Our very close friend option4 has finally released his latest masterpiece “Do Work” for FREE via his Soundcloud page. Chances are, if you’ve been to any one of the many events the man has played over the passed 6 months, you’ve heard him drop this deep dark techy beast. The release also features a brilliant remix from Bit Funk. He adds a catchy vocal loop and sexy synths to provide a much brighter version of the tune. As a bonus, option4 also had an awesome video put together to accompany this momentous occasion and sadly we’re having issues with our Youtube player, but you can check that out HERE. Meanwhile both versions of Do Work are available for your listening and downloading pleasure below.
If you’ve been paying attention to this blog, or the scene in Denver, then you know month after month The Hundred has been bringing great music, dancing, vibes, energy, and fun to the Denver music scene for over a year, seems like yesterday when I wrote this articlehttp://starstuffscallywags.com/music-dancing-networking-thehundred/, not really knowing exactly what I was getting into or where it would go, but the concept was intriguing and original, I never imagined or expected it to be what it turned out to be, and I can honestly say it’s something I am proud to be a part of. I’ve seen so many great up and coming DJ’s who are now regulars on my playlist, who keep growing in popularity, who often come back to Denver at double or triple the price – The Hundred is definitely paving the way for shows in Denver, becoming a legitimate ‘main stay’ as the founder himself puts it.
If you are a Hundred regular, welcome back, if you have never been to a Hundred party, now is the time – a sense of community, partying with your friends every month, making new friends, new music, and seeing that music at an amazing price and intimate setting..I can’t honestly put it into words, which is why I put this video together – in celebration of an amazing year and another year to come (Only my second video, so go easy on me!):
I was lucky enough to sit down with The Hundred’s founder, Brennen Bryarly, AKA option4, who recently came off a successful tour, to pick his brain on what he’s learned the first year, thoughts about the group, and what we can expect in the future:
What surprised me was that last year was his first year booking talent – you would think with the solid line-up, schedule, and shows, that he was an industry veteran, but as he describes it, “just a regular guy” – he admits while making slight mistakes (definitely unnoticed!) he’s learned so much especially around timing and the music tastes of the group and the scene in general. 2012 will be hard to top, but to me, this means only bigger and better things in 2013!
We talked at length about what people can expect in the future, including a tighter booking schedule, new ways of promotion, and turning The Hundred into a music blog. The vision is an open public schedule way in advance and an avenue to expose people to new music – specifically focusing on shows coming to Denver driven by the core group.
I mentioned way above what I think the group has become, to Brennen as well it blew every expectation he had – really how everyone in the group has become such good friends – everything from people doing art shows together, helping people move, community and friendships that does not really exist in nightlife culture – to me this really sets the group and party apart from anything else that’s out there – even if you are not part of the “The Hundred” you are immediately made welcome and respected.
I asked about what other surprises we can expect? How about Hundred parties in different states? Yep, he has it all thought out. How about an industry night dedicated to bringing in national acts? Yep. A Monday night party at a soon-to-be-revealed location with an interesting twist – no set cover, only a voluntary donation, if you donate you get a free beer – out of state acts at random but not announced – you don’t know who is going to be playing – but if there is a secret guest you can be 99% sure it’s a national act – all in the name of our industry folks who can’t party Friday or Saturday but still want to get down and have a good time..the name of this night..”The Weekend” – you heard it here first!
So why Volta Bureau for the first show of the year? Volta Bureau are a Washington DC based electronic music group consisting of Will Eastman, Outputmessage & Micah Vellian. They draw on all three members’ rich musical tastes and vast experience creating a hypnotic, cosmic take on house, techno and disco. Brennen describes listening to their hit track “Alley Cat” on beatport and being blown away, when he was presented with the opportunity to bring them out to kick off their U.S. tour he didn’t hesitate, and confirmed the booking within minutes! He is excited to see how they play together and knows it will be a special night. He describes them as doing disco right and staying true to the scene. Here are the details:
Just over a year ago I received a message from a (at that time) new friend of mine saying “You need to do me a favor. we need to talk. I was going to call you anyways. But i have something going on i think you’d enjoy. Call me later tonight. I’ll be free.” So of course I called him and he proceeded to tell me about this idea for a non-profit monthly dance party that revolved around a group of like minded individuals who love music. He said that there will be a select group of 100 people hand picked by him that would get to have input on whose booked and that would get to come to each of these parties free of charge. He said that the goal was to provide all of it’s members and anyone in attendance with a one of a kind opportunity to experience said artists/djs in an intimate house party style setting free of the commercialized bullshit that makes the average club going experience a nightmare. He said that any money made would go right back into the next party. I immediately told him that I thought he was a genius and that I think it’s going to be the start of something BEEEAUTIFUL. He said “I hope so…we’ll see. He then asked..”So are you in? You’re like the 3rd person I’ve told.”
Here we are a year later and this party has exceeded my expectations. Not only has it provided all of it’s members (past/present) with an opportunity to engage in and contribute to a movement that has made a huge impact on the Denver music scene, but also a chance to develop new friendships with amazing people. And how about the vibe? There’s nothing like it! Simply put It’s the highlight of every month for me and I’m quite sure the same goes for my fellow “Hundredteers.” I look forward to celebrating the one year mark with everyone and (on behalf of Starstuffscallywags) I’d like to thank the man who made it all possible, Brennan Bryarly aka option4. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your amazing vision homie. I think I speak for everyone when saying that it’s been a helluva ride thus far. Cheers to another year!!
Seeing that this is such a momentus occasion, all stops have been pulled and your headliner for the evening is one Jerome LOL. He gained notoriety as one half of the recently de-funked LA/Montreal duo LOL Boys. Jerome was the LA side of duo and he’s certainly staying busy on his own by quickly building a strong base of quality original productions and remixes via his Soundcloud page which you can check out here. He also runs Body High Records with fellow bass aficionado Samo Soundboy. An artist in the truest form of the word, his creativity doesn’t lie within music alone as he’s also a very skilled “internet artist.” (as showcased here). So much so that Rihanna allegedly stole one of his concepts for a recent SNL performance of her latest single ‘Diamonds.” A track which, ironically enough, Jerome very recently remixed. For more on that take a look at this interview he did with Fader Magazine here.
From a stylistic standpoint his production work, both solo and with LOL Boys, is nothing if not completely original. The best way I can describe it is forward thinking bass music with touches of house, hip-hop and R&B. I think we can expect to hear a few selections and edits from the short, but sweet LOL Boys catalog and some of his new solo material strewn about what promises to be a brilliant and eclectic set. Jerome is hands down the most forward thinking artist we’ve welcomed for the party and seeing that we’re moving “forward” into another year, that seems very appropriate.
Of course the local support will be exteremly strong with the godfather option4, Lust, Narky Stares and a little help from San Francisco based DJ Enso.
Cover is only $7…as always a steal for the talent in the building. I also encourage you to save some gusto for the official afterparty at Rhinoceropolis which you can RSVP for HERE. Cover is only $5 and it will feature sets from locals Loo Gutz aka Werq, option4, Hollagramz and a surprise guest from Jerome’s Label Body High. Bang! There’s your night Denver. See you on the dance floor.
