Back from a wedding in Florida, Jet lagged does not even begin to describe it!
Despite falling asleep (Those that know me well say nothing new about that) I put together this little selection to get me in the mood for this weekends visit to the legendary Southport Weekender in Minehead. I always do track lists except this time as I really cannot be arsed

Enjoy

Josh Milan has been added to the line up of this years Vocal Booth Weekender

Josh has been making quality dance for more than 3 decades, As one of the founding members of Blaze his place in dance music history speaks for itself. His discography is nothing short of epic and he continues to write produce and sing his way through life. As owner of Honeycomb music he is bringing new dance music to our ears from the likes of China Blac, Angela Johnson, Cinnamon Brown, Cassio Ware and more.

Its truly an honour for him to be appearing at my annual residency the Vocal Booth Weekender

Well its certainly not for fame or money as the music I make is very niche.

Is it for extra DJ gig’s then? That may well be a very small part but as I do not actively push myself for DJ work then there is little point no? For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with soul and dance music in many forms. This is of course what lead me into DJ’ing all those years ago. I have always liked the idea of making my own music but I am not a musician neither did I think it was possible for me to do it. Pre the PC/DAW virtual world we live in now you had to go to a professional studio unless you knew somebody that had some hardware at home. This hardware was far from cheap.

Moving on to the present things are very different. You can create a makeshift studio at home on a budget and with programs such as Cubase, Logic, Ableton etc being easily accesable (even if not legally obtained)

I Started for me when I got a Playstation one and a a “game” ( the exact name escapes me) that enabled me to arrange loops and drums in some sort of musical fashion. I spent hours playing around with that thing!

A few friends had already started to experiment with early version of cubase but it was a fair while before I went down that route as at the time financially such things where way out of my reach. After Blackwax records closed I found myself with a career change and moved into the world of I.T. This taught me how to build PC’s from scratch and eventually led on to obtaining a copy of Cubase SX3. I openly admit at that time it was not a legal copy but had I not started with that I very much doubt I would be making music today. It actually led on to me going it legit and purchasing Cubase as well as NI Maschine, M-Audio Monitors, a Saffire 6 Sound card and more. I am happy to say my set up is now fully legal.

It took me around 3 months to even get a sound from Cubase frustrated was not the word! I muddled my way around and eventually was able to create some form of music.These early works where never meant to be heard by anyone outside of my house. Eventually I thought I need some feedback and pointers to be able to progress (up to now I was completely self taught) I made the decision to hand a track to a few taste makers, peers and friends. The feedback from friends was confusing, most gave very high praise. This did not add up I knew the tracks where not of a high standard then why such high praise? On the other hand some of my peers gave extremely honest constructive criticism. These are the people I still send my tracks too now and I am very grateful for there guidance and honesty. I will never forget the first time I heard a DJ play one of my tracks in a club (Matter in London).  I was stood on the dance floor and thought I recognise this, Wow its mine, I smiled a small smile but then at a certain point in the music a number of people dancing let out great yell. You know that moment when the track drops and you just have to shout and cheer. It took me completely by suprise, I did not expect that reaction. The small smile was now a huge grin. I remember thinking now THIS is why I am making music.

To this day that track has never been released and its never going to be. Every track I make I do it for the enjoyment of creating something, I love the process even if it can be frustrating as hell at times. I am always surprised when I get an offer of a remix or a signing of an original production. If anything I make makes people move , smile or shout with happiness on a dance floor then that is all the reward I need.

Why did I write this down? Its a bit of a ramble really, just getting my thoughts down. It was inspired by 2 people that have always helped, guided and advised over the last few years and continue to do so. They will rename nameless here but I am sure they both know who they are.

It is with great pleasure I announce the line up for this years Vocal Booth Weekender in Spain

Once again its an honour to be included as a resident and have watched the event grow into something very special from the first event. Who would have thought on that first event that it would grow into something this special!

Although the main event hotel has sold out for this year (in record time) there are still plenty of options to attend with many of the family staying in a nearby hotel or renting a villa.

For full information please visit

www.vocalboothweekender.com

Its been a while since I have played at a good old soul weekender so I am pleased to announce I will be spinning several setts at the new Yarmouth Soul Festival 12th -14th July
If you need tickets or information just drop me a line or call the booking office on 01273 413800
£25 will get you a pass for the weekend and rooms are still available at the star hotel.

Things are all set for this to be a fantastic and fun soul filled weekend. get on it!

A new mix born from frustration of not being able to get to Scotland this weekend for a party.

Tracklist

Tracklist

1 Here’s To You Mr Robinson – The Groovers
2 Arbitary – OOFT
3 This Delay (Deeper Groove Mix) – Don Nelson & Mill T
4 Dance Like Nobody’s Watching (We Still Believe Remix) - Roberto Rodriguez
5 For The Very First Time (DirtyTwo’s Beatless Version) - HNNY
6 I Remember Things – The True Rebels
7 Yeah Yeah Yeah – Vincenco
8 The Blueprint - The NG9 Project
9 One Phat Drum - Acid Mondays
10 Teleport – Boo Williams
11 Vitamin Trax (Original Mix) – The NG9 Project
12 Vesi (Original Mix) – Francesco Tarantini
13 Someone Like You (Full Vocal Mix) – Soulmagic

Fifty Fathoms Deep is a new Independent record label run by Craig Smith (6th Borough Project) & Peter Oakden (The True Rebels).

Check out this great debut EP from Lay-Far that kicks of this new label in great style.

Watch out for the vinyl due for release in the spring

Kev Beadle is a name synonymous with all things Jazz and more. His wide array of compilations over the years has always been an education. His Inside Out and Free Soul compilations on Cadet still rank amongst my favourite compilations of all time.

As well as this Kev has supplied the good groove on radio and is a formidable club DJ. Founding legendary nights like Talking Loud at Dingwalls alongside Bob Jones and Gilles Peterson.
If that’s not enough he is a long time resident at the Southport Weekender and Suncebeat. All that and I have only scratched the surface of Kev’s contribution to the UK music scene.
With all this in mind I was very excited to hear BBE are releasing a new compilation of Jazz called private collection.

Kev states

The music on this compilation is for me a very personal journey tracing back to my earliest experiences as both a DJ and collector on the jazz dance scene.
The on going friendly DJ competitiveness to break and play recently discovered ‘old tunes’ like Reverie ‘In Every Way’, Irakere’s ‘Chekere Son’ and Olli Ahvenlahti’s dancefloor fusion classic ‘Grandma’s Rocking Chair’ was all part of the appeal.

When Gilles Peterson, Bob Jones and myself originally started the Talkin Loud Sunday Afternoon at Dingwalls sessions little did we know what a major part that would play in the history of jazz dance culture. Again it became a ‘one-stop’ to hear exciting and up until then undiscovered gems from both the jazz and soul scene. Tunes like Kamal Abdul Alim’s head nodding funk ‘Brotherhood’, The Pharoah’s ‘Freedom Road’ and Roy Porter’s ‘Jessica’ all became ‘Camden anthems’ mainly because of the open-mindedness of both the DJs and the Sunday afternoon regulars as well as the hunger to hear new music.

If you like Jazz in anyway at all this is set to be an essential purchase and will no doubt be added to my timeless favorites list for years to come.

Watch out for the release on BBE due on 18th March 2013

House, Soulful House, Broken Beat, Electronic, Deep House etc etc

Just a mix of great danceable music,

1 Mr. Fingers – What About This Love?
2 Leftside Wobble – Grapevine Boogie
3 Mtume – Dance – BlackLodge Edit
4 Mutubaruka – Dis poem – /anthony nicholson re-rockers rubmix
5 Jake Island – What If You Wanted More? feat. Joanna Christie – Tensnake Remix
6 Alexis Suter – Stop
7 Alex Barck – Alex Barck – Re-Set (Marlow Remix)
8 Mari Boine – Mari Boine (Henrik Scharz Remix)
9 United Future Organization – Stolen Moments (UFO Remix Featuring Mark Murphy)
10 FaltyDL – She Sleeps (2000Black Remix)
11 Bonobo – Cirrus
12 Elements Of Life – Elements Of Life – Children of the World – (Ben Brophy Fusion Cut)
13 Joey Negro & The Sunburst Band -The Secret Life of Us feat. Donna Gardier & Diane Charlemagne (Director’s Cut Signature Mix)

Those great chaps at the Walter Gibbons Facebook page have kindly sent me this recording of a live DJ set from the Legendary Walter Gibbons.

Sit back and enjoy

This one is not really a mix a such, just a selection of tunes I like to listen too after those heavy club sessions

1 Unknown Love – Count Indigo
2 Fly – Groove Collective
3 Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)- Bob Marley
4 Getting It On – Leroy Hutson
5 Never Can Say Goodbye – Isaac Hayes
6 Children Of The Ghetto – Courtney Pine
7 Maze – While I’m Alone – Maze
8 Use Me – Bill Withers
9 Velvet (Emanative Mix) – José James
10 Let Love Flow For Peace – Sunbears
11 23rd floor – Carlitta Durand
12 The Message – Cymande
13 Tea Leaf Dancers (Sam Champ remix) – Flying Lotus
14 Black Cow – Norman Connors
15 Places And Spaces – Donald Byrd
16 Come And Play In The Milky Night – Visioneers
17 Runnin’ – B.J. Smith
18 Introduction 57° N 6° W – Kenichiro Nishihara

Bonobo – ‘Cirrus’ (Official Video) from Ninja Tune on Vimeo.

Episode 2 tracking my learning curve with Maschine. This time I have a question!
www.blackwax.net

Category: Music
Uploaded by: Steve Reed
Hosted: youtube

My first release of the year is out now!

Sgz + Tabledance ft Ame Surce – Changes Blackwax remix on Arima Records.

A link to purchase is embedded in the Soundcloud player

This is the first video of this type I have recorded.
The first in a series to accompany my blog which documents my learning curve with Native Instruments Maschine.
Please visit www.blackwax.net for the full blog and description

Category: Music
Uploaded by: Steve Reed
Hosted: youtube

I would like to expand a little on the 1st post regarding Maschine.

Although I have been producing for a few years now being an avid Cubase user I have never actually used a sampler before (very odd as I mostly make house) Cubase does not have a sampler built in unlike Logic, Ableton and even Reason.

After doing a lot of research online investigated various VST samplers and using a free one (UVI Workstation) in the Collaborate and Learn project I realised that pound for pound I would actually get far more use from Maschine as it has a sampler but also does so much more. Other conversations with producers also lead me to believe that Maschine was very powerful so much so that many of my peers had sold there Akai MPC’s in favour of Maschine, Now this really did speak volumes to me.

So after scouring Ebay for a few weeks and in the end being out bid several times I posted on Facebook my frustrations. The timing could not have been better as a local friend had decided to sell his that day! I rustled up the cash and drove over to pick it up.

As this was a second hand unit the existing licence had to be deactivated which is done by emailing Native Instruments. It was very close to Xmas so this process took a little longer than usual, Also I was away for most of the holiday period (Frustrating)

Once the licence was activated I was able to update the software to the latest 1.8 version and get stuck in on using this. So I could learn the basics as quickly as possible I made the decision to run it in stand alone mode rather than a VST plug in within Cubase.

Day one, I watched a series of tutorial videos from Native Instruments to get me started, I highly recommend anyone using this for the first time to do this. This got me started very quickly. I did not really intend on making a full track at this point I just wanted to play about with it to learn how it all works. Where to start? As I have not had a sampler before that was a good starting point, I chose a drum track loaded it in using the software. I really wanted to do this from the hardware but at this stage I could not work out how to switch from the factory library to my own sample library on my hard disk.

Once loaded I hit the sampler button then edit use the arrow keys to select stretch on the right hand lcd. then select settings, select beat mode from the onscreen pop up. Amazingly it has already calculated the existing BPM all I had to do was hit apply and the loop was adjusted to the project tempo!

Now I’m not going to document every click or button press at this stage as this will be way to much to read through, At important points I will be specific.

Next step was to select new groups and add extra elements such as extra drums, in this project it was an 808 kit. Kick, Rimshot, Clav, Snare and shaker. I played these in live using the record feature. I could have used the step sequencer but wanted to have the nice velocities you get when hitting the pads.

Group C was my bass line created with a low tom and some added distortion

Group D some electronic percussion, again a sample trimmed down

Group E More of the same but instead a Sine Strike sample with some chorus and reverb

Group F Now this was a cause of much frustration as I wanted to delve into the instruments that come bundled with Maschine – Komplete Elements, Including Reaktor and Kontakt. I could not for the life of me find out how to add these using the hardware and am still struggling if I am honest. Eventually I caved in and added Reaktor via the on screen software, even this took a while to figure out. Maybe I need to watch some more videos. Once I had added to instances of Reaktor I realised I had no idea at all how to use it. What to do well I took the easy route and ended up choosing some pre sets for now.

Ok so my elements are all in and its a 2 bar loop, How do I make that into a track? lots of options, use the scenes feature in Maschine? Use it as a VST in Cubase? Export the audio into Cubase? All these options where going to be challenging so lets keep it simple and concentrate on Maschine, Scenes it is

For now all I have done is duplicate the 2 bar “scene” several times so it makes a 2 minute loop with no arrangement. To do this Press and hold the Scene button and hold button one at the same time, this will lock it into scene mode. You will see DUPL on the left hand LCD hit the button directly above that and it will duplicate the selected scene.

Thats the project so far. If you have any suggestions or comments please feel free to leave them below

So I made the plunge and purchased Native Instruments Maschine. I have only used it for around 2 hours so far but I will say i’m impressed. Here is a small clip of something I created in that 2 hours, straight off. I will be writing a regular blog on my progress with this brilliant piece of kit

2012 Some thoughts on my year.

I almost didn’t write this as there have been some tough times this year but I have been persuaded me to get things down in words so here we go.

Where to start? My mind is bouncing around thinking about all that has happened this year. Most that read my site know me as a DJ or producer so I will start with that.
DJ wise it has been extremely slow. This maybe because I don’t push myself for bookings, or it could be because of the saturation of the market, It could even be because I’m not actually that good, I am not a seamless mixer and don’t fall into any one genre as most things seem to these days. Saying that I have experience I am always professional. I produce and have now had releases on some respected labels. I also have a good online presence and seem to be respected by my peers. I’m not upset by the lack of gigs but some interest would be nice. I see some people constantly putting booking contact details on Facebook and to be honest it all looks a little desperate to me. Like party and new release promotion this type of constant pushing really turns me off, as I know it does others, it’s just not my style. If this means fewer bookings then so be it. If you want me you know how to get hold of me!

Release wise it’s been exciting! I have achieved more with this than I ever thought possible. I have had Remixes and original productions on Tony Records, Soul Free, Canvas and SOL. I have plenty more in the pipeline too. My latest release Simple Message is probably my best work to date and was further enhanced by an amazing remix from Peter Oakden featuring keys from Ricky Reid. This is the first time someone has remixed one of my own tracks and the result was mind blowing. A big thanks to Pete, Ricky and Craig Smith for the support and making this project happen.
I have also been involved in an exciting project with Professional producer Danny J Lewis called collaborate and learn. This project is producing a track from start to finish and documenting the entire process on YouTube. Not only is it teaching me more about production but many others also. I have had so many inspiring messages regarding this project; it really has and is a very worthwhile venture. I have always said it is important to share knowledge and hopefully inspire people through that sharing.
You can check all the videos so far right here on my website just go to the Collaborate and Learn section.

Talking of my website 2012 saw its launch. This is something I have wanted to do for a number of years but did not have a clue about how to go about it.
It started with a conversation with Lainy Lewis who very kindly asked me to go to London for a photo shoot. The results are photos used on my site and some more fantastic shots I use for press releases and more. One of the pictures made it onto my Simple Message release for Soul Free Records. For those that don’t know Lainy’s work please look her up on Facebook. As well as being a talented photographer she is amazing to work with and is a warm, genuine and a likeable soul.
Once I had some decent high-resolution images I felt I could start a website. The timing was perfect; Andy had just started a new venture building websites.
As a DJ and friend this seemed like the perfect time to go ahead so after some brief conversations we built and launched Blackwax.net.
As well as being a central location for all my work I am really enjoying writing blogs with random thoughts and things I find on the World Wide Web. Thanks to those that have subscribed and read regularly. Despite not promoting the site much I have been pleasantly surprised with the amount of “hits” the site is getting on a daily basis.

Party time.
I have attended some very good party’s in 2012.
Has it been the year of festivals?
The Southport weekender, Suncebeat in Croatia, the Vocal Booth Weekender in Spain. These are all very good party’s and all unique in there own special way.
Southport was my first in the new venue in Minehead. The sheer scale of the site was a lot to take in, it did take some getting used too. My usual dark corners where gone and I had no idea where to find the rooms and more importantly the regular hangouts of friends. All that aside it’s still a very special event and good times where had by all.
Suncebeat was a very last moment thing for me and was blown away by the beauty of the area. Some brilliant DJ’s sets and some very fun times (see my blog for a full review) The beach stage was brilliant and I will say one day I would absolutely love to play on it. Its just the sort of place I love to play and the type of gig musically I know I would revel in and perform my best.
Vocal Booth Weekender –The highlight of my year for so many reasons, again a full review is already on my blog from this year’s event. It’s an honor to play this party and it truly is something very special. Recently I have been added to the official website as a resident DJ, Many thanks for that its always nice to be appreciated.
Other party’s
Some great nights out, Francois K’s experiment with 5.1-surround sound, Bump and Hustle in Bournemouth, Inner Rhythm at East Village, Uber in Birmingham, Beat Players in London, The legendary wrong boat party (I am known to many as wrong boat after that one) and Craig Smith in Cambridge to name a few.

Family wise has been a roller coaster ride with splits and new relationships, the kids moving back home and my good wife having some medical problems, Its been very challenging to say the least but as the year draws to a close things seem to have turned a corner and we are all seeing some positive changes.
As I contemplate this part I’m thinking just how important family really is. It may get in my way of doing music or attending gigs but ultimately family is everything, this has become more apparent as I get older. I have 3 great stepchildren and 3 grand daughters, a right handful too say the least but they all give the family unit so my love and light.

I am not one for setting goals and New Year resolutions but I have some things I would like to achieve in the coming year.
My daughter is getting married in Florida so obviously that’s a big one emotionally and financially. DJ wise I have no intentions of pushing myself but it goes without saying I would like a few more gigs, if offers arise I will be very choosy what I do. I don’t do bullshit politics or deal with unprofessional twits I have been there and dealt with that too many times over the years.
Production wise I have treated myself to a Native Instruments Maschine so lots to learn there. I am convinced this will inspire me and give me a different way of working. If I manage to have as many releases in the coming year as I have in 2012 then I will be happy. I don’t really make music for money lets face it if that is your driving force then you must be slightly insane and you should stop. I enjoy the creative process and if only one person smiles on the dance floor while dancing to one of my creations then that is all I can ask for.

This blog could have easily become something very negative and I could have moaned and vented. (Victor Meldrew) I have tried not to do that. I was told I would feel better for putting this down on paper even though I have not written most of the things that drained me emotionally this year. Just sitting here thinking about everything has served its purpose.

Lastly I have met some amazing people this year and re-connected with old friends. Saying that I have neglected a very dear friend this year, despite living very close buy and having a baby I have not managed to go and see him. I feel terrible about this and will be making an effort to correct this as soon as I am back home. (You know who you are)

All in all 2012 has been a good year even though emotionally it has been extremely challenging at times.

See you all in 2013 and I wish you all a fantastic new year in whatever you do.

Its not often I post about new music releases but I just heard this one and fell in love with it

2 great Cover versions of Hip Hop Classics – Mos Def Umni Says and Pharcyde – Running. Striiped back and covered in a folk style these really work for me. Beautiful music

Please click the link to pre-order your copy now

http://mynunorthernsoul.bandcamp.com

The nice chaps at A Deeper Groove recently asked me for a guest “selection” for their Back To Ours Series so here it is.

Please check the mix and more importantly have a good look around their website, lots of cool stuff

http://adeepergroove.com/back-to-ours-volume-3-blackwax/

Steinberg have announced the launch of Cubase 7 due early December 2012

New features include a revamped mixer layout with extra features.
Built in Voxengo EQ and spectral analysis built in to EQ strips.
Extra Groove agent kits, sounds and presets.
Some very interesting chord track additions.

Check out the full details here

http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/cubase/whats_new.html

I was recently asked to join this new project. If you have a vinyl collection this is well worth looking at! The concept is very simple and is a great way of discovering music in your collection you may have over looked or forgotten about.

I have submitted my first selection including a full track listing and comments.

Drop by the site have a good read and enjoy some forgotten or unknown pieces of music

http://www.bsidesproject.com

My poolside set from this years Vocal Booth Weekender is now ready to stream or download. As this was poolside and I was the first DJ on (it was also midweek) I wanted to just play great background music and ease people into the day while nursing broken heads and bodies back to recovery. There is little or no mixing with full concentration on setting the tone and simply playing great timeless music.

You can download or listen here alongside many more great sets from the entire week

http://www.vbpodcasts.com/podcast/blackwax/

Full track listing

Natalie Cole – Tell Him All About It
Ultra Nate – Twisted – 4 Hero Mix
Burning Spear – Slavery Days
Barrington Levi – Skylarking
Grover Washington Jnr – Sausalito
Courtney Pine – I’ve Known Rivers – Original Mix
Camille Hinds – Sausalito Calling
Fela Kuti – Water Get No Enemy
Disco Tech – The Boss
Whole Darn Family – 7 Minutes of Funk
Those Norwegians – Dom B Sensi – Blackwax Dig It Edit
Inner Life – Make It Last Forever
Jackson 5 – We’re Almost There – DJ Spinna Mix
Howard Johnson – Keeping Love New
Johnnie Taylor – What About My Love
Barbara Lynn – You Make Me So Hot
Ben E King – Supernatural Thing
Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved
The Specials vs Aaliyah – Rock The Rudy (DJ 2Three Mix)
D’Influence – Good Lover
Fresh Band – Come Back Lover
Change – A Lovers Holiday
Nicholas – Without You
Chic – My Forbidden Lover – Leftside Wobble Edit

Purveyors of great house music Deep Space Orchestra are about to release a great new piece of vinyl as a limited picture disc.
Great music and iconic artwork (If you are old enough to remember the classic movie its taken from) Spot the film references in the track titles too.
I highly recomend you contact them and invest in this great piece of music and art

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deep-Space-Orchestra/181654701854791

Track listing – Jack & Wang Present Deep Space Orchestra – Live from the Hong Kong Exchange

1 – Pork Chop Express
2 – Egg Shen Doesn’t Do Magic
3 – Jack Wants His Truck Back
4 – Green Eyes

Whats the film? Answers on a postcard please

Its been a while especially for a house music mix, enjoy

Ziggy Funk FT Taliwa – What You Afraid Of
Carolyn Harding – Pick It Up – Sean McCabe Mix
Ben Westbeech – Hang Around – Karizma Mix
DJ Fudge – Bipolar
Rocco & Robert C Walker – Give Me The Night – Louie Vega Mix
Jask Mash Up – Funky Green Ayres
Salvatore Freda – Love Can’t Hurt – HHA Edit
Imogen Heap – Moment I Said It – Conan Liquid Mix
Loni Clark – Rushing – Alix Alvirez Mix
Campsoul Ft Tanya Stephenson – Fallen – ReelSoul Mix
Evren Furtuna – Miracle Baby
Rudimental – Spoons

Simple message is out now on Soul Free Records

buy it here
http://www.traxsource.com/index.php?act=show&fc=tpage&cr=titles&cv=184560

Vocal Booth Weekender 2012. A quick slide show of the event in Spain

Category: Music
Uploaded by: Steve Reed
Hosted: youtube

Mr Miggs plays a reggae set at this years Vocal Booth Weekender in Spain.
The video does not do the entire day justice. Sun Reggae, Great sound and brilliant friends
PERFECT DAY!

Category: Music
Uploaded by: Steve Reed
Hosted: youtube

Mr Miggs plays a reggae set at this years Vocal Booth Weekender in Spain.
The video does not do the entire day justice. Sun Reggae, Great sound and brilliant friends
PERFECT DAY!

Category: Comedy
Uploaded by: Steve Reed
Hosted: youtube

As the sun sets house music takes the forefront. A small clip from this years Vocal Booth Weekender in Spain. Poolside sessions

Category: Music
Uploaded by: Steve Reed
Hosted: youtube

Soul music singalong at the Vocal Booth weekender in Spain
Music Maze – Joy and pain live version. Poolside music

Category: Music
Uploaded by: Steve Reed
Hosted: youtube

WOW!
Once again the Vocal Booth weekender surpassed all expectations.
This year was an extended affair that lasted a full week. So many highlights its hard to focus and put it all into words especially as Im still tired as hell.
Firstly thanks to Andy and all those involved in the planning and running of the event.
Secondly to all the people that attend without you and your family spirit the event would not be what it is!
I met lots of new people and of course hooked up with great friends from previous weekenders. Each and everyone one of you are amazing.

We arrived on Friday morning dumped our bags and instantly got involved poolside. Big ups to the Birmingham/Croatia crew my apologies for not spending longer with you.
The 1st thing that struck me was the immense quality of sound that had been installed poolside.
Big shout to Gillman Audio for shipping, installing and running the sound alongside Lil Joey. This has to be one of the best systems I have heard at such an event. Really warm, clear and a bass that was perfect for the sunshine. Well done.
A few drinks with friends and good tunes meant we did not leave the pool all day
Superb sounds from Jon Coomer and Bob Povey followed by A great set from the Scottish boys A Deeper Groove.
(Need a playlist for that set lads) Jeremy Sylvester, Deep City Soul and Gavin Peters all delivered also.

Now you will often here a phrase that many people go from 0 to 100 miles an hour in seconds at VBW, sadly this was the case for me at 9:30 I headed to bed for a supposed 2 hour power nap. Sadly I forgot to set an alarm and was woken up by my wife at 4:30am with the words have a vodka we are off to the club!
we arrived shortly after to find neither Richard Earnshaw or Glenn Thorton where going to be able to do sets that evening. Now usually one might be slightly miffed by this but in true VBW spirit it really did not matter. Just one of the joys of the event plenty of top notch DJ’s ready and more than capable of filling in. We partied till the end and then some.

Saturday
Up bright and early due to the long sleep the previous day.
Ian Willis kicked off nicely followed by the Soul Twins and good friends Brother C and Miloe, Great set lots of Nu Jazz and Broken beats with a lush dash of house. Always enjoy these guys sets and always lots of stuff I have not heard including some of there new productions, Big up. Graeme Park followed on. Now this is not a criticism but I was hoping to hear something a little different from Graeme but it was for me a straight up house set suited for the club not the pool. It was obvious a lot enjoyed it but personally I prefer DJ’s by the pool to dig deep and stretch out a little more.
Never fear Soul Renegades did exactly that, Dropped the tempo and played an amazing story telling set that kept me gripped.
Saturday night is always a blinder and this was no exception, Craig Bartlet, Phil Asher, Neil Pierce and Atjazz all blew me away. At 7am the club was still packed a true testament to all those that played.

Sunday
Poolside again, more drinking chatting and good music. 11 year old Mikey Ward played with Schooly and once again captured the hearts of the crowd. The clash of the titans was amusing with some selections that had me smiling and laughing like Pass the Duchie from Musical youth. Although this was a lot of fun I did feel it was a little long and interrupted the flow of the day somewhat. Time for some live music brought to you by Selina Campbell and Ricky Reid. Marcus Enochson unfortunately didn’t make it but ATFC certainly made up for this. He has played the event before so new what it was about and proceeded to smash the place. For me one of the highlights of the weekend.
Sunday night back to the club tired and not sure if we would cope. Victor Simonelli smashed it and Mandy danced the entire time, She now cited this as her favourite set of the weekend.
We didn’t last much longer so we retired the the pool for more drinks and friends.

Now I am becoming aware that this supposed short blog could easily turn into a massive monster so forgive me if I skip though parts.

Monday Poolside the Birmingham takeover. I cant say much more than all the dj’s are truly VBW family and each set shined. Jimmy Ellis with his unique beats and never afriad to drop the unexpected from D&B to dubstep to Hip Hop and more, Richie Barthez surprised me as he played an immense house set that was very different from his classics of previous years I really enjoyed that! Paul Griff, Dan Kelly and Adam Turner followed by Gary Ward and Soul Free boss Pete Oakden. Big up’s each and every one of you, Perfect.

Monday night was a change of venue as we moved to the basement for a night of Bruk madness.
Due to illness Bruce Q could not fly so the mighty Soul Twins filled in. Big tings coming for the twins thats all I’m saying! Afronaught and Wookie also hit hard. Tired drunk and broken was an ace night.

Now pretty much everyone was smashed by this point so things get hazy
Tuesday by the pool was a little subdued but actually needed. The soundtrack provided was great but everyone looked like they had done 2 weekenders back to back.
A certain Mr Ward was also feeling it and had to crash and recover so the 4 hour basement session did not happen as per the schedule, not to worry again family picked up the torch and the show went on.

Wednesday
People actually looked fresh again and the poolside was busy! Yeah we are back on track.
I started the proceedings with my set, A mixture of Soul, Jazz, Reggae, Afrobeat, Funk and more. Nothing heavy just trying to set the tone. DJ bones followed suit and the Mr Miggs, Now although people had more energy the order of the day was certainly mellow, Miggs smashed the poolside with a great Reggae set, PERFECT! This was fast becoming my favourite poolside day. The energy built throughout and all the DJ’s got it just right, I was in heaven.

Thursday
One more day….. Fun frolics banter but broken. DJ Semi, Si Sutton kicked off lovely. VBW awards ceremony had me cracking up, Pugwash played a great set of classics and Frank Ainsworth played a beautiful soulful house set. Things moved down to the basement for the final mash up with Wookie and Ricky Reid, Crazy combination!

OK This went on much longer than I expected and my eyes are still saying sleep!

Vocal Booth was immense! I am very happy to attend let alone play this event. See you all in Spain in 1 year and counting

A heartfelt dedication to his parents who sadly passed.

Not much more to say other than sit back close your eyes listen then repeat!

So the collaboration project with Danny is coming along nicely. We have to keep each video fairly short due to rendering and uploading restrictions but in each video there really are some great nuggets of useful information.

OK so we had another Skype session last night, the basic drums are down although will no doubt change somewhat throughout the process as things take shape. Next up will be some musical elements taking some form of style inspiration from Atjazz remix of the Rah Bands – Messages from the stars. The aim is not to copy this track but more a general feel in style.

The below video ends on a bit of a cliff hanger as Danny had disk space issues, I am sure most have fallen foul to that at some point in the past!

Check the video of last nights Skype call and feel free to leave your thoughts and idea’s