First Avenue Nightclub, 701 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis
1st Ave is beyond any doubt our most iconic music venue, known around the world because of Prince and the 1984 movie Purple Rain. Without this club I would never have had the musical education and exposure that I got while growing up. I remember attending the club in 1992 on their 16+ Sunday night dance party. Now open nearly 47 years, 1st Ave has not only influenced my path but literally shaped our city and many artists’ perceptions of music and culture!
Prince – When Doves cry
Foundation, basement of the Lumber Exchange, 10S 5th St #300 (RIP 2007)
During the 90’s we had a strong underground illegal scene, but with the RAVE act passed by the US government, it became nearly impossible to find spaces as building owners were too scared to take the risk of rental. It was around that time that I decided I should start looking for a potential legal venue and ended up opening Foundation in 2005. During its short existence we hosted everyone from legends in the electronic scene to iconic hip-hop acts I grew up with in the 90’s. Artists like Jeff Mills to Afrika Bambaataa, Derrick May to Mix Master Mike, Rolando to Guru – I literally had a chance to book my favorites week in and week out!
Afrika Bambaataa – Planet Rock
Guru – Mass Appeal
Let It Be Records, 8225 Upland Circle, Chanhassen (RIP 2005)
That store was our first real record store that had a dedicated dance record room beyond the “regular” music they carried. At the time they were the first to have listening stations to actually audition records before buying them. A few stores had “dance music” but no one specialized in it. It was a meeting place for local DJ’s and promoters. A melting pot for our counter culture and the flourishing electronic music community. It’s where I bought a lot of my first records and got exposed to new music even outside of the dance culture!
Maurizio – Domina
Fast Eddie – Jack The House (Jack mix)
My apartment, home, address unknown
I love the view out of my windows. I have this unobstructed picture of downtown Minneapolis, being able to see the city in all its glory and get to watch as the day changes and the reflections on the buildings shift with the sun. And when the sun goes down it casts a shadow of light over everything during the change over of day to night. The city comes alive and glows! When I built my home studio I made sure to encase the room with windows facing out of the existing windows to keep the inspirational view.
Brian Eno – Music For Airports (Full Album)
Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe & Ariel Kalma – Miracle Mile
My ride
I love to drive! I always feel like I’m in my own bubble when in my car, soundtracking my own adventure and my own world. What’s happening inside those “4 doors” is all mine and sometimes even feels like a scene out of a movie: I could be stuck in traffic or driving late at night with no cars around. Sometimes I prefer silence, but when I don’t…
Tracks:
Anthony Rother – Sex With The Machines
Black Moon – How Many MC’s