Hey everyone!  Well...I'm in the midst of celebrating my birthday week.  This Friday (May 23rd) I'll be happy to say that I've gotten to see another year.  And some of you know that when I turned 30, I had decided to do something fun & different every year to celebrate my birthday.  I've thrown a party & was the 1st to bring DJ Jamad to Nashville...relaxed in Nassau, Bahamas...had Lasik eye surgery...& bought DJ gear to name a few.  So I have to say...I think I do treat mysef well from time to time

Well...this year I'm flipping the script a bit..& doing both something fun & something healthy:


    Hot Yoga Nashville

¤  Earlier this month, I finally gave in to my curiousity & need to get my health under control.  So I decided to try out hot (Bikram) yoga...and all I got to say is that it's definitely no joke.  Being a former athlete, I can say that I've never had a workout like this.  Probably because it thoroughly works the full body & isn't as stressful on the body. And the heat does help with relaxing the muscles & of course get you that lovely sweat so many of us shoot for.   Besides the health benefits, it's teaching me patience & concentration. I've enjoyed it so much that I've signed up for a year of classes...so will be reporting back on my progress as a new yogi soon.

¤  So you know that I play hard when I do...& 1st off, I will be playing host for The Red Sessions @ The Place tonight (May 22nd)...covering for Devine...I'm not spinning...but I get to act like I'm runnin' things for a night

Also, peep the article from the City Paper earlier this week:

The Music Biz: Jump-starting dance music here gets some Devine intervention



¤  Then it's off to Atlanta....and here's the game plan for Saturday:

(1) The Atlanta Jazz Festival on Saturday, May 24th...making sure to catch Heather Johnson's performance (one of the vocalists for Ananda Project)


(2) Next will swing by U*Space Gallery for ArtLab to check out The Wayne Fishell Experiment.  Also doing so because I'm slated to do an "experiment" there some time this summer...so stay tuned for more on that


(3) And lastly on Saturday...I get to experience Soul Funktion finally...so get to hang with DJ Offbeat & Mike Zarin...& see what this Boddhi Satva guy's all about   And for those in the Memphis area...be on the look out for Soul Funktion Memphis on June 28th...more info to follow




Whew...& it's not over



¤  Sunday I'll be spinning with J-Finesse during an in store DJ set @ one of my favorite music shops, Moods Music in Little Five Points (1131 Euclid, 30307).  Darryl's going to let us spin a few tunes from 2ish to 7ish...& I think it's fitting for me to spin in ATL for the 1st time in a store that has significantly shaped my listening habits over the years.  So...you want to know where I shop...come on out & hang for a bit.  And oh yeah...just got word today that J Rawls will be in town & he'll be stopping through around 3 pm.  So should be a wonderful afternoon of music & good vibes

¤ And to wrap it up on Monday, will be back in Nashville to spin @ Mama's House @ Mad Donna's in East Nashville (1313 Woodland St., 37206).  So will join Mama Jude, Jane Dupree, & Sam-Me for a night of house music, from 10 pm until close. Ah yeah...   Definitely check out this new restaurant & bar.




So...think that's it...if anything catches your attention, definitely check it out...& if you need furthery info, please let me know.

Well, time for me to rest...I've got a lot ahead of me in the coming days.  Hope to see some of you out & about.

Until next time...y'all be easy...

Kai
dj [at] misskai.com

Hey now...for those in the Nashville & Memphis area...here are 2 events that I'm doing this month. The Shrine on 4/19 in Memphis & The Red Sessions on 4/24 in Nashville...hope to see some of you out.





The Red Sessions Myspace

A special request...something a little jazzy for one of my faithful fans...happy (belated) birthday Arwen.   Also today is the birthday of one of my best friends, Stephanie & my soror, Morgan Rhodes of KCRW...hope this is an acceptable substitute for a birthday card.

And much love to all my other Aquarians out there

MissKai
dj [@]misskai.com

----

Any Given Sunday (Jazzy Vibes) 02 17 2008

    •    re:jazz feat. Alice Russell - Gabrielle
    •    The Souljazz Orchestra - The Creator Has a Masterplan
    •    The Invisible Session - Till the End
    •    Sleep Walker - The Southern Cross
    •    4hero - Sophia
    •    Mark de Clive-Lowe - Another One Save Me
    •    Afronaught - Shapin' Fluid
    •    Nomubah - Flavour
    •    Masoul feat. Ursula Rucker - Knowledge



Groove Alchemy

Any Given Sunday (Jazzy Vibes) [February 2008]



Enjoy! -- MissKai 

So....Erykah Badu's new album, New AmErykah, Pt. One: 4th World War, drops on 2/26 (yay!)


Now...I love the cover artwork, but what really caught my attention was the dope & deep artwork for the single, "The Healer"...all I got to say is that I NEED this as a t-shirt

Ok...so I'm here washing/packing & watching Modern Marvels on the History Channel (yes...how geeky is that? ) , & I see a piece on the 1st "portable" computer, the Osborne 1. So it was just so ironic to see a commercial for the MacBook Air not too long after.  How amusing

1981:






2008:

As many know...my roots as a DJ started off as a digital one back in 2005 with my 1st mix posting on www.digital-djs.com. Unfortunately, the site is defunct (@ least for now).  I do get questions about the mixes that were posted on that site....so here's an option, check the link for most of the archive:

Digital-DJs.com (Podcasts) on Odeo

I'll keep looking for other links...but I hope this helps & thanks so much to all that have tuned in over the years

Kai

Hmmm...I finally got over being shy...critical...& everything else in between. So here's my first ever recorded live DJ set. It's from this past September in Memphis, TN during the South Main Trolley Tour in front of Art Village Gallery (410 S. Main). Ascend comprises of myself, along with Funke & Saturna.

Um...playlist?  Good question   I might go back & listen & compile it...we'll see...the set includes Fela Kuti, Swell Session, RSL, Anane, Sandboy & Nanar, Fish Go Deep, Monique Bingham, Dennis Ferrer, Alice Russell, Jooski & Cherie Matheison, Raw Artistic Soul & Ursula Rucker.

So check me out taking baby steps

MissKai




Groove Alchemy

Ascend (Live in Memphis) 09 28 2007


Enjoy! -- MissKai 

Ah....so 2007 is coming to a close...& I have to say that this has been a year of some serious highs & lows for me.  But all in all, I have had some wonderful times, met wonderful people, & have much to build on.  The only thing is, I'm seriously trying to keep my sanity & maintain my health through it all 

¤  So...I decided to get back to basics with the 1st thing many of us change to release energy: cut the hair.  Guess who's got nappy roots again?





¤  For those that want to know what to give the girl who has almost everything, check what I submitted to the All The Rage Christmas Wish List


¤  You knew this was coming...end of the year chart time.  This was a bit of a challenge, Warrior FM wanted my top ten tunes for 2007...I was like "only 10!?!?!"  So...this was literally, eeny, meeny, miny, moe

• Sandboy and Nanar - Night Song (Orginal & Remixes) [Hinterland Germany]
• Quantic Soul Orchestra - Melodious Wayfarer [Tru Thoughts]
• Monday Michiru - The Right Time (Jephte Guillaume Remixes) [King Street]
• Mpho Skeef - What Hearts Share [Genuine]
• Lanu feat. Cherie Mathieson and No Comply - Runaway [Ubiquity]
• Flying Lotus feat. Andreya Triana - Tea Leaf Dancers [Warp Records]
• Kay Suzuki feat. Jasnett - Take It Easy [Co-Op]
• Bopstar feat. Charlie Edwards - Octavia [Restless Soul]
• Mark Pritchard feat. Steve Spacek - Turn It On [Sonar Kollektiv]
• Lewis McCallum - Fly or Die [Rhythm Method]
• Bonus late arrival:  Zed Bias feat. Fyza - Smile Within (Maddslinky Summer Vibe Mix) [Sick Trumpet Promo]

Alright...think that's about it...stay safe this NYE & I wish everyone the best in 2008!

Until next time...y'all be easy...

Kai

So...it was just over 2 years ago that I signed up for Myspace...not realizing what a role it would play in my life. It's 27,848 views, 6430 friends & 9996 blog views later & I'm still having fun (most of the time)   I've met & run across some of the dopest talent out there...have found old friends...& most of all, made new ones.  Think the only thing I haven't done yet is get Mama Lane an account yet.

Now...onto the twleve year bit...just have to mention that it was 11 years ago yesterday that I adopted my spoiled feline, Maya.  So, she's celebrating being 12 yrs old...& I hope to have her around for many more years.




Alright...time to get moving....thanks to all that I have had the pleasure of crossing paths with.

Until next time....y'all be easy...

Kai

OK...y'all know I love me some gadgets...now this is just dope...


Dual Music Player That Plays Your MP3 Collection & Your CDs

by Yong-Seong Kim a Dual Music Player (DMP)

What's up everyone? Well...I thought I would blog while trying to unwind...share some thoughts on something I get asked quite frequently: how did you get into the music that you listen to? I think music is fascinating...intriguing...energy...& curiousity & an open mind leads to exploring & discovering new sounds & expressions. I'm appreciative of the radio, having family & friends all over, the internet & traveling...it's given me a glimpse of the reality that there's so many things to experience & different ways to view things. I coninually try to challenge my ear by revisting or exposing myself to what I don't listen to often...it's fun & keeps things fresh. I have to admit that I appreciate music more & more as time passes. I seek to understand or truly feel, not just "like" something...it's adds depth & increases appreciation...this can probably be said for anything that's a form of expression. I know that I thoroughly enjoy some songs more now because I now have contact with it's creator...so it personalizes it. It's nothing more dope & uplifting than to play a friend's music loud out somewhere

So let's just wrap up & say that sound is energy...is continually changing & evolving...& I'm an apprentice for life.

Alright...I'm off to escape with my AKG cans & a book...I have to continue my role as a corporate drone tomorrow.

Until next time, y'all be easy...

Kai

P.S. Just in case you were wondering...as I was writing this...I'm checking out Mark de Clive-Lowe's upcoming release, "Journey 2 the Light "...y'all ain't ready...much respect Mashi...

Journey 2 the Light preview

Happy Monday morning everyone! 

Wanted to blog about an upcoming event that I'm working with & will be spinning at with some great local DJs.  For those that love deep, soulful, & funky house music...this is for you.  Please come out & support this if you want to see more events like this...we would love to keep this going.

Alright..time to call it a nght.  Hope to see some of you out & about soon.

Until next time...y'all be easy...

Kai







re:define - sound + movement

Friday October 19, 2007

8 pm - until, $5 all night

Gibson Showcase (Nashville, TN)


A night of soulful & deep sounds provided by local DJs:

DJ A7
DJ Jappuck
DJ Mickey Calvin
DJ MissKai
DJ soulinfinite


Broadcasting live to
DJ Mickey Calvin's internet radio show on
Pressure Radio (UK)
10 pm - midnight

For more information call
615.218.6781 or 615.400.7679
Email: rhinopic@yahoo.com


Special thanks to:

Gibson Showcase - Opry Mills
Jazz & Jokes
Lovenoise
Kozmyq 1 Design

So...I'm sitting here....trying to unwind...hate these bouts of pseudo insomnia 

I'm listening to what is basically a quiet house...but I like to listen to what I don't normally get to listen to...the tap & rhythm of the keys on the laptop...the gentle sound of the fan & AC system...Maya's peaceful purring...which all have a their own ryhthm & tone...sounds that occurs naturally & free..that we take for grant or do not notice.  I've noticed that I now "hear" sound differently...that music is everywhere...if we stop & listen. And this is why I puposely sit in quiet...to take a step back & appreciate these sounds that surround us.

I've also been thinking more & more about the state of music today...& what I want my purpose to be as a DJ.  I know that I started out sharing music to do just that - share my love of good music.  But now as a DJ, the challenge is to keep a balance of what I want & what there's a demand for.  Should I compromise what I love to take a paying gig to spin what I'm really not feeling?  It's becoming clearer that I shouldn't...for I already go to a 9-5 that I'm "not feeling"...so maybe I should stick to my guns & spin the music that I truly love...that I have a connection with. For that love...me basically handpicking tunes...translates into an energy that hopefully the listener...dancer...will feel...take in...& take away with them.  I think many have forgotten that music has energy...which can be very powerful.  Think how a song can change your mood.  So do I really want to perpetuate the negativity that has a strong presence in what floods the mainstream today?  I do like my occasional guilty pleasures (like Three 6 Mafia )...but can we get some balance, please?

So...I think I'll just have to work to play what I want to play...music that makes me pause to close my eyes & reflect on or has me singing or dancing before carrying on with selecting.  That was one of my greatest fears of going into DJing...that I would have to put on that song that makes me roll my eyes or turns my stomach LOL 

So I want to end by saying thank you to & sending love to all the artists, listeners, collectors, selectors, & DJs out there that are working hard to not compromise their art.

Alright...time to study the inside of my eyelids for a bit before starting another week.

Until next time....y'all be easy...
Kai

Wow...it's been a minute!  But I've been playing catch up & trying to keep things moving....is that even possible? 

Well...just wanted to give an update.  As some know...I got DJ gear for my 35th birthday back in May.   What every girl wants: a pair of Pioneer CDJ-1000s & a DJM-800




So I've been spinning here & there...mainly been helping DJ Soulinfinite out on the Soul Deck @ Lovenoise @ the Barcar on Sunday's...& I made my debut back in April @ the Funky Fresh Potluck @ Cafe Coco.

Well, this Friday (08 31 2007) I'll venture down to Memphis & will be hanging out & spinning a few tunes (mainly house, broken beat) with Funke (the birthday girl ) & Saturna along the South Main Trolley Tour...then continuing the fun with Water the Bush

So if you're in the area, c'mon on out.

For those in Nashville, continue to catch me out on the Soul Deck @ Lovenoise (not this Sunday due to a private party I'll be attending) & I'll return to Funky Fresh Potluck on 09 21 2007.

Wanna say thanks to all that are giving me the opportunity to grow & "practice in public"   Also...thanks to all that have supported me through the years...you have made the journey fun & worthwhile

Alright...time to call it a night. See below for event details & feel free to contact me if you need anything.

Hope everyone is well & has a fun & safe holiday.

Until next time...y'all be easy...

Kai
dj@misskai.com

---

---

---

Potluck calendar-

August 17: Bryan B
August 24: Mike Vulcan
August 31: Soul Infinite
September 7: Summer Evening
September 14: Woody
September 21: Miss Kai
September 28: Chris Step
Oct 5: A7 & Allah Magnetic
Oct 12: Pete Kilo
Oct 19: DJ B
Cafe Coco info

Just for fun...happy TGIF! 


How Much of a Flirt Are You?..>..>

Your Flirt Quotient

You are 87% Flirt

What Kind of Flirt Are You?..>..>

You Are a Natural Flirt

Believe it or not, you're a really effective flirt. And you're so good, you hardly notice that you're flirting. Your attitude and confidence make you a natural flirt. And the fact that you don't know it is just that more attractive!