Posted in: Musicouching by Ben Hernandez Jr on April 6, 2009 | 0 Comments
The “Music Journalism Jam” for eclectic DJs and musicians hosts a memorable event.
In Southern California, Los Angeles is rightfully considered the Mecca of entertainment where musicians strive to earn a living and harbor hopes of achieving success that few ever realize. These musicians include disc jockeys (djs) who are just as celebrated for their musical selections, whatever genre that may be. A particular niche of eclectic djs have spawned in recent years, and have provided a basis for counterculture that refutes mainstream music centered on big money and heavy commercial radio rotation. These djs spin records of varying genres, including hip hop, funk, soul, Latin, and much more. Roughly 30 minutes southeast of Los Angeles is the city of Fullerton in Orange County where Station 23 currently throws their event. Station 23 started as an internet radio show that focused on eclectic music and djs, but has now become a live event in the Soco District of downtown Fullerton. Dubbed as the “music journalism jam” by its founder, Os-B, Station 23 recently celebrated its 2-year anniversary of bringing their music to the masses.
“In Orange County, not many events exist that cater to our specific niche,” says Os-B. “Station 23 celebrates these musical selections as well as the local djs who are at the forefront of exposing the music to their respective audience.”
At a Station 23 event, a guest dj will usually mix records (a “set”) for about 30 to 45 minutes and receive an interview from the hosts. It is a melding of a live performance and radio show at a venue, which is currently at the Continental Room in downtown Fullerton. The objective is for audiences to enjoy the records spun by the dj and to also learn more about the dj, as well as the inspirations that back their musical selections. While the shows are being conducted, they are simultaneously recorded and podcasted. By utilizing podcast technology, the shows can obtain a global audience via the internet.
“We had over 200 downloads from China one day,” says resident dj and current show director, DJ 671. “It’s amazing how someone in China can be listening to a dj spinning in Southern California on their iPod.”
Live recordings occur every first Saturday of the month from 3pm to 7pm at the Continental Room, giving Station 23 a unique time slot that defies the normal 10pm to 2am club event. Only the true music fans usually show up and when they do, they are treated to four hours full of unique musical flavors. Guests have spun a wide variety of music not heard on commercial radio, including, but not limited to organic/conscious hip hop, neosoul, jazz, blues, Afro beat, Brazilian, cumbia, reggae, and varying sub-genres of funk. Along with guest djs are resident Station 23 selectors, DJ Shortstack, J-Twist, 671, Os-B, and music producer, Ill Wrekrd.
On Saturday, April 4th, Station 23 turned two years old and celebrated with guest djs, Dam-Funk and Jeremy Sole. Dam-Funk is a music producer under the heralded Stonesthrow record label and resident dj at Funkmosphere in Culver City. Dam-Funk showered the crowd with 45 minutes of 80s boogie funk and let the audience know of his latest forthcoming projects during the interview. Jeremy Sole of 89.9FM KCRW and resident dj at Afrofunke in Santa Monica, kept the crowd moving with his unique brand of “Musaics”, which he elaborated on during his interview. Those who were fortunate enough to be at the show from start to finish were treated to five hours of music journalism jamming.
Looking ahead, Station 23 plans to continue spreading the music and bringing more recognition to its purveyors with future guest djs, producers, and artists. Listenership and podcast subscriptions have increased threefold in the past year. Of course, success usually stems from humble beginnings and Station 23 definitely has had its fair share of peaks and valleys. They started broadcasting live on the internet in Os-B’s old 400 square foot bedroom at his parents’ home in Rialto, California. From there, they transferred to a residential loft in North Hollywood and began booking guest djs from local hot spots. After North Hollywood, they found a home in downtown Fullerton at the Plush Lounge, but then moved to the Continental Room a block away after a falling out with the Plush Lounge owner. Due to mounting personal and professional obligations, Os-B was ready to shut the show down, but DJ 671 was able to keep Station 23 afloat and continue forward.
“In the future, I hope Station 23 obtains enough recognition to where djs with a solid following are asking us to spin on the show,” says DJ 671, who handles booking and promotion. “I want us to be bigger and better, but not big enough to the point where we lose focus of our existence, which is spreading good music.”
Through its live show, Station 23 hopes to prove that good music is not defined by what commercial radio or ritzy clubs force feed its listeners. Rather, it is the element of discovery by digging up and playing rare vinyl records (past and present), as well as exploring other genres to showcase the music that everybody doesn’t hear, but should hear.
To listen to archived Station 23 podcasts, visit www.station23.podomatic.com
