There Is No Planet Earth Stories

For the Ninth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm joined by guest Tommie Sunshine representing stories from Chicago, Atlanta, New York.

"Tastemaker to tastemakers, curator and shapeshifter, Tommie Sunshine is renowned for his reputation of being consistently ahead of the curve bridging the worlds of Rave, Disco, Tech House, and House while still standing firmly in the zeitgeist. Establishing his name as a fixture throughout the American Rave scene during the '90s, he became one of the most recognizable figures of the Electroclash movement during the early 2000s, his Rock & Pop remixes made him a key figure in the Blog House scene (’06-’09) and helped set the stage for the EDM boom of the 2010s. 31 years as a DJ and 37 years as a clubber gives Sunshine his unique perspective on the business & informs his present Rave Revival sound.
Set apart by his iconoclastic productions, he is regarded as one of today!s most prolific remixers providing club-ready makeovers for countless household names, including Billie Eilish, Bob Marley, Katy Perry, Harry Styles, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Kim Petras, Nicki Minaj, Rosalía, Dua Lipa, Sofi Tukker, Lenny Kravitz, Elvis Presley, Lizzo, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kelly Clarkson, Major Lazer, Santana, and Fall Out Boy. Tommie"s original production career spans collaborations with artists such as Oscar nominated and Grammy winner Junkie XL, Chocolate Puma, Grammy winner James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, legendary producer Arthur Baker, House Music pioneer Felix da Housecat, Peaches, The Disco Fries, and many more. His music has been released on all of the biggest Dance labels in the world including Spinnin!, Ultra, Armada, Musical Freedom, Heldeep, Size, Revealed, Mixmash, Dim Mak, and Mad Decent amongst others. On Spotify alone his original production has reached 26 million listeners & 127 million streams. Tommie also wrote and recorded 9 tracks for several editions of Konami!s classic arcade game Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). Now well beyond its 600th release, his label Brooklyn Fire provides a platform to young producers just getting started in the business giving their music mass exposure, DJ support from the biggest in the game & streams into the millions.
Whether as a Producer, DJ or Artist, Tommie brings a unique enthusiasm to his craft; fueled by his encyclopedic (if not obsessive) knowledge of Underground and Pop music spanning the last half-century. His TV show After The Raves on Netflix took him around the world speaking intimately with Fatboy Slim, Solardo, Hardwell and Paul Oakenfold, and his deep musical knowledge and outspoken views have landed him airtime on numerous talk shows and radio programs. Sunshine, also known as a social media provocateur, has been known to cause an uproar in his firm stance on many issues most won't dare talk about & his activism has landed him on TMZ for gun control. Tommie served as an entertainment surrogate for the 2016 & 2020 Presidential campaigns of Bernie Sanders. He served 3 semesters and counting as adjunct professor at NYU - Tisch School Of The Arts - Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music & serves the Recording Academy as a voting member of the Grammys."

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For the Eighth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm joined by guest Merlin Bobb representing stories from New York.

Merlin Bobb, a native of Brooklyn, New York, is a renowned DJ and widely acknowledged as a pioneer of the house music genre. His contributions to the industry have garnered significant recognition, including an invitation from Boiler Room to perform his first live DJ set in 2022. Growing up in New York exposed Merlin to a rich tapestry of musical genres, from R&B and jazz to disco, salsa, punk, and hip hop.
 
 Merlin's journey began when he landed his inaugural mix show on WBLS, quickly capturing the hearts of dance music enthusiasts. Throughout his career, he fearlessly experimented with diverse techniques and musical styles, consistently pushing the boundaries of DJ-ing. This marked the commencement of a remarkable and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
 
 Beyond his prowess behind the DJ booth, Merlin exerted influence as an executive at major music recording labels such as Atlantic and Elektra Records. His instrumental role in introducing and popularizing the burgeoning house music scene to a wider audience cannot be overstated. Merlin worked closely with industry giants like Missy Elliott, Brandy, Busta Rhymes, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Outkast, and Dr. Dre to name a few, signing, developing, and collaborating with these iconic artists. He also collaborated with prominent dance music DJs and producers like Frankie Knuckles, Timmy Regisford, Roger Sanchez, Kerri Chandler, David Morales, Steve Hurley, Louie Vega, Roland Clark, Marshall Jefferson and Tony Humphries, contributing to the production of remixes and the dissemination of the house music sound.
 
 Merlin's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Club Shelter NYC, an esteemed nightclub that swiftly became the epicenter of New York City's house and dance music scene. The indelible impact of the Shelter brand and the vibrant culture it fostered continues to reverberate throughout the global house music community.
 
 Recently making his return to DJ-ing, much to the delight of his fans, Merlin remains an influential figure in the world of house music on a global scale. His ongoing dedication and creative contributions ensure that his legacy endures and continues to shape the landscape of house music.

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For the Seventh episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I’m joined by guests Chez Damier & Alton Miller, representing stories from Detroit. This episode is a special feature on the history and background of the iconic and foundational Detroit nightclub: The Music Institute.

“ The Music Institute, a Black-owned club in the heart of downtown Detroit, emerged as a pivotal player in the rise of the city’s Dance Music and Youth Culture. For a fleeting 18 months, The Music Institute was more than just a club. It became a creative sanctuary for pioneering artists, and a host of influential DJs and producers. They didn't just play music; they created a revolutionary movement that echoed far beyond Detroit's borders. Today, the legacy of The Music Institute is not just a memory of Detroit; it's a chapter in the history of Dance Music worldwide. This club didn't just witness history; it made it, securing its place in it’s evolution and in it’s cultural fabric”

“Tucked away in Detroit's vibrant heart, The Music Institute has earned its place as a cornerstone in the history of dance and electronic music. Founded in the late 1980s by Detroit's own George Baker and Alton Miller, along with Chicago's Anthony Pearson, better known as Chez Damier, this iconic venue quickly rose to prominence as a hub of musical innovation during one of the most difficult economic times in Detroit’s history. 

The Music Institute wasn't just another club; it emerged due to the economic climate, the struggles and was where artists and music lovers gathered to forge a sound and a culture that would leave its mark on music worldwide. It was Detroit's answer to the legendary house and disco clubs of its era, like New York’s Paradise Garage, Chicago’s Music Box, and Toronto’s Twilight Zone. The club stood as a beacon of creative energy, a place where collaboration, expression, diversity and creativity flourished. 

Operating from midnight to the early hours, with a members-only policy and a strict no alcohol and drugs rule, the club set the stage for many of dance and electronic music's most influential DJs and artists. It was more than a club; it was a movement, leaving an indelible impact on the world of music”

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For the Sixth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I'm joined by guest DJ Garth representing stories from San Francisco.  We discuss a range of topics including his formative clubbing experiences in the English Raregroove & House music scenes ,  the early 90's San Francisco rave scene, and the origins and evolution  of rave institution: Wicked. 

"First of the Wicked crew to call San Francisco home, Garth has
spent the past three decades fanning the flames of conscious hell-
raising in California.

His sound is a unique fusion of Acid House and Psyche Disco.
He has produced more than 60 records mostly on his own
labels Grayhound, Wicked and Golden Goose and remixed
everyone from Strafe, The Units, Tribe Called Quest, Faithless,
Perry Farrell, Yabby You and Adam Freeland.

Bringing UK sound system culture to San Francisco in 1991,
Wicked’s lawless full moon beach parties ushered in an era of
rave hysteria that ripped through the west coast and spread into
the heartland. Their packed club nights showcased the cream of
early House music luminaries including first ever west coast
appearances of Harvey, Francois K, Joe Claussel and many
others. For years Garth and crew toured the U.S. in a
customized 1947 Greyhound bus with imported Turbosound
system. Garth was first to set up renegade sound at Burning
Man and Reggae on the River festivals.

In 2016 Time Out NY placed Garth and Wicked crew in the Top
10 Best House DJs of all time alongside Frankie Knuckles, Ron
Hardy, Masters at Work and Tony Humphries.
Garth stays true to the original art form playing marathon vinyl
sets at clubs and festivals around the world. His monthly For
The Record internet broadcast keeps him in shape. He is also
an accomplished TV and film actor."

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For the fifth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I’m joined by guest Abbie Adams representing stories from New  Jersey. We discuss a range of topics including her formative experiences in the New York clubs of the 70’s & 80s, the origins and evolution of Movin records, Tony Humphries, Zanzibar, and the House sound of New Jersey.

“As one of the prominent, iconic women in the Dance Music business, Abigail Adams’ critical role in the development of New Jersey’s Essex County-centered dance music industry continues to impress upon the new crop of DJ’s, remixers, producers, record labels and recording artists.  Abigail began her career in the Dance music arena via her DJ boyfriend, KB.  In the early 1980’s, they owned a custom roller skating store Movin’ Skates in East Orange, NJ.

By the mid 1980’s, through her friendships with now legendary DJ’s such as Timmy Regisford, Larry Levan (RIP) and Tony Humphries, her knowledge of recording artists and their discographies grew rapidly.  Movin’ Records became THE most influential record shop in the Dance music scene in NJ.  

It was Abigail’s relationship with DJ Tony Humphries of Club Zanzibar who was also one of the leading DJ’s on NYC’s 98.7 KISS-FM mastermix show and the club’s former manager, Shelton Hayes, had unknowingly created a unique marketing strategy that catapulted many undiscovered artists into dance world stardom.  The birth of Movin’ Records, the label was a natural progression for Abigail due in part to the exploding dance music culture.  The Movin’ Records catalogue is full of some of genre’s forthright artists, producers & remixers such as Vicky Martin, Kenny Bobien, Cassio Ware, Boyd Jarvis, Intense, Kerri Chandler, Marshall Jefferson, DJ Pierre, Ce Ce Rogers, Blaze, Larry Patterson and Tony Humphries.

Abbie’s career has crossed decades and her musical ear has impacted many as her influence continues today. She has been featured recently in publications such as Faith Fanzine, and Lady of House  - Stories of Women in Dance Music complied by Laila McKenzie and Ian Snowball. "

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For the fourth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I'm joined by guest Adriel Thornton representing stories from Detroit. We discuss a range of topics from his 30+ years of experience as a rave promoter, event and festival producer.  Other highlights include the origins of the first raves he threw at 1515 Broadway, and his core residents : Robert Hood, Claude Young, and Dan Bell. Additionally, we discuss iconic Detroit venues: Packard Plant, Saint Andrews/The Shelter, 1217 Griswold, Motor, and his role as Detroit's First Independent Nightlife Ambassador.

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For the third episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm joined by guest King Britt representing stories from Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, and San Diego. We discuss a range of topics from his from his 30+ year career as a Dj and Producer,  his experiences in the club and rave scene in Philadelphia in the 80's & 90's, Silk City - Back 2 Basics , his partnership with Josh Wink and the creation of Ovum Records, and his lecture course   Blacktronika : Afrofuturism In Electronic Music  at UCSD.

"Philadelphia born and Pew Fellowship recipient, King James Britt (his real name) is a 30+ year, producer, composer and performer in the global advancement of electronic music. As a composer and producer, his practice has lead to collaborations with the likes of De La Soul, Madlib, Kathy Sledge, director Michael Mann (Miami Vice) and many others, as well as being called for remixes from an eclectic list of giants, including, Miles Davis, Solange all the way to Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa. Most recently collaborating with MacArthur Fellow recipient , Tyshawn Sorey for their recently released album project.

 In his role as performer, he has travelled globally playing thousands of venues and festivals, including, AfroPunk (NYC), Berghain (Berlin), MoogFest (Durham), Le Guess Who Festival (Utrecht) and Public Records (NYC).

 King was also the original DJ for the Grammy Award winning Digable Planets.

 His curatorial work has been seen in many collaborations with the likes of MoMA PS1, Philadelphia Museum of Art and most recently Carnegie Hall. 

As Teaching Professor in Computer Music | University of California San Diego, King carries a unique perspective, bringing a non-linear approach and knowledge to the department by focusing on various modern forms of electronic music pedagogy, while continuing to be an active force in the music industry.

 Blacktronika : Afrofuturism In Electronic Music, is a new lecture course at UCSD, created by King, researching and honoring the people of color, who have pioneered groundbreaking genres within the electronic music landscape. Genres span from Chicago House, Detroit Techno and Drum & Bass music. Using his position in the industry, the class has been attended by many, including Questlove, Herbie Hancock, and Flying Lotus. King remains one of the go to authorities on Afrofuturism in music. "

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For the second episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm joined by guest DJ Heather representing stories from Chicago. We discuss a range of topics from the celebration of her 35 year DJ career,  her experiences in the Chicago House Music Scene of the 80's and 90's,  working at Gramophone records,  as well as her experiences over the years as a DJ and Producer.

"DJ Heather is a highly respected and talented DJ from Brooklyn who has made a name for herself in the Chicago music scene. She got her start at the Artful Dodger, a neighborhood pub with a small dance floor, and quickly progressed to more prominent gigs, including a three-year residency at Red Dog and a stint at the famous Gramaphone Records. She is known for her versatile style, which incorporates a wide variety of genres including hip hop, house, jazz, soul, R&B, disco classics, and rare groove. Despite her success, Heather considers becoming a DJ to be a “happy accident” and a hobby that developed into a full-time pursuit. Throughout her career, she has focused on developing her skills and versatility as an entertainer, and is considered one of the premier selectors in the nation.

DJ Heather’s dedication and hard work have earned her a reputation as a skilled and talented DJ. Her ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music and create a unique and engaging experience for her audience has made her a favorite among music lovers in Chicago and around the world. Her performances are known for their energy and passion, as well as her ability to connect with the crowd and create a sense of community on the dance floor."

https://soundcloud.com/dj-heather
https://www.djheatherchicago.com/

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Debut episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories.

This episode features  an interview  with  guest Richard Alvarez - Artist, Door Person, and  a fixture in the NYC downtown club & House music scene for decades.  We discuss a range of topics from his experiences in legendary 80's NYC clubs including Paradise Garage, Mudd Club, Danceteria, and Area. As well as his experience working the door at many clubs and parties over the years.

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