Philadelphia Local Music Scene Kicks with Local and National DJ Talent

The term "disc jockey" originally described radio announcers who would introduce and play popular records to anxious teens at sock-hops. (Yes pumpkin, before MP3s, there were things called reh-cords...) Those old vinyl records, also called discs by those in the know, were jockeyed by the any putz that could get behind a microphone. DJs picked things up, played them, and made a few "gee whizzes" and "wasn't that swell" comments, and moved along to the next tune. Thankfully, these days' things are much

different. DJs are measured by number of factors; including the type music, the listening audience, the venue, the medium, sound manipulation, and most importantly - the message. DJs are now artists, and their work can be as valuable and appreciated as Van Gogh.

The local dance scene in Philadelphia has stayed healthy, thanks to fresh college kids, smaller more intimate venues, and a strong pool of local talent. For your consideration, we have featured some local Philadelphia spinners who will be banging us all around the dance-floor in the next year.

DJ JUST JESS

MANY MUSICIANS can boast about having music in their blood, but soft-spoken and amiable DJ Just Jess has genetic evidence. Along with having played drums and piano for over a decade, she is a 2nd generation DJ. Her father, a house DJ in the 90's, also played with legendary acts like the Temptations, Spinners, and Blue Notes. Inheriting the family gene for funk, Just Jess takes it a step further with diversions into darker industrial tunes that are driving Philly crowds wild.

Premiering at a Tsunami Relief party over 2 years ago, she has steadily built up a name for herself in Philadelphia. The fashionable FABRIC party, Hipsters Vs. Homos (rumor has it the homo's usually win...), and LOADED at FLUID have all featured Jess's sexy melodies.

'Fluid has a sweet vibe, a great system," she says. "I love playing there, and Tavern On Camac. Both are small intimate spaces with cool crowds."

The vinyl purist loves to spin dirty and sexy beats to mixed crowds of guys and gals, hipsters and homos, and the fashionable and freaky. Describing her approach as art, she strives to paint a picture for her audience and force them to move onto the dance floor. Jess's music is an outgrowth of various musical heroes; primarily her father, but also DJs Derek Carter, John Larner, and Stacey Kidd, as well as Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.

"I was in a band in New Orleans and lived up the street from him. We used to hang out at the same bar. He's really very nice, shorter than you think." (And while we didn't really think, we appreciate the clarification.)

Returning to Phialdelphia four years ago, she's sunk roots in the local club scene and the domestic front as well. She's marrying her girl Jesse next June. Given her family pedigree, the reception is sure to be rollicking.

"My mom wants to learn to DJ! She loves it. I've been teaching her a little here and there..." The family that spins together stays together.

DJ MELISSA

ANOTHER DJ proving that the booth is no longer just for the boys is the incomparable Melissa (yes, she uses two S's, making the moniker a nightmare for lispers everywhere). A Philadelphian via Levittown, Melissa has been spinning progressive house and tribal sets for almost eight years. With a strong mix of vocals, tribal stomps, and classic dance, more than just a few hot men and women sweating on the dance floor.

"I've always loved music, so when I was introduced to the world of dance and underground music, it struck a new chord of appreciation. I wanted to be a part of [it]."

After witnessing DJs manipulate the dance-floor, Melissa yearned to get behind the turntables herself. (What ambition, we're simply looking for some good pancakes after a long night at the club!) She has carved out a position as a gender-neutral DJ, beloved by boys and babes alike. From her self-proclaimed "home" at PURE, or the successful EMERGE, as well as the recent PINK party for uber-promoters Tracey Bucholz and Stacey Vey; Melissa is working, and werqing, the city.

Diverse audiences come with their own unique challenges. Getting a hip-hop lovin' crowd of kids to dance to Angie Stone or Tamia isn't easy, but Melissa doesn't give up quick. She's one of the many DJs trying to wean the young club-goers off of hip-hop and introduce them to spiritual sounds of dance. Melissa can pick the best tunes from the hip-hop bin, and slide them in with melodies that leave the entire audience gasping.

"It more or less depends on my mood as to what I want to listen to and play, that's a day in and day out thing," says Melissa.

As to the great vinyl vs. electronic debate, Melissa takes a diplomatic stance.

"I hardly use vinyl anymore. Once in awhile I get that itch, so I will bring a bag of records to a gig. I use mostly CDs now; decks out now are more like turntables. I like to be hands on so I need something to play with."

DJ ZATHAN

THE SURROUNDINGS at XIX, is decadently sophisticated. Atop the historic Bellevue Hotel along Philly's avenue of the arts, it's a signature landmark in the City of Brotherly Love. Many a business has tried and failed to get the gays to leave the Philadelphia Gayborhood. (Remember Hamburger Mary's?) But the magical promoter Harry Potter (we aren't making this up) has thrown a Sunday night homo haven. Kudos has to go to Harry, and DJ Zathan for adding the final element to XIX's success; perfect sounds. Zathan has brought gaggles of gays across the Broad Street moat.

Starting at 16, Zathan began his career by mixing CDs for friends. Striving for a continuous track of dance tunes, Zathan worked tirelessly to perfect his homegrown Philadelphia sound. Eventually a CD fell into the right hands, and Zathan ended up DJing a private party at Transit. Learning quickly, Zathan quickly grabbed a residence at 12th Air Command in Philadelphia.

"I've been lucky in life to have incredible supportive friends who have helped me get to where I am now. My friends have cajoled and demanded for me to get into clubs."

After setting the floor ablaze at 12th Air, Zathan was the choice of long-time friend Potter for the nascent XIX night. Potter tapped Zathan to play the party, and he's been spinning since the summer.

"The summer was tough, and it's hard to get a crowd on a Sunday. We
promoted our asses off, with very little money. We passed out flyers, sent out Myspace messages; we worked hard to get a crowd.

The buzz has been building to crescendo. Zathan eschews playing cheesy pop or standard hip-hop, and tends to give the crowd a pleasing mix of dance melodies and tunes. The last few Sundays, Zathan has filled the lux lounge.

" Good dance music is great, and everyone loves it if it is in the hands or the right DJ. Hip-hop has its place in dance, but unless it has a great beat and catchy rhythms, I'm absolutely not going to play it."

DJ BILLY CARROLL

It's a well known fact that Billy Carroll owns Philly's huge charity fundraiser Blue Ball's late night party at PURE. For the last several years, Billy has been the one stable element in a weekend of highs and lows. It's brought Blue Ball national attention, made Billy a local hero, and reminded people how great an early morning at PURE can be. But enough flattery, did you know Billy Carroll could cook? Not just cook, but also evidently, cook well. Who knew?

"Yes, I love to cook. I actually have a catering company." Billy Carroll is a caterer? How many talents can one queen have? Around 1987, a neighbor on Fire Island asked Billy to cater a party for them as a favor. A guest there loved the food, so they hired him for a wedding in the Hamptons. Next thing you know, it's a business. It's been going on now for 20 years.

Having first played in Philadelphia in the 90's at Circa, Billy quickly fell in love with the city. "It's the only American city I spend extra-time in. Most of my gigs, I fly in and out. If I had to pick up another US city to live-in, it would be Philadelphia."

Lucky for Billy and for Philadelphia, his love for the city has lead to a regular showcase night at PURE. "The people at PURE are wonderful," Billy Carroll Presents, three years now in January, is every Friday. The last few months have showcased DJs from the Philadelphia area, homegrown talent with good followings.

"PURE gave me the opportunity to feature new talent. Philly audiences are accepting of new and different things. They are usually very musically educated, not as critical as New York people. With the massive amounts of parties and events in New York, it can be hard for young talent to get heard. NY clubs are reluctant to take a chance on a new DJ. " PURE is not. After being feted by Billy, PURE features new talent with some experience, who is popular in their markets but is just starting to travel. Audiences eat it up.

Back at home, Billy is a happily married man. Having meet in a "sleazy" East Village Bar (that narrows it down). Billy and Mitchell have been together for 26 years, Mitchell will often play piano to help relax Billy before and after a particular vicious night behind the booth. "Honestly, you didn't think I listened to house music to relax? That's not relaxing."