A word on the death of Amy Winehouse

Image by NRK P3 via Flickr"We’ve made celebrity out of self-destruction and empty notoriety, and in the process forsaken our own dignity and nobility."

I posted a guest blog on my friend Dorothy Black's The Dot Spot about the tragedy of Amy Winehouse's death.

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Interview: Double Adapter

Some describe them as "Trash Electro" but the boys from Double Adapter see themselves as entertainers and musicians first. That they've been burning up dancefloors and clubs since 2009 is beside the point; they've actually had a documentary made about them. And they haven't even released an album yet.

Do you think there’s still a difference – in the mind of the audience – between a DJ and a musician or band?

Tim: There is definitely still a difference, but strangely things seem to have shifted to the opposite side of where they were 3 or 4 years ago - it used to be that DJs drew a lot of criticism for not being real artists/musicians, and now DJs are becoming recognised as strong creative forces while it sometimes seems like bands are considered "done" or "boring" by a lot of young people. We totally don't share that view, we love both - there SHOULD be a difference in the eye of an audience, and I think its up to bands and DJs to really challenge that perception in their fans...

Dan: Yeah definitely. I would say that when people go watch bands they are not sure what is going to happen - is the sound going to be hot? Are we gonna dance? Where as when people go to watch a DJ I think they are going in with an attitude of we are going to party and we are gonna go mental!

I guess I’m asking the above because I’d like to now how you consider yourselves – as DJs or as musicians or a bit of both…

Tim: I definitely consider myself a musician - for me it's pretty boring to go on stage and just play stuff that other people wrote. I mean, if you've been DJing for a while, its not exactly rocket science to mix seamlessly from track to track - but to find inspiration in how you combine them, change them, re-edit or remix them, that gives a DJ/musician personality - to be honest, I think we consider ourselves performers first, good-time-lovers second, and then DJ/VJ/musicians third. But all are critical.

 Dan: Double Adapter is definitely more of a live act then a DJ act. We see our selves as DJs and we are more then open about that fact but with the introduction of a audio/visual aspect I suppose these lines become blurred. Lately we have been working with a live drummer, guitarist and vocals and these lines have become even further blurred but at the end of the day I think we like to think of ourselves as DJs at the end of the day.

Tell us a little about how ADAPT OR DIE came about.

Tim: ADAPT OR DIE came about as a title for our first European tour which was earlier this year... a fan actually gave us the name via Facebook, and we ran with it! The documentary followed when our good friend at Mustard Post Production, Matthew Stonier, decided to come with and give some of his considerable creative energy to documenting our journey. It picked up the name too. Now, post tour, its kind of become our motto - stay current, keep moving, don't be complacent - dance music moves and evolves so quickly that a stagnant act will never last long.

Do you find it at all strange that your movie/documentary was aired before you even released an EP?
Tim: Not really, it was actually our goal! We've always had a firm resolution with Double Adapter - we are a vehicle to bring a party to a crowd of like minded people. Because the show is half visual, releasing music as an EP or something hasn't ever really been a goal - we're more into mediums that let people experience our show the way we play it - and that means video, or mixtapes featuring our typical heavy mashup style... that said, an EP is on the cards for this year. Its time to release some of our creations into the world on their own and see if they survive!

Dan: Ha ha, yeah I guess that is a little bit strange. Double Adapter has always been about the live act and I guess the best way to convey who we are is through film. However an EP is in pre-production and hopefully we will have that out soon.



What would you say was the most interesting thing about watching the other performers during your tours of Europe, etc – did you observe a marked difference in style or quality? Did you pick up any new ideas? Or did they in fact learn from YOU!

Tim: The most interesting thing we found is that SA is completely cutting edge - we saw it when we went there, and we often see it when international DJs and producers come here - it's getting harder and harder to spot who the "international" act is! I think the key difference to be honest is the quality of the guys promoting events and running artist agencies and labels over there - they are incredibly professional and it's relevant because their hard work is what is translating into artists over there getting such amazing recognition. It's that whole thing where an amazing gig is not JUST the music - it's the lights, the atmosphere, the people, the energy, and the performance too. But don't get me wrong - there are guys here is SA on a management/events level that are BRINGING it - Griet Artists, The Assembly, Dogbox - These are pivotal people in the SA electronic music industry and let us do what we do.

Dan: Yeah! We learnt a lot! There is undoubtedly a difference in style, all DJs perform in different ways and play completely different styles and it was really interesting to see what cats are doing in their native countries and how their audiences respond to it. Did they learn a lesson from us? I’d like to think they did - most were shocked at our hi-energy performances and I hope they took something away from that.

Why – according to the press release – were your actions during the filming of ADAPT of DIE at times “questionable”? Be honest now!

Tim: Good question. Haha. We like to party okay? Dan likes to swear! I like to drink stuff and fall off the stage! You know when you have a really crazy night, and you wake up thinking "Oh my god, why did I do that stuff"? We woke up feeling like that every single day for 3 weeks... I'm still dealing with my LC (loser complex) now. Haha - the only way forward is to do it again!

Dan: Tim and I like to get into trouble and we definitely like to live it up large when we get the chance, we drink a lot and get ourselves into awkward situations and that is the best part of touring!

Originally published by Channel24
Photos by Gabbi Harris

Marshall meets WWE's Celtic Warrior Sheamus

I'm always, like - so they grant me the interview or the photo session, and I know it's sometimes a drag to be stuck in these things all day - from the their point of view. So, I always try to find a way to say thanks or to make the subject feel a little appreciated.

I decided that since it was Sheamus' first visit to our shores, I'd give him an SA flag as a memento.

It also turns out brother Sheamus was a keen rugby player, and follows rugby. Though he naturally supports the Irish (whom I ALWAYS favour against the Boks), Sheamus conversely rates the Boks and reckons they've got a chance at the World Cup this year.

You can see some more of my photos from the Cape Town show here.

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The worst "Essential" compilation yet produced

(Originally published by Channel24 here:)

I take music compilations quite seriously. There's an art to compiling a GREAT set of songs that drive home a collective message or idea or sentiment. Sometimes, someone gets it together and does a good job. This is not one of those times.

Five discs of "Essential Love Songs" really could have been more essential, given its broad sell. And observant buyers will know that when it comes to these types of compilations, few labels do it better than EMI – what with their embarrassingly underused but vast back catalogue.

Unfortunately this Universal music collection shows up its lack of depth when it comes to those classic tracks that made everyone from your grandma to your teenager writhe in adolescent agony. Moreover, some of the picks turn an innocuous and forgettable listening experience into a frustrating and even offensive one.

So, disc by disc:



Disc 1 – Movie Love Songs
The highlight of this disc is an original-sounding Platters classic "Smoke gets in Your Eyes" – The Platters' classic recordings are really something to honour. But is "What a Wonderful World" really a love song?

   1.  All By Myself - Jamie O' Neal
   2.  Say You, Say Me - Lionel Richie
   3.  Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
   4.  I've Never Been To Me - Charlene
   5.  She - Elvis Costello, London Symphony Orchestra, Geoffrey Alexander
   6.  The Heart Of The Matter - India.Arie
   7.  Everlasting Love - Jamie Cullum
   8.  What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
   9.  Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - The Platters
   10.  Out Of Reach - London Session Orchestra
   11.  I'm Not In Love - 10cc
   12.  Show Me Heaven - Maria McKee
   13.  Love Is All Around - Wet Wet Wet
   14.  The Lady In Red - Chris De Burgh
   15.  Crazy - Patsy Cline
   16.  Will You? - Hazel O'Connor
   17.  A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton
   18.  You're The First, The Last, My Everything - Barry White
   19.  Je T'Aime Moi Non Plus - Serge Gainsbourg, Jane Birkin

Disc 2 – Duets and Harmony
Sentimental folks may well like the Jennifer Warnes/ Joe Cocker throwback to the classic movie song (wasn't disc one the movie disc…  "An Officer and a Gentleman" anyone?), but the rest is ultimately forgettable Cape Talk/702 weekend B-rotation reject.

   1.  Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Elton John, Kiki Dee
   2.  Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell
   3.  Up Where We Belong - Jennifer Warnes, Joe Cocker
   4.  Endless Love - Lionel Richie, Diana Ross
   5.  Reunited - Peaches & Herb
   6.  All I Ever Need Is You - Sonny & Cher
   7.  If I Never See Your Face Again - Maroon 5, Rihanna
   8.  All My Life - K-Ci & JoJo
   9.  Lie About Us - Avant, Nicole Scherzinger
   10.  Two Hearts - Stephanie Mills, Teddy Pendergrass
   11.  Do That To Me One More Time - Captain & Tennille
   12.  Sugar Baby Love - The Rubettes
   13.  The Girl From Ipanema - Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto
   14.  Song For Whoever - The Beautiful South
   15.  You Can't Hurry Love - (Stereo) The Supremes
   16.  What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted - Jimmy Ruffin
   17.  No Matter What - Boyzone
   18.  Caravan Of Love - The Housemartins
   19.  Love Me For A Reason - The Osmonds
   20.  The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore) - Walker Brothers

Disc 3 – Pop Love Songs
It seems that when they said "Love Songs" they meant both the currently-in-love and heartbreak variety. By far the most convincing track on disc three is Vanessa Williams' sugary "Save the Best for Last". At least that track is superbly indicative of its pop era. Great arrangement and vocal performance, too. And it was a nice touch to add the Pat Boone and the Shangri-Las. Far better Connie Francis ("Where the Boys Are"), Dusty Springfield and even Swing Out Sister tracks exist that could have been included here.

   1.  Love Is A Losing Game - Amy Winehouse
   2.  One Day In Your Life - Michael Jackson
   3.  LA LA (Means I Love You) - Swing Out Sister
   4.  Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal) - Fergie
   5.  Save The Best For Last - Vanessa Williams
   6.  Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus
   7.  (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher - Rita Coolidge
   8.  Baby, I Love Your Way - Peter Frampton
   9.  As Time Goes By - Bing Crosby
   10.  Love Letters In The Sand - Pat Boone
   11.  Leader Of The Pack - The Shangri-Las
   12.  Release Me (And Let Me Love Again) - Engelbert Humperdinck
   13.  I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself - Dusty Springfield
   14.  Who's Sorry Now? - Connie Francis
   15.  Wives And Lovers - Jack Jones
   16.  Your Lies - Shelby Lynne
   17.  If I Can't Have You - Yvonne Elliman
   18.  Love And Affection - Joan Armatrading
   19.  Big Big World - Emilia
   20.  Beautiful - Mandalay
   21.  Love Is Blue - Paul Mauriat

Disc 4 – Rock Love Songs
Way to start a "Rock Love Songs" set with a New Romantic synth-pop tune there. "Wind of Change" by Scorpions? Really? "Luka" by Suzanne Vega? REALLY?

   1.  Tainted Love Original 7" - Soft Cell
   2.  If I Could Turn Back Time - Cher
   3.  Lovesong Remastered - The Cure
   4.  Valerie 2010 Remaster - Steve Winwood
   5.  Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone) - Cinderella
   6.  Is She Really Going Out With Him? - Joe Jackson
   7.  You Wear It Well - Rod Stewart
   8.  Pale Blue Eyes - The Velvet Underground
   9.  Heartbeat - Buddy Holly
   10.  Wind Of Change - Scorpions
   11.  You're The Best Thing - The Style Council
   12.  Lessons In Love - Level 42
   13.  The Reason - Hoobastank
   14.  Wonderwall - Ryan Adams
   15.  Linger - The Cranberries
   16.  Luka - Suzanne Vega
   17.  Up The Junction - Squeeze
   18.  She's A Star - James
   19.  Always The Last To Know - Del Amitri

Disc 5 – Urban Love Songs
This disc destroys it all. "Urban" must mean "black" in the compiler's dictionary - that's the only way you can explain Shirley Bassey (yes, the Welsh one),  The Jackson 5 and Etta James on a disc with the description of "urban". What was going to be a two-star disc just lost any sympathy with that bit of lazy and offensive labelling. Don't insult my intelligence, nigga.

   1.  End Of The Road A Cappella - Boyz II Men
   2.  Back At One - Brian McKnight
   3.  Down Candle Light Remix - Jay Sean
   4.  Rub You The Right Way - Johnny Gill
   5.  Thong Song - / Explicit Version Sisqo
   6.  Cherish - Kool & The Gang
   7.  Three Times A Lady - Commodores
   8.  Kiss Me Honey, Honey Kiss Me - Shirley Bassey
   9.  You Make Me Feel Brand New - Stylistics
   10.  How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) - (Stereo) Marvin Gaye
   11.  I'll Be There - Jackson 5
   12.  Reach Out, I'll Be There - (Stereo) Four Tops
   13.  The Tracks Of My Tears - (Stereo) Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
   14.  Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye - Ella Fitzgerald
   15.  I Just Want To Make Love To You - Etta James
   16.  With You I'm Born Again - Billy Preston, Syreeta
   17.  That Ole Devil Called Love - Billie Holiday
   18.  Touch Me In The Morning - Diana Ross
   19.  Teardrops - Womack & Womack
   20.  Words - Anthony David
   21.  Stickwitu - The Pussycat Dolls

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Willie Nelson deserves better

There's a concept called justice and - I like to think - appropriate justice.

Image via Wikipedia

Not that the LAW must apply differently to some because they're celebrities, but because in some cases, strict application of the law serves no justifiable end.

We all know that Willie Nelson smokes pot. We all know he's done it since time began. So when you bust him for the 300th time since 1955, and the PROSECUTOR says to you, the judge: "Hey, it's old Willie. Let's just fine him for possession and send the old man on his way. He's mostly harmless, and it's not like he was selling it to kids or nuthin. And WE ALL KNOW HE SMOKES!"



El Paso - A judge has rejected a plea deal that would have resolved Willie Nelson's marijuana possession case in West Texas with a fine, saying the country singer shouldn't get what she considers special treatment.

Nelson was arrested in November after a Border Patrol agent said 6 ounces of marijuana were found on Nelson's tour bus.

Judge Becky Dean-Walker told The Associated Press on Wednesday that she rejected prosecutor Kit Bramblett's suggestion that Nelson resolve the case by pleading guilty and paying a $500 fine for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dean-Walker claims the prosecutor "doesn't do that for anybody else."

The judge says Nelson should be charged with the misdemeanor marijuana possession, which carries up to a year in jail.

Basically, Judge - and with all due respect afforded the Law and its Constitution: This sucks.

I'm posting this video for Willie... Because people of integrity and value are not - have never been - measured by their vices, but by their message, courage and yes, what they give the world.

Sending a 78 year-old man to jail for a personal choice that harms no-one else is not justice. Even the prosecutor says to let it ride FFS!

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