Pier Pressure

One of the challenges of being a huge lover/supporter of the Progressive sound is that my production sound and live sound rarely meet. I can get away with playing all sorts of random stuff on Progressive Aggressive because people expect to hear it. Most of my gigs are here in Toronto - I frequent small lounges and clubs on a regular basis. Sadly, Toronto is no longer the kind of city that appreciates trance and progressive (although it is coming back to some extent thanks to some awesome venues that are willing to take risks).

As much as I'd like to be holier than thou and play the high-brow music snob card, it just doesn't work when you're playing out. People want to hear songs they can sing to, familiar melodies... stuff they're comfortable with. A good DJ knows this and does what he can to get crowds moving.

I've found a happy place that I feel good about in funky house music - the feel good kind of stuff you hear Hed Kandi residents and UK garage legend Grant Nelson pumping out. It works really well at Vital events because we've got an awesome mix of regulars who are familiar with the dance music scene or just like to have a good time.

For the second year in a row I had an absolute blast playing on the Vital boat cruise. I played, I danced, I managed to spill beer all over myself (surprise, surprise). Anyhow... here's the recording from my set aboard the Klancy II from Pier Pressure, The 2010 Vital boat cruise. Enjoy!