d and b

apollo

Friends, Romans, Countrymen

A happy birthday mix for a true exponent of the form. Some crowdpleasers, some head nodders and some hidden gems.

Rufige Kru - Fury
FX - The FX of a Sound (Nookie remix)
Dillinja - Deadly Deep Subs (remix)
LTJ Bukem - Music
Subnation - Scotties Sub
Studio Pressure - Jump
Reprazent - Share The Fall (Grooverider's jeep style mix)
Blame - Planet Neptune
Smith and Mighty - Come Fly Away (dub)
FBD Project - Classified Listening (Neil Trix re-edit)
Digital - Far Out
Doc Scott - Drumz 95
Decoder - Elements (Technical Itch remix)
Hyper-On Experience - Disturbance (Tango remix)
Border Line - Screwface
Human Being - The Box Opened
Randall & Andy C - Sund Control
Photek - The Physical
Skanna - Heaven
Blame & Justice - Essence
Alex Reece -Pulp Fiction
Da Intalex - What Ya Gonna Do
Rufige Kru - Kemistry (Doc Scott remix)
Ray Keith - Sing Time
DJ Trace - 21st and South
Alex Reece - Feel the Sunshine (vocal mix)
Innervisions - Silicon Valley
The 2 G's - Energy
Nucleus & Paradox - Past, Present & Future
Internal Affairs - Shinin' Down (Goldie & J Majik remix)
Source Direct - Mind Weaver
Ed Rush & Optical - Naked Lunch
Jonny L - 20 Degrees (Doc Scott remix)
Optical - Moving 808's
Hidden Agenda & Seven - Fish Eggs
Lemon D - 12.01

A Dedication to Syntax - 40 Years Young

In less than 12 hours time I will turn 40. I need your help to make something special happen.

I made this piece of music because I wanted to mark this auspicious birthday by doing something meaningful to me, that underscores the supposed significance of this moment in time.  For me, turning 40 represents only positivity and a sense of optimism. This birthday affords the perfect opportunity to thank my lucky stars, not to dwell on past misfortune.

For the best part of 2 decades I have become increasingly aware of a certain kind of sadness that stems from the fact that I've completely stopped making music. I was no longer able or willing, it seemed, to do the one thing which provided the most joy, satisfaction and purpose in my life - my abiding passion that I pursued more or less continuously in my youth.

So this posting also represents the happy end to a story in which I have come to realise that there is still time to achieve one's ambitions, and that one's talents and passions don't have to dwindle and fade with the passing years.

A few months ago I set myself the target of creating a thing, a song as it happens, that I could feel proud of, that expresses so much of the joy and inspiration I've rediscovered from making music again. I bought myself the latest software, embarked on a crash course of intense self-tuition and set myself the task of actually finishing something before the big day (finishing being a skill I generally don't excel at). 

Having made good on this promise, this is that song, so this posting represents a debut and a world premiere of sorts!

I also somewhat naively set myself the goal of publishing this song, irrespective of how rough and ready it sounds, and in spite of my general reluctance for shows of public affection or social media savvyness.

So putting aside any concerns of appearing narcissistic or whimsical, I thought about how amazing it would be to share this moment and this music with as many friends, acquaintances and strangers as possible. I perhaps over-ambitiously ascribed 500 Likes as being an appropriate indicator of having achieved this ambition (gulp). 

True to form though, I've left it rather late......the clock is ticking and there's barely enough time to finish this before the deadline is up. I probably won't make it all the way but then I guess there's no shame in trying?!

So I'm asking if you would please share in this moment with me, and listen to the song, like it, share it with friends, download and even offer some sage, nostalgic or poignant comment if you like.

In so doing you can help to complete this mission and make an old man very happy!

I'm blessed, in love and still able to create. Life is good.

Jon x

A Dedication to Syntax - 40 Years Young

The DJ Apollo