A Closer Look At Ohio Stand Up: A Talk With FreeWater

Today, I want to continue my interview series that delves into the lives and experiences of some of the individuals behind the web and promotional group Ohio Stand Up–that made a lot of waves over the last 1-2 years. FreeWater, aka Frankie S, was there with James Castrillo,  Scott Singerman, and others in the beginning and helped push the web-based concept that inspired me to start my project. This project also inspired many other people to go to the web and write about their experiences in our scene. My more sustained contemplation of Ohio Stand Up can be found in the lead up to James Castrillo’s eloquent interview on his experiences with the group in my post “Kingpin Discusses His Craft & Ohio Stand Up History”. Instead of just asking Frankie about his experiences with the Ohio Stand Up project, I gave him the platform to delve deeply into why he is interested in dance music, putting on shows, and educating individuals about music. This obviously includes discussion of his experiences with Ohio Stand Up, but also provides a way of seeing his motivations and drive behind wanting to make an impact in the world and wanting to share his passion for music. I hope you enjoy his story.

Click Here to Read More

A Closer Look: Mike Gallicchio on dance music definitions and the influence of Capitalism

Mike Gallicchio needs little introduction to people in the scene that have been around for a minute. For those who are new to the game, Gallicchio, a former dj, was one of the key businessmen pushing dance club concepts like Red Zone (opened in 98), Fabric (opened in 00), Long Street (opened in 02), Spice (opened in 03), & Sugar Bar (opened in 06) with business partner Corso. Believing that Columbus needed a dance club culture the likes of which are found in New York or Chicago, Gallicchio pushed for Columbus residents to go downtown and dance in one or two centralized clubs where they knew dance music would be played. Though many these clubs have been recycled into new bar concepts (save Long Street), I do not need to underestimate how important this period in our scenes history was for countless people in Columbus. It was the time of 2000 people dance parties, a steady stream of major edm talent, and the high point of a Columbus club culture. For this reason, I felt it was essential to talk to Gallicchio to get his viewpoints on how capitalist forces influence dance music in Columbus and why definitions of our scene are important. Before I get to his interview, I wanted to offer a few words to begin a conversation on the influence of economics in our community that were prompted by my interview with him.

For my words and the Interview head on over to Local Autonomy’s Website

Deep Play

Is this weekend really just about raging? If not, what other meaning could our attendance at shows have? Taken at surface value, it would be easy to accept that dance music culture exists as a diversion of frivolous fun. Many have made this argument in dance music literature. Yet, social scientists are very skeptical of anyone who says that any act which requires such a heavy investment of time, money, and energy is inconsequential to the larger ways they live their lives or make communities.

Read More Here About the Why I Think We Come Together at the  DOAP & Where the Wild Things Rage Parties

A Closer Look: Rocketnerd on Digital Democratization, Community Values, and The Fate of the Young DJ

The rise of a whole slew of new, young djs over the last year has been one of the more interesting developments I have witnessed. The democratizing influence of digital DJ technology has made everyones DJ dream a possibility. No longer do you need to spend hours with a mentor or a group of friends learning how to spin vinyl. Youtube tutorials are readily available to teach you all need to know about the technical skills you need to produce and mix. Gone too is the high upstart cost of buying two turntables and a stack of records to practice with. It has been quickly replaced by downloading mp3s and a copy of ableton live or traktor. Doubtless, this has resulted in a wide proliferation of an artistic form that gives meaning and enjoyment to countless people. Yet, it has also resulted in wider social problems in the reproduction of the main values of dance music communities, which poses a problem for maintaining the community long term.

Read more about the problems that have arisen and the Role OSU’s Electronic Music Club Plays to help young DJS at Local Autonomy

A Closer Look: Kevy Kev

There are a handful of people in the Columbus dance music scene that have been around since the days of Mean Mr. Mustards in the early 80s that are still involved in the scene. These individuals have been indispensable in shaping the terrain of where we dance, what we listen to, and the types of parties we hold (Thats a whole other story I suppose that I will save for another day). Kevy Kev was there in those beginning days and has stayed intimately connected to our scene since. Whether it was playing DJ sets, promoting his Juicy or Church parties, creating event flyers or stickers with Hot Cards Columbus, running Melt magazine, or starting Spin Cycle DJ Academy, Kevy Kev has been always been in some way involved in the artistic conversation in our city through its many ebs and flows. This makes an interview with him an extremely worthwhile endeavor. We certainly can learn a lot about where we have been and where we are going by drawing on his insights. Hope you enjoy…

READ THE INTERVIEW HERE