UJAM - Amnesty Anthem Remix V2 by Opium For The Masses - Amnesty International Anthem Rejam »

Edmonton Bangers Seem To Have Fallen Off The Earth - Again!?

Good people of Edmonton…my readers…our commentators and posters:

I run Edmonton Bangers solo, and I’ve been doing so since July of 2009.

It was important to me to set up Edmonton Bangers (the Tumblr blog/Twitter/RSS feeds network), when I realized that not a single independent site of it’s kind existed in Edmonton.

Sure you can go to PM Events, Club Zone or Cool Vibes…but they’re advertisement boards. The bigger the payer, the bigger the player.

Then there are local promoter/label/DJ Syndicate blogs and sites. I’m sure you understand what they prefer you read.

There is so much content that I want to post, write, review and share…but as I will describe later in this message, I just don’t have it in me:

•Large collections of downloadable music that’s new, fresh and unreleased.

•Event listings worth mentioning, from parties, club events, concerts and festivals. All underground and cutting edge, with a little background information to help you decide if the event is for you.

•The local community scene, and what’s happening or changing.

Here’s the problem….

I’ve been out of a job since I worked as a Researcher at the University of Alberta. My entire division was shut down in July 2010, and nine of us lost our jobs.

I’ve found a few part-time jobs, here and there, while re-cooping from the devastation of losing my ideal job.

I have a Master’s degree in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University (a large, 60,000 student, state school). When I graduated in 2006, our regional South Florida economy was beginning to collapse (started by the greedy parties involved in the housing bubble…and soon to be credit default swaps…derivatives…toxic assets…the bailouts).

The only one hiring people with my degree in Florida were K-12 schools. My entire graduating class looked for teaching jobs. I was lucky and found one myself, even though it was a lower paying Episcopal school.

resume review

It Doesn’t Make Any Sense

When I moved to Edmonton in mid 2009, during the city’s deepest economic decline in 20 years, I had a much easier time finding work in my career field. Within a couple of months I landed my U of A Research Associate position.

This time around, since February 2011, I’ve worked harder, and looked broader for a job. I’ve applied to 180 jobs (in my career and outside of it), and I’ve found nothing.

I’ve gone to Alberta Works for help. I sought help from two counselors, and not to generalize the agency as a whole, they proved more of a waste of time, energy and gas.

Many times my counselors at Alberta Works were slow to return calls/eMails. They led me in the wrong direction, and their advice has proved as being useless. Nevertheless, I remain thankful for the small amount of financial assistance I get from the agency, while hoping to secure a job.

I went to several staffing agencies, and they don’t know what to do with me. Because I have experience and education in research, policy analysis, communications/public relations, government and non profit coordination, I don’t fit into any of their temp, or entry level positions. No matter how willing I am to do ANY work, they don’t return my messages.

On top of all this applying and searching, I’ve gone to five career fairs. Expressing interest and credentials, I am not considered, because they assume I’d expect higher pay, and they doubt my willingness to work for any period of time (because I’d would supposedly drop an assignment when I get a position in my career).

All I want is to work. I have great references, transcripts, and a letter of recommendation from my previous employer at the University of Alberta.

reviewr

I have professional experience in:

RESEARCH and ANALYSIS (Mostly Social Science Policies: Public Policy, Health Policy, Energy, Environment, Economic, Social, Urban Planning, Population and Demographics).

COORDINATIONS (Studies Projects Campaigns, Marketing, Research, Planning, Communications, Public Relations, Inter Departmental, Internet and Social Media).

SUPPORT (In Everything Above)

TEACHING (Without needing a long recertification process in Alberta, I can teach College Social Sciences. Otherwise known as junior college to Americans)

…but of course any reasonable job will do. It can be wage earning…I even know and do less complicated carpentry).

…and of course (though not done since 2008) I am still skilled as a DJ, Remixer (I’ve done authorized remixes for Bran Van 3000 and Cassius), Producer, Sound Engineer, Promoter, Event Marketer/Blogger (paid).

Back to my original point about this blog:

I’ve been broke for nearly 4 months. Over these months I have sold everything of value I own, even most of my furniture, and my wall paintings. I get food from a food bank, and all of my bills are (way) past due.

My parents in Miami, help as they can, but it’s very little. Thankfully, it’s helped me go this long without income…and going homeless.

I don’t have very many friends here, and no family at all. I haven’t had a relationship with a girl since I left the States in July 2008. It can be lonely at times - most times. Added together, my life is just getting depressing.

When I’m not in a state of disbelief, I’m just sad. I think too much about my doubts, regrets, and future.

So for now…I don’t have it in me to update Edmonton Bangers. Sorry.

As Soon As I Start WORKING Again, I PROMISE To Bring Updates Back On A REGULAR Basis

Hopefully, you’ll still be around by then.

Thank you for understating.

Please, check back once in a while. With a little luck, I’ll be writing for the scene I love, in my newly adopted city

Apr 25: Nero @ Starlite Room

nero 2

18+ in the Starlite Room on Apr 25, 2011 at 8:00pm

Ticket info $20 at Foosh, Blackbyrd, Brixx and Primeboxoffice.com

If you’re holding out for one party/event this month….this is the one. Nero is Dubstep, but you don’t have to be a hardcore fan of the genre to dig this sound. So if you’re new to the Dubstep sound, or you want to introduce people to it, this is where you should be. Nobody understands Dubstep until you hear it at a party (just like DnB and Electro).

Those who know the sound of the wobble….know Nero. I don’t have to explain it at all. One of the best Dubstep producer/Djs I’ve ever heard.

EDMONTON BANGERS APPROVED AND RECOMMENDED *

Das Capital

Apr 21: Raekwon and Politic Live @ Starlite Room

raekwon

18+ in the Starlite Room on Apr 21, 2011 at 9:00pm Ticket info Tickets $30 at Foundationconcerts.com Brixx, Soular, Permanent Records, Listen and Blackbyrd

Hip hop is getting good up in this town. I’m impressed….check this one out. There is more to come at Starlite, in terms of hip hop, in the near future.

Das Capital

Apr 22: Sander Van Doorn @ Empire Ballroom

sander van doorn

Another Boodang party…..

TICKETS: $25 + SC (EARLYBIRD) / $30 + SC (ADVANCE) EARLYBIRD EXCLUSIVE AT WWW.BOODANG.COM // VENDORS // BUY YOUR TICKETS FROM WWW.BOODANG.COM! // EDMONTON Foosh // 10544C Whyte Ave // 780.491.6980 Occulist // West Edmonton Mall // 780.444.7972 Shadified // 13620 93 ST Northgate // 780.457.4446 Restricted Elite // Londonderry Mall // 780.758.9996 Restricted Elite // Kingsway Mall // 780.477.9547 To keep updated on all future events please join: Boodang Music Canada FB Group -> http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2262359604 Following us on Twitter -> http://www.twitter.com/boodang WWW.BOODANG.COM // VENDORS // BUY YOUR TICKETS FROM WWW.BOODANG.COM! // EDMONTON Foosh // 10544C Whyte Ave // 780.491.6980 Occulist // West Edmonton Mall // 780.444.7972 Shadified // 13620 93 ST Northgate // 780.457.4446 Restricted Elite // Londonderry Mall // 780.758.9996 Restricted Elite // Kingsway Mall // 780.477.9547 To keep updated on all future events please join: Boodang Music Canada FB Group -> http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2262359604 Following us on Twitter -> http://www.twitter.com/boodang TEXT ‘BOODANG’ TO 66937 OR SUBSCRIBE TO THE BOODANG NEWSLETTER (www.boodang.com) TO KEEP UPDATED ON UPCOMING EVENTS AND CHANCE TO WIN FREE TICKETS. YOUR PHONE WILL NOT BE CHARGED.

Not much to say about this one…but….if you have time…and you’re a real fan…go. Otherwise nothing new, or worth writing home about.

Das Capital

Apr 15: Paul Van Dyk @ Edmonton Expo Hall D Arena

pvd

Paul van Dyk @ Edmonton Expo Centre

4-15-2011 BOODANG, CONNECTED & AQUA AUDIO PRESENTS: 04.15.11 | EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE

(Northlands Park) END OF CLASSES PARTY FEATURING: PAUL VAN DYK WWW.PAULVANDYK.COM

FULL DETAILS AT PVD.BOODANG.COM

PUBLIC ON-SALE: Remaining tickets will be available to the general public on Saturday February 26th, 2011 at 11AM ¨C available at all ticket vendors. TICKET PRICES: (service charges may vary depending on vendors) $42 ¨C GENERAL ADMISSION $52 ¨C GENERAL ADMISSION $62 ¨C GENERAL ADMISSION $87 ¨C LIMITED VIP (Front of Line Admission, VIP Section With Separate Bar & Lanyard) ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï T I C K E T . V E N D O R S ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï BUY YOUR TICKETS FROM WWW.BOODANG.COM! // EDMONTON Foosh // 10544C Whyte Ave // 780.491.6980 Occulist // West Edmonton Mall // 780.444.7972 Shadified // 13620 93 ST Northgate // 780.457.4446 Restricted Elite // Londonderry Mall // 780.758.9996 //CALGARY The Gallery // 113 ¨C 1013 17 AVE SW // Next Level // 101-3608 17 Ave Calgary // 403.204.0205 Next Level // 6517 Bowness Road Calgary // 403.451.7201 Next Level // 408 - 950 Queensland Drive SE // 403.269.6963 // ONLINE & PHONE BUY FROM WWW.BOODANG.COM & WWW.CONNECTEDEVENTS.CA TICKETMASTER - WWW.TICKETMASTER.CA - 7804518000 FULL DETAILS AT PVD.BOODANG.COM To keep updated on all future events please join: Boodang Music Canada FB Group -> http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2262359604 WWW.BOODANG.COM! // EDMONTON Foosh // 10544C Whyte Ave // 780.491.6980 Occulist // West Edmonton Mall // 780.444.7972 Shadified // 13620 93 ST Northgate // 780.457.4446 Restricted Elite // Londonderry Mall // 780.758.9996 //CALGARY The Gallery // 113 ¨C 1013 17 AVE SW // Next Level // 101-3608 17 Ave Calgary // 403.204.0205 Next Level // 6517 Bowness Road Calgary // 403.451.7201 Next Level // 408 - 950 Queensland Drive SE // 403.269.6963 // ONLINE & PHONE BUY FROM WWW.BOODANG.COM & WWW.CONNECTEDEVENTS.CA TICKETMASTER - WWW.TICKETMASTER.CA - 7804518000 FULL DETAILS AT PVD.BOODANG.COM To keep updated on all future events please join: Boodang Music Canada FB Group -> http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2262359604 TEXT ‘BOODANG’ TO 66937 OR SUBSCRIBE TO THE BOODANG NEWSLETTER (www.boodang.com) TO KEEP UPDATED ON UPCOMING EVENTS AND CHANCE TO WIN FREE TICKETS. YOUR PHONE WILL NOT BE CHARGED.

I’ve come to hate many a trance DJ/Producer….but never PVD. He’s one of the first people I’ve ever reached out to in the industry back in the late 1990s. Always the pioneer…nice guy….the face of modern pop electronic (in my opinion…he towers over Tiesto). A show to see!!!

Das Capital

Why Are March and April So Slow For Electronic Music Events?

ultra

Ultra Fest 2011 Line Up

As a Miami native, I can say that I know first-hand what happens to our music scene every March and April - the World Music Conference (WMC). Basically, every year the entire electronic music industry, from promoters to producers, descend on Miami for the annual WMC. The conference decides who and what is important to our respective scenes. It’s a great place for industry money makers to pat each other on the back, and decide who will, or won’t be allowed in the “club.”

If you live in Miami, or anywhere nearby, as I have from 1999-2008, it’s a month of massive parties. Still, it’s not the reason for the conference, it’s the by-product. As I mentioned before, WMC is for industry insiders. For a “light” registration fee of $400, you are allowed access to promotional workshops, topical meetings and initial releases of music and various products. Think of it as conference for any type of industry - just cooler and more exclusive.

wmc1

WMC DJ Workshop

WMC Panel

In between the meetings and events of the World Music Conference, lots of promotional events are put on day or night. The events are basically parties to you and me. The people throwing them can be manufacturers (like Stanton, Pioneer, Vestax, Apple, Native, etc), labels, DJ syndicates or promoters. A lot of the time they combine forces and throw bigger parties, like my personal favorite, The Future Sound of Breaks annual (Miami is home to breakbeats, from funky to electro).

fsob 2010

Future Sound of Breaks 2010 Line Up (My Personal Favorite WMC Party)

Future Sound of Breaks 2011 Line Up (My Personal Favorite WMC Party)

The major party of the Conference is Ultra Fest. I can easily say it’s the world’s biggest party - year after year. When it first began as a beach party in 1999, Ultra was a daylong event with regional talent Baby Anne and Rabbit in the Moon. In 2000, Ultra was headlined by Sasha and Digweed. As Ultra evolved the headliners grew in number, and so did the massive scale of the party. Now the Ultra party is three days, in a huge state park, with several stages. Almost every DJ and producer that you know, and so many others we don’t, are on the bill. The cost to attend is retarded, just a little below $100 a day. If you attend the WMC, as a registrant, or your considered an insider, it’s free.

ultra crowd

Ultra Fest Main Stage

Ultra Fest Crowd

I used to love the WMC months when I lived in Miami - but not past 2003. Now it’s where all richest people from all over the world come to party, because they can afford it. Most of the attendees and party revelers that attend WMC parties (and Ultra), don’t have a real understanding for the music. Lots of attendees nowadays are Euro trash, or rich South Americans that have made events overcrowded and too expensive to attend. I feel poor next to them because I can’t even afford to buy water anymore. In 2008, a bottle of water at Ultra was $10, and you had to wait in line for over an hour to get it. If you can afford the Ultra VIP package you get waited on, with no lines, and special areas away crowded masses - upfront.

Nothing like our hardworking Edmontonians

“…um…can you like tell me who the DJ playing is??…He to-tally rocks”

Sometimes I’m glad I traded Miami for Edmonton

So to get back to my point. Parties, concerts, massives, etc, die-off worldwide each year because they all converge on one place - Miami. WMC began in earnest, but now it’s becoming more of a spectacle for insiders and rich tourists, rather than a place for real heads to meet, talk and share. And that’s a same.

-Das Capital

Edmonton Bangers

Bran Van 3000

Problems

DOWNLOAD song from Edmonton Bangers (mediafire link)

___________

Bran Van 3000

Problems (Opium For The Masses remix)

DOWNLOAD this song from Edmonton Bangers (Mediafire link….no preview available)

_______

Remember this Canadian Buzz band of the 1990s? BV3 was really popular for a while, then everyone forgot about them. Sad, because they were everything you could ask of a band. They were eclectic, with styles from hip hop to dub to house.

They are best know for their songs: “Drinking in LA” and “Afrodiziak.”

“Problems” was a much harder edged punk track. I Really love it, but it’s short and not dancefloor friendly. So check out the Opium For The Masses remix as well, it was supposed to be the dance solution. Unfortunately, only a few DJs picked up the remix when it came out in 2005.

Das Capital

Cassius

I Love U So (TROWA remix)

DOWNLOAD this song from Edmonton Bangers (Mediafire link)

Bonus Track:

Cassius

Toop Toop (Opium For The Masses Remix)

DOWNLOAD this track (EB Mediafire link…sorry no preview)

Been really liking Cassius remixes. The original band, from France, is very funky - disco house/french house. So it’s great to hear remixes of their stuff that is straight dark.

-Das Capital