by Don Kainoa, HAWT SF
Hello Internet! First of all, I apologize to any NKOTB fans that may have stumbled upon these musings and were looking for a review on their new CD; I am unapologetically ignorant in that musical realm.. but I'm sure its a superb album. Rather, this interweb log (or webbedlog for short) deals with my own experience being the newest official member of the HAWT familia.
Some of the folks reading this might be thinking, "Who the F is this guy?" And "You ain't HAWT bish!" You would have a good reason to think that.. mostly because I only joined recently and I probably haven't met a lot of the good people of the HAWT Movement. But rest assured, this ain't a "Palin-like" announcement; I've been around for awhile and I hope to bring a lot to the crew..
I met Mikey a couple of years ago in Miami while HAWT was still in its infant stages. To know where it started and to see where it is today is a testament to Mr. Velazquez and the crew.. I am definitely honored to be a part of this whole 'ting! ..And just as he mentioned in an earlier blog, I agree that HAWT can encompass many things and include a lot of different kinds of music.
Although I am a househead through and through, I would like bring more downtempo/hip-hop, soul, funk, midtempo, brokenbeat into the mix.. all the while keeping the HAWT feeling. I hear a lot of the "old" folks (although I'm probably one of them) wax poetic about how you used to be able to hear house, techno, hip-hop, funk, disco, and soul all mixed together at the same party.. and I would like to see that happen a bit more as well.
HAWT will ALWAYS be known for house, it's what we do. and we do it well.. At the same time, I feel we can bring back that all encompassing vibe by bringing more types of music into the fray..
SO.. that's enough for now I think.. I will be posted up north, helping Roque and the gang grow the HAWT presence in San Frandisco and trying to push some of the non-house music that we are into. I'd like to know the the innernet's thoughts on this, so hit me up with a comment or flame the ish outta me!
peas.
Don
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
JACKFROST Toy Drive
Every December since 2006, we put an event together called JACKFROST here in LA. The idea is to host a night of great music, beautiful art, and bring people together to celebrate this wonderful life and the holiday season, all in the name of giving back.
We host the JACKFROST TOY DRIVE leading up to this event in order to give back in any way we can, by simply raising money and toys for Inner City Los Angeles children who could really use a smile on their face this time of year. It is this spirit of giving that creates a magical energy at JACKFROST. The first year we raised several bags full of toys and a hundred bucks. The next year, we quadrupled the amount, and with the help of our good friend Carrie and many others we shattered the previous year's collection.
Email me at mikey@hawtmusic.com for more information.
We are now beginning to get our Jackfrost Toy Drive team together, so if you would like to volunteer in anyway, please touch base with me or anyone of the HAWT family.
Stay tuned for more information on this year's JACKFROST event in Los Angeles. It will be in mid-December as always, and we look forward to sharing another special night with you. Hopefully we can once again shatter last year's Toy Drive and spread some holiday love with even more kids =)
Here is a clip from last year's JACKFROST Winter Wonderland 2007 w/ DJ Justin Long.
We host the JACKFROST TOY DRIVE leading up to this event in order to give back in any way we can, by simply raising money and toys for Inner City Los Angeles children who could really use a smile on their face this time of year. It is this spirit of giving that creates a magical energy at JACKFROST. The first year we raised several bags full of toys and a hundred bucks. The next year, we quadrupled the amount, and with the help of our good friend Carrie and many others we shattered the previous year's collection.
Email me at mikey@hawtmusic.com for more information.
We are now beginning to get our Jackfrost Toy Drive team together, so if you would like to volunteer in anyway, please touch base with me or anyone of the HAWT family.
Stay tuned for more information on this year's JACKFROST event in Los Angeles. It will be in mid-December as always, and we look forward to sharing another special night with you. Hopefully we can once again shatter last year's Toy Drive and spread some holiday love with even more kids =)
Here is a clip from last year's JACKFROST Winter Wonderland 2007 w/ DJ Justin Long.
Friday, October 10, 2008
CALENDAR: Upcoming HAWT Schedule & Events in Los Angeles & San Francisco!
UPCOMING HAWT SCHEDULE in both Los Angeles & San Francisco!!!!
To see LARGE Views of Flyers CLICK HERE
***********************************************************************
Santiago & Bushido's 1st ever LA performance w/ Easily Influenced!!!!
HAWT in SAN FRANCISCO! BLOG LAUNCH PARTY!!!
Bristol Sessions 7 Year Anniversary w/ JB & Easily Influenced in OC!
DUFFLEBAG 10 Year Anniversary & Halloween Madness!!!!!!
SNEAK BIRTHDAY BEATS in LOS ANGELES!!!!! w/ Special Guest TBA
SNEAK BIRTHDAY BEATS in SAN FRANCISCO!!!!! Insane Line Up!!!!!
AND OF COURSE.......
JACKFROST COMING BACK in DECEMBER! STAY TUNED!!!!!
=)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Just For The RECORD
by Eddie Barajas, HAWT Los Angeles
Hard to believe the year is winding down, it has been a busy one for all of us at HAWT . Mikey and Gelly have been relentlessly crankin' out the jammies this year, seeing a couple of their tracks being pressed was a surreal experience! Magana has also released some music as well! The HAWT label is finally seeing the light of day. As Mikey mentioned in a previous blog, going through two distribution deals is a definitely a rough ride, and with the current state of affairs with labels going digital, less and less vinyl is being pressed, and that makes a HUGE impact...on me.
Thinking back on it, it's pretty nutty to think that just a few years ago, Los Angeles had a decent amount of record stores. I remember when at any given time, I could've gone to 6 or 7 DIFFERENT spots to hit up for vinyl; Amoeba , Aaron's Records, DMC, Street Sounds, This is Music, Beat Non Stop / Temple of Boom, not to mention the infamous WAX store on Melrose Ave. Now it's just a handful. No doubt that Amoeba reigns supreme. It is literally the LARGEST independent music store in the NATION. I am VERY lucky to have such close access to it; I pretty much spend my lunch hour diggin' through the vinyl bins.
Some people collect comic books, I collect records; to me they are like big 12"x12" baseball cards. Having an extra copy of a record comes in REALLY handy in a trade *wink*. Which is why I sometimes will have a third copy on hand.. you know, one to play, one for back-up, and one for trade!
That reminds me, I got to give a buddy of mine in SF one that I've stumbled onto while diggin.
I'm currently diggin' through MY OWN collection, for a couple of mixes that I am putting together this weekend. Sure I'll sprinkle a couple of Mp3's in there, but for the most part I'll stick to vinyl. I'm excited about putting together these mixes as i haven't done so in a while. I am also VERY excited about what's coming up for HAWT as the year does indeed wind to a close...
It was last year's Love Fest weekend that saw the LAUNCH of HAWT SF, and SF received us with open arms and dancing feet, our favorite! And of course it is NOT TOO EARLY to start thinking about the fact that JACK FROST is around the corner!!! That's right!! Probably our most favorite party of the year, we especially love how the community gets together and thinks of the less fortunate than us, and really get in the spirit of giving.
That being said, don't limit yourself to once a year - go out there everyday and be considerate of those around you...you'll be surprised at the impact you make.
Hard to believe the year is winding down, it has been a busy one for all of us at HAWT . Mikey and Gelly have been relentlessly crankin' out the jammies this year, seeing a couple of their tracks being pressed was a surreal experience! Magana has also released some music as well! The HAWT label is finally seeing the light of day. As Mikey mentioned in a previous blog, going through two distribution deals is a definitely a rough ride, and with the current state of affairs with labels going digital, less and less vinyl is being pressed, and that makes a HUGE impact...on me.
Thinking back on it, it's pretty nutty to think that just a few years ago, Los Angeles had a decent amount of record stores. I remember when at any given time, I could've gone to 6 or 7 DIFFERENT spots to hit up for vinyl; Amoeba , Aaron's Records, DMC, Street Sounds, This is Music, Beat Non Stop / Temple of Boom, not to mention the infamous WAX store on Melrose Ave. Now it's just a handful. No doubt that Amoeba reigns supreme. It is literally the LARGEST independent music store in the NATION. I am VERY lucky to have such close access to it; I pretty much spend my lunch hour diggin' through the vinyl bins.
Some people collect comic books, I collect records; to me they are like big 12"x12" baseball cards. Having an extra copy of a record comes in REALLY handy in a trade *wink*. Which is why I sometimes will have a third copy on hand.. you know, one to play, one for back-up, and one for trade!
That reminds me, I got to give a buddy of mine in SF one that I've stumbled onto while diggin.
I'm currently diggin' through MY OWN collection, for a couple of mixes that I am putting together this weekend. Sure I'll sprinkle a couple of Mp3's in there, but for the most part I'll stick to vinyl. I'm excited about putting together these mixes as i haven't done so in a while. I am also VERY excited about what's coming up for HAWT as the year does indeed wind to a close...
It was last year's Love Fest weekend that saw the LAUNCH of HAWT SF, and SF received us with open arms and dancing feet, our favorite! And of course it is NOT TOO EARLY to start thinking about the fact that JACK FROST is around the corner!!! That's right!! Probably our most favorite party of the year, we especially love how the community gets together and thinks of the less fortunate than us, and really get in the spirit of giving.
That being said, don't limit yourself to once a year - go out there everyday and be considerate of those around you...you'll be surprised at the impact you make.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
San Francisco LOVEFEST 2008 : A Review
by Roque Santos, HAWT San Francisco
In the days leading up to the parade meteorologists predicted rain, and local clubbers held their breath in fear that the event would fill with showers. However, on October 4, 2008 San Francisco’s Civic Center Square was blessed by the Glow Stick God, who gifted us with a perfect day. The Parade, which started at 2nd and Mission and ended at the Civic Center, consisted of dozens of flatbed trucks housing mounds of sound, superstar DJ’s, and electronic music. Following the various floats were hipsters, guidos, clubbers, ravers, burners, hippies, naked gay guys, and the rest of San Francisco’s dedicated electronic music heads. In short, this event was a blast and was well worth the travels for our out-of-town visitors. There are a couple of things that stick out in my mind about this event, and some of these memories will haunt me for the rest of my life.
First off, this year’s “hipsters” really caught everyone’s attention, and it wasn’t their 1991 Jane Fonda-day-glow-work-out gear I’m talking about either. It was the superfluous amount of designer drugs coursing through their veins, which caused them to piss, vomit, and eventually pass out on the steps of the Mayor’s office. But lets face it, the only differences are that when I was their age I was wearing ridiculous clothes and doing designer drugs, but it was at night and I had to pay. I could talk more about the floats and getting drunk with friends, but pictures speak a thousand words.
In the days leading up to the parade meteorologists predicted rain, and local clubbers held their breath in fear that the event would fill with showers. However, on October 4, 2008 San Francisco’s Civic Center Square was blessed by the Glow Stick God, who gifted us with a perfect day. The Parade, which started at 2nd and Mission and ended at the Civic Center, consisted of dozens of flatbed trucks housing mounds of sound, superstar DJ’s, and electronic music. Following the various floats were hipsters, guidos, clubbers, ravers, burners, hippies, naked gay guys, and the rest of San Francisco’s dedicated electronic music heads. In short, this event was a blast and was well worth the travels for our out-of-town visitors. There are a couple of things that stick out in my mind about this event, and some of these memories will haunt me for the rest of my life.
First off, this year’s “hipsters” really caught everyone’s attention, and it wasn’t their 1991 Jane Fonda-day-glow-work-out gear I’m talking about either. It was the superfluous amount of designer drugs coursing through their veins, which caused them to piss, vomit, and eventually pass out on the steps of the Mayor’s office. But lets face it, the only differences are that when I was their age I was wearing ridiculous clothes and doing designer drugs, but it was at night and I had to pay. I could talk more about the floats and getting drunk with friends, but pictures speak a thousand words.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
HAWT Music: The Label & 1st Release
by Mikey Velazquez
So the blog is up an running, and tomorrow marks Day one of our HAWTCAST featuring the Live DERRICK CARTER Mix from the HAWT Music Label Launch Party. We hope you guys check it out as it was a very special party for us, and an exceptional night of music.
That being said, many people have asked us when our 1st record is going to be released. We have had some issues regarding that, and finally we have some light at the end of the tunnel getting distribution settled and on the way. In other words, you will not only see the "official OFFICIAL Launch of the label", which will begin with vinyl presses(yes, VINYL!), but you will also see the digital end follow soon thereafter, giving you the option of purchasing either one. It has been a long hard road to this point with many twists and turns. We have had 2 different P&D deals in place that have withered away because of distros going down. We are at a major crossroads in music right now, and it's very difficult.
You see, we have always wanted to do this right. We always wanted to press records and get our music out as much as possible. We could have easily done our label digitally over a year ago, but then we would have compromised our objective to cut corners, and that would not be right. Anyhow, if all goes well you will see our first releases dropping on both vinyl and digital download before the year's end =)
In case you haven't heard it yet, the 1st release is an EASILY INFLUENCED original called "ROCKIT". (listen here: www.myspace.com/thehawtmusic It's funny because it was one of the first tracks that Gelly and I made that we were ever happy with, so we decided to make it our first release. Our style has changed significantly since that point over 2 years ago, not good nor bad, just different. Rounding out the release are remixes (aka REHEATS) by 3 producers we admire very much. First of all, we chose to have some local Southern California representation on the label, something we intend on showcasing alot in the future since we have so much talent here alive and kicking! The first one is THOMAS WHITE of NATURAL RHYTHM, who has always been one of our fave producers over the years. Along with Pete Williams, and more recently on his own, Thomas has consistently put out dancefloor bomb after dancefloor bomb, showing versatility and talent with funky, jazzy, dirty goodness.
The second reheat is by our good buddy and Balance-Hollywood resident, JOSHUA HEATH. This guy is amazing, and is merely scratching the surface of his potential. He has been blowing up over the last 2 years plus putting out releases consistently on mega labels such as Miguel Migs' SALTED & Inland Knights' DROP MUSIC among others. The guy is super talented and has a magic touch always putting his signature funky sound one everything he does. He also plays live bass and other instruments too on his music, which is why it always sounds so warm and juicy, heheheh. Anyhow peep that out on or page as well! www.myspace.com/thehawtmusic
Finally, the last but definitely not least reheat on our HAWT Music 001, is by none other than the almighty DERRICK CARTER himself. I have no problem admitting that DC is my absolute favorite. He always has been over the years, for well over a decade and if it were not for him I may not be on the path that I'm on today. You might think it sounds cheesy, but we all have people we look up to, admire, and try to pattern ourselves after. He is the reason I fell in love with this music, and I will be forever grateful to him, his music, his production, his DJing, and his label. Not to mention, when I first met him I realized that he was one of the most down to earth, sweetest individuals you will ever meet! I already had the utmost respect for him and when i saw that he was just so smooth, it really taught me alot, and I am thankful. Anyhow, DC did the last reheat on the release and you should peep that one too! www.myspace.com/thehawtmusic
Finally, that rounds out our first release, so please remain patient as it should be available by the end of this year! Soon thereafter, we will have a steady schedule of releases for HAWT Music on both vinyl and digital. More info coming soon!
That being said, if you have any questions, want more information, would like to be added to our email list or simply wanna find out how to get involved in the HAWT Movement, email me!
mikey@hawtmusic.com
Lookout for tomorrow's blog by our own HAWT SF chief ROQUE SANTOS, as well as our 1st HAWTCAST featuring the DERRICK CARTER MIX, LIVE @ the HAWT MUSIC LABEL LAUNCH PARTY!!!!!
Just go to: www.thehawtmovement.com
Monday, October 6, 2008
THE HAWT MOVEMENT: The Vision
by Mikey Velazquez
So this marks the official launch of our daily HAWT Blog! Buyakasha!!!!
Back in June, I started this page to challenge myself to write everyday (something I have always loved to do), and give an introspective look into all things HAWT: the music, our label, our parties, DJ gigs......ranging all the way to music I have been inspired by, politics, community awareness, sports, the arts, book reviews, film, comedy, and of course random nonsense! After all, isn't that basically what a blog is? That is what makes it so cool, because there are no rules, there are no boundaries or editors or publishers. It's a blog and you can write about whatever you want.
So starting today, our HAWT Blog will be much more fun and much more involving and fresh and. We have a large family, ranging from our DJ's of HAWT Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, to many known and not as known DJ/producer/promoter friends, to just friends and family in general all over the world. This will merely showcase the various insights we are comprised of and keep readers interested (hopefully!).
The original vision for The HAWT Movement was sparked years ago when we wondered why things had to be so one dimensional? Promoters threw parties. Party people had a good time at those parties. DJ's played at parties. Producers made music. Sure some people do them all, but why couldn't there be more? We wanted to have a clothing line. We wanted to raise money for needy kids and give back to the community, eventually starting a non-profit organization to raise money for. We wanted to do all these things, bring people together and have a good old time, together under one roof listening to good music, all in the name of having fun and promoting a good cause. Now it's not quite there, trust me, but the wheels are still churning and we're just warming up.
We are all huge fans of music. Music makes us tick. Think about our world without it? BORING! Music is an essential part of the world and we want to acknowledge that. Personally I love many styles of it, and the mantra behind our philosophy has always been "if it's HAWT it's HAWT", and that is what drives the idea behind our record label and music. We got the idea from our all time favorite one, Classic Recordings, which simply put out CLASSIC records. There wasn't a pigeon-hole to it, just quality music. Funky, techy, deep, jazzy, swingy, soulful, quirky, forward-thinking, downtempo, hip hop, etc. Why not? This will be seen more and more with the releases we have in the future. It's about acceptance, not just musically but generally, and that is what House Music history has always taught us. That is why we love it, and we take those special ingredients to put our own little twist on it, HAWT Style.
Starting this Wednesday and every Wednesday thereafter, we will also spark up our HAWTCAST, aka HAWT Music Podcast that will feature DJ mixes and radio style programs featuring interviews, details on future events, and much more. This week's HAWT Mix will be none other than Derrick Carter's from our HAWT Music Label Launch Party earlier this year in Los Angeles. We hope you take a listen and relive the night with us!
So this marks the official launch of our daily HAWT Blog! Buyakasha!!!!
Back in June, I started this page to challenge myself to write everyday (something I have always loved to do), and give an introspective look into all things HAWT: the music, our label, our parties, DJ gigs......ranging all the way to music I have been inspired by, politics, community awareness, sports, the arts, book reviews, film, comedy, and of course random nonsense! After all, isn't that basically what a blog is? That is what makes it so cool, because there are no rules, there are no boundaries or editors or publishers. It's a blog and you can write about whatever you want.
So starting today, our HAWT Blog will be much more fun and much more involving and fresh and. We have a large family, ranging from our DJ's of HAWT Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, to many known and not as known DJ/producer/promoter friends, to just friends and family in general all over the world. This will merely showcase the various insights we are comprised of and keep readers interested (hopefully!).
The original vision for The HAWT Movement was sparked years ago when we wondered why things had to be so one dimensional? Promoters threw parties. Party people had a good time at those parties. DJ's played at parties. Producers made music. Sure some people do them all, but why couldn't there be more? We wanted to have a clothing line. We wanted to raise money for needy kids and give back to the community, eventually starting a non-profit organization to raise money for. We wanted to do all these things, bring people together and have a good old time, together under one roof listening to good music, all in the name of having fun and promoting a good cause. Now it's not quite there, trust me, but the wheels are still churning and we're just warming up.
We are all huge fans of music. Music makes us tick. Think about our world without it? BORING! Music is an essential part of the world and we want to acknowledge that. Personally I love many styles of it, and the mantra behind our philosophy has always been "if it's HAWT it's HAWT", and that is what drives the idea behind our record label and music. We got the idea from our all time favorite one, Classic Recordings, which simply put out CLASSIC records. There wasn't a pigeon-hole to it, just quality music. Funky, techy, deep, jazzy, swingy, soulful, quirky, forward-thinking, downtempo, hip hop, etc. Why not? This will be seen more and more with the releases we have in the future. It's about acceptance, not just musically but generally, and that is what House Music history has always taught us. That is why we love it, and we take those special ingredients to put our own little twist on it, HAWT Style.
Starting this Wednesday and every Wednesday thereafter, we will also spark up our HAWTCAST, aka HAWT Music Podcast that will feature DJ mixes and radio style programs featuring interviews, details on future events, and much more. This week's HAWT Mix will be none other than Derrick Carter's from our HAWT Music Label Launch Party earlier this year in Los Angeles. We hope you take a listen and relive the night with us!
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