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‘WHATEVEREST’ – The Inspiration Behind Todd Terje’s Dance Hit ‘Inspector Norse’ [15 Min Film]

Last year one of the biggest dance tunes to storm the electronic dance music (EDM) community was Norway-based producer Todd Terje’s infectious single, “Inspector Norse.” The song is arguably one of the best releases of 2012, and it’s a track that you can’t help but to dance to. I myself have been out dancing and a few DJs have played it; forcing me to dance like a maniac and jump up and down with a smile on my face.

“Inspector Norse” is a tune that inspires many to get up and dance to the good vibes, but apparently it was actually inspired by Marius Solem Johansen–who goes by the internet alias Inspector Norse. According to the short “documentary” by director Kristoffer Borgli, Todd Terje was inspired by this failed musician  Inspector Norse and his passion for dancing and making drugs out of household chemicals. Thus, the song was born!

The short film, WHATEVEREST, was well received by audiences and was even winner of Special Jury Award at AFI Fest 2012. But after careful research, it seems that this documentary is actually more along the lines of a mockumentary. Videos of Inspector Norse making drugs on Youtube and dancing never existed prior to this movie. Terje claims that he was inspired by the hundreds of videos of Inspector Norse, but there is actually only one video…which was upload around the same time this film was in the making.

So it appears it might all be clever creativity that is the driving force behind this story and the song, but one thing we do know is that whether merely fiction, fact or a combination of both (more so along the lines of fiction,) WHATEVEREST is still a beautiful short film. The film just gives us a glimpse into the sheer brilliance of Todd Terje and his witty sense of humor. He’s not just an amazing producer, but a creative guy with a vivid imagination of a guy named Inspector Norse who loves to dance. Do I approve? Yes, this gets my seal of approval. Great song, excellent film!

Watch the music video, which features clips from WHATEVEREST and then be sure to check out the full 15 minute “documentary.”

#HOUSENATION | Classic House Tracks You Really Ought To Know (and appreciate)

I’m in such a house mood today (well, everyday.) But today, for some particular reason, I’m really amped up. Perhaps because I found out about House Dance International 2013 taking place May 24th-26th in NYC and now that I’m back on the East Coast, I plan on going; no excuse not to. I love house, house dancing, and the vibrant community.

In the spirit of house music and the community, I’d like to share with you some of my favorite classic house tracks that you really should know, appreciate, and pass along to other house junkies. Those who grew up in the early days of house will probably know most of these classics; for some it will be an introduction to the classics.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this time machine of classic house. Got any favorites to add to the list?

Oh, and there are so many classics. So I will be sharing some every Monday. And on Twitter be sure to join the movement #HOUSENATION

Marshall Jefferson – Move Your Body

Masters At Work feat. India – I Can’t Get No Sleep (KenLou mix)

This song never gets old. Love the video too!

Ten City – That’s The Way Love Is (Underground Mix)

Frankie Knuckles Presents Satoshi Tomiie – Tears

First heard this song when I was 15 and used to sing it to myself walking down the halls of school.

Kerri ‘Kaoz’ Chandler Presents Arnold Jarvis – Inspiration

Hardrive – Deep Inside 

Joe Smooth – Promise Land

India – Love & Happiness (Strictkly Rhythm 1994)

Ten City – Devotion

KC Flightt -Voices (Out Of Reach WONKA REMIX)

Tribal vibes! A few DJs have played this song and I’ve gone crazy on the dancefloor. Tribalism! 

DJ Rasoul – Feat Shanan – Let Me Love You [San Fransisco Vocal Vibe]

Jungle Brothers – I’ll House You

Eddie Amador – House Music

Aly Us – Follow Me

LNR – Work It To The Bone

Bette Davis: Iconic Eyes & Magnificent Gowns

Just the other day I was having a conversation with my mom about our favorite Bette Davis films and while flipping through the channels, we stopped by our favorite, TCM, and they showed a preview of Jezebel. I had quickly forgotten which day it was supposed to air, but as I sat down this morning to write, I realized today was a Bette Davis marathon on TCM; I’m not going anywhere for hours.

Jezebel is one of my favorite Bette Davis films. I love it for many reasons (the acting, the plot, the set design,) but my favorite aspect of the film are the magnificent gowns that Bette Davis wore. She had several gowns that would cause any bride-to-be to have envy, and the picture at the top (and to the right) of this post happens to be my favorite gown from the film.

It’s such an elegant gown that exudes class and subtle sex appeal. The gown doesn’t need a plunging neckline or a massive amount of cleavage (which wasn’t a trend back then) to set the tone.

So how is the tone set in many of her classic films? The big eyes and gaze of Bette Davis could show sexual desire, sadness, happiness, fear, and a myriad of emotions in between. She didn’t need to try too hard or have thousands of lines (even though she did,) but all she had to do was gaze in one direction and you knew she was madly in love or hated the ground her suitor walked on. It could go either way.

You’ve probably, well hopefully, have heard the phrase “Bette Davis eyes.” Yes, it’s a classic song by Kim Carnes, but it also set the pace for the true meaning of acting with your eyes. Bette Davis had distinctive eyes that conveyed many emotions, and a lot of her films featured close-up scenes that allowed you to dive into her eyes and read her mind…

In most of her films she played the character you loved to hate or hated to love. Yet, once you begin one of her films, you have to watch the entire plot unfold and see what happens. And if anything, if you don’t watch it for the intricate story and her deep eyes, then watch it for the wonderful fashions.

I highly recommend if you have TCM that you enjoy the Bette Davis marathon today. And if you haven’t seen one of her films, then go browse YouTube or Netflix and get lost in Bette Davis’ eyes…

The Harlem Shake: Don’t Fight The Craze, Embrace It [Videos] x [Original Video]

The Harlem Shake craze is getting strong…very strong. It might just be as popular as the “Shit Girls Say” video craze last year. Remember, everyone and their mama was making videos of “Shit [Insert Group of People] Say.” Well, with that phase dead (for now), the next big thing is getting a group of folks together and recreating the original Harlem Shake viral video.

Now, if you haven’t seen the video, then you truly must be anti-web culture or perhaps living under a rock. About a week ago, this guy on YouTube got together with his friends and made a viral video to Baauer’s hit song, “Harlem Shake.” Basically, he has a mask on and is dancing, while his buddies are calm and slightly bouncing. Then when the beat drops they all wild out and just dance like maniacs. It’s pretty awesome.

Yes, the original is awesome…but the viral videos of this internet meme are quite impressive! Everyone is gathering their friends and doing The Harlem Shake. Heck, I need to get my buddies together and film one just because!

Check out some of the videos below. T-Pain even put together a video. The Best Week Ever did one and even Skryim does the Harlem Shake. I’m telling y’all, this trend isn’t going to die anytime soon. I give it a lifespan of a month, maybe 2 months…or longer!

Absolute Must-See Doc | MAESTRO – The History of House x Club Culture in NYC [FULL LENGTH FILM]

As a lover of house music, it’s imperative that you study the history of the music you’ve come to love. Forme, my relationship with house has always been one driven by the past. When I first fell in love with the sounds of house, I made sure to study the history, the evolution, and develop a fondess for the classics.

In the midst of my constant research and development of comprehending why house music is so amazing, I’ve come to watch three documentaries that have provided thought-provoking insight into the evolution of house and club culture.

The three documentaries that I highly recommend you watch (and read about on my blog) are: Pump Up the Volume (history of house music), Paris is Burning (a film about vogue culture), and my latest discovery, a riveting 2003 British documentary, MAESTRO.

MAESTRO is a film I stumbled upon about a few days ago in the midst of a search about the house music scene in San Francisco. I’m planning on checking out the scene, and if things can fall into place, maybe leave Los Angeles and move up to SF. More on that later. But yes, as I was saying, I discovered this insatiable documentary and watched the entire film on YouTube.

Now I know that I mentioned I was doing a search about the scene in San Francisco, but the film is actually about the evolution of the “underground” house music scene and club culture in New York City during the late 70s and 80s. My fellow house junkies and dance music lovers know what I’m talking about; Larry Levan‘s presence at the Paradise Garage and David Mancuso‘s The Loft.

I’m not going to spoil every moment of the film, so you should watch the entire film (uploaded by We Mean Disco) for yourself. It’s a powerful documentary that shows the influence of the legend himself, Larry Levan. And it also shows the influence of David Mancuso, another great legend who pioneered “invitation-only” parties in NYC, which helped cultivate the club scene.  Both of the men are legends, along with Frankie Knuckles.

The film has rare footage of Levan spinning, Mancuso, and it features great commentary that truly reminds me why I love house music and the club culture. House is a universal language that has a way of uniting everyone, especially those who are in the struggle and just need a release. Without Paradise Garage and The Loft, house wouldn’t have held the impact it does today within the “underground” club culture.

As I always like to quote, Eddie Amador’s famous lyrics, ”not everyone understands house music, it’s a spiritual thing, a body thing, a soul thing…” And my theory on that statement is simply this, in order to truly understand house music, you have to allow yourself to gain a fundamental appreciation of disco, classic house, and fall in love with the evolution of the genre I’ve come to declare a lifestyle.

House music: it’s a way of life, an atmospheric experience of beats and a community of unity.

For more information and conversations about house, feel free to contact me on Twitter @thinksoul25 FB: www.facebook.com/Jazei25 or www.facebook.com/ThinkSoul25

Bonobo Announces New Album x Drops New Single – ‘Cirrus’ [Official Video x Free Download]

If it wasn’t for Pandora, I would have never had the chance to fall in love with the sounds of Bonobo. It would have been sheer chance that I found his music on YouTube, but Pandora showed me the way and since hearing his music, I can say I’m a fan. Yet, it’s been three years since the release of his critically acclaimed album, Black Sands, so upon hearing the news of a new album, Bonobo fans are ecstatic!

Bonobo’s new album, The North Borders will be released April 1st, and if the musical genius of Bonobo is still the same as it was on Black Sands, then this new album will be mind-blowing!

To be honest, there isn’t any doubt in my mind that his new album will be a smashing success. I just listened to the new single, “Cirrus” and I’m already impressed. I love the organic sound infused with the electronic melodies that make Bonobo’s music such a surreal statement of innate expression. 

Watch the trippy official music video for “Cirrus” and grab your free download via soundcloud. Oh and if you haven’t listened to Black Sands, stream the entire album on Spotify. Enter the world of Bonobo.

Ah, The Good Ol’ 90s | Internet Explorer ‘Child of the 90s’ Commercial

Aside from the 80s, the 90s was the best! Why? Because hip-hop was golden, fashion was bright, video games were simple graphics yet confusing puzzles, television shows were spectacularly awesome, and playing with toys was actually fun. You didn’t even need video games, you could play with a handful of toys and be quite alright. Technology wasn’t necessary  and of course social media wasn’t really around, so you actually had time to bond and make true friends.

The 90s will forever and always be the best time in history, and perhaps I’m biased since I was born in 91, but I’m just saying…the 90s rule. And I’m not the only one who thinks so, Internet Explorer agrees.

If you’re in the mood for some nostalgia, then the new IE commercial will be right up your alley. But of course, if you want something more hype and fresh, you can always watch the IE commercial featuring Alex Clare’s “Too Close.” Dubstep wasn’t big in the 90s, so you won’t find it in this new commercial “Child of the 90s.”