletives as well. Ta.

:: Operation Nomenclature ::

Have you ever wondered who dreams up the silly names for Police investigations? You know, like Operation Ramsbottom, Operation Dangleberry or Operation Biffin-Bridge? No I haven't either, but I was very intrigued to find out that the coppers don't all sit in a room and think up the names themselves. Which is a real shame isn't it!?

Bobby 1: Right let's call it 'Operation We Are Gonna Nick You'.
Bobby 2: Nah mate, 'Operation Druggy Scumbag'!
Bobby 3: What about 'Operation Anyone Fancy A Pint'?

Instead, all of the titles come from a pre-approved list.

The list includes names of exotic birds and towns on the South Coast of the UK. Operation Boscombe anyone?


"You pick one off the list," said Bob Cox, the retired head of press with the Metropolitan Police, in a recent interview for the BBC. "The aim is to choose names that are completely neutral so they will hopefully be totally unrelated to the case."

This guy here has bizzarely compiled a list of the names and what that particular operation covered. A very strange thing to create, but quite an intersting read.

:: Bumblebee ::

I've not had much time to kick back and relax, due to a hectic home, work, studio, and show schedule. However, the other night I managed to sit back and enjoy a DVD that 'she who shall be obeyed' bought me for Christmas. Now don't laugh you lot, but it's 'Transformers'!

I never watched the cartoon as a kid and never saw the film at the cinema, so I was very surprsied that 'she who shall be obeyed' had chosen this as a gift to commemorate the birth of a sandal wearing bloke called J O Nazareth. But lucky old me, coz the film was brilliant!

A great performance from Shia LaBeouf, plus fantastic CGI and the best looking American muscle car to hit the silver screen since Steve McQueen's 1968 'Bullit' Mustang GT390 Fastback .

Bumblebee 2008 style: The new Chevy Camaro. Sweet!

By all accounts, Shia LaBeouf is set to be a 'big' future star in Hollywood. This statement is supported by the fact that he's got a lead role in the new Indiana Jones movie, set for release in May 2008.

Whilst I'm waiting for the new Indy film, I'll be daydreaming about cruising around town in a new bumblebee spec Camaro. The V8 burble, the cool tunes, sticky rubber on hot tarmac and a fuel bill the size of a small third world countries debts! Oh well, back to the V8 burble...

:: Revenge On Disco ::

Here's another quick gem: I'm going to play a very hot new track on tonight's radio show (Tue 18th Mar 08). The Freemasons have remixed the 90's classic Gusto 'Disco's Revenge', and it is absolutely spot on!

Be listening at 8pm tonight to hear the Brighton Boys do their best remix yet. Has anyone else played this yet? I seriously doubt it.

Get in.

:: Pryda's Pjanoo ::

Alright you lot. I know I keep going on about this track and that I've been battering it to death everywhere, but it is absolutely flippin' brilliant! The hugely talented Eric Prydz has at last released 'Pjanoo', a monsterous house tune that is pure piano perfection for the dancefloor.

"Oi Prydz! Compo wants his hat back!"

Released under his PRYDA name, on his own label, you can download it now and warm your soul with a tune that shows the rest of us how it's done. Props to Pryda.

Check it out here.

By blogging this momentus occasion, I now promise to stop mentioning how amazing this tune is.

Promise.

:: Mash It Up Grandma! ::

I am often asked to show people how to mix tunes. And more recently, people always want to know how to create mash-up's or remix a track into an electro-house stormer! Even though I love teaching people and can quite easily talk for hours about razor blading 1/4" Ampex tape, feedback looping on an EFX1000, or the wonderment of Logic Pro, it can get a little tiresome showing someone the basics of beat-matching vinyl!

But my saviour has arrived in the form of USA Grandma, Sue Teller. She has thankfully created this handy video tutorial demonstrating the basics of creating a mash-up on the wheels of steel. Hilarious!

Enjoy!

:: Espionage ::

This looks like a mighty fine new house night for Bournemouth's student and clubbing fraternity. Mission have gone for a Monday launch night (3rd March) at The Old Fire Station, on Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth.

What a line-up!? ;¬)

See ya there.

:: Rallye Sunseeker 08 ::

The Sunseeker Winter Rally (or as the organsiers are determined to name it 'Rallye Sunseeker') hits the Bournemouth Gardens at 6pm on Friday 22nd Feb. Yep, you can witness the first stage of this event as a selection of amateur and professional rally drivers attempt to negotiate the paths of the central gardens at some serious speeds! The cars career down the narrow pathways, swing past the Pavillion Theatre, shoot under the fly-over and head off down the beach promenade, roaring past the mulit-coloured beach huts. Awesome and totally free to watch!

Quicker than your average Hyunadi...

The favourite has got to be local fella Marcus Dodd (multiple British National Champion) in his Hyundai Accent! I kid you not! It's not your basic run-about though, as this car has been prepared to WRC standards. Also, keep an eye out for the Metro 6R4's and the Landrover Wolfs.

For more information hit up the Rallye Sunseeker website.

For rally updates, tune in to my radio show on FIRE 107.6 throughout Saturday afternoon.

:: Needy Girl ::

I am simply loving the latest offering from Chromeo. 'Needy Girl' smacks of the 80's and has a synth hook that just sticks in your brain and refuses to leave.

The main remix is by Lifelike who has, I'm sure, used a sample from a fantastic 80's 12" 'Wired To The Beat Of The Drum' by Wired. I bought this track in a tiny record store in downtown Houston, Texas - and I have cherished it ever since, fully expecting to sample it myself. Unsurprsingly, it has been targeted by the supremly talented Laurent (aka Lifelike) and put to great use.

For those of you across the pond in Canada and the US of A, I'm fully aware that you've had Chromeo's 'Needy Girl' on your playlists since 2004. Why didn't you tell us earlier damn you!

:: Abarth Are Back ::

I've never owned a Fiat, but this little thing looks very tasty indeed! The Abarth team have clearly excelled and it is great for car enthusiasts around the world to be able to see the Scorpion badge on a car bonnet again. In my opinion it's probably one of the best car emblems ever!



I doubt if the Abarth 500 is going to be a serious contender to the Cooper S, or the suspected new hot Fiesta due out later this year, but let's hope the Abarth 500 shakes things up a bit in the small hot hatch market!

:: Watchin' My Bleeding Love ::

Up for grabs now is my mash-up of the fantastic Freemasons track 'Watchin', with music from the Leona Lewis smash hit 'Bleeding Love'. The vocalist is Amanda Wilson who worked with Russell (free) and James (mason) on their first two singles, 'Love On My Mind' and 'Watchin'.

Freemasons: James Wiltshire & Russell Small

The Freemasons have an amazing track record at the moment. They have not only produced a stack of dance floor gems, the last one being the Bailey Tzuke cover of 'Uninvited', but they have also transformed R 'n' B tracks into dance floor smashes for Beyonce Knowles and most recently Kelly Rowland. Talented, professional and with a midas touch, I am a huge fan of what the Brighton residents have achieved and hopefully they'll approve of this fun bootleg with X-Factor winner Leona Lewis.

Here it is: Freemasons vs. Leona Lewis 'Watchin My Bleeding Love'

:: Club Mix 2007 online now! ::

My 60 minute 'Megamix' of the biggest dance tunes of 2007 is now available to download here. The mix was featured as part of The Mixbuster show on FIRE 107.6, which took the listeners into the New Year. Go and grab it now and give your ears a damn good thrashing! The tracklisting is available here.

Hopefully this monster mix session will float your boat. Any feedback would be really appreciated. If you'd like a CD of the mix then drop me a line. You can eMail me here.

If you like it enough to give me some work, then my bank manager and I would love you forever!

Enjoy.

Simon

:: A Hero Returns ::

Less than 24 hours to go until the End Of Year and Club Mixes for 2007 are broadcast on FIRE 107.6. Check out the 4hr Mixbuster marathon on both Christmas Eve, 8pm 'til midnight, and New Years Eve, 10pm 'til 2am. Listen online at fireradio.co.uk.

My thanks to everyone who 'texted' the radio show, 'pinged' me an email, 'messaged' me via this blog, 'downloaded' my stuff, added' me on MySpace and cheered and screamed at me in 2007. Thanks for your support.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Simon

:: Coming soon... ::

Coming soon...

:: A Mixbusting Xmas Bonanza ::

As we head off towards the winter season of dark nights and even darker tunes, it can only mean one thing for The Mixbuster. It's time to be locked into the studio with a plentiful supply of Jaffa Cakes and CD's, and to not be released from captivity until the traditional 'End Of Year Mix' has been created for FIRE 107.6.

Just before the lockdown begins, I can tell you that this year is going to be an overdose of Mixbuster mayhem! A 'Club Mix' will join the now legendary chart-based 'End Of Year Mix', to be the soundtrack for both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve on FIRE 107.6.  The 'Club Mix', will include all the massive dance tunes of 2007, as well as some surprises!

For more information: fireradio.co.uk & mixbuster.com

:: Billy's Back! ::

There seems to have been an abundance of dance tunes released this year that featured artists of an established age! We've had tracks remixing and sampling Pink Floyd, The Police, Foreigner, Liquid Gold and Earth, Wind & Fire. One of the most talked about and one that is just about to hit the UK's sound sytems is a re-working of White Wedding by Billy Idol. This 80's classic has been mashed up with a 90's synth riff from the Bassheads and has all the components for greatness on the dancefloor. Heavy beats, a thick old bassline (courtesy of Jack Rokka) and a decent wad of nostalgia for the punters old enough to remember Mr.Peroxide the first time around.

Mixed reactions from dancefloors and DJ's so far, but I think that this track will break nicely for Frenetic and be part of your winter partying.

Trashcan Jack vs. Billy Idol - Club Wedding (freneticmusic.com)

:: Extreme Caterpillaring ::

The Gadget Show Team: Jon, Jason & Suzi

In my last journal entry I declared my allegiance to the sci-fi tv show Heroes, which is currently taking great ratings on BBC 2. My weekly tv viewing has now been helped along with the return of the techno-geeks favourite fix!

The Gadget Show on channel 5 is a must if you like your technology. Now into season 7, it's great to have Suzi Perry, Jason Bradbury and Jon Bentley back on the telly to inform all the gadget-eers of the best and worst products in tech-town, or geek-ville if you'd prefer.

I loved this idea from Jason Bradbury's website:



Jason Bradbury wants to test viral marketing. The idea being that you use places like YouTube to infest yourself or your product into peoples inboxes and minds. Just go to Jason's website - www.jasonbradbury.com - to read about the project and enjoy the trio's brilliant banter every Monday, on Channel 5.

:: Save The Cheerleader ::

Wednesday nights are now sacred.

This isn't like me at all, but I am absolutely hooked on the tv drama HEROES. What a fantastic show!

Created by Tim Kring, Heroes tells the story of a group of people who thought they were like everyone else... until they realised that they have a range of special powers. The story begins to unravel and spin-off into multiple plotlines, where the 'special ones' begin to see that they all have a role in preventing an epic event and therefore save humanity.




Told in a comic book style the characters are refreshingly different, the production quality immense and the story quite gripping. Let's hope this continues. I just wish I'd caught this the first time when it was broadcast on the Sci-Fi channel at the beginning of the year. 4.3 million UK viewers tuned in to BBC 2 last week, which meant that for the first time in 10 years it surpassed BBC 1 in the rating wars.

BBC 2 will begin broadcast of season 2 in December.

:: Terminal Illness #3 ::

Regular blog readers will know why I'm posting this picture. This is Madrid. Nice!

:: Feelin' Cranky ::

You wait an age for a decent local venue to provide your night out with top-flight DJ's and dance-acts, and then suddenly your world virtually implodes due to the A listers on the billing each and every week.

I'm talking about a new night, at a new venue in Bournemouth, which is exploding with talent (both female and musical) every friday night from NOW!

Bedbug @ Crank is the place to be if you want to catch the world's premier DJ's and dance producers doin' their thing. Seriously, I doubt any other provincial town has weekly billing like this:

28th Sep - Armand Van Helden
5th Oct - Axwell
12th Oct - D Ramirez and Mark Knight (OMG!)
19th Oct - Steve Angello
26th Oct - Seb Fontaine & Dirty South
2nd Nov - Sebastian Ingrosso
9th Nov - Pete Tong
16th Nov - The Shapeshifters & The Beatthiefs
23rd Nov - Sander Kleinenberg
30th Nov - Above & Beyond
7th Dec - Micky Slim, Dave Spoon & Jon Gurd

Hats off to Bedbug and the Crank-ies for sorting out these mind-blowing events. My tip would be not to miss D. Ramirez & Mark Knight spinning their own creations, or the opportunity to see Oz-wonderkid Dirty South make a very rare appearance in the UK.

:: New Mixes Online ::

As the summer season wraps and the temperature starts to drop there's only one thing on my mind. Dust!

I've got loads of new tunes to get through, as well as a stack of emails, before even thinking about getting my record bag sorted, or working on some new productions! I've been away a lot recently and my studio is a complete tip! Not like me and my obsessive compulsive streak at all! So, no new creations until I sort out this mess.

Oh well, whilst I get the Dyson to work, why not visit my 'Downloads' section and grab some of my recent mash-ups and remixes. I've just added my house remix of ABBA's 'Dancing Queen', entitled the 'Anybody Could Be That Guy Remix'. I've had some really cool feedback already and luckily no snotty letter from any Swedish lawyers.

Also up for grabs is my electro re-working of the 80's classic 'I Just Died In Your Arms' by the brilliant Cutting Crew. This managed to get the thumbs up from founder/lead singer Nick Van Eede, so it's as close to a legal release as I'll ever get!

I've also added the Axwell vs. Roger Sanchez (ft Armand Van helden and N'dea Davenport) mash-up that has been getting a lot of exposure. Enjoy!

Feedback always welcome.

Right,where's my feather duster!?

:: In The Mix & On The Beat ::

As our modern lives place us for longer and longer in front of our computers, why not have some great music to accompany you whilst you click 'n' surf. Global internet radio station BEAT 365 is a project that I've had the pleasure to be involved with since its earliest conception, so I was delighted to do a live session for them last friday night.

A 30 minute segment of my live mix is available as a download. It includes some very, very upfront material that has yet to get UK airplay!

Make sure you give BEAT 365 a go. It's a wicked station, running on zero funds, so please give them some support by logging on.

Enjoy!

:: Get Ready ::

I've had a great Summer of mixing and mashing, even though the weather has been pants! You wait though, September is going to be a cracker! One thing that has boosted my morale has been the incredible response for my ABBA remix.

I've also had some great feedback on some of my most recent mash-ups. Thank you if you took the time to email me, comment via MySpace, or text the radio show. I will be uploading some of these mash-ups for your sticky-mitts over the next few weeks, so get ready to grab!

Keep smiling.

:: Terminal Illness #2 ::

As I travel the globe as an 'international man of mystery', 'holiday-maker', 'superstar DJ', 'assassin', or 'trolley-dolly' (delete as appropriate), I have to put up with the mind-melting monotony of being held hostage in ghastly airport terminals that seem to exist in every country. Admittedly, this one tries to entertain you with a train ride between terminals. It doesn't work. It's still very, very boring.

This months featured terminal: Gatport Airwick.

:: Where's the Summer? ::

Some great new releases have hit my decks just in time for this late Summer sunshine!? Here's a brief round-up:

The legend that is Betty Boo is back! Do you remember 'Doing The Do'? Well if you do then you must be really, really old! (cough, cough, cough.....) The gorgeous Miss Boo, aka Alison, has teamed up with producer Jack Rokka to release this cracking electro pounding dance track onto the UK's unsuspecting dancefloors.

D.Ramirez & Mark Knight are two of the most talented dance music producers on the planet. They have had a new track 'Columbian Soul' bubbling away for a while now. If you want to dabble in the world of electronica then go and dig this out as a great way to be introduced into the dark world of beats, bleeps and bass. Oh yes, and they're coming to town soon...

Vee Scott is the first real vocal house track to appear for Summer 07. Lots of industry types were getting very excited about this track. A brilliant balance of happy vocals and uplifting house loops. A perfect track for the barmy summer nights!

If you've listened to my radio shows, you've probably heard me pushing the Bournemouth based production/breaks trio Aquasky. A new venture from them is 'Dirty Boy' by The Stereo Hookers. Put simply, this is a brilliant track, with catchy lyrics and a great guest remix from Steve Mac.

And finally, Dutch duo Hi_Tack are back and they have quite simply surpassed themselves with their remix of David Bowie's 'Let's Dance'. Bowie quite rightly loves it and has given it his full blessing. It's a great commercial dance tune that is going to introduce yet another generation to the genius that is Ziggy Stardust. All together now: "Ground control to Major Tom...."

Cheers.

:: Tonight's Mixbuster ::

Tonight's Mixbuster session is now available online. Featuring tracks by Moby, Mylo, Black Riot, Basement Jaxx, Madison Avenue, Goldtrixx, De Nuit, Reflekt, Criminal Element orchestra, Benny Benassi, Lovefreekz and Touche. However, the most feedback on the studio text was for my Tony Christie mash-up which featured at the end of the mix!

I'm not planning on making it available as a separate mash-up, so grab it in this exclusive (18 min) mix whilst you can!

The Mixbuster on FIRE 107.6 (Tuesday 14th August 2007)

As always, thanks for all the support.

:: Cutting Crew Remix and Chat ::

Regulars will know that I remixed the Cutting Crew's 80's classic 'I Just Died In Your Arms' this year, turning it into an electro-house track. I managed to get full support from the lead singer Nick Van Eede for my re-working, of which I was very excited and very honoured.

Earlier in the year, I interviewed Nick for a radio show on Beat 365, with fellow DJ and bezzie mate Paul Stevens. Meeting Nick and hearing the epic original, spurred me on to re-mould it for the modern dance-floor.

To hear the interview with Nick Van Eede, visit the Beat 365 website and go to the podcasts section.

To hear the remix, go here. Why not sign up as a MySpace buddy whilst you're there?

:: Homer's My Hero ::

Fans of The Simpsons have only had to wait 18 years for this week. Along with the genius of The Simpsons Movie, make sure you visit the website www.simpsonsmovie.com. It is probably one of the best websites EVER!

:: Munich ::

Munich International

Continuing the series of photographs depicting Airport Terminals from around the world, where my time has been wasted! This month, Munich, Germany. Saying that, it was quite pleasant and that concourse would make a fantastic venue for a party!

:: New Mixes ::

Hi,

Check out some new mixes by following this link.

www.myspace.com/mixedbysimonsinfield

Why not 'add' me as a MySpace friend whilst you're there?

For more information go to www.simonsinfield.com.

Feedback always welcome.

Cheers,

Simon

:: Anybody Could Be That Guy ::

One of the reasons I'm so passionate about music is the way it can really transform the way you feel. When you create music, whether it be playing in a band, singing along to the radio or mixing records, the vibe you get and the achievement and excitement of making it sound good can be a real buzz.

My remix of ABBA's 'Dancing Queen' fell together quickly and I felt that the mixture of samples and loops slotted together in one of those eureka moments. Somtimes you just know when a track is gonna work and hopefully you'll agree.

Sadly, bearing in mind that Madonna had to pay the ABBA empire a reputed £2m to use their 1979 'Gimme Gimme' sample for 'Hung Up', I'm sure that I'm heading for a rather large fall by messing with the true kings of pop and highly unlikely to get the samples cleared for release. But heh, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Check it out here. Feedback, as always, very welcome.

Dancing Queen (The Anybody Could Be That Guy Remix by Simon Sinfield)

:: ...and in with the new ::

Welcome to the new home of Bournemouth & Poole's FIRE 107.6FM.

The new building is great. We now have a proper reception area, our own stairs, loos, a kitchen and office space with natural daylight! And of course, we have two sparkly new studios. Woo hoo!

It's not finished yet and everything is very chaotic but this is an amzing time to be involved in a radio station that really is the heart and soul of the party in the area.

Congratulations to all involved who made this possible.

Photo to follow as I can't get my flippin' camera to talk to the PC!

:: Out with the old... ::

After nearly 9 years in the centre of town, FIRE 107.6FM is on the move. We are moving out of town (slightly) to a new building where we will get a visitors reception area, new kit and amazingly, windows and natural light! The poor FIRE sales team, as well as the on air team, have endured years of working in a basement. As an evening jock, I just pop in and out, so I have no real understanding of what it has been like to work in the bowels of the Quadrant shopping centre. However, I imagine it was pretty ghastly.

So bye bye FIRE studios, with your crappy decor, thread-bear carpet and dark and dingy corridors.

Hello new FIRE building...

:: Terminal Illness ::

I'm fed up with sitting in airport terminals. It's not so much the environment you are trapped in, but the complete and utter waste of time and rip-off prices we all have to endure. They've basically got you by the short and curlies haven't they!? There are obviously good terminals and bad ones, so I'm going to capture them here as I go on my travels as an international ambassador for the wheels of steel!

'Drop another phat tune the floor is packed!'

There are obviously good terminals and bad ones, so I'm going to capture them here as I go on my travels as an international ambassador for the wheels of steel!

No photographs of romantic locations or city landscapes from me. Oh no people, you're gonna get pictures of the places that I seem to spend most of my time when I have to travel. Welcome to the my Airport Terminals of the World. (You see, this is what terminal boredom makes you do!)

:: eBike ::

The Enertia Bike

Having recently entered a trial separation from motorcycling, this amazing product caught my attention this week.

Enertia Bike on You Tube

The Enertia Bike is designed and built by US firm Brammo Motorsports. The same company responsible for the Ariel Atom. The Enertia Bike uses lithium-ion phosphate batteries and is intended as a commuter vehicle. Perhaps this could be the real answer to city congestion, carbon foot-prints and the scourge of the Chelsea tractor!?

It's no good if you live in the sticks or have to drive 20,000 miles a year like me, but a fantastic way to zip around town and just totally cool as well.

Check out their website: enertiabike.com

:: 30 min DJ set ::

I don't normally put 'tune to tune' mixes on the website for download, preferring to put up the Mixbuster creations or my own tunes and remixes. However, I have posted a 30 minute DJ set recorded live that I did recently, as I've been hounded by some friends to provide them with some tunes for their iPods. Go grab it here: Electro House Set (April 06)

:: Unacceptable In The 80's ::

Last week I asked the FIRE listeners to suggest some 80's tunes to go into a quick mix-up of the Calvin Harris track 'Acceptable In the 80's'. It seemed an obvious thing to do. Choose some classic 80's records and mix them up with the slightly quirky hit from Dumfries DJ,Calvin Harris, and take the listeners back in time to 1985!

www.myspace.com/calvinharristv

Lots of suggestions came in on the studio text and via email, so a big thank you to everyone who submitted their suggestions. The mix was chucked together with some movie samples from that era and it went zinging across the FIRE airwaves 7 days later.

It got some great reaction, so thank you for your feedback.

If you missed it and fancy a bit of a laugh, then go grab it now from the downloads section here.

Unacceptable In The 80's by THE MIXBUSTER

Tracklisting:

Calvin Harris - Acceptable In The 80's (2007)

Prince - Raspberry Beret (1985)

Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (1983)

Japan - Quiet Life (1979)

Duran Duran - The Reflex (1984)

Duran Duran - Planet Earth (1981)

Duran Duran - Girls On Film (1981)

Thompson Twins - Love On Your Side (1983)

Cutting Crew - (I Just Died) In Your Arms (1986)

Yazoo - Situation (1982)

Paul Hardcastle - 19 (1985)

FGTH - Relax (1983)

Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls (1984)

ABC - Look Of Love (1982)

Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (1987)

Van Halen - Jump (1984)
Movie samples taken from:
Back To the Future (1985)
Pump Up The Volume (1990)
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Top Gun (1986)

:: Aquasky Exclusive! ::

My radio show last night featured a special guest who I was delighted to welcome back onto the FIRE airwaves. One third of Aquasky, Dave Wallace, joined me for a live interview and mixing session. As a genuine fan of their work it was a great opportunity to find out more about the history of the trio, get the lowdown on their new tunes and check out the latest releases on their record labels - Passenger/777.

Dave then spun up some exclusives for the FIRE audience, starting with a wicked breaks-booty - allegedly delivered to the Aquasky office that very morning - as well as spinning up a sneaky preview of a track from their forthcoming album. If you missed it then all I can say is the new album is going to be a rock solid helping of hard hitting beats and phat bassline breaks. Pure class from one of the pioneers of the genre!

A big thanks to Dave for popping down and rinsing out some quality tunes. Please show the guys some respect at www.aquasky.co.uk and sign up as their MySpace friend here. You can also show your love for all things Aquasky by voting for them across multiple categories for this years Breaks Awards - Breakspoll 07. Go to www.breakspoll.com

Keep checking out my show on FIRE 107.6 to hear more quality house, electro, bootlegs and breaks.

:: Space Mix ::

I wanted to launch the new year with a mix in the 'download' section, that means an awful lot to me. I've put up an epic mix (it was to fill a 20 minute slot on the radio) that I created a couple of years ago for Chris Bailey (Ministry Of Sound). Chris featured one of my mixes each week on his radio show at the time. This particular mix gained an amazing reaction and kept Chris very busy with phone calls to the studio, whilst he blasted it out over the airwaves and the monitors in the studio. The comments from the callers and the amazing support from the brilliant Mr. Bailey was a wonderful moment for me, and one that I'll never forget.
The 'Space Mix' a homage to the original DMC producers who inspired and influenced me greatly. Paul Dakeyne, Ben Liebrand and Steve Anderson all created (and still produce) incredible and defining productions. There are many DJ's across the world who will credit these guys with influencing them through the monthly special mix package from DMC. This mix (with a sci-fi theme) was really me attempting to capture a style of megamixing that they invented, mastered and mesmerised their audiences with.

It's a big mp3 file coz it's up at 192kbps, but hopefully you'll think it's worth the download time and that you'll appreciate it as much as the callers on the radio that night and as much as I enjoyed piecing it together.

Simon

:: Pimped for 2007 ::

Welcome to 2007. A year that will hopefully be yet another wicked year for great dance music and one that will fill your world with great and gorgeous experiences. I just want to say thanks for all of your support last year and in the words of Bill S. Preston esq and Ted 'Theodore' Logan (aka Bill & Ted), let us all "Party on dudes"!

I've started the year with a well earned rest after some serious mashing, mixing and mayhem over the Christmas period. I was also attacked by the stomach bug from hell. I'll refrain from the details, but it was real ugly!

I've just 'pimped' my MySpace page and have gathered some great new buddies. Thanks if you are one of 'em. MySpace is incredibly addictive and is now alongside eBay in my world of daily online surfing. Check it out here (www.myspace.com/simonsinfield) and sign up damn you!

So what's up for 2007 I hear you ask? Well, I'm in pursuit of some funky new production projects, as well as working on my radio shows. I'm also going to get back out on the circuit later on this year after a short sabbatical. So expect some plugging on here and in MySpace around April. For bookings contact: zonemedia@mac.com

Finally, let me give you a couple of guidelines for this year:
1) Turn the volume up
2) Say 'Yes' more (Danny Wallace we salute you.)
3) If in doubt, smile.

Catchyalata.

:: The Mixbuster Is Back ::

The Mixbuster is back on the Fire 107.6 airwaves this Christmas holiday. A special 2 hour non-stop mix of the hits of 2006 will feature as part of Fire's festive output.

Mixing and mashing over fifty of this year's biggest hits, including: Snow Patrol, The Feeling, Pussycat Dolls, Robbie, Muse, Lemar, James Morrison, Scissor Sisters, Jamelia, Pharell, and Take That. The Mixbuster returns to melt and remould some of the biggest hits of 2006 for your very own Christmas Party.

Catch this very special (commercial free) 'End Of year Mix 2006' on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve on Fire 107.6. Or listen online at www.fireradio.co.uk.

:: House Party ::

Another week is underway and I have to own up to sleeping for the majority of today (Monday's) daylight hours, to try and catch up on the lack of shut-eye this weekend! 3 hours of kip all weekend has put my body clock into a downward spiral!

It was a monster weekend of mashing, mixing and meeting people. Gonna pay my respects to Brighton's club scene and the majestic house jams of DJ Static. What a set from him this weekend and it was an honour to follow him onto the CDJ's. A late night drive home in awful weather was met with an early call from the wee-babe and then a busy day of play, v.strong coffee and super creativity.

Listeners showing us all how to pose for the camera.

Sunday evening meant a quick nip down to a house party hosted by Fire 107.6 DJ's Niall, Dave and their housemate, Quizmaster Rob. The boys had arranged a 'listener party' and had been pushing it on air for a couple of weeks.

I wimped out early, desperate for some kip, but not before I'd witnessed some pole-dancing action (they'd had one installed in the lounge! How cool is that?), and posed for some photos in the kitchen (where everybody was of course!).

Fire 107.6's Kelli, plus fetching hat, pictured with some cross-eyed twit!

Well done boys. A totally wicked party. And hopefully something to be repeated.

:: Hot Tracks & Bad Macs ::

Apple iMac 24

The Mixbuster recording studio has recently taken delivery of one of these bad boys. Quite an upgrade in both performance and screen size and I have to say that this behometh is simply awesome to use! For the first few days I thought it was too big, but now I can't believe that I used to work on a mere 15" display. Every visitor to the Mixbuster Mansion has exclaimed their love as soon as they cast an eye on the new beast. And quite rightly so.

I've been a devout Mac user for many, many years now and Apple keep delivering mind-blowing design and technological wonder-kit to blow our tiny MacGeek minds. Let's see if it makes my tunes any better? Talking of tunes, here's three tasty tracks to tip you off about:

Moon's Flag - Wrapped Around Your Finger
This has been floating around for a while now but deserves a mention. It's a simple, electro driven house re-working of The Police classic, with remarkably similar vocals to the Sting original. Sam Paganini is the dude behind this and what a terrfic job he's done. I just love it!

Eric Prydz vs. Pink Floyd - Proper Education
One of the hottest tracks around at the moment and set for an early release in 2007. Eric Prydz makes an admirable electro-house track out of the massive 70's school-kid anthem 'Another Brick In The Wall' by Pink Floyd. Very, very tasty.

DJ Disciple - Work It Out
A little bit more underground than the latter, this track is set for greatness and has been getting a great dancefloor reaction. Similar in shape to the massive Fedde Le Grande, this track is gaining major support by DJ's and dance orientated radio stations across the UK, which should mean good things for the Disciple and all of his followers.

*I've just found out that an Apple Retail Shop is about to open up in town as well as the planned main Apple Store in nearby Southampton. Oh dear! I'm in big trouble now!

:: Scratch ::

I entered the magical world of the iPod very early on (c2000) and so my 2nd generation device has been on the road with me for a very long and case-punishing time. It has plenty of swirls and scratches on both the front and back, including the old-school black & white screen. Even though I'm tempted to upgrade to a funky new model (Dear Santa, new black iPod please?), I decided to surf the web to find out what product I could use to revitalise my beloved and hard-working pod.
Their are a number of specific products out there that claim to do the job, but a repeated theme across the web was to simply use Brasso and a little elbow grease. So, I went and bought a tin of Brasso and spent an hour rubbing and buffing my iPod to near perfection. Incredible! I then managed to remove the scratches from my exhausted old-school Nokia mobile.
This stuff is magic! So, if you've scratched your iPod, watch, or mobile phone, then give this stuff a go.

Whilst I was mucking about with goo and polishing cloths, I should have been working on this.

Virtuoso - Love Hard (Soulstar Remix)

A remix of Virtuoso on LM Records, USA. This remix has been done under my Soulstar guise. It's in the downloads section (in edited form) for a very brief time, so grab it quick!

Right then. What else in this studio needs a polish?

:: Talkin' All The Way Eye Know ::

Just like buses, you wait and wait for an update in the Mixbuster mouse-hole and then two come along at once!

I've just been tidying up the studio and this literally fell off the shelf on to my lap. I decided that this was a subliminal message from the shelf and a better place for this 13 minute segment from a Saturday night Mixbuster radio show would be the 'downloads' section.


This mix 'n' mash of the Stetsasonic and De La Soul classics are helped along the way by guest appearances by Craig David, Justin Timberlake and Eric B & Rakim. This is an MP3 rip from the studio master, so it comes with one of my opening jingles to start proceedings.

As always, if you like or despise, it'd be great to get some feedback.

e: themixbuster@mac.com

:: Get Ur Spanish Groove On ::

On my Tuesday night slot on Fire 107.6, I feature a weekly mash-up or megamix, either by my alter-ego (The Mixbuster), or by a guest DJ/Remixer. For the last couple of weeks the response has been great, so thank you.

This week I raided The Mixbuster back catalogue and resurrected a Missy Elliot mash up from a few years back, in honour of her recent performance in Bournemouth. This particular mix sees me give Missy Misdemeanor a Spanish/Ibizan feel. Stored in my 'b' file, I was pleasantly surprised by the positive vibe for this bootie on Tuesday night, so thanks.

I've now added it to the downloads section if you missed the show.

:: Fire on Friday ::

At very short notice I'm standing in for Daniel Bailey tonight on Fire (8 - 10pm). Dan's Friday night show on Fire 107.6 has been a highlight of the week for many of the regular listeners for years and filling Mr. Bailey's shoes will be quite a task.

It's an exciting evening to be hosting this established Friday night show, as from 10pm we will be crossing live to the new Empire Club in Bournemouth. This 2 hour outside broadcast will be hosted by Fire DJ's Luke Dubyah and Jay Rachet, as Fire 107.6 launches Empire on to the Bournemouth club scene. With three floors on offer, the tunes will cover dance, electro, R & B, as well as Latino Chill 'til 3am.

Tonight is going to be a cracker and I hope you can join us for the ride.

:: On The Box ::

Just a very quick post to say that I'm on the telly next week! Woo hoo!

For a fleeting 10 seconds I make a cameo appearance in the independent movie 'Topsoil' by Whole Hog Films, which is going to be shown on Propeller TV (Sky channel 195) next Sunday evening @ 1100pm (8th Oct).

My performance consists of pretending to play poker (something that none of the actors could actually do). I also had to look suitably shocked when the lovely Becky threatened the players with her big, scary gun. My ten seconds of silver screen fame was awarded to me by the film's creator/director, Simon Cooper, who let me ruin the visuals of his excellent production because I composed and produced the soundtrack for him.

Actor Martin Griffin having ' one of those days!'.

The film is really good and I'm not just saying that - honest! It's well worth checking out Mr Cooper's work, if only to see what can be achieved on a very low budget, but with oodles of talent and enthusiasm. Congratulations to all those involved at Whole Hog Films.

:: James Zabiela Guest Mix ::

Next Tuesday will see me hand-over the decks to one of the most talented and sought after DJ's on the planet. James Zabiela will be spinning up a guest mix for Fire 107.6 at 9pm on my show next Tuesday 29th August 2006.

This is your one and only chance to here the turntable magic of Zabiela on Fire, as James only has a handful of UK gigs left this season before globe-trotting the world with his bag of tunes and hitting the studio for more production duties.


James will soon be pushing his new tune 'Weird Science', which we will feature on the show very, very soon. For more information, visit his brilliant website.

My thanks to James and Red Light Management for giving us this wonderful opportunity.

DJ Simon Sinfield on Fire 107.6FM

www.fireradio.co.uk

:: MySpace ::

Please be my friend?

I've finally been drawn into the world of MySpace. If you're not aware of the MySpace phenomenon then a quick explanation is required.

MySpace is a web-based social network, where users submit their profile and meet other MySpace-ians. Simple, fun and a great way to discover new music, mates and practice the fine art of time-wasting! It is one of the top five visited websites in the world and has become an established part of popular culture. More info here.

The trouble with my MySpace page is the lack of friends! Currently I have none! Yep, a big fat zero! Apart from some bloke called Tom, who apparently everyone gets as a default. Great! Now I don't really have any desire to be a social outcast, let alone Nobby No-Mates on MySpace, so if you have a spare five minutes, please sign-up, say hello and waste some time with the rest of us. www.myspace.com/simonsinfield

:: Pure Fire Tuesday's ::

As well as the Saturday 'Mixbuster' shows, I'm now live on air on Fire 107.6 every Tuesday evening from 8pm. My new 'Pure Fire' radio show highlights upfront house, electro and breaks, as well as featuring exclusive remixes and mash-ups.

Text the studio on 81800. Start your message with the word 'FIRE'.

Phone the studio: 293333

Listen online at: www.fireradio.co.uk

:: June Tunes ::

Here’s a quick list of some hot new dance tracks that are set for greatness this summer and that have already featured heavily in my own sets.

Supermode ‘Tell me Why’ – You’ve probably heard this track by now as every DJ I know has picked up on this release from leading dance label, Data Records (part of Ministry Of Sound). Sampling the 80’s iconic band Bronski Beat, this track builds into a real thumper and is a terrific sounding, simple piece of dance music from top DJ's Axwell & Angello. I've already sung their praises elsewhere on this blog, so I won't be too gushing about their genius skillz. Expect a gaggle of remixes to follow when this gets released. I wonder if Bronski will reform?

Dannii Minogue ‘So Under Pressure’ – I’ll admit that I groaned when this arrived, but I loved it as soon as I slapped it onto the platter. The Soul Seekerz are doing the knob-twiddling again for Dannii and this could well be another chart success for the partnership.

Teamsters ‘Feels Like Love’ – This has been floating around for a month and working brilliantly everytime I play it. In fact, it is now filed in the ‘floorfiller’ section within my record bag, as it seems to guarantee a good response and fill the dancefloor with a gaggle of happy chicks everytime it gets played.

Rogue Traders ‘Voodoo Child’ – Already a hit in their native Australia, the Rogue Traders get a UK release in time to cash in on our summer vibe. I’m in no doubt that this will go down a storm in Ibiza. This could possibly be one of the key tracks for this summer.

Andy Cato ‘La Luna’ – A bit more underground than the other tracks I’ve reviewed here, but still embedded deep within the world of house music. Andy Cato is from Groove Armada and he doesn’t normally do choons like this but he damn well should! It’s a slick piece of house music that shows how a dance track can be so much more than a 4/4 drum pattern. ‘La Luna’ builds and builds and builds into an accomplished creation and it’s gaining great audience reaction. This months top tune by a mile.

Tune in to my radio shows to hear more upfront music. That's all for now. Catch ya all later.

www.themix247.com
www.fireradio.co.uk

:: May The 4th Be With You ::

Another busy month of mixing and producing for me. I’m now on air four times a week and lovin’ every single second. Being able to share great music and interact with the listeners is terrific and its great to know that so many of you are loving the exclusive mixes and the shows.

Radio Schedule:
Wednesday 8 -10pm - Midweek Mash-up on THE MIX 24-7
Friday 8 -10pm – The Friday Hustle on THE MIX 24-7
Saturday 8-10pm – The Mixbuster on FIRE 107.6
Sunday 8-10pm – The Sunday House Session on THE MIX 24-7

You can tune in online if you’re not within range of the broadcast – just go to the individual websites to listen to the audio stream.

www.themix247.com
www.fireradio.co.uk

:: Lost In Music ::

As I'm just about to mark another year of age-ing, I thought I would celebrate by posting some new downloads into the Mixbuster mouse hole. Regular visitors will see that I've placed another segment from one of my radio shows in the downloads section, plus your first chance to grab part 1 of a monsterous 60 minute mix that I produced a little while ago.


'Lost In Music - Part 1' is the first in a three part mix, traversing the history of dance music. Most of this creation was worked out in my head, miles away from turntables and tape. When I eventually began the project it slotted together beautifully. I guess I had waited such a long time to have the time to record this, that the amount of preparation and ideas just exploded on to the tape in a mass download from my brain!

I'm proud of this musical jamboree and I really hope you like it. If you do, you'll freak out when you hear parts 2 & 3!

:: Dust Off & Mash-Up ::

My latest Mixbuster show on Fire 107.6 featured some great new tracks from Akubu 'Phuture Bound', La Griffe 'We Can Make It Shine' and Dero 'Dero's Illusion'. The latter is another 80's tune re-worked for the dance floors. I used this opportunity to dust off the mash-up of the original Imagination 'Just An Illusion', but with vocals from David Guetta 'The World Is Mine'. A simple match of tunes that hopefully create an entertaining 5 minutes of house music.

I'm still getting great feedback (thanks) for my mash-up of New Order's 'Blue Monday' with the main theme from War Of The Worlds. I keep meaning to extend it and tidy it up, but my other productions get in the way.

My favourite remix around at the moment is Mark Knight's reworking of Joey Negro 'Make A Move'. To shake up such a perfect track was obviously a challenge that Mark Knight relished in. It's well worth the download fee.

And finally, this months award for the Track That Is Mostly Likely To Grow On You is 'Changes' by Chris Lake. It's a sweeping and smoothly produced dance track that grabs you as soon as the synth bassline kicks in. It then sweeps in with the house piano and starts to swirl you around the dance floor. Give it three listens and then tell me that I'm wrong about this stonker of a house track from the Apollo/Island label!

:: Order New Order ::

I’ve just managed to download the Sander Kleinbergen remix of Mylo’s ‘Muscle Cars’. I ruined my 12” copy last night by accidentally dragging it across a butterfly catch on a flightcase. Doh! Sander’s full 8 min ‘Pace Car Mix’ is a genius piece of work (IMHO) and it is a great example of how a talented DJ/producer can turnaround the fortunes of a weak album track. Yep, I said it. Mylo isn’t Midas. Everything he does isn’t necessarily transformed into a gold disc! For me, ‘Muscle Cars’ is a weak album track and it’s only saving grace was the original reshaping by Freeform Five and this work of genius by Kleinbergen.

Incidentally, the two 12” releases of the Muscle Cars remixes get the award for best sleeve design so far this year. Brilliant! They’re right up there with the original New Order ‘Blue Monday’ 12” sleeve, and the artwork on The Beatles ‘Sgt Pepper’s LHCB’.

On the subject of New Order, they’ve gone mad and are set to re-release an abundance of new and original 12" remixes this month. For my money, this is a far better prospect than the new whacko Jacko singles collection. Buy a £10 empty box and remember to purchase each of the singles to go into said box? Madness! MJ must be short of cash. Please don’t get sucked into this multi-purchasing trick. Download the MJ tracks from iTunes and make your own box from an empty cereal packet. Decorate said box by downloading MJ images via Google Images. Sorted

:: Hot Tracks ::

A few hot new tracks to check out: Faith Evans ‘Mesmerized’, remixed by industry favourites the Freemasons; Juno ft. Danni ‘My Pressure’; ATCFC ‘Reach Out’; and the awesome Troublesoup breaks remix of Todd Terry’s ‘Can You Party. I’ve been playing the latter with my breakbeat bootie of Coldplay ‘Clocks’ and the Jungle Brothers nod to Todd, ‘I’ll House You’. The response has been great. More and more house fans are getting into breakbeat, although mid-mix I was asked for R Kelly ‘Ignition’! Give me strength!

:: Small World ::

My radio shows on the worldwide station MIX 24-7 have been expanded. I’m now live in the mix on Wednesday’s from 7pm and Friday’s from 8pm. The MIX 24-7 is growing rapidly and is a very exciting venture to be involved in. It is really weird DJ'ing and receiving emails from people in other countries listening to your choice of music and rubbish chat. A listener in Jamaica recently emailed the MIX 24-7 studio in the middle of my show. For about 20 seconds I stared blankly at the screen, whilst my brain registered how small the planet becomes when you have access to the World Wide Web.

Join in the fun and log on to the MIX 24-7 as much as you can as Paul and the gang are doing a marvellous job in a web full of mediocre online audio streaming.

Email the studio: themix247@mac.com

Click here to tune in.

:: Don't Go ::

You may well have noticed the lack of new downloads available. This is mainly due to the trouble caused by a couple of Mixbuster bootlegs doin’ the rounds last year. Ooops! My remix of the White Stripes has ruffled a few feathers and has been pulled from the downloads section.

I’ve made amends for my crimes by getting support for my reworking of Yazoo's 'Don't Go'. The initial feedback has been good and it'll get an airing on the radio soon. It’s not available in the downloads section – for obvious reasons - but can be sourced by emailing: zonemedia@mac.com.

There’s going to be a pause on new Mixbuster material until March as I’m off for a few weeks of collecting deep vein thrombosis and chicken flu. Fortunately, my funky new UDG bag, an iPod full of new toons and some real-life Google Earth viewing should make the gig travelling more palatable.

:: Radio Gong ::

I get to post some v. exciting news this month. Fire 107.6 has won a Radio Academy award and is subsequently nominated for a gong at the Sony Awards later in 2006. This is wonderful news for the Fire Crew, who really deserve this nod from the industry pundits. I’m chuffed to be a part of what is a unique station amongst a back drop of commercial cheesiness.

Fire completes its remit to play dance and progressive music from 8pm each evening in its Pure Fire slot. The line up of jocks and genres on Pure Fire is fantastic including; Chris Bailey’s Hed Kandi sessions, headline sets from Daniel ‘Slinky’ Bailey, house and breaks with Luke Dubyah, R&B with the main man Jay Rachet, as well as the Aquasky d’n’b/breaks slot to name but a few. If you don’t know already, you can catch my efforts to ruin the programming on Saturday nights, 8 – 10 pm.

For more info hit the Fire website.

:: New Year - New Tunes ::

2006 has started with a mass of strong new releases landing on the Mixbuster mat. The pick of the bunch has to be the Freemasons new track called ‘Watchin’. What a corker! Both the dub mix and vocal mix are going down a storm and expect some remixes to follow. It has a release date of early March.

Another strong player is the re-working of ‘Thunder In My Heart’ by Meck. The original track was a miss-not-hit for Leo Sayer in the 70’s. Yep, you read that correctly. The short curly one is back! The new version has already made the Radio 1 playlist and has gained credibility from the more hardcore jocks and their respective audiences. The promo I received is a highly filtered remix with Shapeshifter-esque strings, which goes down a treat.

One to avoid, but is already doin’ well, is the re-working of the old Baywatch theme by Sunblock. I’m all for delving through the back catalogue for decent samples, but do we really have to sink so low!? The students are going wild for this track and will probably drag it into the top ten.

Some harder tunes doing the rounds are Haffi ft. Emerson ‘Afterlife’, Plump DJ’s ‘Dr Dub’ and the brilliant Suniba, ‘Call For Me’. The latter has been remixed by FotM (Friend of the Mixbuster) Ben Jones. Synth bleeps and deep beats make up this house-based tune, with great vocal samples from Angie Brown. Suniba are still unsigned but hopeful of a release in time for the summer clubbing season. I’m battering it on my shows, so you can check it out for yourselves.

Lots of DJ’ing means no web updates, no new Mixbuster productions and a serious lack of sleep. All will be rectified in February – hopefully.

:: Loopy Loops ::

So what does 2006 hold for the DJ and your night out? The time has come I reckon for the download war to really put the boot in to vinyl. More and more DJ’s are crossing over to the dark side of CD mixing. Some are even working solely from laptop. Creativity is the name of the game, so demand more from your night out. 2006 should see more in the way of visual DJ’ing and the use of technology to expand the experience of a good old fashioned boogie.

I’m a fan of both vinyl and CD mixing and can appreciate the skills of Sasha and Zabiela driving their fans wild with loop after loop mixed from their Apple Powerbooks! However, I’m scared that the technology will detract and distract from the core subject: the music! It’s about the music people. It always has been and always will be.

Saying that, if you haven’t got an iTunes account or an iPod yet, then you are well wide of the mark! I hope you’ve all been good little boys and girls, and you all got the 60gb iPods for Xmas that you all deserve!

Thank you to those who took time to email me about my mixes and the radio shows. Thanks for the positive vibe. You can expect more from me on 'air', both on Fire 107.6 and the Mix 24-7, as well as more mixes and compositions.

Thanks for your support and good luck for 06.

Cheers, Si.

:: Teamplayers ::

That immensely talented trio Aquasky have re-launched their website in readiness for the February 2006 release of their new album ‘Teamplayers’. The project sees Dave, Brent and Kieron join forces with a select group of producers, DJ’s and singers to create a diverse and eclectic album of breakbeats. The boys have placed their drum and bass hat firmly onto a shelf in the backroom for the moment and are concentrating on Teamplayers, DJ’ing and running their record labels Passenger/777! The first single from Teamplayers is called ‘Overneath’. It is a collaboration between Aquasky and Meat Katie, which has blasted into the UK dance chart at number 3. Good work fellas!


The next single will be a link up with Elhornet on a track called ‘Girls and Boys’, and will be out in January 2006. Expect remixes from Dylan Rhymes and High Contrast, plus a remix version of the album later in 2006.

If you want some upfront quality music, then expand your mind and your record collection the Aquasky way. It really is worth the journey.

You can buy all things Aquasky via their new website. You can also download their stuff on iTunes.

www.aquasky.co.uk

December Schedule

December looks set to be a very busy month. The student nights and 'Mash Mayhem' gigs around the UK will no doubt all culminate in an end of year frenzy and a rather large sticky mess! I'm also gonna represent Fire 107.6 at Club 176 in Bournemouth, for a WKD promotion night. Cool!

The next few radio shows are going to feature a few mixes dedicated to one artist. This run of 'Megamixes' begins with a selection of massive choons by Basement Jaxx. There will also be an edited version of my 30 track Kylie Megamix hitting the airwaves. Perhaps we'll get the full 30 minute version out there one day?

Some new downloads will also be available in the next few weeks so keep checking.

I'll post more next week when I've a little more time to breathe!

Cheers,

Si