MOREABOUTMUSIC PRESENTS...THE NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL JAM 2009
30TH & 31ST AUGUST 2009
FAT BADGER
LONDON
W10


MoreAboutMusic return to the Fat Badger Pub on Portobello Road/Goldborne Road End, for the annual Notting Hill Carnival Jam 2009.

We take over the intimate surroundings of The Fat Badger Pub (Bang in the middle of carnival route!!) and provide two rooms of music and a exciting line up of DJs & Vocalists...

SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST

moreaboutmusic presents...
The Notting Hill Carnival Jam 2009..Part 1..

2pm-10.30pm

Ben Westbeech (brownswood)
Afronaut (Bugz In The Attic/Coopr8)
Don Letts (Rebel Dread)
Matthew Bandy (Seasons Recordings/Offering US)
Collin Patterson (Southport Weekender/Sunday Soul)
Ceramic (moreaboutmusic)
Bopstar (Soul Heaven/restless soul)
Tom McCarthy (Patchwork Pirates)
Red Rakem (Smugglers Inn)
Mike O'Mara (Development)
Dan J (moreaboutmusic)
Dave Hardy (Jus'House)
MF Marek (Dopeness)




Fat Badger 310 Portobello Road/Goldborne Rd end W10
Free before 5pm, £5- After..
Tickets Available from the Fat Badger From August..

www.myspace.com/moreaboutmusic

Monday 31st AUGUST

moreaboutmusic presents...
The Notting Hill Carnival Jam 2009..Part 2..
2pm-11pm

Phil Asher & Shea Soul (restless soul)
Benji B (deviation/1xtra)
Simbad (dejavufm) & Donn T (still music/philly US)
Jose Carretas (restless soul)
Aphrodisiax (soul heaven)
Altered Natives (fresh minute music/moreaboutmusic)
Souled (fresh minute music)
Kev Beadle (solar radio)
Tom Lynch (Development)
Nick Rees (Adela St)
Nick V (Mona/Paris)
Dave Hardy (jus'house)
Dan J (moreaboutmusic)

Fat Badger 310 Portobello Road/Goldborne Rd end W10
Free before 5pm, £5- After..
Tickets Available from the Fat Badger From August..
Nearest Tube St Westbourne Park
www.myspace.com/moreaboutmusic

 monday supported by www.bagpak.net

Donn T - Soul Sista

Text: Svein Brunstad
Translated from kingsize magazine article
http://www.kingsize.no/Interviews.aspx?ArtNo=7901

I enter a bus, on an icy February morning in Chinatown, New York. A little Chinese lady up front insists, "give me money!” for a ticket. I am headed to Philadelphia. I hope. She doesn’t understand my English, nor does the driver. I am Norwegian by birth, based in Los Angeles so, fluent in English and Norwegian. Still, as the bus takes off, I’m not certain Philly is where I’ll end up. The bus passes through rural New Jersey where the landscape consists of factories, large farms and frozen rivers.  The trip is an hour and a half, and in the heart of Philadelphia Donn T (for Thompson) picks me up in a silver beetle.  She is the sister of The Roots famous front man /drummer Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson. She is also about to release her debut album “Donn T/ Kaleidoscopic”, produced by the French DJ Simbad, who released the fantastic album “Supersonic Revelation” in 2008, and among other things has worked with Ty, Roots Manuva, Yungun, Bunzi D, Foreign Beggars, Kila Kela, Jay Electronica and the Jazzy Sport Crew. Donn T guides me through her favorite streets, stores and restaurants. One of the highlights is The Root’s studio, where I get access to her family’s holy record collection, or should I say library.  I'm in the middle of what appears to be 100,000 records, and need to wipe some drool. I’m tempted to play ?uestlove’s drums, but dare not take it too far. She introduces me to a number of people in the studio. I realize later that I had been introduced to Larry Gold, legendary producer, and a “God” on the hip hop circuit.  I leave the premises gifted with of a bag of records from his own label "Record Breakin”. After a short visit to her mother’s home, whose neighbors include family members of Will Smith; the day ends at her favorite restaurant, where we conduct the interview over a cold beer and great food.

Since you come from a musical family with a big track record, do you feel there is a lot of pressure on you?

Every member of my family has been signed to a label, and I am very proud of the mark they’ve made in music history.  My father was signed to major record companies several times in his career (Chess, Imperial, Avco). He was only 13 when he was first signed. He came from a strict Pentecostal family where “reals” (their term for secular music) were forbidden. He was the 4^th of 7 children so, I don’t know if he got lost in the crowd (laughing) or what - but, he was discovered when he sneaked out to sing doo-wop on street corners.  His music was being played on the radio, he was playin’ Dick Clark’s American Bandstand and his parents were none the wiser. In stark contrast, the home that I grew up in was pretty creatively charged. I had my first published work at 11 years. My folks were Eccentrics and there was an emphasis on allowing your uniqueness to shine thru. I was pretty strongly encouraged to be outside “the box”. So, support was always there to be an innovator. I’ve just always been pretty comfortable with being that person. The path I’m on - is one specific to me - and I’m proud of that.

Being Questlove’s sister; do you think it’s a handicap or an advantage?

It’s neither (laughing). I think “same sex” siblings may have a more difficult time carving out niches in the industry (ex. Beyonce/Solange, Jessica/Ashley, Eddie and Charlie Murphy etc.). With opposite sex siblings, it’s just a different conversation (Michael/Janet), Jake Gyllenhal & Maggie). Folks have different expectations often simply based on the gender difference. So, it opens things up. It hasn’t affected me so far. I’ve been working in the industry for a while as an artist but, mostly as a songwriter so, lots of folk are aware of me. My experience has been only positive. And now I have my debut album. So, a bigger audience will know I’m here - which is very cool. (Laughing) if I were a boy though, Questlove’s brother complete with ‘fro and drum kit - I’d be shakin’ in my boots right now, thinking, “geesh, my last name’s Thompson too, now this could be a problem.” But for me, it’s not. I think people will be ready for this surprise.

Is he a fan of your music? 

My brother is first in line in terms of being my fan, well, after my parents. He is excited about my debut album. In many ways, it’s the result of my coming in through the back door. Meaning, I’ve been doing work behind the scenes, writing songs that have gone to TV/Film for a few years, plus writing for other artists. (Song "Beauty" appears in film “Cougar Club” (Open Sky Entertainment), Song "Rainy Day" featured on UPN's "Kevin Hill" (Taye Diggs) drama series, "Love" single from the "BAADAAASSS" (Sony Pictures) BBE soundtrack/ radio ads. Five songs included in the 2nd season of Showtime's "Street Time"). As a performer, I’ve supported or shared the stage with Alice Smith, John Legend, Alice Russell, Nelly Furtado, Jill Scott, J Davey, Amy Winehouse, Zap Mama, Les Nubians, Floetry, Graph Nobel, SA- RA. My brother and I have work together a bunch in addition. I co wrote song “I Am Music” (Common’s “Electric Circus” MCA), I did voiceover’s for Chappelle’s Show (Comedy Central), he was music director.  I was featured on Exit Music: Songs with Radio Heads (BBE) “Morning Bell” with The Randy Watson Experience.

Do you feel that you’re a part of the neo-soul from Philly that has defined soul music for the last 15 years? Or do you try avoiding identifying yourself with that “movement”?

I’m a Philly girl who’s spends as much time in LA. I see Philly as a creative Mecca. The world has at times seen us as this area where one massive movement at a time emerges. But, when you’re in it – It’s a different experience. It’s more fluid and complete. As the world applauds one genre, you hear the rumblings of the next new thing. Progressive and always pushing the envelope musically is what Philly does. Folks don’t know the half of it. In that way, I see myself as a part of the progressive music movement that is Philly.

We have a "Star Walk of Fame" in town (on Broad St), where my father is included; it celebrates how we’ve (Philadelphians) impacted all music, in every genre. That’s who we are in our entirety. Philly is about risk and tireless innovation. I respect Philly’s rich musical history, it’s early movement, which covered 50’s – 80’s and was termed The Sound of Philadelphia - straight thru to the ‘90s Neo Soul Movement. I can’t discount the strong jazz and classical culture that is too very much Philly. My greatest identification is currently, with a few Philly artists hitting the scene now Santigold (based in Brooklyn, though a Philly girl) and Jazmine Sullivan. Like me, they’re pretty risky – and don’t easily fit. I think that’s the secret of Philly, we’re always creating and looking to birth the next thing.

Why did you choose to work with European producers instead of American?

The process of making an album includes just being in rooms with lots of producers and writers and just making music and seeing where it goes. I’ve written stuff with a bunch of producers (Doc ‘Res’, Darryl Swann ‘Macy Gray’ - On How Life is, Hezekiah, Freddie Cruger, etc.) You kinda chill together see where the process goes.

My meeting Simbad happened pretty organically. I didn’t know him until the day before we started recording. 8 days later we had the album. When I say we had the album, I mean from writing to final mix. It just flowed, the chemistry, the concept.  It was last Sept, at this party in Philly called Sundae (cause it happens on Sundays). King Britt was spinning. DJ Junior (Recordbreakin’/Eavesdrop radio) was there hanging in the crowd with Simbad, and made the introduction. It was funny. He’s French but based in London. I know some French and we spoke in both languages some and laughed a lot, ’cause I was messin’ up. We both share a wicked sense of humor and an intense work ethic. By the time we got to the topic of astrology (laughing) and discovered we were both Libras – I was there! So, the next day, we went into the studio and with each tune we created, the theme for the album emerged.

Your music is very eclectic, and has a global sound. What kind of music inspires you?

I believe my early eclectic musical influences, are what most inform my approach to music today. I grew up with it all – every genre. I don’t mean that in the vague or general sense but in a very intentional way. My dad was almost tyrannical about that idea. His parents plan to shelter him from music only fanned desire, urgency, for his own children to have the most broad and open approach to music. In addition, my mom was in the mix too, a singer, his band mate, and part of his last signing in the 70’s. She was a ballet and tap dancer and for much of her early career was trained by tap legends The 4 Step brothers and Charles "Honey" Cole. So, the music library at home included an extensive collection of my mother's classical and jazz records, and my father's soul, rock & roll, country and gospel. Music from that library continues to resonate with me as the single greatest influence in my life.

Genres may vary. What is consistent is I am a music head with a bent towards voices and lyrics. Rich voices, unusual or non-traditional ones, draw me in. I am inspired a lot by tone and what is being said. Nina Simone, Cassandra Wilson,  M'shell Ndegeochello etc. They each have a unique voices. They open their mouths, and you expect to hear something different than what comes out. I like to hear something that is not expected, to be surprised.

What's in your car stereo now?

1) Hercules and Love Affair
2) Santigold
3) Fela Kuti (King of Afro Beat - The Anthology)
4) Estelle (Shine)
5) MIA (Kala)
6) The Knux (Remind Me in 3 Days) 

what do you want to express through your music?

At the end of the day, I simply want to make good musicI want my music to have a timeless quality. I want folks to be able to play it now or 10 years from now and be able to appreciate it. Beyond the innovation or whatever risks I take musically, I want it to always create a space for itself. My debut album Donn T - Kaleidoscopic has a wide range of styles that takes you from late 70's and early 80’s post-disco New York, to the underground clubs in Chicago and continental Europe. It deals with electronic stripped down London-funk and tecky, minimal Berlin-soul. It is risky, but it’s me!

You have worked with many great artists, but who would be your dream artist (s) to work with?

Dream artists – Producers Dr Dre, Mark Ronson, Osunlade, and Pharrell. I want to do a duet with someone people will be hearing from in a sec, Jose James. He’s getting some hype right now - (laughing) another one of those voices, makes me want to bring the duet back. If I had some magic dust to bring D’angelo out of hiding – I feel the same about him.

How do you manage to juggle between all the projects you’re working on?

In this climate, with what’s happening in our world at large and in the music industry, artists have to diversify. They’re really isn’t an option. I got pretty early on that it was the business of music. Today, I’m aware that in order to have a career in music, it takes sometimes working in front of the mike and in the background. I’m cool with all of that. I love being in the spotlight, as much as, I enjoy writing for someone, or having a song placed in a film and me being heard and not seen. They are all expressions of me. Most artists are juggling right now. We have to – it’s just the nature of the beast. In addition, my management MoreAboutMusic (MAM), which is UK based, helps me stay sane. I guess it’s about harmony and balance plus, a little laughter, that’s key. 

Do have any plans to tour, and if so, will you go to Europe?

I’m planning tours in USA, Europe and Asia late this year.  I especially want to go to Scandinavia; I definitely look forward to going back there again. 

 
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DONN T OR FOR BOOKING ENQURIES PLEASE CONTACT MARK@MOREABOUTMUSIC.COM

JOSE CARRETAS FEATURING MARCUS BEGG

"CUTTING ME UP"
(JUS'HOUSE) JUS001
AVAILABLE ON 12" VINYL & DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
OUT JULY 2008
DISTRIBUTED BY PRIME UK

The Jus'House label launches releasing quality deep, soulful and sometimes jacking house tracks from established artists to the latest underground producers. The labels debut release sets the standard high with "Cutting Me Up", a sun soaked soulful house number from the latest recruit to the Restless Soul production crew. The release features the sublime vocal talents of Marcus Begg and Kaidi Taitham (Bugz In The Attic) ..s. 

Jose is a rising production and DJ talent in the soulful house scene and member of the Restless Soul Production crew. His debut release was back in 2007 with 'That Beats Soul' on Spacekat, as well as providing remixes on 'My Soul Cries Out' (Styles Vibes feat. Charles Dockins) and 'Travelling' (Quentin Harris feat. Cordell McClary). He also provided remix duties on 'Finger In The Socket' for Restless Soul Records. His previous release "Can't Make It" was released on MN2S and featured Vanessa Freeman on vocals and received support from DJs across the soulful house scene, such as Phil Asher, Aaron Ross and The Jinks to name a few.

Heavy beats and production are joined by the irresistible vocal talent of Marcus Begg, to create a soulful house release perfect for the summer season. Kaidi's lush keys and bass, are worked by sum quality drum programming to create an outstanding release and debut from the
Jus'House label. The flip see's an instrumental mix and dub mix that takes it that lil deeper.

Support so far comes from Terry Hunter, Aaron Ross, Phil Asher, Grand High Priest, Mike Dunn, Jovonn, The Jinks to name a few.Label Feature in M8 Magazine more to follow.

"Dope record! lovin original and dub, will have full radio and club support"
Jovonn

"Sweet vocal and tight production. Love It!"
Fish Go Deep

"Great track, both mixes are hot!"
Craig Bartlett M8

"A fine record as always for a fine label. Keep em comin guys"
Dave Jarvis / Faith

"love the drums! Love the vocal! A hot summer release!"
Craig Loftis aka Grand High Priest

"Simply superb ,happy as hell, can't wait to drop this in Tokyo on the week end. Many thanks for the link and for the great music"
Laurent Garnier

"what a beautiful record! Outstanding release!"
Dave Alcock /MN2S

For more information please contact
mark@moreaboutmusic.com or davidjushouse@aim

RADIO....RADIO...RADIO...RADIO...RADIO...
JUS' A HEADZ UP...

TUESDAY...ALTERED NATIVES RADIO SHOW, EVERY TUESDAY 8PM-10PM (GMT) ON WWW.VULIVE.CO.UK / WWW.DEJAVUFM.COM

THURSDAY...5PM-7PM (GMT) ON WWW.HANDZONRADIO.COM 

SIMBAD ON MINISTRY OF SOUND RADIO EVERY 2ND & 4TH THURSDAY FROM 10PM - MIDNITE,

JE NE SAIS QUOI Show with Simbad

Link to MoS Radio Player

http://www.ministryofsound.com/asx/radio/mosradio.asx

MOREABOUTMUSIC PRESENT...

THE DULO WEEKENDER

SATURDAY 7^th JUNE

 1PM-1AM

PHIL ASHER (RESTLESS SOUL) – AFRONAUGHT (BUGZ IN THE ATTIC/COOPR8) – MC MOTET (COOPR8) –

-        ALTERED NATIVES (MOREABOUTMUSIC/PATTERNS)-

 – MONKZ (SMALL ARMS FIYA) – DAN J (PHUTURE BOOGIE) –

- DAVID HARDY (ACT LIKE YA KNOW) – THE AFRICAN (DULO INTERNATIONAL) - MF MAREK (THE SHAKEDOWN)-

– SWAIN (DULO INTERNATIONAL)

& SUNDAY 8^TH JUNE

1PM  - 12AM

-TODDLA T (1965)-

- SIMBAD (RAW FUSION) –

- CHRIS LOWLIFE (LIGHTS DOWN LOW)

- THE COLONEL (THE SHAKEDOWN) –

- SOCIETY WITH SOLID STATE & NIGEL FISCHER – JOEY (RIDDIMPTION) –

- THE AFRICAN (DULO INTERNATIONAL)- NICK PEARS (THE FRUIT MACHINE)-

DULO 17 CEMETRY ROAD S118FJ SHEFFIELD 01142 728218

TICKETS £5- IN ADVANCE PER DAY OR £6- ON THE DOOR WWW,MYSPACE.COM/MOREABOUTMUSIC MORE INFO 07887994990 OR 07784023683

The MoreAboutMusic label and Sheffield's finest music venue, Dulo (cemetery road) have teamed up to provide a heavy line up of musical talent, with local club nights and DJ's as well as some very special guests; PHIL ASHER (RESTLESS SOUL), AFRONAUGHT (BUGZ IN THE ATTIC), MC MOTET (COOPR8), ALTERED NATIVE (MOREABOUTMUSIC), SIMBAD (RAW FUSION) & TODDLA T (1965) over Saturday 7^th & Sunday 8^th June all day!!! 

Drinks, BBQ and quality music, what better way to kick start the summer season. A warm up to the annual MoreAboutMusic Notting Hill Carnival Party the dulo weekender looks to be a proper ole knee's up indeed, a chance to see some premier DJ talent right in the back yard of everyone's favourite drinking and music venue Dulo.  househiphopsoulfunkdiscobrokenbeatnujazzbashmentdancehallreggae bizzness....

Saturday 7^th June

PHIL ASHER (RESTLESS SOULS). With countless remixes and productions under his name and as part of the restless soul production crew as well as DJ gig's that take him all over the world, Phil Asher needs no introduction. A man of many different musical talents and styles, from his involvement in the west London broken beat scene, where he was one of the founders of the now legendary co-op club night (alongside Dego, I.G. Culture and Demus) to his soulful house productions on soul heaven, highlighting in his classic remix of Peven Everett's "Stuck". He's currently working on an album Phlash and Friends coming out later this year on the quality Archive records in Italy.

www.myspace.com/phlashandfriends

AFRONAUGHT (BUGZ IN THE ATTIC / CO-OPR8). We're very proud to welcome one of the leading members of premier broken beat don's BUGZ IN THE ATTIC, who took the west London sound worldwide with their energetic live shows and a major album deal on V2 records. ORIN 'AFRONAUGHT' Walters is also an artist in his own right, releasing an album as Afronaught on Apollo/R&S as well as recording for Archive (Italy) and 2000 Black. He runs the CO-OPR8, club night, online community and MP3 store that works as a platform for the broken beat, nu jazz and bruk scene. With DJ gigs taking him all over the world, we're proud to welcome AFRONAUGHT...

www.myspace.com/afronaught

www.coopr8.net

MC MOTET (CO-OPR8) - Motet is one of the hottest mc's on the broken, uk hip hop scene and pride's himself with his "ability to ride any groove, riddim or beat, better than a grand national jockey". Having been around all types of music scenes, doing his thing on the mic as well as on the turntables, it was in 98' when he hooked up with some of the pioneers of the Broken-Beat scene, Bugz in the Attic, that things really started to happen. Motet started to mc at the coopr8 (previously co-op) parties, whilst also starting to get his lyrical style down on wax on Restless Soul's "Namby It Ain't" and recent summer skanker "Turn Me Out". Currently recording material for his debut album with Bugz, Dego, Mark De Clive Lowe and Phil Asher.

www.myspace.com/motet

ALTERED NATIVES  (MOREABOUTMUSIC/PATTERNS) - Rising broken beat talent danny aka altered natives has been causing a  stir in London town for quite some time now, with his unique take on the broken beat sound, taking in broken, hiphip, house, techno even dubstep . With releases on coopr8 and moreaboutmusic dropping this year expect to see a lot more from this chap...

www.myspace.com/alterednativeslondon

MONKZ – Resident every Friday at dulo as well as been one half of production outfit small arms fiya. Monkz bring his eclectic mix of soulful house, hip hop broken and other party bangers to the ball...

Dan J (Phuture Boogie) – Mr Don't Walk Boogie, returns to his favourite drinking venue to get the party moving, giving us the finest selections of disco classics, boogie anthems and house grooves.

Dave Hardy (Act Like Ya Know) – Dave join's the party from premier house shindig act like ya know giving us a choice mix on the soulful side...

The African (Dulo International) – Head honcho of Dulo International and lover of all things soulful, Mr Africa gives us a choice selection of grooves guaranteed to get the party started.

MF MAREK (THE SHAKEDOWN) – Resident at the monthly shakedown parties at Dulo, MF Marek joins us with a selection of block party classics. Also check the weekly show Thursday nights 11-1am 93.2fm Sheffield or www.sheffieldlive.org...

Swain (Dulo International) – Dulo resident and sometimes Sheffield live radio host, Swain kicks things off with an eclectic mix of party bangers...

SUNDAY 8^TH JUNE

TODDLA T (1965) – Rising Sheffield talent Toddla T joins us for Sunday's finale. Toddla's really blown up the last year on both production and DJ levels and rightly so for this workaholic bashmentdancehallgaragefidgit don. Toddla's been very busy indeed having remixed Aynzi Jones and Roshin Murphy as well as dropping his own quality productions, "Do You Know" and the very dope indeed "SoundTape Killin", on 1965. There's also talk of an album J  His DJ gigs have been gaining a lot of attention, that will see him DJ at Glastonbury, Big Chill and Fabric this year. We welcome Sheffield's finest Toddla T...

www.myspace.com/toddlat

SIMBAD (RAW FUSION) – With countless remixes and productions under his belt as Simbad, including the underground club smash "Soul Fever", as well as a debut album on Swedish imprint Raw Fusion, this multi talented producer, musician and DJ, is on fire right now. Having worked with the likes of Toni Allen, Ron Trent, Talvin Singh, Jimpster and Robert Owens, as well as recording under the names Afrobad (with Afronaught), Mowgly, Marathon Men and Izmabad (with Karizma), Simbad's a very busy guy indeed.

His DJ gigs that take him as far and wide as Japan, US and South America, spinning his blend of HipHop, Deep House, Broken Beats, Dubstep, Disco and Drum & Bass, in his own words, "Quality Booty Music"...

www.myspace.com/djsimbad

CHRIS LOWLIFE (LIGHTS DOWN LOW) – Resident and promoter of the quality Lights Down Low Parties, we welcome Chris Lowlife with his eclectic mix of, soul, hiphop, disco house and other party bangers J

The Colonel (The Shakedown) – Resident at the monthly shakedown parties at dulo, as well as the weekly Shakedown radio show on Sheffield live, The Colonel joins us playing his unique blend of broken beats, hip hop and other block party classics..

www.myspace.com/lightsdownlowuk

SOCIETY WITH SOLID STATE & NIGEL FISCHER - Nigel and Solid join us from the very dope indeed Society. From the super cool Society parties, the guys have gone on to set up a label releasing the finest in space discohouse bizzness, check it out J

JOEY (RIDDIMPTION) – We welcome Joey, selector and promoter extraordinaire for Sheffield's number one reggae/dub and dancehall night Riddimption. Exactly what ya need on a lazy Sunday afternoon to get ya in the party mood...

Nick Pears (The Fruit Machine) – Promoter and owner of the Fruit Machine label, we welcome Nick Pears with his blend of party bangers covering, funk, soul, hip hop and broken beat goodness...

The African (Dulo International) – Head honcho of Dulo International and lover of all things soulful, Mr Africa gives us a choice selection of grooves guaranteed to get the party started.

www.myspace.com/moreaboutmusic

for more information contact

 mark@moreaboutmusic.com

alviv123@hotmail.co.uk