Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #20 End Of Year Throwdown 2014

It's time for our annual End Of Year Throwdown on Cowbell Radio. Not quite sure where 2014 went but there were some damn fine records released throughout the year!

As record sales continue to climb there have been a plentiful supply of new releases from both the up and coming and the time served dons. Add to that the ever expanding pool of reissues, re-edits and compilations and we have smörgåsbord of wax to go at.

This Saturday I will be running through the Top 30 records I have been playing on the show and at the clubs and festivals over the last year. The 'maybe' pile is currently overflowing with tracks as the final list is starts to take shape.

There have been casualties and I am bound to have missed or forgotten a few but for me these are the ones that make me think '2014'.

Tracklist:

Robert Hood on Underground Resistance, Minimal Nation, and Hi-Hats

Robert Hood on Underground Resistance, Minimal Nation, and Hi-Hats | Red Bull Music Academy

"Detroit techno legend Robert Hood passionately discussed his work with Underground Resistance, his Floorplan alias, the importance of hi-hats, and much more in his RBMA Tokyo 2014 Lecture." Red Bull Music Academy 2014

Topics And Tracklist:

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #19 with Jamie 3:26 (Partehardy / Rush Hour / Lumberjacks In Hell)

"I like all kinds of music, so long as it has a good groove."

 
For the 19th show on Cowbell Radio I am honoured to welcome special guest DJ and Producer Jamie 3:26 to the Dig Deep Chicago Family.

Release wise Jamie 3:26 is one of those guys that doesn't incessantly put out a load of stuff, but when he does put something out it's usually pure gold. His less is more approach seems to be working with several of his releases now going for decent money on Discogs.

Dig Deep Radio Show · Jamie 3:26 Dig Deep Session

Kicking off his solo productions with a series of ace disco edits back in 2008 on Partehardy Records, Jamie has remixed House luminaries such as Jungle Wonz, Chip E and Marcellus Pittman as well as working with newer acts such as youAND:THEMACHINES and the Chromatic Filters.

In 2011 Jamie released Acid Whump on Strobelight Honey records. Full of 303, it's one of his dirtiest tracks to date and came on the B-side of Bostich Time. Whilst in 2012 he re-edited Can You Feel It by Rhythm Makers for the Lumberjacks In Hell label.

In 2013 Jamie contributed 2 tracks to the year's best selling Chicago Service EP; the 1st track being an uptempo take of Curtis Mayfield's Give Me Your Love, whilst the 2nd was co-produced with DJ Cratebug. Between them they twisted Loletta Holloway's Hit N Run into another level floor wrecker (check my full review here).

Jamie's latest release is Insanity Project / Acid Showe on Rush Hour Store Jams. With no online sales and it only being available via selected stores, people are going to have to be very quick and very lucky to get their hands on the vinyl only release.

On the DJ front, Jamie is up there with the best from the Windy City. His sets epitomize the true house sound of Chicago whilst not forgetting it's deep disco roots. Jamie loves the music he plays and it comes across in bucket loads, as he gets down as hard behind the decks as the people do out there on the dancefloor.

In November Jamie is working his way up North as part of the Lumberjacks In Hell Tour, starting off in London on 7th November and before playing Manchester on the 8th alongside Marcel Vogel and Rahaan.

So as we gear up to air an exclusive Dig Deep mix from the man on this month's show for Cowbell Radio, here is a collection of some of my favourite tracks plus a decent little interview.

Tracklist:

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #18 with BLACK (Lost Control / Now Wave)

This month I am pleased to bring you an exclusive mix from Manchester based DJ BLACK.

One of the new breed, it is quickly becoming apparent that BLACK has spot on tastes and he can always be relied upon to deliver a set of quality house, techno, future garage or nu disco.

He is resident at Lost Control where previous guests have included DMX Crew, Perseus Traxx, Youngstar and Asok. The next event at the Q Cavern is on November 7th and features special guests Alexander Robotnick, James Holroyd and Tim Morrison (check the podcast below).

BLACK has put together this set especially with Cowbell Radio in mind so it's no surprise artists include Mugwump, Depeche Mode, Sabres Of Paradise, Lord Of The Isles and Richard Sen.

As usual PT will have a wedge of his own tips and selections - breaking new music whilst not forgetting the classics.

Tracklist:

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #17 with Yogi Haughton (SSW)

This month Dig Deep gears up for a very special guest DJ mix from the huggable hulk that is Yogi Haughton.

Writer, broadcaster, producer and former Red Bull Musical Academy rep, Yogi is arguably the best known DJ in Scotland. Widely regarded by many as the man that took house music and techno north of the border, his thirst for rare, quality black music has never waned. The Edinburgh Evening News branded Yogi as “probably Scotland’s most important DJ”.

Yogi has worked with the biggest and best DJ’s around the world as well as some incredible live acts including, Chaka Khan, Leroy Hutson, Todd Terry, Tony Humphries, Terry Callier, Roger Sanchez, Danny Tenaglia, Roy Ayers, Kenny ‘Dope’ Gonzalez and Giles Peterson to name just a few.

Trips to Brasil, Australia, North America, France, Sweden and numerous other countries have all been highlights in Yogi’s DJ career, as well as the hundreds of gigs he has played around Britain including 14 Southport Weekenders and numerous Prestatyn Weekenders and venues throughout Britain. Yogi was also at the arrow head of the U.K. Warp bleep sound where he played regularly with Nightmares On Wax, Unique 3 and Sheffield’s Winston during the early 90’s.

Yogi has recorded for some of the world's top labels, including the prestigious Guidance stable in Chicago, Vibe Records (Murk’s sister label in Miami) and the legendary R&S stable where his ‘Tribal Tone’ track sold by the shed load. Not to mention the numerous U.K. labels he has recorded for over many years.

There is no doubt that Yogi’s record collection, now around 70,000 strong, has stood him in good stead. He is still playing every weekend at either a northern/modern soul gig, jazz gig, rare soul or a bread and butter house night.

Always striving to break moulds, boundaries and keep pushing the scene on, Yogi now concentrates all his energy on the international event that is the SSW Weekender. A whole weekend of clubbing in the huge and plush Park Hall Hotel, near Preston, that is literally turned into a giant night club for the weekend.

With sessions each night until 7.00am, SSW boasts a line up to shame even the best Miami Winter Music Conference party! With 4 indoor arenas, plus a 5th area outside, the huge 30-50K Void Incubus sound systems ensure the tunes get the respect they deserve. With a line up of 70+ acts, SSW is an essential event for anyone with a love for rare Northern Soul, rare Modern Soul, Boogie, Disco, Jazz, Afrobeat, cutting edge House and US House.

SSW DJs and artists include: Danny Krivit, Horse Meat Disco (Luke Howard), Mad Mats (Local Talk), Anne Sexton live, Crazy P (Ron Basejam DJ set), Medlar, Cottam, Jimpster, Groove Assassin, Michael Watford live, CeCe Rogers, Graeme Park (Hacienda Set + Disco Set), Colin Tomlinson, Let's Go Way Back, plus many more including Skiddle's own TW Wizard and Simba.

Described by DJ Magazine as "The John Peel of dance Music", it is an honour and a privilege to broadcast an exclusive mix from this pioneer and stalwart of the U.K. house and techno scene.

Tracklist:

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #16 with Paul Thornton (itch / Trailer Trash)

No special guest mix this month, just fresh hand picked music from the likes of John Morales, Omar S, OB Ignitt, Moodymann, Mannmademusic, Mr Mendel and Jamie xx. Funk heads can expect some new music from the Jazzman and First Word stables. Plus we will have exclusive plays of forthcoming tracks from Cottam's Ruff Draft label, a tight new production from Simba and a couple of gems from BoogieNite.

Tracklist:

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #15 with MannMadeMusic (Shadeleaf / Lumberjacks In Hell)

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio returns this Saturday with another very special guest, as we delve into the UK's deep house scene with an exclusive DJ mix from Sunderland's MannMadeMusic.

Beat-Herder Festival 2014

The festival of festivals returns for 2014 and I can't wait to get back to Beatherdershire...

Now in my 8th year, I have been DJing at The Beat-Herder Festival in the Trailer Trash tent since the crew first asked me in 2007.  I'd done a few local festivals at that point as well as popping my Glastonbury cherry a few years earlier, but nothing could have prepared me for the warm glow I felt as soon as I arrived on site.  "you need to get down here", "it's a proper little festival", "no they don't do day tickets, just come down on Saturday and you'll love it" were some of the text messages I was bashing out on my mobile.

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #14 with Zernell Gillie (Grimy Edits)

This month Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio returns with another very special guest. Keeping up the Chicago tradition, disco don Zernell Gillie takes to the hallowed turntables to give us a rare studio mix.

Dig Deep with DJ Izrail Dizko & Voc Walters (Tradition / Chicago)

Nearing the end of an era. I have only got 2 more Dig Deep On Preston FM's to do, including tonight's show. I've been with the station since the early days of 2006. During the last 8 years I been lucky enough to work with a lot of fantastic guest DJs, selectors, music heads, artists and promoters from around the world; many of which I now count as true friends

For me it's always been about digging deep into other people's record collections and discovering the gems that are loved by others but are new to me. And that's been far more educational than school ever was!! I always say people can't like music they don't get to hear, so as a radio presenter it's been an honour and a privilege to be in a position where I can broadcast 2 hours of fresh and different tracks on each and every show.

So for my last 2 shows at Preston FM I am handing the Dig Deep turntables over to the guests for the full 2 hours with only minimal chatter from me. It's all about the music, and is a chance to hear 2 great DJs in action that you may not have had the chance to hear otherwise....

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #13 with Simba (Home Taping / Stripped & Chewed)

For the 13th Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio I am pleased to welcome Preston based DJ & Producer Simba to the growing list of trusted selectors that have put together an exclusive mix for the show.

As a DJ Simba has been doing it for years. He grew up listening to soul, funk, boogie and disco records on his dad's record player and you can really hear that deep soulful vibe in both his DJ sets and his productions.

Sometimes you’ll catch him dropping house, disco and boogie, while at other times he'll turn your head with some Jaydee inspired hip hop.

Dig Deep with Mr Mendel #2 (Basic Fingers / Lumberjacks In Hell)

On this week's show to get you in the bank holiday mood I am honoured to bring you part 3 of an exclusive mix from Amsterdam based DJ & Producer - Mr Mendel.

Dig Deep on Preston FM with Mr Mendel #2 by Paul Thornton on Mixcloud

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #12 with Mr Mendel (Basic Fingers / Lumberjacks In Hell)

For the 12th show on Cowbell Radio I am honoured to bring you an exclusive mix from Amsterdam based DJ & Producer - Mr Mendel.

Dig Deep with Davo (Scene) #2

This week's show is a game of two halves. In the first hour Paul will be digging deep in the hip hop crates, covering tracks from 1979 through to 2014.  In the 2nd hour, we have special guest DJ Davo dropping some deep drum and bass.

Dig Deep on Preston FM with Davo #2 by Paul Thornton on Mixcloud

Davo is possibly best known as head honcho at Preston based skate shop 'Scene'.  The shops annual parties are a highlight on the city's clubbing calendar and 2014 is no exception.

A face on the underground scene for years, Davo is well known as a quality drum and bass DJ.

Scene's 17th Birthday Party
Sunday 4th May 2014

The Day: 12pm-7pm (FREE) - The Continental, Preston
Live graffiti jam by the Infamous Last Words crew
Plus beats served up by Operation Sound System and Preston DJ's:
Paul Thornton, Karl Yates and North Fiyah crew.

The Night: 10pm-3am (£3 Advance tickets) £5 on the door - Club Tonic, Preston
Local artists will be spinning an eclectic mix of Reggae and Drum & Bass
Sound provide by Operation Sound System

Event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1406054319661052/

Scene Preston: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scene-Preston/206901352686973

Playlist:

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #11 with Paul Thornton (Itch / Trailer Trash / Dig Deep)

The 11th Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio has a a real special mix up and covers music from the late 60s through to brand new releases and forthcoming tracks.

Expect nu disco, funk, house, techno, boogie, soul and some hip hop towards the end of the show.

Regular features include the Chilled Track Of The Month and the Global Gig Guide in the last hour.

Tracklist:

Dig Deep on Preston FM with Cottam #2

On this week's show we have a Cottam special. There is a wedge of his new & forthcoming tracks in the first hour. In the 2nd hour he takes to the decks with a set put together especially for the show.

Dig Deep on Preston FM with Cottam #2 by Paul Thornton on Mixcloud

After dj'ing and tinkering since the age of 14, Cottam burst onto the scene in 2009 with the release of three 12"s of quality deep house music. His brand of house music takes influences from soul, hiphop, afrobeat, disco, dub and techno.

Prolific since the start, Cottam's back catalogue is bulging. In March 2014 he releases his debut 12" on his own Ruff Draft label, and there is a two tracker on the new Machine label. In April his Ruff Treatment mix of Al Gobi's Cup Of Tea comes out on Constant State.

Facebook
soundcloud.com/cottam
Mixcloud

Cottam on Juno Records: http://goo.gl/3Xkw9s
Cottam on Juno Download: http://goo.gl/f4Uo1h

Playlist:

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #10 with Bruce Ivery (Street Edits / Stilove4music / Grimy Trax)

For my 10th show on Cowbell Radio I am honoured to hand over the decks to Chicago based DJ & Producer Bruce Ivery who has put together an exclusive Dig Deep mix from the Windy City.

Known in the right quarters as one of the best disco djs in the world, Bruce is also an able man with the edit razor. He is one half of the Urban Legendz alongside Boogie Nite and is part of the Chuck Brothers DJ crew.

Check his releases on Stilove4music, Rahaan's Street Edits and the new 12" on Grimy Trax.

Tracklist:

Dig Deep with Simba (Stripped & Chewed / Home Taping) #2

On this month's show we are pleased as punch to welcome back local DJ and Producer Simba aka Chris Grant to the Dig Deep decks.

Simba grew up listening to soul funk boogie and disco records on his dad's record player and you can really hear that deep soulful vibe in both his DJ sets and his productions.

Dig Deep on Preston FM with Simba #2 by Paul Thornton on Mixcloud

As a DJ Simba has been doing it for years.  A master of many styles, when he gets on a deep one his sets could be mistaken for something Theo Parrish, Andres, Mark E of The Revenge might put together.  Simba is currently involved in the FAM (Fashion Art Music) club night that takes place at Glovers Bar in Preston. And he is connected with the For No Reason crew.

As happens with many a natural DJ, his love of the music led him into production and he has been busy working away in the studio for a few years now.

Simba's Three Kays track got a lot of love from me in 2013. So much so it kicked off my End Of Year Run Down vinyl chart landing at number 30.  Released just under a year ago on the Chicago based Stripped & Chewed label, this 12" was an early sign of what is to come.

Simba's ace Phase One Seq is due out very soon on the consistently strong Home Taping label.  The 12" comes with a remix from The Black Madonna.




Simba's mix is an excerpt from his recent FAM Promo Mix that is still up for download on Soundcloud.

PT has a tight selection of brazilian jazzfunk disco house afro and techno lined up for the 1st hour.

Dig Deep with Voc Walters #3 (Chicago) 300114

This week Voc Walters returns to Dig Deep with his 3rd mix for the show.  We can always count on Voc to keep it fresh with plenty of new cuts whilst staying true to his Windy City roots.  Expect soulful boogie through to acid tracks and deep discofied house.

Dig Deep on Preston FM with Voc Walters #3 by Paul Thornton on Mixcloud

Voc first started spinning records at the age of 12. Growing up on the south side of Chicago provided him with many influences such as the Hot Mix 5, Pharris Thomas, Ron Hardy, Frankie Knuckles, Lil Louis & Steve Hurley.

Voc made a few appearances on the big stage early on. Those appearances included The Ascot Hotel (Chicago), The Hyde Park Racketball Club (Chicago) and a guest appearance on WKKC Chicago in the 80's.

These appearances were along side the likes of Mr. Gene Hunt, Tyree Cooper, Pharris Thomas and Lloyd Dev just to name a few...

Recent appearances at Artis's Lounge in Chicago, one with Gene Hunt and at the Output Lounge with Dave Britton and Czr, The Uptown Lounge (Chicago), Leo's Den (Chicago) and has been an occasional guest DJ on Chicago's Soul 106.3 FM along side of Mike Dunn, Dj Lil John and Sundance as well as WKKC 89.3 F.M. Chicago.

Voc continues as a resident Dj on chicagohouseradio.com where he is the creator of the "Operation Underground" mix show. Voc took an absence from actively mixing for over ten years.

In 2007, he made a return to mixing and hasn't looked back. Recent influences include Larry Heard, Gene Hunt, Lloyd Dev, Julius The Mad Thinker, Jamie 326, Osunlade & Dj Emanuel.

Voc continues to bring you Classic/Disco while focusing on introducing you to the new underground style of house with hints of a unique type of music that peaks your interest.

Voc's goal is to give you a complete house experience with every mix and to leave you wanting more......

Dig Deep on Cowbell Radio #9 with Rahaan (Stilove4music / Disco Deviance / Street Edits / Kat / Lumberjacks In Hell / Grimy Edits)

To get us started in 2014, I am stoked to announce we will have an exclusive mix from Chicago based DJ / Producer Rahaan on this Saturday's show.

Definitely super special, Rahaan is a DJ's DJ and a great one at that. Rahaan's music featured heavily in Dig Deep's 2013 playlists and the Chicago Service EP on Lumberjacks In Hell landed at the number 3 spot in my End Of Year Top 30!

Don't miss this chance to check out The man in action from the comfort of your own home...

Tracklist: