Heyoka: Psychedelic Circus Swhomp

Heyoka is the DJ to the Cosmos

If the characters at the “space bar” in Star Wars had been into electronic music, Heyoka would have been their DJ.

From San Francisco, Andrei Olenev, otherwise known as Heyoka, has been an integral part of the conscious glitch-hop/dubstep sound emerging from the bay area. Having keen influences from the psychedelic, fractalized, cosmic universe, his music and fashion is expressive of his ties to the Burning Man community. His mop of hair wrapped into a beehive of dreadlocks, I watched him set up his gear and get ready to host a dance party that would make beings from anywhere in the universe feel welcome.

“Mandelboogiewoogie minimix”  by Heyoka

I really dig seeing an artist like Heyoka, that plays their own material, versus a DJ that plays tracks that are only popular at the moment. The former seems to have a more cohesive story as well as having more passion and intimate knowledge for the songs that are performed. I caught two of Olenev’s Colorado shows recently, giving me an opportunity to compare two different venues and two different sets from the same artist.

The show in Fort Collins at Hodi’s Half-Note, a small venue with a big sound, was a better vibe than that of Agave in Avon. Massive speakers lined the front of the stage giving the amazing physical presence of bass vibrations in your body. A relatively dark dance floor combined with a modest light set up allowed the music to be the focus of attention. One small screen to the side of the stage fluttering images of interstellar dimensions, some vertical LED towers, and a few spotlights were just enough to be visually entertaining.

Seeing Heyoka’s live performance on four occasions, I’ve started to have an idea of what to expect. My personal favorite was at 3AM at Sonic Bloom ’11, when he opened for one of Random Rab‘s infamous sunrise sets. While there is slight variation between setlists, the dynamic build up of intensity throughout his shows suggests that his prescribed order of tracks is well put together.

“Heyoka Fall Mix” By Heyoka

The show started off with simpler textures and beats, then progressed into a heavyweight storm of sound that commanded you to move. Syncopated dub chords drifted mellowly atop the gurgling, viscous reverberations reminiscent to some kind of Saturnian remix of the current bass culture.

Some might complain that the two-step rhythm of dubstep can be monotonous at times (certainly true), but this can allow for danceability and also enable the listener’s ear to appreciate the intricacies and subtle changes in other elements of the music.

There are many layers to Heyoka’s symphony, the complexity of which can be somewhat challenging on the dance floor. But its all about groovin’ to whatever sound is speaking to you. Bodies and limbs pulsed in the crowd like a human ocean, waving to the tides of his sound.

Heyoka also kept things fresh and interesting with live remixes of his original liquidy tracks. Occasionally, he switched up his style with drum and bass segments as well as more hip-hop oriented beats that kept the crowd entertained. His surreal remixes of tracks by Scott Joplin such as “The Entertainer” and “The Maple Leaf Rag”, and the theme song from Quentin Tarantino’s “Grindhouse”, overlaid massive bass lines and sonically charged synths onto playful piano and sax riffs.

Always bringing his banger tracks out to climax the evening, Heyoka will be sure to leave your ears ringing and your feet screaming for a rest. If you have a chance, be sure to ride the cosmic carousel at the intergalactic carnival” that is Heyoka, free your mind, transcend your body, and let your spirit guide you into extraterrestrial ecstasy.

-SoundSatori

Favorite Songs!

“Flying Dub Sauce” by Heyoka

No Limit To Her Love: Feist

Catchy, Sexy, Fabulous....Feist

post by musicsage

I love pizza. Being a forever searcher of ‘the best slice’ I have come to learn what makes the best pie: keep the ingredients simple and only use the best quality. In this case, if a folk rock singer was pizza, Feist is the best slice.

Smooth, sexy, mysterious and ingenious are all words that are used to describe singer-songwriter Leslie Feist, a.k.a Feist. The former punk band singer certainly knows how to make an emotional impression on the listeners that have the honor of popping in one of her solid songs. A perfect example:

“Gatekeeper” on Let It Die

The simplicity of the songs have an almost bare-boned feel. It’s as if you are on her couch watching her pour creative emotion in a small, intimate performance whilst you sit cozy sipping on hot cup of tea. The gentle strums and strokes of both the piano and guitar leaves the listener wanting more…hoping that her next track has the effect and depth of the last. And the minute you get comfortable with her soft sweet style, she throws something a little punchy at you.

“I Feel It All” on The Reminder

The Canadian born siren has her hand in a number of cookie jars. She is known for her understanding and interpretation of artists songs and often co-writes songs with established musicians. She has worked and co-wrote with the likes of Peaches, The Kings of Convenience and one of her main on and off projects,  Broken Social Scene.  Her fabulous selection of music has also been featured in many different venues including an Apple iPod nano commercial, a number of movie soundtracks (500 Days of Summer, The Women, The Accidental Husband, among others), and other commercial ventures.

One delectable song, “My Moon My Man” on the album The Reminder was remixed by badass DJ Boys Noize and made into a massive hit.

“My Moon My Man” on The Reminder

If you haven’t already savored in the sweet and salty flavor that is Feist, I highly suggest that you do. She will bring a new dimension to your listening experience for any human being with blood running through their veins.

-musicsage

Favorite Songs!

“Inside and Out” on Let It Die

“Sealion” on The Reminder