Friday night, I joined a good handful of friends in celebrating the birth of our good friend Colin. The rooftop patio at his building, at King and Sherbourne, is always a top-notch spot to hang out and admire the city. Also, it proved to be an excellent place for people to “ice” one another.

Woke up fairly early on Saturday and watched most of the plans I had made fall apart. Mike, Johnny and I instead took to Trinity Bellwoods Park and played some frisbee and ate some ice cream.

Sunday, beach day, was pretty awesome. Dan and I cycled from home to Ashbridges and met up with Johnny, Mike, Pam and Arden. There was hole-digging, barbecuing, and even guest appearances by some friends later in the day. The weather was amazing and the bike rides to and from were both awesome.

Monday, it was supposed to be beach day #2, but the weather was being indecisive. Instead I ran an errand then took a bike ride up to Broadview and Danforth. Abby and Victoria were in the process of making homemade pizzas. Spelt crust, pseudo-pesto, roasted veggies, caramelized onions, goat cheese. It was a damn fine way to spend the afternoon.

After sitting in Riverdale East Park watching the city and then riding all the way home, I was convinced (easily) to head down to Cherry Beach for Promise. Always a good choice. Always a good time.

Spent part of this weekend planning a cottage getaway for two weeks from now. It’s gonna be rad.

I’m going to be representing Caplansky’s alongside Zane and a couple of our best FOH staff this weekend at Toronto’s first Deli Duel. We’ll be pitting our smoked meat up against two other local competitors, who I honestly have never heard of.

Come check out the “competition” and have a bite to eat. All proceeds are benefiting The Stop Community Food Centre.

One night I had a dream that I had a radical bass clef tattooed on my arm. It was made of, or wrapped in, wires from a mixer…and then I woke up.

The next day, with the help of my lovely friend and tattoo connoisseur Meliss, I found an artist with a musical background. I met with Darwin at Black Line Studio and he seemed to be almost MORE stoked on the idea than I.

One preliminary drawing, a lot of faith in Darwin’s Bible and three weeks later, I have an everlasting tribute to my love of the low frequency.

Here’s to hoping I’m right.

Safe.

I still think it’s one of my best mixes. This also has made me realize that it’s been almost 3 years since I’ve released an actual demo.

Talk about dedication to one’s chosen field. Man, I suck.

Anyway, here is May Live Mix, from May 2005. May the fourth be with you.

xofer.com/xofer/xofer-MayLiveMix.mp3

-Ed 209 – Infectious (Distortionz Remix)
-Simon Paul – The 10/40 Window
-Insiders – Drums in the deep
-Beauty School – Beatbox baby
-Santos – Sabot (Evil Nine Remix)
-Move Ya & Steve Lavers – Rock Me
-T Power feat. Blade – Dangerous (Aquasky and Masterblaster Remix)
-Control Z – Badman
-Jay Cunning – Bad Man
-Dee Patton – Who’s Da Bad Man (Breakers Remix)
-Ed Solo and Skool of Thought – Hold Up
-Alter Ego – Rocker (Stanton Warriors Remix)
-Felix da Housecat feat. Miss Kittin – Silver Screen Shower Scene Remix
-Sensi Allstars – Give It To Em
-Taishan – Black Mamba Funk (Move Ya & Steve Lavers vocal remix)
-Gusto’s Groove
-Bass Kleph – Fuckin’ the Groove

The crispy drums are simple, but mad pretty. The shake carries the song from bit to bit very nicely.

Enjoy.

I seriously suggest giving this one a listen from both sides of the DJ booth. It’s got a huge grinding lead, funky lopsided bass, a filthy little vocal, and the right amount of pep in the hats to keep the kids moving.  Sweeping synth monsters and dangerous change-ups keep you guessing and there is nothing to be said for the way the breakdown comes alive with the effected guitars.

The remixes offered by Hedflux and Dyno and not to be overlooked. Hedflux brings his breaks flavour and a nasty cowbell, while the Dyno dub is techno that rides a thick percussion section and a muddy filtered bassline. The synth stabs and effected guitars work to give the song depth and dimension.

Check it out at this Soundcloud link, and then grab it up at Beatport.

Also, check out ODISSI LIVE MIX FROM THE SXSW SHOWCASE – AUSTIN TX, MARCH 17th 2010

ODISSI LIVE AT THE LOT49 LABEL SHOWCASE SXSW 2010 by Odissi

TRACKLIST

01. Simon2 & Andreas Henneberg – Bolingo Gringo – Kittball
02. Steve Mac – Noise Bastard (Santos Bastard Jack Remix) – Saved
03. Odissi – Empty Vodka Bottles (Jon Gurd Remix) – LOT49
04. Barem – Heyday (Ronan Portela Remix) – Foundsound Records
05. Down Right Rude – Sofia – Lot49
06. Santos – Metal Boogaloo – Saved Records
07. Joan Reyes – Shakedown (Bass Kleph Remix) – Fresco Records
08. Tristan Garner & Gregori Klosman – Fucking Down Dub – Joia Records
+ Meat Katie & D.Ramirez Feat. Odissi – Stop the Revolution (Acapella)
09. Prok & Fitch – Freakshow – Toolroom Records
10. Sebastien Leger – Binola – Mistakes Music
11. Outsider – The Laugh
12. Baba – Going Banana – Greenpark

I’ll be done this round of school in just two weeks. I can’t believe how fast this term flew by. I feel like I just bought my uniform last week.

I’m currently looking for somewhere to live in Little Italy or the Annex, and not having much luck. Admittedly, my efforts are only half-hearted, as I’ve got a place to stay until at least June.

I have been in talks with a local business owner that I admire and will likely be starting to work for him soon. Two jobs may kill me, but it’s more likely to only make me stronger.

I have been neglecting my music again, but hope to start making more noise when I’m not focusing on school anymore.

Thanks for tuning in. Join us next week to see where our hero ends up next.

Also, there will be more music talk in here, later this week.