B2B Interview w The Corduroy Mavericks by Angelonerz
The Corduroy Mavericks are an up and coming house music production duo out of Kentucky. Their music is in heavy rotation in the B2B Dj's sets. Tracks like Open Your Eyes, Biscuit Love and Unsettled have been rocking dancefloors across Chicago. Their music and videos are also featured on our Mixes page. Recently B2B Resident Angelonerz had a chance to interview them and they came off as very down to earth, easy to talk to guys. We look forward to their upcoming productions and we would love to have them come play in Chicago! Details coming soon!!!!!!
Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, Matt Mason and Rick Nielsen, better known as the Corduroy Mavericks, are quickly smashing the stereotype that the Midwest is lacking in prolific house music producers. With their quirky range of jazzy, soulful, techy, deep and funky house, New York, Chicago, the West Coast and other dance meccas have been put on notice via the sonic enthusiasm of a pair of Corduroy-loving trailblazers from the Bluegrass State.
“Music is an integral part of our lives,” Rick says. “It’s the fix in my day that keeps me focused, energized and motivated. It’s a part of me the same way that my arm or leg is a part of me. I’m that guy that that listens to electronic music all day every day with a healthy sprinkling of funk, soul, jazz, swing and rock. These are all the influences that permeate our music.” When pressed further about their musical heroes, they quickly make note of the collective of DJs out there hustling their own sounds. They’re drawn to producers they feel have advanced the cause and created a unique sound within the industry, including artists and jocks such as the East Coast Boogiemen, Garth, Inland Knights, Mark Farina, Masters at Work, Miguel Migs and Joey Youngman, to name just a few.
Matt & Rick began collaborating in the studio circa 2005 and the last few years have seen them really hitting their stride. In July 2009, the Chicago-based Flapjack Records released their aptly named breakout track, “Break A Dawn,” which quickly climbed the charts on go-to digital music site Stompy.com. Suddenly, the house scene was flooded with their infectious beats. Now, five years later, the Mavericks have racked up releases on top outlets including Alphabet Music, Ficus Tree, Juiced and Serial Sickness, with more forthcoming tracks on Flapjack, Llama Farm and Roundhouse. “Different labels like different sounds so we are glad that we can appeal to a wide variety of outlets,” Rick and Matt agree. “Since our influences come from so many different styles we try to make what moves us.” The Mavericks’ latest EP, Jus’ Kickin’ It, comes via the Los Angeles-based Deepfunk Records. “Just the opportunity to be associated with Deepfunk, I feel, garners a higher level of respect from our peers,” Rick says.
Having played across the U.S., including Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Nashville, Orlando and Phoenix, more than thirteen releases in three years and at least ten more in the works, the strong impact the Mavericks themselves have had on the house scene is clear. “I think that in any partnership, it takes time to establish roles and figure out the yin and yang of the creativity,” Rick notes. “Not only have we grown together as friends, but we have grown together as creative artists.” And their success is proof of that.
*B2B* How did Corduroy Mavericks come about?
*CM* Well in 2003 Matt and I met at a house party in which we were introduced to each other by Trevor Lamont. Matt is from Lexington and I had just relocated with my job to Lexington. We both were listening to the same artists and shared the same goals for creating and producing music. We agreed to get together in Matts studio to see how things would go. In those early days, its amazing we got anything accomplished. It would literally take us 3 months to complete a track. It just takes time to learn how each other works in the studio and finding out the yin yang of two people producing. Once we recognized that things were finally progressing we came up with a name (CMavs) and started putting feelers out to labels to gauge interest.
*B2B* What gave you guys that initial push to start dropping tracks?
*CM* Once we got to the point of producing some tracks that we felt were playable we started to peep them to various labels. The first tracks that we had picked up was by Blue Iguana Music which was run by Trevor Lamont (the same guy that introduced us). Our second release was on Alphabet Music run by Ken ECB. We listen to those releases now and we were so green and new to the production game we kinda cringe when we hear them. Not saying they were bad, just different from what we do now. Things really changed when Break A Dawn came out on Flapjack. Frankie J heard something in that track which became our signature sound…taking old school R&B/Soul and mashing it up with Hip hop and giving it the house rubdown.
*B2B* What djs or artist influenced you guys?
*CM* Too many to list!!! We will start broad…we are strongly influenced by different genres of music…R&B, Soul, Funk (definitely strong on the funk!), Hip Hop, Swing, Jazz. Major artists like Michael Jackson, Parliament, Bill Withers, Biggie, Eric B & Rakim, Steely Dan, the list goes on and is wide ranging. Dj’s like Mark Farina, Mes, Frankie J, Garth, Derrick Carter, this list also goes on. Currently we collaborating with such artists as Kinky Movement, The House Inspectors, Trevor Vichas, Jeff Dougler and Balu, West Coast Collective and these artists are helping to evolve our sound even more…
*B2B* Do you guys think that your style is unique from other producers?
*CM* I wouldn’t say unique, we just have a pretty good template for what inspires us and we really don’t put any boundaries on it. We have done everything from downtempo to deep to funky to techy to soulful. I think you could best describe what we are trying to achieve is that we want to make music that bridges the gap between different styles of listener; throw in an old soul or R&B sample mashed with an 80’s tune, overlayed on a hip hop sample. Someone 50 years old will recognize a part of the song the same way that an 18 year old will recognize a part, all in the same song, yet we make it to a house beat. We feel it helps grow the house music scene and pull a wider demographic into what we are all about…House Music.
*B2B* When dropping a track do yall ever bump heads not agreeing with each other?
*CM* Never, not in terms of performing. We do bump heads in the studio but never to the point of arguing. We have these unwritten rules when we work together. Its nothing that we ever discuss, its just what we have grown into. If we don’t agree on it, we delete it.
*B2B* What's you favorite tune of all time you have released?
*CM* The one we are currently working on. Its really funny and we joke about it but Matt says this with each track we work on…”this is my new favorite track!!” It’s a running joke. As far as released tracks, we will always have a soft spot for Break A Dawn as we feel this was our ‘corner’ track. When this dropped, we turned a corner and things started happening pretty quick.
*B2B* How does the house music crowd there in Kentucky adapt to your music?
*CM* We have to tread carefully here and put this delicately…I think every producer and artist feels this way in a sense, you never really get a lot of love in your home town. Not saying that there aren’t people that groove to what we are doing but Lexington is just not a music hub compared to cities like Chicago or San Fran or LA. The scene here is fairly small but that’s just due to population and size. We play out occasionally but that’s not our goal, we like that we can focus and concentrate on being in the studio. We definitely have more opportunities to play in surrounding cities and states than we do here in Kentucky.
*B2B* '' Break A Dawn'' Put yall on the map!! How did you guys end end up with flapjack Records here in Chicago?
*CM* Just kind of a random thing. We were huge fans of The Sound Republic and had a ton of respect for Frankie J. I think I ran into him in a chatroom of Chicago House FM online radio station and asked if I could float him a track…the rest is history.
*B2B* Was there any labels that would not work with you guys at first? We don't need a name.
*CM* LOL, yes of course. Still that way. We don’t have delusions of grandeur. We are who we are and we fit into the business model of some labels and some labels we don’t. Some labels are just out of reach at this point until we reach a certain level of success in which time the label might recognize that they can make some money by partnering with us. That’s just business and we respect that. We have been growing as an artist each month and have recently had releases on some major house labels like Dufflebag and of course Flapjack. Not downplaying ANY of the labels that we have releases on, they are all critical and have contributed to where we are today, just saying that those two labels are just examples of some more recognized names. We could make that list much longer and on another point…we are at a point where we don’t want to ask for a label to pick us up, its always a nicer feeling when your wanted. We have some releases in the works with some really big labels coming up but aren’t quite ready to announce those yet.
*B2B* How long did it take to get your first track released?
*CM* 2.5-3 years. We are grinders not artists that stormed onto the scene.
*B2B* What advice would you give to up and coming Dj's/Producers?
*CM* Huh? We consider ourselves up and coming LOL…Here is what we did in a nutshell.
Put your time in. Ask for criticism (REAL HONEST criticism, no bs fluff). Try to strike up a relationship with an established artist to help show you the ropes. Don’t get frustrated. Once you feel you have a track that you feel is worth being out there, send it to the labels. At the beginning, its about getting your name out there and not worrying about the money. If your in it for the money, make dubstep and get out of the house game, we don’t want you here. Treat it like a growing business and you are the brand. Be honest with what your goals are and most important…stay true to yourself. Success is earned…not given.
*B2B* Any shouts you would like to make?
Everyone that has and continues to support us…you are why we do it.
A little piece of Housemusic by Kimberly Perez
Music is an Art. Creating Art takes not only experience, but that touch within.. TALENT. I believe the same thing goes for the creation and appreciation of HOUSE MUSIC. It takes talent of one as well as determination and hard work. Anyone can go out there and try and be a DJ, or a promoter, and build any venue they please. But what makes that VENUE, not only genuine, but one that people absolutely KNOW they will be experiencing some of the finest House music and a great vibe in that particular city?
As we all know Chicago is the home and birthplace of HOUSE MUSIC. I think everyone can say that is a “spiritual thing… a body thing… a soul thing….” That pretty much sums it up. Anyone and everyone can have their opinion or feel to this topic but one this is for sure to say is that House Music has evolved …but into a different direction.
There seems to be many DJS out there that want a piece of this world. There also seems to be many promoters now that want a piece of this action as well. I am not really sure if they are doing it for the ‘fame’, love, or money. I do see that there are more promoters or DJS out there than there seem to be SUPPORTERS.
Within the last 5 to 10 years I have seen this scene go thru a transformation and I could in fact be wrong. In my eyes, I have seen the scene go from underground, but large number of househeads, to NOW borederline commercial, and less supporters.
Everyone wants a piece of the pie. Everyone wants to be a DJ. Everyone wants to promote their spot. Everyone wants to put their hand in the cookie jar, but lets be real here. In the Chicago House scene, there AREN’T that many supporters, therefore I feel some of these venues need to consolidate and join together and try to get a REAL night and a REAL spot going. Something that has more spaz to the venue, and that the House Musically inclined ear will walk to front door and automatically KNOW its going to be a good night because of the BASS of a Mr. Ozio track that is going on. Not so that they can walk to the door and see that at 12am there is absolutely no one but 15 people in the venue, including the bartenders and waitresses, bouncers, and the door man. Okay maybe 30 people in a venue if your LUCKY! No…. how about two hundred people in a venue all bouncing to a beat that we all can feel from our toes up to our nostrils!! How about feeling that beat to the breaker that’s across from you spillin some moves you only see on So you think you can Dance! How about a bar that is full of outgoing bartenders bouncing their heads to the beat you are feeling too! Door man that doesn’t judge or discriminate the faces that walk in the venue. How about promoters that walk around getting to know the people and network to see if there are any Supporting DJs in the venue that they can possibly book for next month. Oh wait.. wait a minute… I’m dreaming… Keep playing the same superstars, at the same spots, with some of their SAME SETS! Don’t forget to hire that 50 year old Doorman that looks absolutely hideous in spandex!
There are the Djs that are diverse from young to old, from old school to new school, from acid house night to Jackin house MidNight throw down. The djs that have done their homework and promote the new music that IS out there, especially the music born here in Chicago. Not the music that you would hear in a commercial spot. When I hear Djs play “LADY… followed by Sing it Back.. followed by Depeche Mode mixed in with the Cure Tracks… Change for me..” I just want to throw up in my mouth. Really? Is that all you have? How about trying to mix that track with something more recent?
How about an actual crowd that feels every track of the DJ plays! Not a crowd that only jams to tracks they “know” or something similar to the LAST time they went out. Their all enjoying these NEW sounds!!!! Oh wait.. im dreaming again…Stick a Dj like Justin Long in a venue where you have those “house heads” who dance to the 6 Dj lineup that play pretty much the SAME thing EVERYTIME there is an event… yeah.. NO ONE will know what tracks Justin in playing because NO ONE IS EVOLVING!.... and lets be real…. they really don’t want to. Why should they when you have the Djs out there that play TO the crowd, instead of the crowd that follows the DJs because of WHATEVER tracks he is feelin that night from the barrel of GOOD music selection he has done his homework to…. oh dam.. someone PINCH ME! I keep falling asleep and dreaming!!! I think Smart Bar is the only place now a days (major spot) anyway that has Great Music and DJs that play there with some of the most updated house music…. BUT… Same DJ names… SAME djs faces as headliners… and SAME rotating local Djs. How about we change that lineup?
As of right now, I believe we will be here for a while, which is no change, and no progress within the scene. Everyone reaching for the cookie in the cookie jar, for a HOUSE NIGHT of ‘HOUSE MUSIC’ or just a particular genre of HOUSE, at 10 different venues a night, instead of one, two or three different venues, that maintain the Balance of the REAL THING.
You cant blame people for trying to hustle, but if you’re going to do something, do it right! Do it for the love of the game. Support all, and in return you will get that support as well. Take a chance on some of the younger DJS and don’t just always go with the Headliner Status. That’s all for now… support the scene all you can when you can… and support the producers as well. Evolve…. The date is April 8, 2011 …. play some UPDATED House Mr. ‘House’ Djs.
Some Local Spots I give props to that go beyond booking the old new and keep it evolving::
Tigers in Berwyn –Thursdays I LOVE this spot. You can see some old and new faces as well as music
Martini Ranch – Wednesdays
Crocodile – Thursdays ( I think you can rotate the lineup some more)
SmartBar – Headliner status, but please rotate some of the Local Djs they play just as good as the Headliners..
Evil Olive – WEDS..GREAT music but you will see some of the same DJs there!
more coming soon!
Sharing is Caring by Robbin Marie Deegan
Mixcrate.com Review by Dj Serg Vicious
Angelonerz S4 Review
Im now equipped with the traktor s4.for those of you that dont know what the s4 is it is a midi controller. I figured instead of buying 2 cdj's and a mixer let me try something different. One of the guys psykomantis has the Numark ns7 which I was really impressed with. I never laid hands on it but I thought was fuckin cool as hell no cd's just straight mixin with your library. Anyways.. After buying & unboxing the machine with quickness threw the installation cd in "Traktor Pro" installed it & hooked up the usb and shaazam ready to rock.. Once I loaded the first it was like riding a bike I was back in bizzness . The one thing about the s4 it does so much shit a whole lotta buttons like whoa.. shit I really dont think id use. Today was my first day really toying with the fine machine which was dope did a quick little test on ustream turned out dees getting ready for my debut on undetgroundhouse.tv 4-2-11 (4-6pm cst) so tune in yall . I still have alot of learning with the s4 ill get better with time.. I give the s4 2 thumbs up . Big ups to native instruments fine work. Ill keep you all posted on my journey with th s4.
ANGELONERZ......
B2B Interviews Chicago Filmmaker Bartolomeo Tumbarello
B2B: Do you like house music?
BART: Yes, the old school jams. I remember the house movement. Man, I remember the hip hop movement and society said it wouldn't last. They're both still here.
B2B: Tell us a little something about your latest project Chasing Hollywood?
BART: It's a documentary about the struggles people go through in the entertainment business, and how they overcame them.
B2B: What gave you the idea to do Chasing Hollywood?
BART: Smith, Vallo & Passarella have been taping for the last 5 years. It's original title was P.O.V. an actors insight. Anyways, Kelly got involved and approached me with looking at the footage. The footage was good but needed a backbone. So I called up a friend Villalobos Jr., changed the name and started shooting our backbone.
B2B: Where & When can we see this movie?
BART: Good question! We're in post production and hoping to meet the deadline for the Naperville Independent Film Fest in September 2011.
B2B: I heard you want to give proceeds if any to charity, who & why?
BART: I wanted something that helps kids. I'm a father and the thought of my kids suffering. For example we're here talking about a film with people chasing a dream. While half way around the world people just lost theirs.
B2B: It was cool talking with you
BART: Cool, Thanks here's the teaser for the film
http://www.back2basicschicago.com/
Dysqo - @ Vision Nightclub Dj Set Saturday March 19th
My set was scheduled for 11-12am in the Penthouse @ Vision NightClub Saturday March 19th.
I was excited because it had been a while since my last dj set. I got there early to ensure I had ample time to make sure everything was in order. I spoke with the club sound engineer who helped make sure all the proper equipment was working properly.
First of all Vision is HUGE!! I have spun there a few times before and am always amazed at the size of the place!The "Penthouse" is a 2 level room furnished with couches, dancefloor, dj booth and a full bar, located on the very top floors of Vision. It felt like a mission walking through the maze of a club in order to find the Penthouse and I was nervous that my friends would not be able to find it! By 11 o'clock about a dozen or so of my close friends were there and I was ready to spin. The Dj Gear I used were 2 Pioneer Cdj's and a Pioneer 800 Mixer. I ended up spinning til 1230 which was fine with me because many more of my friends showed up and were able to catch my set. I started off pretty chill and vocally and progressed into some old school and newer stuff that i picked up recently off beatport.com
Some of the highlights of the night were when I mixed No Ufo's by Model 500 with Deep Inside by Harddrive. People also liked the Mighty DubKatz Just Another Groove remix by Tocadisco, Biscuit Love by The Courdoroy Maverics and Keep It Real Davidson Ospina Funky Jack Remix.
After I was done spinning I checked out Dj Carey Pope who threw down a nice techy flavored set. Then it was off to the afterparty where we djed til the sun came up. All in all, my friends and I had a great time. It was nice spinning on a quality sound system in one of the biggest Nightclubs in Chicago. My next set is coming up soon @ Martini Ranch and I look forward to sharing the details with you. Til next time. Stay up and stay house!!
http://www.back2basicschicago.com/
Welcome to Back2BasicsChicago Blog!
Here at back2basicsblog we'll be talking about house music among other thoughts, facts, videos, pictures and world news. Our team is divided up in different areas of the arts. From Dj's, filmmakers, photographers and graphic designers. We understand that the world is flipped upside down. From record breaking earthquakes to global revolutions. So we'll be blogging on just about everything. Please feel free to enjoy our blogs and join into the discussions.
http://www.back2basicschicago.com/
