I'm A House Gangster presents The Gangstercast

From Scalea (Calabria), a small village in the south of Italy, ItaloBros are the latest addition to the Gangstercast roster, providing episode 37. The duo state that their music is “eclectic, creative and inquiring” and that they “do not like setting limits or categorising their sound in a conventional music genre” but listening to their productions and this Gangstercast it’s easy to spot their old school roots, as well as their Techno and deeper House influences.

When asked about their selection for the mix their reply is one of our favourites to date: “If you're a House Gangster, you do not need to select the music ... it all comes naturally!”

As with all of the guests on the Gangstercast, House music is more than just a passing fad, and Italobros explain, “House music is all for us, it is the history of dance music; everything is born and developed from this kind of music!! We grew up with these sounds, in fact our first vinyl bought was “Frankie Knuckles - Your Love” which we jealously preserve in the studio. For us, The House music is brotherhood, able to erase social barriers, uniting people of any age color and religion.

And of the House Gangster movement, they add, “For us it is a style and a philosophy of life, despite all the difficulties and trends, they never abandoned their roots; this is perhaps their secret. We describe the House Gangster sound as it hard, bad, addictive, old school roots are always present and can make you move continuously. In each of our DJ sets there is always the “House Gangster sound”.

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Gangstercast, and the final word goes to Italobros: “We would like to thank “the boss” Dj Sneak and the whole crew for appreciating our music and our agent Diego Dentico for having introduced them. It is an important recognition for us and hopefully it will be the first step to get into this fantastic family.”

El Chino delivers what he considers his first live mix in over 10 years for episode 36 of the Gangstercast. The mix was recorded off the cuff after Sneak (who made up his name) asked for it and, El Chino describes, “it showcases a range of house music that i have been playing throughout my life, most the tracks are on Vinyl and the music spans from 1991 onwards to fresh cuts from myself and my friends, some released and some not. Normally nowadays people do their perfect mixes off their laptops but I thought it would be nice to do a live mix with real mixing, no editing & just keeping it RAW. I did at my home in Ibiza after being reunited with my treasured vinyl after many years of being absent from each other. It’s probably the 1st mix ever to showcase some of my new productions under my alias El Chino.”House music is very close to El Chino’s heart and he explains some of the difficulties he has experienced in the scene over recent years, “I took a step back from DJing and producing for a short while to look at the scene from a different perspective, as it was soul destroying due to the fact that the industry is now unfortunately over saturated with fake ass talentless people who get paid a hell of a lot of money, who play shit music badly on laptops and too many of which cannot produce their own beats. These so called artists were the guys who were on top of the game, playing at the time their so called “Underground” music, at this time Real House music was un cool and not trendy but now Real house music is tagged “Underground & Trendy”, so now all the pretentious DJ’s who were too cool for the House music skool back then are all now playing “House” music in todays so called “Underground” dancefloors from around the world. House music is not a fad, its not fashion, its a part of life, Real Quality House music is timeless.”The above leaves no doubt the El Chino is a bonafide House Gangster. His take on it is that its about, “championing and keeping real house music and the original art of DJing alive, a collective of real purists who are all against the brain washing regime of awful electronic dance music which we are unfortunately exposed to in todays matrix system we call life. House Gangster Sound? BIG Drums & Percussion, BIG Subby Basslines, naughty little samples, Jacking Beats with Urban, Latin, Jazz, Techno, Deep House & Hip Hop Influences.

Born and raised in Antwerp, Belgium, Roel De Prins and Robbe Boons picked up the art of DJing and producing in the years following 2000, but it’s only since 2011 that they have worked together as Flapjackers. Their sound transcends the genres of Funky, Jackin, Deep and Tech House, as well as Nu-Garage, and has seen them release numerous singles, remixes and EPs for renowned labels including Greenhouse Recordings, Great Lakes Audio, Coyote Cuts, Native Soul, Central Music Recordings and many more.

Throughout their career they’ve received support from artists such as Mark Farina, Derrick Carter, DJ Sneak, Cricco Castelli, Jason Hodges and Tommy Largo, and many more. A number of these artists have also played at their event held at Café D’Anvers in Antwerp.

Flapjackers say that their Gangstercast represent all of the aspects that makes House music great. “It includes the old and the new, deeper vibes along with funky jackers. This mix basically represents what we try to achieve on the dancefloor every time; an energetic journey with a story. We wanted to present what we’re about on the dancefloor. We used a few newer tracks that makes us move, as well as showcase some true underground talent. Combined with a few classics, among which tracks from the House Gangster himself, and also an older jacking track from us, we tried to make this mix as varied as possible, all the while attempting to never forget the energy a good House mix can provide to the listener.”

They’ve been House Gangsters for many years now and cite DJ Sneak as a huge influence: “We have been a big fan of DJ Sneak ever since we first started collecting House records back in the early years of 2000. House music has been a big influence to us ever since we were young and frequent party-goers, and we never gave in to cheap thrills. We were looking for music with passion, history and most importantly; a soul, and that is exactly what the House Gangster movement represents for us. A movement that provides answers to everyone asking the right questions.”

“Like the old saying goes; House is a feeling. It’s the one electronic genre with the most history and soul. It brings people together under one vibe, no matter where you’re from or where you’ve been.”

Since 1991,Oscar G., along with partner Ralph Falcon stormed the world of dance music as Murk, releasing a string of underground classics that would forever hold them a place in the history of House music. We therefore couldn’t wish for a more exciting guest to have on episode 34 of The Gangstercast. As one half of the Murk, Oscar G. has remixed the likes of pop stars such as Madonna, Seal, Donna Summer, Jennifer Lopez and Pet Shop Boys, while Murk have been responsible for eight Billboard #1's including club anthems such as "Fired Up" and the ever popular "Dark Beat". He is in high demand as a songwriter having won 4 ASCAP songwriter awards with Ralph Falcon. His success as a producer/songwriter aside, Oscar's true passion remains DJing, and it’s a real honour to have him lay down an exclusive mix for us. Oscar says, “This mix is an example of how I don't fit into any genre boxes…House,Techno and then some. I try to tell a story in my sets, take people for a ride, this is a small taste of that. I like to select music as I am mixing, so I just basically feel it out as I go. The mix includes our new DJ Sneak & Murk collaboration titled "To The Bassline". The song features vocals by my talented friends El Chino Dreadlion and Leslie Cartaya. It is out now on Exploited Records.” Oscar is regarded as "one of the most exciting DJs in the world" by Mixer magazine and having played at legendary venues like Ministry of Sound in London, Pacha in Ibiza, Yellow in Tokyo, Echoes in Italy and Twilo and Vynil in New York, the passion he has had since the age of 12 remains in tact. Asked about what the House Gangster movement and sound represent to him, Oscar replies, “It means a certain vibe and a certain attitude. It means Sneakishness! [It’s] Toasted chunks of filth. And [House Music] means a lifetime commitment..a never ending love affair.”

Andrey Radio Box is a House music DJ and producer from Moscow who, in a short space of time, has begun to build up a solid reputation with releases on labels including Underground Chocolat Soul, Keep It Simple and Two House Recordings.

His DJ style fuses deep house with acid and classic house music, something which is in evidence here on his hour-long Gangstercast. Andrey adds, “This mix represents me from both sides; as a producer and as a DJ. In the mix I've included some of my deep house tracks. I want to introduce people with my own releases, as well as with my favorite music. In the mix I wanted to show a deeper side of house music, but without losing the club vibe, which is important for the dancefloor. I don't like to praise my own tracks or mixes. Just listen to this! And If you like, and you can say something good about it - I'll be happy.”

As Radio Box continues to develop as an artist he is appreciating the House Gangster ethos and how it represents House music. In his words, “True house music is a way of life. It's always in my mp3 player. Always with me as single tracks or DJ mixes. I spend a lot of time to find the exact sound that I need. The House Gangster movement promotes this true sound, helps me find cool music and opened me up to new house music producers.

“This is done with the soul. And it shakes the dancefloors around the world.”

BlakSpun is the collaboration between legendary UK producer, DJ and musician Mark Bell (aka Blakkat) and Jason Drummond, better known as seminal SF/NY DJ Spun and founder of the ground-breaking NYC label Rong Music. Born out of a mutual love of acid house, late nights and major sound systems, their futuristic approach to the original sound of house and techno is already garnering them worldwide support thanks to remixes released on Rong Music, Shaboom and Ellum Audio.

Blakkat and Spun consider themselves “lifers” in the House Gangster movement and as such it is fitting that their debut original EP, Space Powder, is released through I’m A House Gangster on 31st March 2014. It kicks off what promises to be a huge year for the boys as they take their more sophisticated approach to the big room sound to the world. In addition to working with a who's who of house and disco royalty and the hundreds of production credits these two already have under their belts, Mark was an original member of multi-platnum selling Mercury prize winners M People and Spun was the longtime music curator at NY’s MoMA/PS1 museum.

On their mix, the duo state that it, “represents BlakSpun's roots from the birth of house, the trackhead and the acid sound, to the future of dance music. We wanted to show our take on the House Gangster sound with some known and under known Chicago classics, some more modern sounds, a nod to the trackheads, and a "Sneak" peak at BlakSpun's new I'm a House Gangster release.”

“House music is life, community, culture, family. House music is everything! Respect goes out to to the NY, SF, LA & CHI house community!”

From Grenoble in France, Stuff incarnates the revival of the French Underground House scene, alongside fellow countrymen Phil Weeks, DJ W!LD, Dan Ghenacia and Shonky. Since 2007 he has also been associated with the great names in his local scene: Miss Kittin, Acid Washed, Oxia, Kiko and more. It cemented his love of House music, “House for me is the sexiest music alive, with a raw sound, it doesn’t need too many words, it's all about this groove, no need to be too complicated, it's the good rhythm, the good tempo, that grow up slowly during a set...it's like sex!”

Since his debut releases on David Carretta’s label Space Factory, Stuff has refined his sound to focus on House and the low Miami bass sound. His sound reflects what we dig at I’m A House Gangster, and the Frenchman has his own take, “For me the gangster sound is when you are not afraid about dirty sounds, naughty basslines and groovy drums! For me the House Gangster is not only about the music, it's a culture, house music came from the street and need to still be alive there...especially today everybody want to sound "house"... but it's not real house!”

His Gangstercast shows Stuff representing all of his influences and musical background, “it’s somewhere between house, techno, electro or disco without limits and no compromising, only the music I love. It's exactly the kind of set I love to play - with old classics (reminds me my young days when I was too young to party) and new bombs with the same spirit, gangster, sexy, the classics drums that i love. And I love the old conception about deejaying, to start softly, put the ambience, and step by step apply a pressure.”

Stuff’s next productions will appear on a label compilation released by HNQO/Play Per View, and he has also been approached by Amine Edge who will release another track on a compilation.

Stuff concludes, “I’m so Proud to be part of this family, DJ Sneak is like a Legend for me and all the artist inside this [Gangstercast] series are really representative of my sound today, so it's like a humble tribute and a big thanks to all of them and especially to my French friends Amine Edge and DANCE.”

Born Canadian of Italian descent, Paolo Rocco first made his mark as a DJ in the Montreal House/Electronic music scene. Being a general music lover, Paolo became known for his story telling sets and being a "DJ's DJ".

Despite this original entry to dance music being as a DJ, Paolo says, “Most people know me for my productions but don't know that I've been spinning records for a lot longer, so it's always nice to showcase myself as a DJ. The Gangstercast mix is a combination of what I'm into now and a couple of gems from the past. It felt good to dust off the old records and give them some spins.”

Expanding on these roots as a disk jockey, Paolo Rocco entered the international electronic scene as a producer with his first ever digital single "Move Body, Move Forward" (Klasse Recordings) cracking Beatport's top 25 main chart while holding number 6 in the top 100 Deep House category. Since his debut as a producer follow-up records like "That I Am" (Real Tone Records) and "People Say" (Saved Records) have made a staple showcasing his unique and solitary sound, and earning him fans including Damian Lazarus, Nic Fanciulli, DJ Sneak, John Digweed, Maya Jane Coles, M.A.N.D.Y and Dennis Ferrer.

When asked about the House Gangster sound Paolo adds that his view on it is, “Straight up no bull shit House Music. I feel like the Gangstercast gives the guest DJs the opportunity to showcase the evolution from their roots to present day. It's a podcast by DJs for DJs. Having had the pleasure of meeting Sneak and keeping in touch, for me the “House Gangster" brand is an extension of his passion towards the House Music movement. It's amazing to see someone have so much fire left after doing their thing for so many years, it's inspiring, and I think reminds the younger generation that there is no such thing as being comfortable so keep hustling.”

A true veteran of the House scene, it’s a real pleasure to have Johnny Fiasco join us on the Gangstercast. For more tun 20 years, Johnny’s music has stemmed from his grounded Chicago roots and continues to influence the deep house genre of dance music. From acid house down to organic soulful melodies, his style is always composed of musical peaks and valleys. Johnny has remixed some of the world biggest musical stars including Justin Timberlake, Bob Sinclair, DJ Sneak, Armando, Bassnectar, Kaskade, Paul Johnson, Samantha James and Soulstice just to name a few. Ask Johnny about his career and his passion for House is so strong he’ll tell you he’s just getting started.

Johnny’s mix is a real journey through house music: ”This mix has all the peaks and valleys I always try and deliver. It's been a very productive year so far. I wanted to showcase new and old. From the deep n dirty vibes down to the core of acid house. The last track has always been a favorite of mine, a very jazzy downtempo cut I've played for almost 2 decades, still sounds fresh.”

The Chicago DJ and producer also has his own unique take on the House Gangster ethos: “I believe the movement is all about keeping the fundamental rules in place but not limiting your experience. It's about knowing what is real… and what isn't. The House Gangster movement in my eyes represents the very core of House music. It's all about the incredible driving force that inspires, drives and excites that person who goes to a club and knows what they're looking for. We would always choose a hot sweaty basement with a room full of people connecting with the DJ over any flashy club with table service. No contest. Ever.

The House Gangster sound? “Chicago and Detroit finally admitted to having a baby… and she can slap you around. Don't mess with her.”

“I gathered about 50 tracks that I considered for the mix and then hand picked each one while watching ass clapping videos on YouTube. If the track flowed with the jiggle motion that I was watching on my laptop, I'd throw it in the crate that would then be used for the mix.”

And with that fine introduction from the man himself we present Jesse Perez on the Gangstercast. Legend tells it that Jesse was born in a rundown motel in Little Havana (a small Latin neighbourhood in Miami) just minutes after being conceived. Son to a local pimp (who is oddly 10 years older than Jesse), Jesse was exposed to the art of Slangin' D as a young boy. His mother, who at that time was a stage dancer for a popular local rap group called the "2 Live Crew", would work many shows for these artists and would sneak Jesse in as often as she could. Jesse's first exposure to Bass Music and Ass Clapping made a huge impression on him.

His influences dominate his take on being a House Gangster, “It's hard to describe it in one way. I think there are many different interpretations of it. Mine is "if it don't make that ass shake,it aint gangster". Its the last of the Mohicans. A movement of those who still do things because their passionate about it. Nothing short of that."

On his mix, he adds. “I think this mix shows how I, as an artist, like to play House and bass records from a hip hop djs point of view. This mix showcases different styles of music, as well as technical things like scratching and transitioning through different genres. I have a bad case of A.D.D, so I can't play one sound for a long period of time. I like how a couple of the mixes are a pinch off beat. It just sounds natural to me. Everyone does these ableton mixes, it loses that real feeling. This mix is like buying a souvenir that was hand made. It has some imperfections but its awesome the way it is.”