File this one under ‘fun.’ The full album drops October 30th.
Follow Escort here:
Disco
This Week in Beirut! A Down & Dirty Preview
Oh man. Beirut? You’re killing me!
Here’s a quick recap of all the sweetness happening around town this week. At this rate – we are probably not going to survive the summer.
Tonight: Audio Kultur presents CHYNO’s Album Launch Party: Making Music to Feel at Home
We talked about this one last week – so simply scroll down for more info or check the event link here, but the long and the short of it is that Poly, Ingrid, Imad Jawad and a bunch of other banging locals will be teaming up at BO18 to help celebrate one of our own – the one and only CHYNO. I’ll see you all there.
Friday, June 12th.
Okay, Friday is going to be a killer boys and girls. Here’s why:
Electric Sundown Presents Audiofly (Supernature – Barcelona)
Once again, the team behind the killer and chill Electric Sundown beach parties at Iris Beach Club are bringing back Audiofly. Have a gander at his soundcloud page to get an idea of what’s in store, or just click play below. Get there early!
Decks On the Beach Presents Grades
From the event page: “Hailing from South London, this kid is famous for flowing between genres and tempos, easily mixing huge radio-friendly hooks with elements of classic and contemporary house.’ You probably have heard his lip-smacking remix of Lana Del Rey’s ‘WEST COAST’ , if not his other bangin’ remixes for Hot Natured’s ‘BENEDICTION’ and Aaliyah’s “Rock your Boat.” Opening set by MAFT”
To get a feel for it, here’s a little minimix of his releases – this will be a happy dance party for sure:
Sista Selecta (AKA Tara Jane) at Garden State
Okay, so I’m not really a DJ – but I do play music every now and again, and sometimes people even like it! I’ll be doing that this Friday night at the chill, outdoor venue Garden State. Expect some tasty chill vocal house and funky and tropical disco jams. So if you can’t make it out to Iris, this wouldn’t be a bad way to warm up your evening before we all head over to Decks.
Here’s a little flavor of what I’ll be throwing down: https://soundcloud.com/jamesrod/metropolis-every-time-i-see-james-rod-cosmic-soul-editlow-qualiy
Here’s a link to their Facebook page for location info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009804035109&fref=ts
Saturday, June 13
Sixth Sense Productions Present A Brunch Affair at Beirut’s Alleyway
So, if you can manage to wake up early enough – maybe nurse that hangover with a nice strawberry infused glass of champagne for the official opening party of A Brunch Affair – held in the chilled out, umbrella shaded outdoor Alleyway in Gemmayzeh. None other than Rabih Salloum (Formerly of Slutterhouse) will be on deck to provide the musical vibes – and I’ll be appearing next Saturday to do the same. I checked this place out last week during their soft opening, and I’m pretty sure this will become a regular Saturday routine for me, and you should probably get on that action as well. Nom Nom. BRUNCH!
Here’s all the info: https://www.facebook.com/events/683347388435911/
Radio Beirut and Colonel Beer Present The Shoreline Sessions in Batroun
I’m REALLY happy to be announcing this one, since it’s being put on by my very own Radio Beirut family (Check out my streaming radio show every Saturday at http://www.radiobeirut.net). This week, I skip the show because the whole crew will be taking the party to Colonel’s brewery in Batroun. So head out of town and get some very chill Arabic flavor with Acid Arab (France), Maurice Louca (Egypt) and our very own Aziza (Lebanon). Very happy to see this line-up, the founder of Acid Arab’s label, Versatile Records (Gilb’R), was actually a guest on my show a while back, so I’m really proud to be supporting these guys and this event – and Maurice Louca is really one of the most interesting acts to be coming out of the region lately. This one should be beautiful boys and girls – don’t miss it!
Event listing here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1445391879094659/
Check out Acid Arab’s sounds here:
A little from Maurice Louca:
The Garten Presents Sonja Moonear
This week, The Garten goes to the moon by bringing the hard to categorize Sonja Moonear (Geneva) to our iconic dome. Her sets reflect an enormous wealth of ideas and creativity and lead her to perpetually redefine her style. Her musical background, eclectic tastes and enviable record collection have made Miss Moonear a much sought-after DJ. Technophile and Ali Ajami will be warming up and closing down the decks for this babe, and of course you’ll see me at the door generally being a c*nt to kids with fake IDs and keeping the douchebags at bay so you all inside can enjoy your evening at one of Beirut’s most exciting outdoor nightclubs.
Check the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1608194732731440/
Check out one of her sets for Fabric here:
Sunday, June 14th
Station Beirut Presents Chromatic Sunset
For those of you still standing and not recouping on a beach somewhere, check out Station Beirut‘s chilled out and large rooftop for a light sunday affair with food and drinks and Hear (AKA Sary Sehnaoui out of Berlin) on the decks, supported by an up-and-coming local that goes by the name of Priss.
Here’s the event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/842548932477103/
Here’s a Hear preview here:
Out Now: Attack The Dancefloor Volume Eight (Z Records) 12″
I have a long standing love for this Joey Negro gentleman (AKA David Lee, who has also released under the names Jakatta, Doug Willis, Raven Maize, Sessomatto as well a member of The Sunburst Band). He’s pretty much a baller in my book in terms of being a lovely purveyor of funky disco house. Today, this lovely little gem of a 12′ sampler is out (see the track list in the image above)
While all the jams featured on this one are pretty fun, I’m a bit in love with that Doug Willis Crystal Lover Dub Disco Mix – it’s lovely.
Give it a little sample listen here (via Juno player):
Just a reminder, my birthday is coming up, and if someone wanted to put a pretty little bow on this one for me – I’d probably be your best friend for like…a whole week maybe? Just kidding – I already ordered it. You can do the same here.
Download This: Defected Presents Glitterbox Ibiza 2015
House and Disco lovers rejoice because Glitterbox is BRINGING IT for 2015.
And because they’re so very awesome (no, really), they’ve once again teamed up with Defected Records to put out a another killer compilation of some lovely disco and house from just about everyone who’s anyone in the world of classic and contemporary disco for those of us who might not be able to make it over to the White Isle this season (*sniff sniff, that’s me*). You may already have a few of these in your collection (I know I do), but if you don’t…make sure to hook a few of these up.
In their own words: “Defected presents Glitterbox Ibiza 2015 is a new mix album from the team behind the most talked-about Ibiza party of recent memory, joining the dots between classic and contemporary house and disco. Mixed by Defected’s founder Simon Dunmore and featuring some the biggest names in disco and house music, Glitterbox Ibiza 2015 is accessible, exuberant and fully loaded with good time vibes.
Glitterbox parties are all about DJs spinning the big records, but also being unafraid to dig a little deeper, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here. From bonafide disco anthems to current house cuts, Glitterbox Ibiza 2015 sparkles from start to finish, and is an essential collection for dance music-lovers across the board. Glitterbox Ibiza 2015 encapsulates the fun-loving ethos of the Ibiza party, with two timeless mixes that will be appeal to anyone who has ever experienced the transformative effect of quality dance music.”
Can I just say, WORD to all of that? Actually, I don’t need your permission, so WORD.
Here’s a quick preview of the compilation: https://soundcloud.com/defectedrecords/defected-presents-glitterbox-ibiza-2015-mixtape
For those of you actually making the trip to Ibiza this year, the line-up for this summer includes Hercules & Love Affair, Todd Terje, Julio Bashmore and Fatboy Slim appearing alongside Glitterbox residents, Joey Negro, Dimitri From Paris, Horse Meat Disco and Simon Dunmore.
A few other highlights to keep an eye out for are Louie Vega, Tensnake, Breakbot, Roger Sanchez, Todd Terry, Aeroplane, Juan MacLean, The Revenge, David Morales, Kings Of Tomorrow, Claudio Coccoluto, Norman Jay, John Morales (come back to Beirut, John!), FCL, Tim Deluxe, Lovebirds, DJ Pippi, Smokin’ Jo, Heller & Farley, Mousse T, The Shapeshifters, Luke Solomon, Purple Disco Machine, Copyright, DJ Antz, Mr Doris and Mo’ Funk.
Glitterbox’s opening party at Space Ibiza on Friday, June 12 looks like a banger. Todd Terry, Joey Negro, Horse Meat Disco, The Revenge and Simon Dunmore will be on point to kick off what is looking to be one amazing season. Good luck to the crew and mad love from Beirut!
Grab your tickets here: http://shop.spaceibiza.com/glitterbox-12-junio-2015-en.html
Here’s a few of my highlights from this year’s compilation (including a few tracks that you’ve probably already heard me spinning around town):
This Weekend in Beirut: A Down & Dirty Preview
Holy summer in Beirut!
Every year, with so many great music and cultural events, we have to wrestle with some serious FOMO and make some pretty tough decisions. Because I’m such a nice person, I’ve gone ahead and narrowed down the list for you. Without further ado, and here’s a little Down & Dirty preview of where you should be this weekend.
Friday, June 5th:
Electric Sundown presents Guti (Argentina)
If you haven’t ever checked out an Electric Sundown party at Iris Beach in Dammour, this weekend is perfect time. The tropical setting of Iris, decorated with floating laterns and seriously chill pools located all over the venue overlooking the Mediterranean sea (read hot babes in bikinis), makes sunset here an experience. The beauty of these parties is that they run a bit early (wrapping up around midnight), so it’s a perfect weekend warm-up and you don’t have to miss out on the headliners gracing the decks after at other venues. This week, the boys at Iris are bringing Guti. Hailing from Argentinia, Guti is a top-notch producer known for his own intricate style of melody-focused house and techno (you can find him rolling with respected labels such as Crosstown Rebels and Wolf + Lamb). His original productions and sets blend his jazz and latin roots, all stitched together over piano-laden, emotional house. His chilled vibe is perfect for this truly one-of-a-kind outdoor venue.
Check out some snaps from the last Electric Sundown party (with Henry Saiz) and see what I mean.
Listen to a little sample of Guti’s latest release out now on Defected Records: https://soundcloud.com/defectedrecords/guti-rompecorzones-remixed-album-sampler
Check the event listing here: https://www.facebook.com/events/972582292806770/
Decks on the Beach presents Zimmer (France)
Decks on the Beach has a great rep for bringing in some wonderful disco, nu-disco and disco house DJs and producers, often with a heavy French influence, supported by many of my favorite locals on the decks (Michael D, Rami O, YSF, etc.). Last year they brought in the boys from Horse Meat Disco, and one of my all time favorites, Jacques Renault (from Let’s Play House in NYC). Oof. Both parties were stellar. While last weekend’s opening was rained out (to a disappointed but lovingly supportive and understanding crowd) this weekend should act like an official opening party. Expect it to be packed – especially because they’ve brought in Zimmer from France to keep the dance floor hopping all night. Zimmer bills himself as a horizontal disco DJ/Producer, which can be described as a bit lighter than deep house, and a bit chiller than tropical house. But either way, it’s a pretty chilled out late night dance vibe that pairs well with the salty spray from the sea that defines the outdoor venue of Sporting. This one will go late for sure. I’ll definitely be seeing you there for this one boys and girls.
Listen to a recent Zimmer mixtape here:
Check the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/904303316296971/
Saturday, June 6th:
Beirut Down & Dirty Radio Show with Tara Jane Live at Radio Beirut
( ^ that’s me! rawr! ^)
Well, in the interest of a little shameless self-promotion (this is a Tara Jane joint after all), you can find me every Saturday night at 8pm (Beirut Time) in Radio Beirut to warm up your evening with a selection of my favorite jams. This week, I think it’s time for another freebie special – an hour an a half of the best free downloads the internet has to offer in boogie, house, disco and funk re-edits, nu disco, deep disco and indie dance. As always, pass by Radio Beirut, or tune in to www.radiobeirut.net to listen to the stream live.
Radio Beirut presents Spindle’s Dynamite with DJ Spindle (AKA Ernesto)
Radio Beirut and buslting Mar Mikhael is always a perfect starter to the wild Saturday night parties. Taking over the decks at Radio Beirut (and streaming live all night long) is Beirut’s resident crate digger extraordinaire and founder of the Beirut Groove Collective, Ernesto Chahoud. He’ll be spinning up a set of strictly vinyl funk 45s all night long. He’s currently working on a sweet compilation of Belly Dance disco, and has probably the most extensive 45 collection of soul and funk in the Middle East.
Here’s a recent mixtape Ernesto did for On Plate Still Hungry, featuring a pretty tasty mix of rare Arabic funk and jazz gems:
Check out the event listing here: https://www.facebook.com/events/458473064319424/
Station Beirut presents Nicolas Matar (NYC)
Station Beirut is bringing in one of the biggest names in the USA club scene to Lebanon for your listening pleasure. The guy behind legendary Cielo and Output in NYC, Lebanese born Nicolas Matar will be gracing the decks along with Salito and Jana here in Beirut. Spinning at parties all over the world at party centric places like Pacha and IBIZA, he’s known for remaining true to his sound and keeping the music at the center of all he does. Expect a nice blend of New York and Balearic House beats to keep you grooving.
Check the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/102840743387060/
But, he’s not the only legend in Beirut that night…
The Garten presents Dixon (Germany)
Resident Advisor‘s number 1 DJ needs no introduction, so I’ll skip it. Let’s just say this night is going to be MASSIVE. The Garten (which also needs no introduction) is one of Beirut’s most unique outdoor summer venues, with a large central bar, a grassed lounge area with comfy cushions, and a kitsch boutique sitting area where you can get your face painted, play vintage video games, eat yummy things or buy some cute, hand crafted fashionable items. And early on in the evening, they’ll be playing the Champions League game on the big screen in the theater area before the night pops off. Of course, the real party happens under ‘The Dome,’ where you can dance till past sunrise. Dixon will be backed up by Uberhaus residents, Romax and Technophile.
I mean, just look at this place: 
Of course, you’ll see me (resident Door Bitch) on the door, making sure you mind your Ps and Qs and have a valid photo ID that says your’re 21 or over before you can enter. In other words, come correct or don’t come at all. Don’t make me bounce your ass.
Check the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1076193485728297/
Sunday, June 7th
Audio Kultur at Badaro Street Festival
So last month, Audio Kultur joined up with some heavy hitting local talents and the municipality to throw what might have been, hands down, the best street festival the streets of Beirut have ever seen. It was a truly wonderful experience, and this Sunday, they’ll be bringing all those same good vibes to the Badaro hood for a nice, car-free, day time, in the street dance party. Bring it!
Station Market (for Beirut Design Week)
In honor of Beirut Design Week, Station Beirut will be going all weekend long with some amazing local designer’s showcasing their goods, and some chill rooftop parties with an “open decks” policy. Meaning whenever you pass by, you’ll find some of Beirut’s best local DJs on point, including yours truly, who has a lovely selection of chilled out tropical and funky disco house ready to keep you grooving during the day. Don’t miss it. If you can’t make it on any of the earlier days, make sure to pass by on Sunday!
Check the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1636271259940282/
Now playing: It’s All by James Rod (Out Now on Rare Wiri)
So this guy, James Rod (AKA Jaime Rodriguez) out of Spain is one of my favorite producers and co-founder of the SPA-IN-DISCO outfit, and he regularly throws out some pretty heavy tracks that make dance floors (and DJs) very, very, happy. You can find his releases on all my favorite disco/dance labels (Nang, Midnight Riot, Spirit Soul, Hot Digits, etc), and his newest release out on Rare Wiri (headed up by the one and only Rayko) doesn’t disappoint. My favorite of the three track EP is probably the James Rod and Fran Deeper remix version of the original edit of “It’s All” – featuring a nice, meaty, deep, and spacey disco house vibe that I’ll be happily spinning around town this month.
Listen to a low-quality preview of that track here:
Get the whole release here: http://www.junodownload.com/products/james-rod-its-all/2797632-02/
On Repeat: GoldBoy EP Out JUNE 8 on Juno Download
ISM Records has done it again, folks.
The sister label of the disco/nu-disco champs, Midnight Riot Records, recently dropped this gem of an EP by GoldBoy – AKA George Summers out of Bristol, UK.
Here’s the JUNO review: “Having previously released on sister label Midnight Riot, Bristol-based nu-disco sort Goldboy is given a chance to play his wares on ISM. He duly delivers a trio of original productions, from the spacey chords, woozy grooves and rich bass of “Stomach Funk”, to the bold, Rhodes-laden deep house disco throb of “Demolish Disco”, via the breezy, late night goodness of “Thru The Nite”. Each track is accompanied by a suitably solid remix, with Ex Friendy’s dense, post-punk influenced dub disco remake of “Demolish Disco” standing head and shoulders above the rest. That said, BG Baarregaard’s deliciously Balearic revision of “Stomach Funk” is pretty darn tasty.”
I don’t think I could say it any better. And really, that Demolish Disco remix is pretty D.O.P.E. I would probably have that track’s babies if I could.
Peep the release here: http://www.junodownload.com/products/goldboy-ep/2782126-02/
Beirut Down & Dirty November Freebie Special
A selection of Tara Jane’s favorite free downloads recently released from artists and labels from around the world. Features edits and remixes by: Rayko, Yam Who, Joey Negro, Get Down Edits, Ben Gomori, That’s Nice, Oliver Nelson, Leftside Wobble, and more. Beirut Down & Dirty is recorded and streamed live from Radio Beirut (bar and live music venue) in Beirut, Lebanon every Saturday night.
Listen to the cloudcast here:
Sista Selecta 