In one of m past blogs I questioned whether I should work at Pride of just go for personal enjoyment. I was siding with personal enjoyment when I got the call asking me to once again host Central Stage. I had to say yes. I love doing it, I love Pride and believe in what it truly stands for no matter how commercial it has gotten. It still has its purpose; freedom to be who you are!

I have this motto “Go big or go home!” so for me this meant a Pride photo shoot, outfits courtesy of my Official sponsor Stag Shop, a flyer shot by Andre M, promoting the event, and ensuring I had bpm:tv and Scenester swag to toss out to the crowd.

Last year I hosted Central Stage on a Saturday night, this year was during the day on the Sunday. I much prefer the night as I’m sure you can guess. The day was hard to warm up the crowd, but I can’t blame them the music was good, but defiantly could’ve been better in my opinion.

One thing I do have to say is it’s a prevlidge to play Pride Toronto. And those booked to perform need to deliver the Pride vibe not their selfish vibe. Given the opportunity to play at one of the worlds most attended, well received events is an honour, and with this comes a musical strategy of playing for the crowd not yourself. I found the DJs last year honoured this gift, while this year I felt some didn’t.

This upsets me because this is a festival of unity, depth, inspiration, happiness and freedom. And I felt the some of the DJs didn’t express what they could have. Let me make it clear some did deliver, yet the majority didn’t. At one point the crowd literally stood still noticeably not impressed while some yelled boldly “Give us dirty beats”. Believe me its not a good thing when the crowed yells at the DJ.

While in the holding area I turned to the DJ who was to go on next after a not so good act, and told him “they’re depending on you to deliver. This is your time to make your mark, and to do it right!” He just looked at me dumbfounded. While he tossed my bpm:tv lanyard I gave him to the side. Maybe he was nervous, maybe he didn’t care. No matter what him and the other DJs got hired to deliver on the basis of their Pride touch and involvement within the LGBT community.

Whether you agree with me or not I do know what I’m talking about or I wouldn’t be doing what do. My opinion is just that an opinion, but honestly these DJs now-a-days need to wake up and realize sending out links on Facebook, Sound Cloud or whatever click and listen site their using does not make them a DJ!

It’s an honour that I’ve been asked twice to host Central Stage. I take it seriously, and I’m blessed to have been given this opportunity which I take seriously. I grew up with my mother volunteering for seven years at Casey House and ACT. I grew up within the gay culture, seeing and knowing what AIDS can put upon oneself, and those who love them. I take this very seriously. Pride is very near and dear to me.

To play Pride is a gift therefore honour it!

I’ve had something I’ve wanted to say for a while.

Upon the executions of radio hosts Deb Pearce, Shaun Proulx, Patrick Marano and Mark Wigmore (now more infamously known by angry fans as  “The Fab Four” ) I told PROUD FM to take down my Scenester Magazine banner ads from their website, due to the unjust firings that occurred.  I also took down the PROUD FM banner  from Scenester’s site without hesitation and with no doubt.

I appeared on The Shaun Proulx Show several times in the past and always thoroughly enjoyed myself.  I also built the relationship between PROUD FM and Fly Nightclub when I was Fly’s publicist.

Now there’s no “Pride of Toronto?”

Firing by email? Let Evanov Radio Group reap what they sow.

Sean Moreman, Evanov’s General Counsel, said “Once all the facts are public, people will get a clearer picture as to what is going on.”

Still waiting.

JaXx HouZe 9 – The Enchanted Tribal Platoon came and went on April 23 at Footwork in Toronto. This one was more of a blur for me than the last eight. I guess shooting the whole event for the new Scenester Channel made everything move at F1 speed. I didn’t get to stop and enjoy the fruits of my labour.

I love putting on events, being apart of them and hosting them, but I do like to enjoy them. And I find when I’m deeply involved I don’t get that opportunity.

For instance I’m thinking of shooting this year’s Pride for Scenester Channel; shoot the parade, interview some of the great talent as well as some proud boys and girls. Thing is though Pride has usually been time for myself, to be with my friends and dance. And yes get a little bit crazy, as we all tend to do.

I’m not sure if this year I want to be tied down having to make certain camera angles are right, the sun is cooperating, my make-up is just so, and remembering what I want to talk about and to whom. Pride in the past has usually been my time to not worry about these things.

Last year I hosted Central Stage and it was so much fun. I did costume changes courtesy of Stag Shop my Official sponsor as any good host should. It was a lot of work and a great experience I’ll cherish forever, and one I would gladly do again, but it did take away from my Pride time.

For the past two years I also had to be at the bpm:tv booth to meet and greet viewers and fans of my show “electronica” and the station. Although fun and exciting I don’t really like heading down to Pride by myself, walking through the throngs of colourful people so I can go to work, when inside I want to be with my friends amongst the colourful people having fun, fun, fun. After I finish its always a hunt to try to find my friends, and we all know what that’s like. Again it took away from my Pride time.

So with this year’s Pride coming about I wonder whether I should I shoot the Sunday events for Scenester Channel or put on my best Pride outfit, meet my Pride pals and hit up the South Stage on Sunday in usual colourful tradition of constantly looking for a seat, while complaining about the cost of beer and the long line-ups to get one. Seeing old friends I haven’t seen in a long time, all the while basking and dancing in the sun to the driving beats of; Deko-ze, Jelo, TK and the legendary Don Burns.

I would like to shoot Pride showing the world what Pride means to Toronto, but at the same time Pride is special for me.

I know it may sound like I’m complaining with all I’ve said but I’m not. My mom used to go to Pride, and would come home and tell me all about it. I always wondered what it was about it that made my mom have so much fun. I followed in her footsteps and found out for myself. For me it’s my own private Idaho so-to-speak. It’s the one party where I can just be me.

Deko-ze’s birthday is one of my favourite events to host, as hectic as events such as this may be it’s the urgency which keeps me going. This year his birthday was held at Footwork Bar & Afterhours on March 5^th, 2010 with Adam K, Mark Falco and Deko-ze on deck.

The night started off with me ensuring a film crew was organized who were coming to shoot for an upcoming documentary, but at 8pm it started to get hairy; my phone was ringing off the hook, texts were flying in to the sound of my “knock-knock” tone, emails poured in all wanting guest list. Read the full story

My Valentine’s sucked! That’s right my man didn’t get me anything! But than again many straight guys just don’t get Valentine’s Day. All I wanted was a card, a box of chocolates, or flowers. Even a “Happy Valentine’s Day” would’ve have sufficed.

To be honest who am I kidding I didn’t come home till 3:30pm on the 14^th after my events I had to host at, and chillin with my friends. So, in his defense I may not have gotten me anything either.

What didn’t suck were the Valentine events. The Scenester Showdown at The Barn on the 12^th was great! Jamal had the DJ booth set up on the dancefloor on the main floor of the venue which makes for far better interaction with the DJ.

I’ve seen one laptop set up during a set, maybe two while the next DJ is setting up, but never three alongside two CDJs, seriously! That’s a mad set up. Word on the dancefloor was that DJTK was the Showdown hands down!

And let me mention the sweet gift bag for the winner, Johnny T. He sure got a lot of goodies to make his Valentine’s complete alone or with that special someone courtesy of Stag Shop.

CiRCA’s “Love, Sex & Magic” was also great. Damn! My Scenester Radio producer and BFF gave me chocolates and even CiRCA brought tasty chocolate, strawberry treats to our table.

Joe Ghost who opened for Behrouz and Addy totally got me; his beats were bumpy and awesome. Yet I didn’t get a chance to see him. Hence the Ghost maybe?

All was good till the fire alarm went off. That’s right around 3am just as we were headed to the DJ booth area to get our dance on, the music shut off and firemen came in. Yes some were hot (no pun intended), but since it would be a bit for them to sort this fire thing out in a venue the size of CiRCA we decided to call it a night and head back to the studio.

My Valentine’s had no spark, and ended in a false alarm. Good times!

Now that it’s over I move into March hoping for warmer weather and some crazy parties upon us. I’ll be a host at Deko-ze’s birthday at Footwork on March 5^th with Adam K and Mark Falco also on the bill.

March 6^th is DJ Bliss’s “Elevate 1-year Anniversary” at LOL Lounge with Addy, DJ Saeed, Matt Gracie and more…

Let’s not forget infamous JaXx HouZe 9 – The Enchanted Tribal Platoon will detonate April 2010. Talk about sexy men in army fatigues gyrating to tribal house. Yummy!

For guestlist for any of these events please email guestlist@scenestermagazine.com.

See you on the dancefloor!

I don’t know about you but I find it fascinating how everyone, well almost everyone you see on the street, on the subway, walking, running all have on a white pair of ear buds hanging from their ears; you know they’re listing to an iPod.

What wonderful branding this is, if only you or I were reaping the financial benefits of this musical invention. Nonetheless it’s bringing music of all genres, cultures, likes and dislikes to the forefront. I have to admit I love to see people plugged in and enjoying their simple pleasure; music.

Mind you getting from conception to execution, hence your ears isn’t an easy musical production feat by any measure, but seeing someone tap their foot, doing the 4 by 4 head nod is awesome to me.

Nothing pleases, uplifts, sets, creates kills, saddens, and heightens the mood than music to our ears.

When you’re in a club you have no choice to but to listen to what is put forth upon you, but with your own mobile club you control the DJ with no overhead. How awesome is that?

I find when I’m upset, anxious, tired, happy or mad if I put on my iPod shuffle all is OK. Wow! Isn’t that an ad right there, but it’s true. I feel ten times better than I did before I plugged in.

You can subscribe to your Podcasts, buy your tracks (cuz you know you should!) and voila! There you have it; your perfect mobile club created for you, by you.

I’ve seen people inside a club wearing their pearly white buds, to this I question, “Why are you here? But to each his own.

The next time you’re plugged in and feel the need to tap your foot, nod your head go right ahead. Music is a universal language, and it’s something we all understand. No one will think anything of you except that you really like the track tickling your ears…and they’ll wonder just what it is!

Lets face it Facebook is a great invention. I can only imagine for record labels, night clubs and promoters how this social network has worked greatly for them, and also worked as a royal pain the neck.

Before Facebook I insisted on DJs/producers to mail me a demo which included a disc with artwork on its face enclosed in a jewel case with proper design illustrating the artist’s sound, personality by way of colour and/or design. If it looked appealing it then made me want to slide into my player to hear what the visual sounded like. Thus creating intrigue for the artist who produced it.

Move to now to 2010 I receive (and I’m sure many of you do as well) links in my private Facebook inbox to so many DJs mixes. Before I go any further let me emphasize the astronomical amount of links I receive of what I call “nameless: links to a DJ’s latest mix. Don’t get me wrong I appreciate the drive and enthusiasm. I don’t however appreciate the laziness behind it.

By this I mean a link with no description, no story. Just a link.

I’m not a label owner, or work for Sony, or nor am I the biggest, baddest booking agent in this country, but then again who is? Yet I do have pull, but I’m not going to push anyone who sends me just a link to my Facebook inbox. Plain and simple, I’m not. Call me a bitch, call me an asshole. Call me a scene destroyer, but than again you should know better.

I love music (obviously) and I love receiving it. Unlike the label heads or some music critics I’m much kinder and don’t receive the pay cheques they receive. Therefore I’m open to new talent and new sounds. All I ask is to be PROFESSIONAL!

Sorry, just because you can illegally download a software program, or can mix like no other due to the many post production software programs out there, does not mean you can hold a crowd of 50, let alone 2000! Or that anyone will download and listen to your Facebook link and know who you are. Because many of those who blindly send these links never within their mix announce who the mix is by. Seriously in this day and age a DJ can’t announce their name during intervals throughout the mix? Guess that’s why they end up forgotten or worse yet deleted from potential’s listener’s playlists, too bad.

Remember Facebook is a ‘social network’ not a ‘find a job’, ‘book me’, ‘add me to you roster’ network.

Please stop sending me links with no presentation. Statistically they’re not downloaded as much as you think.

Here’s an example. You receive a piece of junk mail in your mailbox. Yes another piece of junk (which costs far more than your mix). Yet the image on the envelope is enticing to you. It’s full of the colours you like and has an image you can’t help but stare at wondering whats it all about. So you open it.

Whether the outcome is successful or not the point is it was inspiring, opened and read. Thus targeted to you!

Yes the demographics, the market audience all hold true no matter the industry. So, before you decide to send me a private message (or post a link on my Wall) on Facebook to what you think is an awesome mix. Think before you click Send.

Give me and others a reason to listen. Do something different.

As we descend from ‘09 I’d like to recall some of those whom brought musical joy to our electronica music scene and beyond.

PHOTO: Ryan Parks

Evil P was the most recent passing of one of Toronto’s forerunners of the electronic underground music scene in Toronto. Patryk a.k.a. Evil P’s demise came at 9:15pm on Tuesday Dec 23 at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital due to a long battle with Alcohol.

As I mentioned in my last Poppycock! R.I.P. Evil P I interviewed him for a DJ Report in issue 3 of Scenester Magazine when it was in print. In my DJ Report one of the many things I asked him was what was one of his favourite tracks of all time? He replied, “Guns & Roses “November Rain”. Why? I asked. He said, “The song’s ability to make you feel a wide range of emotions in less than 10 minutes.”

When reading the last two paragraphs of the DJ Report it now appears so foreshadowing.

I’ll always remember dancing with my BFF, Erin to Evil P’s dark beats on the dance floors of System Soundbar and Comfort Zone.

Evil P – R.I.P. my decknician.

Brittany Murphy “…was an incredibly loving and passionate person and an artist to her core – she loved acting, singing, dancing and performing” – her family. She died on Sunday Dec. 20, aged 32, at her Los Angeles home.

She may not be an exclusive electronic artist but she did a great job on Paul Oakenfold’s “Faster Kill Pussycat”. I remember playing this video on my show “electronica” on bpm:tv and trying to sneak into as many episodes as I could!

She was laid to rest on Christmas Eve in a twilight ceremony at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills. Her husband, Simon Monjack, gave a eulogy in which he described her as his best friend and “soul mate”.

Brittany Murphy, was in many films including, “Clueless”, “8 Mile” and the wicked “Sin City” to name a few. She collapsed at her home on Dec 20 in the morning. She was pronounced dead two hours later.

Ten different prescription drugs were found at the house and toxicology results are awaited. There’s no suspicion of foul play but the cause of death remains unknown.

Murphy’s husband has denied rumours the death was linked to drugs or eating disorders.

“These rumours that she was anorexic? It’s crazy. She was slim, but that was her natural physique,” he told People Magazine.

R.I.P. My film beauty.

DJ AM was found dead of an apparent drug overdose inside his Manhattan apartment Friday August 28 at approx 5:20pm.

DJ AM a.k.a. Adam Goldstein, was discovered surrounded by drug paraphernalia inside his $2 million Tribeca pad.

AM narrowly escaped death when a plane he was riding in skidded off of a South Carolina runway and burst into flames.

Some may know of DJ AM as Nicole Richie’s boyfriend, but to others he was one of the most heavily booked DJs in 2009 playing every venue around the world, including the Playboy Mansion to right here in Toronto at The Guvernment.

I have always found AM very interesting for all he had encountered in his life.

R.I.P. DJ AM. My musical laptopnician.

Michael Jackson is an artist I wrote about in Poppycock! Entitled “Fearlessness”. This was probably the biggest musical shocker to date for my generation.

After his death you could hear nothing but Jackson originals, remixes and bootlegs across the many dancefloors. And you still do, and let’s be honest you always will. So whether you liked him or not you’re stuck with hearing his music till you longer can hear.

R.I.P. My inspiration.
As we move forth into 2010 let music be in our hearts and goodness in our souls. And treasure each moment; musical or otherwise because you never know when or if it will happen again.

And check out my Top 10 Beatport Drops Chart.

Thanks to Shaun Proulx for the wonderful beltolicious gift!

Thanks to you for reading Poppycock! Yes even all you haters who’ve read this far! LOL!

See you on the dancefloor!

With all the parties going on and so much to be a part of this year I’ve decided to do things a bit different. I’ve decided to host only a select couple of events of which I’ve been asked to host. For the first time I even had to turn down one due to another club asking me first.

The one party anyone who is a true house-head and Deko-ze fan should attend is his “The DJs Who Stole Christmas…Again?” This marks pt. 2 to this series and it takes place on Friday December 18^th at Toronto’s Footwork.

I host many of Deko-ze’s events and have done so for the past 6 years, and aside from the Mayhem events (God! They were great!) We did, “The DJs Who Stole Christmas” is a true festive event. What other DJ do you know dresses a Santa? I too will once again wear my Santa outfit courtesy of my sponsor Stag Shop.

What makes this year’s event so special is the line-up Deko-ze pulled out of his Santa bag; Kenny Glasgow, Paranoid Jack, Tim Patrick and new up and comer, Chris Ink.

Deko-ze isn’t called “Canada’s hardest working DJ” for nothing! He’s a bright shining star within Canada’s scene and is one of our greatest producers. He had his first residency in ’91 at a gay venue in Saskatoon called Numbers (later Divas) to now maintaining residencies in: Vancouver, BC; Victoria, BC; Calgary, AB; London, ON; Niagara Falls, ON; Montreal, PQ; St. John’s, NF. He’s signed to a multi-year artist/producer development deal with Hi-Bias Records and most notably known for his energetic and charismatic stage presence, engaging personality, strong technical skills, and original approach to programming which has uniquely cultivated a huge following in both the gay and straight scenes.

Mr. Kenny Glasgow is the epitome of classic cool. He’s a Canadian icon. A pioneer. And a major contributor to the culture and movement that is house music.

And yes you read it right Paranoid Jack will hit the decks in front of a massive festive crowd all eagerly awaiting every “Jack” beat that they’ve longed to hear for the past several years.

Tim Patrick is the type of producer who’s guaranteed to immerse you on the dancefloor by his delicate mixing strategies. He was Toronto’s eye weekly #1 House DJs 3-years running. His reputation is as one of Canada’s most skillful DJs.

Chris Ink is a fast riser within Toronto’s electronic music scene who supports, excites and impresses many with his deck presence.

I simply had to plug this mad event not only cuz it’s my favourite of the year, but there’s nothing of its kind which happens at this time of year.

Then on New Year’s Day (NYD), and to think some only feel New Year’s Eve is the time to party! Steve Lawler rocks the decks at CiRCA. Lawler is labeled as a forward thinking, groundbreaking Pioneering DJ/artist. Wow! Talk about a great way to bring in 2010 with a hard bang!

“The DJs Who Stole Christmas…Again?” Guestlist please email guestlist@scenestermagazine.com by 8:30pm Dec. 18, 2009.

Steve Lawler Early Bird tickets ($30) at CiRCA on NYD please email guestlist@scenestermagazine.com by 2pm Dec. 31, 2009.

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Listen to something different, Scenester Radio; pick an episode, download and listen how you want, when you want, where you want. This week is The Miss Raquel & Cam Maxwell Show: Ageless in the Scene.

See you on the dancefloor!

Jennifer Finjan, editor-in-chief of Alternavox recently interviewed me on Scenester Magazine, Scenester Radio, bpm:tv and Toronto’s electronic music scene.

Jennifer is a mother to two teenagers; loves her iPod (who can blame her there!); house and trance music; metrosexuals. Dislikes mean people; gossip; conceited people; stalkers; haters hot n’ cold types; fakes; name droppers; liars; sink-eye givers.

Yes, I feel honoured to have had her interview me.

“Behind every success you will find a woman who possesses intelligence; charisma; perseverance; high energy; and a willingness to help others. Add a dash of wicked personal style and you have Miss Raquel Richards. Miss Raquel is creator and editor-in-chief of Scenester Magazine (a popular online magazine catering to Canada’s electronic music scene); co-founder and host of Scenester Radio; and Electronica’s host VJ on bpm:tv. Miss Raquel has perfected the formula of hit’em on several mediums with a message and she has our attention.”

Read more

I also recently interviewed the great Kenny Glasgow alongside Jared Simms of My Favourite Robot. And I know many of you love Mr. Glasgow because he’s the epitome of classic cool. He’s a Canadian icon. A pioneer. And a major contributor to the culture and movement that is house music, and he was at the forefront of the electronic house movement here in Canada.

Jared Simms one half of My Favourite Robot who’s the label in which Glasglow’s new releases resides. And it’s his label you need to keep your ears tuned into.

Listen to the interview on Scenester Radio.

Miss Raquel’s Top 10 Montly Drops on beatport.com. Current Chart. New chart will be up within the month.