I went to see Roy Hargrove on Saturday before my set at tantrum. His set was incredible but, I’m concerned about his health and well being. This video speaks to the need for not only support of good and different music but the vessels who create it.
Everyone has their favorites. Whether you specifically express it or it just becomes obvious in some physical form. I have more than a few people who I champion for musically. If you’re following any of my social media sites (most visible instagram) you always see these people based on birthday salutes and random postings from me.
In Chicago during a period where house music had more venue acknowledgement, I used my platform as a Dj to expose people to those artists that I loved (not just what was known to be popular). To this day, based on those who associate artists with me, it has been effective. This is one of the reasons why when some of Chicago’s soulful house lovers (note I didn’t use HH) hear Monique Bingham, I’ll get a text or tag in posts. Some have even asked what’s the big deal?
As a child your parents fashion everything about you (good and not so). Musical taste is no exception. My mothers love (combined with radio programming during this period) of Quincy Jones productions became etched in my memory. When you think Quincy during the late 70’s / early 80’s you may think Michael Jackson. Mike would be the tip of the iceberg. People like Patti Austin, George Benson, Ashford and Simpson, Minnie Ripperton, and Marvin Gaye (to name a few) were all found in association with the mastery of Quincy Jones. (Hmm Quincy is most certainly worthy of a future post) The genres that he fused together gave way to my never ending search for similar soul driven sounds. It is most certainly the reason why, in my adult life, I was lead to Masters at Work and of course Ms.Bingham.
You should easily be able to identify the blues, soul and jazz (at least) when you hear Moniques delivery. Couple the voice with her detailed songwriting (storytelling) and the right instrumentation / arrangement, and you have a sound that pays homage to periods beyond her body of work. This sound is rare but most necessary in today’s music industry. I think the first tune I got hooked on of hers was either PURE from Blue Six or We Had A Thing from Abstract Truth (on vinyl). Songs of self love and love and loss, true to my personal state (at the time) and the never ending plight of humans but specifically black folk. That was well over 15 years ago and she continues not to disappoint. I still consider her to be “The Electric Blues Mama” based the genres she is mostly found under and how she paints a story and drives it home with her deeply felt phrasing. Monique is currently giving birth to new tunes that are reigning in Africa and spreading globally.This has once again shed light on the fact that her music has no expiration date. It continues to reinvent itself and its torch carrier.
Purchase Monique Binghams anthology here ..
http://moniquebingham.com/release/1121/
I’m sitting here thinking about the possibility that you may not have any references to real house music, soulful house and or even true soul music, as scary as that sounds. This is a part of why those who craft and convey sounds (Dj / Producer / Sing / Song write / or Musician) need to be held at a higher level of esteem as archivists / history carriers.
Monique Bingham, without question, conveys the gift that keeps on giving, ask the babies deep in the bottom (Africa)!
This is why I continue to champion for Monique. Vessels of good energy deserve the highest of accolades…
New Mix Interplanetary Radio.. 
Monique Bingham Mix Vol. 2
Monique Bingham Mix vol. 1
Salute Mo!
Because I think deeply and more strategically, I have an explanation for almost EVERYTHING I do and say. Wether simple or complex, I understand my motives and action. What happens to others, they don’t have the time to want to care to understand how libra a works. If you’ve had any interaction with us at all, you might get that we aren’t for the bullshit. Because of this people may dodge us like the plague and it’s best that way. This is based on the fact that we’d rather be around people who live in the truth OF their bullshit, than ON bullshit. (Yes there’s a difference) For one simple reason, we have are own things to contend with. Even from space of care, we can remove those who are driven by drama and lack the desire to focus on changing in … a heart beat. Regardless to wether it hurts us or not, wether we struggle or not, if you are privied to any of our personal business and behavior, you should feel incredibly blessed to be so trusted. (Just be mindful of this) #GUARDED for #BALANCE
Greetings Fellow Artists and Supporters of Creatives, (friends of Fathom Dj, Raheem Kashon and Deejay Moe)
I need your help. As you may have seen, I’ve been posting marketing materials lately to raise awareness for a project I’m a part of called C.A.N. This is an artistic effort to raise a voice and make a statement for creative people. It is specifically for those who use art as a tool, in their everyday life and lifestyle. As we are, the keepers of creative energy.
As a part of this effort to create this voice we are launching an ‘Artist Speak Campaign’. What this will be is a video that will display different artists taking the ‘An Artist’s Manifesto’ “oath”. Taking the oath is speaking the words of this song written by RaheemKashon. https://soundcloud.com/raheemkashon/an-artists-manifesto-sample Use your creativity to best convey the idea of the oath. The oath will require you to raise your right hand like we used to do to pledge allegiance to the flag as children in school.
‘I will use my heart to heal
I will use my heart to feel
To make visible those we don’t see
To give sight to those who can’t see
I will use my art to inquire
I will use my art to inspire
To give breath to those who can’t breathe
To be a voice for those who can’t speak
THIS IS AN ARTIST’S MANIFESTO’
We are essentially trying to convey the idea of artists who are aware powers of art expressing their commitment to their art for this sake.
Please email us your video of under 1min taking the oath to anartistsmanifestocan@gmail.com. We will edit it and add it with the others to create an artist video collage. We will also create Instagram shorts, which we will send back to you, with special imaging and hashtags to post in your social media to help boost the moral of this effort.
Thank you in advance!
Fathom DJ – Chi
Raheem Kashon – Atl
Deejay Moe – NGA
I’ve seen celebrations for no reason, like simply because it’s the weekend (you know those happen weekly.. Right?). This is not to suggest that life or small things aren’t worth acknowledging. There’s something about being so oppressed that one looks for the smallest most mediocre things to rejoice in. I feel it is lower level in thinking. I know lower level thinking existed before, but I’ve seen social media further skew the mentalities of people into believing that nothingness requires acknowledgement (my shoes are too cute.. “like”). This is one of the many reasons I made the decision to minimize celebrating holidays and birthdays (including my own). Most of these things are used for one thing only and that is to drive people to desperate acts for attention. It’s smart for business, peoples low emotional states can cause them to engage in levels of consumerism that mimic gluttony.
We all want to feel better, be better, be accepted, but to the point of being worshipped? It’s what I see when some folk post. The question is what makes one worthy of being worshipped? What levels of change do we go through to get acceptance? And does changing to get acceptance mean that people accept you for who you are, if so why’d you change to seek it? I’ve always thought too much before speaking. I’m practicing thinking before posting. Is what I post important? Will it help people if I share it? Will people understand it or ask questions to get my personal intent for sharing? I mostly come up with no’s. No some things don’t require such depth of thought. Maybe it’s the mercury retrograde that has me so still or it’s the requiring of change that I need on this day. I sit in silence on my birthday. The change that I require has to do with me and my truths, needs and the universe. It has nothing to do with acknowledgement from others. Which is why you won’t find me marching up and down social media letting people know it’s my birthday.. “Pay attention to me”. There’s a path that I’m seeking that requires more than what people seem to have in them.
Social media is a shallowly skewed view and people have allowed their brains to become just as narrow. So there doesn’t seem to be room for elaborations, deeper thinking, slow and intensive plans and ideologies. It’s why I choose to sit alone today. In reflection and preparation for a new me and a new mind.
A libra in thought at the beginning of a new season and year.
I watched Empire as millions of others (at least African Americans) did last Wednesday night. Mind you, I made a mental note last season that I would stop watching the show. As the weeks drew out, I couldn’t help but become more curious as to how they left the show last season and how they’d pick things back up. I just happened to be at work and got caught in the “web”.
As a disclaimer I don’t watch soap operas and hardly made for tv, tv at all. (I’m a documentary artisy chic) I’d like to think that popping into a show and not having any understanding, makes for better dialogue, based on the fact that most folk are numb to the subliminal messages and stereotypical themes. This .. is due .. to watching .. too much tv.
If you were going to have a heart attack based on the hyper activity and franitic energy from the new episode, you might not be reading this today (rip). I won’t even speak on my issues with how the race and gay card are misplayed.. yet. What I will say now is that, I hate the concept that you have to have a rush of celebrities to start a season off. In my eyes it says fail. Are you paying them what they require as celebrities or do they need to be seen because they aren’t getting work currently, so you draw off woooows and who is nexts? Yes nobody cares about great yet unknown actors.(even if this means they are getting their “big break”) So either you have a big budget to pay celebrities or simply don’t want to risk time and money to develop characters and careers. I’m curious as to which one it is. (Dno if you can tell but I like the behind the scenes real story over the one they “create” for you). I also like a drawn strategic plot, not drawn out. I almost feel like I don’t need to see anymore after last weds. The idea of luring people into wanting to see more of the series didn’t happen for me. Yes I have an imagination and I like mystery too. No I couldn’t imagine that Lucious would be getting out of jail and back to “work” so quickly. The jail scenes and his interactions with inmates would make an interesting story of it’s own. No I’m not about prison life and most certainly the glamorization of it, but there is something to be said about how a music mogul might have or not have “pull” in prison. Yes the se7en (one of my favorite movies) head in the box idea added some gangster meets gore to shock the story. I’d like to see more prison moves and short comings for Luscious (no I don’t like the character and want him to fail miserably). The idea of twists and turn so quickly revealed, could speak to our lack of attention span and the directors need to beat you over the head quickly. This way you expect less and simply become overwhelmed by mediocre shock tv plots. I’m too real for this new world, I know.
The idea that they would use a rally mimicking the struggle of black people currently in this country, offends me. To create a campaign for a murdering criminal like Luscious Lyon even as a promotional scheme for cookie, but had no real character love for, was complete and utterly painful to watch. I sat there thinking, I can’t be the only one that sees how fucked up this is? No it’s not the first time they’ve latched hold of the struggle for black folks and anchored it to a plot for a show. I thought it was jacked up then too. I think I’m more sensitive now because there’s an eeiry quiet around protests and race matters currently in media. Yes art repeats life and vice versa but serious issues already are taken unseriously due to folk seeking only “tv views” of real life travesties. This shows along with entertainment overall, the plight to prove that we are too ready to be entertained by the sickest misfortunes our world creates of reality.(Google the definition of entertainment and read beyond the first)
The gay scenes didn’t bother me at all. There are pros and cons to this. Lmao (yes I’m a libra) I know what Lee Daniels intends and as controversial as some his racy gay scenes are, I see it as exploitive publicity stunts. His excuse will be he’s gay so he can. Do pimps pimp themselves? maybe do they do now.
Yes you can be entertained by the most painful of societal issues, because this is now “normal”. I am uninterested in the glamourizing of serious issues in our lives, that make people who have no other vested interest in us money. This is the history of our country I know, and why I continue to struggle with being here.
I’ve said before and will say again. This period may not be different from others historically. There’s always a moment when they manipulate the economy to further desperation. This creates oppurtunities based on “lacks”, which create enormous societal lows. We seem to like lows.(unfortunately)
No, no promoting this post via my other social media platforms. No imaging or logos. Empire doesn’t need any extra promotions as they have Fb and Twitter well sewn up. I’m not prepared to go to war with people who can’t be open to constructive criticism nor think.. critically..
Carry on, as I know you will.
You brought us here under false pretenses. Having us believe that we would be connected to our family, friends and colleagues in a very intimate and personal way. I specifically came here to market and brand various entrepreneurial endeavors I’m engaged in. You have changed the environment and our mentalities without some of us being aware.(and that’s the easiest way) I have over 4,900 “friends”, I’ve aquired based on marketing myself as Fathom Dj. This was not done under my birth name but my self given artist name, that is now on of my BRANDS. One has to ask why all of a sudden you have determined that we have to use our government name. No, I’m not stupid. I’m well aware that there are tons of people who are doing things that they wouldn’t, if they had to give their full government (mama given) name. It only goes to prove that you CANNOT control what you don’t own. We don’t own Fb .. We don’t own Instagram or any of the other sites that we have made are “homes”. It means at any given point, you can come in and switch the game up and because we are all so addicted, we adhere to your bogus ass rules. I’ve been looking to disconnect from you, because you have changed so much that, I can hardly stand to be in your environment. Sounds like the United States huh? You’re asking me to prove my identity and change my name was the nail in the coffin…
Greetings Fellow Artists and Supporters of Creatives, (friends of Fathom Dj, Raheem Kashon and Deejay Moe)
I need your help. As you may have seen, I’ve been posting marketing materials lately to raise awareness for a project I’m a part of called C.A.N. This is an artistic effort to raise a voice and make a statement for creative people. It is specifically for those who use art as a tool, in their everyday life and lifestyle. As we are, the keepers of creative energy.
As a part of this effort to create this voice we are launching an ‘Artist Speak Campaign’. What this will be is a video that will display different artists taking the ‘An Artist’s Manifesto’ “oath”. Taking the oath is speaking the words of this song written by RaheemKashon. https://soundcloud.com/raheemkashon/an-artists-manifesto-sample Use your creativity to best convey the idea of the oath. The oath will require you to raise your right hand like we used to do to pledge allegiance to the flag as children in school.
‘I will use my heart to heal
I will use my heart to feel
To make visible those we don’t see
To give sight to those who can’t see
I will use my art to inquire
I will use my art to inspire
To give breath to those who can’t breath
To be a voice for those who can’t speak
THIS IS AN ARTIST’S MANIFESTO’
We are essentially trying to convey the idea of artists who are aware powers of art expressing their commitment to their art for this sake.
Please email us your video of under 1min taking the oath to anartistsmanifestocan@gmail.com. We will edit it and add it with the others to create an artist video collage. We will also create Instagram shorts, which we will send back to you, with special imaging and hashtags to post in your social media to help boost the moral of this effort.
Thank you in advance!
Fathom DJ – Chi
Raheem Kashon – Atl
Deejay Moe – NGA
Yes, djing and parties clearly go hand in hand. The evolving dj has probably thrown their own events, as I have. If you are promoting “popular” or “commercial” music, getting a “crowd” shouldn’t be an issue. You have the radio and popular artists to drive your events. This is a very safe way to ensure you can make a return on your investments. Yes event curating is an investment. Not just of money, but your time. I might need to add curating quality events.:-/ You’ll need to run around scouting locations, creating and or paying for imaging, booking people to perform (yes you should hire other djs), possibly sound, paying for sm posts and shooting out emails/texts to let people know directly what you’re doing. This has very little to do with the venue or the night of the event. Ha! Now if you’re curating niche underground (music) events your work could even triple, simply to get people to consistently get off Fb, find something cute to wear and convince someone to watch their kid(s).
The hope would be that the venue has some form of compensation (in our dreams:-/) to aid you marketing and promoting their business to your audience. If you are LUCKY, you may get the door and or a percentage of the bar. This is hardly ever the case in today’s nightlife environments. You drum up tons of potential patrons for an establishment wether they show up on your night or because you exposed the spot to your people, who may reference it at any given point. You’ve worked for a venue with no guaranteed compensation. (lmao I’m sorry these folk think we need them and they don’t need us) It’s actually a fail on all parties parts. Everyone seems to want something for free and eagerly anticipate artists and independents who need platforms to take advantage of. I aplologize to those venues and promoters who don’t fall in this vampire category. We clearly have missed your angelic glow amongst the darkness :-).
I have worn a lot of hats. I’ve djed, I’ve created events, made marketing and promotional tools for events, worked the door, booked talent, done sound, done live sm streaming; almost everything except bar tend and security. Even as recent as May, I took on a venue in order to test out a project concept called “storytellers the art of djing”. Yes you too might have saw that fast burn. I take full responsibity for it’s failure. Why you might ask? I told myself well over a year ago, that I wouldn’t take on events without proper accountability and budgets (from venues as well as myself). Yes we are all trying to make a $1 out of .15c, while taking on endeavors to further brand exposure. We have to attack areas that have not been availed to us.
Create PRODUCTS, that create buzz, before curating events. The events need to be bi product.
As it pertains to djs, I mean music creation as product.(specifically for this post) No, production isn’t an over night skill. This is in part why most won’t try, even though they boast about having tons of equipment. (either in storage or underneath clothes in the spare room) It’s not an easy undertaking, especially if you suffer from the need of instant gratification.(anyone active in sm now does) There are many positions to play as a “producer”, that don’t have to have anything to do with learning software programs and musicianship, if you aren’t an artist.(reference diddy lmao)
Even with the current state of music being (sadly) less profitable for those creating, two things music has that party promoting doesn’t is longevity and reach. Music has the power to reach beyond the confines of brick and mortar venues.(that you don’t own;) Strategically aligning yourself with talented musicians, singers and producers (if you aren’t hands on) can give your brand the possibility of reaching people and markets your local event could never align you with. Yes you still have to run the same promotional strategy and potentially invest a greater amount of money. But think about some of the music you have in your collection that keeps reinventing itself. Remixes, reworks and edits alone draw new attention to product that could be well over 30 years old. People reference videos and albums over and over. (if they are dope 😉 Regardless to the language spoken, the potential to reach corners of the globe that you may never travel are far greater than your event. (killed after 3 weeks in due to lack of turn out)
This isn’t to say that it’s just that simple. But when you’re addressing the needs of your dj / music brand and products, this could render more international bookings and broader connectivity. Original music content and bi products are definitely to be considered a long term investment, with the potential of rendering (modest) long term pay offs. Your brand can immediately get new visability, if you plan properly.
I know personally, I’ve been poking at production for a while now. Yes, I too have been collecting equipment and throwing clothing on top. In the last 2 years I’ve been focused on learning more, sitting with producers and researching. Now is the time to get uncomfortable and really put things to work. We will then throw parties in order to celebrate and further the reach of the products we create ;). But now we focus!
Here’s an introduction to a few projects I am collaborating on, set to launch soon :)!
https://soundcloud.com/fathomdj/an-artist-manifesto-can
I posted a thought on Fb a few weeks ago, about how I missed going to my grandmas to hear about and see fotos of her trips. Social media has eliminated a very important part of the desire to connect in such a way. The desire to catch up with someone seems to be simply, going to their wall and finding something to “like” zzz. I’m withdrawing from Fb personally. This morning I chuckled at the thought of projector screens and the narrations during old school family showings of summer. So I’m loading fotos here with short caption to go with a few images I captured and didn’t post from this summer.
Lights Please!
The beginning of summer and a new used bike..
A really cool concept event (short lived) storytellers, at a venue with no loyalty to djs or music. (Even though it looks like it;)
Payin homage to the great legendaries of house music
I guess this girl (bike) is more cute, I guess I’m collecting now.
My favorite Jedi, being free after her first graduation. (Blessed to be a part of her life) #librapower
Yep that’s my cousin / niece. Auntie / cousin loves her.
A decision to switch gears and lane switching for fathom dj.
If you’re going to unleash a different unseen side of yourself, you need to be armed. (Lol)
I know who I am more now than ever, people change, but my intent and heart won’t.
Meeting a Jedi that I instantly fall in love with. (Fathom loves the babies)
Executing a somewhat impromptu tour for a fellow analog girl.(the law of attraction has shown itself to be very powerful)
Unleashed a campaign that speaks of all things, music, my life and more. (Thoughts of Sandra Bland come to mind)
Working with a friend to produce a fundraiser. (Live music means more thoughts of future endeavors for fathom dj and abston consulting)
Nina Simone’s documentary and tribute album are released. (She leaves me .. Effected to say the least)
We live because of you. The beautiful high priestess of SOUL. All Hail!
Sun burn over a tan, cute toe nail polish and the love of furry butts. (Grounded)
I learn most by watching people. They mostly disturb me but there is tons to know, mostly what not to do.
Weddings and unions, creating a soundtrack for a monumentous occasion. (I’m always honored)
A somewhat creepy mansion, with a group of smart people who understand the meaning of group economics. (The Keith house in the south loop)
One of the weddings partners entertaining her guests :).
My favorite aunt reminds me of how kick ass she is, Even while in mourning. (Goodbye granddaddy)
I’m over selfies, especially ones with the fon in the foto. I love this tank and leggings though. (Shut up and create Enstrumental go buy something)
It’s been a minute since I traveled this way. Hmm thumb drives and CDjs or at least a new traktor interface are definitely on the menu. Grateful for the experience.
Up in the air, giving it up to God for allowing me to get closer to those on high and hear them more clearly.
I could live here. Yep in this room. Musical heaven. Atl
Super moon beasting and I’m preparing for a full day of music and magic. (Nature is in control)
Capturing an experience for a fellow activist artist Jedi, sharpening my eye. ( a real camera is on the menu abston consulting needs proper documenting tool, iPhone has a dope app though)
The room was grounded and ready for the gifts of talent to be conveyed.
Met a very talented beacon of sound and song. (Magic is being made)
Quick imaging for the sound table. Did I know Karl Injex was the owner before I accepted the gig.. nope! (Now I’m nervous lol)
Somewhere between the legendary studio Monica recorded in earlier and the dj booth at the sound table, I find my place and left for space. (The crowd went with me :))
Got back on the ground and was so inspired. Khari and I started working on a project we’ve been brewing. (Stay tuned)
I have to touch down with my favorite Jedi. (Family first)
Of course we had a jam session. #slavetotherhythm
She totally gets it. This is music history 101. #teachthebabies
Another event, another curious lil Jedi! Yes I love the babies!
Change is good, several events all dresses. I know I’ve grown. #majestics
Sacred insists I be still, so she sits on my chest. (Management is a trip)
The work doesn’t stop. I make art hair, music, imaging and more. (Stay tuned)
A jedi I met in spring, has a great eye. She deserves capturing.
Good capturing from Ireashia Monet, we were both focused.
A good night to boogie, all house music.
Waitng on my turn, being the early nerd pays. #westloopfest
As promised it didn’t rain and magic was made. #mayormccheese
I’m focused and so was dave Sabat when he captured it.
Met a special person in Atl with a powerful voice and pen, added a friend from Nigeria and now we CAN make magic. #staytuned https://soundcloud.com/fathomdj/an-artist-manifesto-can
A new mix with a lot to say http://mixcloud.com/
Back to the sacredness management and creation
Ireashia monet asks me to interview so I share some of my thoughts on djing and art https://vimeo.com/137545602
I’m blessed to have some fun in my entrepreneurial endeavors. #grateful
My eating habits have been on the decline. Picked up a bad habit hanging with the babies. It’s September time to reboot! (These joints are good though!)
Music, my life and more.. stay tuned..
FATHOM DJ ... MUSIC MY LIFE & MORE 