KA MAGAZINE PRESENTS “SOUL COLLECTIVE NIGHT OUT” FEATURING MONTREAL ELECTRO-SOUL ARTIST ASHLEY KING.
KA MAGAZINE: is pleased to announce its second edition of SOUL COLLECTIVE NIGHT OUT, Thursday April 25th at Peopl Social Club, MTL. Soul Collective, is a series of events; showcasing hands down some of Montreal’s most talented live artists. Headlined by the uber-gifted Ms.ASHLEY KING (Buddhafish Music & KA Magazine). Ms. King releases her third album summer of 2013, entitled BIRDS VS. MONKEYS. Along with her “scratch” dj, DJ Jovie J (Toronto), she will perform previews from her upcoming album, such as her popular mash up of Bang Bang and Ghetto Supastar with surprise guest artist. Also performing will be Soul Artist ALAN PRATER and band Cafe Soul – As well as Dj JOJO FLORES.
Remember when you went to a party and the music was so good you felt that the dj was reading your mind. when your body was moving in ways that even the bedroom couldn’t inspirer. Remember when the bass was so deep so clear; so liquid that you floated on a ocean of sound waves. The people were so beautiful that even while sober the girl / guy dancing in front of you looked like Venus or Adonis. Remember when the dj could not stop playing even past the State
One night at a JoJo Flores session and you will be hooked. The man is really that good! Playing now for over 25 years, JoJo is from the school of the mixed tapes (remember when DJs used to make mixed tapes?!). That rare brand of DJs that had to make it the hard way: with talent and lots of it. Doing it when the audience had no real idea what “it” was and still was rocking the house. JoJo Flores is KA Magazine’s 2010 Best of Canada (soulful house music) now, that’s cool.
KA — How do you keep fresh with your music and DJing?
JF — I maintain a fresh sound by communicating with other touring djs; asking them what they’re banging at the moment or what tracks they’re feeling. When I play with djs who open or co-headline, I take notes on what and how they play; the crowd’s reaction to certain songs. On nights off I check out club nights, or international djs who are in town playing. I’m also fortunate enough to be on many record label promo lists. And a few A-list producers send me tracks to test out for sound quality and dance floor reaction.
KA — With so many choices in music, do you find it more difficult to choose the good stuff?
JF — Yes, it is a very long process to filter through all the promos. There are tons of bad music being made by djs who try to produce. Out of 10 tracks I’ll probably find 1 I can rock. Online record or MP3 shops should definitely focus on quality not quantity.
KA — With the amount of influence that DJ’s have on the music that people listen to, how do you recon- cile your personal taste with hearing a talented musician that should be out there?
JF — Good music is good music. Most djs, when we hear a song that we like, even if it’s not in our genre or personal taste, we’ll remix it. e.g. Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Depeche Mode, and Broken Social Scene. My bias will always be towards good music.
KA — When traveling, does being from Canada create a positive response from the people you meet?
JF — Very positive! People love & respect Canadians. But, it’s also because fans of Deep Soulful House are very passionate. And I’m lucky to be one of the few artists in this niche that gets to travel to as many countries as I do. So yes they like Canadians, but they love House music too. I just happen to cover both areas.
KA — How does it feel to be called out by KA Magazine as the Best of Canada on such a short list?
JF — I appreciate any recognition, especially coming from a hometown magazine. Sometimes people are so familiar with you locally as a person that you don’t get the recognition as an artist until you travel internationally. The real value coming from any award is recognition for the whole Soulful House genre. Even though MY name is on the award, I see it as acknowledgement of the work done by all the pioneers and current artists: Osunlade, Kerri Chandler, Nick Holder, Dennis Ferrer, Louie Vega, all the way back to Larry Heard. That’s why I proudly list these awards on my websites and blogs.
KA — What project are you currently working on that is not public yet?
JF — I’m busy working on a Therapy compilation, and in the spring I expect to begin production on my first studio album featuring new original music in collaboration with renowned artists including legends that I have admired all my life. Also, My partner Rom and I just released a Jamsteady remix of Broken Social Scene’s “All To All.” I’m looking forward to possibly completing at least one John Legend remix before the holiday season (fingers crossed). In addition my partners and I are really trying to strengthen the Therapy & Gotsoul brand worldwide through merchandise and really well executed events. Straight up, our goal is to make Gotsoul/Therapy two of the strongest brand in electronic music.
KA — Who is Jojo?
JF — Jojo is: Family man, Music lover, Hockey fan, Workaholic, Very detailed, Somewhat stylish, Lacking sleep..
04 May 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | Posted by:
In fashion, there is a saying that just because you are able to put a print on a bought American Apparel T-shirt, does not make you a designer. The same can be said in the world of DJs, where with the advent of the “DJ stars” gimmick, has taken over from clear raw talent.
Jojo Flores is the real deal, this DJ’s been spinning now for over 25 years. He is what makes you want to go out again and again…and again — and brings to mind the song by Fat Boy Slim “If this don’t make your booty move, your booty must be dead.”
Adding to a long list of accomplishments, Jojo has just recently been added as resident Dj at New York’s famed club, Cielo. He also spins at club Pink (San Fransisco, Chicago, Miami) and at Deep, in LA. There isn’t a party place left on this planet this man hasn’t rocked. He was voted “Best International DJ” four years running {2002-2005} by NYC’s Underground Archives. As if playing the music wasn’t enough, this maverick is adding music production to the list with Gotsoul Records — mixing Kinkysweet’s Afterdark Montreal CD. Jojo’s Therapy Nights have been a Montreal hit for more years running now than any other. Jojo has also added the most challenging and rewarding of roles to his roster of accomplishments; that of a proud father to a beautiful son and step-daughter. KA Magazine voted Jojo Flores as the best DJ in Montreal.
KA — How do you do it to travel, live out of suitcases and perform top shape at the end of touch down…only to repack and do it again in another city?
JF — Sometimes I ask myself the same question!? I just tell myself to “do it”. I am here or there to perform for a crowd and my responsibility to give them what they came for is predominant in me. I have an immense sense of gratitude and obligation to “rock the house” for individuals that come out to support me. I also realise the need for some people to escape through music, to help them leave their problems behind, albeit for a brief time. Music is therapy and I enjoy delivering it to the best of my ability. I absolutely hate letting people down in this way, so I have disciplined myself to be in top shape and I physically do this by taking lots of naps, exercising (hockey 2-3 times a week), and trying my hardest to maintain a healthy diet. Mentally, I am a kid all over again. I LOVE playing to/for a crowd, it is really second nature to me. It is the best feeling in the world, I have no difficulties whatsoever even if I am extremely drained physically. I am drug free, alcohol free, now caffeine free and my Ayurvedic treatments help keep me grounded. Now, if I could just stay away from desserts!
KA — What city did you have the best time playing in and what about that city did it for you?
JF — Definitely Athens… always a great party. The history of this place is insane, the food is delicious, the Acropolis, the beautiful islands (Santorini is magical), and the people. Mostly the people do it for me. They are so friendly, inviting, hospitable and down to earth… they really appreciate the music. There is a mix of artistic, wealthy, and business people that I have been able to incorporate like no other place. The music has been able to break down certain class barriers that is very hard to achieve considering Soulful House is not mainstream music. Most importantly, the majority of cities I play in, I stay in hotels, but not Athens. I have met some truly amazing people whom I now consider close friends, they treat me like family. They offer me their home as if it were my own. Thank you Tiki and Larry.
KA — Now that Djs are “stars”, do you think this is getting in the way of creating good music for the love of good music?
JF — Yes, I do think the star status has been in the way of creating good music, for at least the last five years. To maintain or elevate their status, Djs have to release music consistently therefore not dedicating enough time for each production. And often times, this process (from start to finish) of producing a track is considerably D.I.Y. Hence, a lot of music is now more “disposable” than ever before. Due to this phenomenon, it is rare to have a “club anthem”. For example, the “Whistle Song”, Ultra Nate’s “Free”, “Gypsy Woman”— when these songs came out, all the House Dj’s worldwide were playing them for three to five months. Presently, you would be lucky to produce a hit song and have it played internationally for a month or two. There’s so much music coming out every week, even I have a hard time keeping up.
KA — You were doing demo tapes when no one in Montreal was pushing their music that way. You were creating your own signature club night experience when Djs were at the mercy of club owners and promoters. What’s next — where do you see this going?
JF —For starters, I have developers in San Francisco working on a Jojoflores iPhone application due out at the end of summer. I’m also endorsing a niche social networking site for House music. Think Facebook, but for House music lovers. I see people using these platforms to listen and purchase music and merchandise. It becomes a place for them to socialise, learn about their favorite artists and be exposed to new artists of the same genre all in an environment that is like minded. Like a one stop shop. Also, I consider myself a world traveller, therefore I am always thinking outside of Montreal, Canada. My goal is to take Gotsoul, Therapy & Jojoflores worldwide, by using the aforementioned as well as yesterdays old school (grass roots) marketing – which I still have great faith in, there is nothing like the old school to maintain personal interaction.
KA — What is the single event that has changed you and the way you view life?
JF — My first international gig in Bordeaux, France. It opened my eyes to so many new opportunities, it was exciting. It was an incredible milestone for me, we (Djs) were not known to travel the globe at that time except for a handful of A-list DJs, it really catapulted me and my mind into another league….From my humble beginnings, travelling has allowed me the experiences to alter my thinking positively and accept that anything is possible. It keeps me wanting to discover more and yet understand that the more I travel, the more similarities we all have in common on a global level. Travelling is a great way to observe life, it’s intricacies and to appreciate the simple yet important aspects of it, like my family.
KA — What motivates you, to keep the music going?
JF — My audience, the dancers, and music lovers. I enjoy making people dance, allowing individuals the space and time to express themselves through movement on a particular night. It is very now. The moments are what matter, sometimes a song I play will affect a person deeply, other times it creates a new memory or brings one back. New music also motivates me, when I hear something fresh or receive an unreleased exclusive track, I try to break it – play it 2-3 times in my set so it stands out. I take pride when someone discovers new music from my performance. In this capacity, I like being a tastemaker. There is also the challenge of converting people who are not into House music; it is motivating since I consider Soulful/Deep House music to be underground, and it is not often easy to break the barrier of the masses listening to contemporary big budget advertising billboard charts. Luckily, I’m just one of many messengers trying to spread the music.
KA — Beyond music, how do you find inspiration?
JF — I find inspiration through art, film, and other self-made individuals. Art helps inspire my branding, movies inspire my perception of life – soundtracks also do this in a more subtle way. I have great respect for self made individuals that have paved the way for many of us. Some have succeeded in times and places that were daunting and against all odds. Their success’ display a tenacity and a drive that is inspiring to me. They have helped me raise my bar and my expectations of myself and of others.
KA — What is the best advice you have received in your career?
JF — An old wise friend of mine, Terence Toy, a legendary L.A. Dj, was one of the first persons to bring me to L.A. back in the mid-nineties. He told me once to create my brand and stick with it no matter what. And make sure to always use my logo as often as possible in all the best places. This has served me well endlessy.
KA — Is there somewhere you have not yet played that you would consider a dream deal?
JF — Playing the Precious Hall in Sapporo, Japan. It boasts the world’s best sound system; I’m a huge fan of the Japanese culture and the combination of my two most favorite things in life, music and art. That would be one of the last bastions for me, definitely a dream deal.
KA — What are three things you would change if you had three wishes in the music world?
JF —
1: I wish artists would have the ability to teleport themselves to their gigs….this would eliminate airport security, jet lag, terrible airline food, just “poof” and you are there …of course for a nominal fee.
2: I wish that music videos did not have the influence they do on the popularity of an average song. In other words, if it is a “terrible” song but the video is amazing, it none the less becomes a hit.
3: I wish I had a double so I can be in two places at the same time….I have often been offered two amazing gigs that land on the same day! Or better yet, send my hologram to another gig simultaneously!!
In fashion, there is a saying that just because you are able to put a print on a bought American Apparel T-shirt, does not make you a designer. The same can be said in the world of DJs, where with the advent of the “DJ stars” gimmick, has taken over from clear raw talent.
Jojo Flores is the real deal, this DJ’s been spinning now for over 25 years. He is what makes you want to go out again and again…and again — and brings to mind the song by Fat Boy Slim “If this don’t make your booty move, your booty must be dead.”
Adding to a long list of accomplishments, Jojo has just recently been added as resident Dj at New York’s famed club, Cielo. He also spins at club Pink (San Fransisco, Chicago, Miami) and at Deep, in LA. There isn’t a party place left on this planet this man hasn’t rocked. He was voted “Best International DJ” four years running {2002-2005} by NYC’s Underground Archives. As if playing the music wasn’t enough, this maverick is adding music production to the list with Gotsoul Records — mixing Kinkysweet’s Afterdark Montreal CD. Jojo’s Therapy Nights have been a Montreal hit for more years running now than any other. Jojo has also added the most challenging and rewarding of roles to his roster of accomplishments; that of a proud father to a beautiful son and step-daughter. KA Magazine voted Jojo Flores as the best DJ in Montreal.
KA — How do you do it to travel, live out of suitcases and perform top shape at the end of touch down…only to repack and do it again in another city?
JF — Sometimes I ask myself the same question!? I just tell myself to “do it”. I am here or there to perform for a crowd and my responsibility to give them what they came for is predominant in me. I have an immense sense of gratitude and obligation to “rock the house” for individuals that come out to support me. I also realise the need for some people to escape through music, to help them leave their problems behind, albeit for a brief time. Music is therapy and I enjoy delivering it to the best of my ability. I absolutely hate letting people down in this way, so I have disciplined myself to be in top shape and I physically do this by taking lots of naps, exercising (hockey 2-3 times a week), and trying my hardest to maintain a healthy diet. Mentally, I am a kid all over again. I LOVE playing to/for a crowd, it is really second nature to me. It is the best feeling in the world, I have no difficulties whatsoever even if I am extremely drained physically. I am drug free, alcohol free, now caffeine free and my Ayurvedic treatments help keep me grounded. Now, if I could just stay away from desserts!
KA — What city did you have the best time playing in and what about that city did it for you?
JF — Definitely Athens… always a great party. The history of this place is insane, the food is delicious, the Acropolis, the beautiful islands (Santorini is magical), and the people. Mostly the people do it for me. They are so friendly, inviting, hospitable and down to earth… they really appreciate the music. There is a mix of artistic, wealthy, and business people that I have been able to incorporate like no other place. The music has been able to break down certain class barriers that is very hard to achieve considering Soulful House is not mainstream music. Most importantly, the majority of cities I play in, I stay in hotels, but not Athens. I have met some truly amazing people whom I now consider close friends, they treat me like family. They offer me their home as if it were my own. Thank you Tiki and Larry.
KA — Now that Djs are “stars”, do you think this is getting in the way of creating good music for the love of good music?
JF — Yes, I do think the star status has been in the way of creating good music, for at least the last five years. To maintain or elevate their status, Djs have to release music consistently therefore not dedicating enough time for each production. And often times, this process (from start to finish) of producing a track is considerably D.I.Y. Hence, a lot of music is now more “disposable” than ever before. Due to this phenomenon, it is rare to have a “club anthem”. For example, the “Whistle Song”, Ultra Nate’s “Free”, “Gypsy Woman”— when these songs came out, all the House Dj’s worldwide were playing them for three to five months. Presently, you would be lucky to produce a hit song and have it played internationally for a month or two. There’s so much music coming out every week, even I have a hard time keeping up.
KA — You were doing demo tapes when no one in Montreal was pushing their music that way. You were creating your own signature club night experience when Djs were at the mercy of club owners and promoters. What’s next — where do you see this going?
JF —For starters, I have developers in San Francisco working on a Jojoflores iPhone application due out at the end of summer. I’m also endorsing a niche social networking site for House music. Think Facebook, but for House music lovers. I see people using these platforms to listen and purchase music and merchandise. It becomes a place for them to socialise, learn about their favorite artists and be exposed to new artists of the same genre all in an environment that is like minded. Like a one stop shop. Also, I consider myself a world traveller, therefore I am always thinking outside of Montreal, Canada. My goal is to take Gotsoul, Therapy & Jojoflores worldwide, by using the aforementioned as well as yesterdays old school (grass roots) marketing – which I still have great faith in, there is nothing like the old school to maintain personal interaction.
KA — What is the single event that has changed you and the way you view life?
JF — My first international gig in Bordeaux, France. It opened my eyes to so many new opportunities, it was exciting. It was an incredible milestone for me, we (Djs) were not known to travel the globe at that time except for a handful of A-list DJs, it really catapulted me and my mind into another league….From my humble beginnings, travelling has allowed me the experiences to alter my thinking positively and accept that anything is possible. It keeps me wanting to discover more and yet understand that the more I travel, the more similarities we all have in common on a global level. Travelling is a great way to observe life, it’s intricacies and to appreciate the simple yet important aspects of it, like my family.
KA — What motivates you, to keep the music going?
JF — My audience, the dancers, and music lovers. I enjoy making people dance, allowing individuals the space and time to express themselves through movement on a particular night. It is very now. The moments are what matter, sometimes a song I play will affect a person deeply, other times it creates a new memory or brings one back. New music also motivates me, when I hear something fresh or receive an unreleased exclusive track, I try to break it – play it 2-3 times in my set so it stands out. I take pride when someone discovers new music from my performance. In this capacity, I like being a tastemaker. There is also the challenge of converting people who are not into House music; it is motivating since I consider Soulful/Deep House music to be underground, and it is not often easy to break the barrier of the masses listening to contemporary big budget advertising billboard charts. Luckily, I’m just one of many messengers trying to spread the music.
KA — Beyond music, how do you find inspiration?
JF — I find inspiration through art, film, and other self-made individuals. Art helps inspire my branding, movies inspire my perception of life – soundtracks also do this in a more subtle way. I have great respect for self made individuals that have paved the way for many of us. Some have succeeded in times and places that were daunting and against all odds. Their success’ display a tenacity and a drive that is inspiring to me. They have helped me raise my bar and my expectations of myself and of others.
KA — What is the best advice you have received in your career?
JF — An old wise friend of mine, Terence Toy, a legendary L.A. Dj, was one of the first persons to bring me to L.A. back in the mid-nineties. He told me once to create my brand and stick with it no matter what. And make sure to always use my logo as often as possible in all the best places. This has served me well endlessy.
KA — Is there somewhere you have not yet played that you would consider a dream deal?
JF — Playing the Precious Hall in Sapporo, Japan. It boasts the world’s best sound system; I’m a huge fan of the Japanese culture and the combination of my two most favorite things in life, music and art. That would be one of the last bastions for me, definitely a dream deal.
KA — What are three things you would change if you had three wishes in the music world?
JF —
1: I wish artists would have the ability to teleport themselves to their gigs….this would eliminate airport security, jet lag, terrible airline food, just “poof” and you are there …of course for a nominal fee.
2: I wish that music videos did not have the influence they do on the popularity of an average song. In other words, if it is a “terrible” song but the video is amazing, it none the less becomes a hit.
3: I wish I had a double so I can be in two places at the same time….I have often been offered two amazing gigs that land on the same day! Or better yet, send my hologram to another gig simultaneously!!
