I’ve recently been working with another DJ on the odd occasion. Actually, our monthly ROCKSTARS: Red Light Special house jam at Lo’la in Toronto has given me the opportunity to play alongside one of my favourite DJs in the city, Noel Layne.
Initially, he would come and play the guest slot at this gig; I would open he would headline the middle section of the night and my usual partner in crime, Dwayne Minard would close things up. Last month, in September, Dwayne was away, vacationing in Europe therefore it was left to Noel and I to get things bumpin’; we played as usual, I opened things up, he took the crowd into space and then… we had to improvise.
I am definitely big fan of back to back sessions - everytime I get into the groove with another DJ, it seems that magic happens - first with Dwayne, then my friend Steve ‘Marshall Dragun’, and then Noel! We got into the groove and started blowing the place apart with impromptu live remixes and dubs! Amazing energy throughout the entire set - I was literally sweating and it was the most enjoyable thing I’ve experienced in a very long time. It showed me how spiritual house music… no, music itself, can be!
We were two acquaintances, really, who simply shared a common interest and love for house music and when we got together, it was almost like we shared the same spirit in the music we played, it was almost intuitive, instinctive, we just worked well together, naturally.
Its difficult to describe but, there is nothing like it. None of our set was planned or prepared in advance in any way, in fact, Noel didn’t even know that Dwayne was away. It was beautiful.
Since Sasha and Digweed, I’ve always wanted that kind of a partnership. To be able to share the experience of entertaining your friends and their friends is such a joy, and the commeradery and memories that are made and shared are priceless. As well the explosive musical energy that can be unleashed has limitless potential.
In short, I suppose it would be prudent to say, don’t be affraid to share the limelight, there is nothing to lose and so much to gain when music, knowledge and friendship are shared.
~M
