INTERVIEW - The Cosmic Soul Syndicate

Dovelhoaonovo and Blak´s Lair are two music blogs responsible for bringing a whole range of sounds to people who never had the opportunity to listen to them. Both are true legends in the blogsphere, and now their owners are joining forces as a supergroup of DJs and producers, The Cosmic Soul Syndicate. With the help of long time GGC member and UK producer Jay Fusion, and many ideas in their spacey heads, the group talks exclusively and in first hand about the release of the last volume of GP´s initially conceived compilation Interstellar Soul, one that has everything to be a true Soul landmark.


GGC STAFF: It´s a great pleasure to see you joined as a supergroup!! Please tell us how and why you got to this!!

GP: All of you know that i particularly love projects, i love to be in touch with these guys changing info and discovering what´s new in the whole musical world. I was always connected with Vlada and all these guys, so it would be easy to get a project with them. All i did was to tell them about the project and Interstellar Soul 4 concept. The answers were all positive, a thing that made me happy as a child earning the first toy!!

JAY: I too, have a love of projects, and love to hook up with like-minded music lovers. I have been liaising online with GP and Vlad for a while now, so along with Blak and Joaquino, I think we have a lot of to offer in terms of love of music, and with us being based across many different countries, we will definitely have a good mix of culture to accompany our love of music.

VLADA: Hm. Like we all said we are all in this kind of colaborations. There is a really good energy between us and idea was "in the air” for a long time, but this project put that idea from thoughts to work...

BLAK: I was more then happy to throw in with GP,Vlada and Jay. Having known GP for years it was our first time to work together on a project. Me and Joaquino have been members of the Blak's Lair Family , but a joint effort with these guys was to good on pass up.



GGC STAFF: How did you conceived the Interstellar Soul 4 project?

GP: Since the first volume of the series i had in mind that it would be only 4 volumes. Then i would decide about what to do with that. I wanted to do something different than the other volumes, i wanted some different eyeview of what i conceived. I knew these guys always appreciated the concept of the series, so no one better than them to go deep in the art of diggin tracks for this crazyness!!

JAY: Although I could not personally contribute towards the earlier Insterstellar Soul projects, I have been listening to them in my car for a while now, and am happy to be able to add some of the tracks I love to this latest Insterstellar Soul 4.

VLADA: I am fan of Insterstellar Soul from part 1, and the main reason is the cosmic touch on it. Part 1 was really a discovering for me and when GP e-mailed us for part 4 i was like “YEAH I´M IN”!!

BLAK: I have loved the earlier volumes of the Interstellar Soul series, so it was nice to be invited to join them on this 4th!!

GP

GGC STAFF: We heard some tracks you selected for the project. There are some ultra hardcore changing in the initial concept. Tell us why you thought this way?

GP: Well, as i said before, the inclusion of these guys in the project would be the main point to achieve paths we never being before. I had a conceptual thing in mind, something like a sci-fi story transcripted to people ears. That´s why we decided to go this way.

JAY: Yeah, I love a cosmic feel to my music, so it has been a natural step to contribute to this concept.

VLADA: Like we said, cosmic feel is the main ingredient here and there was just a way to stay in touch with complete Insterstellar Soul, but with some changes cause there are 5 heads now. Everyone with their own creativity and style to bring to the table.

BLAK: I've loved the cosmic sounds of Dr.Lonnie Smith, Roy Ayers, Genne Harris and others for years!!



GGC STAFF: We felt that sometimes it seems to be a kind of a soundtrack for a movie or something similar. Was this exactly what you planned?

GP: Not exactly, but there´s a concept behind this work. It´s about a spaceship conducted by alien forms (we), and this spaceship (a mothership – our group) comes from the present to future and also visiting the past. Then this mothership falls into a time tunnel with a free pass to a space voyage. This is the concept. That´s why we decided to put vintage and new stuff all around it.

JAY: I am hoping the listeners pick up on this concept. Music is timeless, so this will work!!

VLADA: We are traveling through space and this is the music for better traveling!!

VLADA STOJANOVIC

GGC STAFF: Very interesting!! And how you thought about the name for the group?

GP: Me and Vlada had the Idea for the group´s name. We wanted something linked to the series proposal and the album concept. So, when we think about that mothership story and all the musical shit involved, we got Cosmic Soul Syndicate as the perfect match.

JAY: Yep, I did not have to add more to this, as i think it has been pitched just right. Well done guys!! (laughs)

VLADA: Well, GP and me was talking about the name for a short period. I was like this is not group. 5 heads, 2 collectives. GGC and Blak family. This is a Syndicate. A lil more talk and then you have it.

BLAK: To me this is just some lovers of great music getting together to share ideas in a cosmic format... I've been a member of GGC for awhile now and I'm part of the Blak's Lair Family. So it was about time we did something nice as a Syndicate...



GGC STAFF: Could you please tell us about your working process?

GP: It was a little bit hard. I had the previous concept in mind and then i asked each one to select 8 soulful tracks. No matter if it was Soul, Funk, Jazz or Hip Hop. The most important was to follow the concept. Spacey, cosmic tracks. Harcore Soul stuff, you know.

JAY: I have really enjoyed throwing my selections into the “ring” for selecting. It is always good to “dig in the crates” to pull out the gems!! lol

VLADA: Oh my God!! I gotta say that this was hard for me to work. But sweet pain. I really wanted to bring my best stuff into this project. Since i am known as a Jazzman, Smooth Soul and Disco lover, cosmic feel was something new for me. Plus we need to work as a unit. There must be a concept not just 5 different styles. But it was all great. I learned something new, i brought something new for people and for me of course.

JAY FUSION

GGC STAFF: It´s curious when you say this term “Hardcore Soul”. What´s the Idea behind it?

GP: Please don´t relate it to Hardcore or Punk stuff. I particularly like some old school Punk, Hardcore and heavy stuff. But when i say “Hardcore Soul” it means different and hard listening forms of Soul and Jazz. Those type of music that you have to listen carefully to achieve each piece of it. We think this is all good, cause some people can´t listen to those poppy mainstream shit anymore. That´s why we go progressive and totally underground.

JAY: Yes, “Progressive” is my middle name!! I know genre titles are needed sometimes, but when i host my own night “... the KITCHEN SINK”, genre and generation is irrelevant. Just good music travels time - period!!

VLADA: This was one of the things also where i was discovering myself (laughs).



GGC STAFF: We see that there´s a strong partnership between you from GGC and Blak´s Lair people. Is that true or you joined specially for this project?

GP: Yeah, this is true and we thank god for this!! We always loved Blak´s work and their ability to put up so many albums in a month. But the main point is their musical knowledge and the diggin´ activity. We love this!! We have a very similar way of thinking. That´s why we started a partnership between our Blogs and other projects. This is for real, not only for Interstellar Soul 4 project, but for life!! We love these guys!!

JAY: I am really looking forward to connecting with the crew here. Nothing else compares to music!! Music is life!!

VLADA: Blak's Lair are our blog brothers and we have really really strong partnership for a long time!! We are all family.

BLAK: Thanks, thanks, thanks a lot... (laughs)

LORD BLAK

GGC STAFF: Some people think the two Blogs are conducted by the same crew. Can you talk a little about that?

GP: Yeah, obviously. We sometimes see people asking us as we were the same thing as DOVELHOAONOVO. It´s a good question. Although there´s a similar structure between the two Blogs, DOVELHOAONOVO´s managed by the Global Grooves Collective and Blak´s Lair by Blak´s Crew. Like we said before, all we have is a strong partnership, but there are two different Blogs made by separate crews.

JAY: It is great that we are individual, but can also come together to produce wonderful projects!!

VLADA: One thing that is great is that we (GGC and Blak´s Lair) are not "the same blog." We both have our own kingdoms, but still strong connection. We are all family!!

BLAK: Guys answered that to me!! (laughs)



GGC STAFF: What about Jay Fusion collaboration?

GP: Well, Jay´s a legend in the UK underground scene. I always loved his work as a DJ and producer, so no one better than this guy to join us. We could invite a lot of talented people, but we wanted to restrict a little the number of folks involved (laughs).

JAY: It's great to be part of this movement now. It's all about connecting and linking to spread the music. I have been exchanging projects with Vlad for over a year now - we can both be seen/heard on www.mixcloud.com - http://www.mixcloud.com/vladastojanovic/ and http://www.mixcloud.com/jayfusion/ !! Also DOVELHOAONOVO has been my favourite “site” for a couple of years now, but we will all be interlocking with each other to bring us all together, i am sure.

VLADA: Oh My God!! Jay is my London brother. We have a really good communication with Jay for a year and much more. I am such a big fan of his JEWLS&GEMS series, that you´ll finally start listening at DVAN. Jay is a “must be in” ingredient for this project!!



GGC STAFF: Now, the most important question and a thing people certainly would ask you: when Interstellar Soul 4 will be released?

GP: Probably, 1st march. We planned to release it til the end of january, but we were forced to delay it due to a lot of parallel work. People can count on us: you´ll have another monster!! A new group of DJs and producers, all fresh and new, legendary collabo, DOVELHOAONOVO and BLAK´S LAIR together united!

JAY: I am really looking forward to this project being aired. My peeps here in the UK are on standby!! ROLL ON 1st MARCH 2010!!

VLADA: GP said. MARCH. And i truly hope!! We wanna do that on right way. So that's why it is not january.

The Cosmic Soul Syndicate

GGC STAFF: Finally, thanks for being so receptive!! Best wishes!!

GP: Thanks a lot!! As i said before, you´ll not be disappointed. Here comes another work full of love. This is Just for you, folks!!

JAY: I really hope you will all enjoy this!! Peace – JAY!!

VLADA: Thank you!! We are always here!! And for the people: Grab Interstellar Soul 4. We are travelling through space (literally) and time. Wanna Come?? March is the date. STAY TUNNED!!

BLAK: Thank you too!!

INTERVIEW - The Timeline Movers

After a long time thinking about a project together, Global Grooves Collective leader Mr. GP and Serbian DJ/Producer Vlada Stojanovic finally arrived as a duo!! Immersed in their soulful music library, the duo tell us about the new project, plans for the future and more!!

GGC Staff: Hi GP & Vlada!! Nice to have you here again!! Good to have you joining forces as a duo!!

GP: Hi guys. It´s a pleasure for me and also a great opportunity to work with Vlad.
Vlada: Whats Up!! Nice to be here. And it´s really an honor to be part of a project with GP.


GGC Staff: Tell us about your idea of forming The Timeline Movers.

GP: We had the idea after the recording of Vlada´s "Knockin’ On 54" compilation. I heard and immediately love that!! Vlada is a great connoisseur of 70´s and 80´s music, no matter if it´s Jazz, Soul, Funk or Hip-Hop. Finally, we thought about joining our forces as a duo, focused on releasing Disco and Boogie compilations and also future fresh and new music made by our duo.
Vlada: Well, the idea for Timeline Movers is in the air for a long time. We share the same energy about music, and there is much respect between us. After Knockin’ On 54 release we were online, and talking about that release, and GP asked me about doing something together. I said YES definetly. I mean, you don’t think about that, right. So, there it is, after a long time, research, diggin’ selection, Timeline Movers are here!!


GGC Staff: What´s the concept behind Timeline Movers name?

GP/Vlada: As we said before, we focus on Disco/Boogie things from 70´s and 80´s. So, we thought about something that could represent some power, remembering that Disco/Boogie was born in the past. So, if we´re rescuing these styles and we got the power (laughs) and also that we as DJs can manage this stuff, we can manipulate the timeline. So, Timeline Movers was born.


GGC Staff: What about your track selection process?

GP: We´re always searching for different, obscure and rare music, together with those well known by people around the world. We always try to mix raw and complex material with that popular one.
Vlada: We like to experiment. GP said that perfectly. We all know artists that are popular around the world, but let’s dig deeper, let’s give you something else, some forgotten artists, because you are gonna enjoy it, definetly.

"Our focus is to show people
how rich was the Disco/Boogie
movement and that we can bring it
back to the new generation" - GP

GGC Staff: Do you have a name for this debut album?

GP: Yeah!! It´s called “Timeline Movers Are Knocking On 54”!!
Vlada: I just wanna add something. This is not Vol. 2 of last years Knockin’ On 54. That compilation was initiative capsule for our duo so that’s why Timeline Movers Are Knockin’ On 54!! Another thing that I need to say and it's not about our name. It's about our cover concept. For that credits go to Donewell agency from Serbia. They've done many things for GGC and just have to mention them.


GGC Staff: Do you pretend to release this officially?

GP: It´s hard to think about it. We have to think hardly about the payment of royalties and more. That´s not our focus. Our focus is to show people how rich was the Disco/Boogie movement and that we can bring it back to the new generation.
Vlada: It would be nice, but I think that we will probably have more problems than pleasure with that. And in other hand, why should we? That´s nothing about money here. This is just for the love of music!!


GGC Staff: Will you keep the line of “compilation producers” or do you pretend to fly higher?

GP: Always flying high, man, as I said before. We (me and Vlad) consider ourselves two prolific guys. We know we can go ahead and be better and better with the time. We plan to do something similar to Joey Negro´s Sunburst Band, recruiting musicians for future presentations around the world. That´s a little bit difficult cause i´m in Brazil right now and Vlad is in Serbia. But we pretend to adjust our lives for the future. So we can keep our minds straight and follow our plans with no trouble!!
Vlada: There are many plans for the near and far future. We really talk a lot about that, but for many reasons these are still plans, but recruiting new artists is active. Soon you’ll hear a great artist from Serbia that will work with us in a near future. His name is Vukashin Lekic. He´s a young and very very talented guitar man and producer. He is in studio right now working on a single. This man will figure in something that we do, soon.

"We all know artists that are popular
around the world, but let’s dig deeper,
let’s give you something else,
some forgotten artists,
because you are gonna enjoy it,
definetly" - Vlada S.

GGC Staff: What´s your favourite Disco/Boogie acts, past and present?

GP: I´m totally about raw and rare material, no matter the act. I particularly love Roy Ayers late 70´s work, Dexter Wansel, Norman Connors, Disco tinged Jazz Funk and more. Talking about contemporary grooves, i love House Music, specially Deep House. Love Naked Music things, Miguel Migs, Joey Negro, Fanatix and more. I´m also listening to a lot of Nu Disco.
Vlada: I like to experiment with music. Roy Ayers is definetly the greatest. Also there are artists like Chic, Peaches & Herb, The Soul Searchers, Instant Funk, A Taste Of Honey. There are also some great old school artists from my country such as KIM band or Boban Petrovic. I need to mention Sugar Hill records. I just love those pioneers of Hip Hop that came after the Disco movement. Contemporary Disco/Boogie albums. Well, I listen The Boogie Back Post Disco Club Jams by DJ Spinna these days very much. Great album!!


GGC Staff: Hummmm... Could we think about something following this genres for the future?

GP: Obviously!! We´ll bring Disco back to the new era!! Just wait and you´ll see!!
Vlada: For Sure. People love to dance, and Disco is perfect the perfect tune to give great music for dancefloors and listeners at home.


GGC Staff: Great!! The music world needs more from you!!

GP: We promise we´ll do all that we can to bring a fresh air to the music world. For example, think about Amy Winehouse. She brilliantly brought 60´s Soul to the new era. After that we had a large number of similar acts. That´s it. It´s called ressurection. And if we once had great music, we can always have great music. Why not? That´s possible. And that´s refreshing. That´s it.
Vlada: You have industry but real artists are coming like phoenix. Coming to life from the ashes. One of the artists that I really respect is Mayer Hawthorne. His debut albums is amazing. He definetly brought quality.... It's like Talib Kweli said in "I TRY": “…you can stop the industry, but you can´t stop the music…”


GGC Staff: Sounds great!! It was a pleasure to hear more from you. Hope you can have the right success as Timeline Movers!!

GP: Thanks a lot!! We´re in this game to win. I´m not talking about money, man. I´m talking about respect and acceptance. If people love our work, we´ll call that victory. I´d like to send a big shout out to Donewell Agency, the guys responsible for Timeline Movers album cover art. And also a big up to our team of DJs and producers (specially Pepe Epps, one of the best guys in Disco, Boogie, Funk and House Music) who helped us with a special listening and certification!!
Vlada: Thanks. It was a pleasure to talk to you guys. We are here and we are not slowing down. Timeline Movers, GP and me with our solo projects, Gringo, Serbian new acts and the rest of the GGC artists, crew, our great friends Lord Blak with his crew, Jay Fusion, Laidback radio…. and every other artists and music lovers in the world are here for the people. We are all doing this for you guys. KEEP GROOVIN!!

SPECIAL INTERVIEW - GP Talks About The 3rd Volume Of His Interstellar Soul Compilation!!

GP´s back again!! After some long time selecting material for a new volume of his Interstellar Soul comp., the man behing long and disaligned hair and simple urban wearing is back again. Between doses of Henny and sounds from his library, the GGC leader told us what´s inside this new cosmic soul journey.

GGC Staff: Hi GP!! It´s a pleasure to have you back with a new compilation!! And this pleasure is even better with your selection of cool cosmic soul sounds!!

GP: What´s up, folks!! It was a hard one, but i´m alive!! The battle against space people to borrow them some sounds were hard, but i´m here to tell you something about that!!

GGC/S: (laughs). We hope you got some nice pieces of sound for us!!

GP: Yeah!! I tried. Let´s see what people will think with this new joint.

GGC/S: GP, what´s the basic difference between this new volume and the others (Interstellar Soul Vols. I & II)?

GP: I tried to select some different material for this volume. I tried to focus on some mood sounds, something a little bit different from the other volumes. Something i bring this time is cooler than that broken beat tinged sounds from the first volumes. There are some sci-fi jazz this time, there are some pure cosmic Hip Hop beats. And of course some robotic European Soul and related.

GGC/S: Wow!! Seems to be a bomb!! Could you tell us some of the artists you put in this time?

GP: Of course. First, i pay some homage to Moçambiquean producer Gringo, one we bet as J. Dilla´s substitute in a near future. Gringo is a master in terms of instrumental and cosmic Hip Hop. If you don´t know him, wait until you listen to "Rapness", the track we selected for the compilation (we also suggest you to download his "Bitologista" from DVAN). Aside Gringo, we also bring something from Sa-Ra and J-Davey, just to keep the same line. But there are much more, like Fat Freddy´s Drop, Jesse Boykins III, Peter Hadar, the guys from Jaspects and others!!

GGC/S: We can´t wait to hear that!! It seems to be great!! Could you please tell us when it will be available?

GP: Hell yeah!! Wait until the end of this month. Maybe you´ll have a surprise!! All you have to do is to visit DVAN daily!!

GGC/S: Great, GP!! We hope you can make the same noise as you did with IS 1 and 2!!

GP: Thanks. All i have to say is: wait for the release and have a good journey when listening to it. It was made for the love of music. For the love i have from you. Nuff respect to everybody, GGC people and all artists who are figuring in Interstellar Soul 3!! Love you!!

GGC/S: We bless you, GP!!

GP: Thanks. Love y´all from the deep of my heart!!