We met next to the buffet cart and got chatting about nothing in particular. I was looking forward to getting acquainted with my bacon roll as he mentioned he didn’t eat pig. I like to ask questions.Some people react well to being asked to explain their beliefs others get defensive. He laughed with indifference and said he’d never thought too much about it but definitely liked the smell. You don’t miss what you’ve never had right? I’m never sure where the line is with these things. Is it okay to covet (providing it’s not your neighbor’s wife) or a sin to be curious as long as you don’t indulge? Anyhow I removed the aforementioned temptation swiftly and heartily, before moving on to the wedding cake.
My train of thought was then swiftly derailed when he introduced his Jewish friend from Israel. Although I consider myself very liberal and open minded its difficult not to prejudge to a certain extent. (even subconsciously) How many of us have measured a person by race, age, appearance, occupation or colour of skin at a glance before meeting them. I’m not talking about any form or racism or ignorance just basic presumption. Things we grow up with, things we read and see everyday. It can be difficult to re-educate the thought process to contradict the stereotypes we’re force fed. Considering we were all attending the beautiful union of two mutual friends one Indian and the other from Scotland I shouldn’t have been so surprised.
I myself being the product of Portuguese love of Brazilian women and far later my Scottish Dad’s similar fascination. Then in turn getting married to the daughter of a Filipina and Dutch / Irish Essex geezer. I can’t help thinking things get a lot more interesting when you mix them up a bit. I know people are still terrified by the thought of loosing their national identities the world over but when it comes down to it were all descendents of Pangaea right?
For those in Dubai please come down and support a new live music night we’re calling the Soul Lounge. It takes place this next Wednesday the 24th of June at the Warehouse (A day after my 25th birthday) I’ll still accept belated birthday drinks though. The night will include a live acoustic performance by local soul singer Ash Hamman www.ash4ever.com See his recent video for “I’m Sorry” You’ve probably heard Ash recently on the Virgin Radio hot 20. Look out for his new album dropping soon featuring Akon and Sway. I’ll be on hand with the musical support dropping soul, 90’s rnb, funk and soulful-house. Did I mention the gigs free? For more info/tables call 055 329-3784.
Blacksheep magazine is now live. www.blacksheepmag.com The sites looking fantastic.Join the flock and log on.
Almost forgot. Help yourself to a new commercial rnb mix I did recently.I’ll get tracklist and proper download link up on the media page asap but in the meantime you can get a copy here at z-share:
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago at 10:54 am. 7 comments
We’ve been coming back and fourth to the UAE for a few years and initially I focused mainly on the down side of life here being critical of the obvious things. It’s hard not to compare where you are with where you are from. The more time I spend here the more I begin to appreciate the subtleties and the more refined aspects. Expats always refer to their own country like some sort of mythical place where everything is functional and efficient. It seems like the memories of your childhood with times passage you tend to forget about less favorable things about your homeland and recall only the good. There are lots of issues here I don’t necessarily agree with but I do respect.
It’s nice to be able to walk at night without worrying about being stabbed. There’s no pissing on the street or people throwing up, no human sized seagulls fighting for the remnants of last nights junk food take away. Although I think restrictions here can be over zealous to the point of incomprehension. We could possibly tone down our excesses.I oppose censorship of any kind but also I’m bemused by hatred and racism coming under the banner of self expression and fee speech in our democracy.
The Emiratis I suppose have never hidden the fact they favor their own people. The only difference is here it’s in the open where as in the UK it wouldn’t be politically correct to say it out loud. Locals certainly have a great deal with land and loans and company ownership. As a declining minority in their own country I can see why they cling to tradition. But with change comes acceptance and a little concession. You can move with the times or eventually get left behind. Obviously Dubai anticipated this and made provisions to build a modern city out of the sand. Although I really don’t know if the average local marvels at or laments their modern day Frankenstein.
The question of immigration and national identity is something which is a worldwide debate right now. The far right seems to be making resurgence in popularity. Disgruntled nationals complain about jobs and housing, never acknowledging where the wealth that built the major ports and cities came from. We sit in our armchairs shaking our heads about the treatment of the workers in Dubai but never consider the ones in our own country working without rights and benefits doing the jobs we think are beneath us. You can also hear us complain about call centers and sweat shops but going crazy for the latest deals in Primark.
In a sense Dubai wouldn’t have been possible without the foreigners but neither would our industrial revolution. As the world becomes a smaller place integration is inevitable despite the intentions of some to create a new world order with open borders and a standardized currency it seems we’ve never been further apart. When it comes down to it we’re all pretty quick to judge, just a little slower to realize we’re not so different after all.
For my Dubai crew you can find me this Monday night at the Hollywood Lounge Mondays at Elegante’ in the Royal Ascot Hotel. Join us for a night of fun filled entertainment Hollywood style! Performances by Xtremer Dance Crew and Hollywood Events TV dancers. Ladies free all night with free champagne. For table bookings contact +97150 2973671
Finally look out for Blacksheep online magazine coming real soon. In a field of it’s own get it! No sheep loving Aberdeen jokes thank you. Look out for the low down from D12 , Royce Da 5,9″, Classifeid and a Scottish round up. Also coming soon UK Soul Mix featuring new music from the linkes of Omar,D-Influence, Don-e, Anthoney Wright,Ty and Teri Walker. Currently in the lab putting it together. Thanks to Pauline at PK image for all the great photos recently www.pkimage.co.uk
Posted 2 months, 3 weeks ago at 9:29 am. 0 comments
After a short return to the Scotland last week which involved five gigs in a row then an overnight flight back to Dubai. I’ve now almost caught up on sleep and had some time to look back on what was a crazy week. The club gigs were great, also got to mention Chi in Dubai where I also played for the first time recently. Thanks to Mo for looking after me. The highlight of the last week was without a doubt the Ed Hardy party hosted by Belvedere Notorious and Xclusive Entertainment. Well done guys it was a fantastic night and a great success check out the video for a behind the scenes preview.
I’ve also got to mention D12 , Royce Da 5, 9” and Consequence for hanging out after the concert. Probably some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Not only did they insist on opening up the vip to everyone so they could meet with fans but 40 minutes after the lights went up in the concert hall they were still there posing for pictures and signing autographs. True gentlemen and stars. Check out the News of the World review of the gig and hold tight for interviews from the guys.
Talking about nice people I was also fortunate enough this month to interview multi Grammy award winner Ann Nesby. Formerly the lead singer of Sounds of Blackness. It’s nice when those you admire most not only surprise you by not only living up to expectation but far exceeding it. It was supposed to be a quick chat but I could have spent all day listening to stories about Aretha Franklyn, Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson and Jam and Lewis. Her New album the Lula lee project is now on general release and available in stores. Randy Jackson of American Idol described her as one of the best singers in the world. I’m sure she’d be too humble to endorse it but for me it’s hard to dispute. If you are lucky enough to have a Southport ticket you are in for a real treat.
I’m gonna be out here for the month of April I’m playing the part of husband with Clarita in an advert for Dubai tourism. Should be able to nail that one. I think she also mentioned to the producer I could drive a boat, could be interesting. Can’t be that complicated right? Anyway If I survive that I’ll be back in Scotland to play the twice as nice stage at the Homecoming Festival:
www.homecomingfestival.com Log on and check out the line up and all the amazing offers right now to win vip, backstage tickets, the chance to be miss homecoming. I’m so excited to be a part of this and can’t wait to check out the likes of Bob Sinclair, Soul 2 Soul, Barbara Tucker, Dimitri from Paris, Masters at Work, India, Arman Van Buuren I could go on. Better not forget to tell you when it is. Sunday the 2nd and 3rd of May hope to see you all there for what could be my last Scottish gig for a long time.
Posted 3 months, 3 weeks ago at 11:13 am. 0 comments
It’s been a funny old week absurd and comical in just about equal measure. The only thing consistent in my life right now is the speed in which time passes. Everything else is kinda up in the air but in a good way if that makes any sense. I think I’ve always been more comfortable with uncertainty than routine anyway.
I sent out a rather fetching picture of myself via face in the hole dot com with me as a conan the barbarian below is my web designer Corrie’s creative reply (Acme digital must have had a busy week.) I think I look real cuddly as a big guy. At least the missus will now have an accurate picture of what to expect in 10 years time.
To mark the 12th anniversary of Biggie’s death I got a few of his tracks together and recorded a live mix. I’ve always thought of myself as a huge Notorious BIG fan but to be honest after going through the albums a lot of the stuff on there I can no longer relate to. Don’t get me wrong there’s no shortage of club bangers which still work in the club. But it’s not something I could really listen to at home anymore. Which then brought me to thinking am I still a biggie fan? I suppose we’ll never know how he would have changed and his music developed. Either way I suppose he’s left behind quite a legacy. In the words of the big fella’s self fulfilling prophecy “Your nobody till somebody kills you” I’ve still to see the movie..Should I just wait for the dvd?
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Anyway check out the mix right here. There’s also a download link for Mark Devlin’s Just Buggin radio show which featured it this week week. Catch Mark Online every Wednesday night on FM 107 Oxford. www.fm1079.com You can find Mr Devlin athttp://www.mdevlin.demon.co.uk/Mark Devlin Just Buggin 11/03/2009 http://www.sendspace.com/file/bo3j0s
Tomorrow I’m heading for St Andrews for the “don’t walk” charity fashion show and after party which is contributing towards the Invisible Children project. Please take some time to check out the website of such a fantastic cause working towards creating opportunities and raising money to support the war affected children in Northern Uganda.
I’ll admit it’s something I didn’t give enough thought to until interviewing former child soldier Emmanuel Jal. His story was as touching and inspiring as it was engaging heartbreaking. But after being given one opportunity he elevated himself to be a spokesman for his generation http://www.emmanueljal.org/ Here’s the interview with Emmanuuel:
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On a lighter note. I’m really looking forward to being part of the Ed Hardy Party tour with Exclusive events on Friday the 27th of this month at the Corinthian in Glasgow.
It’s an invite only event with a fashion show previewing the new range, there will be clothing and merchandise given away all night to guests and an after party with Dj Buddy Luv, Steve James and myself providing the soundtrack. For info or to book a table or booths mail Charles on belvedere@exclusiveentertainments.com (Entry is by guest list only so get in touch asap.)
Next time round. Chatting with Ann Nesby , new UK Soul mix and the D12 after party with Royce Da 5,9”.
Every cd, mix and profile I get sent through right now seems to be following a similar trend. They are either the most original, the best thing since the last best thing, the hottest new artist who I need to check out or something which promises to change my life after listening.
Dj’s are killing every club night, their new mix is the sickest, the floors on fire and people are passing out with excitement apparently.Every club night certain promoters are doing according to them are always road blocked or attendance are doubles as a rule of thumb.
Muhammad Ali said “It’s not bragging if you can back it up” but he was heavyweight champion of the world when he said it. Kanye has conquered the world of music but I still cringe every time I hear him open his mouth. I sometimes wish they’d wired that thing shut. Would it hurt to show a bit of humility sometimes?
The point I’m trying to make is if you are really that good I’ll probably hear about it from someone else. It’s true the best form of promotion is word of mouth but just not yours though!
It was great to meet Antheony Wright last week and catch up with him for a quick interview. His debut album “Feet on the ground” is out on the third of March and the second single “No Me Without You” is out today I think.
One of my favorite quotes from the interview itself went a little something like this. I asked what sets him apart from anyone else and he replied. “It would be arrogant of me to answer that…That’s for people to decide.” It’s nice to see someone with an abundance of natural talent and a massive potential keeping himself well and truly grounded. Check out the full interview at www.soulinterviews.com
I’ve also just finished a new mix for www.clubvpose.com It’s an online interactive nightclub where you can hang out and listen to dj mixes from around the world. Kinda cool, something which seems to be getting more and more popular in cyber world.
It’s a typical mix of stuff I’ve been playing in the club recently for the more commercial sets. It probably wont give you mojo or even be the best or freshest or even most original mix you’ve ever heard but if you happen to like it tell someone else. I’ll be giving out some cd s at club nights over the next couple weeks. E-mail to reserve a copy. info@djdavidcraig.co.uk
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Posted 4 months, 3 weeks ago at 4:19 pm. 0 comments
Predictably I’m going to address the valentines issue. Like most things in life I’m not a fan of being told when I should be romantic, charitable or buy particular cards on certain days because it’s custom. Do you know about St Valentines story? Jailed beaten to death and decapitated for love…Makes me want to run and book a table.
Speaking of which we’ve been out to eat twice in the last two weeks, Off the chocolates and on the obligatory post festive regime, already got fresh flowers in the house and cool for fragrances thank you. I’m running out of ideas? Mixtape again?
Fortunately Mrs Craig has even less regard for valentines than I do. I’m off the hook. Speaking of which congratulations to the better half on her first role in a film which beginning shooting this month. It’s Dubai’s first feature film called “City Of Life” The only bad thing is it requires her to be based there again for a month. To save me from rocking myself to sleep every night in despair my brother in law (bless him) brought round the x-box. She did take a little bit of a strop on account of how happy it made me. Surely she wouldn’t want me lonely and sad?
Last year I though I had reached a stage in life where I had most things figured out. I think life must have overheard my arrogance and decided to show me I’ve still got a lot to learn. On a similar note this weekend in the car with a friend another car met me head on and neither of us were able to pass on a narrow street. I resented his presumption I’d yield so I applied the handbrake and prepared myself for old age and rigormortis. After seeing the battle of wills could well go on in to a change of season I decided I’d made my point and reversed. The other fella wound down the window at which point I was preparing myself to unleash some serious rage…Then he said sorry! I immediately felt like an idiot acknowledged we were both at fault and drove on laughing feeling strangely elated and embarrassingly immature at the same time. I suppose we all make mistakes what seperates us however is some keep making the same ones and others learn from them. What is it about cars that make perfectly normal people act crazy, territorial and sometimes drive like ass***es? That’s a whole other blog.
Please log on to Soulinterviews.com to listen to the most recent interview I have done with Adele Sande. I’m happy to be part of the Soul Interviews family and equally excited about the future prospects of Adele. I really think 2009 could be her year. Most new acts arrive without bringing anything new to the table where as I think she provides something original and sincere. Check out the interview let me know your thoughts. All the info, bio, website etc as well as download links can be found there too. If you like what you hear go out and show your support by picking up a copy. Here’s a clip from the most recent karma lounge at the lemontree which she headlined. Check out the downloads section for the Karma lounge mix series.
Posted 4 months, 4 weeks ago at 3:06 pm. 5 comments
Firstly thanks to everyone who took time to offer their thoughts on the previous blog.
These are things I’d usually have kept to myself but felt compelled to share not only to clear my mind but also to see what the collective feelings were on it.
Sorry it’s a couple weeks overdue but here’s what’s been going on in my life more recently. My Uncle had previously been giving me grief about going down to his storage and going through boxes of my old stuff saved years ago when their old place was renovated.
I’ve been skillfully avoiding it for the last decade but after being ambushed with key in hand he left no room for excuse or negotiation.
Strangely enough something I had been dreading for as long as I can remember turned out to be the most interesting day I’ve had in a long time. So much so day had turned in to night and I eventually had to stop due to the lack of light in the shed.
Each box I opened was a separate story everything from star wars toys, subbuteo and scalectrics to diaries and books I’d completely forgotten about. Cards from my 18th and 21st birthdays, passing my driving test, valentines from primary school, my first wage slip. All preserved perfectly by a Grandmother who doesn’t like to throw things away.
Then old vinyl, cd’s and cassette tapes, my first club flyers and really bad mixes. Even a monthly magazine called the 411 we used to put out which I couldn’t even remember doing. Best of all old photographs of friends and family, some no longer here to enjoy them but their memories preserved perfectly in these old boxes.
With that said how do I decide what to keep and what to throw out? Bearing mind when I didn’t know it was there it certainly wasn’t missed but now it’s found I’m grateful. Any suggestions? I guess the answer is in the boxes themselves. The things that I love I’m still doing them, the people dearest to me are still in my life, everything else well its just stuff isn’t it. (Except the star wars toys-They are going nowhere)
Posted 5 months, 2 weeks ago at 11:34 am. 12 comments
My brother and I against my cousin, my cousin and I against a stranger so goes the proverb. It certainly rings true in my life ask my sister. Although initially I intended this to be a music blog it’s moving further away from music every week and becoming more about what’s going on in my thoughts. You can call it indulgent but it is my blog.
I think it’s impossible not to mention what’s going on with Israel and Palestine right now. I’m not sure where to start or even who to blame. I know Israel is as always heavy handed and without mercy or compassion when it reacts. But it is reacting to Hamas shelling its people in the first instance.
It’s hard not to be haunted by the images of innocent people, broken, bloody and lifeless being pulled from rubble. We all speak out against it loudly in the comfort of out own homes. While Israel tried to ban the press Hamas are on hand to capture every moment. In their view everything’s going rather well despite the number of their own casualties the headlines have been priceless. Perhaps if the love for their own people were equal to the hate of the Jews there could be progress. Or if the Israelis ever concede their treatment of the Palestinians is inhumane, show a bit of humility and do something about improving it.
Although what else can the Israel do besides defend themselves? Even in the knowledge any victory will be pyrrhic on both sides. There will be another ceasefire, lots of meetings and mandates, resolutions and conventions. Then the whole process will replay itself for the extent of my lifetime and long after.
I try not to judge either side too harshly from my armchair for I’m sure if my house or the house of my brother or cousin were threatened I’d probably react the same way.
Next week when I’m flicking through the channels it will be another conflict, famine or genocide in another part of the world. I’ll shake my head protest about it to anyone who will listen and then change the channel.
The revolution may not be televised but you can catch it on i-player or download the latest version for your mp4. I think Mum may have had it right when it comes to media sometimes no news is good news.
As always your feedback and opinion on the above is very welcome.
I’m not sure if there is a way of transitioning smoothly from international conflict to local entertainment but I’ll just plough on in there and try anyway.
From this weekend I’ll be taking up a new residency at the Classrooms who are bringing back the old Blanket vibe. Every Weekend it will be a cheese free zone with myself on Friday night and the godfather Ray Woods doing his thing on Saturdays. Get in touch for limited G-list and Q-skip. Thanks to Miguel for holding it down in my absence.
Also Saturday nights you can now find me at O’Courture on Sauchiehall St. I’ll be spinning a mix of rnb, soul classics and Motown upstairs. Again get in touch for q-skip and limited vip. Come hang out with me in the boutique bar, there’s late night dining in the basement a nightclub and a cocktail lounge upstairs.
Hello and Happy New Year to you all. May all your hopes, wishes and dreams be realized in the course of the coming twelve months. I know traditionally I should go down the best of and resolution route but I’m going to try to avoid than and just summarise what’s been going on in my life for the last couple of weeks.
For me the best thing about this time of the year is without a doubt hanging out with family. Being half Brazilian we have a fairly sizeable clan on that side so I thought I’d be pretty well prepared for anything when we arrived in the Philippines. I can’t say I wasn’t warned what to expect from my wife but I just put that down to her normal flamboyance for storytelling. From the day I arrived here till now some two weeks later I’m still meeting new cousins,uncles, nieces and nephews.
My favourite thing about this trip has been of course meeting my family it’s been effortless fitting in and lots of fun getting to know everyone. Probably what’s best about the Philippines is the nature of the people themselves. There’s the same love of music and dancing which appeals to my South American side mixed with a strong national pride which I can relate to being Scottish. There’s also a wonderful history, tradition, warmth and hospitality which places the importance of family above all. Look out in the photo gallery for some pictures from my most recent adventures.
I know some of you caught a glimpse of my really brief appearance in the recent Christmas special of Rab C Nesbitt. For those who missed it here’s the YOUTUBE link. (Approx 4:30mins) Although most of the scene was cut I still made it in there. Besides having a great laugh filming it was surreal to be in the same scene as Gregor Fisher and Gary Lewis two legends of British film and TV.
KARMA LOUNGE LIVE - JAN 24TH LEMONTREE
As well resuming my residencies as normal when I get back I’m really excited to let you all know about another welcome return. On the 24th of January Karma Lounge and the lemontree presents Adele Sande , Young Fathers and Kobi Onyame www.boxofficeaberdeen.com for information and to book tickets. I’ll also be on the 1 and 2’s warming you up for a night of great live music.
These guys are all on regular rotation up and down the country on the likes of Galaxy radio 1 and 1-xtra. Come out and support real Scottish talent.
Download the last Karma lounge cd recorded live at the lemontreee featuring L-Marie, Surface Empire, Raff, Clarita & Edinburgh Collective.
Although I’m having an amazing time out here I’m also really looking forward to coming back to Scotland and catching up with you all. The sub zero conditions I could do without but as I decided after a good few drinks last night happiness is definitely a state of mind and not a location. For me it’s where ever in the world I’m around good friends and of course family. With that said Happy New Year to you all and I very much look forward to raising a glass with those who already know me and getting acquainted with those who don’t.
Thanks again to my family here for the amazing hospitality and introducing me to the joys of karaoke. I think I’m just about ready for the X factor worse of out-takes.
Posted 6 months, 2 weeks ago at 2:06 pm. 0 comments
I’m sure this will be a familiar Christmas tale to many of you.
After driving around for about 40 minutes looking for a place to park I finally opted for a disabled space. (Just kidding)
The next obstacle was the street, negotiating the pavement at this time of year can be testing on the patience levels. After overtaking a few day dreamers, avoiding an oncoming push chair and almost getting knee-capped by some shopping bags. I stumbled upon Woolworths closing down sale. Perfect for all those pesky cousins and family members you don’t really know/like. Never mind the twenty five thousand people loosing their jobs everyone loves a sale.
Now I don’t want to sound like Scrooge I love Christmas but why does it sometimes feel like hard work? I always end up leaving it till the last minute despite my best intentions and picking up crap novelty presents. New socks or another bath bomb anyone? It’s far more fun shopping for kids they are generally easier to please or impress if you like. Adults always seem to have that forced look of excitement while opening presents while trying to hide the disappointment. My final word on the whole shopping thing is the queuing. I swear next year I’m going to be organized and do it all online.
Talking about queuing up. I’m going to be spending a lot of time in airports this month which I love and hate in equal proportions. Kinda similar to my feelings about planes. Each journey the panic of crashing and the exhilaration of flying, can’t beat it. I really should stop watching airline disaster, reality tv at it’s best. If you are actually appearing on that show you really were one of the lucky ones. Flying and Christmas shopping share more in common that you would think. People have that same crazed look in their eyes as common sense and manner depart them. It could be a shared fear of queues. Even though you know people with small kids and those in first are going to board in front, you’re still there anxiously waiting ready to dash as soon as the flight is called. Ready to then stand in another room and wait before sitting on a pre assigned seat for 6 hours. Is this you? If so I pray were not sitting together anytime soon. Then comes the “to speak or not to speak” debate and who gets the arm rest…I could go on all day. Either way there’s never a dull moment traveling.
After feeling fairly certain I was going to win the lottery the last day after my first attempt I didn’t even get one bloody number although I didn’t get struck by lightening either so all in all it wasn’t a bad seven days.
As it’s almost Christmas and I’m saving money on gifts. I thought I’d record a live mix to you, you and most definitely you to compensate. I’m taking you on a little soul house journey. Let me know if you are feeling it.
Lots of treats from the likes of Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder,Roy Ayers, Jones Girls, James Brown, MAW, Marlena Shaw, Teena Marie, Nina Simone, Peven Everet and Soul 2 Soul. No Kanye or T-pain in sight and strictly no auto tune. I’ll be back in early January hopefully with a few good stories to tell and the obligatory best of 08 lists (Yawn). See you all on the other side.
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