I’ve got the 411 on a early happening this Thurs 1 Oct from 7-11pm in San Francisco. Below Zero is hosting and the lineup includes Smoove, Trifonic, DJ Fiddler, and Sinukus. Its at Swigbar and you should expect sweet downtempo beats; some live, some recorded. All good.

Below Zero is an online radio show which features guest DJ’s on the show from the likes of Thievery Corporation, Hawke, Chris Zippel and Curt Smith of Tears for Fears. Oh…their friend Julian Lennon lends his ear and talent to the show each week with his favorite pick. They’re got a roster of resident DJs, a record label, and have released a compilation.

If you can’t join us all tonight (Thursday) at Swigbar, then the next Below Zero fest will be this coming Sunday Oct 4^th morning at 6am. Go to Mission Rock and find the downtempo room. Roam Music has the details; its their party. Consider it the unofficial LovEvolution closing party for those peeps up super late Saturday night (early Sunday morning) and want a chillout place. this choice could be for you.

Free podcast mix/episode: Download now (Duration: 1:03:50 — 87.9MB)

ICON (Illeven Eleven, Opulent Temple, SF)

This week is about DJ ICON; one of the leading ladies of breakbeat and a contributor to the culture around this weekend’s San Francisco LovEvolution, an electronic dance music (EDM) parade and festival. She is known in the breakbeat scene for tight sets of big beats and travels the world playing them. Now you can download and listen to her Weapon of Choice Vol. 2 mix here on Jungo Road which includes her soon to be released Welcome to My Dancefloor collaboration with Dustin Hulton featuring Nikki Carabello on illeven eleven recordings.

ICON rose through the ranks of the underground in the ’90s when female DJs and promoters were few. She quickly landed numerous residencies in her hometown of San Francisco and bookings throughout the US and beyond. Now a DJ over a decade, she has held residencies at world famous clubs such as Limelight in New York City as well as San Francisco’s 1015 Folsom, The End-Up and Temple. She has also shared the stage with major EDM players the likes of Underworld, The Chemical Brothers, The Crystal Method, Ladytron, Paul Oakenfold, Adam Freeland, Armand Van Helden, Deekline & Wizard, The Stanton Warriors, The Freestylers, Evil Nine, Elite Force, Uberzone, Bassbin Twins and DJ Icey.

ICON is an deeply participating member of the EDM culture. She is a key member of Sister SF, the influential female DJ collective from San Francisco that creates a thriving DJ community for women in the dance music industry. She established Reverb Records, one of the last vinyl record stores in SF. Radio loves her with residencies and guest spots on programs such as Thump Funk on XM Satellite Radio, Boombox Mix Sessions on Sirius, Solid State on K-ROCK, and iBreaks in the UK. She shares the Editor-In-Chief title of the San Francisco LovEvolution Guide. Finally, she ranked in Shejay’s “Top 100 Female DJs” and was recently voted as one of San Francisco’s top ten DJs in the 2008 Nitevibe “Top 10 DJ Dreamteam” Poll.

You can next catch DJ ICON at least three times over this coming San Fran festival weekend: Friday October 2^nd For The Love @ Mission Rock (817 Terry Francois St, San Francisco); Saturday October 3^rd SF LovEvolution Parade (San Francisco); Saturday night October 3^rd Infuse: Love Evolves @ Mission Rock (817 Terry Francois St, San Francisco). Come back to Jungo Road for more LovEvolution 2009 coverage.

More about DJ ICON on MySpace, Twitter, and her site. Keep up to date on her other live performances at the Jungo Road calendar.

Booking: Click to reveal email

Stream her mix here or download it in the podcast link; then click on the links below to purchase the tracks!

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1. MC Flipside – Intro
2. Stereo MC’s – Gringo (Ragged & Ruthless) [Graffiti Recordings]
3. Rye Rye & M.I.A. – Bang (Stanton Warriors Remix)
4. Franki Valli & The Four Seasons – Begging (Stanton Warriors Re-Bounce)
5. Wolfgang Gartner – Clap (Rel 1 Refix) [Kindergarten]
6. Fort Knox Five – Funk 4 Peace ft. Mustafa Akbar & Shunda K (Deekline & Ed Solo Remix) [Fort Knox Recordings]
7. Deekline & Wizard – Bounce & Rebound (Beat Assassins Remix) [Against The Grain]
8. DJ Fixx – Shake It Naughty [illeven eleven]
9. Future Funk Squad – Blow (Extended Mix) [en:vision recordings]
10. Dustin Hulton & DJ ICON – Welcome To My Dancefloor ft. Nikki Carabello [illeven eleven]
11. Diplo – Get Off (Jack Beats vs. Small Fry Mix)
12. Deadmau5 vs. Michael Jackson – Ghosts N Smooth Criminals
13. DJ Fast Eddie – Yo Yo Get Funky (Tim Healey & Deekline Remix) [Giant Pussy Records]
14. Beat Assassins ft. Sweetie Irie – Boom Style (AC Slater Remix) [Mofo Recordings]
15. Bloc Party – Mercury (Herve Is In Disarray Remix) [Atlantic Records]
16. Jack Beats – Get Down VIP [Cheap Thrills]
17. Boltan – Nine To Five (Rico Tubbs Speed Garage Remix) [Party Like Us Records]
18. Nick Thayer – Cocaine & Coffee ft. Will Styles [Passenger]
19. Bass Weazal – Break The Bomb (Respect To Kenny Dope Remix)
20. TC – Where’s My Money (Caspa Remix – Jack Beats Re-Edit)
21. Kings of Leon – Use Somebody (Chew Fu Festival Mix)

Hi, everyone. Come back often later this week and weekend as we cover San Francisco LovEvolution October 1^st-5^th 2009. We’ll tell you about our favorite pre-parties, floats, festival performances and after-parties; people, dates, times and places with pictures and video. We’ve also got lined up an interview with two top music producers. Jungo Road will be at the festival celebrating the electronic dance music culture; inviting you along and sharing it with you.

Free podcast mix/episode: Download now (Duration: 55:18 — 51.4MB)

STEPHEN COLE (N-mitysound, North Carolina)

This week, we’ve got breakbeat and tech-funk from Stephen Cole. Stephen hails from North Carolina where good things like powered flight by man and Krispy Kreme both started. Early in his life, Stephen was exposed to a wide variety of music. This influence shows up in the selection of music he plays in his sets; both live and in his mix we have for you this week.

Stephen Cole has been in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene for a decade; playing at numerous clubs, radio stations, and events along America’s east coast. While attending courses for recording and engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, he began producing his own music.

 In 2007, he kicked off with the Sweet Melody remix released on A-Squared Muzik. Hotwired was up next; released on N-mitysound and produced with his frequent collaborator Matthew McCurry. Both the original and the Introspective remix of Hotwired have received a wide range of support; showing up in notable playlists such as Elite Force’s Strongarm Sessions and Annie Nightingale’s Radio 1 show. Stephen finished up 2007 with The Fringe, which landed on Introspective’s Ministry Of Sound compilation.

In 2008, Stephen released his Born To Roll EP which included productions by himself and a collaboration with Matthew McCurry. Then, in 2009, Stephen and Matthew remixed I Am Sweet for Lot49 label owner Dylan Rhymes, Back With It by Boonos, Basscake by Headflux & Tom Wilkes and Midnights by Benjamin Vial. The latter remix you’ll find titled Echotech Remix. Echotech is the new alias of the Stephen Cole and Matthew McCurry duo. Stephen will be rounding out 2009 with new releases on Dead Famous, KDB, N-mitysound and Audio Logic.

You can next catch Stephen Cole on Monday October 19th @ Tutto Mondo (Charlotte, NC). Keep up to date on his other live performances at his website Noctural Breaks and the Jungo Road calendar.

More about Stephen Cole on his site, Facebook, MySpace, MySpace for Echotech, Twitter, and SoundCloud.

Booking: Click to reveal email

Play individual tracks and then click on the links below to purchase!

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1. Product.01 – Ready To Rage (Vandal Remix) [Dead Famous]
2. Boonos – Back With It (JHz Remix) [XSSR]
3. Access Denied – One More Time (Stephen Cole Remix) [KDB Records]
4. Benjamin Vial – Midnights (Echotech Remix) [Plasmapool]
5. The Loops of Fury – Flick A Switch (DJ Dan & Mike Balance Remix) [U&A]
6. Armand Van Helden – NYC Beat (MSTRKRFT Remix) [Southern Fried Records]
7. Stanton Warriors – Precinct (Plump DJs Remix) [Punks]
8. Dylan Rhymes – Kemptown (Peo De Pitte Remix) [Lot49]
9. The Whip – Trash (Crookers Remix) [Southern Fried Records]
10. Elite Force & Meat Katie – Believe [U&A]
11. Hedflux & Tom Wilkes – Basscake (Stephen Cole & Matthew McCurry Remix) [Broken Robot Recordings]

Free podcast mix/episode: Download now (Duration: 1:14:54 — 69.2MB)

AARON POPE (Erase Records, San Francisco)

Ahhh, control tower this is flight 479er. I’ve got a bogey; looks like a breakbeat jammer. Ahhhh, flight 479er, that’s no breakbeat jammer; its a tech-funk slammer from Aaron Pope. Yes, friends. Aaron has landed again at Jungo Road with beats far and wide; plus we got the 411 during an interview with him.

Aaron, where do you live? Tell us something about it.
San Francisco, California. SF has places where people still want to dance to good non-commercial music with a variety of styles. I’ve been lucky enough to have several residencies where I got to play long DJ sets with that diversity.

When did you get interested or exposed to electronic dance music?
Probably sometime in college. I went to some good underground parties; really started enjoying just spending time on the dance floor. I used to dance for hours and hours. I never studied music or played any instrument until I was about 28; when I started learning how to spin.

What was that like at the beginning?
A friend of mine basically forced me to try and beat match two records. Up until then, I had been really afraid that I would mess up the music and was reluctant to touch the equipment. But, when I finally started playing around on some turntables, I got really hooked.

What kind of music do you play?
I think I’m known for playing a pretty diverse array of high energy breaks, electro and house, with some surprises thrown in. I always need a certain groove or funky feeling; that moves me a bit and brings good energy; an uplifting feeling to it. I love, and spin, many different styles of music, but everything I love has to have a certain movement to it. I usually stay away from really dark music. I love bangin’, strong beats. I also love to play mid-tempo sets when I can. They include old-school hip-hop, latin, breaks, funk, indy, reggae, etc.

What do you like about DJing?
I love to pump up a crowd. I love that I am able to dance and play music at the same time. I love the creative possibilities available as a DJ. It’s just a great experience and has been a very positive part of my life. Electronic dance music (EDM) has inspired more emotion and positive energy out of me than any other type of music–far and away. The fact that it inspires just as much emotion in my friends means I can combine all my favorite things. Plus, it’s impossible not to want to dance when a good DJ is throwin’ down in many different styles.

What do you not like about DJing?
There is not much I don’t like. Sometimes, I think the need for everyone to categorize, and often prejudge, different types of music gets a little silly. But, in general, I’ve got nothing but love for the dance community and culture.  I’ve met some really amazing people through my music; a lot of great moments with friends and sharing great trips in search of amazing music.

Do you produce your own music?
Yes. I started about five years ago and started to work much harder at it two years ago. My first release that I really felt proud of was Bassline on Exceptional; written with my production partner Chad North. We have two other releases, The Grind and You Got What, on Erase Records; both of which I think are pretty good. The Grind went to #20 on Beatport’s breaks chart.

Do you have any creative process in producing music that you want fans to know about?
All of my ideas flow best when I am in front of the computer in Ableton Live with all the plug-in’s and effects available to experiment with. I really enjoy using it; it feels very intuitive and creative. There are so many other great options when it comes to music production that you really just need to pick what works for you. I usually start with beats and a bassline, unless there’s some sample that I’m really lovin’. I don’t have any formal music training, although, I’m certainly learning more and more music theory all the time. I wish I had played an instrument when I was younger.

What other DJs and music producers do you admire?
There’s a tremendous amount of great music being produced and played right now, with lots of barriers being broken. It’s inspiring. Some of the current producers and DJs I’m diggin’ now include Peo de Pitte, Zodiac Cartel, Sinden, A Skillz, Krafty Kuts, Chu Fu, Foamo, Nextmen and Wolfgang Gartner.

What are some highlights that we should know about you?
I’ve been at this for ten years. I’ve had gigs in New York, Miami, Chicago, Brazil, the Caribbean and Ibiza. I’ve spun alongside Roger Sanchez, The Chemical Brothers, Jo Mills, Derrick Carter, Felix the Housecat, Scumfrog, The Breakfastaz, DJ Dan, Lee Coombs, D-Fuse, Adam Freeland, Nick Thayer, Stanton Warriors, Bassnectar and Freq Nasty. In 2004, I won Scion’s DJ of the year award. In 2006 was voted “Best San Francisco DJ” in the Bay Guardian’s reader poll. And, 2005-07 was voted one of San Francisco’s top 20 DJ’s in Nitevibe’s DreamTeam poll.

What the best venue you played at in the world? And in NYC or SF?
Easy. The Deep End Camp at Burning Man where I was the first resident DJ and booking manager. It’s the most amazing crowd and setting in the world, and certainly most of my favorite sets have occurred there. I also achieved a personal goal by playing on the Terrace at Space in Ibiza. The Sullivan Room is a favorite in New York. In San Francisco, my favorite venue has got to be at Whisper during Breakfast of Champions, but I also love to spin at Shine because so many friends hang out there.

You can catch Aaron Pope at the following upcoming performances: Friday October 9th Project Ahimsa benefit @ 111 Minna Gallery (111 Minna St., San Francisco); Thursday October 22nd @ California Academy of Sciences NiteLife residency (San Francisco).

More about Aaron Pope on Facebook and at his podcast.
Booking: Click to reveal email

Play individual tracks and then click on the links below to purchase!

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1. D’ Secret Svc – Tight Jeans (Fukkk Offff Remix) [Coco Machete Records]
2. Beach Boys – Good Vibrations (Stanton Warrior Remix) [White Label]
3. Drumattic Twins – Crazy Love (Peo De Pitte Remix) [Finger Lickin' Records]
4. Brodinski – Eurostar (Last Japan Remix) [White Label]
5. The yank – We Can’t Be Stopped [Gung Ho! Recordings Ltd.]
6. Splitloop – Party People (Adsorb Remix) [Against the Grain]
7. Midnight Oil – Beds Are Burning (High Spies vs Sam Norling Remix) [White Label]
8. Calvertron – Doggy Style (Zodiac Cartel Remix) [Jack Knife Records]
9. Para-Beats – Put the Needle on the Record [White Label]
10. Splitloop – Party People (Rico Tubbs Remix) [Against the Grain]
11. Big Deal – I Wish I Was Taller [Big Deal Records]
12. Rico Tubbs – Ghetto Funk Baby (High Rankin Remix) [Menu Music]
13. Booty Luv – Say It (Nero Remix) [White Label]
14. Gramophonedzie – Why Don’t You [Guesthouse Music]
15. Sinden – Y’all Want Mo [Cheap Thrills]
16. CagedBaby – Forced (Foamo Remix) [White Label]
17. Last Japan vs Crispin J – DJ Saved My Life [White Label]
18. Tittsworth – WTF feat Kid sister and Pase Rock (Deekline & Tim Healy Remix) [Rat Records]
19. Hostage – Hangin’ [White Label]
20. Jono Fernandez – Girls Vs. Boys [BamBamMuzik]
21. The Body Snatchers – We Here (Mickey Slim Remix) [Passenger]
22. Drummatic Twins – Crazy Love (Peo de Pitte Remix) [Finger Lickin']

Symbiosis Gathering festival starts this Thursday September 17^th and there are a number of artists we enjoy in the lineup. It’s an environmentally friendly festival featuring music, visual art, performance art, and dance to be held at the historic Camp Mather on the edge of California’s treasured Yosemite National Park.

The music at the festival will include musicians, bands, DJs and producers from all over the world. Styles sweep broadly across dubstep legends, jam band rockers, abstract beat scientists and street bass pioneers. Who? How about Les Claypool, Coco Rosie, Amon Tobin, Bassnectar, Freeland Live Band, Caspa, Flying Lotus, Glitch Mob, N-Type, Pretty Lights, Beats Antique, Bluetech, an-ten-nae, Heyoka, Lipp Service, Mimosa, Of Porcelain, Vibesquad, Welder, Babylon System and over a hundred more.

Visual arts are a major focus of Symbiosis. You will find large-scale art installations, body art, a graffiti mural, a full-size art gallery space and live painting and workshops from many talented creators including Alex and Alyson Grey. Performing artists will also roam the venue and inject the community with wild weird wonder.

Learning and integrated education are also central to the Symbiosis philosophy. Expect workshops, playshops, discussions and presentations on a wide variety of subjects from esoteric philosophy and embodied movement to sacred geometry and composting alchemy. There will be a “Wellness Oasis” which has a variety of resources to rejuvenate your body, nurture your spirit, and expand your mind with reiki, acupuncture, tai chi, Capoeira, juggling, etc.

All of this is with a focus on environmental consciousness and ecological sustainability. Food is from organic vendors. There’s a market with sustainable arts and craft merchants, a kids’ area, guided nature walks, eco-arting, a lake for splash wars and water wings, and dishwashing stations to help you make this a no trash, carry-in, carry-out event.