There are only about 7 hours until February is here, and I for one could not possibly be more excited. February 07 has the makings of one of the best months ever in my life. Not only is Switch playing on my actual birthday at Smartbar, but I suspect I will be surrounded by many many many friends that night. My second favorite house producer right now, friends and drinks basically adds up to one of the best birthdays ever.

But also we've got on tap Barack Obama announcing his presidential bid on February 10. The Tim & Eric Awesome Show Great Job debuts on February 11. I've got a gig in Milwaukee on Feb 23 with Chris Grant that I am so freakin stoked about (I'll be bringing out all the big guns for that gig). Hell, the Bears are playing in the Superbowl on February 4! On top of all this, there will be some DOPE music releases that I'll cover below. For one of the few times in my life, I'm optimistic that there will be more great things to come in the next few weeks.

The one thing I am split on is the smoking ban taking effect in Champaign tonight. This past Sunday, Boltini threw a Black Party that I spun at (picture above comes from this more expansive photo set... not all are sfw) to let everyone get in one last smoke and act like freaks. On the one hand I am overjoyed that I won't come home smelling like smoke anymore thanks to this smoking ban. On the other hand, my DJing and Music Director jobs require good turnout at the bars. It is completely unknown if in the middle of a witch's tit cold winter, if smokers will come out to the bars if they can't smoke inside. It's a huge question mark that could lead to some stress this month (I always tend to stress over low turnout gigs).

But I'm going to excitedly jump into this new month, smoking ban or no smoking ban. It should be fantastic. Expect happy posts in February.

February Releases, FTW

There's this whole theory that January/February releases in the electronic world tail off because of the upcoming WMC Conference in March. February 07 makes me say hogwash to that theory.

Most importantly to me, the new Tracey Thorn single, "It's All True" will see a release across two 12" singles. Not only will the sublime Martin Buttrich remix be on there, but contrary to previous information I had, the Escort remix I posted earlier will make it onto vinyl (along with what sounds like a good Kris Menace mix and of course the original). The Escort remix has been doing great for me, so I highly recommend picking up the wax (promo copies are floating around, but it definitely will be released in February).

Also, out in February, Ben Watt will launch a new indie rock label called Strange Feeling. The first single is from the Figurines called "Silver Ponds" and features Ben's first remix in two years. You can hear that remix on Mr. Watt's myspace page. It also looks like Om FINALLY will be dropping Rithma's super fantastic "Wish I Could Be Beautiful" (head straight to the original mix for the dopeness, although Luke Solomon's remix could turn out to be the winner based on his past efforts.) Might also get the new Counterfeet release since they've already made their way into several online mixes.

And we'll absolutely get the full vinyl treatment from Freerange for their new single, "Untitled" by Black Joy. Took me dropping this a few times in my sets to really appreciate the slow simmering heat that this song brings to the table. The original 12" has a remix from Kerri Chandler that is only so-so in my book. A remix EP will feature remixes from Stefan Goldman and Solid Groove. Promo 12"s are available at Freerange's web site and in mp3 format the original and Kerri Chandler remixes are available at Beatport. Go support one of the top two house labels in the world!

Yet despite all these new tunes coming out, it is an old one that seems pretty relevant to post up. Maybe one day I'll share the full story:

Frankie Knuckles - The Whistle Song