THE NIGHT STUFF
Mashup masters mix at Indigo
By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Who doesn't love a good mashup CD?
Some Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg rapping over a Panjabi MC beat here. Bjork's vocal acrobatics resting on a Kraftwerk-based synth line there. Connecting the dots between them? Perhaps Trick Daddy and Trina mixing it up with New Order.
Mashups — the CD blending of two or more seemingly disparate tracks into a fresh new one — have been a favorite pastime of computer savvy home DJs for years. So it was hardly a surprise when these widely downloaded, Web-distributed tracks finally began finding their way into clubs last year.
A legal art form? Not really. A dope listen while cruising H-1 or chilling at The Pussycat Lounge with, say, a mashup master like DJ Mei Lwun? Definitely.
Honolulu fans will get another dose of the art of the mashup when Get Fresh! and The Nocturnal Sound Krew host emerging Philadelphia-based DJ duo Hollertronix tonight at Indigo Eurasian Cuisine. Composed of DJ Diplo (Wesley Pentz) and DJ Low Budget (Mike McGuire), Hollertronix does all of its extended mashups live on two turntables — minus computers or any digital fussing.
If the duo's 77-minute mix-CD blast of pure music-fan nirvana "Never Scared" offers any impression of what these guys do live, the evening should be sweet. Elliott and Ludacris tandem rapping on "Gossip Folks" over the The Clash's "Rock the Casbah." 50 Cent flows into Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River." There's even some DMX and Soft Cell squeezed in.
The genres mix and match near-flawlessly, rarely clinging to one long enough to bore before bounding off in unexpected musical directions. The result is a soundtrack as nouveau hip as it is pleasantly nostalgic.
Resident Get Fresh! turntablists Compose, ESKAE, G-Spot, Sovern-T and Mark Chittom are also spinning. Expect a full house.
From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., 21 and older only. Cover for this one is $10 all night.
Get Schooled
The name kind of explains it all. Wordstew's The Old School, New School, Too Cool For School Poetry Party is an open-mike gathering for all spoken- word artists. Got some fresh poetry you want to share? Perhaps you're just looking to share a few random thoughts on the baffling success of Hoobastank. Sovern T and Wordstew founder Jesse Lipman host. From 7 p.m. Wednesday at The Treehaus, 162 N. King St. Entry is free.
Lovers Rockabilly
Finally, show some love for always superb Honolulu rockabilly band Suspicious Minds at Rockabilly Is For Lovers, tonight at Onstage Drinks & Grinds. The guys will be there from 9 p.m. to midnight and cover is free. At 802 Kapahulu Ave.; 21 and older.
Reach Derek Paiva at 525-8005 or dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com.
