At 5pm last Friday, I grabbed the nearest ottoman and posted up a comfortable two feet from the TV screen, eager to capture a still image of Luv’s national prime-time television debut. After anxiously watching The Seven’s other segments, Luv popped up at Number 3 as “the DJ to the stars” – a pretty solid accolade coming from MTV.

Luv’s interview captured her magnetic personality, electric presence, and sheer love of the arts. She talked about her influential conversations with the late DJ AM, where he pointed out, “you should deejay, you know so much about music… you should try” – later that week, she bought all the equipment, and began to teach herself the ropes. AM was right, and a few years of hard work later, she’s sharing her love of deejaying with the world.

When the segment originally aired, Luv was deejaying at her weekly Friday residency at the Mondrian pool in Los Angeles and couldn’t tune in, but her Twitter followers were eager to let her know she completely rocked the interview. (You can tweet @LindsayLuv to let her know what you thought)

A big, well-deserved Congratulations to Lindsay Luv for past and present accomplishments – we’re all excited to see (and hear) what’s next. Until I make it out to Los Angeles, I’ll be passing the time listening to her newly released live mix from her weekly residency at the Mondrian pool, aptly titled “Who LUVS You,” which I highly suggest downloading below.

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Who LUVS You *Live by DJ Lindsay Luv

Photo Credits: Top Banner Image via Seasick Mama, Article Image via Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Event

Compilations like this remind me why I made this website – to separate the talent from the masses, the art from the clutter, and the music from the noise.  “Rhyme & Reason” reflects the wide range of original influences that both niche clothing companies incorporate into their product. Not surprisingly, celebrities and Hamptonite’s agree that their retail stores in both New York City and The Hamptons are the “best boutiques by a long shot.”

“Rhyme & Reason” is now in stock at both Blue and Cream’s retail locations (1 East 1st St in New York City and 60 The Circle in East Hampton), as well as at both company websites. I highly suggest paying a visit to one of their stores – you’ll be the clothing and music envy of everybody at your Memorial Day Weekend gatherings.

(On a related note, I recently bought a few Tee’s from Reason Clothing and really love the style and fit… and I’m extremely picky. Check out their merchandise here)

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Blue & Cream and Reason Clothing present “Rhyme & Reason” by DJPRICE

I learned last night around midnight that Fashion Indie Volume 3 drops today – after a couple Tylenol PM’s, I was finally able calm down enough to sleep, eager for the big day. Those who’ve been audibly entertained by Volumes (or Masterpieces?) 1 and 2 most certainly share my excitement and rampant pre-release insomnia.

My first listen to Dj Chachi (Twitter: @Dj_Chachi) mixes are usually just me sitting here in awe, amazed at the consistency of his creativity and musical prowess. Questions flowing through my mind usually include “WHERE did he find this track?” “HOW did he think to put these tracks side by side” and “WOW, have I ever told him how talented he is?” I probably have, but accolades like that don’t go to Chachi’s head; instead, he works with the same hustle and attitude that got him to where he is.

What’s the next step when you’re the number 1 deejay (in many people’s eyes) in the world’s capital of New York City; where can you go when you’re already hitting your head on the ceiling?

For Chachi, the answer is simple: help others, spread knowledge, and be a mentor of younger deejays getting into the game. Hey Team Chachi, with a teacher like that, I’ll be expecting very big things for many years to come!

[Image via KirillWasHere.com, obviously]



Fashion Indie Volume 3 by DJ Chachi

It’s been too long since my last post – college has been keeping me in a head lock, but I managed to break free for a minute to post up the mixes that have been helping me maintain my sanity.

I’m also still recovering from the trip to Miami. I had a great time meeting up with the DAYGLOW family, Robbie Rivera at Juicy Beach, and too many good friends to count. If you want to relive (or witness) the insanity that was Miami Music Week, Kirill documented every notable moment of the debauchery and teamed up with MTV News to share it with the world.

In the near future, stay tuned for a big collaboration in the works with Dj Kalkutta and Michelle Madonna – it centers around one of your favorite twitter personalities. That’s all I can hint for now!

Also, I think I have a sleek newsletter coming soon if my web designer can get his attention span under control, so please be sure to sign up in the right hand side column.

Hope to see you all in your cities soon!

Matt

P.S. Let’s be Twitter friends

Top 40/Open-Format Pick:

Unrivaled Mixtape Vol 2.

Individually, the deejays in Unrivaled would all catch my attention. But together, Kevin Scott, Melo D, Spryte, Reflex, and E-Man have synergized their talents to create a deejay collective that is, well, unrivaled. Get the full story behind the Unrivaled deejays on their website. Dev’s sexy new track “In The Dark” makes an appearance at 53:00, you’re going to want to check this one out.

[Click to Download]

Unrivaled Mixtape Vol. 2 Starring DJ Melo D, DJ Spryte, DJ Kevin Scott, DJ Reflex, DJ E-man by MattBishopMusic

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House Pick:

Carlos Melange – The Melange Project V2

Carlos’ new lounge-house mix does what many mixes can’t – it lets you relax. The smoothness reminds me of my time in Spain, where clubs were filled with ambient house music that just flowed – instead of concentrating on lyrics, the music lets you to focus on your conversation. I think Spain (and Carlos) are on to something.

[Click to Download]

The Melange Project v2 by CarlosMelange

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Top 40/Open-Format Pick II:

Dj Intel – City Lights

Newcomer Dj Intel’s latest mix is a welcome addition to my music arsenal. It’s a sixty-minute ride, fusing old with new, chill with dance, and club anthems you know, with obscure ones you don’t. Simply, it just works. I’ll be hawk-eyeing Intel’s twitter for more new releases, he’s on a very promising track.

[Click to Download]

City Lights by Dj Intel

I’ve been told that delayed gratification is the first sign of maturity. If that’s the case, then I have a long ways to go – I’ve been impatiently fiending for this new mix ever since Vinny dropped One Summer Night last August.

In typical Vinny Goods fashion, “Look At Me Now” is a full hour of house and electro that’s already racking up the play counts in my iTunes.

Vinny, you’re the man. Keep the music coming!

Click here to Download

Vinny Goods – Look At Me Now by MattBishopMusic

Last Fall, Luv teamed up with Andrew Marc to create a narrative for their Fall fashion line. The popularity of the mix was huge – and even motivated me to buy an Andrew Marc wool winter jacket to go with it. Not surprisingly, Andrew Marc has welcomed Luv back to create their newest soundtrack, aptly titled Spring Fling.

Spring Fling is a Coachella–esque road trip mix inspired by the Cali coast, flashing lights, and Hollywood poolside house parties. Like any true hook-up, it starts innocently enough with artists like The Zombies and then builds up to unforeseen highs – but that’s the way love works, right?

Most recently, Luv teamed up with New York City designer Seasick Mama, and their T-shirt collaboration is now available - check it out and get the Unisex T’s or tanks. In the near future, expect a special project with America’s Next Top Model Winner CariDee English, her first international appearance in Switzerland and a full-blown Asia Tour.

In typical Luv fashion, there’s an equally cool spread by photographer Mario Peña that builds upon the care-free Cali vibe of her mix. View the photoshoot here.

Click to Download

Lindsay Luv x Andrew Marc: Spring Fling by DJ Lindsay Luv

Ted the Dillinger’s music has a special place in my iTunes. In addition to being a mentor with endless wisdom (it was Ted who suggested I use my full name in my site domain), Ted is an extremely gifted producer.

Last fall, he created the 2010 Fall Fashion Week CD for my site, and soon after, he organized the American radio debut of UK artists Dan Clare and Varski.

Dance Mix USA is Ted’s latest compilation, and it’s a sure fire way to ignite any party.  Every major house artist makes an appearance on the tracklisting, in addition to tracks from Major Lazer, Kanye, Gilbere Forte, and more.

Get it on iTunes and support real talent!

Clinton Sparks recently tweeted that the opener was playing his track. Another deejay in Atlantic City said that the room was “burnt like toast” before he could even hit the decks. Ross One drops the best hint to his opener: “I’m gonna have to get really creative after your set.”

S.K.A.M. Artist Dj Gusto sets the record straight – literally. His latest production, “This Is How You Open,” is a nostalgic set that journeys through decades with ease and readies the stage for a headlining deejay without using any of the prime-time club bangers.

In addition to his mix, Gusto offers his experiences and insider tips for all opening deejays. His framework for success covers song selection, knowing the audience, and even attitude. Take notes, this is the way it’s done!

Alternative Download Link (SoundCloud blocked the upload)

Get The Party Started

I can honestly say I have never opened for a headlining DJ with the intentions of “impressing my headlining dj peers,” and I’ve had the honor of opening for a lot of big names. I’m there to do one thing and that is have the crowd ready to go by the time the headliner goes on. The openers is not to be invisible…his job is to get that party started! I’ve been to venues where the opening DJ was better than the headliner.

Show Your Rhythm

If you want to get noticed, then work on your DJ skills and network. Any John/Jane Doe can play songs. Learn how to program when you’re deejaying – I mean, make sure your set flows and isn’t all over the place. You don’t want people saying “WTF is he/she doing?”

Make A Good Impression

Networking is so key in this industry. You want to leave an impression, not just with your music, but with your people skills as well. Don’t be DJ “TOO COOL FOR YOU.” Talk to the staff, managers, and owners. Business cards are a thing of the past in the DJ world. Nowadays, you need to hand out a CD. A CD is perfect because it showcases your work and has all your info as well. If possible, introduce yourself to the headliner BEFORE or AFTER their set. Wouldn’t hurt to hand him a CD as well. If you produce, hand him some of your productions or maybe ask for an email where you can send stuff.

Show Your Depth

Play songs that were hits years ago. Play familiar songs from the past. Play a couple songs from the present that are popular but just don’t have the energy to be a prime time song – songs that create the “Oh wow, I haven’t heard this song in a while” factor. With the internet and so much deejay software, there is no reason not to be able to open the right way.

Know Your Audience

Read the crowd. This applies to the opener, headliner and closing DJ. It’s common sense. You’re not their to play for yourself, your buddies or that girl who says “It’s my birthday!” 

Learn About The Headlining DJ

Research who you’re playing for and where you’re playing at. You don’t want to play songs, bootlegs, mashups or remixes that the DJ or artist has done. You think Lil Jon wants you playing songs that he’s on before he deejays?!? NOOOOOO!!! Find out what type of crowd you’re playing for, or ask the owner what type of vibe he wants. You’re not going to start opening at an ALL house music venue with Black & Yellow or Teach Me How To Dougie. Just like you’re not going to play Leave The World Behind at an ALL hip hop venue.

Organize Yourself

Make it easy on yourself and create a playlist, crate – or whatever you deejay with – that has opening songs. I have opening crates for each genre of music.

And Most Importantly

Remember that every headliner started as an opener.

More of Gusto:

Twitter | Tumblr | S.K.A.M. Artist Management

Kalkutta is the mash-up Queen in her new “Boy Talk” mix, inspired by the ADHD genre-hopping performances of mega deejay, Girl Talk. In typical Kalkutta fashion, her natural creativity fuses with her production skills to create musical gems.

Not surprisingly, many have taken notice of Kalkutta’s stylings – Will Smith’s best friend asked her to mash “Whip My Hair,” which Willow herself has heard and loved (it might even be used on her upcoming tour with Justin Bieber). “Boy Talk” is an addicting compilation of 14 genre-crossing mash-ups,  many of which Kalkutta produced herself.

Most recently, Kalkutta spun BET’s Rip the Runway event for Melanie Fiona, which airs March 21^st. In the near future, you can find Kalkutta deejaying shows for Ke$ha, Ludacris, and LMFAO.

She’ll also be competing in the Red Bull Thre3style Dj Competition April 22^nd at Williamsburg Music Hall in NYC, so be sure to show her some love!

Dj Kalkutta – Boy Talk [Download]
Boy Talk by dj kalkutta

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Tracklisting:

1. “Intergalactic Robot Rock” Beastie Boys/Daft Punk
2. “Wannabe a Bad Bitch” Mike Jones/Spice Girls
3. “Shut Up and Let My Milkshake Go” Black Eyed Peas/The Ting Tings/Kelis
4. “Yeah, Lucky Star” Usher/Madonna
5. “Move Like an Egyptian” The Bangles/Nina Sky
6. “1999 N Fun” N.E.R.D./Prince
7. “Smells Bad” Nirvana/Michael Jackson
8. “I Wear My Love Lockdown at Night” Corey Hart/Kanye West
9. “Pon di Temperature” Major Lazer/Sean Paul
10. “Erotic Waterfalls” Ludacris/Prince
11. “Let It Kiss” Prince/Kevin Rudolf
12. “Just a Frontin’ Girl” Pharell/Gwen Stefani
13. “Me Love Red Wine” Sean Kingston/UB40
14. “Everyone Whips Their Hair” Willow Smith/Devo/Lenny Kravitz/Jay-Z/Rihanna/Notorious B.I.G./Lloyd Banks/Drake/California Swag District

Dj Wasabi – Official Party Mix

Los Angeles based Dj Wasabi (real name Ross Butler) shared this mix with me, and I’ve been enjoying it ever since. It’s a turn-key party; throw it on and Wasabi has your back for two full hours. Be sure to check out his new website for more.

[Click to Download]

DJ Wasabi’s Official Party Mix by DJ Wasabi

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Indie Pick:

Dj Lloyd Christmas - G’Day Mate!

The Dumb and Dumber intro is hilarious, and the mix is even better – it hits the spot for lounging around, mellowing out, and letting your head drift off.

[Click to Download]

Dj Lloyd Christmas – G’day, mate! by Lloyd Christmas

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Dance Pick:

Dj Tranzit – February Disorganized

Tranzit (Arizona’s most loved dance deejay) is back with this month’s podcast series. I used this as my workout mix last week and went strong battling the elliptical for longer than ever. Tranzit has recently been featured on Dayglow tours, which could help explain his snowballing global popularity. Count me in as a new fan!

[Click to Download]

DJ Tranzit Disorganized February 2011 by DJ Tranzit