Selector

Selector: Rad Brian Is Ready for Simmer Down Sound 5 Year Anniversary

May 10, 2017

Rad Brain is yet another multitalented member of the Simmer Down Sound crew.  An iconic Chicago DJ and resident at Simmer Down, Rad Brian is the owner of Odd Obsession Movies, a niche video store in Chicago’s Wicker Park which purveys foreign, classic and independent genre films meant to open new mental spaces

When we asked Brian about the intersection of these interests, he explained “I definitely came to reggae through movies. Before I even thought of collecting reggae and dancehall vinyl, I was watching Jamaican cinema, classic films like “Country Man,” “The Harder They Come,” “Rockers” and “Smile Orange.” Reggae music was everywhere in these movies, so I couldn’t help but latch onto it. The soundtracks to these movies cover a “who’s who” of the 70’s and early 80’s scene. I started to really study the music, picking up as many 45’s from this era as I could find. The number of versions vocalized on the same riddim and variations in between blew my mind. From a collector’s standpoint, I began to see how awesome and seemingly never-ending that was.”

Rad Brian’s affinity for reggae and film brings a unique element to Simmer Down Sound as he curates and screens Western and martial arts films at our events, creating a visual aspect to the night which is a strangely perfect counterpoint to reggae music.  In addition to bringing his film aficionado skills to bear at Simmer Down, Brian brings his unique and wide-ranging vinyl collection to his DJ sets.  “Dancehall 45’s brought out the collector in me,” he says. “It quickly became my calling to try and find as many versions of a particular riddim as possible!”

Brian’s many other talents include his African music and hip-hop DJ skills.  He ran a monthly DJ night under his Odd Obsession brand at The Whistler and was also featured at a hip hop monthly hosted by Pseudo Slang.  Finally rounding out his already impressive resume, Brian also curates an exceptional collection of Ghanaian movie posters at Deadly Prey Gallery, a space co-created by Brian and his sister.   

While clearly a devotee to all art forms, Rad Brian pays particular homage to the special power of reggae music as a positive social force, saying “Music heals when so many other things can hurt. Reggae music is typically recognized as one of the most positive genres of music for good reason. While certain themes in dancehall music throughout the years might not always be thought of as clean and kind, nevertheless its empowering nature bleeds out strong and cannot be ignored.”  We at Simmer Down Sound could not agree more, and are thrilled to again feature Renaissance man Rad Brian at our Fifth Anniversary, this Saturday, May 13th at Subterranean!

Selector: The Graduate Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary of Simmer Down Sound

May 10, 2017

Nic The Graduate is truly a jack of all trades, making up one-half of reggae/hip hop duo Illuminati Congo, as well as being a professional photographer,  a multi-instrumentalist, and one of Chicago’s best DJs and producers.

A serious collector of reggae records, the Graduate boasts one of the best collections in the city, and his love affair with reggae goes way back.  “I laugh when people say they have been into something their whole life but I feel like I have been into reggae pretty much my whole life! My parents used to play Bob Marley around the house when I was in infant and they say the first song I ever requested when I was a kid was “Buffalo Soldier.”  Over the years reggae has seemed to play a larger and larger role in my life. I have continued to collect and discover new (or new to me) reggae records and find every opportunity to play them out for the people. I have met so many great friends through collecting and djing reggae.”  

As a DJ, The Graduate joined forces with Cosmos Ray, Akasha and Selector Aaron in 2012 as an original member of the crew running what was then known as Simmer Down Sundays at the Double Door.  He is also currently has a residency at the Whistler on Second Fridays.  

As a producer, The Graduate has put out three albums with Illuminati Congo and has participated in international collaborations with Lee “Scratch” Perry, Anthony B, Lutan Fyah, Midnite, Pressure, Big Youth, Burro Banton, King Kong, Pressure and JahDan Blakkamoore.  We at Simmer Down are happily anticipating imminent vinyl and digital releases of The Graduate’s productions on the Happy as a Lark label.  

 

The Graduate’s sensibilities with respect to reggae have definitely played a role in shaping Simmer Down Sound’s vision and mission with respect to embracing diversity and inclusivity.  When we asked him about how he felt about the role of reggae with respect to raising social consciousness, Nic said, “Part of my interest in reggae and hip hop especially is the very broad range of messages that can be found in the songs. When I DJ I try to cover as much of this range as possible because it is all interesting to me – often the message is something I can relate to, but sometimes it is so foreign I can only try to imagine what life is like for this person. It is good to see a strong new roots movement currently happening in Jamaica and around the world. Making this positive message more and more acceptable in the mainstream can definitely inspire change for the better.”  We at Simmer Down wholeheartedly concur with him, and are very happy to have The Graduate help us celebrate five years of building our movement this Saturday, May 13th at Subterranean!