Kensington in the BK, NYC (E’s E fr NYCTrust & I collaborate on a track- free download below!)

I try to get to the East Coast of these United States about once every two months. The energy, the scene, the music is all inspiring to me. I am fortunate enough to have a standing engagement at the internationally renowned Eighteenth Street Lounge. But this post is not about my dj-ing in DC on a regular basis. This is about experiencing life (and work) in Kensington, Brooklyn (NYC).

THEY GET DOWN ON THE DECK AT ESL!

Several buddies (& colleagues in dj-ing and music production) of mine live in a close radius from each other: Nickodemus (from Turntables on The Hudson), Aaron Schultz aka DJ DRM (Bastard Jazz), and Eric Banta aka DJ E’s E plus Navarro Oneman (both from Names You Can Trust).

The aim of this last trip at the end of June, was to get into the studio with Eric Banta and collaborate on a track for the new album, One Hundred. The industry vernacular for going into the studio to get some work done: “going into the basement.” Turns out Eric’s studio is literally in his basement…well sort of. It’s the first level of his apartment in Brooklyn and has this feel like you’re going into a basement.

I landed in Brooklyn late Sunday night/early Monday morning. The sofa was my bed and after some catching up, I slept (after a long train ride from DC), to rise later that morning to start in on some studio work.

First order at hand: breakfast. Kensington has a few choice establishments and so on Monday morn, we visited The Farm for breakfast. The food is mostly made with ingredients sourced from local farmers and vendors. After a delicious omelette and a bowl of oatmeal (with peanut butter and banana flavoring… all organic!) we returned to the basement to get some work done.

It took us two days to bang something out. I travelled with my drum machine (the Akai MPC-1000 is small enough to fit in my backpack) and (ofcourse!) a stack of vinyl…most for the gigs in DC & NY…some purchased in DC… I have to give credit and gratitude to the proficiency and efficiency of Mr. Banta, to get this track done. He uses hardware, as well, but brings it all together in Ableton Live and is very quick at it. A great pleasure to work with.

YOU CAN CHECK THE SONG RIGHT HERE AND DOWNLOAD (FREE) FROM THIS SPOT (THE NYCTRUST WEBSITE).

Tuesday afternoon I jumped on a bike with Aaron (DJ DRM) and we took the 5 mile scenic stretch of Ocean Parkway to Coney Island to take in some sun and a little bit of food and drink. Coney Island and Brighton Beach, which neighbors it, have such charm!

Tuesday night, back in Kensington, Aaron, a few friends and I have wonderful dinner at Mimi’s Hummus, a delightful tiny restaurant, before walking across the street to Sycamore Bar & Flower Shop where Eric, Navarro, Aaron, another friend (Asaf, the record-dealer) and I take turns playing some vinyl treats (no serato to be found at this gig!). The festivities last into the 2am hour and we all retire very satisfied that it’s been a complete day!