DEMF and all things related

For starters, my voice is gone. Completely 100% gone. Those who have called my house since Saturday night @ DEMF have cracked up laughing.. Yes, a butha's voice is GOOOOONE. So exactly how was this festival?

Since Wallshaker had a booth (with Cratesavers, DTM and Electronic Music Tour), I got the chance to sit and chat with everyone who passed by. It was funny -- some recognized us, while some had no idea until they saw our pictures on the CDs. DJ Surgeon was definitely in the limelight, and you could tell he loved every moment. I'm proud of him, because I know how frustrated he gets with the music industry -- he NEEDED those 3 days of fans, supporters, etc. And his new CD sold like hotcakes!

You'd think that because I'm a Leo, I'd automatically want the spotlight. Not this time. Sure I signed some autographs and took some photos, etc. But this weekend wasn't about ME. It was about DETROIT - US! It's so much fun being a part of a TEAM now -- I feel like if one of us wins, we ALL win. That's the feeling I tried to have with Submerge -- whose booth was directly next to ours...

I've gotta give props to Keith Tucker (AUX88) for keeping the conversation REAL. He reminds me of the uncle you DON'T want to get drunk, because when he does, he will tell you ALL about YOURSELF... no holds barred. Work it Keith. hahahaha!!! That's all I have to say about that! LOL!!!

I got a chance to catch a few performances while I was there. SCAN-7 did their thing... Surgeon did HIS thing... AUX88 did their thing... I got a chance to hear Kerri Chandler, and OMG.. He completely RIPPED it!

My main focus, however, were on the afterparties. As you know, I played quite a few of them. Friday night, I played TWO parties. The first was at McCarthy's Pub on Fort Street. While the crowd was sparse, the vibe was intense. DJ Seoul was there... Jeff Comer was there... Some other guy who kept trying to sing me a song (to see if I had it?) -- which by the way, you should NEVER EVER do to a DJ... I played my set, and was out of there... On my way to The Works. Mind you, I've NEVER been to the works, but this was the show to beat. Mike Clark (who finally spoke to me after all these years of passing each other by) did his thing... A Guy Called Gerald was there -- although I didn't get to meet him. K-Alexi was in the crowd. He noticed me, I noticed HIM, but after a very short conversation, I found myself too nervous to ask him to take a picture with me. Me: "you have NO idea who I am, do you?" Him: "Yes I do... You're Aaron-Carl!" I can't remember what I said after that, but I'm sure it was something completely groupie-like. Thank God I was with a group of people, otherwise, I would've fainted. LOL.
Brian Gilespie did his thing as well -- such a handsome man. Why aren't I seeing more of him out there? My set started right after Brian's. Let me tell you something.. I LOVE to DJ. And I loved it even more that people were waiting to hear ME spin... Though my set didn't START until 4 a.m., those who stuck it out had a great time. I remember everyone leaving the bar because it was so late/early... Except a handful of dancing queens whom I wish I could HIRE to dance with me on tour. Baby, they vogued and pranced and kicked... It reminded me of ME 10 years ago. (Don't just stand there, let's get 2 it..)

Now mind you, I'm over 30. I didn't realize that there are certain things I just cannot DO like I used to -- like stay up for days @ a time... Baby, I was a walking/driving zombie! That next day, I sat up in the booth for as long as I could... Then I had to LEAVE. I tried to go home and get some much needed sleep, since I was playing @ the Fi Nite at 4 a.m... Man, I went home. I laid down to sleep and my damn phone rings! It's DJ Erelevent... He's in town and wants to hang out. Now, I'd never pass up an opportunity to hang out with a sexy white man -- it's ON! So I invite him -- and his "bitch" -- down to my house. Since I'm known for catering to my guests, I bought them their drinks of choice, and had it chilling in the fridge before they even knocked on my door.. Although they didn't immediately come over... I was waiting and waiting, and before I knew it, it was 2:30 a.m.! I'm like, fuck it. I'm going to sleep. As soon as I closed my eyes good... BAM. There they are, knocking on my door. So now we only have less then an hour to drink and party, because I have a gig, remember... Turns out they've already gone to the Fi Nite, and one of them got kicked out -- for acting crazy and licking the damn "cages." Now it was up to ME to let them back in. "Oh YOU can do it.. You're Aaron-Carl!"
Well, needless to say, I got them back into the club.. I did my set. The fucking set was awesome... I played CDs instead of vinyl or Serato this time... Not that it mattered, because I still worked the shit out of every record I had. And yes, I had the crowd howling and sceaming when I dropped the infamous "peanut butter jelly time" acapella. This guy approaced me shortly afterwards and said, wow... "I can't believe you got away with that!" Well, I did. And it was good.

AFTER the gig, it took me "forever" to get paid. All I remember is us waiting until well after the sun came up. I got paid and decided to take Erelevent (Scott) and Adam (his "bitch") to Denny's. I remember us talking about Scott's upcoming "initiation" into the Wallshaker camp. It was quite interesting to hear Scott continuously put his foot into his mouth. Homophobes come in all shapes and sizes! At first he kept saying comments like "I'm not GAY but..."
Which brings me to a question... or a comment, rather... If a "straight" man gets a blowjob from another guy, it does NOT make him GAY." Don't ask me how THIS conversation got started, but it did. I've had this same conversation plenty of times with plenty of folks -- and it's surprising to me how much I've had to ARGUE my stance on the subject!!! Let's flip the script, shall we? I've eaten "the cookoo's nest" a few times throughout my life... Does that make me a hetero? Because I like to watch the Detroit Pistons games, am I automatically straight? Stupid question, I know. But I swear, I deal with stupid people on a daily basis. I'll say it like this: Since you're so certain about YOUR sexuality, then go out and experience sex with someone of the same gender... Enjoy it. See how it feels... Then ask yourself the next day, if you've been converted. ...I HIGHLY DOUBT IT!!! I have never, nor have I ever tried to convert someone from straight to gay. Or vice versa... Personally, I don't give a fuck either way. Straight, gay, bi... If you're handsome, willing and able, that's all I care about. Go back home and be straight. I'll go back home and be gay. And the world will continue to spin...

Moving on, Sunday morning I really felt the crunch. Scott and Adam left my house, and I was all pumped up for the next day @ the festival. Tamika, Surgeon, Keith, and a few others were there, holding down the fort. Again, I'd left for home to sleep before the gig. Sunday's gig was hilarious..

I had to play at McNarny's Pub -- which is literally around the corner from Hart Plaza. This time, I was set to tag with DJ Genesis (Submerge). Mind you, I like Genesis, but we'd NEVER played together. I was truly nervous -- but not in a bad way. It just reminded me that I had to bring my "A-game" because you never know who was was in the crowd watching...

Like most other gigs, I had no idea what time I was set to play.. I arrived @ McCarny's at around 11pm. Shawn Rudiman and Dan Lucas had played already, and for some reason, left their record bags up there. When I walked up to the DJ booth, I noticed that there were NO CD decks -- strictly vinyl. Shit... And I only had CDs. WTF? I started calling folks, to see if they could let me borrow their CDJs at the last minute. Of course, no one could be reached. And I didn't even drive today, otherwise I would've just gone home! Finally I reach MEL (Winmill), who managed to drive all the way home and go through ALL of my records while I was on the phone with him -- picking and choosing which ones to play. Thank God for Winmill. We may not have much of a bedroom life, but the Lord knew what I needed when I said "I need a good man!"

As soon as I got of the phone with Mel, I walked back into the club to hear "WHERE'S AARON-CARL?!" So I run upstairs and announce myself, only to face the following crisis: Genesis was late... Shawn was finished... And they needed someone to play immediately. Of course I didn't have MY records, so they instructed me to just grab someone's bag and start playing. Talk about a fucking PINCH!!! So, uh.. OKAY. I grabbed the first record back I came to -- I had NO IDEA what I was going to play, but I grabbed two records and worked the shit outta them. Surprisingly, they sounded GOOD! After about 4 records, I realized that I wasn't nervous at all. A good thing, because the cameras were recording my set. So there I am, playing... Noticing that Dan Lucas was in the crowd, cheering and smiling. I asked him, "are these YOUR records?" He nodded. That's when the diva came out.. "Boy, get your ass up here!" LOL!!! Genesis came shortly after that, and I knew that we weren't tagging -- now I have to play AFTER her... I didn't feel bad because Mel did go home and get my records, so I could play what I wanted to.. BUT DAMN. Now I have to play TWO sets? And of course, the FIRST one (the unfamiliar one) is the one that's been recorded? Wow... Talk about a slap in the face!
Monday was the worst day for me... My body couldn't take being up any longer... It was hard to walk, and all I wanted to do was sleep. So I left the festival and went home -- where I slept ALL DAY. Thank God I didn't have a show to do Monday night -- otherwise I would've been a crabby bitch.

Love on u... AC

Letter from a Reader

..."i have never experienced so much raw honesty and personal thoughts as i have been reading on the 'revalations' blog. i found it thru listening to the submerge interview you did. its nice to know that there ARE people in the world who can express themselves WITHOUT worrying about what the fuck anyone else thinks. so much of my life has been held back from worrying about future happenings. and then i read your blog! i seem to walk away smiling everytime i finish a little session on the 'revalations'. .."

His name is Michael. I am so glad he took the time to not only READ my blog from the beginning, but he took enough time to WRITE me and tell me how he felt. You know, it surprises me sometimes... I actually FORGET that people read this thing! I just log on, spill my emotions, and move on to something else. It never really hit me to say "oh, someone's gonna be pissed at you for saying THIS or THAT..." I don' t care. My mother told me to NEVER do anything I'd be ashamed of. ...So I don't.

But back to Michael... I'm grateful for him, and for people like him. I'm glad that my revelations can help SOMEBODY in this life. I look back onto the previous blogs, and i'm amazed. Look at how much I've grown since then! Look at how much has HAPPENED since then!!! I won't stop writing -- for me, it's just like writing songs. It's IN me. It will never leave me...

So Michael, thank you. You know, I was feeling kinda lonely that morning... Then I got your e-mail. ...And my heart was warmed. So I guess that teaches me something else about this life... I'll NEVER truly be lonely, because just when I think I'm all alone, SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE has their eye on me.

Peace and love, y'all...
AC

Eff U

We made plans all week long for you to come to my house after our gig Saturday night... Saturday night, all is well... Until you left without even saying goodbye. You didn't call me all day. You KNEW I would be pissed off... You TRIED to call me today, no apologies, no nothing.. You made it seem like it's no big deal. I don't play that shit. You told me you were high on mushrooms. And THAT'S why you weren't in your normal state of mind. I say that's no excuse... You should've kept your word. I don't care WHAT kind of drugs you do. You're a grown-ass man. I can't control what goes into your body. I CAN, however, control how your actions affect ME. And again, I'm not having that shit.

So on that note, I know how to treat you now... I know not to expect you to keep your word. You say it's no big deal. I say, bullshit. It's a HUGE deal to me. But I won't get too angry about it. I'll just turn around and walk away. Eff u. I've had enough...

AC Joins Forces with Cratesavers Muzik

Normally I'm not a "cut and paste" type of person, but I figured this press release said it best. And YES, I'm excited about this deal!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: wallshaker@gmail.com

WALLSHAKER Signs Deal with CRATESAVERS MUZIK

Legendary Detroit House producer and Wallshaker Music CEO Aaron-Carl signed a 2 to 3-year contract with Cratesavers Muzik on April 4, 2007. Founded by Scan 7’s Trackmasta Lou and Direct Beat music pioneer Posatronix, Cratesavers will oversee the manufacturing and worldwide distribution of Wallshaker’s music catalogue.

“This alliance not only makes our records more accessible throughout the world, but also showcases the great strength we have (as Detroit artists and producers) when we pool our resources together” says Carl.

Wallshaker was founded in 1998, with the underground club hit, “Closer.” Wallshaker’s third release, Aaron-Carl’s “My House” got licensed by Ovum Recordings and earned a spot on Billboard’s Top 40 Dance/Club Play Chart. After a brief hiatus, Wallshaker re-opened its doors in 2003, releasing a steady stream of Deep House and Tech-House anthems. Other artists on the label include Detroit DJs E. Dubb and Benjamin Hayes, soul singer extraordinaire Veronique, and Inbetween DJs from the UK.

Cratesavers started initially in 1999, and spawned a record label in 2005. Specializing in Classic Detroit Techno, their label is open to all genres of electronic music. Cratesavers’ roster includes Techno legends Scan 7, Detroit’s own DJ Surgeon and the Detroit Techno Militia.

Wallshaker Music will also be digitally distributed through EPM Online, Beatport.com, Juno.co.uk, Wallshaker.com and Cratesavers.com.

For more information, please visit the following sites:
http://www.wallshaker.com/
www.myspace.com/wallshakermusic
http://www.cratesavers.com/
www.myspace.com/cratesavers

The Pace

So, the pace picks up… The real fun begins… I’ve been waiting for this moment for quite some time now. Which moment is this, you ask? The new record releases on my label, Wallshaker Music. Don’t ask me how, but everything just seems to have fallen into place. (An orchestration by God?) Wallshaker #7 – The TODD JOSEPH Project – is finally online, and available for sale. Tomorrow morning, I’ll have the finished vinyl in my hands. But that’s just the beginning… Wallshaker 8 and 9 are all set for mastering, and these records are GOOD… Do you hear me? I mean, GOOD!!!!!

And right now, I’m working on a record for a new singer I recently met named Veronique. OH MAN, her voice is a gift from God. I sat here with her in my studio the other day, and I cried when I heard her voice. To be such a little woman, her voice is HUGE. I have a feeling that when I asked God to answer my prayers, he sent Veronique to me. I swear, the song virtually wrote itself. And when it’s all recorded, I predict that it’ll be Wallshaker’s BIGGEST seller. Rather ironic, since it’s not ME, but hey… I produced it, so that’s good enough. I won’t complain.

HOWEVER, I WILL complain about this damn DEMF festival coming up this year. You know, the first lineup is already posted online… And NO, I’m not in it. They didn’t ask me last year… I hope they don’t snub me again THIS year. And if they do, I’m seriously considering leaving Detroit. Fuck this shit. I don’t need it.

Maybe I should just stick to the positives here… Wallshaker’s releasing more records this year than ever before. That means a wonderful presence in the industry… The label is more diverse than it has ever been. And although the year’s just beginning, I’m already off to a great start. Yay! I’ll write more soon.. Trench is on his way over here to work on Reason with me.

Love, love, love…
AC

My Testament

Your voice raised in anger, you feel like a man. But your actions are childish; you're too bitter to understand. You hurl obscenities like weapons; but I do not cower. I refuse to fall prey to your false sense of power...

Unleashed in a fury, you spew forth with rage. A rage that you claim you held in for too long. All the while, I believed we were on the same page. But thanks to your words, my instincts were wrong.

I was wrong to believe that you'd never hurt me. Was I wrong to accept you as my closest friend? My eyes have been opened, the veil has been lifted. And now from a distance, a new day begins...

With too little sleep, my eyes are weary. But my heart beats stronger because of my faith... You continue to struggle in your quest for survival. I'm happier now because I KNOW my place!

I know I'm not perfect, I DO make mistakes. I know that in love, there are triumphs AND trials. YOU showed your true colors at the first sign of trouble. Don't blame ME if the world handles you like a child...

In a world full of users, I was your shelter. I was someone who you KNEW you could trust. I withheld MY power, so I wouldn't hurt you. You took me for granted; now you've destroyed us.
This is YOUR doing. The lies, the abuse. The pain, the rejection, the resentment, the excuse. Your wounds are self-inflicted. Your oppression was something YOU scripted. Oh yes, mister! YOU chose to hide your true feelings away, because YOU didn't think I could handle the weight -- the weight of the world on your shoulders. You took it out on me. Stop blaming me for YOU not being happy! You better stop, look and listen before you make a huge mistake. While you're pushing ME down, YOU'RE the one who's gonna break. Don't say I didn't warn you, don't say I didn't give my all. You stepped on MY back to rise, and you're gonna need me when you FALL...

...and you WILL fall, thank you Jesus! And when you fall down, I'll be right there. Not because I wanna say I told you so... But because like a TRUE friend -- because like a REAL friend -- because like the ONLY TRUE FRIEND YOU HAVE IN THIS WORLD, I'm showing you that I STILL CARE.


Truly Yours,

Aaron-Carl

Happy New Year

I feel so guilty... I have been so busy doing "some of everything," I had no time to update the blog. But I promise I'm still here, y'all. I didn't go anywhere. :-)

In fact, I haven't been overseas in a little while -- I'm starting to MISS the traveling! I've been doing lots of shows here in Detroit, however... I admit it's kinda nice to drive to and from my gigs, as opposed to taking planes.

Tomorrow (tonight) I have another gig --a NYE set. I can't wait to make this happen... 2007 should be a much more promising year for me, although I feel like I've been blessed quite a bit this year. I won't recap -- I'll let you backtrack and do that... But thank you all for checking up on me. For those of you who called me, thank you. It was nice to speak to you!!! For all you Myspacers out there, thanks for checking out my tracks and leaving me those nice comments. I DO hope to see more of you in the upcoming year...

So what to expect from AC in 2007??

For starters, WALLSHAKER is getting a much needed boost. I'll be releasing more records on my label, and hopefully they'll be a lot easier to find. I'll revamp the website, etc... Remember folks, this is a LOT of work! I love it, but yes, it is MUCH WORK.

I even plan to have my new album finished for release this summer... If I have my way, I'll have a MAY release date -- we'll see what happens.

Long story short, I'm doing my best to stay "out there..." You'll see my name, face and music a lot more this year. And OF COURSE, I will take time out of my busy life to write in this blog. I didn't realize that so many people were reading it...

Thank you for 2006, and I look forward to 2007...
Love Always,
Aaron-Carl