Current Articles | Categories | Search | Syndication

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 Knob Twiddlin': Sasha By Image Mag Staff @ 12:01 AM :: 378 Views :: 1 Comments :: :: Music: Artist Spotlight, Nightlife, Events wordplay: DJ Elroy It’s rare when a sequel can outshine a stellar debut, but Invol2ver has done exactly that. This second offering in the Involver series has been one of the most anticipated dance albums of 2008. The buzz surrounding its release has been as hotly discussed on internet message boards as the presidential election, due in large part to false play lists, unfounded rumors, and fanatical speculation. "I can't say anything about all that," Sasha laughs. "But I am honestly surprised how well the new album has been received. Usually my work gets a lukewarm release and slowly builds in popularity over time. The past albums have grown on people a bit reminiscently, if you will, whereas Involver 2 was a success straight away." While vinyl purists are still stuck in the twentieth century, more forward-looking artists have embraced the musical evolution, and a few have even taken the new technology and made it their b!+ch. Two turntables and a microphone isn't what it's all about anymore, at least not for Sasha. "With a traditional DJ mix you can only do so much," he explains. "I wanted to add more 'me' to the sound, make it a bit more of a challenge; actually just make it a bit more." With today’s DJing tools – including digital audio, laptops, and live-mix programs like Ableton – the music isn't limited by anything except imagination. "The Involver series is a hybrid of the DJ mix and artist album. The newest release, Involver 2, takes things a step further. It’s got several completely original tracks and the other songs have been remixed and edited specially for the album." Sasha has just wrapped up the European tour, and his successful conquest of the continent is enough to make any silly-mustached dictator more than a bit thoughtful. Now he's turned his sights stateside and will be hitting the shores of North America armed with an arsenal of new music and custom remixes. It’s been two years since Sasha has played in Colorado, and much to the pleasure of the Mile-High massive he’s kickin’ off his tour here with us. “Yes, it’s definitely been too long since I’ve been to Denver. The city is always out and supporting the music and the crowds are full of enthusiasm. I’m really looking forward to playing at Beta, too. I’ve heard so many good things – from the DJ booth to the sound system – and I can’t wait!” If there is one consistency in the music scene, it’s that nothing ever stays the same. In this game, you need to stay ahead of the curve and that means being on top of new music, being proficient with new gear (according to Sasha, the Maven controller will see commercial release in 2009), and setting the trends. "The digital revolution in electronic music has completely changed how things are done. The new technology has allowed for some amazing things with the music itself. It’s more pure, more alive. We were recently listening to some mixes done back in 2001 and you can really hear the difference in the music and production. I think the digital age was the beginning of a new era in electronic music. A lot of the labels and producers have either adapted or aren’t around any longer; there are so many new names today.” After a thoughtful pause he adds, “The new technology has let me do more with my own music, too; I can do what I want and put more of myself into the sets." But along with all the positive changes in the music and club culture, the uncertainty of the times has been wrapping its tentacles of doubt around the carefree nightlife vibe. Has the unstable world economy had any impact on the Invol2ver tour? "Not directly; not yet anyway,” Sasha says with relief. “The music and entertainment industry may be affected in the next few years, but right now things are going well for me. I can see promoters being more cautious about doing big festivals in the future, and everyone will probably start paying more attention to ticket prices and the like, but going to shows and getting out is something people need to do, especially when times are bad. They need to let off some steam, you know? They need someplace to go to escape the world for a bit." This Thursday, that someplace is Beta Nightclub. With Sasha in the DJ booth, a few high-octane beverages in your system and a dance floor full of music-lovers, it’s time to check your worries at the door and have some fun. It’s time to get Invol2ved. October 23rd @ Beta BetaNightclub.com DJsasha.com

Comments By Waken @ Thursday, October 23, 2008 12:02 PM Its been too long! Click here to post a comment