Detroit Beatdown Sounds (Detroit USA)
DJ's: Mike 'Agent X' Clark - Norm Talley & Delano Smith
Music Style: Eclectic mix of Techno / Funk / Soulful / Jazz Fusion / Electro House
Beatdown Sounds (BDS) was founded by Detroit DJ/producer collective Mike "Agent X" Clark, and partnered by Norm Talley & Delano Smith. Beatdown is the true Detroit sound - dance/electronically - speaking. BDS launched their first residency as a collective in 2000 at Club OneX on Michigan Ave. in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood [which, unfortunately, fizzled within a year]. This is originally where House Heads and dance addicts could receive a proper “BeatDown” each week.
Their urban roots are able to sprout out to the world and are seen in a positive manner. Now, because BDS were closed from the public for so long, there is still a lot of untapped, virgin communication between them and the rest of the world – as if they were just discovered. And even so, it’s not necessarily just the “House” world as much as the global true roots subculture that found our sound - they are the ones that found our scene interesting. I, myself being a part of this whole movement, was able to help explain our history and bridge the gap between us and a lot of what was done by others - expressing it the best way I know how… through “BeatDown”.
What is it? “Beatdown” is a coined phrase that refers to the Urban House sound that came out of Detroit. It is a reflection of the effect of a strong, flawless DJ set where the energy reaches such an undeniable level you respond uncontrollably through dance, or, [for those less kinetic] intense body gestures and verbal comments.
Mike Clark “Agent X” is currently working on his own label and is also producing tracks for Third Ear and Soul Heaven Record Labels. The track that has everyone buzzing at the moment is “You now the way” featuring Kimberly Knight also from Detroit. This track is already been played on www.pushfm.com and BBC 1Xtra by Aaron Ross and will be interviewed by from BBC1 Extra …………. During the run up to the Fabric event on Saturday 10th November 2007, which we’ll see Beatdown sounds in their full glory. Listen out because there will be an influx of tunes that will encapsulate our ears.
Theirs a buzz right now in time because it’s been four and a half years since Third Ear released Detroit Beatdown Volume One. The first of the three planned volumes was completed with the cd release of the complete Detroit Beatdown Remixes in 2006.
Instead of a 3xlp and 2xcd compilation, Volume Two of the compilation will be spread across 5 eps (12” vinyl and DL releases) through 2007 and 2008.
For a more information, please click www.thirdear.net
Delano Smith represents one of the last of a rare group of Detroit’s first “house” DJs.
Delano has a natural ear for the deep and groovy, Smith can lay claim to a legacy that most Detroit jocks cannot. He was one of the original young guns personally mentored by Motown’s “1st DJ,” Ken Collier. Though Smith may have taken an extended hiatus later in his DJ years, it is this direct link to the beginnings of the DJ in Detroit that has maintained his integrity today.
In 2002 Delano formed his own label so that he may express his vision in music with another old partner, Tony Foster. Together they own and operate MixMode Recordings, which published three releases within its first two years, and expects two more by year’s end. An internet mix radio station is also in the works for www.mixmoderecordings.com where visitors can listen to mixes 24 hours per day. With remixes for “Detroit BeatDown” Vol.1 was released by the end of 2005, and Vol. II in 2006 on Third Ear Records out of London/Tokyo. Not to mention the smash success of his tracks for Chicago-based StillMusic’s “In the Dark” compilation as well as his own 12”s [including the well-received “Message for the DJ” featuring Detroit poet Diamondancer], one could say that Delano has been quite busy. Yet, a thousand words could not express the magic on a dance floor conducted by Smith, so you’ll just have to experience for yourself why he’s so many’s “Unsung Hero.”
Norm Telly Known as the Silent Warrior of the deep and funky sound of dance music, He has slowly yet steadily become a staple in the ears of dance floor addicts in Detroit. Consistency would be an understatement. Talley released his first record in 1997, “The Grove Street Shuffle” on scene-mate Eddie Fowlkes’ City Boy label. This launched Norm’s production career, and he would go on to put out tracks over the next two years on LA Williams’ Chisel imprint and City Boy’s.
The “Detroit Beatdown” series for Third Ear would be Norm’s first major compilation directorial as he and partner, Mike Clark, recruit and filter tracks that fit the BeatDown Sound for this overseas label’s successful project. Since the release of the original volume, Talley has also produced 12” remixes and single tracks for the “Beatdown Sessions” sub-series also on Third Ear, along with fellow re-mixers, Mike Huckaby and Bugz in the Attic.
Norm plans future projects with legendary Detroit musicians John Sinclair, Sundiata OM, Craig Huckaby, and music for NYC’s West End Records with vocalist/keyboardist, Billy Love. See, the thing is, the Silent Warrior may have infected a dancefloor near you, and you didn’t even know it was him, because – well, because he’s not really a talker… he’s a maestro.
BDS constantly produces and DJs with several other important and influential Detroiters including, but not limited to: Al Ester, Eric Johnson, Korie, PirahnaHead, Rick Wilhite, Theo Parrish, Marcellus Malik Pittman, KDJ, Alton Miller, Earl McKinney, Malik Alston, Mike Huckaby, Amp Fiddler, Paul Randolph, Jovante, Billy Love, Sundiata OM, Craig Huckaby and Phil Hale to name a few.
Complete biographies and more info can be found at: www.BeatDownSounds.net
Booking
For Bookings and for more info, please email
info@flydj.co.uk
or call +44 (0) 7960 935 886 or +44 (0) 7828 486 953 |
