The conventional wisdom is that in most cases the choice of a link function is largely a matter of taste. This blog is a link function.

It was “the party here, at home”. I mentioned it earlier, did not go on the last 3 parties [various problems]. But we went this time. A crucial time. A crucial time for not a review, short stories and videos.

Location: far far away. On the top of the hill. Excellent view. Harsh conditions to get there. 2 tents. Obviously against the rain. Otherwise, two ugly and useless tent [as one of the party-mapper colleague said]. Uneven terrain [as the other party-mapper said] that makes you tired. But come on, it’s an open air party. Oh, and really cold. Where to sit?

Music: Loud, but loud enough just for the tents and close areas. Not really clear, but come on: open air party. Maresh + Techno/Minimal Tech = very very good. Good to here Len Faki’s hit [death by house]. Overall, very good music with few minimal beats. Very few. Afterwards: tech house, progressive, house. Not for me/us. Really not into this style, so it killed the party for me. Just personal taste issues. But 80% of the people left somewhere around 5 AM. I thought it would last longer. Cold, tired. And if I am mean: tech house.

Long way home: very good.

Prices: lower than Cluj – but still. I think decent. Maybe the beer was too expensive. But I don’t drink beer.

Mixed feelings – why?

1. Too much “reflections”.
2. We had one of the best times in the city before the party. It was a pleasure to be there and a though decision to leave that party. I heard that everything went well there as well. That part of the evening was even better – with all the “highway pinches” and “horse riding”. Igen igen, nagyon jo volt!
3. 2,5 hours of good techno. Very OK people.
4. Not Midi [congratulations for the new flashy-clubby site!!!], but a happening.
5. I was a bit tired, so had coffee, energy drink and coke as well. Could not sleep.

Overall: Recommend if you like this type of music. So far, the best experience in Oradea – something like the bar “Pussy” was.

Don’t forget the previous post with the [trippin]:[the_cave] video and the mixes to download.

Download the mixes – click on the name:

1. tech_x_28082008_3_zoller.zip [Dump.ro]

2. tech_x_29082008_4_zoller.zip [Mediafire.com]

And the videos from the Releu Session – good sound, a bit dark:

Zee.

After a long period of processing, the series of post-vacation posts begins. All of them has a bit of explanation [to whom, I don't know], why so late. Other projects will be launched next week, all of them serving as explanation for the low online activity.

Contents:

1. [trippin]:[the_cave]: Greece Video with selected music.
2. Extracurricular mixes. Two self-made attempts available for download.

1. [trippin]:[the_cave]

10 min video, re-worked with Sony Vegas Pro 8.0 and added a personal touch with the music. It was excellent – Mani Cave – highly recommended. And freaky as well, sitting in a boat and the driver telling you that the water is 90M deep.

Tracklist: Laurent Garnier – Greed (Avril Radio Mix), Audiofly – Below the Surface, Jamie Jones – The Capsule, Dan Ghenacia – Garden, Ruede Hagelstein – Der Kammblaser, Gabriel Ananda – Lamakova [out].

2. Extracurricular mixes

This part is full with disclaimers and 2 hours of electronic music. Just start the download and read the disclaimer. That will be fine.

Download the mixes – click on the name:

1. tech_x_28082008_3_zoller.zip [Dump.ro]

2. tech_x_29082008_4_zoller.zip [Mediafire.com]

Disclaimer:

1. I’m not a wannabe DJ, there are people with talent, skills, technology and time. They should do this. I was just curios to see how would a mix look like.
2. I have a poor laptop with poor sound card [on board], no midi-tap, no nothing. So, sometimes the quality could be better.
3. These are done by curiosity and trial and error. Just trial, I hope. No tech support, reading, or anything, so please be gentle when commenting.
4. One year, better equipment, 100 ebooks and a lots of time would make these mixes much much better.
5. The problem: it’s not a priority, i do not have time. But…
6. Both mixes follow a “party-logic”, not a “listen it at home” logic. At least, this is how I see the party dynamics.
7. Alternative mixes, featuring tracks that I like from a different perception.
8. Both have 2-3 minor errors, sorry.
9. ANY FEEDBACK IS MORE THAN WELCOMED – in comments, mail, messenger. It would be nice and healthy!
10. Zipped files, with tracklists. Nota bene: considering this “Youtube treasure hunt” [please please, what is the name of the track played at ...] I’ve “forgot” one track from both mixes. You find the track, and you are right=you are good.
11. Ahh, it’s mostly TECHNO.
12. ENJOY!

Zee.

I don’t really remember what the hell did I do last year, somewhere in August or June, but I woke up early (5 a.m.). And I heard good music. A thought it was a private party.

This evening, I heard good music again. I’m home in Oradea – living on the hills. Beverly my ass. But hill. Yeap, somewhere around the “Releu”. And I heard good music again. My father asked me where what is, coz the sound reminds him of that torture that my favorite tracks did to him on an 80km ride – other story, later on.

Yes, it was. Techno, minimal, minimal tech, some deep house. And I went out for a smoke around 1 a.m. and they were playing Andre Galluzzi & Guido Schneider – Albertino. Yeap, the anthem ;) Excellent and classic! And in a good mix. Did not know the song that came after it. So yeap, mix! Effects, not Winamp. Ohh, was beautiful to smoke on a terrace and hear Albertino. And then did a brief search, coz I don’t know people in Oradea – I mean those who would throw a party like this. And guess what? Searched for the [a:rpia:r] Oradea gig, found some forums and in 2 minutes I found that this was an official and open party. Check it out here!

Fuck my not knowing. Hope it will be another one. Soon! I’ll go know for another smoke, maybe I’ll catch a bit of Carola!

UPDATE: No, no Carola. They played Sis – Orgsa! Oh, snap! O, a kurva eletbe mar, hogy ilyen keson ebredek fel!

Zee.

Showing the new clothes became a trend, but here this is just a message: add the picture to the video. Those who know me, what will happen. Moreover, we have too many things to celebrate, don’t we Nori and Cipri? Congrats to both!

[a:rpia:r]@Club Midi, Closing Party – 17th June, 2008

In October, it was our first party at Club Midi. This will be the last one. I said this before the Scarlett gig, but common, nobody believed me. Here is the “raestsel”. NOT.

+

Those who play Gabriel Ananda [and it is on THE ALBUM] don’t have to do anything else!

Zee.

Disclaimer: Yet again, not a review.

Probably our last party in Club Midi. No, no. No opinion change, but we are leaving Cluj-Napoca. Last night we had Sis and Nick Curly in Club Midi – it was a Cecille Night. We arrived early, the club was almost empty. Arrived early to pick up the invitation won on Clujlife. Just after 2 cigarettes, Cecille Records arrived. Put the stuff down and grab a drink. But not just Sis and Nick curly came. 3 other people, let’s just name them “the crew”. Found one of the guys on the net, V for Volkan. Experimental music, I think he is Cecille as well.

So, they just chilled. Sis almost fell asleep. Set started at 2 AM. Warm-up: Mihigh. For the first time I observed the good warm-ups at the Dario Zenker party. From there on, the warm-up sets are getting even better: congratulations.

They started at 2 AM sharp – German precision, huhh?. Sis set, Nick Curly set and a back 2 back set for the end. On the Sis page you can find “house, techno, folk”. It was folky indeed. This is not a bad thing, very danceable-superparty-clap set that created a nice setting. A bit too dancy for my taste, but we danced. Folky. Not a too long set, but even better came afterward. Nick Curly had a much more aggressive, harsh and deep set, but maintained the dance possibilities. He was the more serious guy, using VINYL, which we love and respect. The crew was up, party party. They really seemed to enjoy it.

Then came the back 2 back. They mixed together, “interesting” changes, but they did great work. They seemed to enjoy it. In a moment we said that they are fucking with us. Why? Coz they mixed this: Mory Kante – Yeke Yeke. Came out good. This is folk, huh?

The music was a bit simple (not negative), party-oriented. Nick Curly convinced me much more, but Sis was the partyface. Tried (sealed the deal?) to hook up with a girl, danced in the crowd, did the indian thing, sunglasses, pictures etc etc. Nick Curly convinced me much more.

Negative part: the crew was on treasure hunt (the only thing that interested them was where is the treasure), they thought we know shit about their music (the crew thought this – Holly Bolly, Orgsa…Wow, you know these songs). A short dialogue in the WC:

- Is this for the hand or for to piss in?

- For the hand and head.

- Ok, ok. I’m first time here.

- Yeah, coz you are Sis.

- Yeah.

A very good party, but not the best. Maybe the problem was with us. Something just did not click there. But thinking about it: it clicked, because we danced for 4 hours. Dawn caught us, so had the great walk home. Thanks!

Pictures and videos below:

Before the party – Sis and Nick. Same shit in the moves.

Geek (Sis).

My father would love the hair!

Now see? That is better.

The Crew – The man with the questions. OK?

Nicko can be geek as well.

Loose precision.

Attention.

Back2Back. For real!

No, it’s mine! Noooo, it’s mine!

And the videos (decent quality, people!):

Sis: INTRO.

Sis: In the Mix.

Sis: We love the classics, bolly?

Nick Curly: In the Mix.

Back2Back: DP.

Back2Back: Playing Sis-Orgsa.

Further pictures and videos on: ClujLife.

Zee.

• Finished my last exam in the MA track. I don’t really know what to feel: the worst nightmare ended or the worst decision of my life has finally reached its acme?! Still have to write the dissertation though. Most of the reading part is done.
• How do you work in the 21st century? Log off all your chat programs. Use only Gmail Notifier, otherwise you are fucked! So, I’m switching to mail!
• Corrected 183 exam papers. Nothing unexpected! I hate those people, who have 2 pages of course materials, they’ve learnt it and reproduce it in the exam, although it has nothing to do with the exam subjects. This reminds me of a quote from Cow and Chicken: “Isn’t that cute? But it’s WRONG!”
• Most probably: weekend party@Club Midi. If underground house means London, techno and minimal techno means Germany. So, Nick Curly (Mannheim) and SIS (Hessen) – Cecille Records – are coming for a gig. Looking forward! Check out the Orgsa title on SIS page. Widely played and loved. Here is a teaser!

UPDATE: here you have a little compilation. Had to do this to avoid the bad sound quality.

Disclaimer: Yet again – not a review.

Scarlett Etienne@Club Midi – the return

We arrived a bit early and the club was basically empty. Early meaning midnight. Tried to figure it out what parallel party could be, but we had no idea. The visuals were good (of course, after the Finlandia promotion part) – happy to see the Pokemons on the wall.

Warm-up: unfortunately I do not know the names, but it was a very good set. Initially I thought that the guy with the white T-shirt (and the girl on it) is some kind of a promoter or owner or manager or something, but he went on the decks yesterday. Catchy set, a bit too long, because they were waiting for the people. Scarlett tech-check, red Apple finds it’s connections – by the way, Norbert you were right!

People: the number is increasing, but still only half of the room is full (or even less). We couldn’t care less, because this means air, less smoke and more room for us. The majority came for the music (the traditional 25 percent of outsiders dropped to 8 percent), and this was a good sign. So, we were happy because of the reduced number of participants, but yet again: what is the DJ’s perception on this? Does it change your set when there are less people? Does it demoralize?

Scarlett Etienne: started a bit late (after 2 AM), no fancy intros (like Mr Lawler) just kickin’. We liked the set and sometimes we had this strange feeling: better than Sven was. What did you say? Yes yes. Exactly when? When she put on Gel Abril – Your face is a Mess – i think it was the Mark Broom Remix. Omulpefaza, hallod ezt? At 5 AM i was a bit tired, but I got convinced to stay (Pappa came exactly after this intermezzo). And it was the best decision. Really hard last part with even less people, but they knew what to do with the music.  Maybe Innersphere aka Shinedoe – Phunk… Am I right? Opened the club door and the sun was shining. Got home at 7 AM.

What else happened? After a bit of hesitating, a picture. Thanks for pushing me, and thanks for the picture. Ahh, I almost forgot. The last two parties were blind-shooting, the digital display on the camera is fucked. But it did great! Sorry for the inconvenience with the “shooting”.

Overall: no drinking, no more thoughts about which was the best party. Really enjoyed it. It was a retirement party, maybe the last one here in Cluj and in Midi. Well done! For everybody.

You can find below a small selection of pictures (following the pattern) – videos later, in the update:

Well: THANK YOU!

Told ya: Everything starts with the T-shirts.

Chicks on T-shirts.

Side.

Technician.

Oh snap!

Oh, my face is a mess. Self-irony.

UPDATE: Some pictures and good quality videos on clujlife.com [here].

UPDATE 2: one video here as well – need few days for the others:

Warm-up, part one!

Zee.

24 May, 2008: Scarlett Etienne@Club Midi, Cluj-Napoca (UK EXCESSION)

I wrote about the last “meeting” here, but here is a teaser for those who missed it:

Sorry for the quality, but watch the boys in the background

What else can you do? Listen to these:

• Audiofly & Scarlett Etienne – Kambucca
• Gabriel and Dresden feat. Scarlett Etienne – Eleven (Extended Mix)
• Audiofly & Scarlett Etienne – Loose Lips Sync Ships
• Audiofly & Scarlett Etienne – Earsex (Original Mix)

Zee.

“Veni, vidi, vici!”

General:

Excellent party!

People=OK (most of them in interesting T-Shirts). Old friends=Ferenc, Dr. Nandor.

DJ Competition: pretty unfair for the first DJ, because the tent was almost empty. It must be hard to take part in a competition when you know that you are a warm-up. But good sets, unfortunately a rush, not a blast. 30 min sets, so the mixes weren’t that fine. Patience, patience.

Chris Tietjen. Where, where, where?

I know the reason for the Slims cigarettes: you can tread out them in high heels.

Sven Vath: sober (champagne, mineral water, beer, vodka- see the pic), a few smokes. Slower start, but excellent set. 4 tracks guessed. No pictures, please! Same movement, same party as on the other Youtube videos: Superman, Vinyl, t-shirtonthehead, hair stroke. Ironic, but alive. As Mr Tong said, the Don. Still the Don.

Unfortunately, very bad lighting. Being in a tent, we met a regular phenomena: the sweat is dropping on you from the ceiling.

BUT: Nothing mattered. Excellent time. My legs still hurt. Brilliant. EXCELLENT ALTER EGO – WHY NOT? mix.

Some pictures:

Everything starts with a nice T-shirt.

The Doctor.

Come on.

See?

Me like it a lot.

Nuke!

How sweet-1992.

No way…

Hello, hello!

Some videos (you can find them here – YouTube, zollertadores)

The Amazing – Quest-ce que vous voulez (haha!)

UPDATE: Other pictures and videos – [Radu Neag], [clujlife.com]

Zee.

The nicely announced Sven Vath live gig seems to have serious organizing problems. There is no promotion, no posters, nothing. Google sends visitors on this blog, because I’ve published something about this event.

17 May, 2008 – Sven Vath@Cluj-Napoca.

Location: Most of the online information tells us that the event will be in some Heineken/Krystal Tent in the Polus Center Mall Parking. Rumor has it that there will be something in the Obsession Club, but I don’t know nothing about that. Rumor somehow confirmed: after the gig in the Heineken Tent he may play in the Obsession (another 20 RON, unofficial information). I don’t really know where the real party will be.

Tickets: 20 RON (till 17 May) and 30 RON at the event. You can make reservations, but it’s hard. We could not get an answer. And what reservations? Tickets at the Obsession Club, but watch out, just before 16 PM.

Entrance: 21h.

Warm-up: Chris Tietjen – he is good, man!

So, the organizing part sucks bigtime. I hope this is just a problem, not a sign. Some local publications state that there will be a back2back with the Heineken Music Thirst DJ competition winner, some publications tell us that this will be a launch of the Eight Season Album. SO, WTF?!

All due respect to the contest, I’m interested in something else.

Here is a selection of what am I interested in (considered: Songs of the Eight Season, Youtube videos and gigs, interviews – no special order):

1. Pepe Bradock – Rhapsody in Pain [on tube]
2. Tolga Fidan – Tanbulistan
3. Alter Ego -Why not? [on tube]
4. The Amazing – Quest-ce vous voulez [on tube] or [on tube 2]
5. Supermayer – Two of Us (extended album version) [on tube]
6. Italoboyz – Viktor Casanova (original mix) [on tube]
7. Steve Rachmad -  Moog On Acid [on tube(5th song)]
   
8. Solid Groove – This is sick [on tube]
9. Dj Ronaldo a.k.a The Aztec Mystic – Jaguar/Knights of the Jaguar (original mix/Lawrence Bureden radio edit) [on tube]
10. Lucio Aquilina – Magic M [on tube]
11. Extrawelt – Titelheld [on tube]
12. Auidon – Mouth to Mouth [on tube]
13. Would be nice for the sake of the place: Petre Inspirescu a.k.a Pedro – Racakadoom
14. And some dave clarke, argy, john spring, wassermann blablabla…
    

P.S: The reservation number beeps back. Nice! I don’t want to curse now!

Zee: annoyed as hell!