ON THE ROAD 2006 (THE D:FUSE BLOG)

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October, 2006
D:FUSE’s travel tips for the road weary.

Sometimes travel can get a little lonely. Especially when traveling out of the country. International phone calling can be difficult and expensive. The fact that friends and loved ones aren’t an easy call away can leave you feeling a bit isolated. Especially in countries where English is a rarity and communication is tricky (with all these shows in South America I better learn some Spanish!). The other day when I was in Columbia it got me thinkin’ on what gets me through on these trips. Maybe this info can help you if you find yourself on the road a lot.

1) MUSIC SETS THE VIBE! Pack a speaker personal speaker system and a good quantity of familiar music. I generally always bring my Powerbook G4 which has a pretty good speaker system build into it. Every now and then I’ll bring a small pair of speakers my good friend Scott Card got me (thanks Bro!) and wire them into my iPod (the best invention known to man!!!). Look for something that will fold up and be durable. Suitcases get thrown around like crazy and speakers are usually the first to break. Personally, I only like the TV if I know exactly what I’m going to watch. I almost never turn it on when I’m in the room. Something about that big black box and vacuous show content that just zaps the positive energy right out of me and turns me into depressed zombie. A TV for background sound? Come on guys- that’s a crock of shit. It’s distracting and demotivating. (That’s just my opinion) The first thing I do when I check into the room is to pull out the tunes. My personal favorite is loungey, jazzy stuff. There’s an old Naked Music compilation that reminds me of home. I’ve heard it one hundred times but it instantly warms me up, so that’s the first thing I’ll throw in. I’ve got 10 or so hours of loungey stuff loaded in my iPod/iTunes, so I’ll put that in later. I’ll shift it up later to some house or progressive when I’m getting ready to head out for the show. Wanna know some good artists/comps you should check out for this vibe? Try this:

------D:Fuse- People 2 & 3 (Chilling Discs)-------
(Okay- so I’m blowing my own horn here. Hey- if I could really do that I’d never leave the house baby!!!!- drum roll and cymbal crash inserted here) Honestly- I’m very proud of these CDs. These comps still rank in my favorites of smooth and emotional chill stuff that still has enough energy to keep ya going. It took me a long time to compile the music- I think all of the artists featured really have something amazing to say musically. I’ve listened to each 100’s of times, literally, and I still love the music and the journey. The best place to pick these up are my website or Amazon as they are both hard to find in stores.

-------Tom Middleton “Cosmos”----------
If ya don’t believe me just ask DJ Rap about this one. She’s tough one to please when it comes to music, and she freaked over this comp. It’s a 3 CD set and all of the CDs are good, but the 3rd one is the chilled-out one and it’s FLAWLESS. Spacey, sexy, atmospheric, spiritual and funky. I’m not sure if you can still find this one, it’s a few years old, best bet is Amazon.

-------Ultra Chilled 4-----
I’m not positive but I believe “Ultra Chilled 4” is the one I flipped over. Really good stuff. Chill Artists to Chcck Out on Itunes: D:Fuse “Begin” (some excellent chilled grooves on my artist album- there I go again!) David Basho (everything he has on iTunes is good) Chris Botti album “When I Fall in Love” (It’s a bit on the contemporary jazz side of things- but I still love it!) Sade (anything she’s ever done is amazing- every single album!) Sweetback –their artist album (Sweetback are Sade’s band and co-writers- these guys are so talented it’s scarey) Thievery Corporation (all of their original stuff is excellent- not so into their comps however)

A great loungey internet station if you have high speed---- www.smoothlounge.com (I learn about a lot of artists through this station) (Secret Agent on Soma FM is also excellent)

2) GET A GOOD STREET HOOKER Okay- I’m just kidding here. Wanted to see if you were really paying attention. I’ve never been the hooker type- even at my bachelor party weekend in Vegas. But hey- if it’s yer thang I’m not judging...yeah baby!

3)EXERCISE! After being on a plane all day I feel really zoned-out and depleted. So once I unpack and chill for a bit- I either strap on some running shoes or hit the gym. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes. It’s a great way to get the blood pumping and the positive energy back. Plus- running around a city is a great way to check out sites, architecture, people, chicks (yeah baby!) and get an overall vibe of the town. I can’t tell you how many amazing things I’ve discovered by just running around. There’s cool (or oddly interesting) stuff around just about every corner whether it’s historical landmarks, beautiful parks, sunsets, homeless people throwing up in their own shoe, or whatever. Then you can feel good about returning and chowing down on roomservice and downing that extra big 24 oz Sam Adam’s at the hotel bar. Now we’re talking!

*note- I would not suggest a jog in downtown Detroit. Especially when the sun goes down. That shit is downright scary and the streets are confusing- they aren’t on a grid. I got lost in those streets right as the sun went down and barely found my hotel. That was some frightening shit!!!!! One street is perfectly safe looking and the next is a war zone!

4) SET UP SOME ATMOSPHERE! Bring a few things that are familiar to you. Bring a picture of a girlfriend or boyfriend. (or bring a picture of both you kinky thang…) Bring a picture of you and your friends laughing it up. Or if you’re like me- bring a picture of your bitch (my beagle Lucy is always on my laptop! Tea lights rock! I always grab a few vanilla scented ones on every trip and light them in the room. In these days of vibeless (but energy efficient) halogen lighting- a few candles can really warm up a room. And when ya bring the ladies back- that and some Barry White can go a long way. (and some condoms and lube won't hurt, either....yeah baby!)

5) SCREW THE MINIBAR Now- I don't literally mean SCREW the minibar. That could be painful. Listen—I’ll be the first to admit I’m not exactly what most would call a “high-roller”. To be honest, I’m more like a “medium” to “low-roller”. I like spending my $$$$$ where it make sense, and minibar pricing just doesn’t make sense! I call my method “D:Fuse ghetto styleeee” – and here is how it works. Grab your favorite bev and throw it in a water bottle yo! Whiskey, vodka, gin, wine, (not beer) Travels very durably in your suitcase. I’ve personally never had one break. And let me tell ya, pouring a nice bottle of red at dinner time feels so nice when it didn’t cost $40. Plus that nice warm fuzzy feeling it gives ya going down should stave off those “missing home” pangs quite nicely.

Hope this info helps- see you guys at the next show!

T4L= Thanks for Listening

-D:FUSE

October 3, 2006
Bogota Diary Pt 2 - D:Fuse and a beyotch?

What an amazing time in Bogota!!!! Hat's off to Andrew, Serg, & Christophe from Sweet Spot Productions. And an extra big thanks to Kiki, Geronimo, & Ingrid from Cha Cha. Three sold out shows in a row in Bogota says something about how good you guys are!

Day one:
Leaving L.A. Now this is THE most frustrating thing to deal with. Not the 2 _ hour international check-in. Not the long security line. It's the complete lack of an open bar at LAX! The flight leaves just after midnight on Wednesday, and you would think at least one bar would stay open until 11 or so, but no!!! It's all shut by 10pm!!! Now this used to not be a problem because daddy would “D:Fuse ghetto styleee” some wine in a cranberry just bottle (nice, huh?) But now that's not happening with the new security measures. When you've got a 10 hour flight journey ahead of you. All ya want is a soothing beverage to prepare you for the onslaught of yet another flight (the 3rd one this week). Okay- so no bar is open. Well, how about a concession stand to get a bottle of water or a snack? Nope. A vending machine? Strike that. God I hate terminal 6.

Arrival:
I arrive in Bogota to see Geronimo's smiling mug. He's one of the nicest club owners out there. I dig happy people, and he's always keepin' it positive. That might be the “cigarette” he usually smokes when we get in the car. Hmmmmm? Who knows….

I spend my days kickin' it on the high-speed wireless the hotel has in the lobby, catching up on loads of work I've fallen behind on with my hectice tour shedule. Nice!

Thursday: Club Cha Cha
They didn't promote the show with posters that they usually plaster the town with - they only did online promo- so Geronimo is a bit worried about the turnout. We arrive at 11pm to a pretty empty club, but by midnight the place is packed. I feel a bit shakey when I go on. Sometimes it's a little tricky to get the Cha Cha crowd warmed up. But I play some sexy, groovin' house and the place starts to move. I move between house, electro house, & progressive and the place is going crazy. People are getting straight up sauced! Just about everyone- guys and girls- are carrying around a small bottle of whiskey or rum and smoking cigarettes like they're tax deductable (among other things). The dancefloor is still packed when I stop the music at 4pm. God this city is fun.

Friday: Perra
Now this is a show to remember. My first official South American gay party baby! I'm pretty sure Perra means “bitch” in Spanish, so I'm ready for anything. Geronimo is very excited because he designed the posters but apparently they were too controversial to put up around town so they showered them all around the venue. Controversial?! “Didn't they put a picture of me on that poster?” I ask. “Oh yes” he says- you're gonna love it!” We arrive to the venue and my mouth just drops. Just check out the image...

Yup, that's my head, superimposted on another body. And yes- I'm “giving it” to a dog. Worst of all…..the dog doesn't even look like he (or she- it's impossible to tell from this angle) is enjoying it. For a second I was a bit flustered and mad. But then - I looked again. You just don't fake that kind of graphic design lunacy. This thing is sooooo over the top it's art! I'm not kidding- I'm framing this and putting it in my living room. What a conversation piece!!!!!

The gig is amazing. Well over 1,000 people pack the venue, an old theater. The laser and light show is spot on, and the sound is hits you like a locomotive! I go on and do a three hour set and grab one of those small bottles of whiskey all to myself. Yeah baby! I stumble back into my room just before sunrise- yes -alone! (Daddy doesn't kick it with the mens)(imagine a strong lisp here).

Saturday- Club Cha Cha
We do lunch the next day- I know I've said this before- but Bogota is an great city with killer food. Traditional Columbian, French, Japanese, Italian, it's all amazing. I love this city! We arrive at the club at 11:30pm to find a dance floor already moving. The place gets packed by midnight and doesn't stop until I play the last record at 6am as the sun bathes the dance floor in morning light. Cha Cha has an amazing view- 40 stories above the city just on the edge of the hills. I end with Dark Suite “Dark Sweet Piano” (Wally Lopez mix)- what a timeless track!!!

Columbia I love you! See you in a couple of months...

T4L
-D:FUSE

September, 2006
Lovefest, San Francisco

DO YOURSELVES A FAVOR AND SET YOUR CALENDER FOR NEXT YEAR'S LOVE FEST!!!! AMAZING!!!!!!

Sometimes the dance music scene can be a bit stressful. You hear about a club closing down or another label having trouble. You have a show or two that are a bit on the slow side. That is why a weekend like Love Fest can really be a shot in the arm. What an amazing weekend! What an amazing crowd! What an amazing city! The dance scene is alive and well and 65,000 in SF this last weekend will tell ya the same!!!!

Things started off Friday night for a Love Fest pre-party at Supperclub. Thank God for friends Scott Card and Hugo- my 3rd Handsonic crapped out again, so they diverted 2 hours out of their way to buy me another one. It was even Scott's bday. You guys come through every time and it means so much. Keppi & Kat opened up the night with some groovy house and soulful live vocals. Very well done. Sen-Sei and I took the decks after that to a full dancefloor and Steve Porter rounded out the night with some serious funk. A solid night of music. After that we hit the Mezzanine to see the all around nice guy Lee Burridge finish up his set. There were so many familiar faces in the crowd. Good to see all of my SF peeps!

After being a bit hung-over we made it out a bit late to Love Parade. My set started at 4pm and we made it just in time to work through the crowd to get to the Supperclub/Scion/Ingrooves stage. The stage was amazing! Two full-size beds on each end of the DJ booth and a beautiful plasma-carved metal sculpture as a background done by Keppi himself. The sound system was pumping as well. Only problem- the power generator had some sort of bad part and the sound kept cutting on and off. That didn't end when I got on. I turned the system even halfway down and it got even worse. In the first 30 minutes it must have shut off 6 times. What a complete bummer!!!! Couldn't even set up the drum as it was causing problems. Luckily things got a lot better the last 30 minutes were power-shortage free. The vibe turned around and the crowd- well ya just gotta see the pics! Looking out onto a crowd that stretches as far as the eye can see can just about bring a tear to this ol' Texan's eyes. The best thing about Love Fest is that there is such an amazing variety of people all together. Gay, straight, black, white, yellow, green, purple- whatever you're into you're accepted and appreciated. That's what dance music is all about!

Sunday we make it out to the Flirty-Flirty/Spundae pool party at the Bambuddha lounge. It's located right at the Phoenix hotel pool. The place is full when we get there and gets really packed around fifteen minutes into my set. No technical problems here- the booth is set up great- half inside and half out. I'm playing the drum like crazy and powering down jager shots (thanks for those by the way- you know who you are!!!) People are dancing inside, outside, on chairs, on each other (sweet). Next up is Donald Glaude - I have plans to play the drums to his set for 10 minutes or so- but the vibe is going so damn well that I just keep playing. He's tricking the mixer - I'm hammering the drum- and we're both jumping up and down. Now the place is just about to have a coronary! It's going absolutely ballistic. What an amazing way to close the weekend!

Hat's off to Michael Anthony and Supperclub, Sasha & Flirty Flirty, and all the DJs and friends I had the pleasure to hang with. An extra big hat's off to the 65,000 people who showed up for the love of electronic music!!!! San Francisco is absolutely one of the best cities on the planet, and this weekend once again proved it!

T4L
-D:FUSE
www.djdfuse.com 

July 8 , 2006
Dedication

Yo My Beat Freaks

Daddy had a rough one this weekend. Caught some kind of stomach-flu-food-poisoning-thang on Wednesday that dropped me flat on my back. And believe me- I almost NEVER (knock on wood here) get sick. I felt better Thursday so I took it easy & did some Bickram Yoga to flush out my system. All of a sudden Friday morning it was back just in time to get on a plane. So I’m on a plane, shivering with flu chills and focusing like crazy not to throw up. Anyone ever used one of those barf bags? That’s got to be embarrassing. I suffer through it & thankfully get to my destination of McAllen TX barf-free. Isn’t it just great when you don’t hurl!?) I sleep a couple of hours before I head to the gig. You can’t tell everyone that walks up wanting a picture with you that you’re sick as a dog. You just have to smile the best that you can and act like you’re having fun. It’s not easy when you feel like you’re just about to fall over, believe me. I hit the decks, still play the drum, & sweat like crazy. I want to play a solid set for the full house that came out. It’s a challenge, because upon the first moment I pump my fist a bit I have to stop and focus on not losing it right then and there all over the mixer. I get through it and am happy with the show, a very cool vibe- shouts out to the Rio Grande Valley, Salamandra Lounge, David & Distinguished Productions.

I bet your wondering, “Any other moments like this?” Glad you asked. On tour with Oakey in Detroit. We’d already completed about nine shows in about two weeks and I was a bit run down. As soon as we check into the hotel I got hit with the flu and was flat on my back for 3 hours. With chills, sweats, and a crazy fever, I stumbled into the sedan and made my way to the venue. Thank God for red bull and vodka. Sucking down a couple was just enough to get me through that 2 hour set. Right after I crawled back to my room, slept for 14 hours, and got back on the road with lethal doses of Dayquil/Nyquil for the next 2 days. Thank God for drugs.

Here's on that's a little unrelated but still a bit of going above and beyond- once again on tour with Oakey. On this particular day we were leaving Orlando and heading to Tampa. Paul and I had different flight times for some reason, and both our flights were cancelled due to severe thunderstorms. The storms were closing in and it was looking like all flights into Tampa would be cancelled for the night. It was looking like no chance on making the gig when a flight representative told me there was one more option. A pilot was going to brave the storm and fly through it- if anyone wanted to volunteer for that they could get on the plane. I took it. Crazy. Imagine being in a tiny puddle-jumper prop plane, with the flight attendant telling everyone to hold on and counting down the minutes that we would be flying into the storm and turbulence. “Okay everyone- 15 minutes-make sure you're seatbelts are secure!” “10 Minutes!” “Five minutes!” "Okay- HANG ON!!!" The plane shook and rocked like crazy. I swear it was even do hard left/right turns. It was exciting and scary- but I made the flight and did the gig for the good folks in Tampa (Oakey had to cancel on that one due to his later flight)

There was also a time that weather and mechanical delays caused me to reroute 3 different airlines and 3 cities to make it to Shadow Lounge in Miami. I took me over 15 hours to get from Austin, TX to Miami. Sure I was late- but made it there in enough time to play a solid hour.

Now- the granddaddy of them all. ----drum roll please----. A show at the former Avalon in Hollywood (formerly known at The Palace) I had a crazy case of food poisoning from eating a few hours before. I get in the DJ booth completely turning green and getting sicker by the moment, but the dance floor is packed and I’m not going to let these people down dammit!!! (Imagine a Charleton Heston-type movie character moment here). I turn to the lighting guy and ask for a trashcan- and fast! Luckily the DJ booth is a story above the crowd, because practically after each mix I’m turning around and puking my guts out in the trashcan. Nasty, huh? I make it through about an hour and 15 minutes before having to quit to the race to the hotel- where the puking...well, you get the picture.

What is the point I’m making here????? (I’m knocking on wood here) After 7 years of touring nationally/internationally- and I don’t know how many hundreds of shows I’ve done... do you know how many I’ve missed? Zero. Zilch. Nada. (well there was one show in LA at a museum where the promoter pushed my set back so far he knocked me from the lineup so that his idols Mars and Mystery could play longer –hot. But I was there. Not my decision) So- back to my original point. NO MISSED SHOWS. ZILCH. NONE.

So here’s the deal. How many shows did you pay good money for, hoping to see your favorite DJ- and then they no-show? How many times are you on the dancefloor waiting to see a DJ whom you’ve been into and supported only to hear that they “didn’t make their flight” or that they “are sick” and can’t come? I know for a fact that there will be a day that I will miss a show due to circumstances beyond my control. But that doesn’t change the fact that 95% of these DJs that miss gigs (especially the ones that have reputations for no-showing) simply don't care as much about you or the scene. They just don’t think your gig is that important. The fact is that they’re probably cracked out in their hotel room from 'avin it the night before, nursing a hangover.

So in closing I ask- who loves you baby?

D:FUSE LOVES YOU. That’s who. And I always will.

Thanks for all the support you’ve always given!!!!! It’s much appreciated.

T4L
D:Fuse

www.djdfuse.com

May 6 , 2006
Grillin' like a Villain, homies!!!

What's up my lil' rhythm junkies!? Daddy misses you! Sorry to say that this shout out to you folks is gonna be a bit short. Gotta get in the studio to mix the next installment of The People's Mix (show #91). Don't forget to check out the show Saturdays 7-10pm & Tuesdays Midnight-3am Eastern. If you don't I will hunt you down like a like the swine you are!!!!!! Okay- sorry about that last comment. I'm a bit hung-over... Played the E3 Playstation party was last night and it was open bar. Apologies for pouring beer over the headz of Steph & Hiratzka. Sometimes you hurt the ones u luv the most......

On to what's been up with me. Been working like crazy all week in the studio with Mike Hiratzka working on a new album. So far it's a little grab bag of downtempo, progressive, and funk with a hint of house thrown in for good measure. Also had a chance to jump in the studio with both Hiratzka and DJ Rap for a little pop collab. Very cool to work with such talented people right in my backyard. Lovin' L.A! Now I also had nice little weekend off, and in celebration of that, decided to grill up sum dead cow and chicken (I ate the fish). A big thanks to my partner in crime Mira (I'll take off a week from your whiskey shot ban) for working so hard to make it happen, and to Rap, Mamma Elaine, Liam & Tina, Michael & Penny Drake, Amy, Stacey & Kevin for coming out and chowing down. Once again my Beagle Lucy didn't eat for two days after grabbing up all of the scraps you drunk fools dropped!

May 3, 2006
D:Fuse unveils "The Bird" + The Skunk Busters

What's up my lil rhythm junkies? D:Fuse here, reaching out to you after another fun filled weekend.

Thursday- 27 April06
A big thanks to Phaedra & Victor Dinaire for having me out to play at CBNC. Its a new Thursday night event which can be a little challenging. The crowd was on the thin side of things but the vibe was still solid. DJs Dan & HP played the night as well, and though their opening set was a little on the hard side, the closing set fit well and the track selection was really good. A big shout out to Kurt & Kate for having me over for some pre-show cocktails and Cousin Matty D and his new fiancÈ Courtney for hanging as well as everyone else I'm forgetting here!

Saturday- 29 April06
Toddy B and the entire Barcelona threw another amazing show. Completely sold out vibe and the place was jumping and screaming like crazy. The shows are always good in Austin but haven't seen a vibe quite like that in a long while in the ATX! Toddy B got the vibe going well, the DRM followed the set and had some moments but overall played just a bit too much on the dark and hard side of things (much love bro- you redeemed yourself with your killer set at the afterparty!!!) MC Flint was once again on point! The after party was once again legendary with Amy and Laura hunting a varmit under the outdoor deck under their new guise The Skunk Busters. Rocky, Dr. Mike, and I came up with a new concept in which Ill be unveiling The Bird in locales all across the nation! Check out the profile pics!

Ready to relax a bit this weekend as I've got a break from the tour schedule for a week. Yes!

Thursday, April 27, 2006
Hanging at the flying saucer brew pub...

Friday April 21st UBU, Little Rock, AR
Hanging at the flying saucer brew pub. Sipping on a Pyramid Apricot recapping a great night. Here hangin' with DJs Dave McRoberts & Justin Sane. Nothing like cold beer and pub food to get your day started. A solid show all around. My boy Kid Icarus threw down an excellent set (hats off to one of the nice guys of Texas who's done so much for the scene and who has always supported my stuff). Also a solid D & B set from The Enemy from Evol intent. He had loads of funky, creative _ time breakdowns that kept the set interesting, plus not one gun shot! sample as far as I could tell- nice. Also a shout out to Dave McRoberts and Gruv-u. I only got to hear 15 minutes of the set but it sounded like you were keeping the place movin. A big thanks to Cybertribe- Bushy, Justin, & Excell for throwing the party and having me in.

Now for the best part. Got to visit the Clinton Presidential Library!!!! The CLINTON. PRESIDENTIAL. LIBRARY. (I'm just sayin') I've got a Clinton bobblehead, a shot glass, and t-shirt to prove it. It was a big moment for me. Now I don't want to get too political here. I'll just say this. In the opening ceremony of the library. Bono & The Edge from U2 performed. Now if members from perhaps the greatest rock band ever to exist perform at your opening, ya must have done something right. I mean- the most likely performer at George Bush's library opening will probably be Toby Kieth. And I think that really says it all.

Saturday April 22nd 06 Spundae at Circus
Well over 2,000 people turned up to the show. What a night! Mike Hiratzka threw down some seriously wicked guitar riffs and keyboard stabs and MC Flint keep the rhythmic poetry flowing. I still remember looking out on the dancefloor and seeing the place jumping like I haven't seen in a while. My hands are still bruised from banging the drums so hard! Hell yes! A big thanks to everyone who came to the show. We'll have some streaming video of the show up in a couple of weeks on www.djdfuse.com

Sunday April 23rd 06 Spundae Pool Party San Diego
So long story short- (if you read my last blog) -I won't be putting up Max Graham's jacket for sale on e-bay. I show up to the gig to see a pool party full of people getting their buzz on and grooving to the beats. All of a sudden I look in the VIP section behind the DJ booth and see Max standing on a chair yelling D:Fuse!!!! We finally got a chance to hang out and he didn't run away this time! I get on the decks only to have the sound shut down in a matter of seconds by noise complaints. We move the party into the lobby where the place is bumpin. Everyone moves in from the pool, the whiskey shots start flowing, and the entire lobby is packed with people dancing. MC Flint made the SD trek with me and as he's doing his thing I bump some funky electro and progressive house to a crowd of smiling faces and pumpin fists. Donald Glaude is moving on the floor with a couple of hotties and the ever so sexy Diamond is also in the crowd. Guiv, Peter, & AJ are also hanging out. It's a killer summertime vibe and I highly suggest anyone in the SD area to check this party out next month. The Lawnchair Generals threw down a solid set as well. A big shout out to Mira, Stacey, & Kevin for making the drive with me!

April 18, 2006

Finally a weekend off- And this week..a weekend ON!!!!!!!!!!

When its all about the rhythm, its all about YOU!!!!!! I hope everyone out there are having a kickin day. D:Fuse here, just droppin another line to say hello.

Now what's new with me. I had the extreme good fortune of a little break in my tour schedule last week and was able to kick back in my new resident city Los Angeles. I soaked up a little sun out at Runyon Canyon. My daughter Lucy got to soak up all the new smells a heavily traveled park has to offer. What an amazing day! Paradise found! Check out the pic on my profile! I also ventured out on the town to Spundae @ Circus to check out DJ Rap and Max Graham. Rap threw down a nice funky set to start things off. It was a good turnout and vibe and it was great to catch up with everyone. But Max still confuses me. The loudish Texan in me must get on his nerves a bit because every time I see him, I barely get a hello out before he's excusing himself to another locale. This time I wasn't going to let it happen, and when he tried to flee I grabbed on to his arm screaming Don't leave Max! Don't Go! I can make you like me -I swear I can change!!!!!!! The guy has some moves, because before I knew it, he pulled this turnaround-around-while-removing-his-jacket-twist-thing. All of a sudden he was at the bar chatting with a couple of dudes, and I'm left holding his jacket near the DJ booth. Ill be selling it on EBay next week if he doesn't get in contact with me. Be looking for it.

And now for the most important part A NEW WEEKEND OF TOUR DATES!!!!!!!
This ones a busy one folks..

21 Apr Little Rock, AR UBU - 824 Wizard

I've been getting loads of emails on this one. Its been a while since I've thrown some down in the L.R. Expect a killer turnout!!!! Plus my fellow Texan The Kid will be there. Bonus!

22 April Los Angeles, CA Spundae
- LIVE SHOW ft Mike Hiratzka & MC Flint - 6655 Santa Monica

Allllright kiddies, were pulling out the big guns on this one. We've got Hiratzka & MC Flint, some new tunes to spring on ya, and because I live in L.A. and don't have to worry about fitting the drums on a plane- EXPECT A DRUM SET BIG ENOUGH TO RATTLE THE GODS! MWA HA HA HA!!!!! Okay- maybe not that big.. but this show is gonna rock. Alert all your friends and get to this one early- Ill be hanging by the bar (behind the DJ booth) before the show if ya wanna say hello. Plus- Robbie Rivera- oh yes!!!

23 April San Diego, CA http://www.spundae.com/fls/sd.html POOL PARTY!!!
There's a pool, there's a bar, there's a PARTY!!! I've gathered a sweet little collection of funky poolside house beats for this one & I'm ready to refresh that Miami tan!

Thurs - April 27 Phoenix, AZ CBNC 1420 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ


All you Phoenix/Scottsdale residents prepared for next week??!!?? Its been at least 2 years since I've performed in this area, so come show some love!

OTHER DATES ON THE SHORT LIST:
29 April Austin, TX Barcelona - 209 East 6th Street
13 May Portland, OR Pala - 105 NW 3rd Ave.


FOR THE FULL TOUR SCHEDULE, GO TO

www.djdfuse.com

as always, T4L= Thanks 4 Listening!
-D:FUSE

April 12, 2006

What's on the menu my beat infected kiddies?

Philosophy of the week:
"Sometimes even vegetarians gotta knaw on a chicken wing"
-d:fucious

I'm just gonna say it. Grillin!!!! On the outskirts of San Jose up in the hills where yesterday my good friends Deb & Hugo threw one hell of a bbq. I'm staring down a bowl of cold pasta salad while hungrily glancing over to the grill where Hugo "the mexican" Cazares is grilling like a true pro. I haven't really touched chicken, beef, or pork in over 3 years (well, there was that time in Jamaica when I was 10 Red Stripes deep). All I gotta say is. Chicken was everything I remember it being. Nothing like a group of people dancing around the turntables with beer in one hand and a "wing" in the other. Yesterday was great. Hat's off to DJ Scott Card for throwing some sick beats and letting my buzzed- ass take over for a bit. Big hugs to Shannon, Andrea, Raj, Shell, Michael & everyone else who made for such a great time.

TOUR STOP: SUPPER CLUB SAN FRANCISCO
Oh damn! I love it when a good gig comes together. If you haven't checked out this place yet, make it your next stop in club land!!!! Hats off to Michael Anthony and the entire Supper Club crew. What a show. DJ Kelli warmed up the room nicely. The vibe was great. Lots of smiling faces and ass-shakin. And ya know daddy likes to see those shakin asses!!! You gotta love a packed dancefloor for 20 minutes at the end of the night (with the house lights full-on). They finally made me stop the music at 3:30. Next stop: Whisper for Vlad's bday. Snuck in the club with crew in hand and jumped on the decks until 5:30. Place was still packed and movin'. A big shout out to the DJs who let me throw some down. The rest of the night gets a bit hazy.... God I love SF

To everyone out there... Hope to see you out there on the road soon. Don't forget to come up and say hello.

T4L=Thanks4Listening
-D:FUSE

April 6, 2006
D:Fuse WMC 2006 Tour Diary

What's up my lil' friends! Droppin another diary yer way. I thought I should give you a little WMC '06 'memberin and a list of the new shows on the horizon. But before that my thought for the week:

Happy Hour is only happy if there are free nachos. -d:fuse

In all seriousness. Thanks to all the people who make the WMC '06 one of my favorite places in the world: Mason, Dutch, & Thump. Luis Baro, Andrew Phalan, DrM & Laura, Mira, Rap, Scumfrog, Skribble, Flirty Flirty, Groovefire, Danny, Derek Hana, World Party, Nick McGeachin, Asuman,Ultra, Spundae, Andrea, Julie, Paul, Starecase, Serg, Sullivan Room and all the peeps who came to the shows. Until next year! And with that in mind the D:FUSE WMC06 recap! Drum roll pleez

1)Top song of the WMC: D:Fuse & Hiratzka vs Heart Barracuda (I know it's my song but dammmmmit- It's just so dern good)

2)Top DJ performance: DJ Rap @ Mixology Nikki Beach (what can I say it was funky and she wore this cut lil' ball cap)

3)Top DJ performance even though I only saw 20 minutes: Darren Emerson @ Mixology Nikki Beach (it was just soooo dirty. I almost offered him a sponge bath but I thought he'd get the wrong idea perv)

4)Best Hair and Makeup: Second Sun (I mean- that singer really knows how to apply the mascara. I've gotta call him for tips.)

5)Best drink: $14 thimble of Mojito @ the Delano Hotel (it seriously must have been 6oz total WITH the ice. That Ian Schrager really knows how to make you feel sooooooooooooooo exclusive. My pinkie toe was so buzzed it almost went home with the waitress.)

21 Mar Miami, FL WMC 2006 - DJs Are Alive LIVE SHOW @ The Mansion Kristine W once again shatters all wardrobe and make up records with a mind blowing- seven (count em) seven- Stylists spending over 3 hours getting her primped. Scumfrog and I sneak off for whiskey shots as sound check takes over 8 hours. Show goes off though, thanks for JCook, Stew, Derek Hana, Richard Branson, and all the other cohorts for making it out. Shouts out to Scummy, Skribble, & Static. Always a pleasure when u guys make it come together!

23 Mar Miami, FL WMC 2006 - Wet Grooves @ Albion Hotel - LIVE SHOW ft Mike Hiratzka & MC Flint Pissing rain all day and the cops completely shut down the sound system. We literally have to play with only the DJ monitors. There's so much sound a librarian would even tell ya to turn it up. Me, Hiratzka, & Flint go on after Eddie Halliwell. Steve from Wet Grooves whispers don't be scared to me as I go on. Big mistake we absofuckinlutely tear the roof off the place. Well, if there was oneit was a pool party after all. It's sweaty, rainy, and dirty, and the crowd is going nutz. Steve's mouth is still agape. Scare that, bitch!!!!

23 Mar Miami, FL WMC 2006 - Tantra - 1445 Pennsylvania Ave (set time 1-3am) If you look in the pics section you'll see us trying to answer the banana. That is the after-party after the show. Need we say more??? As always, the www.Groovefire.com crew always bring it. Amazing turnout. Great vibe. Phil rocked the decks, Hiratzka closed perfectly. And Daddy Dwell, ya know. (*whisper voice here* --I'm just gonna say I was pretty good). Big thanx to Tantra for having us every year. Unbelievable. And a shout to my favorite percussionist www.joakineskasan.com for rocking it!

25 Mar Spundae/Opel/Flirty Flirty Pool Party I get one hour of sleep after the trying to answer the banana after party. DRM has gotten no sleep but still makes it out with me. Thank God for Red Bull and Vodka. Luckily the bull keeps coming. The party has a great pool vibe and is packed. Loads of fun. Probably the one outdoor system I didn't see the cops shut down. Nice.

25 Mar Club Music Awards Okayfunctioning on very little sleep and way too much alcohol. Don my new vintage sheee-yot (and a hefty pair of shades) (I'm just soooooo L.A. now) and head out. Apparently I hold my own hosting the event with Scumfrog, Static Revenger, Kristine W and Skribble. Damn if I remember. All I know is DJ Rap is looking extremely hot and she's buying Patron shots. Okayit was me buying the Patron shots. No wonder I'm over my limit. (and I'm not just talking about the credit card) Luckily Skribbs & Scummy help me down the stairs.Thank God for Jerry's Deli. An order of fries later and I'm at the Crobar hangin' with Rap, Scummy, Skribbs, and The Prodigy. Darren Emerson is throwing down a solid set of funky acid techno. It's good to be the king. Now please let me pass out, minions!

25 Mar Miami, FL WMC 2006 - Ultra Music Festival - LIVE SHOW ft Mike Hiratzka & MC Flint The Live stage was run way pro! Shouts out to the stage crew!!! Only problem is it's a least 2 minutes past noon and I'll don't have a beer in my hand. Ouch. Isn't this the Conference? We all go on stone sober at 1:30. As luck would have it we have a good crowd who's gotten there early to check us out. Shout's out to you guys who came out early to the live stage!!!! Hiratzka and Flint make me proud. The show goes off and we have a good time. Stephanie finally shows up with three piss-warm heiny's. I'll take what I can get at this point. Bring on the dancin' girls!!!

25 Mar Miami, FL WMC 2006 - D:FUSE Sullivan Room Showcase @ Angel Ultra Lounge (set time 1-2am) The place is nice and full and the vibe is in full swing. I have a blast being able to relax and just lay down some tracks and percussion. The place goes nutz. Hiratzka and I just layed down a bootleg remix of Barracuda by Heart which sets the place off. The Scumfrog takes over and rocks it. Good times all around.

26 Mar Miami, FL WMC 2006 - Thump Radio Breakfast In Bed @ Bed As you can see, Rap decides to make it out to this one and abruptly crashes in a bed right when I go on. That's how I rock it yo!!!!! But honestly, the place is amazing. It's a sunrise thing and ya just gotta be there to understand it. I do a 3 hour set and move it into the spiritual zone as Sen-Sei and Mike Hiratzka lay down keyboards and guitar. This party absolutely recharges my batteries for the whole year. Can't wait till next year. Thanks for all of you who came out!!! Ya kicked it 'till 12:30pm. You make me so proud! (teary-eyed D:Fuse voice inserted here)

26 Mar International Dance Music Awards DJs Are Alive do the opening number of the show. It's an amazing and elaborate set up. Thousands of industry headz are in the audience. A beautiful poolside/beachside setting at night. Really loved performing at this one.