Underground and Black

Well folks, another House in the Park/Atlanta Weekender for the history books! Sitting here now reflecting on it all, the first thought that comes to mind is WOW. It’s hit me over the years that House in the Park is not merely a celebration of House Music, its a celebration of Black culture, a celebration of family, a celebration of togetherness, a celebration of life. This year marked my 7th year in attendance, and I must say, with every passing year this festival grows and blossoms in ways I never thought possible. I don’t speak about it often, but my first attendance to House in the Park in 2010 truly solidified my passion for Dance Music. It was the first House Music event I had ever attended in Atlanta,  and without a doubt rekindled my relationship with the music I grew up loving in Detroit. I spent my first two years in Atlanta completely out of the loop musically until that grand day a friend from Detroit told me about “House In the Park…the rest is history.

Fast forward to today, and many years of being apart of the Atlanta House Music Community, I feel equally proud, humbled and inspired after this weekend. Proud because it’s safe to say that after years of hard work and dedication, Atlanta has made its mark, and is now known as a House Music destination in America. Perhaps not year around, but Labor Day weekend without question. And while every other weekend may not have as many events going on, or out-of-towners supporting our scene, best believe that EVERY weekend there is a a dance music event to choose from; whether it be Soulful, Techno, or Tribal. Humbled because this time last year I was still a bit shy of my first live DJ appearance, and now, a year later, I not only performed as a DJ at Atlanta Weekender events, I also was given the opportunity to host my event Expressions as an official Atlanta Weekender event. Having my party recognized alongside many other long running events in Atlanta like Kai’s Alce’s Distinctive, and Salah Ananse’s “LoveSexy” Prince Tribute Party, was very special to me. I feel inspired because now, more than ever, I realize the musical canvas that is Atlanta. The possibilities are endless, and I’m really excited to be apart of our ever-growing scene.

Saturday night Stefan and I hosted our bi-monthly party “Expressions” which is held at one of the most notable music venues in Atlanta, The Sound Table. Over the years The Sound Table has hosted the likes of Moodymann, Theo Parrish, Hunee, Mike Huckaby, K-HAND, and many, many, more. The night before our event was held, DJ Kemit and Josh Milan played there as well, so you could only imagine the honor I feel being able to work in the same DJ booth as so many other well-established artists that I look up to. I’m also blessed to host an event where I can take things wherever I’d like musically…I get bored easily, so am constantly acquiring new music, especially before a gig; expect to hear some hot new shit. Also, expect to hear some classic Detroit music as well; I think its safe to say that its pretty much synonymous with my sound. I played everything from Octave One- Daystar Rising, to Aaron Carl- Down, to Shari Vari by A Number of Names. After some very deep and sexy sounds from Austen Van Der Bleek, I started out my set with a new Hannah track called “July”…the vibes continued on from that point. At Expressions Stefan and I pretty much do a B2B set, with each of us playing multiple sets of about 30 minutes or so throughout the night. I really like that arrangement, because I can’t stand “2 and 2” b2b’s, I avoid those if at all possible. That being said, our styles compliment each other well, and the dance floor stayed full throughout the night. I was initially apprehensive when Salah (DJ and Atlanta Weekender organizer) approached me about potentially adding a friend of his to the bill. I mean, Expressions had always been just Stefan and I, and I didn’t see the need to change that, yet after doing a little research on Austen I was sold. He is an established DJ and promoter with his organization Open House Conspiracy, and has booked as well as played alongside the likes of Keith Worthy, King Britt, and of course, Kai Alce.

The night went well overall, and many, many friends came out. The highlight of my night without question, was incorporating vinyl into my set for the first time. I have to admit, I’ve had this fear of playing vinyl in public for a while now because I felt my skills weren’t all the way up to par. I was afraid of “train wrecking” or flat out embarrassing myself. In the past, there’s even been a couple gigs where I’ve brought vinyl with me and didn’t even up playing it because I’d get too intimidated. Every time I’d talk to Stefan about it he’d simply tell me to “stop talking about it”, and to “just do it”, and Saturday night, I finally did it. That morning I had woken up feeling incredibly inspired and started going through my records. Once I realized all the quality music I  was missing out on playing, I decided right there that I was dropping records that night, “scared” or not. I had myself a nice little selection of about 20 records I knew I could potentially play. It wasn’t until almost 2am that I finally got the courage to drop one of them, a K-HAND record to be exact, titled “Beat that Bitch with a Stick”…classy, huh? From there I recall dropping some classic Kerri Chandler, and a “Call Me” Remix by Deee-Lite. Once I started playing records I felt like I didn’t want to stop, it felt good. There’s still work to be done, but I am proud that I finally took the leap.  It was a special night…thank you to those who continue to support this event.

House In The Park in itself was, as always, equally fun and refreshing. With all the sub-genres and scenes in dance music, this is one of the very few events in Atlanta that can bring all of us together. I saw so many familiar faces whom I’ve I gotten acquainted with over the years, and while sometimes its only a quick hug, or hello, it feels good, and it means something. House In The Park is basically the family reunion of all family reunions, and is something that must be experienced to fully understand. When you enter that pavilion and the energy hits you theres no turning back…that sea of black and brown faces lost in rhythm is like nothing else you’ll ever experience. As we all sweat, dance and sing together, you realize just how powerful those moments are. If you haven’t been, I suggest you try next year. Good food, good music, cute kids, and vendors selling all the shea butters and ethnic apparel you’ll ever need!

As things winded down, the post-festival depression hit me hard as I geared back up for work after the holiday weekend festivities.  All the fun and gigs were behind me, and my 9-5 was patiently waiting to eat away at my soul. Sometimes I feel selfish because I know I should be content with the way things are going for me musically, yet at the same time theres still so much more work to be done. There’s also still so much I’d like to do and accomplish. Its crazy to go from a check-list of gigs, to the day when all the gigs are behind you and you find yourself back at square one…the hustle never ends. In response to this, all I can do is continue to practice, plan, and execute. I’ve gotten some great press, which of course, has increased my visibility, and I’m glad that people are truly starting to know who I am. Not simply the girl from Detroit who lives in Atlanta, and is “on the scene”, but as Ash Lauryn, a respected DJ, writer, and event promoter. I’ve mentioned this before, but my goals with dance music are not merely for fun; this is a personal mission, a passion, and a calling. At this point in my life this is the only thing I can picture myself doing.

I’m proud of the recent success with my “Black Girls Like Techno Too” mix for Honey Sound System, and it felt surreal to be selected alongside people like DJ Bone (a long time hero of time) for the best DJ Mixes of August by Pitchfork. As I idly scrolled thru Twitter I saw the article and couldn’t contain the goofy smile on my face. “Mamma, I made it!”… Not quite, but ya girl is on her way, I tell you that. In addition to some TBA  traveling gigs, I’ve been in contact with a few booking agents who may potentially want work with me, so I’m hoping that comes into fruition. It’s honestly just a matter of time, and I’m gonna keep pushing. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart to those that keep me inspired. I vow to stay humbled, hard working, and diligent with this journey.

Talk Soon.

-ASH ❤

Back in Atlanta, and finally finished with US “mini-tour”, as myself and a couple friends have called it. (lol.) Let me first and foremost say, I commend all of you full-time traveling DJ’s, because the car, bus, plane, train life can be pretty exhausting. Without question, traveling is exciting, but I won’t lie, I’m pretty glad that I don’t deal with an airport this weekend. That being said, New York was amazing, and of course, the highlight of my weekend was my set at Bossa Nova Civic Club at UmFang’s Technofeminism party.

I arrived into New York bright and early Friday morning, and bus/trained over to my God Sister’s crib in Bedstuy, where I was staying for the weekend. It was my first time in Bedstuy, and I immediately fell in love; the multiple African braiding shops, the guys on the stoops and corners chopping it up with one another, the old folks chillin outside observing and giving the “black nod of acknowledgment to those that pass by. Hell, I even got a kick out the guy who attempted to hustle me into buying some baby clothes for my so-called “baby girl” (whom clearly doesn’t exist.) LMAO. In all honesty, prior to this past weekend, the only thing I really knew about Bedstuy was that Biggie Smalls was from there, and that it was currently going thru the inevitable and unfortunate gentrification process that we’re seeing so much of today.

I’m not sure what Bedstuy used to be (pre-gentrification), but the section I was staying in was predominately Black, and (imo) still had an energy that felt authentic. I got the opportunity to support a local Black owned business called Bee’s and Coco’s which had food to DIE for. The place had modern decor, yet still felt very “mom-and-pop”, (especially by the quality of the food.) The staff was young and friendly, and I’m not sure if it was the head chef or the owner, but there was a lady working there that was extremely personable and accommodating. She even gave us free mimosa’s while we waited on our carry out. Yes, please! While I’m positive Bedstuy, as well as many other Black neighborhoods in America are seeing changes…some for the good, and some for the bad, there are still those random streets, blocks, businesses, or experiences that can give you a true sense of the spirit of that particular neighborhood. I sensed the sprit of Bedstuy as I aimlessly walked down Howard Street taking in the sights and sounds. I sensed the spirit of Bedstuy as I observed the stunning brownstones on Decatur Street. I sensed the spirit of Bedstuy as I walked down Malcolm X Blvd. and stumbled into an African shop to get my hair braided. I sensed the spirit of Bedstuy as I walked past the Bedstuy Community Garden where some elder Black folks gave me some of the warmest and most welcoming smiles. I even sensed the spirit of Bedstuy when my God Sisters neighbor blasted classic old school music from his motorcycle outside of her window for what seemed to be 2 hours. HA! But in all seriousness, it is ESSENTIAL that the spirit of these predominately Black neighborhoods is preserved, it is what truly makes them what they are. I can only hope that the next time I return to Bedstuy, whats left of that spirit remains.

While there were a few different highlights to this trip, the main one, as I mentioned before, was my set at Bossa. Although the night somewhat feels like a bit of a blur, there’s no denying or blurring of how amazing I felt and played that night. From the first track I dropped I legit felt like I was on a soaring on a spaceship. I wore heels that night, so the platform under the DJ booth for short people (who can’t reach the decks…lol) actually made me too tall, yet I was still not tall enough with my heels on to not use it…I said fuck it; still used the platform, took my damn shoes off. Yes I DJ’d barefoot at Bossa for 3 hours, which included an emergency bathroom break where I ran off the decks, through the crowd, into one of the single bathrooms where a guy (who unfortunately didn’t lock the door) was peeing. “I’m the DJ, I gotta pee, hurry up, I yelled!!!” HAHAHA. The guy looked equally shocked and entertained by all of this, it was classic. Olive T. was in the building, Kfeelz was in the building, SHYBOI was in the building, my boy Pablo Louis was in the building! It felt good to have some of the NYC Black Techno crew there to support me. My girl Jen from ATL was also there, as well as a few other familiar faces, the night felt like family. I was, and still am, on a high. Thank you to Emma, Frankie, and Christine of Discwoman for being so friendly, awesome and professional. These ladies are cool af, and have been willing to assist in getting a few things in line for me, which they really don’t have to do. I admire them, and it feels good to get love from the female community.

I got the chance to hang in the city before & after my gig, and I had fun, although parties in NYC are sometimes quite expensive. A place that really resonated with me was The Lot Radio. It was my first time there, and I really had no idea of how dope such a simple place could be. Its literally a radio station and coffee shop built inside a shipping container (with a very spacious outdoor sitting area) broadcasting from middle of Brooklyn. I’m not sure who runs the place, but I want to commend you on putting together something so simple, yet so complex, that brings people together in the name of music. Radio is something that I’ve been interested/involved in, so it was fun to be apart of that. I’m not sure why I was so nervous before my set there, but it can be a bit intimidating knowing that your entire DJ set is being filmed live, while people tune in and chat/message you in the studio in real time. I opened up after a couple glasses of wine (per the usual), and it ended up being great. A couple friends stopped by also, which made the gathering even more cute. After Lot Radio Jen, her friend, myself, and Turtle all went out for food. As we’re walking down some random street in Brooklyn we run into some locals that Turtle knows…he introduces me and tells them I’m playing at Bossa later that night. The guy responds “Oh yeah, Ash Lauryn, I was actually listening to some of your mixes earlier today”. I smiled and played it off cool, yet in my mind felt cool af… like damn, this cool person in NYC knows who TF I am?! I also ran into Galcher Lustwerk at The Level Party at the Knockdown Center, who also mentioned that he had just read the blog, really enjoyed it, and related to some it. This type of shit is crazy to me because I guess I didn’t expect so many people to read, or even care for that matter. I know that humans can be fickle, fake, and disinterested, so I’m always equally surprised and shocked when people reach out to me about my mixes or blog.

My goal through all of this is to keep getting better while remaining as humble as possible. I know I haven’t done anything remotely close to what I want to achieve in the end, yet everyday I feel as though I’m one step closer….that simple fact keeps me inspired. NYC was great, and surprisingly made me appreciate my local music scene here in Atlanta as well. Atlanta’s scene may not be quite as large or “trendy”, but it’s intimate, quality, and colorful, which is important to me. That was actually the exact vibe I got from Bossa on Friday, and honestly can’t wait for the opportunity to go back.

This weekend will be my first local gig in about a month, and I’m really looking forward it. Crazy to think that it’s still a bit shy of a year since my first public DJ gig. A lot has happened, and a lot is happening. As I’ve said before, THANK YOU for being apart of this journey with me. Thank you for caring. Thank you for listening. I’m still working as my own agent rn, (which hasn’t been too bad), so I’m hoping to get some more out-of-town gigs lined up in the near future. So yeah, in closing, shout out to all my NYC people, you know who you are. Special shout out goes to the homie Turtle for kicking it this weekend and having those long ass musical/political conversations with me….much appreciated.

Until Next Time……

-ASH ❤

Leaving Detroit feeling equally inspired, accomplished and frustrated. I initially planned on chronicling my weekend experiences at the festival, as well as the parties, (and I still plan it, kinda) yet have decided to focus this post on the successes and struggles I faced this past weekend being a DJ for the first time in my hometown Detroit. Coming into this I was beyond excited, I mean, it was going to be my first time really DJing in Detroit. As expected, the highlights for me were playing the Discwoman party, as well as the Day/Night Party with Omar S. and DJ Stingray…these were magical moments that I will cherish forever. Yes, I was nervous, yes, I survived, and yes, I was happy with both of my sets. It felt good to make people dance, and I had lots of people approach me with kind words after my sets.

First and foremost, I want to say thank you. I want to say thank you to every single person who gave me words of encouragement this weekend. I want to say thank you to those who came to support my sets. I want to say thank you to everyone who said they’ve listened to my mixes and enjoyed them. I want to say thank you to everyone who said they’ve read my blog. I want to say thank you to everyone who believed in me enough to book me. I want to say thank you to everyone who said they like what I’m doing and want to see more. I even want to to say thank you to the non-believers because you inspire me the most at times.

I know I’m new to this shit, and I realize that there’s people out there who don’t think I deserve success, people who think I’m not good enough, people who think I haven’t worked hard enough, people who think I haven’t been doing it long enough, etc. They may not say it to my face but I can feel it, and their lack of words and acknowledgment say it all. Men in the industry claim they want to see more female representation, but I’m starting to feel like thats all bullshit. Everything was all well and fine when I was simply the “techno cheerleader”; the girl in the front row of every show screaming and cheering for you, but now that I’m out here doing more than just being the cute black girl at the party folks acting uncomfortable. How dare a new DJ and Black woman play cooler parties than them and get legitimate praise…right?

DJ Stingray recently asked the question of is Black women’s current successes due to “nature or nurture”, in response to a FB post of mine and I never got the chance to respond. When I ran into him at El Club before my set we sat down to chat and he asked me again, …”nature or nurture”? I told him I couldn’t  speak for all of us, but in terms of myself, I can attribute my successes to both nature and nurture. Nature because by nature I know good music, by nature I’m intelligent, by nature I’m capable to achieving anything I put my mind to, by nature I’m strong, by nature I’m from Detroit, by nature because I come from a history and family of successful black people. I can also attribute nurture, because yes, I admit, without my relationships and connections in the industry I most definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. That being said, nature definitely outweighs nurture, so don’t get it twisted, anything I’ve ever achieved in life is because I was more than capable.

All I ask is that you give people a chance, give me a chance. Don’t write off what I’m doing if you haven’t even taken the time to listen to one of my sets or mixes, or gotten to know my history in this music; my meaning, my purpose. This shit is so much bigger to me than “being a DJ” . This is a movement and I need people to realize that and start taking it seriously.  I’m not out here to get attention or to be cute… I’m here to represent my culture on a scene thats seeing less and less of us. I’m here to keep black faces relevant in dance music, I’m here to prove to other women that we can play with best of male DJ’s. How many other young black women you see perform this weekend? I’ll wait……………Oh, and men, please stop standing behind me or close to the booth when I first hit the decks thinking I’m gonna need your help with something. I know what I’m doing…step aside.

If I didn’t know what I was doing I wouldn’t be doing it, if I didn’t deserve the gigs I got I wouldn’t have gotten them, and if I sucked the people who booked me wouldn’t have done so, so stop being ignorant and realize that I’m out here, and that I’m not going anywhere, and I don’t care how many men that makes feel uncomfortable in the process. I got enough people on my team to know theres no way I can’t or won’t succeed. Shout out to Delano Smith, Keith Worthy, Raybone Jones, Patrice Scott, Dwayne Jensen, Scott Ashley, Bruce Bailey, Rick Wilhite, and the many other people who reached out to me over the weekend with words of belief and encouragement, it means a lot, and truly keeps me going. Also, thank you to Frankie, Joey, and Bruce for making things happen for me this weekend, I am humbled and grateful that you saw through the stereotypes and saw me for me, and what I do.

I felt really comfortable at the Discwoman party, and really loved that people danced my entire set. Something about being apart of an event put on by such strong and inspirational women really put me in a great mind frame. When I walked into that dark ass room upstairs I knew it was time to drop the Techno…deep house wan’t about to fly in that mf! Oh, and RIP Grenadier Club….(again). El Club on the other hand….I was nervous as hell when I walked into that packed ass room and saw Omar S. killing it! I literally had to go in the bathroom and give myself a pep talk in the mirror because ya girl was about faint. That being said, Omar S. is a real ass dude, and I had met him a few times that weekend prior to my set to get aquatinted and he really made me feel comfortable…I mean, we hype up these DJ’s up so much, but at the end of the day, they’re humans just like you and me. It was actually cool to see him fuck up a couple times and look at me and laugh….we’re all human people, and no DJ in the world has a perfect set/mix every single time…thats the beauty of this shit. Nonetheless he killed it, and chopped it up with me a bit before I went on…super classy/playa type dude…make me miss being home, Detroit men really are a species of their own….LOL.

Fast forward to today, I’m back in Atlanta feeling accomplished yet artistically frustrated. Where does one go from here? I have zero gigs lined up, I can’t get an email back from the venue owner, and I’m back to my 9-5 tomorrow. This is real life shit. The post Detroit depression is real and I’m really just trying figure things out. I wanna keep throwing parties, I wanna keep DJing, and I really want to start focusing on playing records, yet sometimes I still feel like why am doing this? I mean, I know why, but sometimes I feel like I wanna give up. Its not easy having to constantly prove yourself, its not easy trying to get people to understand and appreciate your art, its not easy to come so far but have so long to go.  In the end I know I’ll be alright, this is pretty much the type of shit you run into when your trying to achieve success. I’m just gonna keep working on my craft and I hope that you continue to pay attention. I’m also going to keep being vocal about black representation in dance music because as I mentioned before I (we) aren’t going anywhere…

Oh, and wisdom to the wise, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there…I don’t have an agent, I personally reach out to promoters to let them know I’m going to be in town and available. The worst they could do is say no, and the best they could do it say yes, and there you are playing some of the dopest parties of the entire weekend in Detroit! #epic

P.S.

Yes I got paid for ALL my gigs in Detroit since people acting like they wanna know or whateva. I don’t care how new you are to the game, that free shit is for the birds. Get paid for the services you provide!

Best Moments:

Meeting Kerri Chandler outside my hotel and him telling me “he swear he knew me from somewhere”.

My friend racing Omar S. in his corvette on Davison after the Theo Parrish party.

My parents coming to my set at Mix.

Stingray giving me a pep talk before my set.

Playing an all Techno Set at Discwoman

The numerous Uber drivers who all were playing House and spitting game on Detroit history.

Leaving Texture party at Marble Bar at 11am.

My friends staying at EL Club for 6+ hours to catch my set

Kids from London running up to me after my set telling me my set was so good made them cry. ❤

Kai’s BBQ and his Mom’s food.

Best Party:

Music Gallery w/Theo Parrish- The DJ booth was literally a 10 foot wall all around so you couldn’t see the DJ, it was all about the music, the people, the dancing…there had to have been at least 200 people there when it got shut down. Was epic while it lasted……

The festival:

Was bored most of the time, overhead a chick in the bathroom say “the only people I know on the line-up are Juicy Jay, and Deadmua5 …….Yeah, prolly won’t be doing the festival next year…way to many dope parties out there now anyways.

Best Club:

EL Club hands down, lovely music venue with awesome decor, patio, sound, and lighting…really hope I can play there again!

Excuse this sporadic post, but this is how it all came out. I thank you again for reading, and I hope you continue to follow my journey in this thing called music.

-ASH ❤

So Friday night was Expressions, and as expected, it was a pretty great turn out. For those who don’t know, Expressions is a party featuring myself and Stefan pretty much playing our favourite music all night. Stefan opened up with some funky shit, I went on at 12, then we pretty much went back to back from there on out and I had the luxury of being able to close out the night with one my favourite Aakmael tracks. Being that I’m still pretty new to the DJ world, most parties I’m booked for have me scheduled as the opener, and everyones always telling me how great and how big of a responsibility it is because your “setting the tone of the night”, but I’m honestly still more of a get ahold of the crowd once the momentum is built so I can really get down type of gal. Which is one of the great things about being able to host my own events, I have complete control creatively; essentially, I can play what I want, when I want.