Hey party land, i hadnt heard anything about these guys until they contacted me on myspace looking for bookings while on tour, but im glad they did. Hailing from South Carolina, the Culture Prophets are an Electro dj production due who have just finished a tour of Europe, and are looking forward to touring the US in September and October on way to Australia in November. They send me a new thrills remix banger they just released, and hooked us up with this exclusive interview, they;re making the blog rounds and have tracks posted everywhere, links at the bottom of the post :D
Band Members:
Michael Barksdale, aka The Prophet (Immortal) & Christopher Masse, aka Dag Joe (Ageless)
So how did it all begin? The Prophet: Culture Prophet began as a recording experiment in 2004 to try and mesh together my loves for hip hop, electro, new wave, and disco. One year later I got Sean (Backseat Dreamer) to join me live on drums. We played shows locally and they went extremely well. Sean having his own music project Backseat Dreamer no longer had time to play shows and continue being a part of the ever growing busy live schedule that Culture Prophet was forming. Having been taught DJing and given a large portion of the inspiration behind what started Culture Prophet by Chris (Dag Joe) It was completely obvious that he should be a part of the band. So in 2008 I asked my long time companion in dance mayhem to join forces with me in the Culture Prophet outfit. He accepted!
Where is the name from? The Prophet: Someone once called me it as an insult. I was complaining about how zombie movies were getting all popular in 2004, what with the "Sean of the Dead" movie and "Dawn of the Dead" remake. I said , "Damn, I've been obsessed with zombie movies since i was a kid." She said, "Oh, I guess you're some kind of Culture Prophet." I said, "Yes," and the name was born. I wrote it down on a piece of paper I ripped out of the bible. It was the only paper around.
What gave you that initial push? The Prophet: There is no way to explain the completely amazing process of making people dance. If you haven't done it, you should - it's like sex, maybe better sometimes.
Did the DJing, Production, Promoting come 1st? The Prophet - I started playing guitar when i was 7 years old. I started my first band when I was ten; we played Ramones covers for my dad..oh, and some Kinks jams. Throughout middle school and high school I was in everything from grunge, metal, punk, blues, bands to being in the school jazz band as well as first chair in the classical appreciation program. In the 9th grade, I got a four track for Christmas; I've been recording non-stop since that day.
DJing began for me when I saw Chris and some other friends doing a new wave night here in town. I went to see them do their thing, and I was completely amazed. I hadn't really known too much about DJing aside from watching
Chris and friends rip up crazy mixes at their old house ... But in the bar/club atmosphere, playing all the songs that made people dance... I instantly wanted to try my hand at it. So Chris came over one night, brought the tables, and showed me some basics. A couple of weeks of practice and I played the new wave night with them. Its hard to describe the completely amazing feeling of making people get free, dance, and just have a good time. It's amazing to take someone there and be there with them during it! Dag Joe - I've been DJing, promoting, and making music since I was in high school.
Which other countries have you played/put parties on? France, Portugal, Ireland, Germany, and Italy - with many more in the works.
What was the first event you ever played at/put on? The Prophet: As Culture Prophet it was an open mic night.
What's the best event you've played at/put on? The Prophet: There have been some very magical moments but I cant put my finger on just one honestly. Dag Joe: Without offending anyone, if I had to pick I'd have to say Plano-B club in Porto, Portugal. The stars aligned for us that night.
What was your first record you bought? The Prophet: Metallica, "Master of Puppets." I saved my allowance for weeks. Dag Joe: The first non-45 I bought was The Police, "Ghost in the Machine"
Out of all the tunes you have, which one 'never fails?' The Prophet: DJing, I would say "Get Innocuous" by LCD Soundsystem (Soulwax remix) alway kills it, and it's easy to mix in and out of with complete ease. Live I would say either "Touch You" or "Facemelter" - they always have the best crowd response. Dag Joe: In a DJ set, right now the Nadastrom remix of "A Milli" by Li'l Wayne is KILLING it. As far as our originals go, "Touch You" always gets 'em going.
What's you favourite tune of all time? The Prophet: Impossible question. Dag Joe: There is no possible way I could ever answer this; so many songs have meant so much to me at different times in my life. But "I Wanna Sex You Up" by Color Me Badd is always in my head.
So how is the scene in your eyes at the moment? The Prophet: There's a change coming. The question is, will it be a good change, or will it be a horrible one? Dag Joe: Hmmm. One of the good things about being in Culture Prophet is that we don't fall squarely in any one genre. We play punk-rock house parties, we DJ huge megaclubs, we play on the same bills as hip-hop acts,etc. so we never really have to depend on any scene in particular. Music in general right now feel good and strong, but I will say that it seems like every time a new dance music trend comes along, people forget how the excesses of the previous one eventually undermined the music and integrity of the scene. I know dance music and drugs will forever be linked, but I wish we could learn from our mistakes. Besides - getting truly free has nothing to do with getting fucked up. Trust me.
Where do you live? The Prophet: South Carolina, and on the computer. Dag Joe: Chicago, South Carolina, London...and on promoters' couches.
How big is your vinyl collection? What do you think of CDJ's? The Prophet: Last count of vinyl was 5,798 not including 12's. CDJs are ok, they're just a bitch to mix on. Dag Joe: I think CDJs are fine...I just don't like the feel. We use Serato with the records.
Funniest thing that ever happened at an event? The Prophet: Having three people that you and your bandmate (not Chris!) had slept with at different points in time on a stage dancing together while you're playing. Dag Joe: Michael getting stalked by one girl, and using another girl as security. High-larious.
What do you do outside of the dance music scene? The Prophet: I make beats for non-profit organization commercials. Dag Joe: I run a small, but profitable, escort service.
When you play is this pre planned set? The Prophet: I absolutely hate planning sets. I think that dance music should be revolved around spontaneity. Dag Joe: Well..sometimes, to a degree. If we know we've only got an hour, we may try to make it as tight as possible ahead of time. But usually we just feed off what the crowd is digging and try to make them lose their shit. And besides - if you know your records, you should always kind of have an idea of what songs go well together.
What advice would you give to up and coming Dj's/MC's? Dag Joe: Listen to golden-era hip hop, to the master DJs, and to music in general...this whole new theory I've been reading here and there about how DJing skills don't really matter anymore, now that there are programs that do it for you is BULLSHIT! The crowd can definitely tell when you are there with them, experiencing the rush of riding that rhythm, and getting them open in the time-honored tradition. I'm all for using whatever tools are available, but having the skills, knowledge, and intuition for rocking parties can never be replaced. The Prophet: B.I.G. If you dont know, don't be an MC because...yeah you're just wrong.
How do you see the scene 5 years from now? Dag Joe: I predict fond nostalgia for the Nu-Rave era, lovingly resurrected as Nu-Nu-Rave, complete with twice the irony. The Prophet: I wonder if we will still even be able to dance to it.
If you had a time machine what year would you go back to and why? The Prophet: 1978. The best music came out between the years of 68 to 74. In the late 70s, all of this music was super cheap on vinyl. My crates would be soooooo ddeeeep. I also could then buy every dope t-shirt I've ever wanted in the size that will actually fit me. Dag Joe: 1990. Chicago. Medusa's... three dollar red light loft parties...warehouse parties, pre-rave era...When people truly did it for the love....God, I miss it. Either then or New York, circa 1981.
Anything else you want to say? Any shouts? The Prophet: I love Oreos the most! Dag Joe: Big ups to our boys in the Carolinas - Buckmaster, BLNGxBDGT, and Your Dirty Habit.
** dancepartycentral interview questions were directly inspired and most likely stolen from http://www.fantazia.org.uk CHECK IT OUT!
THE CULTURE PROPHETS ARE COMING THROUGH SAN DIEGO IN EARLY OCTOBER AND ARE LOOKING FOR GIGS, BOOK THEM !!!!
Mp3 DELIGHTS:
Soulja Boy - Crank Dat (Culture Prophet Remix).mp3
Does It Offend You, Yeah? - We Are Rock Stars (Culture Prophet Remix).mp3
Chromeo - Bonafied Lovin (Culture Prophet Remix).mp3
Culture Prophet - Face Melter (Fckn Crew Dur Remix).mp3
^^^^^^^ Thrills "t.i.p. (culture Prohpets remix)
[ DANCEPARTYCENTRAL EXCLUSIVE TRACK }
DOWNLOADS: courtesy of http://www.kissatlanta.com/blog/?p=1227
CLICK TO VISIT CULTURE PROPHET ON MYSPACE!
AND VISIT THEIR WEBSITE FOR A FULL BIO AND DISCOGRAPHY HERE!
Download: The Hood Internet - Pro Nails Forever (Kid Sister vs Walter Meego)
& visit the blog i stole this link from to learn more about the hood internet and check out some more spankin new mash-ups they have available for download! @ thePOP!stereo
"underground" VAN SHE REMIX - das pop
"boyZ" HATCHMATIK REMIX (BEAT INTRO) - m.i.a.
"sweaty" SHAZAM REMIX - muscles
"i get around" MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS MIX - dragonette
"far away" - CUT COPY
"the party" LA RIOTS REMIX - justice feat.uffie
"the bomb" VILLAINS REMIX - new young pony club
"yea yeah" FLOSSTRADAMUS REMIX - matt & kim
"played out" (feat.Fantastadon) - hot pink delorean
"any way you choose to give it" FAKE BLOOD REMIX - the black ghosts
"11h30" DaTA REMIX - danger
"bonafied lovin' CULTURE PROPHETS REMIX - chromeo
"whoop that sucka" A1 BASSLINE REMIX - a girl & a gun
Tomorrow is opening night of BOOMBOX THURSDAYS @ the AIR CONDITIONED LOUNGE in North park San Diego.
Edgartronic & Dj GROUNDFLOOR will be playing all night with special guests in the future, and this one is going to be hosted by MAYSTAR (one night only) . This event has been all over the place, from EDGARTRONIC doing a radio show on X1fm to Massive internet advertising by both djs their sponsors and maystar.. this should be a great oepning night.
& DID I MENTION THAT THERES NO COVER? ... EVER?
Dancepartycentral will be there tomorrow night to show our support taking some pictures for the blog as well, and we'll let you know how it goes, SEE YOU THERE!
ps.. having some trouble downloading the mixtape that ET and GF put together to promote the night, but as soon as we work out the problems, ill post it here for you to jam to, its really fun and gives you a great taste of whats in store for every thursday from now till.. at the AC LOUNGE
HEAD OVER TO EDGARTRONICS PAGE TO LISTEN TO ALL OF HIS MIXES AND THE BT EXCLUSIVE MIX!
VISIT BOOMBOX THURSDAYS MYSPACE AND ADD
v v v v CHECK OUT OUR POST WITH DJ GROUNDFLOOR BELOW v v v v v
Electro / Indie / Ghettotech
If you havent heard the name GROUNDFLOOR thrown around San Diego then you must not be listening, On the rise by way of L.A.. GROUNDFLOOR has been Headlinging Maystar's POP NOIR alongside Dj EDGARTRONIC and other guests. This Thursday the 31st GROUNDFLOOR & EDGARTRONIC will be opening their own club nite @ the swank AIR CONDITIONED ROOM in North Park San Diego [see BOOMBOX THURSDAY POST]. We asked him a few questions about his career so far and heres what he had to say:
So how did it all begin? In the 90s I was drug smuggling in TJ, and I killed this guy who owned some turntables, so I took them... Just kidding. I used to sneak off to raves as a teenager and became really fascinated with djing. I saved up for some turntables and also bought some French house records. I still play alot of those records such as Alan Braxe 'Intro' and Jesse & Crabbe 'The Big Booya'
Where did the name come from? When I was going to school in LA I was trying to think of a DJ name one day and I was going down the elevator in my apartment building. When I got to the bottom the 'groundfloor' light lit up.
What gave you that initial push? Enjoying the music, I suppose.
What came first... Djing, Production, or Promoting? Djing came first, promotion second, and production third.
Who's throwing the best parties at the moment? We are! :)
What countries have you Djed/ put parties on in? Every fourth friday Maystar and myself put on Club Pop Noir, but a few months ago we decided to do a Club Pop Noir in TJ. So I've played in TJ and the crowd was great.
What was the first event you ever played at/put on? In high school a friend had a really big house with parents out of town most of the time. We had huge parties there that I helped promote and DJ. It was basically a rave at someones house.
What's the best event you've played at/put on? Luckily our own Club Pop Noir consistently has high energy and a great crowd. I think its still my favorite event.
First record you bought? Basement Jaxx - Red Alert haha. Still a great tune!
Out of your entire library, which track never fails on the floor? Haha proabably Daft Punk - Around the World
What's you favourite jam of all time? Too hard to choose a favorite, but the tune above comes pretty close.
What advice would you give to up and coming DJs/Promoters? For both, develop a following!
Do you pre plan your sets when play? Never. I practice beforehand to find out which records work together and which dont. But Its always a bad idea to pre plan a set because the crowd may want something different then what you planned for.
How do you see the scene 5 years from now? Same thing, but in space! I dont know, maybe a progressive house revival?
Any shouts you'd like to make? Edgartronic, Jah, Friedrich Nietzsche
CHECK OUT GROUNDFLOOR THIS WEEK @ THE AIR CONDITIONED ROOM IN NORTH PARK SAN DIEGO! (CLICK TO VISIT BOOMBOX THURSDAY PAGE)
HEAD OVER TO HIS MYSPACE TO LISTEN TO SOME NEW TRACKS + LOOK FOR HIS MIX IN THE ABOVE BLOG
Thanks for visiting our blog !
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Send an email (with your name) to clubpopnoir {at} gmail.com to get a discount pass!
ONE NAME PER EMAIL, PLEASE!"
Friday Jul 25, 2008
at 9:00 PM
@ the Static Lounge
634 broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
View Map
&&CHECK OUT THE PROMO VIDEO
Last Nite's Freedom sessions were rad, and SHARK ATTACK held down the not so zealous rock crowd. It sounded amazing coming out of the CANES soundsystem though, and we're excited to be djing there next thrusday with Boyfriend N' Boyfriend.
After the show we headed to U31 in north park where a really amazing dj was spinning, his name..
Check out his myspace with the link where his tracks are posted, and 4 or 5 mixes!
Our picture here was lifted off his myspace from a studio session but if i come up with some pics ill throw them up here
Recent Comments
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DJ Edgartronic said:
[this is good]It'll ALWAYS be no cover. :) read more
on BOOMBOX THURSDAYS (AC LOUNGE / NORTH PARK)
Aww damn Chromeo remix is HOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTTT.Thanks for the interview! Keep it coming DPC! read more
on CULTURE PROPHETS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BANGERS BANGERS...