C.O.M.E. NYC Vol. 1 Mixed By: Jay Locke
Jay Locke is a one of New York City’s best kept secrets whose gig credits and credentials are as impressive as his extensive knowledge of music. It’s no secret he is very close friends with Soul People Music founder Fred P therefore it’s not a stretch that he was tapped to play the flagship party C.O.M.E. In doing so he was selected to be the first to mix the compilation as well. “Jay Locke is one of the most talented DJ’s in New York City without question” says Fred. We caught up with Jay for a brief Q and A about the mix and his experiences in music.
C.O.M.E. N.Y.C. Mix By Jay Locke by Black Jazz Consortium
SPM: How was this mix created?
JL: First, it took me a while to figure how i wanted to present the mix. I wanted the feel of deep, but with a bit more energy. All of these tracks were right in line with that thought process. Actually, i did the mix twice in a different variation and we chose the best of the two.
SPM: How long have you been a selector?
JL: This year made 25 years, and counting.
SPM: When did you start DJ-ing professionally?
JL: I would say my first professional dj gigs all started at a family owned social club in Flatbush, Brooklyn called Footprint back in 1987 through 1993. You know, R&B, hip hop, soul, reggae, calypso and a touch of house music. From there many small local venues in Brooklyn that existed at that time.
SPM: You’re a Vet in the New York underground scene would you mind naming some of the venues you have played over your career.
JL: Well, to name a few. There was Club Aer, 205, Guernica, Standard Bar, Sapphire Lounge, Purple, Club Speed, The Vault, APT, Bar 13, Club Love, The Five Spot, National Underground, Sullivan Room, Hotel Rivington, Mercer Hotel, Littlefield, and i am sure a couple more that changed names or just doesn’t exist anymore.
SPM: What motivated you toward dance music?
JL: The motivation towards dance music for me was simply the love and the comfort it gave me and the variety of the different dance music and how it gave dance music dj’s the opportunity to tell their story or show their feelings through the music and their mix.
SPM: Word is you were the go to guy on Thursday’s for many years at the legendary Dance Tracks record store can you elaborate on that?
JL: Working at Dancetracks (RIP) was a great experience. I had just left HMV Records in 1999 as a in-store dj at Herald Square when i connected with Stefan Prescott (Owner). I didn’t gravitate to it immediately only because i had a lot on my plate and i enjoyed my days off. Through some word of mouth and the love of selling great music i eventually started to work there on Thursday’s and some Friday’s for seven years till it’s closing. I reunited with some old dj friends and met some new ones on the way. Selling music to your everyday casual music listener to many dj’s around the globe. A time never forgotten and will be truly missed.
SPM: How does it feel to be the first to start off this new mix series for Soul People Music?
JL: I feel really good about doing this first official mix for Soul People. This is something that Fred and I talked about for some time and he wanted to see it become a reality. The idea of promoting talented individual artist through a compilation mix. It sheds more light on the fairly new and upcoming artist that create great dance music and allows the dj to express his or her vision through their own mix. So without a doubt i am glad to be appointed to be “thee first” to do the compilation mix.
SPM: Any word of encouragement for the younger generation coming up?
JL: As for the younger generation, i see potential that dance music can become more prominent and respectable to the young masses again. The young ones that love to play dance music must know that research is important and to know their music. Whatever format you have it in. Back in the day all the way up to the early 90′s you did not have a choice but to know and play different genres of music to even be considered a dj. You had to know your music. It has gotten less artistic, more programmed and mechanical. With that said, there is a decent sum of very good music being released everyday just about. There is a resurgence of solid ep’s, 12 inch’s and new, young artist that gives reassurance that this dance music is always transforming itself and will always find it’s place in the hearts and souls of people and dance music history. Either it be vinyl, cd’s, mp3s, i for one have always respected and supported the vinyl, but agree or not we all know today there are options. Vinyl is preferable but everybody is not a dj… and everyone can’t afford records or a turntable, a Technic 1200 much less. The times have definitely changed. Most of all, in any format… support the artist by paying the artist directly for their music through their own site if possible as it is getting much harder for artist to fully reap the true benefits from their craft.
CD Track List:
1 Dubbyman – The Unexpected
2 Bassik Grooove – Grooovelok
3 Anomaly (10) – She
4 Dakini9 – Daemon
5 Anton Zap – Miles And More
6 AYBEE & Fred P* – Sky Temples
7 JD (11) – Lyar
8 Fred P* – On My Way To You
9 PeteBlas– Arkinoid
10 Anomaly – Above Below
Compiled By Fred P
Soul People Music
ASCAP 2011©
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
8 comments on “C.O.M.E. NYC Vol. 1 Mixed By: Jay Locke”
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Hi, where can we get this mix from please in either physical or download?
Thank You
Will be avalible shortly, where to get it will be posted here in the shops section..
Thanks so much for your support..
Totally support buying music direct from the artist. Do it whenever I can. It builds a relationship between the artist and the fans that is more direct, and it’s important to let independent artists & labels know their work is valued and valuable! What better way than to show you mean it by buying direct! That said, would be awesome if you sold Earth Tones on here
I like what Lola says in her post above, i’m sure you could hook something up like Ed has with U.Q and we can buy straight off you Fred.
Thank You
D.
Soon…
hi been looking for the c.o.m.e. cd but think it is sold out. Are you planning to do a repress or know where i can get a copy?
Hey there I am sorry to say that The C.O.M.E. compilation will not be repressed, however some of the music will be coming out on vinyl next year
stay tuned…
Exellent Mix and Music….my deepest Respect to Soulpeoplemusic….my full support is for sure!!!