Dance Monkey is Born!

It's time for the monkey to dance. For years, I've always critiqued the music at parties and events we've attended. You've heard me on the dancefloor - commenting on the selection of songs or musical flow. I really had no foot to stand on except for my personal tastes. I wasn't a DJ. Times are changing.

Once we arrived in Paris, I began devoting time and energy to learning the craft. It's more than song selection and beat matching. That came naturally. What was difficult for me was understanding HOW to operate the equipment in order to blend the songs and match the beats (not to mention uploading the MP3 to the net for distribution). So after eight months, I'm ready to release the first Monkey Mix.

I had spent weeks taking notes, trying to create the perfect mix. Eventually, I realized I was being too methodical. So one day, I stepped into the DJ room and began spinning. What you'll hear is the first take.

As most DJ mix sets online, the Monkey Mix is one hour - no track breaks. It's mostly constructed as if you're in a club - not necessarily radio friendly. And if you're wondering why it's called Dance Monkey, it goes back to Miami and our night at Crobar. The music was hard and monotonous. But we entertained ourselves by watching people bopping around us as we sat perched on a ledge above the dancefloor cheering, "Dance monkeys dance!"

To listen:
1) Double click the Dance Monkey Logo to listen on your computer.

2) To save to your computer (PC users), RIGHT CLICK TO SAVE on the Dance Monkey logo (allow approximately 20 minutes to download depending on your connection speed). Once saved, launch the MP3. Your music program should open the MP3 automatically.

3) To save to your computer (MAC users), CONTROL+CLICK on the Dance Monkey logo (again, allow approximately 20 minutes to download depending on your connection speed). Mac will ask to open in iTunes or save file. If you open in iTunes, it's a continuous stream - no CD burning allowed and it's automatic (no waiting!). To burn a CD, you must download and save to iTunes.

4) If all else fails, send me an email and I'll forward the MP3 to you directly.

Dance Monkey T up next followed by other installments such as Circuit, Electro or whatever music is affecting me at the time. Either way, I hope you enjoy. And with that being said...DANCE MONKEY DANCE!

Set Includes:

(1) Pink - Stupid Girl (Hani's Num Club Mix) - I love they way it glides along with catchy lyrics and instrumentation. Great way to open the set.

(2) Shapeshifters & Chic - Sensitivity (Martjn Ten Velden Mix) - The brought us Lola's Theme, Back to Basics and Incredible. They put together another winning combination. It may be few on words, but quite fun.

(3) Cedric Gervais - Another One Bites the Dust (Cedric and Second Sun Mix) - Cedric takes an old classic and updates it with a bit of electro sound. The hook still grabs you.

(4) Cedric Gervais - Spirit In My Life (Paul Harris Mix) - I didn't realize until I was at the gym listening to the mix that I put two of the Frenchman's songs back to back. Due to Paul's mix, they don't sound much alike. I thought Spirit's vocals kept the set light in preparation for what was next.

(5) Little Green Men - Through with You (Chus & Ceballos Mix) - Somewhat of a transition song from the light side to more of a darker sound. You have to alter the energy to make an impact!

(6) Jimmy James - Fashionista (Terranova Circuit Mix) - I had to include some circuit camp to introduce the heavier sounds. "The show is about to start."

(7) Starkillers - Discoteka (Peter Rauhofer Mix) - I've played around with every version of this electro, hard driving song. I love the Electro direction Peter is taking his music, so I used his version. One of the best tracks out right now.

(8) Kelis - Bossy (Scumfrog Mix) - Scumfrog rarely misses and his working of Kelis' current hit is a masterpiece. You'll be hearing this all through summer. It keeps a bit of the funky edge alongside energetic beats. Love it!

(9) Donna Summer - Power of Love (Peter Rauhofer Mix) - I also included two Rauhofer tracks. He seems to be where I gravitate once peak time is in effect. A great track to end the hour and one that would lead nicely into a night full of hungry beats!