Joey Anderson and the Deep House Musical Musings of Inimeg Records!

The professional House Music paradigm, roughly designed and somewhat perfected, inadvertently launched during the genre's sophormoric era of the 1990's, has spawned with each passing year thirsty “hopefuls” who crave to eat of its tart and most times bitter fruit.    There is so much joy in those green and starry-eyed hopefuls, some may fall by the wayside because they realize that it is work.  Their agenda is not to contribute to the scene by telling their musical story but to wear their story.  The “roll-up-your-sleeve-and-get-on-your-grind” ethic is too much of a reality for this breed who want what they want now!   However, out of that host, there is a collective of young men and women of the second generation of House Music enthusiasts who have dared to reach beyond the confines of their selected House Music role.  It is not enough for them to have baby powder saturated around their feet while performing and demonstrating their “footwork” or feats of acrobats within the dance floor circle ring.  These precocious House Music aficionados of the late 80’s and early 90’s have come of age.  They seek gratification else where, keeping their musical roots firmly intact never forgetting what has brought them to this point in their newly found, musical career. 

These are the new, hip, hot, utterly refreshing new breed, painting a more distinctive face to the scene.  They exhibit the youthful passion of the twenty-something House music sector, hoping to capture that generation and solidify their position by grabbing the torch away from those ancient artifacts and pioneer dinosaurs.   Joey Anderson, dancer, choreographer, DJ, producer and now the label owner of Inimeg Records is one that stands among them.  Under 40, this Hoboken, New Jersey native is the future of House Music, breaking the mold of what is and borrowing from what was and braiding it into a progressive musical esthetic for future generations to come.  FIDA had the opportunity to chat with this intelligent rebel who shares with FIDA his most intimate and profound thoughts about his career as a House Music dancer/choreographer and his transition into DJing, music production and launching Imimeg Records.

FIDA - When did you 1st begin to see yourself as person with an ear for music?  

Joey Anderson - I think around the age of nine.  Being an addict for wearing headphones all day at baseball practice, while doing homework, and then sleeping with them. Music always made things in real life make sense to me.

FIDA - Musically speaking, did you always think"out of the box"?

JA - Well, being a teenager in the 90's and listening to the hip hop and the House Music that was emerging influenced me...it sort of like...gave me a certain foundation that might be slightly different than a teenager in the 60's being influenced by what music was out during that time.

FIDA - Was anyone in your family into music?

JA - Many of my cousins were musicians and vocalists.  But my family also extends to my neighborhood family.  We either danced, played sports, tagged (grafitii),or spit lyrics.

FIDA - When did House Music become an interest for you?

JA - My sister was a dancer for her high school team. She was rehearsing her routine at home and was playing a tape with the music for their show. Some of the stuff was popular but then there was some other stuff that was nothing like I ever heard before.  Later, I found out it was some early Chicago House stuff.

FIDA - When did you become recognized for club dancing?

JA - Sometime in the early to mid 90s.  I was approached by some influential people who pioneered the style of house dancing. They started inviting me to gatherings, sessions, video tryouts and stuff.  I figured if they are approaching me...I must be doing something right.

FIDA - What was it about dancing that drew you and made you want to excel at it?

JA - I think the athletics, esthetics, and the freedom of expression involved in House dancing drew me to it.  I use to hunt for all the underground house parties, because I knew the best house dancers were there. I use to watch them all night and go home saying, "I want to be as good as they are." Then, I would practice everyday.

FIDA - When did dancing become a profession for you?

JA - I never planned to or set out for a profession to become a house dancer.  It kinda just happened naturally.  As I moved along in the underground house scene, kats started approaching me and asking me to teach them.  I was confused at first because I never looked at myself as a teacher, nor did I go around saying I was a teacher.  I thought they were joking, but quickly I realized they were not. So I tried it and it was a wrap.

FIDA - How did Japan come to fleece you off to teach their dancers?

JA - Many of my early students were Japanese. As they developed back in their country, they later started inviting me their to do guest performances and teach classes. They treated me great!

FIDA - What did you get out of your experience as a choreographer?

JA - I always felt creativity, command of the language of dance and storytelling was my strongest feature as a house dancer.  As I worked more jobs, I later learned the beauty of choreography.  My refusal to deal with choreography early on only delayed my path to get to a finished product with my dance skills.

FIDA - Do you still travel to Japan to teach?

JA - I haven't lately...but it's almost overdue.

FIDA - When did you start DJing?

JA - I started DJing some time around 1998-1999. Of course I was toying around at home at first. My friend Roc use to come by and spin records with me. Then Qu and David S. invited me to spin records with them. I really learned a lot from them...how to blend...pitch...build my style up.  Big ups to the EXCHANGE PLACE crew.

Joey Anderson @ Flowerzindattic 2005

FIDA - Your taste in music is so abstract and progressive, not in "progressive" as a genre of music, but it's against the grain.  Do you have a contituency following you?
JA - My first inspiration when producing music or DJing is heavily influenced heavily by having the mind as a dancer and I'm not talking about two stepping.  If I can flow off it, then I believe someone else can too some where haha!  So far, Im really happy.  Things look good.  I've received great support in certain parts of the world and domestically also...Y'all know who u are...Jose Miguel (peace). I think a big support is also coming from London too.

FIDA - What is it about DJ you fear the most and how does being a dancer help you?
JA- I guess the most I fear is trying to please the dance floor. It's difficult to please everyone. I approach DJing in the way I want the music delivered to me when I'm dancing. The beginning style, the middle style, the ending, then the transition back to the beginning. 

FIDA - Where have you spun so far?
JA - I was lucky to play at Club House with Anthony Parasole and Jus-ed, as you know Flowerz in the Attic, Stay, Sound Noir, and a few more. Also I played a few online shows. More will come thanx to all that have invited me...y'all know who u are!


FIDA - What made you want to start your record label, INIMEG Records?

JA - After working with DJ Qu, David S.,and Nicuri with the EXCHANGE PLACE releases, I really fell in love in the process of making tracks.  I always enjoy tracks that bring an awesome visionary enigma with them.  It's like you can see the music.  Starting Inimeg gives me an outlet for being creative and staying true to my musical roots and also sharing my ideas.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Joey Anderson and the Deep House Musings of Inimeg Records.  






REVIEW: Can U Touch Me Like That EP - Naimah - Mantree Records

"Can U Touch Me Like That"

(Dede Really Knows Mix & ManTree Deep Dub Mix)

Naimah

Produced by Rasmir ManTree

ManTree Records

Mantree Records, owned and operated by its namesake, Rasmir Mantree can be considered the "little label that could".  Always veering to the left, Rasmir, consistently opts to keep his musical ideas and concepts intact instead of jumping on the bandwagon of the latest dance music trends.  Rasmir's eye for the unique always seem to be on the mark, whetting the interest of the musically adventerous.  "Can U Touch Me Like That" is the first offering by his current find, Naimah, a spoken word artist.  Starting out as poem she wrote, Naimah, wondered what it would sound like over a House music track.   Having discovered her musical soul mate Mr. ManTree, who now has taken her thoughts and feelings weaving a fervent track around them and serving it up to the House Music community.  Shined up with brand new, unreleased mixes complete with a backing chorus supplied by yet another glorious find, Isai who provides Naimah support throughout her seductive tale.   The musical production is classic ManTree as those who follow his quirky yet compelling discography can attest to.   The "Dede Really Knows Mix" pulls no punches, this is electro funk for the modern age.  Frantic jazz-inspired pianos pierce through the production as the key stabs are drafted neatly against the "booty-bumpin'", "hip-shakin'" rubbery bassline.   The Deeelite-ish choral chant of Isai reels you in on the hook and Naimah, cooes in your ear her sex-fueled, passionate experience with this somewhat inexperienced male lover.   The "ManTree Deep Dub Mix" is just that.  Deep, dark, verging on minimalism but dotted with intermittent seering synths that spill forth, slicing and dicing the production.  The "thumb & strumb" of the elastic bassline is sewn tightly and ride in tandem with the insistent percussion and the mash up of Naimah's & Isai's vocals.  Eerie, yet strangely hypnotic.  Overall, a catchy ditty, sure to please those who like their dance music with a little funky, electro twang.

11/20/11 - FLOWERZINDATTIC SPINS THE DUSTY ANTIQUES

FLOWERZINDATTIC SPINS THE DUSTY ANTIQUES
Sunday November 20^th, 2011
5pm to 10pm
GET THERE EARLY IF YOU CAN
MEMBERS: FIVE BUCKS
GUESTS (BY INVITATION ONLY): SEVEN BUCKS
WALK-INS WILL BE SCREENED!ORCHESTRATED BY: MR. FLOWERZ

MUSIC GENRES: 70’S & 80’S CLASSIC SOUL & R&B, FUNK, JAZZ FUNK, JAZZ FUSION,GOSPEL, CLASSIC HOUSE & HOUSE VOCALS, BROKENBEAT IN ALL TEMPOS, MOSTLY DOWN TO MIDTEMPO

THIS EVENT IS FOR THOSE WHO LOVE AND APPRECIATE THE DUSTY GROOVES

FIDA's K. Flowers' B-Day Bash @ the Coffee Cave 10/23/11 RECAP!

Greetings and many blessings to you all!  FIDA wants to extend a warm and heartfelt thanks for all who attended the B-Day Bash for K. Flowers @ the Coffee Cave on Sunday 10/23.  It was quite an interesting affair.  The cave was buzzing with activity and an air of uncertainty hovered over the room of just what FIDA is and what is its musical agenda.   A special thanks goes out to Joe "Movin' Smith for hosting and being our guest DJ for the evening and believing in the concept. To John & Crystal of the Coffee Cave...thank you so much for believing in FIDA's musical mission.  Much respect and appreciation to just a few of our guests who blessed us with their presence: The Mantree Records Crew, Cassio Ware, Phyllis Coco, Dipp, Tee Alford, Ferrah & Michelle, Mike Kelley, Marc Sirdane, Junie & Riddy Sivells, David Shaw, Carolyn Byrd & Kumar, Darryl, Kerry "DJ Disc", Chanelle & Micah, Chino, Mark Mendoza, Flora Cruz, Beloved & girlfriend, Rock Robinson, Arnold McPherson, Christian Morrison, Lakeva and Alisha.  To our FIDA members...THANK YA, THANK YA, THANK YA...through rain or shine, thick or thin, through the good, the bad and the ugly you have hung in there.  Thank you for opening up to see the vision, your support has not gone unrecognized, we cannot thank you enough for being there when.    It will never be like it was, but stay tuned...the pot is stewing with something that smells divine and tastes delicious.  Also, to our new members, welcome...you know who you are...we are so happy that you're onboard to keep the history of the Soulful Music Experience alive!   FIDA will be closing out the year two more events (maybe???), then, Yahweh willing, we will see you next August/September.   Walk in wisdom, walk in love, walk in peace, walk with Yahweh!

Here are some of the stand out tunes of the evening:
1. I Can't Help It (remix) - Michael Jackson
2. Good Time - Johnny Dangerous feat. Jazmina
3. Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get - The Dramatics
4. Progress - Tony Allen plays with Afrika 70
5. Dear Friend -
6. What If God -

FIDA Resident DJ Vanita shares her FIDA picks of the week!

Her ear for music is impeccable.  With roots in Detroit "Motor City" Michigan, home of the Motown Sound, Vanita Wilson-Andrews' musical tastes extended beyond the average uptempo R&B Dance music listener/dancer.  Her fiery, passionate, cool yet calculated persona effervesces through her music telling a woman's story within the male dominated DJ environment.  However, Vanita never sacrifices her femininity in her presentation.  She share with us songs from FIDA that spoke to her heart, songs that found her often times in her "claimed" corner next to the DJ booth in the attic back at 618 Fulton, transporting her back to a moment on her journey.

1. Wind Parade - Donald Byrd - Places And Spaces - UA 1975

"This makes me feel light as a feather when I'm twirling on my toes.  This semi-instrumental takes me into a meditative state when I'm in a corner dancing all by myself.  And, I live for the soft melodic vocals that compliment each instrument.  What more could a dancer ask for!"

2. Free Love (Monster Club Mix)  Juliet Roberts - Reprise - 1993
"This song is special to me because of what's expressed through her vocals.  I first heard this track in 1993 at Club Zanzibar.  The intro really caught my ear, 'Hey yeah, sing it! Hey yeah, sing it! There ain't no other one that can make me feel the way doooooo...ewwwwwww!  I was hooked on this song ever since!"

3. I Can't Turn Around - Isaac Hayes - Chocolate Chip - ABC 1975
"This song is just....smh!  It's just a fierce work out song for me, especially if you have someone who knows how to play it, bring it back and extend it again!  Playing with the volume when the song hits its climax ahhhhhhhh! I just lose it!  LOL!  DJ Earon gave us a fierce rendition at a FIDA session over 6 years ago."

4. Space Princess - Lonnie Liston Smith - Columbia 12 - 1978
" This just takes me back to when I was very young.  I grew up listening to funk, jazz, rock, R&B, etc....just hearing the bass guitar and the other instruments prompts me to "carry" with the foot work on the dance floor like none other!   While the lead vocalist sings in my ear, 'I can feel you floating just beyond my fingertips...' Yesssss!"

5. Mama Said (Straight Ahead Mix) - Carleen Anderson - Virgin EP - 1994
"This is my little favorite sing along.  I can identify with the lyrics because I've lived this story!  So, when I hear it, all I can do is grab my head & locs and just sing along."

These songs, like the many songs I love, represent the freedom to express myself through dancints, twirling, floor work, extentions, and singing.  Since I was 5 years old, music has always taken me away from the stresses of life!  My life!  I once heard a very wise music historian say, "One thing about music, when it hits, you feel no pain!" (Robert Nester Marley).  I concur.

FIDA @ The Coffee Cave! Wed 9/21 - 7pm to 11pm

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Flowerzindattic Presents @ the Coffee Cave 

An "In House" Membership Drive!

also

we're celebrating our resident

DJ Rabhu's entry into this life!

45 Halsey St, Newark, NJ

Time: 7pm to 11pm

Admission: Members: 5 bucks/Non members: 7 bucks

Our musical directors: Rahbu and Flowerz

We will be accepting applications, conducting interviews and administering the FIDA101 Musicology Exam starting at 4:30pm. 

We greatly appreciate you supporting the Coffee Cave's food and drink menu.  Please continue to show your support of their succulent wraps & sandwiches and beverages.

FIDA Promotional Video

For those who didn't see it.  We're posting it here on the FIDA blog.  It tells the story of how this all started and the why's and who's...and most importantly perserving our musical heritage.  Enjoy.

From FIDA's Playlist: As Long As You Love Me - True Example - REVIEW!

As Long As You Love Me
True Example    Gold Mind (1977)
On one of my record collecting hunts with a friend of mine, Kevin Russell, we went to this Adult Video and Book Store on Route 22 in Union, NJ that sold records in the front area.  Curious (at the time) as to what was in the back; however, I focused my attention to the job at hand, digging for records.    Among the glut of vinyl, there were a few priceless gems going for $0.50 cents to $2.00!  I was always keeping my eye out for such labels as Prelude, Columbia, Capitol, Nashboro and Salsoul 12 inch singles.   As I was digging, I found two copies of True Example’s Gold Mind 12 inch single (distributed by Salsoul Records).  I knew instinctively that I struck musical gold. 


“As Long As You Love Me”, (which is actually the B-Side, the A-Side is the equally compelling, "Love Is Finally Coming My Way").  Produced by T. G. Conway for the Baker-Harris-Young (B-H-Y) production team.  B-H-Y is responsible for and has contributed to just about every R&B Disco/Dance song coming out of the Sound of Philadelphia.   They're definitely the progenitors of what we call HOUSE MUSIC.   Penned by songwriting geniuses Allen Felder, T.G Conway and Ron Tyson their discography in the R&B Disco/Dance and Sweet Soul ballad arena are endless.   

This enchanting duet features Cubby St. Charles (not sure if it’s him) and one of the Sweetharts of Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia (Yvette Benton, Carla Benson & Barbara Ingram), I don’t know which one, but it’s the Sweetharts on background vocals no doubt.   It’s the story of newlyweds who continue to reaffirm and provide assurance of the love they embody as one flesh.  It opens up with a beautiful congapella chorus intro by the Sweetharts, then develops into a funky, yet candied production that is ever so Philly.  The interplay between the singers intensifies as the song builds nailing the truth behind their testimony with each line.  If you can identify with the R&B sweet soul sound of Philadelphia, then “As Long As You Love Me” will not disappoint.   A Flowerzindattic sleeper tune, for those who know…S&TB!

Rahbu's Current 5 Classic Joints!

R A H B U

FIDA Resident DJ, Rahbu, whose musical ear and taste for the "odd, obscure and adventurous" never fails to hit the mark.   If and when he makes a CD for someone, he takes into account their personality, character and of course, their musical taste.   Amazingly, he seems to always tell that person's musical story for them at that moment in their lives.   Out of his vast music collection, Rahbu shares 5 of his personal favorites, classic joints that maybe got him through a particularly rough day, made him smile or cry and at the end of it all found comfort in knowing that everything's gonna be alright.

1. Flying Machine (The Chase) - War - United Artists (1977)
"A heart-pumping dance tune that just takes you away!"

2. If You Ever Need To Cry - Brainstorm - Tabu (1978)
"This touches one's soul when dealing with relationships."

3. I Can't Help It - Michael Jackson - Epic (1979)
"It's an ode to a significant other."

4. Powerful People - Gino Vannelli - A&M (1974)
"An upliftment to people who think life is not worth enjoying."

5. Feelin' Blue - Earth, Wind & Fire - Columbia (1974)
"One's personal cry for help in times of let-downs."

IN HOUSE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IN SEPTEMBER @ THE COFFEE CAVE!

FIDA's very first membership drive coming in September.  It's a "IN HOUSE" membership drive in that we are asking our members if they know anyone who is a peaceful and positive NRG and appreciates music diversity and the preservation of our soulful musical legacy if they may be interested in signing up.   The membership process involves filling out an application, a musicology multiple choice test and interview.  FIDA members whose tests scores are not on the system will have to take the FIDA618A test. Also if you are a FIDA member and your application is not on the system then you need to fill out an application.   It is suggested that you fill out the application and take the test on the September date.   If not, you will have to schedule a date and time for testing and filling out the application. All tests and application must be completed no later than October 23, 2011.  Any test or application received after October 23, 2011, a redetermination of membership status will go into effect.  

8/21/2011 FIDA's Sunday Supper @ The Coffee Cave!

There was an air of peace and tranquility during this musical supper at the Coffee Cave.  We dined on everything from The Player's Association to Mos Def to Sylvester to Sergio Mendez and Prince.  Everyone was in a festive mood and we fellowshipped, sang, rejoiced and remembered a time when.  It is a blessing to see that we are still together after 10 or 20 years (for some of us) and that we are on this journey together.   Thanks to the FIDA Members who came out: Stephanie & Tony (As Long As You Love Me-True Example), our new member, Tammy, lil' sis Edie, Renita and guest, Vanita, Ms. Mina, Sajadah, Kyeatta and daughter Layla worked the dance floor! B-Day Boy Polo (without you WOW! Thanks! Love ya much), Gabe D. (who came in on one of his tunes!), Kevin & Nadyrrah (Wow...you made another one!), Anetra (wifey got her life on da floor!), Billie (sorry for cutting off "To Each His Own"), Linda (YOU LOOK AMAZING!), Rabine, the legend Naeem Johnson (think you can drop the antiques for us one day???), Sekou & Troy (we gotta sign y'all up to FIDa and make it official), Deidre Covington for holding down the door (Sorry Tracey...I forgot to contact you for this one), Mr. Ras Anthony for being Ras Anthony hosting like none other.   Drew and Mikeal (the nephews...hope we gave you the "break beats").  The NYC crew: Lisa, Ruthy, Lawrence and my two new musical brothers...thank you, thank you, thank you...much love to you all and just WOW!  To Donna Edwards, our guest story teller, she reached into her bag and pulled out some goodies.  Thank you my dear, it was such a pleasure.   To all the guests especially Darryl and the Mrs. they got out of their bed to come and fellowship with FIDA...thank you, thank you, thank you...We missed you Roc Santiago (you were supposed to tell your story on da decks!!!), Rahbu and a slew of others...no worries...prayerfully the next go around.  Thank you John & Crystal for believing in what we do and supporting musical diversity.   If I missed anyone, I'm deeply sorry.  I trust all had a great time and got home safely in the rain that night.  Remember to always walk in love and peace.   May Yahweh bless you and keep you close.