LAMP Weekly Mix #114 feat. Astley
LAMP Weekly Mix #114 feat. Astley
It's our esteemed pleasure to present our latest Guest Mix from our very close friend and LA music scene purveyor Astley. His event group L'Affaire Musicale has grown since the moment he set foot on LA's concrete jungle streets and there are even bigger things on the horizon for him and his group. You'll find him partnering with some of LA's most prominent names in dance and underground culture from Ouija Entertainment to SPACE YACHT. This mix is chalked full of goodies including some unreleased material from our friends Jamie Prado and J. Worra. MR PUZL sits down with this impresario to talk about all things music.MR PUZL: First off, big ups for being apart of our Guest Mix. What have you got in store for our listeners this week?Tom Astley: Alex and Josh, you guys are good mates, thanks for having me as part of the Lamp guest mix series.This is a diverse mix of tracks, different genres and producers I’ve been feeling over the past few years. I didn’t want to do a mix full of dub plates and wanted to highlight some of my favorite tracks that I’ve been consistently playing in my DJ sets.There are are some unreleased and very special bangers in store, starting with the first release on my brand new imprint ‘Midnight In Paris’ that I founded with one of the most talented homies I know Nathan Hayes aka. Jamie Prado. The track is titled ‘Restless’ feat. Tali, best known for her work in the Drum & Bass Scene. I end the mix with the flip side which is a lush downtempo roller also by Jamie Prado titled ‘New Era’. Keep your eyes and ears peeled.I hope you guys enjoy it.MP: I remember our first coffee together at Tomo. You had loads of aspirations for bringing a whole new energy to LA dance music scene. As you take stock of where you're at today, what were some of the early hurdles you had to overcome when moving to LA as well as the initial years of building the company from the ground up?TA: I’ve been blessed to have had the opportunity to have worked in some of the most influential music scenes, London, New York City and now Los Angeles. I’m honestly grateful for all the hurdles that I’ve encountered, which have allowed me to grow as a musician and entrepreneur. I feel most of the hurdles I have encountered over the years have revolved around of a lack of professionalism in the industry. Way too many people treat this like it’s all about the party and it’s really not. Music can change peoples lives, open up spaces in their heads never experienced before. It’s about pushing things forward, having integrity and bringing magic to the fans.MP: Growing up in the UK you were privy to a massive amount of genre shifts across the music spectrum. What particularly about the dance scene made you gravitate towards it? What were some styles/genres that you were listening to early on?TA: It was a special time man, there hasn’t been a time like it since for me. From Acid House, Early Hardcore to Jungle and Drum & Bass. I lapped up everything the British Rave Culture threw at me.I was a Drum and Bass head through and through. From hearing Omni Trio’s - Renegade Snares to walking into Black Market Records when I was 15 and hearing Nicky drop Scorpio’s ‘Trouble’ at full volume in a room the size of my bedroom filled to the brim with Junglists, I was never the same again!MP: What are some of your fondest memories of the early 90s club scene in London? How has that culture evolved over time with regard to the rise and decline in EDM culture in the states?TA: For me, there was one place in the 90’s that defined the club scene in London. That was ‘The End’. To this day, there will never be a club quite like it. Andy C dropped Digital’s ‘Waterhouse Dub’ in 99 and I remember our whole crew looked at each other in awe, and in slow motion, people literally were being blown across the dance floor from the bass. It was a magical moment and a magical club.Club Culture has changed, but it’s still as strong as ever. Genre’s come and go, music fad’s pop in and out and electronic music isn’t as underground as it used to be. EDM in the states is having it’s day but that’s ok, you have to search what resinates with you as an individual and as a music head.MP: What about the mentality of event goers do you find to be different here in the states? Many of us who have lived and been apart of the European scene notice there's a bit more brand loyalty and getting people to come out to events is not as much of a hassle and grind as you might find here in LA. Do you think the market here can be over saturated? How do you tackle those concerns when building promotion and awareness for your events?TA: It’s apples and oranges when it comes to the American and European event goers. Nothing more to say… it’s just a different scenario completely.I honestly think every major dance music market across the globe is saturated. Just the way it these days. As far as building and gaining support from event goers this simply comes down to my mission of bringing something new and fresh to LA’s dance menu, while keeping my focus and alignment to not just one specific type of genre. Variety is key. I’m a massive supporter in wanting to see the dance music culture continue to evolve.MP: We got see you spin some proper tunes at your Space Yacht takeover. How would you describe your style to a new audience? Who are some artists and labels you are subscribing to these days?TA: I’ve have been DJ’ing a long time and have found over the years a certain freedom and confidence to explore a variety of genres and artists. I think the key is being open to what the scene is producing. I try to provide the crowd with a journey. Anything that moves my soul and done well, I’m all for it.The list is endless when it comes to artists and labels but here’s a few for you to chew on:Jonas RathsmanReconditeTEEDSteyoyokeSweat it OutBlack ButterMy Nu LengTale of UsApolloniaAus MusicKidnap KidSoul ButtonRufus Du SolJackBeatsFrench ExpressCrosstown RebelsHVOBHotflushHuxleyMP: If you could host a Rinse FM show for a week and could pick a different guest every day to share the spot with you who would they be?TA: Monday - DJ ShadowTuesday - DJ EZWednesday - ScubaThursday - David RodiganFriday - Andy CSaturday - Norman JaySunday - DJ PremierMP: Balancing a fulfilling day time career and nightlife presence is demanding, especially when you have a family to look after. How do you manage your hours so you maximize time at home?TA: Great question. I’ve been in the scene a very long time. I’ve seen a lot, done a lot and now my priorities are now centered around my family, a healthy life & God. I put these things first before anything so I am able to stay grounded and productive in this industry. That being said there are never enough hours in the day to dedicate to my son, my girlfriend, and business ventures.
MP: As you look ahead to the rest of 2016 and beyond what is in store for L'Affaire and you own DJing career?TA: With L’Affaire Musicale it’s about progression and evolving. We’re going bigger and badder this year. My main focus is to bring a fresh vision and connection to the music scene that can continue to bridge the gap between different musical genres and their fans. I love the diversity that LA offers and musically, it’s on fire. There’s an intense hunger among the people here for really good and diverse music. LA is on it’s way to being a game changer in dance culture. Im extremely excited for the return of our Wicked Paradise Pool Party series, The launch of ‘Panic In L.A.’ at The Belasco on Friday, March 11th & the launch of ‘Decadance’ later in the year.With regards to DJ’ing, I’m very selective when and where I play. It’s in my blood and I will always be behind the decks but don’t need to be out every weekend playing tunes. Playing alongside Duke Dumont was a recent highlight and i’m looking forward to more diverse plays this coming year.MP: If you could pick a tune from DJ Hype's "Jungle Massive" compilation to open up your set with, what would it be?TA: Goldie - Inner City Life
Tracklist
1) Jamie Prado - ????2) Kollektiv Turmstrasse - Sorry I Am Late [Dynamic]3) Jonas Rathsman - Hope I’m Wrong (French Express]4) Mano Le Tough - Primitive People (Tale Of Us Remix) [Permanent Vacation]5) Kidnap Kid - Fall [FFRR]6) Sharam Jay & Daniel Fernandes - Jump Up [Bunny Tiger]7) ??? - ??? [Forthcoming on Midnight in Paris Music] {Dubplate}8) Riton - Rinse & Repeat ft. Kah-Lo9) J. Phlip & Chris Lorenzo - Walls feat. High Priestess [Safer At Night]10) J. Worra - ??? [?] {Dubplate}11) Jack Beats - Zone ft. Riko Dan [Rinse FM]12) Feed Me - Split Milk (Sotto Voce)13) Fabio Gianelli - Whispers [Steyoke]14) Huxley - Widow [Aus Music]14) Rufus - Innerbloom [Sweat It Out]15) Jamie Prado - ????Enjoy,LAMP