It’s been two years since I have started Rhythm Nation San Diego. So before I start I’d like to say thank you to a few people. They are as follows: Thomas Cox, Ricardo Miranda, Cordell Johnson, Rick Wilhite, Jimmy Maheras, Bailey Rogers, Aaron Paar and Chris Manik. All of these people were instrumental in giving me advice and helping me nurture RNSD from the very beginning. Without their help and guidance I definitely would not have made it this far.
This entire thing has been a learning process. From promotion techniques, curation, sound, and choosing the perfect venue. There have been extreme ups and some downs. All in all it has been worth all of the effort to make RNSD come to fruition. I am looking forward to what the next year brings. Most important however, is always stay true to your sound, vision, and never compromise music for popularity.
I specifically started Rhythm Nation to showcase unknown talent, and to pass Soulful Underground Dance Music to the youth. As of recent I moved away from that concept hosting bigger names, but I would care to go back to basics. That is a small room, big sound, and DJs that can play regardless of their status.
On July 3rd RNSD is hosting it’s 2nd Anniversary with with Master Kev and local San Diego jocks Taylor Houseman, Joseph Spencer, and myself. I asked three to play because of the respect I have for each, their work ethic, and the fact they easily understood my vision for the event. So it just made sense to give it a go.
Master Kev originally from NYC grew up in a time in which radio was influential. Coming up on mixes of Timmy Regisford, Tony Humphries, and Frankie Crocker Kev got a first hand view into a burgeoning sound. Having played the world over as a DJ. Finally breaking into production he has a slew of gems as production duo MKTL with partner Tony Loreto. As well look for new productions later this year from Kev.
I asked Kev a few questions about his view on music. Hope you enjoy the read.
Vincent: What is your definition of a DJ?
Kev : A DJ is someone who paints the canvas of the dance floor and ultimately defines the meaning of the word ‘convey’ by taking the dancers on the floor to a very special place where they can release and be free. The dancers come for their release and the DJ is their to fully ensure that happens.
Vincent: Who are your major inspirations in dance music and why?
Kev: I would say as Club DJ’s of course I was very heavily influenced by Timmy Regisford, Tony Humphries and Merlin Bobb in the early years. Later years more Louie Vega, Osunlade, Ron Trent, David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, Danny Krivit, DJ Spen, Karizma.. etc.. As far as musical artists/bands/singers I would say Rochelle Fleming (First Choice), Loleatta Holloway, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Teddy Pendergrass, Luther Vandross. In the later years I would say Tortured Soul, Josh Milan, Byron Stingily, Jasper Street (Basement Boys), Omar, Erro AKA Eric Robertson, Barbara Tucker, Ultra Nate, Monique Bingham, Lisa Shaw, Black Coffee. As far as producers past and present I’d say Kerri Chandler, Jovonn, Glenn Underground, Crackazat, Louie Vega, Marshall Jefferson, Kevin Saunderson, Basement Boys, Mark Di Meo, Tony Loreto, Mijangos, Eric Kupper, Moodyman, Def Mix (Frankie Knuckles & David Morales), John Robinson, Blaze & Josh Milan, Murk, Benji Candelario. OMG I can go on and on for days with this one. This list is endless. As for radio personalities (Hey you asked artists so my list is quite long and diverse. There are several but the 3 most influential for me are Paco (Disco 92 WKTU), Hal Jackson (WBLS) and of course the only and only Chief Rocker Frankie Crocker (WBLS legend).
Vincent: What are your top five records (any genre)
Kev: This is a REALLY tough question for me as I love multiple genres/eras of music but classic rock (Thanks to my dad) is my first love. I’m an old soul so I will do my best here.
- The Beattles – Abbey Road (An absolute MASTERPIECE) Side B
- MFSB- Love Is The Message
- The Who and Pearl Jam Versions- Reign O’er Me
- Billy Joel- New York State Of Mind
- (Tie) Luther Vandross- A House Is Not A Home, Grover Washington Jr- Mr. Magic
Vincent: What Is Master Kev’s style as a DJ?
Kev: I would say my style in the earlier years was a direct reflection of Timmy Regisford and Merlin Bobb as well as Tony Humphries, but as the years progressed I studied a lot of Louie Vega, David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, Osunlade, Ron Trent, Kerri Chandler, and Black Coffee. So I would say honestly my style is a bit all over the place (disco, house, soulful, afro, tech, some techno, deep tech, afro tech, a little jackin, deep, gospel house, progressive deep house as long as the underlying common vibe is soul and for sure FUNK.
Vincent: What does Deep mean to you?
Kev: Deep means a whole lot of things. Musically, spiritually etc, but on a musical tip I would say deep is just getting me(as a fan, listener, dancer) or me getting the dancers to that special place. No matter what the specific genre of house. I’m from NYC so of course I love it super deep, but I also realize these days you can’t always play super deep in certain markets/cities but even for those parties where I tend to play more tracky or bumpy I’ll always keep a funk and soulful vibe to it. Deep is DEEP!!! Rhythm Nation 2nd Anniversary takes place Juy 3rd from 9pm until 2am at Kava Lounge in San Diego, CA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDkX4hejkC4
