Drum 'n' bass will rattle your face

DJ Freaky Flow may make you fling your glowsticks

Publication title: Edmonton Journal
Pages: C3
Section: Entertainment
Publication date: Jun 7, 2001
Author: Sperounes, Sandra

In the world of dance music, drum 'n' bass (or jungle) is equivalent to the much-derided, misunderstood cousin in anyone's family.

While everyone loves house and trance music, drum 'n' bass is not easily as accessible. With its fast and fluctuating beats, many club- goers find d 'n' b evil, if not impossible, to dance to without getting their feet in knots or flinging their glowsticks across the room.

Yet Freaky Flow remains undaunted. The Toronto drum 'n' bass DJ recently released his latest mixed disc, World Domination, featuring vocalists such as Nelly Furtado and rapper Choclair. (It's his first for Moonshine Records.)

"I'd like to bring pure drum 'n' bass to more people without compromising the sound," says Freaky Flow.

He knows his mission will require buckets of determination, but he's already walked to the well a few times. Last year, Flow was determined to finish his film studies degree at the University of Toronto -- even though his DJ career was taking off. "I always had a passion for learning and I like the sense of closure," he says. "I don't like leaving things unfinished."

But finishing the degree wasn't easy, Flow admits. While writing his final papers in December, he would stare at his sampling and studio equipment, sitting unused at the opposite end of his room. "It was a nightmare," he remembers.

With his degree now in hand, Flow doesn't plan on directing films but he is interested in composing soundtracks. That's still down the road -- he's currently touring with his long-time MC, Flipside.

The two met in the mid-'90s and since then, Flow has rarely played a gig without his sidekick. In fact, Flow's last solo gig was an Edmonton party hosted by his clothing sponsor, Fiction. Flipside wasn't allowed to appear because he was sponsored by Snug.

"It was really strange," Flow remembers. "That was one reason we decided to sign with the same sponsor when our other contracts expired."

Flow and Flipside, both in Modrobes duds, will be performing tonight at Parliament, 10551 Whyte Avenue. Tix are available at the door.

Viva Las Vegas: Those with tickets to Saturday's big rave, Viva Las Vegas, are still wondering where the party is. The location is yet to be announced ... and won't be until Saturday. The event features DJ Keoki and techno/house specialist Cajmere a.k.a. Green Velvet. Some tickets are still available at Colourblind, Foosh, Feroshus and DV8.

Gatecrasher, indeed! One of the U.K.'s top clubs is relocating to Edmonton.

Well, for one night only. The Gatecrasher tour hits Red's on Friday, July 13. For those who don't read Mixer or Jockey Slut, Gatecrasher is a club in Sheffield, England, which also produces its own line of mixed discs.

Headlining the event are two of the world's top female DJs -- Sandra Collins and Jon Pleased Wimmin, who is actually a drag queen.

Earlybird tickets are $20 and available at Feroshus on Whyte Ave. Regular advance tickets are $28 at TicketMaster (451-8000). The event is not open to minors.

Seeking Electronica: It looks like electronic music is gearing to go mainstream.

Kahlua and Benson & Hedges are now sponsoring DJ nights across Canada, agent Sam Feldman is actively seeking electronic acts, and two huge festivals are travelling across North America this summer. Moby's Area: One -- featuring New Order and DJ Timo Maas -- hits Vancouver on Thursday, Aug. 2.

Two days later, Mekka kicks off a 10-date tour in Montreal with the likes of Armand Van Helden, Danny Tenaglia, BT, Roni Size and the Crystal Method.

Neither festival is slated to hit Edmonton, but wait until next year. Just as Lollapalooza spawned dozens of alt-rock festivals including Summersault, look for Area: One and Mekka to birth a bunch of electronica festivals.

IllustrationPhoto: Supplied / Freaky Flow does a little d 'n' b tonight at Parliament.