Author: GO BANG MAG

Music: SCOTT FEATHERSTONE / SOULed OUT Events

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

PHOTO CREDIT:  Edmahoo_Artist

In the 90s, Scott released a series of EPs that went by relatively unnoticed until recently. These records are now highly sought after, having been rediscovered by new school and up and coming DJs worldwide, with veterans such as Desyn Masiello (Seekers) and Alex Picone (Small Black Dots) helping in this rediscovery too.

Tracks on Scott’s DAC (Deeper Audio Cuts) label are sought after gems in this era of vinyl records making a return to the underground scene. With digital releases being, in general the same ole, same ole, DAC is perhaps the sound of yesternow…modern, yet classic in style.

Established in 1997 by Scott (Smith) Featherstone, DAC (Deeper Audio Cuts) was originally distributed by PHD. Largely thanks to Desyn Masiello, who has helped bring back these records to a new breed of vinyl DJs, Small Black Dots are picking up where PHD dropped off as the distributor and re-launching the DAC label. The DAC sound was influenced from a mix of Acid House, Chicago House and Detroit Techno, with a pinch of Electro.

Scott continues to record, produce and DJ underground House music, working closely with vocalist Kym Sims, along with many other DJs and House artists around the world, as well as working on remix projects for general release.

An accomplished DJ himself, Scott plays regularly at events, clubs and bars.

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you first show an interest in music?

Scott Featherstone: I spent the first few years of my life in Lagos, Nigeria and got to hear some amazing music there. I don’t remember this, but my Mum told me that I would always dance to live music as soon as I could walk. In 1977, Lagos aired a music festival on the TV and I was hooked on the music and African rhythms I got to listen to. Back in the UK in the early 80s, I liked music with drums and Hip Hop eventually led me to House music

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get introduced to DJing?

Scott Featherstone: I wanted to be like Grand Master Flash in the film “Wild Style” or Chris “The Glove” Taylor in “Breakin’” – so I worked on a building site all summer to get a pair of Technics 1200s. I didn’t even know what the pitch control was for, I just wanted to scratch records and make my own tracks, like I heard the Hip Hop pioneers do.

My introduction to House music was via Acid House and Trax Records – a friend told me the pitch was used to match BPMs. So I bought some House records to learn to mix properly and fell in love with it all. I wanted to make records too, so I began to collect drum machines and keyboards as I’d read about how the Chicago DJs were doing this.

I got a job DJing in a club. It was more due to the fact that my Dad had invested money into the club at the time. The main DJ hated me, as I was young and could scratch and DJ pretty good too, so I took his thunder away I guess.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe your reaction when you first heard Chicago House music, where you were, and what song it was?

Scott Featherstone: (Steve Hurley) Silk’s “Jack Your Body, on the dance floor and I just danced of course. It was more the raw stuff that I really got into, like Armando’s “151”, Mike Dunn’s “Magic Feet” and DJ Pierre’s “Boxed Energy” etc. I just wanted to be a part of it all. Just make records and party with nice people who wanted to dance all night long. Just like I wanted to (I still do to this day!)

GO BANG! Magazine: Many DJs evolve in producing. Please explain when and why you became a producer.

Scott Featherstone: I actually wanted to make records more than play them, but enjoyed doing both, DJing and Writing/Production. I think there is a misuse of the word producer. I’d like to think I’m more of a House music artist, who can produce music too. Production is more than the technical side of making music. The initial ideas come from the heart, and inspiration from life in general, other records and music.

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a producer, you are a record label owner. Tell our readers how you decided to launch your own record label.

Scott Featherstone: Quite by accident really. I always wanted to make a record since I started discovering music and buying records in the 70s, 80s and 90s. I went ahead and pressed a record in ‘91 (although I’d already been on a compilation EP the year before). I drove around not knowing really how to market and sell a record, I still don’t know to be honest, but luckily I have SBDs (Small Black Dots) who are in Spain doing all that for me now with a good global following who buy my records.

I released a few EPs in the ‘90s which went by unnoticed until a couple of years back when I received a text message on an old phone from Desyn asking if some old records he played out were mine, which the answer was yes. He told me they were now very sought after by a new generation of vinyl only DJs who sort out rare records, much like the Northern Soul DJs did in the UK before the dawn of House music. SBDs helped me re-launch the DAC (Deeper Audio Cuts) label. Meanwhile, I’d set up a label myself called Jupiter Label (name inspired from Lil Louis track “Jupiter”) to mostly help push local artists that were killing it

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe the Scott Featherstone sound and what do you have coming up that you can tell our readers about?

Scott Featherstone: Like Bruce Lee’s JKD, the style of no style – I try to record in a different way each time I get an idea or urge to make a track. I like the early House sound, but with a modern punch added to it. I’m a big fan of the Detroit Techno sound too, so that’s also an influence. I work a lot with the lovely Kym Sims, alongside Steve Teasdale and Dez Ford (Rocket Fuel Audio) and we have a track called “Loves Gotta Hold” coming out on our own CT Label (Offshoot of a night in Leeds UK that I’m part of along with Nath, Scott S and Mark).
I have another couple of vinyl projects coming out soon like “Vinaloop” on Faciendo (Desyn’s label) which is highly sought after thanks to a viral clip and Desyn’s general backing of my more edgy and underground music I create. Klasse Wrecks are putting out a re-issue of “Lemmon Grass 121 and Barly” up/road with a couple of alternative tracks to “One O Them”, which featured on the original release, due out in late August/early September. A remake of “Too Blind To See It” is looking likely with Kym taking more of a lead and wanting to put her true soul into the project. Kym is fantastic live and I’m so lucky to work with her, we did a great live band appearance last summer at the legendary Hoochie Coochie bar in Newcastle

GO BANG! Magazine: Have you ever DJ’d in the US? If so when? If not, do you want to or plan to?

Scott Featherstone: I’ve never played in the US but I would really like to, At the moment, I play a lot in the North East of UK and have started venturing across Europe having played in Berlin last summer. This year I was to play in Paris, then Barcelona, etc., but due to what’s happening in the world it has been impossible to do so for now.

GO BANG! Magazine: Who are some people in the House music industry that inspire you or motivate you, and why?

Scott Featherstone: Pretty much all the early Chicago House pioneers. I don’t really need to name them all but I guess Armando Gallop stands out and was a huge influence with his very raw Acid House sound. I like a lot of local DJs and artists over big name DJs, as they play from the heart and have more to prove in their digging and being creative. I love DJs that introduce me to new and exciting music which also gives me inspiration to make new music. Funny enough, music I don’t care for inspires me too because I think music should sound raw and deep, so I feel the urge to make music how I like to hear it. I just love the whole process.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Scott Featherstone: I always try and turn any negative problems that come my way into some kind of positive. I spent my time in the lockdown keeping fit, building bike trails then jumping them. I’m lucky enough to own some land and lost weight doing so. I looked after my family as best as I could, doing the shopping and the basic stuff.

Of course I recorded music and did a few live streams to help pass the time. On the flip, we had to deal with the loss of all the nights we planned to do this year and bookings for Kym Sims (as SOULed OUT Events, we manage Kym Sims in the UK), festivals, travelling and such. But we are planning for when we can operate again. I don’t want to dwell on the things we’ve all missed out on this year. I just want to keep positive for the future for all of us, in whatever we do.

Follow Scott Featherstone on ALL social media platforms

Log on to SOULed OUT Events: http://souledoutevents.com/agency.html




Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

Events/Culture: JUNETEENTH (June 19th)

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

http://pol.moveon.org/

On June 19, 1865, enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free. Now, 155 years later, people in cities and towns across the U.S. continue to mark the occasion with celebrations.

This Friday, June 19th, is Juneteenth, an annual celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. To honor this solemn anniversary and to demand continued work toward true liberation for black people in this country, hundreds of thousands of people will take to the streets in a national day of action organized by Black-led groups on the front lines of this fight.

We will remember …

George Floyd
Breonna Taylor
Ahmaud Arbery
Rem’mie Fells
Riah Milton
Tony McDade
Rayshard Brooks
Oluwatoyin Salau

And the countless other Black lives lost to police brutality and racist violence.

Continue supporting those who have been taking to the streets since the brutal killing of George Floyd. It has brought together millions of voices amplifying calls for justice for George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

Looking beyond this Friday, there are two ways you can have the most impact: (1) demanding accountability and divestment from politicians, including many Democrats, who have accepted money from police unions, and (2) supporting the critical work to defund bloated and violent police departments while investing in real solutions for community safety.

We cannot afford to lose the momentum that organizers have worked to gain over the past few weeks toward making real progress to reduce police violence.

Dance: #HELLYOUTALMBOUT 🎥@northwesttapconnection

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

🎥@northwesttapconnection
#SayHisName #SayHerName #SayTheirName

You can view the video here with this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr-FyI-3wZ0

In 2016, Seattle-based Northwest Tap Connection hip hop instructor Shakiah Danielson created a protest piece that debuted at the 2016 Groovement at Rainier Beach to speak out against police brutality.

This POWERFUL tap dance is a performance honoring the names and lives of victims of color that were killed, many of them at the hands of police officers, due to police brutality. Although the dance was created in 2016 by Northwest Tap Connection’s Shakiah Danielson, it is quite timely and relevant to the times we are going through now.

It takes place outside, with three main performers on small raised stages, surrounded in a semi-circle by the other tap dancers. Others are on top of cars and pickup trucks. It reminds you are a traditional African dance being performed by a tribal unit on their land.

Throughout the dance they chant the names of slain individuals, followed by “say his name” or “say her name. The chorus of the hymn is “Hell You Talm Bout”, a play on the phrase “What the hell are you talking about?” This is a song recorded by recording artist Janelle Monae.

Young men and women, as well as small children are featured throughout the tap dance video, which ends with two older women dancing in a traditional African style.

This is yet another peaceful demonstration to protest the current state of America and the world, which has had enough of black and brown people getting killed by WHITE police officers, due to police brutality. 

Civil unrest has returned across the world ever since the weekend of May 30th, 2020, following the horrific videoed killing of George Floyd, by knee, by a Minnesota police officer.

Northwest Tap Connection is a social justice studio located in the heart of south Seattle and has been committed for years to bridging the gap for children of color under the direction of Miss Melba Ayco.

Song: Janelle Monae & Wondaland Music – “Hellyoutalmbout”

Dancers: Northwest Tap Connection – @nwtapconnection

Choreography: Shakiah Danielson – @mzshakiahmc

Featured Instructors: Alex Jackson, LaTwon Allen, Shaina Proctor, Ahmen Taplin, Lakema Bell

Film & Edit: Genki Kawashima

 

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com,  NDigo.com,  ChicagoDefender.com,  EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions.  Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

BARACK OBAMA – “Creating A More Just Nation”

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Reprinted email received from Obama.org

Dear Pierre,

In the last several weeks—and the last several months before that—we have seen the kinds of epic changes that are as profound as anything that I’ve seen in my lifetime.

Although all of us have been feeling pain, uncertainty, and disruption, some have felt it more than others. Most of all, the families of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery and Tony McDade and Sean Reed and too many others to mention.

Michelle and I—and the nation—grieve with those families. We hold them in our prayers. And we are committed to the fight of creating a more just nation in memory of their sons and daughters.

This evening, I joined our My Brother’s Keeper Alliance in a conversation with local and national leaders to discuss the tragic events of recent weeks, the history of police violence in America, and specific actions we can take to encourage reform of our law enforcement system.

Part of what’s made me hopeful in these days, despite it all, is the fact that so many young people have been galvanized and motivated and mobilized. So much of the progress that we’ve made in our society has been because of young people. Dr. King was a young man when he first got involved. Malcolm X was a young man. Dolores Huerta was a young woman. The leaders of the feminist movement were young people. Leaders of union movements were young people. The movement to make sure that members of the LGBTQ community finally had a voice and were represented were young people. And the leaders of the gun violence and environmental movements in this country are young people.

Today, when I see young people all across the country stepping up and speaking out in such meaningful ways—when I see their talent and sophistication and passion—it makes me feel optimistic. It makes me feel as if this country is going to get better. But real change starts with a focus on results, and everyone committed to doing their part.

We’re calling on everyone—from mayors to city council officials to everyday citizens—to recognize and root out the tragic, painful, maddening effects of systemic racism and to take concrete steps to address police use of force policies in their communities.

It will take all of us working together to ensure we can reimagine policing so it recognizes the humanity of every person—so it honors the dignity of every person.

“My daddy changed the world,” Gianna Floyd, George’s six-year-old daughter, said yesterday.

Yes he did.

Yes we can.

—Barack

#VOTETrumpOut

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

photo property of GETTY IMAGES

 

#VOTE  That’s ALL we got! (legally)

DO YOU SEE THIS?
The photo of HITLER has been photoshopped!
Hitler was NEVER holding a book!
There is an agenda!
Controversy is TRUMP’S goal!
GET TRUMP OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE!

Media is circulating a photoshopped pic of Hitler holding a book in his hand to compare it with Trump holding the UPSIDE DOWN bible recently.
Hitler NEVER had a book in his hand!
Don’t Believe the HYPE!

City Announces New Precautionary Measures to Ensure Safety of Residents

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

REPRINTED FROM: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp.html


5/31/20

Dear Chicagoan,

Please be advised that access to the Central Business District and Loop area will be temporarily reduced following multiple public safety incidents and property damage.

Until further notice, access in the Central Business District and Loop area will only be given to employees whose businesses are located within the designated boundaries, individuals who reside in the surrounding area and residents engaged in essential activities as defined in the Municipal Code, Order 2020-3 (listed here under Section 2.5). The boundaries of the restricted zone are as follows:

Division Street from Lake Shore Drive to Halsted Street
Halsted Street from Division Street to Milwaukee/Grand Avenue
Milwaukee Avenue from Grand Avenue to Kinzie Street
Canal Street from Kinzie Street to Cermak Road
26th Street from State Street to Lake Shore Drive
Cermak Road from Canal Street to State Street
State Street from Cermak Road to 26th Street

Every street into the perimeter is being manned by officers with the Chicago Police Department along with the help of the Department of Water Management, Department of Streets and Sanitation and the Chicago Department of Transportation.

Before entering the perimeter set up by the City, residents and essential workers must show identification or proof that they live in the area and/or work in the area. Now and until the perimeter is lifted, we encourage employers to allow workers to work from home and to limit the number of employees that are coming into the Central Business District. Workers should contact their employer for questions regarding whether their businesses are operating in the designated area and for questions regarding teleworking.This includes contractor that may be coming into the Restricted zone mush show proof of work or be able to share contact information for which business(es) they have been retained by. Additionally, hospitality businesses such as hotels that may have guests traveling into the city should provide proof of reservation or direct contact to the hotel, or location where their accommodations are scheduled.

In coordination with public safety officials, the CTA temporarily suspended all bus and rail service, effective at 6:30 p.m. today. For public safety reasons, the suspension of services will remain in effect until further notice. CTA will post updates at transitchicago.com by 5 a.m. on Monday, June 1st, to detail when normal service will resume.

BACP is working closely with neighborhood chambers and business service organizations to provide critical support to businesses in impacted commercial corridors, including requests for clean-up and board ups and identification of hot spots. Please reach out to your local chamber and visit chicago.gov/nbdc for a list of organizations. Requests for board up support can also be submitted via 3-1-1.

This latest effort’s follow Mayor Lightfoot and Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Arwady’s joint-issued citywide curfew for all residents and visitors, effective from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. until further notice. Mayor Lightfoot, Dr. Arwady and Chicago Police Superintendent David O. Brown continue to reiterate that their number one priority is the safety and health of all residents, including protestors, police officers and all essential workers.

City Enacts Curfew as of 9:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2020

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Reprint from: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp.html

The City of Chicago under Mayor Lightfoot and Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Allison Arwady have issued a joint curfew for all residents and visitors, effective from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily beginning Saturday, May 30, until further notice.

The curfew is enforceable by law and restricts people from remaining in any public place – including but not limited to streets and highways, and common areas of schools, hospitals, office buildings and shops; or on the premises of any establishment – defined as any privately owned business operated for a profit to which the public is invited, within the City of Chicago during curfew hours. The curfew excludes persons engaged in essential activities as defined in the Municipal Code, Order 2020-3 (listed here under Section 2.5).

The Chicago Police Department will enforce the curfew through measures including warnings, fines and/or arrests.

Those who need to return home from the Loop tonight can exit by foot or vehicle via the South Loop or the LaSalle Street Bridge, and can access the CTA outside of the loop.

Mayor Lightfoot, Dr. Arwady and Chicago Police Superintendent David O. Brown continue to reiterate that their number one priority is the safety and health of all residents, including protestors and police officers.

City of Chicago
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805
Chicago, IL 60602
312-74-GOBIZ
www.chicago.gov/bacp

City of Chicago to Begin Reopening Cautiously on June 3

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Reprint from:  https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp.html

May 29, 2020

Dear Chicagoan,

Yesterday, Mayor Lightfoot announced that the City of Chicago is on track to Cautiously Reopen on Wednesday, June 3rd. Under phase three of the Protecting Chicago reopening framework, many industries can start reopening on June 3rd under strict social distancing restrictions and industry-specific guidelines. In the meantime, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commissioner has issued a public health order stating that the City’s existing public health guidelines will remain in place until June 3rd. The full list of industries that can reopen along with the industry-specific guidelines can be found at www.chicago.gov/reopening. Please also visit that site for FAQs, postings and additional guidance on business operations.

To demonstrate your commitment to reopening safely, businesses are strongly encouraged to complete the “Be Safe. Chicago” pledge. This self-certification gives business owners the opportunity to review the guidelines in detail and verify their ability to open safely and responsibly beginning on June 3rd. Please complete this survey to earn your “Be Safe. Chicago” badge and show your customers that you are committed to opening safely.

During phase three, establishments that serve food may reopen for outdoor dining only. Businesses must have a Retail Food License in order to operate outdoors and establishments that do not serve food, such as bars and lounges, must remain closed for any on-site consumption. Outdoor dining can include alcohol service, provided that the location has the proper liquor licenses. Alcohol sales for on-site consumption will be allowed until 11 p.m., while the 9 p.m. liquor sale curfew will remain in place for carry out and delivery of liquor products. Additionally, the City is working on local legislation to allow for the sale of mixed cocktails to-go in Chicago. Please note that the sale of mixed drinks to-go is not currently permissible.

Food-serving establishments may open sidewalk cafes, outdoor patios, rooftops, rooms with retractable roofs and indoor spaces where 50% or more of a wall can be removed via the opening of windows, doors, or panels provided that dining tables are within 8-ft from such openings. Tables must be six feet apart, with no more than six people per table and ten people per gathering. Please read the industry guidelines for more details, and click here for more information on how to obtain a sidewalk café permit.

In addition to the existing outdoor dining options, today Mayor Lightfoot announced 6 corridors that will pilot expanded outdoor dining in the streets. After this initial pilot launches, we will evaluate expanding programming to other areas in the City. Beginning Monday, June 1, chambers of commerce, Special Service Areas (SSAs), business associations and restaurants in groups of three or more can visit the City website to submit an application for Expanded Outdoor Dining. This will allow for existing, fully licensed Retail Food Establishments to temporarily use streets or private property for outdoor dining and drinking. Businesses that are looking for more information about expanding outdoor capacity should reach out to their local chamber of commerce or visit www.chicago.gov beginning June 1st.

To help business owners navigate the array of outdoor dining options, BACP has created an outdoor dining FAQ.

During Phase Three, other establishments that were previously closed, such as non-essential retail, personal services and gyms, may reopen under strict guidelines. Non-essential retail must cap capacity at 25%. Personal services, such as nail/hair salons, tattoo parlors, or massage establishments, must also limit capacity to 25% and ensure 6 feet between all clients. Health and fitness centers can reopen for indoor 1:1 training only, or outdoor classes with 10 or fewer participants. Please visit www.chicago.gov/reopening or click the links below for the industry-specific guidelines.

To support businesses and answer questions, BACP is holding industry-specific webinars next week. To register, visit www.chicago.gov/businessworkshops.

Industry-specific guidelines:
Childcare
CTA
Commercial Buildings
Construction
Food Service
Health & Fitness Clubs
Healthcare
Hotel & Accommodations
Manufacturing
Parks & Outdoor Attractions
Personal Services
Retail
Residential Buildings
Taxi & Ride Hail
Transportation & Warehousing

Sincerely,

Rosa Escareno
BACP Commissioner

City of Chicago
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805
Chicago, IL 60602
312-74-GOBIZ
www.chicago.gov/bacp

Literature: JESSE SAUNDERS TO RELEASE NEW BOOK ENTITLED “In Their Own WORDS”

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Chicago, May 11, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

THE ORIGINATOR OF HOUSE MUSIC, JESSE SAUNDERS TO RELEASE NEW BOOK ENTITLED “In Their Own WORDS” FEATURING 83 INDIVIDUAL STORIES FROM CHICAGO AND AROUND THE WORLD JUNE 4, 2020


Jesse Saunders, The Originator of House Music, is proud to announce the release of his second book In Their Own WORDS. Following up on the critically acclaimed ‘House Music…The Real Story’, Jesse has delivered a book for the people by the people….‘In Their Own Words’ paints a picture of what House Music means, not to the superstars of the industry, but to the ordinary men and women have been touched by the music in the most significant of ways.

This is how it started for them and is an indication of why they continue to love House Music. The Prologue from Jesse himself outlines the timeline of House Music, how it emerged from the days of Disco, and found its place among a planet of House Heads. This is where the sun began to shine for so many; where only darkness had been before. This is why House Music will always be at the center of their lives and ‘In Their Own Words’ a place of belonging.

House Music has always been more than just a type of dance music. It introduced a sentiment of love, peace, and beats to a very troubled Chicago community in the 1980s and from that seed, it became the global phenomenon that we see today. The narrative reflects moments in time and space that speak to the effect it has had on people. It explains why it means so much to them and why they continue to immerse themselves in a genre of music that owes much to Jesse himself.

This is the story of Disco, House Music and Electronic Dance Music from the people who lived it, loved it, and discovered it along the way… Available via Amazon June 4th.
# # #

Chapter 1: Disco Defined
Chapter 2: The Disco Years
Chapter 3: Chicago – The Mecca of House
Chapter 4: Chicago – House Music Is Born
Chapter 5: The Movement
Chapter 6: The Rave Culture

Available for pre-release @ Amazon

Soundtrack:  https://www.traxsource.com/title/1360502/Jesse-Saunders-In-Their-Own-Words


NEVER MISS A HIT!!!

Subscribe to GoBang! Magazine

You have successfully subscribed to the newsletter

There was an error while trying to send your request. Please try again.

GO BANG! Magazine will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Verified by MonsterInsights