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Cosmic Cocktail In The Year Of The Cock

Ahem! Or maybe I should say ‘in the year of the rooster’. Either way, right?!

For the first time in a few years I was able to make it to the Cosmic Cocktail party at the Visionary Art Museum. This event has been one of the better ‘seen and be seen’ art community events of the year.

This gallery, already known for it’s eclectic nature, brings out the same in the party goers.

I happen to have been born in a Year Of The Rooster. So it’s an interesting coincidence that this was my first party of the year. It wasn’t my first party in being a DJ or for music, but it was my first party where I wasn’t working in any capacity and could just enjoy myself. I am looking to start this year with freshness. Hehehe…

Roosters are observant, outspoken, resourceful, frank, and possess confidence in self.

Also interesting, I ran into old friends who I haven’t seen in a while, some professionals who I have had the pleasure to work with and for, and to make some new friends.

The pros had some re-affirming words and advice for me. They let me know that despite the setbacks they  believe I am doing the right things, being on a good path. A lot of what they said is the essence of the Lust4Life concept I launched back in 2004.

#BSB Podcast and Mix Tape series

I also heard from a DJ who he and I used to produce a very successful show together. I was humbled by the story he told me about how pivotal asking him to be a part of that show was to growing his career as a DJ. It was also fun trading stories about all the folks we have worked with along the way. No, we are not going to name-drop. They know who they are. We know who they are.

So now, in taking another step on the other side of a new beginning, this next few months will be full of a few new tracks, a few new mixes, and pushing to grow every day.

Let’s dance!

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Sock Game

Well, it’s almost that time again. The taping portion of the next Brand Spanking Bought show is done. And I’ll have it added to mGrooves Music for download in a matter of hours.

I was so inspired to show off this sock game today. Big ups to donors, friends, family, and fans in the upcoming #BSB !!

#BSB — Brand Spanking Bought series 

BTW, if you are interested in booking me or discussing anything music and DJ, please note there is nothing like coming to the source. In other words, everyone may start by getting a small sampling of what I do from others in their direct company. However, that can not replace a direct discussion with me.

Booking

I’ll also be seeing you in California for a bit of an extended stay starting this May. Stay tuned!

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With You

This track originally grabbed me for it’s sublime yet understated flavor. It hits you but not too hard.

…I Feel Good | Download

Think of it like the warmth of sunshine on your face in late winter or early spring. Soothing. Warm. Inviting. But certainly not beating you down with oppressive heat as it can be in the middle of summer.

I included it in this mix because it started to lift the energy of the compilation as a whole while leaving plenty of head room for the journey.

 

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Life and Fiction

I never knew that when I thought of this idea for this track that it would turn out to be very apropos. I am speaking about this age of so-called “Alternative Facts”.

It is indeed fact “At some point you have to choose between life and fiction. The two are very close, but they never actually touch.”

Yes, I dream. It’s not that I don’t. Rather I don’t live in dream land. Instead I rather actively work toward making those dreams a reality.

Where those dreams can be actualized is good. Where life points elsewhere, only a fool would continue to rail against life as if it was a personal vendetta.

Just being stuck in ‘dream land’ doesn’t gain you anything and one is not being a student of life.

What dream are you pursuing and turning into life? How has a life lesson altered a dream?

 

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How Do You Top Off?

Do you wear hats? If so, do you like this, the first of it’s kind?

Soon they will be available in the mGrooves Music shop.

Chuck Smokes Stages EP on iTunes / Apple Music

on mGrooves Music

on Traxsource

on Beatport

Connect with me on Instagram

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Tears For Fears

Tears for fears
Better than gone by years?
Certainly better than love incomplete
Tears for a love incomplete

 

Tears will water tomorrow’s flower
Bloom. Stretch. Stand tall. Tower.
Dawn blooms after the darkest night
And tears cool like rain in summer light.

 

It may feel so so far far away
But your tears foretell smiles in coming days
I see you.  And I see you. Feeling blue.
But so is the sky when it is clear. True?

I originally penned this on June 13, 2015.

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BSB0026 — Brand Spanking Bought

So the other day I laid down the my BSB show. It was so much fun.

There is a bit of soulful at the top before I go a little booty shakin’ dirty with the beats. As usual, I am active on the mixer as any good DJ would be versus doing the absolute minimum behind the decks.

Feel free to let me know what you think of the music selection and the style bought to the performance.

Download for offline listening

 

 

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Flash Life Is Good Life

Although the date was made many weeks ago to be a part of Preview DC at Flash, it could not have come at a better time.

Music–especially dance music in general and House music in particular–is very therapeutic. It is the best dope, the best side-effect free drug, the best medicine.

Flash once again also proves why it has been successful in working with the great talents from the local level to international, but making sure to curate folks to be on the decks who are positive to the entire scene;  not just to their own glorification.

For myself going through a tough break up, these culminated in quite the spiritual re-awakening last night.

I was given a chance to play some of the best I have the pleasure of having access to and releasing on mGrooves Music. I also had the chance to play some of my own creations before a large audience. And again, I was surprised by the reassuring and supportive response to all of the above.

I am glad I have stuck to my guns so to speak regarding being very picky about the newest of projects I have chosen to work and collaborate.  Playing out every weekend and being ‘everywhere’ is not by itself an indicator of doing good work.

Again, thank you Christauff and Jon MFD for considering me again and again for your Preview DC event, and your dedication to the best of local DJs. Thank you Flash for being fertile ground for the new and innovative. And for being similarly picky.

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I’ll Be Running In My Underwear Again

I ran with some friends of mine 2 years ago. The Cupid’s Undie Run charity raises money for research into this cancer that afflicts kids. Here I am running again!

Yes there are tons of charities that one could support, and I do spend a considerable time giving. This is just one of the places that I do.

Yet, as in this case, giving can also be outrageously fun!

#GetWithCupid

I will be announcing personal giveaways to those who donate or run with me…

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