What Blundstones have you picked to wear today and why did you choose this pair?
I chose the Blundstone Dress Chelsea because you can never go wrong with the Chelsea boot. Classic and a timeless silhouette that can go with almost everything. I’m a big fan of the colour brown for footwear because of the versatility and I especially dig the stitching detail on the boot.
What are a few of your essential pieces of clothing for winter in Edmonton?
Wool socks, boots, and a big scarf!
It starts with comfort! I’m always on the go between the 3 businesses so I want to be comfortable but with style. I never leave the house without my sunglasses and now that it’s the Winter season my favourite thing to wear is my long Kapital wool scarf from Japan.
How did you start DJing? Who or what influenced you growing up and what keeps you inspired these days?
My influence stems from my childhood growing up in a Caribbean household, it was pure culture! We had a DJ booth in the basement with shelves of Funk, Soul, Disco, and Reggae records. My parents hosted many house parties filled with friends gathering over Jamaican rum, food, music, and dancing. I was taking in all this culture like a sponge. Then the 90’s hit and I started messing around in the DJ booth playing my dad’s records when he wasn’t home. As the years progressed I started to collect my own records starting with Hip Hop and I would make mixtapes for my classmates. It was the Summer of 96’ when I got introduced to Deep House hearing Mark Farina at this loft party in Vancouver. From then on I was instantly hooked and wanted to play that sound. In the last 2 decades of playing House music I’ve had the grateful opportunity to play alongside many of my influences such as Frankie Knuckles, Louie Vega, Mark Farina, DJ Sneak, Osunlade, Felix Da Housecat, Roy Davis Jr, Diz, DJ Heather, and many more who continue to inspire me. Each day I’m getting inspiration from music on Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Mixcloud, or simply putting on an old record on the turntable. Music is a healing power especially during these times.
How has the restaurant scene shifted since March, and how has Lock Stock Coffee, (Chameleon) The Bower, and Red Star embraced these changes?
As we all know the bar and restaurant scene has taken a major hit culturally and financially. We’ve had to adapt to the current environment and reopen with extra safe spaces while maintaining the culture and soul of the businesses. Limited seating and capacity, plexiglass barriers, and mandatory masks. With all the new safety measures in place our staff create such a soulful and enjoyable experience for all our guests. Truly they’re the backbone of our businesses.
As a long time contributor to arts and culture in Edmonton, can you name a few new musicians, artists or businesses you are excited about in the city?
For music, Joses who recently put out his first House and Nu Disco release off Edmonton's Kiko Records. The I'll Call You Tomorrow crew have been keeping the art & street culture scene vibrant by hosting events focusing on music, art, and limited edition merchandise. For new restaurants our good friend Jesse Gado who used to manage Lock Stock Coffee just recently opened up Rosewood Foods with his wife Angela, which is a breakfast / lunch spot in the Downtown core. The Chicken Katsu Sandwich is one of my favourite sandwiches in the city.
Can you tell us about any new projects you have for the coming year?
