Almost TIME!

I am SO excited, y'all... This weekend, the album FINALLY drops!!! (have you heard the tunes on my Myspace page?)

Can't wait..
MUAH!

AC

The Murphy's Law Experience

Oh goodness, Murphy's Law was in full effect yesterday. For those who don't know what it is, Murphy's Law simply states "If something can go wrong, it will go wrong." And yesterday was a prime example...

Quickly running through these subjects (which I'm actually OVER, but I still feel the need to blog about it), here's a rundown of yesterday:

1. After yet another e-mail from a "fan" who says, "I love your music... Can you please SEND me the tracks on your player (for free), I caved in and obliged. Why, you ask? Who knows... Maybe I was feeling pretty good at the moment, and thought "what the hell... why not make someone's day?" I do that from time to time. But anyway, I met up with him online, and the caption under his screen name says -- quite boldly -- "WHITE PRIDE FOR LIFE!!!" It took everything I had, not to throw this damn computer out of the window. But I kept my cool... I figured, maybe this was just a test from above... I reasoned with myself, "He's not racist... He's just proud to be white!" In that respect, I understand how some people feel when they see slogans like "Black Pride," etc... But that's still a sore subject for a LOT of people. Minorities can get away with it, but whites can't. Weird. But then again, should whites be able to? Considering the history, and the fact that we STILL haven't gotten past that ignorance... I don't get it. Whatever... MY solution? Everybody should just start fucking EVERYBODY, so we all become mixed. No more "this race" or "that race." We'll all be one multi-racial culture, living in harmony. Ahh, if only it were so... But moving on...

2. I spent hours preparing for a show, which I was leery about attending in the first place. I dodged phone calls and ignored messages, saying "Hey, you're playing for _________... Are you SURE you're gonna get paid?" I figured they were just being ignorant, although I wondered why they would take the time to CALL ME and ASK ME that... Made me wonder. Hmmm... This IS the same person who threw the party I went to a couple years back -- the one that got raided... SHOULD I be afraid? But my need for the money overshadowed my fear of arrest... In fact, I remember when ______ first asked me to play. The first thing they say was, "and don't worry.. I'll pay you!"

So anyway, I wasn't scheduled to play until 2 a.m.. I arrived at the party nearly an hour before. Mind you, I don't go out "just for the sake of going out..." So it was nice to see and be seen again. I took lots of pictures, had a few good conversations (Hello SECURITY!!!), and even ran into "Chris" (I swore his name was David) -- the guy who'd lost his mother, but came to the club the same night to hear me spin. I'll NEVER forget him.

2 a.m., I walk onto the stage. Immediately, I notice that one of the CDJs weren't working! (Great, right?) I kid you not, it was so hard to keep my cool on stage, while guy after guy fiddled with the equipment, trying to get things to work. Granted, I had ANOTHER CD playing... (It wasn't mixed, but I transitioned between the tracks as fast as I could!) The crowd was dancing, but I was still embarrassed. Finally, they got BOTH decks working. By this time, I was promised that I'd still get my full hour to play. The next DJ (who I shall not name, damn him), comes up to me -- after I successfully mixed TWO tracks, and says "you've got ONE MORE SONG, then it's MY turn!" Now, again... It took all I had, not to bitch slap his selfish ass... After all, the crowd was dancing. I know he was itching to DJ, but damn... Did he have to stand on stage right next to me, with his headphones in hand, waiting to intercept the next record?! YES, the hell he did... Because I'd had enough of watching him check his cell phone, make weird faces and TELL ME how many more tracks I have left to play before he takes over...

Fuck it. I'd spun for maybe a total of 20 minutes, but I was done. I couldn't take it anymore. So I gave the baby his place on stage, and I gracefully bowed out. I figured I'd just get my pay, go home, and forget about his antics...

...until I discovered that I was NOT getting paid. They were under the impression that I agreed to play as a "favor..." ...uh, yes, it WAS a favor, considering that the only reason why __________ asked me to play in the first place, was because their "MAIN HEADLINER" was double-booked that night...

Now, I'll say this. One VERY GOOD thing happened last night. I'd finally met up with someone I'd been speaking with on MySpace for a long time... He'd come down to see me, and he actually helped me keep my cool during all of this madness. Not to mention, he gave me one of the biggest, most sincere hugs I'd received in YEARS...

That was last night. Or should I say, early this morning... Right now, as I write this blog, I laugh at myself. One, because I know that I ALLOW these things to happen to me sometimes... If I DJ or perform with NO contract or deposit, this is how I get treated. (Never again!) But I won't turn this into a huge rant... Y'all know me. I just have to tell it like it is...

Today will definitely be better -- there, I said it. I'm putting it out in the universe... TODAY will be a BETTER DAY... I will have the clarity to keep people and things in perspective. Those who aren't healthy for me, have no damn place in my life. Murphy's Law was yesterday. AC's Law is TODAY.

xoxo

Here I Am...

I know, sometimes I get a little crazy in my posts. One minute, I'm writing a song. The next minute, I'm bitching about the day... Or excited about what's to come... Or whatever. Tonight is a mixture of everything, I suppose... It's just how I feel.

1. Bittersoulfulsweet... Life has thrown me some serious curve balls lately! I promised the world that I'd have this album released May 24th, and damnit, I AM. The finished CDs should be here just in time for DEMF. Which is wonderful for me, since I'm performing there on Sunday the 25th. But in addition, I will have an "official" CD release party in Las Vegas! I SO wanna move to Vegas, and the more I stay in Detroit, the better Vegas looks to me. But then again, the kids like our current house. And I'm feeling "rooted." Hell... I'll be 35 years old this August. I'd like to plant some roots SOMEWHERE! (Maybe I'll rent a timeshare in Vegas or something...)

2. W.A.R.M.T.H... The organization that I started. I didn't realize how much work would be involved! Not that I'm afraid to work, it's just hard to tackle everything alone. As you know, I'm compiling a CD for distribution at DEMF, that features everyone on the W.A.R.M.T.H. party lineup. DJ Bone, Gary Martin, Myself, Alton Miller... this CD is gonna be wonderful!!! I probably won't keep it exclusively to the organization after DEMF, but I will definitely use the proceeds to help the organization -- it's going to be a non-profit organization. I'll explain more about that later...

3. Life in general just seems to be strange... My circle of "friends" seem to be changing, and things seem to be happening beyond my control. Instead of complaining, I'll just acknowledge it and leave it alone...

I guess today is just one of those days when I need a big hug and lots of love. I know it's been a while since I've written last, but I promise to write more soon...

AC

The NEW Aaron-Carl Experience

Same time, Fridays @ 7PM EST... This time, it's uncensored, and unrestricted. ...and boy, do I have some shit to say tonight!!!

See u there.. AC

W.A.R.M.T.H. Official Launch Party

Hey there... I'm SO proud to present this event for DEMF weekend... I TOLD y'all, I would make things happen.

MUAH!
AC

Sunday May 25th | 2008

W.A.R.M.T.H

(OFFICAL LAUNCH PARTY)

Doors open at 10PM.- 4AM

Two floors of entertainment, featuring local and international talent:

Alton Miller

KDJ, Moods Grooves | House / Detroit

Alton Miller, one of the founders of the celebrated seminal club the Music Institute (Detroit), is a legend who has played a central role in the creation of the musical volcano known as ‘House music’. Since 1991 Alton has released over 100 recordings for all the top independent labels worldwide (King Street, Planet E, Trackmode, Guidance, Distance, Peace Frog, F-com). After 15 years as a globetrotting producer/dj at the forefront of house Alton has amassed worldwide success and acclaim. For more information
www.myspace.com/altohit
________________________________________________________________________________

DJ Bone

Subject Detroit | Techno / Detroit

To some he is the champion of the underground. Others see him for the first time and ask the person dancing like crazy next to them, "Where did THIS guy come from?" Think of Detroit Techno and DJ Bone might not be high on your list of luminaries because he is 100% independent and does things on his terms and on his terms only. He won't tap dance or bend to fit the "popular" dj mold. Those who recognize Bone know him for his uncompromising and innovative ways.


________________________________________________________________________________

Aaron-Carl

Wallshaker Music | House / Detroit

Metro Detroit native Aaron-Carl began his music career in 1996, when he signed to Soul City Records, a label owned by Underground Resistance’s “Mad” Mike Banks. Refusing to be boxed into just one style, Aaron quickly made a name for himself by releasing his first two records – both completely different genres, at the same time. “Crucified,” a deep soulful vocal anthem, met instant critical acclaim; while “Down,” an explicit electro-house track (the b-side to “Wash It”), became – and remains one of Aaron’s biggest records to date.


________________________________________________________________________________

Gary Martin

Teknotika Records | House/Techno, Detroit

Gary Martin started Teknotika Records in Detroit in 1993 after 10 years of band projects that involved many categories of music from glam rock, neo-romantic 80's pop, to internationally known lounge act "Punch & Kitty". By 1996 he had already released 20 12"s and began to D.J. and perform live internationally to overwhelming enthusiastic crowds. Some of the notable shows were; the Electrogiai Festival in Spain of 05, Plastic Part 1 at the Botafar in Paris 05, the Basement Traxx party at the Rex Club in Paris 2001 (after selling out 100 copies of "Pimping People in High Places" in a few hours), England's famous Tribal Gathering Festival in 1997,The Liquid Room in Tokyo, the closing party of Tresor in Berlin, 3 times at Hart Plaza in Detroit's electronic music festivals, and several local live shows & parties & promotional events. In the 2001 Detroit Music Awards Mr. Martin was a nominee for Best Electronic DJ Performance.

________________________________________________________________________________

Detroit's Own DJ Surgeon

Cratesavers | Electro / Detroit


________________________________________________________________________________

Ben Wu

Bang Tech 12 | Techno / Indiana


________________________________________________________________________________

T. Linder

Detroit Techno Militia | Techno / Detroit

________________________________________________________________________________

Trench

Subject Detroit, Culture Dispatch | Techno, House / Detroit

________________________________________________________________________________

E. Dubb & The Deaken

Wallshaker Music | Tech House , House / Detroit, Tuscon

________________________________________________________________________________

Sinistarr

Creative Source | Drum & Bass / Detroit


________________________________________________________________________________

Jeff Comer

House / Detroit
________________________________________________________________________________

DJ Katalist

Bang Tech 12 | House / Detroit

________________________________________________________________________________

Kenneth Jeffrey

Drum & Bass / Detroit


________________________________________________________________________________

plus a very special live performance
by..

Veronique

Wallshaker Music | Soulful House / Detroit


________________________________________________________________________________

INFO:

Description:

An intoxicating mix of House, Techno, Electro and Drum &
Bass. A movement to reclaim the TRUE spirit of Electronic Dance Music.

LOCATION:

The Detroit Pub (Downtown Detroit)
1326 Brush St. at Gratiot Ave
(across from the Hilton Garden Inn)
Detroit, MI 48226
Cover: $15 before midnight, $20 after.

18 to enter, 21 + to drink.

________________________________________________________________________________
LIMITED PRE-SALE TICKETS (ONLY FOR ENTRY WITH  OUT COMPILATION CD!
$12 USD
 

*with purchase of this ticket only includes entry to event!

Name of Ticketholder

Pre-Sale Ticket Holders

**Be Sure To Present Your ID The Day Of Event TO COMFIRM PURCHASE

________________________________________________________________________________
LIMITED PRE-SALE TICKETS (INCLUDES EXCLUSIVE COMPILATION CD)!
$17 USD

*with purchase of this ticket also includes exclusive (Compilation CD)!

Name of Ticketholder

Pre-Sale Ticket Holders

**Be Sure To Present Your ID The Day Of Event TO COMFIRM PURCHASE

________________________________________________________________________________
W.A.R.M.T.H.

Presented by

Wallshaker Music,
in association with

Submerge
Detroit Techno Militia
Bang Tech 12
Culture Dispatch
Cratesavers
Montaj Enterprises
Profound Sounds Detroit

State of the Scene

I'd like to acknowledge some things, if I may... Every place in the world I've ever been to, I've noticed a few things about their Electronic music scenes...

1. Promoters actually stick together and support each other's events. It's not some proverbial dick contest, to see who can throw the biggest parties; who's crew is the best, etc. The promoters actually work TOGETHER -- they don't plan parties on the same night as others (in an attempt to sabotage their rivals). There's plenty of hot spots in Detroit -- it's easy for us to say "MY place on Wednesday... YOUR place on Friday... HIS place on Saturday... etc." But we don't. And it's HURTING us.

2. The DJs/Entertainment are RESPECTED for their craft - by the promoters, that is... None of that "I'll take the bar, you get the door" bullshit. The DJs and entertainment get paid their FEE. (Why would a promoter throw a party when he/she has no budget PLANNED AHEAD and SAVED UP for the expenses?) There's none of that drama where the DJ works his ass off, totally rips it on the decks, but comes home with $20 and some damn drink tickets -- because the night was "slow...") If you are gonna hire 10 DJs -- especially the more famous/heavy hitters, your budget should be big enough to accommodate them. It's a fucking shame that some of Detroit's LEGENDARY DJs and artists can't even make a decent living from their music. Superstar by night, meat carver by day. The same one who rocked it out @ the club last night is the same one you're cursing out at the local drive-thru... What kind of shit is that??? Only here in Detroit, have I witnessed such antics. Back in the day, things weren't like this. But sadly today, they are. ...and it's HURTING US.

3. The PATRONS are used to paying $20 dollars just to even ENTER the club -- to support their scene. (In Europe, most club entrance fees are 25 to 30 EUROS -- and that's for the LOCAL talent!) Why the fuck are WE (in Detroit) running around, acting like we deserve top notch talent, but we bitch about having to pay more than $5 dollars for a cover charge? The festival is coming, and it's approaching fast. We are CATERING to the Europeans (and others) for 3 days. During these THREE DAYS, shit's gonna be the way it's supposed to be. Clubs will make more money. Businesses will thrive. (Hopefully) DJs will finally get paid what they're WORTH... But come on, people... THREE DAYS? Then once the spotlight's off of us, we'll return to the same whiny bitches who can't treat EACH OTHER with respect?

Let me tell you something... DETROIT has the potential to be the Electronic Music capital of the WORLD. You already know that some of the world's best talent comes from Detroit. ...and that's in EVERY category of music, by the way... (but I'll stick to Electronic music for the purposes of this conversation...) Other cities (and countries) are supporting our scene better than WE are! They're buying our records. THEY pay to see OUR DJs. And truth be told, they're laughing at US. They're wondering why the hell WE can't seem to "get it together..."

And I'll tell you what they're doing. They're LURING our talent away. Quite a few of our biggest producers don't even LIVE in Detroit anymore. They've moved overseas somewhere -- where they're respected for what they do. They can make a decent living. They can avoid all of the "hateration" (as Mary J. Blige would call it)...

Now I realize that this post won't save the world. But I HOPE it serves as a wakeup call -- for everyone in the scene... The world is watching us. Can we at least get it together???

In closing, I'd also like to offer a solution... If the DEMF isn't free, and doesn't support the talent WE think it should, why don't WE (the promoters, patrons, producers, etc) band together and create another event? A FREE event? There's enough of us to make this happen. Regular donations throughout the year -- yeah, it's free for the public, but the expenses STILL need to be paid. I say let's do it! Let's create a fund so that this time next year, we can prepare for a "movement" of our own. We could raise enough money to have it somewhere like Chene park, or Belle Isle, or something... We could raise enough money to afford the talent that WE want to support. Have enough stages to showcase ALL of our styles of EDM... D&B, House, Techno, Ghettotech, etc. This isn't impossible, y'all.. WE CAN DO THIS. All it takes is for someone to get the ball rolling... I'm willing. Are you?


In solidarity,
Aaron-Carl

AC @ DEMF

Ahh, DEMF. The ONE time of year when Detroit artists TRULY get their chance to shine for the world. Ironically, it's the time of year I repeatedly get ignored. Not by the fans, but by the "powers that be." Whoever does the artist lineup for DEMF obviously either doesn't like me, or doesn't pay attention to me.

As you know, 2005 was the first (and only) year I've ever performed @ the festival. Funny how I've been making waves since 1996 -- before this festival even existed. I don't know the politics involved in the selection process, but you'd think at least the "hot Detroit artists" would be first in line. Not to toot my own horn, but damnit, I AM a HOT Detroit Artist! I run a successful label. I sell records. I tour regularly.... What the fuck gives?

I've had plenty of time to think about it. I've tried protesting. I've tried the "proper channels." I honestly don't know what the hell to do... SO, this morning, I wrote a letter to one of the organizers -- ironically, he gave me his email address last year, when I was told I was "too late" to be included in the festival... I wrote him a letter, and in this letter, I was just REAL. Fuck politics. I wanna know why the hell I keep getting ignored at festival time.

Right now, I have a love-hate relationship with Detroit. It's a shithole, but it's home. I HATE the ghetto-minded mentality, but I LOVE the "realness." It's like a bad relationship that you just can't leave. You love him, although he disrespects you and takes you for granted. You KNOW you're better off without him, but there's just "something about him" that won't let you break away. Y'all understand what I'm saying? Detroit has beaten me up and spat me out... But it only made me stronger. And I continue to stand up to this bitch. Scars and all, I'm still standing, motherfuckers...

AC