Thats My Jam : BK's Queer Culture Blog

tmj blog site

2009-12-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

www.djtikka.com for current party details.

Letter To TMJ people

2009-12-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I opened up my mailbox to find a link to an article, from a concerned friend, in NYMag about the latest trend in NYC nightlife. I am a DJ who runs a mixed queer dance party in Brooklyn so I had no choice but to read it. To my dismay, That’s My Jam, the party that I throw with Trent Brooks was on the list being described as follows:

“A roving affair that sets down in three bars in Brooklyn. Its original intention, allegedly, was to promote interracial hookups. It seems to be working.”

Without having interviewed any of the parties organizers, or doing some basic google research, the author, Liz Armstrong, felt comfortable summing up a music-focused dance party (called That’s My Jam) as a space designed with the intention of promoting interracial hooking up. That’s My Jam is a space that the queer community values as a safe space because it aggressively avoids alienating labels like gender, race, sexuality, etc. That’s what makes the party a success, not who hooks up there. How a queer person could not see the problematic aspects of describing one of the few truly diverse regular queer events in BK as an interracial hookup party simply reveals the fact that neither the writer nor the magazine have any regard for how it represents diverse queer communities.

TMJ is a party that focuses on the politics of fair representation in a way that is central to it’s existence. We take our own photos and use social network media instead of relying on mainstream press so that we don’t get misrepresented or written up by people who don’t really understand what’s going on. So when a magazine writer decides to use her queer card and take license to write about her community in broad strokes like this, she is essentially glossing over a lot of representational work that has been done by this community to create a space that is safe from the types of labels and descriptions that people who don’t get diversity need use. If Liz thinks that TMJ is there because the organizers wanted to make a space for NY Magazine readers to access an interracial lesbian hookup, and that seems to be her interpretation of the party, she clearly didn’t do her research.

In fact, if the author had actually contacted the organizers prior to writing about TMJ she would have gotten two simple responses from us that would have made it more difficult to include us on her list of “Brooklyn centered Sapphic circuit” (gag)

1) We’re not a lesbian party so don’t call us that.

2) We don’t exist to provide NYMag readers with a place to find an interracial hookup with girls, so don’t write us up that way.

Please stop giving New York Magazine your queer money and save it for a publication that prefers to represent diversity in a more dignified manner.

Peace

DJ Tikka

New Blog Location:

2009-11-27T14:08:00.001-08:00

www.djtikka.com

The blog has moved to a new location! please update your aggregators.

Trent In Time Out NY!

2009-11-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

Check out TMJ's best boy T-Bone Trent in Time Out NY. Yes, it's true, he's single and very eligible.

TMJ News

2009-11-06T11:00:00.001-08:00

Finally there's an order developing out of the chaos that has been TMJ over the past few months. There's a permanent new space that can accommodate the entire party, all at once. The party will continue at Sputnik as well. But now the key is to get together a schedule that Brooklyn Queers can set their clocks to. So here it is:

1st Saturdays: TMJ at Sputnik

3rd Saturdays: TMJ at The Bell House

Every Friday Night: BK's freshest DJ's at Fresh Fridays in Bushwick.

From TMJ #14: Bell House

Tikka's Opening for Pharoahe Monch : Saturday : October 17, 2009

2009-10-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

Sputnik, is after all a Hip Hop centric venue, so come see what happens when TMJ's resident DJ Tikka gets in the mix before Pharoahe Monch. Our DJ's are opening for some really accomplished Hip Hop artists, thanks to Sputnik. Thanks Sputnik!

The Queerist Wrote us UP

2009-10-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks Queerist!
Check this out.

And the party people last TMJ were HOT.

Thanks Shay!

TMJ wants to let folks know that we're having our next TMJ at Tandem, in Bushwick. This is a new venue, that deserves our attention and support. It's two sisters starting up a club space on the Jefferson stop on th L train. It's the type of project that we should feel good about putting queer cash into. They have queer staff, are focused on having diverse programming, and have a genuine interest in supporting queer programming and people.

We are also looking at another Gowanus venue, The Bell House, as a possible new home. The space is massive, but we want to see how the crowd feels about it before committing.

We've got some video clips from our first anniversary bash. Yalini Dream, Princess Lockaroo, and Ganessa James graced us with their fabulous spoken word, dance, and musical performances.

And TMJ veterans, She-Dick, are simply... amazing. We have been in love with them since the first time they played for us at Sputnik in the Spring.

April 18th TMJ

2009-05-04T09:37:00.001-07:00

!!!

Kingdom's List

2009-04-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

KINGDOM'S TOP 10 3/13/09

Kingdom - Mind Reader ft. Shyvonne
I finally finished this new track with a very talented young singer name Shyvonne. It's a 4x4 heavy bass banger but is also definitely an R&B song at the same time. Hopefully this will be seeing official release soon!

Crazy Cousinz - Bongo Jam (L-Vis 1990 & Bok Bok's refix)
Up and coming London-based producers L-Vis 1990 & Bok Bok have created this bass-heavy remix of the UK Funky anthem, probably the biggest club song in London right now.

Piddy Py - Giggle Riddim
Possibly the best Bassline / 4x4 Grime instrumental ever. Insane hyperactive wobble bass and a menacing baby giggle sample mixed with gunshot clicks.

Pitbull - Floor On Fire (Feat. Machel Montana & Lil Jon)
Pitbull always genre-hops but I didn't expect him to do a Soca track. This is a high energy banger. Hearing Lil Jon on a Soca beat is a little disarming but it works.

Jamie Foxx - Blame It (DJ Tedsmooth Remix)
They're playing this every other minute in Hot97 and Power105 right now. This remix combines the horn part from C-Murder's classic "Down for my Ni**as" with an old breakbeat.

Serani - No Games (Unfinished Business Riddim)
A heartbreaking yet danceable track from Reggae crooner Serani, also a big hit on NYC radio. Whenever I play it people say he sounds like Tracy Chapman!

Lenny Fontana - Spirit of the Sun (Bump And Flex Mix)
Just when I thought I'd heard every organ-bass driven 2-Step Garage track, I discovered this one, complete with beautiful uplifting diva vox.

Monica - Knock Knock
This is an impeccable R&B song. Monica and Missy work well as a producer / vocalist team I think. When I drop this my crew and I are immediately going crazy singing every word and ad-lib.

Roska - Elevated Level
I wonder if UK Funky producers realize that they are channeling first wave Reggaeton?

Kill Franzy - Uuuh!
Juke was born in Chicago but I'm obsessed with where Belgian producer Kill Frenzy has gone with it. Abstracted Juke-Rave with lion roar samples. 160 BPM!!!

An Introduction: Your Friendly Neighborhood Transman.

2009-01-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

My name is Trenton Brooks and I am a ftm tranny living in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, NY. I am starting this blog with the hope of answering some questions that anyone might have about transmen [ftms] and transitioning. Please keep in mind I am just one transguy. I do not have all the answers and may not give you the same advice or information as the next and I cannot say if my word is any better or worse than the next... it is simply my own. : ) This is also my first time writing anything since my horrible college essays so please bare with me!

You may still be wondering why I am starting this blog... I came out as trans in 2006, I was 20 at the time, and I was [and still am] lucky enough to be surrounded by about 7+ transmen, ranging from 5-14+ years older than me, who make a point to make sure I have the love, support, respect, and information I needed to start and continue transitioning into the man I am on my way to become. With that said, the only way I believe I can repay those men is by passing on what they have given me and then some.

Today is exactly one month since I had top surgery in Springfield, Massacusits by surgeon Melissa Johnson. I have been on testosterone since March 7th, 2007; my name was legally changed on May 18th, 2007; my gender was changed to male on my id on April, 3rd 2008; and hopefully soon SS will reconize me as male and my birth certificate can be changed to represent my current legal name and gender.

Please feel free to contact me, via email and not in person as it may not be the appropriate time, with questions or suggestions for my future blogs. If you contact me or add me on one of my online profile please reference this blog so your request isn't ignored and I will get back to you in a timely fashion. Note: I will not be using the real names of anyone who have not given me the permission to do so.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Transman,

Trenton Brooks

trentbro@gmail.com
myspace.com/badboytrent
facebook: Trenton Brooks

2009: UP With Love! Black President! & What's Hot?

2008-12-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

Designer Imposter speaks:

At first I thought about calling my first blog on here: "What's hot? and What's not?..." But I think part of my New Years resolution will be about focusing on the positive. Not that I am against the positive feelings that "Hating" can arouse, but what would it really be worth to you to read about what I am hating on? This is a dawn of new era. We have a black president for christsakes!!

Many of you know me as Designer Imposter the dee jay. I spin records at many parties, including my personal favorite, "That's my Jam!". But many of you might not know I also produce music. Its kinda been on the low since I never perform. But a little bird whispered in my ear that I would be playing a show sometime in the summer of 2009. So keep your eyes peeled and wait for me with baited breath. I shall not disappoint. I hope...

Most of you who personally know me. Know that I am a total music nerd. My taste runs the gamut. But I am going attempt to narrow down a few artists who inspire, make me dance, or who just plane ooze with talent and brilliance.

Let me first and foremost put it out there. My music Gods/Goddesses consist of: Prince and Grace Jones. If there was a faith in which they could be worshipped, I would be a devotee.

1. Beyonce Knowles aka Sasha Fierce

(as if she needs more attention but...)

The dance floor award and best music video of this year by far goes to Miss Dream Girl herself, Beyonce Knowles aka Sasha Fierce. She's hot, she's thick, and she can move and sing! I am not so secretly studying this video so I can show off my new Beyonce dance routine.

2. Gravy Train

Gravy Train are dance punk outfit from the San Francisco. Have you seen this Gravy Train video? Not sure when this video came out, either this year or last year. What do I love about Gravy Train? They are punk. They are sex positive! They are like 3/4 colored kids ( I think.) And one of my favorite fags in the whole world, Brontez is in this band. And he does this amazing zine called Fag School.

2. THE KNIFE (they raise there hand to the color Red)

Everybody loves The Knife these days. And why? Because they are great. Did anyone catch them live two years ago? Amazing! Have you heard that they are putting out an opera. Apparently the Danish Hotel Pro Forma has invited The Knife to write music and libretto for "Tomorrow, in a year" a Darwin Opera. Sounds interesting huh?

Is there really an underground music scene?

I guess not. Nowadays anyone one can start a myspace page for their band and become a star. Which I think is fantastic. We as musicians no longer need to rely on record labels to put out and distribute our music. Which leads me to a few little known bands you might not know about, but you can listen to them on myspace.

3.Balls to the Wall:

Balls to the Walls is a new band out of Brooklyn, NY. They make weird punky dance music. Jesse has this amazing operatic vocal style. Their beats are like disco marches. I can't wait to see them perform. They are playing a show in Brooklyn on Jan 24th 2009 @Monkey Town in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Look out for them!

5. Bangerz N Mash

I love these British ladies. They are rappers from London. They have super cute style. And are super positive and fun. They played a show a while back at Glasslands in Brooklyn. I missed there actual performance. But did get a chance to introduce myself. Hopefully they will come and play a show in the summer at 'That's my jam!' Check them out on myspace: www.myspace.com/bangerznmash

5. SWAN SONG

Swan Song is a solo artist from Toronto Canada. She has this beautiful sultry voice. Her style ranges from moody and melancholy beats to abstract rhythms. Lots of layering and heavy bass lines. She is definitely one to look out for. Plus who doesn't love Canadians???

My new Years Eve Play List (Some oldies but goodies and some new shit!):

1. Hercules & Love Affair "Blind"

2. Beyonce, "Single Lady"

3. Anthony Hamilton "Aint Nobody Worryin'"

4. The Knife "Is it Medicine"

5 .Kid Cudi "Day N' Nite"

6. Bobby Valentino & Lil Wayne "Officer"

7. Crime Mobb "Stilletto Pumps"

8.Ginuwine "Ride it my Pony"

9. Aliyah "If your Girl only Knew"

10.Kanye West "Love Lockdown"

ender wiggin is gay!!

2008-12-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

hey! im dj'ing TMJ this saturday and im stoked!! im going to write about my favorite queer dance music. music not necessarily made by queer artists, just queer music. don’t get me wrong, i love the queers making music but shomi noise already covered that nicely.

to me, music becomes queer by possessing that certain something that hits you right in the gayplace. the same place that tingled whenever the ellen show came on. That’s ellen the sitcom, not the talk show. i mean, bonus if they experiment with music norms but really, its like-does this make me feel awesome and gay? or does it make me feel like queen latifah playing will smith’s love interest in the fresh prince of belair. booored.

hmm, maybe i should just call this a queer’s favorite music.

well, here are my current queer music favorites. each one hits hard enough to make even the stiffest wrist go limp.

METRONOMY

who said french guys don’t know how to dance? did anyone? nobody did? oh. well nevermind then. because obviously, they do. and metronomy’s videos are awesome. please note their old albums are boring.

FRANKMUSIK

who knows, maybe i just like music videos, but the song feels like a bunch of doves being let off in my chest. but they don’t bite or anything, they just want to hang out and drink milkshakes or something.

LE CORPS MINCE DE FRANÇOISE

this song and video makes me love being gay. Why not.

MARNIE STERN

marnie stern isn’t really dance music.bBut as a guitar hero virtuoso (i play on expert. believe it) i recognize and celebrate her shredding abilities.

well, i will save the rest of my favorites for this saturday night at sputnik!

umbrella helen! tikka masala! saturday night will be rad!!

xoender wiggin

Check MC Yogi

2008-11-15T11:35:00.001-08:00

What's up people? I just wanted folks to take a look at this video. MC Yogi is worth checking out. His lyrics are always inclusive, thoughtful, and positive. The production values are pretty tight too, keeping that bay area flavor alive and well.

What's also notable about this artist is that his life is centered around his yoga practice. I guess that's why his lyrics are all about peace, change, and spiritual growth... Nonetheless he knows how to make hip hop well enough that his message comes across in a credible vehicle that even cynical apocalyptic types can appreciate.

Shomi Noise's Queer Band Picks

2008-11-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

Shomi Noise reporting for duty. So I was asked to make a couple of reviews for the TMJ blog about queer artists/bands that I am into. I was very excited about this, because I love the queers, and I especially love the queers who are making some sort of noise and putting it out there. These are some bands/artists that are queertastic and who totally rock.

SGT. SASS
So i'm currently obsessed with this band. They're a Fag Duo from Philly who list their influences as follows: "Salt-N-Pepa, Lil' Kim, the Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Remy Ma, Missy Elliott, Foxy Brown, Courtney Love, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bikini Kill." I mean, hip-hop fags who love Lil' Kim AND Bikini Kill? I wanna be best friends with these dudes. But you have to hear their rhymes, they are SOLID. Check out the track "faggot snappin (Japattack Remix)" on their myspace, that shit is FIRE.
http://www.myspace.com/herecumdemfags

OMG MICHELLE
This is a local BK queer girl group i adore, not only are these girls awesome and full of passion, they are hella nice too and full of sass. Their track "You Don't Know Michelle" produced by Kingdom, is already a classic in my mind.
http://www.myspace.com/michellethegroup

BALLS to THE WALL
This band is made up of two very rad queers doing awesome lo-fi D.I.Y. experimental post-punk electro music. If you are into Tracy and The Plastics, you are sure to dig em. I am all about this.
http://www.myspace.com/ballstothewalljm

DESIGNER IMPOSTER
She is fierce and has DJed many awesome queer parties, including the first TMJ, but did you know she also makes her own music? And it is hella awesome/radical. Listen to Jaguar, I love that track.
http://www.myspace.com/djdesignerimposter

ANNIE AND THE DREAMBOATS
This band is not electro or hip/hop, they actually kick it back to old school riot grrrl queercore punk. These girls are from Portland and they are totally fun/amazing. The songs on their myspace are live recordings and not as great, but listen close enough and they’ll get stuck in your head. I can’t wait till they put up better recordings and tour the east coast.
http://www.myspace.com/anniethedreamboats

NEW BLOODS
Another Portland band that I adore. Their sound is very unique. Drums, bass, violin and harmonious vocals. It brings me back to the days when all I would listen to was late 70s women punk bands. You’ll definitely hear some Raincoats & Liliput/Kleenex influences in their music.
http://www.myspace.com/thenewbloods

THE SHONDES
This is another queer rock band that incorporates violin to their sound. Hailing from Brooklyn and comprised of 4 radical queer Jews, The Shondes are passionately dedicated to their art and it shows. This is for all of you who are into very developed and intense post-punk/post riot grrrl indie rock sounds. I am a huge fan.
http://www.myspace.com/theshondes

MKNG FRIENDZ & CROOKEDLEGS
So my co-DJ for the night, Tami Hart, is a musical genius. I always loved her solo stuff from way back then, and fell completely in love with her now defunct punk band/duo Winning Looks. Her current projects are just as exciting. Making Friendz are here to put the queer in R&B hardcore and their songs are incredibly catchy and heartfelt. If you are in the NYC/BK area make sure to catch their live shows, they are tons of fun. CrookedLEGS only has one track up online, but it’s pretty amazing and danceable. If Crystal Castles and M.I.A. had a baby, it would sound like CrookedLEGS.
http://www.myspace.com/crookedlegsmusic
http://www.myspace.com/makingfriendz

YO! MAJESTY
Of course, how could I write about queer bands/artists and not mention Yo! Majesty? I remember seeing them almost 2 years ago at some loft party in BK when they were still a trio and the buzz on them still wasn't as huge. I was completely blown away by how passionate and tight their set was. It was just so refreshing to see 3 female rappers who were totally out dykes and rapping about loving the ladies. They are now a duo and have finally put out a great full-length album out titled "Futuristically Speaking...Never Be Afraid." I actually really hope they go mainstream in that big chart-toppin kinda way because that would be huge, like Obama's election.
http://www.myspace.com/yomajesty4life

So That’s My Jam # 3 is this Saturday and I am extremely excited. This party is just so much fun and it’s a total honor for me to DJ for you all.

Here is a small list of some of the songs I’ll be playing:

1. Crystal Castles – Crimewave (Crystal Castles vs. Health Remix)
2. Lady Gaga – Just Dance (Akon & Kardinal Offishall Remix)
3. The Count & Sinden featuring Kid Sister – Beeper
4. KillaQueenz – Sweaty Wet
5. Hotstylz – Go Looney
6. Beyonce – Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)
7. Ivy Queen – Yo Quiero Saber
8. Young Dro – Shoulder Lean
9. Young Jeezy ft. Kanye West – I put on
10. Catcall – Chicky Babe (Spruce Lee Remix)

So put on your best dancing shoes and outfits and come around on Saturday. Tami Hart and Tikka Massala will be DJing as well. Sputnik Bar, 9pm - 4am. $5 cover! Free coat check! $3 PBR all night! $ 3vodka special from 9-12! 1 block from Pratt 262 Taaffe Place. Take the G to Classon Ave.

Hello Brooklyn!

2008-11-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

Party people, look what you have done!

From Press

TMJ #2 Photos!

2008-10-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Jam-Stars! As you can see, that last party was a doozy! With Chelsea Starr bringing some flavor from the bay, and Nasty holding down the fort with jams so hot I think I just got a tan...

But the biggest stars of all were all of you dancefloor divas, undeterred by the flooded basement situation and loooong line out the door at Sputnik. The next big queer That's My Jam (#3) wll be on November 15th. Tammy Hart and Shomi Noise will help you update your dance music repertoire with some fresh tunes and evergreen classics. We also have some very special super surprise really amazing art stuff going on around this party, so keep your eyes on the blog for hints!

2008-10-23T17:04:00.001-07:00

This one is for the lesbians...

2008-10-23T15:12:00.001-07:00

The First Openly Gay Racehorse

2008-10-23T13:43:00.001-07:00

First Openly Gay Racehorse To Compete Sunday

2008-10-22T22:18:00.003-07:00

2008-10-22T22:18:00.001-07:00

2008-10-22T22:16:00.001-07:00

2008-10-22T22:14:00.001-07:00