Yes, indeed. In about three hours after I post this I'm on an airplane to Bogota, Colombia, one of my favorite cities in the world. The occasion is partly some R&R, but mainly a fantastic gig to take place this Saturday night. It seems in Bogota I'll be rendezvousing with Ms. Lisa Shaw, and she'll be joining me for part of my set with her always wonderful vocal accompaniment. We haven't done this together in a while so I'm quite excited.

If you happen to be in Bogota or know anyone who is there then please spread the word. The flyer with all of the information is below, and you can visit this party's Facebook event page by clicking HERE.

Another in the Lost In A Tunnel remix series, here's a recent revision created for Mr. Sleazy McQueen (in collaboration with the mysterious B Stalz). Like Space Ghost in scuba gear, we're cosmically exploring the depths here, the dark waters lit only by the gleam of a slowly rotating disco ball. Really. Have a listen:

Sleazy McQueen & B Stalz - A Kiss On My Cheek (Q-Burns Abstract Message Remix) (Bananza Music) by Q-Burns Abstract Message

No one dies on this dancefloor. And it's currently available from Bananza Music who, correctly believing one should have options, have thoughtfully made it available on vinyl from shops like Juno Records (UK), Downtown 304 (US), DeeJay (Germany), and NuLoop (France) as well as in new-fangled digital format via Beatport, Stompy, and Traxsource. Grab it while it's piping hot.



As a reminder, I'm always up for remixing if your label or song is in need of something like the above. Feel free to contact me by clicking HERE.

Happy Tofurkey Day, all!

My friend Ian Monroe recently had an interesting idea: about to graduate from journalism school into a risky job market, he has decided to offer a cash bounty for any job leads or referrals that result in his full time employment. It's a cool proposal, and you can read his post on it by clicking HERE.

Meanwhile, I'm a traveling club DJ in an exceedingly risky DJ market. It's just so slow at the moment ... economic worries lowering club attendance means my schedule has been less and less busy. It's a shame as I love to get out there DJ'ing in my frantic style, as you probably know, and I have a bit of new label tunes out at the moment I'd like to tour behind.

Thus I've decided to borrow Ian's idea and reach out to not just the club promoters but also to those who know me or might like to come hear me DJ. So I'm offering my own bounty, or an agent's cut if you will. Here's what I propose: if you provide a lead or an introduction that results in a DJ gig for yours truly then I'll pay you a 10% cut of what I'm paid.

This means if you have a friend booking parties and can hook me up with him/her, resulting in a Q-Burns Abstract Message gig, then I'll give you 10% of my earned fee. It doesn't necessarily have to be a close friend, either. If there's a club that you think I should play and you can get me adequate info to contact that club (e-mail address preferred), then the deal stands if a gig comes out of it. This applies to gigs anywhere in the world.

As with all deals of this sort there are some rules:
1) Tips must be submitted via e-mail. Send them to qburns@q-burnsabstractmessage.com. If two people come to me with the same lead then the one that gets to me first is the one honored.
2) This offer only applies to gigs outside of central Florida.
3) Please don't just send me random lists of club e-mail addresses. Make sure that the club or promoter you recommend books DJ's in my style and might be interested in me. If I feel you're just blindly submitting club information then I have the right to void all of your submissions.
4) I'm not required to take any recommended gig if it doesn't meet my own standards (known only to me!) or throws up any sort of "red flag".
5) The 10% is from the fee post-expenses if things like flights or lodging are taken from my earnings (i.e. an 'all in' type situation).
6) If I don't get paid (i.e. shady promoter) then you obviously won't get paid. Together we can wrestle the money out of 'em if need be.
7) Your prize is awarded after completion of the DJ gig either by PayPal (preferred) or actually at the gig venue if circumstances warrant. If neither of these work for you then we'll figure something out.
8) I'm allowed to end this promotion at any time, and will add text to this page announcing this. Any leads received prior to that will be honored.
9) If you're a booking agent or club promoter who wishes to participate, in effect getting a 10% discount on your booking, then so be it. I'm easy.

This whole thing might seem a bit 'cheeky' to some, but over the past five years I've been seeing my usual promoter contacts and club venues mostly fall by the wayside. In turn, the number of venues that I am regularly playing has radically decreased. This is an attempt to make some new contacts, play some venues I haven't played before, and maybe even get to some cities I have yet to visit.

So - let me know what you think and if you have any ideas. Once again, e-mail any tips to qburns@q-burnsabstractmessage.com. If you don't think you can help but might know someone who does then feel free to pass this message on.

I'll close this out with some quick links that you can use to find out more about me followed by a Soundcloud player loaded with my recent DJ mixes. Please pass these on to any mildly interested promoters.

I look forward to hearing from you and DJ'ing in your town soon!

Q-Burns Abstract Message Biography
Q-Burns Abstract Message Discography
Q-Burns Abstract Message On Facebook
Q-Burns Abstract Message On MySpace

Q-Burns Abstract Message DJ Mixes: 2007 - 2009 by Q-Burns Abstract Message

Here's a remix I put together for local Orlando label Chillin Music and Peruvian producer Alvaro Ernesto. Delving further into 'perceived space', it's a deeply disco-tastic reworking. This is also the first in a series of Lost In A Tunnel remixes, AKA Don't fear the reverb. I sorta really like the build and melody in this one. Listen:

Alvaro Ernesto - "Deep For You (Q-Burns Abstract Message Remix)" (Chillin Music - CM-23) by Q-Burns Abstract Message

You can grab this remix on Beatport, Stompy, Traxsource, and others.

As a reminder, I'm always up for remixing if your label or song is in need of something like the above. Feel free to contact me by clicking HERE.

Don't read anything into the date, it's just a deep and funk-filled DJ mix assembled from the cool cuts I was into at the time. Sweet sounds all around, reflecting my dancefloor in the mid-noughts. Enjoy!

For updates on exclusive mixes and secret tracks be sure to follow my Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/QBurnsAbstractMessage

The Runaway Mix - April 20, 2004 by Q-Burns Abstract Message on Mixcloud

P.S. - Hope to see you this Saturday at The Peacock Room in Orlando for my gig with Gavin Hardkiss!

Here's an example of the different directions a remix can go. Last summer I was asked by London duo Kicksy & Alif Groove to remix their cool track "Out Of Nowhere". I guess I was in one of those moods, and I have been experimenting with the idea of 'contextual space' lately (long story), so what came out of their glassy tech-house song was this somewhat pulsating revision:

Kicksy & Alif Groove - Out Of Nowhere (Q-Burns Abstract Message Re-Remix) (Plastic Fantastic) by Q-Burns Abstract Message

It's an exercise in a bit of crafty ebb-and-flow with a dusty spring reverb supplying some of the moist atmosphere. Early 80's style goth-rock bass guitar and the surprise spaghetti western moment notwithstanding this turned into one of my favorite remixes as of late.

And, it also illustrates one of those odd situations where as a remixer I know I may not be going in the direction that the artist or label imagined for their single, but I can't stop because I'm digging the result so much. That's why, upon completion, I took this new version and decided to just remix it again, in a more decidedly club-wise fashion. Here's what we ended up with:

Kicksy & Alif Groove - Out Of Nowhere (Q-Burns Abstract Message Remix) (Plastic Fantastic) by Q-Burns Abstract Message

This version is a bit closer in vibe to the original track with the bouncy bassline leading the charge. Yes, there's a none-too-subtle nod to "Plastic Dreams" ... good ear. Quite different, indeed, but you'll notice the subtle connection in sounds and melody. I'm also really into the snakey bass bit where it stretches out while the space tone-hits signal on top.

I submitted both mixes to Kicksy & Alif Groove and their label Plastic Fantastic, expecting them to just go for the second mix (in which case I'd strip the first version of their elements and make an original out of it). To their credit, they enthusiastically accepted both mixes and even gave me a little bit of extra coin for my bonus work ... champions!

So, this has been recently released by the aforementioned Plastic Fantastic label in digital format, and also contains a juicy remix by Gonzalo Mattias. You can grab more information, hear previews of all the tracks, and find links for purchasing this release at the Plastic Fantastic web site ... click HERE.

Oh, and yes, the first version is called the Re-Remix and the second the Remix which doesn't make sense ... I agree it should be reversed ... but for the sake of the single it sort of plays out better this way.

Anyway, this is an installment of what I hope to be a regular Wednesday 'remix feature' series. We'll see how that goes. In the meantime, I'm always up for remixing if your label or song is in need of something like the above. Feel free to contact me by clicking HERE.

Gavin Hardkiss returns to central Florida to entice you into the world of +++, a trek through art and music, light and sound. Gavin will be exploring the sounds of his new album (recorded under his Hawke psuedonym) and his musical history with the Hardkiss brothers in a special, rare DJ set filled with magickal moments and psychedelic song-slinging.

Visually the night will also include a display of artwork inspired by the Hawke +++ album, both created locally as well as imported from as far as Gavin's San Francisco home base. There's a video below from Gavin's +++ art and music opening a month ago in SF giving you an idea of the vibrant feel of the work.

As an added visual bonus, Gavin Hardkiss' set will be accompanied by computerized projections and images from GaryD of Factory Visuals. You may remember Factory Visuals from their scenic displays at the biggest dance music events in the southeast throughout the 90's. We've coerced Factory into creating a new set of original material exclusively for event, likewise inspired by +++. It's the first official showing by Factory Visuals in over ten years. Special, indeed!

Q-Burns Abstract Message will be master of ceremonies and presenting the opening DJ set leading to Gavin's Hardkiss madness. Gavin will also be bringing many CD copies of his +++ album with him to give away free to those who grab his attention.

All of this takes place this Saturday, November 14. At The Peacock Room, located at 1321 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 by the corner of Mills and Virginia. Click HERE for a map or directions. $5 cover, 21 and up.

Gavin Hardkiss AKA Hawke - Plus Plus Plus, Eyes Ears Touch
Factory Visuals 4.0 - The Analog Ashes vs. Digital Phoenix Appearance
Q-Burns Abstract Message - Wherever You Go, There I Am

We hope to see you there ... this Saturday at The Peacock Room!

I started my "DJ career" in radio back in the late eighties, and have always wanted to somehow get back into it since. Thus, I'm working with 8DPromo and have started a monthly Internet radio program titled 8DPromoRadio. This is a two hour show hosted and mixed by yours truly focusing on new and upcoming releases in the world of deep house, touching on its downtempo, disco, and techno fringes.

So far I'm doing it with these three stations, airing at these times:
Discotheque Radio - every second Tuesday at 8:00 PM EST, and repeating each Tuesday
Play.FM - every second Tuesday at noon EST, and streaming from the site on demand afterwards
ENation.FM - every second Sunday at 9 PM EST (that's tonight if you're reading this the day I've posted it)
Click on the radio station names above to go to their web pages.

We're hoping to syndicate this to more radio stations. If you run or program a radio station (Internet or terrestrial) and would be interested in airing 8DPromoRadio then contact me by clicking HERE.

You can also listen to archives of the radio show (and download the whole program, if you'd like) at the 8DPromoRadio Soundcloud page. And, if you'd like to hear the show's mixes without hearing my voice giving the track run-downs then listen to them at the Q-Burns Abstract Message Mixcloud Page. There will be show track lists available at the Soundcloud and Mixcloud pages above.

I hope you can tune in to listen ... it's a fun program with a lot of great new music for you to check out.


Speaking of 8DPromo, this is a company I'm working with that does publicity and promotions for a number of house labels including Transport, Super Hi-Fi, Statra Recordings, Onethirty, Chillin, Tarantic, EIGHT-TRACKS, and many more. The company provides an inexpensive way for labels to get their releases to worldwide radio programs, magazine & Internet music reviewers, and big name DJs who will support the music. This stuff is essential in this age where labels otherwise will get lost in the sea of being 'just another digital label'. If you have a label or are promoting a release then maybe we can help you. For more about this check out 8DPromo here: http://www.8DPromo.com

As indicated by the light on Ultraman's chest blinking at exactly 124 BPMs, it's again time for the Super Surprise Sound System! at Bikkuri Lounge. Join Q-Burns Abstract Message, Atnarko, and super surprise DJ Sleazy McQueen as they topple Tokyo with giant-sized house music beats.

If you haven't been to Bikkuri Lounge then this is your chance to check it out. Super nice sound system, warm vibes, and the craziest club lights in Orlando. Check out the pics: http://www.bikkurisushi.com/bkloungephoto.html
And there's a great sushi restaurant connected to the 'lounge' so be sure to join us early for some fishy rolls before the music starts.

It's $5, 21 and up. Bikkuri Lounge also now has a full liquor bar so drink up.

We'll see you there!

poster by www.marleydidit.com

It's the brand new release on the EIGHT-TRACKS label that I share with Atnarko. Check it out and let me know what you think:


Artist: Candy Dealers
TItle: Street Delight
Remixers: Johnny Fiasco, Harold Heath, Vernon & DaCosta Label: EIGHT-TRACKS
Catalog Number: 8TR007



Tracklist:
1. Street Delight
2. Street Delight (Johnny Fiasco's 18th Street Mix)
3. Street Delight (Harold Heath Re-Rub)
4. Street Delight (Vernon & DaCosta Remix)

Candy Dealers - Street Delight (8TR007) by EIGHT-TRACKS

The buoyant "Street Delight" could take place on Córdoba Street, running through the heart of Rosario, Argentina, home to EIGHT-TRACKS' latest signing, Candy Dealers. Founded by Jay West and Christian Malloni, two producers individually well-known for their rough and dancefloor ready house music tracks, Candy Dealers formed their collaborative effort from friendship in their shared city. "Street Delight" utilizes many house music styles, from a distorted, heavy bassline to lush chords and chimes, and embellished with seductive vocal drops. Featuring a bit more depth than the usual house cut, a curious and melancholy vibe floats over the effective and palpitating rhythm. It's a stunning effort.

Just as Córdoba Street has many sights to see, "Street Delight" features three top notch remixers displaying their own unique must-hear versions of the track. Johnny Fiasco, with dozens and dozens of classic releases under his belt, graces EIGHT-TRACKS with a tight and pulsating treatment. Its insistent drum machine bits and 303-style bassline would be enough for most remixers but Fiasco further flavors his offering with melodic keyboards and a masterful build. This is a decidedly gorgeous house music statement.

England's Harold Heath, having produced recent successes for Urban Torque, Plastic City, and Elevation, delivers a remix that deceptively begins deep but swiftly shows demonic dancefloor potential. Heath's percussive flourishes are aggressively contemporary but his chords and bass interplay hark back to clubbing's earlier times. The old schoolers as well as the new jocks are sure to embrace what Heath has done here.

Lastly, Vernon & DaCosta, the Belgian duo who have released tunes through Amenti, Moodclub, and Aroma, strip down "Street Delight" to rhythm and vocal hits for an infectiously funky DJ tool. It's akin to James Brown's rhythm section having at Ableton Live ... it's nothing but pure, delicious computer groove.

Jay and Christian of Candy Dealers continue to be on the move, working together on a slew of remixes and new tunes. They've been racking up A-list DJ fans such as Laurent Garnier and Djuma Soundsystem. Now with "Street Delight" Candy Dealers cruise further down the road to house music notoriety. EIGHT-TRACKS is proud to issue this track and its remixes, now available at your favorite digital outlet.

Mark Farina (Om Records) – “I’ve been playing the Vernon &DaCosta mix all over the place! I like the other mixes, too.”

Roy Davis Jr. (nice+smooth) – “I like the original and the Vernon & Decosta mix. These will get play from me for sure!!”

Stacey Pullen (Blackflag, Detroit) – “Vernon & DaCosta’s mix is da bomb.”

Kenny Hawkes (REKIDS, UK) – “I’m really into the Harold Heath Re-Rub. This will be sitting in the CD case for a long time.”

Cooccer (Clear Recordings, Germany) – “A soulful and groovy EP … great work! I will play the original version.”

Jay-J (Shifted Music, NYC) – “I like the deep vibe of Johnny Fiasco’s mix and I’m gonna play the Vernon & DaCosta mix as well.”

Nick Holder (DNH Records) – “Fantastic release! The Vernon & DaCosta remix is deadly!”

Tyler Stadius (Proton Radio) - “Sweet tunes. An outstanding remix from Harold Heath here. It’s a catchy mutha!”

Andy Riley (Toka Project/Inland Knights) – “I’m loving Johnny Fiasco's mix. The original is nice, too. Full support.”

Sleazy McQueen (Bear Funk) – “Love, love, love the original! Johnny Fiasco gives it a run for the money, too.”

Jevne (Onethirty Recordings) – “WOW! Great release … it’s hard for me to choose here! I will definitely play all mixes!”

Al Bradley (Bugged Out, UK) – “The original of this is amazing! It’s kind of Mr Oizo 'Flat Beat' meets Naked Music … it shouldn't work but it does so well! One of the best things I've heard in some time, fantastic! Superb grooves.”

Jon Delerious (Nordic Trax) – “Pure heat for the dancefloor! I love the whole EP - SOLID!”

Andrew Phelan (Prismatic Tracks) – “Great EP. All three remixes are hitting it with the Vernon & DaCosta mix edging it by a bit for me.”

Rick Preston (Beaters & Bowls) – “Man, every mix here is golden!”

Candy Dealers's Street Delight is now available from these digital download stores: Beatport / Stompy / Traxsource / Juno Download / Primal / Wasabeat / Xpressbeats

Promotions and publicity by http://www.8DPromo.com

A DJ mix originally put together for the Manchester, UK based music blog Cosmic Disco: www.cosmicdisco.co.uk

In between days of constant super-villain scheming and nights alternately spent fighting crime I was able, in the twilight time, to record this DJ mix suitable for chunky solar system travels.
Conspicuously titled “The Magic Hour Mix”, referencing the photographer’s favorite time for warm light and long shadows, it might also be a splendid time for making a DJ mix, or listening to one … and here it is. Shadows replaced by tape delay echoes and hue substituted with sudden shots of reverb. Songs I dig found within. My mix, your hour. Enjoy.

Magic Hour Dj Mix - October 1, 2009 by Q-Burns Abstract Message on Mixcloud

Here's a DJ mix recorded for, and given away at, our ¡Club Queso! party last April. The idea here was to record a mix that started in the deep, techy house realm and then moved into the funky stuff. I hope you dig it!

Here's DJ mix from a little over a year ago, but still one of my favorites as far as more dancefloor-targeted mixes go. It a galloping cascade of top tunes as assembled in the midst of the Florida sunshine, Summertime 2008. Basically tasty. Enjoy.

Summer Inferno 2008 Dj Mix by Q-Burns Abstract Message on Mixcloud

Oh yes ... I am indeed looking for DJ bookings in your city/country/planet/dimension. If you like what you hear above and might be interested then contact me HERE.

It's the Super Surprise Sound System!

A club night where Goldar and Silvar can put aside their differences with Rodak and groove to a bit of funky deep house music in the colorful environs of Bikkuri Lounge. Where Ultraman and Mothra can be mesmerized by the wild light display while getting inebriated at the full liquor bar. And where Q-Burns Abstract Message and Atnarko can be found playing fantastic tunes and coercing feet to frenzied movements.

This is taking place at a wonderful place called Bikkuri Lounge, located right outside downtown Orlando near the intersection of Colonial and Bumby. Click HERE for a map or directions. Check them out here: http://www.bikkurisushi.com/ ... and yummy sushi is available if you get there in time for dinner.

This takes place this Friday, October 2 / 10 PM - 3 AM / $5 cover / 21 and up / Located at 1915 E. Colonial Avenue, 32803 / (407) 894-4494

We'll see you there!

Well, now this looks to be a ton of fun ... it's a multi-cultural, multi-media party being thrown in a historic venue located in the heart of Orlando. Atnarko, Sleazy McQueen, and I, Mr. Q-Burns Abstract Message will be starting some DJ shenanigans around 9 PM but there is plenty to behold prior to that. This event looks to be one-of-a-kind. Check it:



Friday, September 25 @ 6:00 p.m.
$10 at door ($8 with Mills 50 card)
 
The Cameo is proud to announce the “The Vibe” to take place Friday, September 25, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the heart of the Mills 50 District, at the Historic Cameo.

Nourish your soul with art, music, food and holistic services: LIVE local bands, eclectic art, fresh pastas, sandwiches, vegetarian fare, henna tattoos, massage, DJs spinning and more. Come focus your artistic eye, align your chakras and indulge all your senses with an intoxicating evening of unique live music, local artists, performing arts and holistic services unlike anywhere else in Orlando. "The Vibe" is not to be missed, so come out and get your “Vibe” on!
 
PLACE:
1013 E. Colonial Dr. (in the Mills 50 District, near Downtown Orlando)
 
TIME:
Starts @ 6:00 p.m. ... goes till the music stops
 
ADMISSION:
$10 at the door (night of only)
$8 with your Mills 50 card
ALL AGES
 
Cash Bar (beer & wine)

We'll see you there!