Afro Monk

I’ve been working on a new project for 2012 and it’s about time I share it with you all! The past few months I’ve become a bit more critical than usual. Bass music hasn’t been doing what it use to do for me. My relocation back home to Miami has changed a lot of things especially my life style. When I lived in Texas I was always out with friends, partying, DJing, traveling, etc… Now I spend most of my time relaxing enjoying the ocean breeze on my balcony. My nights consist of digging for more music and that peaceful state of mind. I’ve grown up and feel like an adult. Music now plays a different role for me now.

It’s not that I’m disappearing now but expect much of my focus to go in this new direction. Lounge Temple is ultimately Afro Monk 2.0 with its primary genres being downtempo, trip-hop, and future bass. It’s a lot more laid back and lounge like.

Not only will the site be something new i’ll be exploring but also have a supporting weekly lounge night here in Miami. I’ve been offered an industry night at The Stage here in Miami. It offers a great environment as well as chance to start something entirely different from your typical club rave night. Gooddroid and I will be playing lounge music ever Sunday night! Chilled Out Sundays starts up February 19th, 2012!

For more information and your chilled out needs go to:
Lounge Temple: Downtempo, Trip-hop, & Future Bass Blog

It hasn’t been a secret on here that I’ve relocated back to my hometown Miami. Truth is I haven’t really made it a point to tell anyone except my close friends. The music community is so vastly different here and knew I was giving up a lot moving back to this market. It’s not meant to be taken in a negative sense. Unfortunately the music I’ve been playing/pushing doesn’t really have much presence here. We all know the meccas are Colorado & California.

I was lucky enough to discover a market in Texas that allowed me to do what I’ve always wanted to do… Play glitch-hop. I became extremely involved in Texas and turned my life focus on music for the most part. I’d go out every night and actually network/talk to people. I’ve always been shy and moved to Texas only knowing my roommate. Texas was a scary move but once I got there it took me for one of the best rides of my life. I was only in Texas for a year but it feels like I was there for over five years. The amount of talented artist is overwhelming! The festival crowd is full force and plenty of homegrown events.

Now that I’m back in Miami I’ve started an entirely new lifestyle. I know that bass music popularity has reached a new height but it has also left me much to be desired. I don’t want to become that bitter old man complaining non-stop. I’ve decided to put this mix out there to target the Miami audience and nightlife but at the same time tip my hat goodbye to this sort of style. It’s fun, party, dance, and rave out music but truth is I’m burnt out and have been for some time now I’m sure. If you follow me on FB and Twitter you’ll know what I’m talking about. I’m a mid range bass hater. Yes, I admit it.

It’s time to focus on a positive new attitude and something different that will brighten my spirits. 2012 will be the start of many new things. As I said my lifestyle is quite different now. I don’t go out anymore and I’m going back to my anti-social recluse ways. My nights consist of me laying around my dream apartment on the beach listening to chill out lounge music and playing video games. My roots are in trip-hop/downtempo/lounge. I’ve decided to focus on that for 2012 and create a sister site that will built around that vibe. Expect a soft beta launch around Feb 2012.

This doesn’t mean this site will be executed!!! Ed and Tara have been doing an incredible job and I’ll still be writing post but come to understand I won’t be as active. It’s time to expand the market. I’ll still be around at all the events but keep in mind Miami doesn’t offer acts that I’ve been spoiled with while living in Texas. The bass scene is very alive here but it’s very brostep/moombah oriented which truthfully I can’t vibe with. Along with the sister site launch there will be a new weekly event that will be created to support the new movement here. I’m super excited to see how this pans out.

Now about this mix. It was designed on the fly to get you moving and sing along. There are times where I need to get motivated to go out to the club or bar and these tunes get me all hyped. They are mostly top 40 remixes with me giving them an extra umphhh to them and adding my glitches live. It’s been over a month since I’ve played or even mixed since I’ve been so busy with the move. Not to mention like I said I’ve kept myself isolated in Miami so not looking actively to play out. It was fun to rock out in my new studio to this. Anxious to see what the reception of this mix will be.

I hope you enjoy and have a happy new year!!!

-Afro

Dear Readers,

It has been awhile since I wrote a post that doesn’t have to do with a specific release or spotlight. I’ve been meaning to write a piece about the website but I’ve been quite busy. I just recently relocated back to Miami, FL.

The website has been around for over two years now. It’s crazy to think it has been that long. It seems like it was just yesterday when I built it. The purpose of this website was to post music I found and help support my friend’s music.

Recently I’ve seen an increase in music blogs and resources online. There’s so much music out there that people are finally using online mediums to share and promo new music. I’m happy to see this evolution of online promotion because it gives chances for new producers and DJs to gain exposure.

The format of this blog is a bit different as I mainly write about people I’ve personally connected with online. The site after all is Afromonk.com which is my DJ name and story of my experiences tied together with music. I want to give readers, fans, and music lovers more than just a download link. It’s important to me as a DJ to have a personal connection with the music versus just playing what’s hot or popular. I actually take pride in making sure that all the music I do play out to a crowd is by people I personally know versus just scanning through Beatport for something that’s in the charts.

The main goal of this post is to let my existing fan base, readers, new visitors, producers, and people interested in getting a featured on the site know that this website is designed for a specific sound. Afromonk.com, has no plans to expand into something huge and ultimate resource for electronic music. The objective for this website is to provide a place where SPECIFIC niche of music will be written about. Ultimately what I’m trying to say is that there will be NO BROSTEP. The site will always be a niche site and for people who are interested in the softer chiller side of electronic music.

I recently started a Turntable.fm room, glitch / chill dubstep / IDM. The purpose of the room was to create a room where I could create a place to listen/play music that I love and can sit back and listen to at work. We have a great following already and it continues to grow. The reason for this is due to the fact that we are extremely picky and have no problem with trolling the crap out of heavy dubstep. The room is designed to follow a specific format.

I have no problem pushing this specific sound. This does not mean that it’s all I support but in the current state of dubstep and electronic music we have people like Skrillex introducing the masses into electronic music. My goal is to create different mediums such as Afromonk.com, Turntable.fm room, mixes, etc… that promote a sexier side to electronic music. The influx of people interested in electronic music is great but there’s too many websites/blogs that push things due to the fact that they are popular or fit a generic genre. We’ve seen a rise in some massive websites overnight but catering specific to this sound Skrillex, Bassnectar, Nero, Flux Pavilion, etc… It’s not that these producers don’t have diversity but it’s more of the fact that people are constantly promoting specific major artist and sound.

I had a talk with my talented new writers Ed and Tara about this and let them know that Afromonk.com will continue to push a softer chiller side to electronic music. We encourage you to send us e-mails about anything new you hear about that fits to a setting where you’re lightning one up and just want to take in the music. It doesn’t even have to be electronic music per say but have a lounge chill feel to it. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy trip-hop and wish there would be more music created in that realm vs aggressive bass sounds that have become so extreme.

For the love of God realize that this website will not promote or post anything that resembles BROSTEP. If you can’t close your eyes and relax while listening to the music chances are we won’t consider. CHILL SEXY MUSIC PLZ.

Thank you for all the support over the years.

I’m sorry if any of you take this post as something negative but understand there are thousands of dubstep blogs out there now that post the heaviest filthiest sounds out there. This site is designed to be a contrast to this trend of music.
Please send any music you feel that fits into our goal to Demos@afromonk.com.

- JM

Two years ago on the 16th I began this website. Never did I imagine that this site would become what it is now. My major influence was from Shilo who runs Dancefever5000. She had created a source where she covered all the West Coast producers and events. I had just found out about Glitch.fm and starting to DJ. It’s insane to think back to this time… Things have changed quite a bit.

This past week-end I spent it in Austin for Movin’ Decibels Dub City Limits… They brought in Love & Light, Stephan Jacobs, Sugarpill, Chris B, Gladkill, & NastyNasty. Being in the crowd and spending the week-end with them really took me back to reflect on where this all started. Two years ago I would of never imagined to be so close to these superstars around the States. Now I can’t imagine all these artist not part of my life. Thank you for all the support you have given this site! This site is nothing without its readers and artist who produce and share their music with the world.

I took a look at the site analytics and since its launched there has been a total of over 100,000+ unique visitors to the site.  It’s unbelievable.

Thank YOU!

PS: There will be a special post this week to celebrate the 2 years! I’m thinking top 2 in multiple categories.

LoBounce takes a classic track that most the population will remember. After staying in close contact with LoBounce and giving him some feedback on all the new work, I decided to ask for an exclusive. The moment I heard the Cassie – Me & U remix I knew it was the one I wanted. He gives such new dynamic range to an already fresh beat.

If you’re looking for a sexy glitch hop tune that has some luvstep feel to it this is the one you’ve been looking for! I know I dedicated to my lady when I first dropped it.

I assure you this will not be the last you hear of LoBounce and will be wondering how he blasted off so quickly. This track will answer that in the future. LoBounce has become easily one of the most played artist in my sets and can’t wait to hear more of the new material. Look out Chicago cause he going to be launching off from there.

Much Love and Respect to my homie LoBounce!

DOWNLOAD: Cassie – Me & U (LoBounce Remix) AfroMonk.com Exclusive

Emissions 2011

Camp Questions Mark & Irie Cartel present EMISSIONS! It’s not very often I post about events on the site but ohh man this ONE is truly worth covering. Emissions is on it’s 3rd year and wow this years line up is mind blowing. This festival is approximately two hours outside of San Francisco. There will be camping at the beautiful location for all three days.

Now lets get straight to the punch, MUSIC! The line up for this festival is one of the diverse line ups I have seen compared to all the major festivals. Diversity doesn’t mean that there’s only some medium grade level headliners mixed in with some local talent. This truly means that some of the biggest names in all spectrum’s of bass music. It is still taking me back how I will be playing at this event as well. This will be the first time I’ll be in San Francisco and couldn’t have asked to play a better event for my first visit. I think the best part of this festival as well is the unity that will take place at this event. There are so many names on the line up that I’ve worked with directly, have booked myself, communicated on regular online, and/or close friends with already. This past year at SXSW it was a dream to be part of the crew that we were rolling around with and I feel this will be no different. At the end of the day we all are here to share the music but what makes this community so special is how closely networked and friendly everyone is. There so many people on here that are playing that I haven’t met in person and looking forward to finally giving a good amount of people some big hugs.  Can’t wait to kick it with all the homies out in Cali!

Now let’s list the two rounds of artist announced. I have bolded some of my recommendations for this. To be fair it’ll probably be quite bias to my personal taste and close friends of mine. Hey I was honest at least right?! Got to support the homies!

Line Up

ill Gates
Vaski
J Rabbit
SPL
Machinedrum
NastyNasty
The Widdler
The Flying Skulls
Ben Samples
Jantsen
Seied
Abstract Rude
Zeno
Bokator
Carrier fmly NTRLD
Minnesota ft. PRFMR
Psymbionic
Blackheart
Skulltrane
Rastatronics
BOGL
The Pirate of DubPirates
Smasheltooth and Thee Bad Bitch Brigade
Johnny 5
Nebakaneza
Ro Knew
El Diablo
Mycho Pan Cocoa
Zombie J
Octopod
Bad/Media
Fresh Young Minds
Roommate
Love & Light
Gladkill
Goldrush
Siren
Willy Whompa
Ribotto
Adsum (Porkchop & Mikey Fisher)
Megalodon
Ultraviolet
Afro Monk
Free Crush (Konekta & Devi)
Carly D
Dr. Knobz
K Theory
Fire Lieber
Dr. Dylon
The Glitch Report
Hypha
Energy Alchemist
Genie
Erin Jale
Du3
Grizzly J
Christafari
RA SO
Supreme
Digital Bill
Mose
INI
Antibiotik
Pushreset
Rich DDT
Jai Solei
Mr. Kitt
Foobz
Ananda G
John Holiday
My Pet Monster
Caidance
Swaggersaurus Rex
& More!

Please shoot me a message if you’ll be attending this event! I’m always interested in meeting new people. It’s such a blessing to be able to share the music to you all. I hope you all could make it! Be sure to grab your tickets now! Apparently there might be a limited amount of tickets. The price you’re paying for this line up is an insane deal! Not to mention there are still more artist to be announced! WHAT?! Yeah I know right…

More Info

2 Full Stages, 3 Day Camping, Chill/Alt. Area, Massive Sound, Gorgeous NEW Venue (w/water, tree shade, level campgrounds & easy paved entry road), Unique Lineup (new fresh music not @ every other festie…yet) , Art Installations, Artist Walk, Daytime Workshops, & so much more!

Limited Pre-Sale – $95. (Limited 200 available or until May 10th)
Pre-Sale – $110. ( available until May 10/Last Chance to Guarantee Entry))
At the Gate – $130.
*Special Limited Family Packs*-10 for $75.each (LIMITED/get asap if interested)*
RV & BUS Parking Pass – $40.

BUY TICKETS!

18+/ Please No Dogs/ Leave No Trace/ No Bad Attitudes

Sound: By the Wobble Factory & more
Art Deco: Jeremiah Allen Welch
Flyer Design/Image: By Sparkuhl
Stage Deco: RageStageDesign
Fire-safety by Fire University
Fire-breathing by Aries

(eye) <3 Glitch Dubstep is a new mix that I did LIVE on Glitch.fm. The first 45minutes didn’t record nor stream and had all sorts of issues. This mix starts from that mark and decided to keep going for a full two hour session.

This mix was done completely freestyle and not planned out. My intention was to go through as many tracks that I’d consider “Luvstep”. It was Valentines Day and figure I’d give my interpretation of luvstep after so many people ask me what I consider sexy or luvstep when mention it in conversation. I also stayed away from all the tracks most people would use. I’m tired of hearing Von D or Skream tunes being called that when their is so much more out there than the usual tracks we can all name off the top of our heads. I dug a bit deep and hope you all enjoy.

I made this one downloadable so you can all enjoy at anytime. It’s two hours so figure it’d be best for this one. Don’t expect a tracklist to appear because it’d take me forever. I have so many songs in front of me while I play and just go with the flow.

Also wanted to mention to please keep me in your prayers. My eye was hurting me throughout the day and when got home started on this mix after a nap. I should of taken my contact out but didn’t till I finished the 3hr set. I woke up the next day with my eye completely red and praying it’ll be fine. I goto the doctor tomorrow. The things we do for the things and people we Love.

Please share this. I wish music like this would be pushed more. This was put together as a response to all those filth mixes put together. That’s why I went 2 hours to show that there’s plenty of stuff that isn’t heavy.

Much Love to you all <3

(eye) <3 Glitchy Luvstep by AfroMonk

- JM

I’ve become a writer at TheUNTZ.com. Every week I write a few words on certain subjects. This is where I’ll keep an updated list of all the articles I write. I hope you enjoy and understand these are MY personal thoughts and don’t express the views of anyone else. Also these are opinions and my takes on certain subjects. It doesn’t mean what I write or how I feel is necessarily right.

What it is to be a DJ: The Philosophy

What it is to be a DJ: The Art of Digging

The Many Weapons used in Battle

AfroMonk’s Top 5 in 2010

AfroMonk – Passion

The Bass Music Community

The Virus: By AfroMonk

DJ to Producer – By AfroMonk

Diversity and Style

Glitch & Bass Sessions is officially back! I’ve looked for the past two months for someone to join me on Glitch.fm who would suite the show well. This past Friday Bass Science (Matt B & Devin) rocked it out here in Dallas. After the show we moved over to an after party spot where I got to here a homie play the whole night. His name… Soupa aka Soupa Nasty!

After hanging out for awhile I was like wait tune, tune, and tune! Homie was crushing it droppin the glitchy bass tunes of cats like Samples, NastyNasty, Project Aspect, etc… I soon realized this guy! He was willing to come out and do the show with me this week. Hopefully he’ll become a regular. We had a good time testing the waters out.

We had a B2B setup going where we could jump back and forth quite easy. First time ever really heard him play closely considering Friday night I was outside just hanging out with tunes in the background slightly. He totally blew me away dropping Sugarpill, Stephan Jacobs, and others. He was throwing some tunes over mine and experimenting. This is only the beginning. Give us some time and I’m sure we’ll be rocking a crazy duo act possibly.

So grateful to have finally found someone who rocks similar tracks and style.
He’s totally going to keep me on my toes and make sure have only the freshest shit.
Glitch & Bass Sessions is here and we going to send some glitch bass weight to your speakers Dallas.

Mondays 8pm-10pm PST / 10pm-12am CT / 11pm-1am EST LIVE on Glitch.fm
Glitch & Bass Sessions with Afro Monk & Friends…

First Thursday of month Glitch & Bass Sessions Live @ The Cavern Upstairs in Dallas.
January flyer will be out soon… Bringing in a homie.
Expect someone new every month =)

DOWNLOAD: Glitch & Bass Sessions – Afro Monk & Soupa – 12/7/2010

It’s such a honor and accomplishment to be asked to be part of The Untz. Avi who runs it is such a great person and wanted to find a way to make this work. He offered me a spot for a weekly column. I thought a lot about it and decided this is perfect way I can help others get more involved.

Right now I’ve drafted up a few ideas and plan on moving forward with them and formatting them into articles posted weekly. This is the first installment of What it is to be a DJ. I hope you all enjoy the article. There will be a follow up to this article next week.

Thank you ALL for the support. I’ve been getting some very inspiring messages. I love being connected to everyone personally. My inbox has grown a tremendous amount but hope to respond to each and everyone of your messages. Thank you for all the inquires about the new project I’m working on for interns. Everyone who has sent me an e-mail interested should be hearing back from me soon. I’m trying to organize something that’s much larger than I can handle myself.

Be sure to browse around The Untz, they have some quality content and have put serious time into building such a massive project. Except something similar on a smaller scale. I’m sure I’ll be teaming up with them on that as well possibly. Much respect and Love!

What it is to be a DJ: The Philosophy