Well it’s been quite sometime since I wrote something, as I have had quite the writers block. Not knowing what to say or write about I have been going on with the everyday routine grinding. The summer started off in epic fashion traveling to Detroit for Movement Weekend. Every year I get excited to go not because of the festival, but to see friends and catch up with people I truly respect and care about. This year’s routine was no different than any other year. Friday I attended Theo Parrish’s event, Saturday hit The Summit at MCW, as well as Kai Alce’s event Deep Detroit 10. Sunday night helped work the door at Excursions, and I have to say the energy was off the meter as always. Monday I was at the Nu Bang party at Mix, as usual the music was second to none. How could you go wrong to see Rick Wilhite, Greg Gray, James Vincent, Uchikawa, and so many others to close out the festival? To me there is no other way to do it.
This summer in San Diego my crew and I have seen some momentum spring our way. On July 28th we hosted two events from both of our brands. During the day under the Bouquet name Rick Wilhite, and Ash Lauryn were the guests. The after party for my brand Rhythm Nation we celebrated one year with Keith Worthy, and Aaron Paar. I have to say putting this together with the Bouquet boys was one of the most gratifying events I had ever thrown. The reason being is seeing the anticipation build for something that took countless hours of meticulous preparation, and the fact we hosted a full day of Midwest dance music in San Diego proved that our vision of providing our community with something different is coming to fruition.
I have to say with this past event I have had a few humbling experiences. First off when collaborating with others it’s not always about what you want. However, it has to be what is best for the party. In humbling myself I learned that with compromise you can work with others that do not fully share your vision, but do share similar core values and principles. I’ve often times found it difficult to work with others based on parties not holding their end of the bargain or simply being unreliable. It is a pleasure to work with two people (Bailey Rogers and Jordan Marrone) that are trustworthy.
Second, I was reminded that this game of DJing is not glamorous as magazines, and pictures make it out to be. Traveling long distances is always uncomfortable. Often times you are rushed off to the party to play immediately after the flight lands. You deal with family matters from afar as you travel to make your living. Not to mention it is almost impossible to live healthy as you are always on the move if you tour. I strive to be someone who hosts artists that considers all of those factors. Hopefully, the people I have invited to play feel the same.
I will say that if you are in this game for popularity, social status, or money get out now. We do not want you and we definitely do not need you. This is a slow road a if you are not willing to put the time and energy in then this is most definitely not for you. Soulful Underground American Dance Music needs soldiers. We need more men and women willing to put the hard work in of throwing parties, starting labels, and finding the next generation of people to carry the legacy on.
Third it has been a wild ride watching these events here in San Diego slowly grow into something that is becoming self sustaining. There was a time when people were telling Bailey, Jordan, and I that our vision is too far out for San Diego, however now they have to take what we are doing seriously. Blood, sweat, and tears have been shed finding new participants for both of our events. The fact that we have stepped out believing in the music we present and are willing to go against the grain are reasons we are starting to see our visions expand. I will say to anyone looking to start an event offer the best music you possibly can and present it with the utmost confidence.
So in a nutshell summer has been pretty RAD. Totally I am looking forward to see what fall has in store for both Bouquet and Rhythm Nation. As well, I am excited about the prospects for Soulful Underground American Dance Music on the left coast. Last Saturday proved there is a thirst for it, anyone who believes in it here needs to keep serving it up!!!