NEOTERIC(this must be the place)

I promised I’d make this mix when I hit 2000 followers on Twitter. It’s a bit different than what you might expect, for sure, but I’m into all kinds of music, and Elliott Smith has a certain place in my heart and memory, and reminds me of a friend who passed away.

As DJs, many times we put together sets for others. This time I wanted to put something together for myself, for whenever the mood happened to hit. This isnt a DJ mix in the traditional sense, it flows more like a radio show or concert. These songs have been the soundtrack to some memorable times in my life, and I wanted to compile this collection for my own listening, but I know the thousands of fans of the late Elliott Smith will appreciate this too. I added some dialogue and interview clips, and tried to find a good flow to mix, and group similar songs together by mood and theme. The music might seem emo and moody to some, but that wasnt what drew me to it. The melodies caught me, and have stayed stuck in my head for years. Melody was kind of Elliotts thing, and he often cites the Beatles as one of his main influences. I’m quite aware his music is sometimes the soundtrack of the downtrodden, and those struggling with life, and all its temptations, but it’s also for the music lovers, such as myself who appreciate his undeniable creativity and songwriting. I don’t think I’ve ever heard an artist who could express the extremes of happiness and sadness, both so well. Rest In Peace Elliott Smith.

Tracklisting:

Angeles
Independence Day
Miss Misery
Waltz #2
A Question Mark
Baby Britain
Bled White
Say Yes
A Passing Feeling
Twilight
Tomorrow Tomorrow
Between The Bars
Sweet Adeline
Happiness
I Didn’t Understand
Last Call
2:45 AM
Needle In The Hay
Strung Out Again
A Fond Farewell

DOWNLOAD

I’ve been meaning to do this post for weeks now, as the last few have been packed full of good times and life changing moments. Where do I start? Hmm, how about the end of July? Well I sold almost everything I owned in preparation for a move to Europe. It was tough, but theraputic. I certainly didnt need that much ‘stuff’. But the DJ gear had to go to, and my possessions were dwindled down to what I’d take with me, and what I’d save and ship to my sister in Ontario. After a yard sale and plenty of Craiglist sales I was ready to start my journey….in LA

First stop was Avalon, where I played with Grum and Felguk – as you can see, the place was PACKED! Check out some video here. Off to a great start!

The next day I played a mansion pool party in the Hollywood with the homies Mom & Dad and Ahh-G, good times. Then I bounced over to the homie Fashen‘s place and played Cheap Pop at the Short Stop with him & Mike B. I also guested at his new Sunday night at the Drais in the W hotel the night after. Its the new Dim Mak night he does with (thee) Mike B. Later that week Me, U-Tern and Nick Hook took over Dance Right at La Cita and had a blast. That also marked when 10+ great friends from Vancouver arrived as they were coming down for HARD Fest on Saturday. HARD fest was cool but thank god Sticky K brought me back into the artist VIP and Guru came thru with the lanyard, I would not have made it through a day in the sun. Instead I chilled backstage, drank, and ate some good food while chatting with a bunch of talented friends back there. There was a masseuse back there, and I swear her only client all day was Green Velvet who got what must have been a 45 minute massage! After a long day in the sun, my day was only just beginning, for we had a massive mansion after party we were throwing in the hills, at Johnny Depps old place. We had to shuttle people up and down, and had some rad friends play – Them Jeans, Acid Girls, Classixx, and Cosmic Kids. Apparently the party was considered legendary, even by LA standards, but it ended when some idiot drove a car into the neighbours garage, prompting them to call the police. Well, it was great while it lasted and shouts to….everyone that came through – cuz i cant remember them all, but I do know Digitalism, Breakbot, Rory Phillips and others came through, oh, and so did Craig Robinson who came back with one of the owners of the place, who shut the party down around 4am. Oh Well.

The next day was something I had been looking forward to forever. A true honor, and a DJ Life goal crossed off the list. As haggard as I was, it was time to play The Do Over! This legendary Sunday afternoon party has been going on in LA for 6 years now, and has hosted many of the worlds best DJs, and while I was a bit nervous, I played well, and I feel I pleased the crowd, myself, and Mike B. That meant a lot to me. Also on the bill were U-Tern, Adam 12, and Mayer Hawthorne. Aww yeah. Download my set here.

and here some video from the Do Over for a bit of context:

Tuesday was my last day in LA and I played at Cinespace for Dim Mak Tuesdays with my friends Auterotique, SonicC, and Them Jeans. I kind of went all out that night, and got a bit messy, but it was a fitting ending to 10 days and 7 gigs in LA!

Now it was time to fly to Australia! Lemme tell you, Ministry of Sound does it PROPER! I had a great time returning to this fine county of gorgeous women and loud parties. First off was Newcastle, and then I headed to Melbourne where I met up with the Scatterblog homies, Sharkslayer, Mightyfools, and Beataucue. That night was evvvy mate, trust. If you missed it, grab the Australian tour mix we did!

From there it was off to NZ for a couple of gigs, and some quality hang time with my homie Kev Fresh, it was good to see him and did some sight seeing, and a wee bit o partyin

Then it was Auckland for about 12 hours, then back to Sydney to play with all the homies at World Bar. I love this place! Best people around, and we had the most amazing Portugese chicken dinner ever in Sydney (dying for some now!)

I was also fortunate enough to do a mix for Australian national radio on the JJJ Mix Up
JJJ Australia Mix Up 08.14.2010 by Neoteric

and also guested on Levins and Moriarty’s Ro Sham Bo Radio show, where in an awesome twist of fate, someone ripped my set and posted it instantly on their blog. That was a first, and rather cool!
Neoteric Interview and Live mix on FBI Radio Sydney by Neoteric

Around that time I also did yet another mix for Canadian store Aritzia – this mix is a bit on the safe side, but still rather cool. This one goes out to the ladies, the pretty ladies shopping!

Also, around that time my little niece Paige was born, isnt she the cutest thing? <3

From there I was home for 2 days and handled all my last minute biz, and had a GREAT going away party with all my friends at Hi-5 in Vancouver. I then headed to Ontario to go see the above mentioned Niece, play a few gigs, and see some family before my trip over the pond. It was a great time in Toronto, I played a great gig at the Social with Mowgli, met up with Riva Starr, enjoyed the TIFF Film Fest, played at the Mod Club, and also in London with good friends Gingy, John Roman and Milt Mortez. But, I was ready, and it was time. Time to leave Canada!

Right now, I’m in rural Hungary, about an hour east of Budapest in a small town where most of my Mom’s family grew up. There are no restaurants, of course no clubs (but many pubs!), and not much to do. Fortunately theres fast internet and tons of time, so I’ve been working 12 hours a day on this, that and the other. I’ve been able to spend a good amount of time in Budapest, and see some cool shows, and also travel to Prague, which was really beautiful. All in all its been great! The new world, new life, and new outlook has all been really refreshing! And of course, big new projects in the works!

I’m really glad to announce that I’m now managing Crookers! They’ve been good friends for years, but the time was right to take it to another level – Its an amazing opportunity and a real learning experience! PRETTY COOL!

Also, been working on some upcoming projects and releases, which I’m proud to announce here:

Dec – The Mystery Mix: Vol 3 w Thomas Von Party (Discobelle)
Jan – Wax Motif & Neoteric – Springer EP (Top Billin)
Feb – Neoteric presents Turned On: Vol 2 EP (Discobelle)
April – Wax Motif & Neoteric – Go Deep EP (Southern Fried)

Plus so much more! Wow, that was a ridiculously long post! thanks for reading it, and hope to see yall somewhere soon!