- A tribute to our latest cover star, Moodymann, from one of Detroit's most influential DJs.
- This RA Podcast is a celebration of all things Moodymann, and by extension, Detroit. The long-time DJ and producer Dez Andrés, who calls Moodymann his "big brother," pays tribute to the true expanse of Kenny Dixon Jr.'s catalogue, from core house cuts and rambling funk jams to remixes of artists like Dua Lipa and Solomun. This mix really hammers home Moodymann's broad influence on dance music.
Andrés is also a legend in his own right. Active in Detroit since the '90s, he's a dance music Renaissance man, known for incredible hip-hop beats, disco and house, including massive hits like "New 4 U," our favourite track of 2012. His archive of records and mixes are essential listening for any house or hip-hop fan, and he represents the distinct blend of influences and genres that defines Detroit. You can hear something similar in this all-Moodymann mix.
For more on Kenny Dixon Jr., read our cover story by Nyshka Chandran.
What have you been up to recently?
Lately I've been focused on recovery from my leg injury. Three more visits to physical therapy. I'm moving around, slowly getting better and just creating a lot at the same time.
How and where was the mix recorded? And can you tell us the idea behind it?
I recorded it at home, in my element. I guess the idea was to put the spotlight on KDJ's music and his many different influences. There's a lot of range, a nice balance of everything.
What's one club or party that had a major impact on you as an artist?
My favourite club experience in Detroit was The X Spot back in the early '90s, just before I met Amp Fiddler and Slum Village. It was John Salley's club and it played a major role for me back in the day. He was a Pistons player, and ended up playing for the Bulls and Lakers as well. Everybody was dancing to everything back then, no holding up the wall and shit. The club was only open for a couple of months but left a lasting impression. The sound system was ridiculous. Me and my sister did some art on the wall, so I never had to pay to get in.
What kind of influence has KDJ has had on you as a person and artist, and what role does he play in the larger Detroit community?
I'd say that through KDJ is where I acquired the most valuable information and inspiration as to what house music is—real house—and techno as well. With him is where my education and grooming started as it pertains to dance music. Information I will carry for the rest of my life. I've always looked up to Masters At Work. Kenny Dope and Louie Vega, two Latino men, highly respected for house music as well as hip-hop, but I didn't know them personally back then. It was a blessing because I knew Kenny and he opened up many doors for me and others. He also set the bar for me when it came to production and quality. I like that Kenny's very unpredictable, I appreciate the element of surprise and his rebelliousness. I got a lot of that in me as well, and Kenny is the first person that I saw execute it. He's like my big brother and Kenny played a part in a lot of people'e development both in and outside of Detroit.
As an important Detroit DJ yourself, what makes KDJ's music special?
Overall a lot of his music doesn't sound the same—you get different things from different tracks. You get to enjoy energies from Brazil, funk, punk, new wave, gospel to jazz and beyond. You get the late-night speakeasy type of vibe, you know a crowd in the back and it's a party. Going through his catalogue you can jump into all these bags. Several energies, all coming from the same artist, it's unlike any other music I have heard.
What's one social or political cause you want the world to pay more attention to?
People need to be more respectful and kind. There's a lot of mean shit going on in the world and it's unnecessary. Kindness, across the board. It gets you a lot further too.
What are you looking forward to in the near future?
I'm looking forward to releasing a lot more music. I feel like I have yet to put a project that kinda captures the whole Andrés energy and experience, I guess. I'm excited about all the support, especially from people who purchase and still care about vinyl. I also look forward to getting back out there once I'm back on my feet.
Photo: Ina Aydogan
TracklistMoodymann - Home
Moodymann - Cotton 4 Daze
Moodymann - I Got Werk
Moodymann - We Wanna Party
Dua Lipa - Break My Heart (Moodymann Remix)
Moodymann - 9 Nites 2 Nowhere
Kem - Without You (Moodymann Remix)
Moodymann - Basement Party
Moodymann - Pullupselecta
Moodymann - Amerika
Moodymann - U Ranaway
Moodymann - Pray 4 Love feat. Amp Fiddler, Roberta Sweed, Diviniti
Model 500 - No UFOs (Moodymann Remix)
Moodymann - Hold It Down feat. Amp Fiddler & Bubz Fiddler
Ralf Gum - With Her Hand feat. Hugh Masekela (Moodymann Remix)
Louie Vega & Moodymann - 7 Mile
Rick Wilhite - Drum Patterns & Memories (Moodymann Remix)
Solomun & Jamie Foxx - Ocean (Moodymann Extended Remix feat. Amp Fiddler)