We’ve moved to WWW.ONDASONORA.BE. Feel free to join us there.

This should be the last post on this Blog. Not because we stop doing it. Nope. It’s for more positive reasons. We’ve been working on an Onda Sonora site for a while now and we finally feel ready to share it with the world.

The new site is intended to be the starting point in every search to know more about us. The Blog will be still part of it but it will be much more than that. You’ll find on it where we play next, what the future events are that we’ve planned, where else you can find us on the net, what other places we think you should visit and it also will give you a view on our past through a flyer and picture archive. We’ve tried to keep it as simple as possible, maybe with a bit of an old school look, because we felt that was a bit the problem with the current Blog. We ditched all we think is ballast, added what we think is valuable and made sure it’s all as little clicks away as possible and easy to find.

As the blogsome site will not be refreshed anymore it might be handy to change your bookmarks, favourites, RSS readers, links on sites to the new address.

Website: www.ondasonora.be
RSS Feed: http://www.ondasonora.be/rss.php

If you have remarks or see errors feel free to send them to us. We’ve got a new email address.

Expect a lot more pictures uploaded and the “about us” section to be updated soon.

Enjoy and spread the word.

Don’t forget our party at Cafe Bota coming up this Saturday. Laszlo Colombani and Pete Chestnut will join us behind the decks for some serious Deep Disco, Raw House and others Soulful musical madness. Entrance is free, the venue is nice. What can you want more ?

For the Facebook addicts here you’ll find our event.

More rawness from the man they call Omar S. He’s got a mixCD for Fabric and a 12" on Sound Signature coming out. Check them. Deep shit.

This weekend I saw a tight young jazz combo playing at our radio presenters birthday party. While they were playing I was talking with Luigi from Infinitskills about his future projects. One of them was doing something with the jazz players on stage. He told me they did a rework of Rene Costy’s “Scrabble”, sampled by Dilla for his ode to the Police (haha). Through the Laid Back site you can listen to the result. Rene Costy happens to be from Belgium. Didn’t know that.

Tight piece of music. And more coming from where it came. Infinitskills are without doubt some of the most talented cats around.

And Louis, don’t forget to send it to me. I need this.

Tonight we have Sim and Dice from Untitled! In the studio. To talk about their (upcoming) party and more. And to let them serve you the music they try to promote. We also do a phone call with Yiannis in Copenhagen to talk about him winning the Phil Asher competition. Enjoy.

Listen to it live from 10 to 11pm on fm brussel (98.8fm on the website). Or through the streaming all week after it has been aired.  

Track List:
Afta 1 – Nightlight (MPM)
J*Davey - No More (Interdependent)
Dwele - Beat Me, Find Me (CDR)
Wally Badarou - Chief Inspector (4th & Broadway)

>>> Dice Mixing <<<
Paul White - Wham Rap (CDR)
Slugabed - Kittens (CDR)
Hayzee - y3ah (CDR)
Billion Dollar Quartet - Electrick Black Current (CDR)
Hudson Mohawke - Polkadot Blues (Warp)
Slugabed – Superphreak (CDR)
Hudson Mohawke - Overnight (Warp)
Dorian Concept - The Fucking Formula (Nod Navigators)

>>> End 1^st session <<<
Onra - Comet (All City)
Samiyam - Moonshoes (Hyperdub)

>>> 2^nd Dice session <<<
eDIT - Battling Go-Go in Yubari in Downtown L.A. (Alpha Pup)
Jazzy Jazzy - Respeck (CDR)
Aleks Zen – Cocktailz (CDR)
Piro & Proxima - Distant Shores (CDR)

One of my main influences in the graphic design field has got his new site up and running. You might know him from his work for Talking Loud, Straight No Chaser or Addict. Would love to have one of his artworks. If ever my dj-career takes off and I start making money instead of investing (a euphemism  for losing nowadays) tones of it, I surely buy one of his works. For now I’ll keep it with acquiring some of those (still) super fresh fonts.

Some facts about dj Xogn  we think you should know

- He recorded a killer Podcast mix for us.
- His real name is Tristan Cordier, born in Nancy, France a while ago.
- Arrived in Brussels in ’88.
- He once sported the name of Jah Floppy as a dj and played with Pierre Elitaire in Antwerp.
- Went to Dakar, Senegal in ’96 where he had a new / second hand record shop. He stayed there till ’06.
- Xogn means grilled rice from the bottom of the marmite.
- He organised the monthly Koulgraoul parties in Dakar. Parties with a mix of world beat music for a crowd of mixed people from all over the world. With an attendance between 500 and 700 people. Still going strong, by the way.
- He has a weekly radio show on Radio Campus (Wednesday from 9.30 to 10.30pm - 92.1fm) where he plays African music from the ‘60s and ‘70s.
- He organised many parties over the years with DJ ReeDoo. The next one is this Friday at Café Bota.

Feeling wrecked today. Lack sleep, lack sunshine, lack a lot of positive things. Could use some good stuff happening to me soon. So if you hold that back, don’t. Let it loose. I’ll be glad to receive.

On the positive tip. The DJ Xogn Podcast mix is creating waves. Even some Japanese sites picking it up. Got to give it to them, nobody can beat them when it comes to being on point. Not even Alex. Who’s on an e-break by the way. Got crazy respect for that.

And we have the guys from Untitled! In the studio this week. Looking forward to that.

And some major Onda Sonora net actions scheduled for later this week.  

Every initiative to educate people about Disco and House music gets my full support. Yiannis told me about this movie project and it looks like it could be something great. The little teaser video is already nice. Larry Heard making some valid points.

Second edition in our new Podcast series for which we’ve asked friends that influenced us to contribute a mix. Check it here.

DJ Xogn only stepped into our world recently but he managed to make a big impression nevertheless. He is a collector, record merchant and DJ who spent a part of his live in Dakar, Senegal. There he was DJ at the Koulgraoul parties. That alone should be reason enough to ask him to do a mix. But there’s more. The few times we saw him at work, he dropped so much unknown gems that I didn’t even bother to ask him about it. I would have been stalking him constantly and, as a DJ myself, I know that’s irritating. Asking him to contribute to this series of Podcasts seemed like a better idea. He made an African funk mix that consists, apart from that Matata track, of tunes I haven’t heard before. A collection of raw, funky grooves that work infectious on the hips.

Can’t give you much links of ways to contact him but we can always forward any questions. Just send us a mail if you need more info.

If want to check the man at work, that’s possible. He plays alongside DJ ReeDoo, at Cafe Bota Stereo on Friday the 6th of February. The day before our night. 

Like last time I’ve made a cover for when you burn it on CD.
 
Track List:
Kalle & L’African Team : African Boogaloo
El Rego & Ses Commandos: Feeling you got
Sebastien Pynasco & Poly Rythmo : Medida
Orchestre Baobab : Kelen ati len
Dr Nico / Bovic & African Fiesta : Sookie
Matata : Wanna do my thing
Ikenga Super Stars Of Africa : Greedy man
Fela Ransome Kuti : Beautiful dancer
Victor Uwaifo & The Titibities : Ominigie
Asiko : Love & peace
Ifan Bondi & The Afro Mandingue Sounds : Atis-a-tis
Etoile De Dakar : Tolou Badopu Ndiaye
Star Number One : Macakki
Myriam’s Quintette : Solo quintette

This is a book I most certainly will buy and read. From the people who brought "Last Night A DJ saved My Live". Read all about it here.

One for the One-Handed / Paul White fans. Interview, mix and cheeky cutup all here.

Our good and well respected friend Lefto has been playing our Diana Ross edit for 2 weeks in a row now on his “De Hop” radio show on Studio Brussel. Which we appreciate a lot off course. This gives me the opportunity to point out that he puts the mixes he does (without GUS’ announcements) online. You’ll find them, with track list, here.

Enjoy.

Good thing about the people at 1Xtra not cutting their shows very precisely is that I always catch the last song of Robbo Ranx’ show. Discovered this Shaggy tune that way and I absolutely adore it. Orchestral Dancehall. Gotta be honest, didn’t see it coming. But love it.

Haven’t got the faintest idea of this one is already huge in the charts. Should be. But so far off from the mainstream I don’t know.

Lots of good dj’s coming to Belgium next couple of months (although mostly on the same day(s)). 27/03 it’s Mr Scruff in Ghent. Firmly recommended. Always a true education in skills and selection.

Talking about bad timing. Qtip is coming to the AB on the same night as the Stones Throw package is coming to Trix. I go for that last one.  

Tonight we give away 2 “Deep Electronic Sounds” albums from the Phlash & Friends project. All you’ve got to do is listen and give an answer to the question we ask somewhere during the show. We play off course something from that plus new tracks by Mayer Hawthorne (that killer Astronote remix), Altered Natives, Mitsu The Beats and Hudson Mohawke. And some classics. And some new Onda Sonora edits.

If it sounds a bit sloppy at times that’s because we had some major technical difficulties before we could record. Would be handy if the others using the studio wouldn’t always try to rebuilt it or whatever. Too much stress on a Monday night.

Listen to it live, from 10 to 11pm tonight, on 98.8fm if you are in the Brussels area or online. Or through the streaming all week after it has been aired.

Track List:
Mayer Hawthorne & The County - Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out / Astronote Remix (CDR)
Faze-O - Riding High (She Records)
Innerzone Orchestra - People Make The World Go Round / J88 Worldwide Edit (Planet E)
DJ Mitsu the Beats – Gaggle Instrumental no. ? (Jazzy Sport)
Hudson Mohawke - Polkadot Blues (Warp)
Milton Wright - Keep It Up (EMI)
ZZ Hill - I Wanna Be Your Every Need / Onda Sonora Edit (CDR)                       
Material - Over And Over (Strut)
Phlash And Friends feat. Zansika - Think About It (Archive)
Candido - Dancin’ And Prancin’ / Onda Sonora Edit (CDR)                     
The Mighty Clouds Of Joy - Mighty Clouds Of Joy (ABC Records)
Main Ingredient - Evening Of Love / J&M Edit (White)                
Altered Natives - Bullet Blade Knuckle Slap / Souled Remix (Fresh Minute)
Stayshon 2 Stayshon - My, My, My / Dance Naked 2 My Dub (Kanduet)

The flyer for 54 Kolaktiv’s Mo’Yo’Fro party happening end of February is ready. Looking forward to it.

Something for the diehard collectors among you. Jakob aka AME from the Afterhours crew has started an online shop. He’s been our local Kon (or Amir) for years now and this site is proof of that. It’s got lots of Soul, Funk and other goodies. Not cheap but it’s for those needing the originals.

One of the names that’s been popping up quite a lot recently is Souled. You might have seen their productions in the playlists of most London based radio programs we like, you might have spotted their 12” in the shops or heard one of their remixes somewhere. What I’ve heard of them was always spot on. It’s deep, moody and fresh and I don’t need much more than that to get pleased.

If you like their music as much as I do, don’t hesitate to buy their 12” on Fresh Minute Music. Watch out for other releases on that label too. Got sent an Altered Natives EP (with a Souled remix) that’s very hot. Proving Broken beat is far from over.

And although I always fear for the worst when an artist puts an acapella on their 12” (that Jazzanova remix competition for example produced some toe curling bagger), the Souled remix of Erykah Badu’s “Honey” is one of the motivations to keep applauding the act. Proper slow House gem. Find it here for free.

Some info. Our new t-shirts are almost sold out. If you have reserved one there’s no need to panic, just let me know where I can hand it over. I will have them with me at Dieter’s birthday party and at our gig at Cafe Bota. Male medium and large shirts are gone, by the way. All other sizes are almost gone.

On top of that we’re doing a little sale. We still got “Love Saves The Day” shirts left. The black one with the print shown above on the breast. M, L, XL & XXL’s for males and XS & S for females. We’re selling them for 5 euro a piece. Send us a mail if you want one.

Yesterday’s gig at Maison Du Peuple was fun. Although we got some strange requests, crazy people babbling on about the Simple Minds (and when I told I hated them, I got asked repeatedly what music I liked – mind you, I just had finished a 6h set) and mad drunk people falling into the booth constantly, we also got a lot of love. For which we are thankful. Even got a guy telling me that if I were a girl he would have told me I was a hot thing. Yep, it was one of those nights.

Great bar although they got to work on the sound. Will need to test my new edit on another system to know how hard it pumps. Big up to the nice owners, Anthony and the lovely staff. And to our little family always supporting us.   

And got to tell y’all, not drinking any alcohol opens up new worlds for you. Never knew everybody (and I mean everybody) was that drunk at the end of a night. I’m beginning to really enjoy that part of going out.

The release of Phil Asher’s Phlash & Friends album, called Deep Electronic Sounds, is imminent. Early February it should be in the shops. We’ve been raving about it for what seems ages now and when you’ll hear it you’ll know why. It’s that good.

Next Tuesday (27/02) we’ll give away 2 of them. Yes, we will give away, completely for free and before it’s in the shops, 2 ‘Deep Electronic Sounds’ albums on CD (no vinyl release is planned – already some 12”s out, more to come). But we won’t be handing them out to just anyone. You’ll have to prove you earn them. So you better start listening to his music, double-check all the facts and buy all his music. Or be sure to know a thing or two about Onda Sonora. Just to be prepared. We know those CD’s are hot property and we want to be sure they end up in the right hands.

Listen to our show next Tuesday for lots of Phil Asher music and the all important question after which you can mail us on the usual address. In the meanwhile start studying.

Just a little reminder that we are playing at Maison Du Peuple in St-Gilles tomorrow. From 10pm on till we get kicked out. Really looking forward to it. It’s been a while since we’ve been behind decks in front of people. Might give some new edits their first spin. If I can finish them in time. Expect some major across the board funkyness. All styles, all tempos, all good. Entrance is free, drinks are at fair prices.  

If you feel the need to confirm your presence head for the Facebook event we made for it. And while you are there feel free to invite some friends.

The 21^st of February has got to be the busiest quality party night in years here in Belgium. Untitled!, Wonderful and now the first anniversary of We Play House Recordings. They’ve invited a true legend for that. Larry Heard aka Mr Fingers. If you love House music and don’t know him, you’re an ignorant fool and nothing else. They come rarely any bit more essential than this. True pioneer of the more subtle style of the genre, one of the Chicago legends, man who never has gone for easy success and still is as much on top of his game as he was when he started. I’ve seen him play twice, both times it was genius.

Supporting him will be Red D, San Soda & Lenny. Place to be is Decadance in Ghent. Entrance fee is 5 euro.

Both releases on the might WPH-label have been giving more than a little attention by us. We even invited Red D and San Soda to the radio studio for an interview this year. Looking forward to what they’ll bring in 2009.