Deep Sugar's Big TEN!!

Saturday, September 14, 2013 marked a milestone in House Music! Ultra Nate's monthly Deep Sugar after hours party celebrated its tenth anniversary!! And what an evening it was. Party goers and House Heads were treated to an exciting evening of soulful Deep House Music, supplied from the Wayne Davis, Jerome Hicks, and Deep Sugar's own, Girls Squad (Ultra Nate' and Lisa Moody). The Elders, along with Mookie Brock, JMack, and Matt Short,  kept the court yard super festive with their funky brand of Deep, Electro House!!

The main event consisted of performances from a stellar line up of House Music royalty. Quantize recording artist, Typheni stepped to the stage and performed her underground hit, "Is It Love." Things truly began to heat up when House Legend, Darryl D'Bonneau took the stage and performed several of his hits. We are talking "Revenge," A Better Way," and a few other jams had the dance floor rocking, while Darryl's showmanship thoroughly entertained those too captivated to move. The celebration became legendary when another Legend grabbed the mic. Kenny Bobien immediately pulled the crowd into his groove with his rendition of "You Are My Friend." He then took the Paradox on a musical journey with his biggest hits while also paying homage to Ultra Nate' and her major achievement.

Deep Sugar's Tenth Anniversary celebration was one for the history books. Congratulations to Ultra Nate', Lisa Moody, and Jonathon Knox, the originators of this now legendary event!! Thank you to Wayne Davis and the Legendary Paradox, for continuing to provide a haven for House Heads!! Kudos to the Paradox staff and Deep Sugar Team for always delivering a memorable evening!!

I can not emphasize how important it is for everyone to experience Deep Sugar. It is an event that truly frees the soul and brings a smile to the face. You just can't beat a vibe of this inclusive event. Don't take my word for it....experience for yourself!!!

Destination Groove Session 4 - WWRN-DB Labor Day Mixmaster Weekend by Byron B-Note Brown on Mixcloud

Labor Day Weekend is always a festive time. Since I host a weekly eclectic music show, "The B-Note Sound Lounge," on WWRN-Digital Broadcasting, I was invited to participate in their Labor Day Mixmaster Weekend. From Friday, August 30 through Monday, September 2, listeners were treated to nonstop mixes from WWRN's DJ's  of multiple genres. My mix sessions were called "Destination Groove," and I presented four mixes to the DJ extravaganza. Each mix presented was different in their own little way, representing underground culture, but this particular one was extra special because it was ALL VINYL!! 

Take a listen and check out the playlist above! If you would like your own copy, the download link is  http://www.mediafire.com/?8xmq9o3y1am8l19

Be sure to tune into WWRN - Digital Broadcasting

for best in classic Hip Hop and R&B and for my show, "The B-Note Sound Lounge," which takes you on a journey into the eclectic!! During my show there is no boundary of genre so I tend to take you deep and into the outer limits!! 

Let's keep the BEAT going!!

10th ANNUAL COLLECTIVE MINDS FESTIVAL

Labor Day weekend is a benchmark for a major, important event in House Music. The Collective Minds Festival has been held annually for ten years at Druid Hills Park in Baltimore, bringing together legendary DJ's, dynamic performers, and House Heads of all ages. I have been blessed to be able to attend over the course of its existence and this year was no exception. DJ Oji, Teddy Douglas, DJ Pope, Thommy Davis, DJ Biskit, Jerome Hicks, Henry Da Man, and DJ Spen were all on tap to work the crowd into a frenzy! It was a great day of cooperating weather and eager ears, supporting a festive atmosphere that could not have been more perfect. Congratulations to all of the organizers and the Collective Minds committee for another successful, well-attended event!!

Photo credit: Kimberly Potrzuski

Aaliyah - One In A Million (Geoffrey's House Mix)

It is around this time every year that I begin to reflect on one of my favorite R&B recording artists, Aaliyah. Her untimely death on August 25, 2001, is still something that affects me because she was such a bright light with so much ahead of her. As always, it is refreshing to hear solid and official House music and remixes from our mainstream artists, and Aaliyah was no exception. One of my all time favorite Deep House remixes was the treatment Geoffrey Cee provided for her "coming of age" single, "One In A Million." Upon hearing this track, back  in 1997, I was sent into a frenzy to find a copy. Eventually I was able to acquire my own copy of the classic, Atlantic/Blackground double vinyl promo, that I so cherish!

Every time I see Geoffrey, I tell him that he is a craftsmen of several of my most favorite Deep House remixes. As a mixologist, he knows how to take a song to another level without losing its intended essence. I felt the remix for "One In A Million" was ingenious! His Deep House flavor and Aaliyah's vocals fit like a glove so smoothly and naturally. In essence, he captured her true identity because that was Aaliyah's overall style. She always had that smooth, sweet quality about her that made her art and music refreshing to experience. She may be gone, but certainly, she is not forgotten. With this remix by Geoffrey Cee, we can continue to celebrate her in a major way. 

Take a listen and also seek out additional remixes from Geoffrey Cee! He has a long list a treatments that will get you grooving!

Beat Nation Episode 32 by Byron B-Note Brown on Mixcloud

The BEAT NATION is also a mix show, presented every Friday, 10 pm Midnight, at Across the Fader.  Be sure to tune in to get a nice, healthy dose of Deep House grooves before heading on out to your party spot!!  This episode aired on August 9, 2013.

 Check out the track listing, featured on the player above, and DEFinitely support the artists by purchasing their music!!!

http://www.acrossthefader.fm/

Deep Sugar Audio Infusion Session 2 - 5.11.13

Deep Sugar Audio Infusion Session 2 by Byron B-Note Brown on Mixcloud

Since I decided to start this blog, you can trust and believe that you will be able to get your fix on Deep House sessions that I put together weekly. This particular session was submitted, on the behalf of Ultra Nate's Deep Sugar party, to The Audio Infusion, heard every Saturday from 12 am until 5 am, on WEAA 88.9 FM, on the campus of Morgan State University. This session aired during their broadcast on May 11, 2013.  Be sure to tune in check them out, before heading to Deep Sugar at the Paradox or other House hot spots around the DMV!!

http://www.mediafire.com/download/1hm4j9vzas65ls6/DSaudioinfusionsession2.mp3

Sybil - Let Yourself Go (Frankie Knuckles Director's Cut) (LIVE)

When I first heard that Frankie Knuckles and Director's Cut (Frankie Knuckles and Eric Kupper) had remixed this Sybil classic, I was so excited! "Let Yourself Go" has been a long time favorite of mine, since my days in Junior High School...lol. I still bang the original version and remixes today, but the new Director's Cut treatment gives this song new life! I have had the pleasure of meeting Sybil as well and I must say that it is always refreshing to hear her voice on a dope track. Definitely check out this performance and also seek out the remix packages that have been done for the new Director's Cut versions, which were re-sung by Sybil herself!!

Frankie Knuckles Boiler Room NYC DJ Set

Now, anyone who considers themselves a House Head knows the name, Frankie Knuckles. He is the Godfather of House, credited with being instrumental in the development of this culture we know and love. I have had the pleasure of not only experiencing this Maestro live, mixing the masses into a dancing flurry, but I also consider him one of my mentors. Memories of late evenings at the Sound Factory Bar in NYC, the countless radio mixes broadcasted over the NY airwaves, as well as the countless remixes he continues provide for artists domestic and and international,  has influenced me to become the DJ that I am today. Frankie KNOWS how to rock a party and he does it so effortlessly.  The video clip above is only a sample of what he brings to the table as a DJ. To truly feel his influence at work, you must get out and support any event he is headlining. Trust me, you will leave in a state of bliss!!

Kings Of Tomorrow - Fall For You (Sandy Rivera's Classic Mix)

This is one of my favorite songs at the moment! It is amazing how a track can creep into audio airspace, simmer a bit, and then become a crowd-pleasing joint. Sandy Rivera has the talent of crafting timeless, catchy sing-along tunes that conjure happy thoughts. "Fall For You" features vocalist, April. Check it out the official video below and support the artist at every opportunity!! 

Ultra Nate' Does It Again With 'Hero Worship'

It is time to celebrate!! House Music's ICON, Ultra Nate' has released her SIXTH studio album, HERO WORSHIP!! Released July 23, 2013, Hero Worship stands as a testament that through focus and perseverance, full length projects can see the light of day AND without major label backing!

We all know that the music industry has changed and that society is trending "in the moment" with catch phrases and tags. We also know that the average "stimulus-bound" attention span is quick to ditch what was once "HOT" for the next big thing. After all, that is how POP(ular) Culture works. It welcomes the "IT" components with simultaneous opening and closing ceremonies, and with little remorse of dismissal or consequence. 

As one of House Music's most innovative and re-inventive artists, Ultra Nate' has probably seen it all during her 25-year career journey. She stands strong as an individual that has taken her career by its helm. Uncompromisingly she continues to navigate across changing horizons, pushing envelopes while maintaining identity integrity. SHE continues to release banging singles, SHE continues to deliver memorable artistry and performances, SHE sets dance floors ablaze with Deep House DJ sets...SHE keeps the BEAT alive with a long-running monthly party, DEEP SUGAR...Ultra Nate' personifies the title of HERO.

Hero Worship is a golden cape made from the sparkling musical tapestry of several tracks that have already been tried and tested. The beauty of Underground Culture is that what has been tried and delivered upon truth, can continue to thrive and elevate. With charted hits such as, "Turn It Up," "No Wasted Hearts," "Planet Called Love," "Everybody Loves The Night," and "God's Message," one could easily believe that this album has been out for a couple of years. In many ways, we could agree and say that we have been treated to a very nice extended preview. While hipsters toss around the label of EDM (Electronic Dance Music), those who truly know HOUSE MUSIC are wise to agree that Ultra Nate' is too large to be categorized into an acronym. She took her time (six years) to cultivate this album, which in its own right, serves as an audible account of the changing landscape of Underground Dance Music. 

Aside from the dance floor treats previously laid out, Hero Worship presents an arsenal of well-crafted tunes that showcases Ultra's versatility as an industry veteran. Tracks like, "The Rush," "Journey," and "Unconditional," remind the listener that there is depth to this album. The eighteen-track deluxe album packs a mighty punch with assistance from "super" friends such as David Morales, Tony Moran, Inaya Day, Todd Terry, Jocelyn Brown, Brinsley Evans, DJ Class, Marlon D, Robbie Rivera, DJ Spinna, Chris Willis, and Destiny Child's Michelle Williams, to name a few. I guess you could consider it a Justice League for the BEAT NATION. Each artists' contribution makes Hero Worship the type of album one can just press play upon and be transported into dance groove bliss!!

I strongly urge you to grab your copy of this masterpiece of House Music history. Hero Worship is an independent release, available on iTunes for your immediate download! Get the Deluxe Edition for it includes remixes and videos!!  

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hero-worship-deluxe-edition/id669282544

SUPPORT THE BEAT!!

Get Into the Beat!

Just like the mighty Pheonix rising from the flames, the BEAT prevails! Welcome to Beat Nation Rising!! It took a moment, but after some consideration and planning, I have decided to jumpstart this blog, dedicated to my true love, HOUSE MUSIC!! The vision is for Beat Nation Rising to become a living testament that House Music is here to stay and continues to thrive without compromise. Check this site for news and happenings about your favorite House artists, exclusive DJ mix sets, as well as information relating to underground dance music culture.