Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:05:47 -0700 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas http://www.dj-jester.com Podcast Maker v1.4.0 - http://www.lemonzdream.com/podcastmaker en DJ Pete "Jester" Savas jester@dj-jester.com http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/pressplay_144.jpg http://www.dj-jester.com 144 134 Podcasting no DJ Pete "Jester" Savas You start tapping your toe. Then you nod your head. Then there's the gentle sway, the shimmy of shoulders, the wiggle of the hips. The beat is so infectious, so captivating, so compelling you can't stop yourself! Don't worry, it's okay, go ahead, Bounce! You start tapping your toe. Then you nod your head. Then there's the gentle sway, the shimmy of shoulders, the wiggle of the hips. The beat is so infectious, so captivating, so compelling you can't stop yourself! Don't worry, it's okay, go ahead, Bounce! I won't tell anyone, I promise. "Bounce" has been hanging out on my hard drive for about a month now. I recorded this on at the end of January after getting a few tracks I was really excited about. It's been waiting for a name though. Let me tell you, sometimes the hardest part of putting a podcast together is not finding the tracks (heck, I've already got enough music right now for two more sets); rather, it's about finding a name, or picking a picture to use for the "cover" art. I mean really, listen to this set and tell me what you would call it! I listened to this set well over two-dozen times, and could't figure out what to call it until just a few days ago. Then it was a matter of searching for a "cover," and finding artwork for all of the tracks; those title cards don't come easy, you know. :) At any rate, here's "Bounce," named such becuase the tracks here all have a kind-of bouncy quality to them. I hope you'll agree. By now, some of these tracks will be familiar territory. But there are two, in particular, I'd like to highlight for you: First off, is Chicane ft. Natasha Bedingfield's "Bruised Waters." The original version of this track is taken from Chicane's "Saltwater," which contained a sample of "Harry's Game" by Clannad; you might've heard this tune in the movie "Patriot Games." Well, Chicane brilliantly turned that little sample into a full track, and now has gotten Natasha Bedingfield to add her beautiful voice to it. But wait! There's more! Add the brilliant Michael Woods (aka Out-of-Office) to the mix -- literally -- and the tune really gets some punch and bounce taking on a progressive feel. It wasn't enough for me though. This track sounded so much like Michael's 2008 remix of "Cafe Del Mar" by Energy 52, I had to mash the two up. What you get in this podcast, is my own "Cafe Del Bruised Waters," which I hope you'll enjoy. The oher noteworthy track here is from gay artist, Matt Alber. "End Of the World" is a stunning song about the end of a relationship, and the desire to give it one more try before abandoning it altogether. In it's original version, the song is a poignant ode to love, and the power of love to make even the most tumultuous relationship worthwhile. The label decided to take a chance on getting this one remixed, and they handed it off to Morgan Page, who obviously heard the beauty in it, and rather than overpowering it with heavy synths and a driving percussive line, decided to enhance it's gentility with lush synths and a gorgeous guitar line. If you've never heard this song, find it and give it a listen. If you've heard it, but never seen the video, find it on YouTube. The first time I saw the video, it made me cry. And don't forget to buy Matt's album; you'll get a great deal on it from Amazon.com. The rest of "Bounce" is filled with Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, the DT8 Project, Timbaland, Whitney Houston, some old tracks from the 80's re-imagined by Foundation and Dave Darell, and a few other familiar names. It's a great ride. So go ahead, let your head bob, your toes tap, and your body move; Bounce, baby, Bounce! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Bounce.m4a Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:19:23 -0700 Podcasting yes 01:16:25 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas It's late, you're restless, not ready for sleep but you don't want to be around a lot of people either. So you grab the keys to the car, pop in a CD, and head out. The music is just right: smooth, surprising, exciting. Go on, your "Excursion" awaits! It's late, you're restless, not ready for sleep but you don't want to be around a lot of people either. So you grab the keys to the car, pop in a CD, and head out. The music has to be just right though. It starts off just like the drive, easy, smooth and silky. But like any road trip, this drive has a few surprises in store; some moments of excitement, an unexpected twist, a little excitement, and then the return home to familiar streets with turns and stretches you can drive without even thinking about. And before you know it, you're home again, relaxed and ready to turn in, your late night adventure behind you. This episode is very much like that drive. I pulled all the music together knowing it reflected some of the best new tracks I could find, but with no discernible theme -- until I gave it the first post-production listen. Then it just reminded me of a late-night drive, when you're not really in the mood to go anywhere in particular, but rather just out and back home again for the sake of the drive. So go on, take it for a spin; your "Excursion" awaits! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Excursion.m4a Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:06:43 -0700 Podcasting no 01:14:32 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas A little bit funky, a little bit chunky, a little bit electro, and a little bit tribal; this is peak hour, late night, in the house. It's a Deep Spin! A little bit funky, a little bit chunky, a little bit electro, and a little bit tribal; this is peak hour, late night, in the house. It's all "house" music, really, just different flavors. In fact, if you want to really quantify this set, the first half is electro-house, while the second half is tribal house. The one song that separates them, Serge Devant's "Addicted," is actually pure progressive house, and it acts as a transition between the two, with a driving yet less-intense bass line to pull you up out of the heavier electro lines; and yet a strong enough percussive line to introduce the stronger tribal rhythms. At first listen, you may find it a bit jarring -- I did, so much so, I asked another DJ to give it a listen. Now that I've listened to the set a few times (as I usually do while getting them ready for you all), it feels quite smooth. Go ahead, give it a few listens -- put your headphones on for at least one of them. I think in the end you'll agree. In the end, just enjoy the ride. To quote A-Divizion, "it's all about house music." It always has been. It always will be. It's just a matter of the genre. In here though, it's a Deep Spin! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/DeepSpin.m4a Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:53:31 -0700 Podcasting no 01:16:02 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas On the shortest day of the year, at the start of Winter, we all need a little something to warm us up and make things a little lighter and brighter. I hope this trance set will nurture the light within you at this time of year. Happy Solstice! The Winter Solstice is a time steeped in deep history and tradition. Ancient cultures all over the globe have celebrated this time of the year as the "rebirth" of the sun, the beginning of the solar year, as a festival in the name of the ancient Roman God Saturn, and Mitrha, the Persian God of Light. Monuments -- many of which baffle man to this day -- have been built to capture the Solstice (or "midwinter") sunlight: Stonehenge in England, and Ireland's Newgrange Tomb to name just a couple. So ingrained in the ancient peoples were this time and the symbols surrounding their celebrations, that anient Christians co-opted them, transforming them from their original purposes of aiding the sun's return by bringing light into the home (i.e. the burning of the Yule log; lighting of the "Christmas" tree); even language itself became repurposed as "the rebirth of the sun" became "the birth of the Son." The Solstice continues to have a powerful effect on us in modern times as we have come to realize the importance of sunlight on our physical, mental and emotional states: the recognition and understanding of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is just one proof of how powerful ol' Sol is in our lives. When this set was coming together, I never envisioned it being about this time of the year, but as at least three of the songs -- "Sunset," by Arty; "See the Sun," by Matt Darey and the Urban Astronauts; and "Anjunabeach" by Above and Beyond -- envoke the image and spirit of our Sun, it just seemed a natural for this set to be published today, on the Solsitce. So, as you celebrate this season, whether it be the Solstice, Hanukkah, Chirstmas, Festivus, or you roll them all up into one for Chrismahanukwanzakah, remember to take a moment (or more like 80 minutes) for yourself and this set. Invite the Sun back into your life, let it brigthen and warm you with the promise of longer days and the summer-to-come. On the shortest day of the year, at the start of Winter, I hope this trance set will chase away the darkness and nurture the light within you at this time of year. Happy Solstice! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Solstice.m4a Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:43:00 -0700 Podcasting no 01:20:53 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas No, you're not hearing things. Some of these songs sound like other songs you've heard before. They're not covers, or remixes, but rather entire new songs based on phrases or themes from old ones. Can you hear the "Echoes" in here? No, you're not hearing things. Some of these songs sound like other songs you may've heard before. They're not covers, or remixes, but rather entire new songs based on phrases or themes from old ones. It's not a new trick; in fact, the first new song based on another song that I can remember was "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang, which came from Chic's "Good Times." Much of early rap was created this way, in fact. Sampling is now a time-honored tradition these days, and some of the tracks in here may sound familiar enough to make you wonder at their origins. I do have to admit it's pure coincidence these songs are all appearing in the same episode of the podcast. I didn't collect, or stockpile them in any way. So much of "Press Play" is about brining you the best new music I can find at the moment, and this episode is no different; so what does it say about these artists? Well, I can't be sure, but perhaps they're all just finding their inspiration in gems from the past! So try this: Listen through this episode once before you read the rest of this narrative, 'cause I'm gonna tell you where they came from, right...wait for it...now: The first song, "One Love" by David Guetta snags a familiar musical line from the Eagles song, "Hotel California." Can you hear it? It starts at about 1:18 as Estelle starts singing. Track three, Morgan Page's "Fight For You," borrows a riff from Faithless' "Insomnia." This is one musical phrase you should recognize immediately considering how popular "Insomnia" was in 1996. Track four, "Right Here," by Carmen Reese, borrows from another 1996 gem which has been remixed many times over the years: Robert Miles' trance classic (and a personal favorite of mine), "Children." Lastly, track six, Allesandro Viale's "Sweet Little Thing," borrows from not one, but two different trance tunes from the late 90's/early '00's: "Beach Ball" by Nalin and Kane, and "Played A-Live" by the Safri Duo. As for the rest, it's all brand new from some great artists, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, Plumb, and Beyoncé. I'm really pleased with this set. It's always fun to pull together some great music, and even better when it carries with it the memory of great songs past. I hope you enjoy this set, and I hope the "Echoes" are as clear to you as they were to me the first time I heard the new songs! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Echoes.m4a Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:36:12 -0700 Podcasting no 01:20:49 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas It's all about love, sex, and money; it always has been and always will be. Episode 30 of "Press Play" pays homage to the way the world goes 'round with the latest crop of chart-toppers, so it just seemed right to call it "30 Pop." It's all about love, sex, and money; it always has been and always will be. Episode 30 of "Press Play" pays homage to the way the world goes 'round with the latest crop of chart-toppers. There's a few gems in here for you; a new mix of a song that had no less than six videos when it first came out -- one of which was actually banned by MTV -- by Frankie Goes to Hollywood; the return of Janet ("Miss Jackson, if you're nasty!"); the re-emergence of a genuine pop Diva, Whitney Houston; a drop from my favorite pop group, the Pet Shop Boys, who are still at it and at the top of their game 25 years later; a song extolling the virtues of threesomes (as if I haven't been telling everyone about that for 10 years) by Britney; and the return of the "Days Gone By" (you know, the one from that Mitsubishi commercial) guys, Dirty Vegas, with their new song remixed by my favorite Trance artists, Above and Beyond. With all this mainstream goodness, it just seemed right to call it "30 Pop." http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/30Pop.m4a Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:27:39 -0700 Podcasting yes 01:17:50 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas You feel the spark. It's shocking at first. Then energizing. It makes you want to move. It makes you want to groove. It makes you want to let go. The sound is hard, edgy, electric! So plug in; your Socket is waiting! You feel the spark. It's shocking at first. Then energizing. It makes you want to move. It makes you want to groove. It makes you want to let go. The sound is dark, hard, edgy, funky, chunky, positively charged! We're talking electro here. Mild, minimal, deep, chunky and funky; it's all here. Consider it a "primer" on the current electro scene. You may recognize a name or two in here: Wolfgang Gartner, the Starkillers, Dabruck & Klein. As for the rest...well, trust me, they won't disappoint. This is the sound my good friend and fellow DJ, Funkybear Martin, has mastered and has been playing for years (why do you think he's calld "Funkybear?"); and this set is lovingly dedicated to him. Thank you, Martin, for being a friend, a mentor and a muse. I love you, bear. So to paraphrase Timothy Leary: Turn on, plug in, drop out ; your Socket is waiting! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Socket.m4a Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:46:33 -0700 Podcasting yes 01:18:36 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas Fresh tracks, some just minted, with a few old familiar songs given a new lease on life, along with a little twist, and you have what amounts to a set that's "hip," that's "happening," and that's "now." Just call it "Contempo" for short! Summer is just about at an end this year, but that's no reason to turn the fun meter back down and get into school-mode (even if you have started back at school already)! So with that in mind, and following hot on the heels of last month's podcast, here's another excursion into mainstream club music that begs the following question: What do you get when you take a few fresh tracks (some just minted in fact), and throw in some old familiar songs given a new lease on life, as well as a little musical twist? The answer is pretty obvious when the playlist includes top-of-the-chart artists like David Guetta, LaRoux, the Pussycat Dolls, Kim Sozzi, Marina Chello, Cascada, Robin S, Rozalla, Crystal Waters, the Black Eyed Peas, Paul van Dyk, and Madonna. You get a set I hope will have you on your feet and dancing before the second track is done; a set that's "hip," that's "happening," and that's "now." As that's such a mouthful, I just call it "Contempo" for short! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Contempo.m4a Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:50:28 -0600 Podcasting yes 01:18:39 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas With temperatures cresting 100 in many parts of the country, there's no let up on the dance floor either! These tunes are top-of-the-chart right now, and are likely to keep summer clubbing on fire! It's definitely a "Scorcher!" With temperatures cresting 100 in many parts of the country, there's no let up on the dance floor either! The "heat" started right after this year's Winter Music Conference in Miami. The music just started streaming out from the labels, one hot song, one floor-filler after another. You have to know I wanted to release podcast after podcast filled with tunes from all the artists who's names are part of our everyday conversations: Madonna, Maria, Beyoncé and her sister Solange, the Pussycat Dolls, Rihanna, Pink, Lady GaGa (who's first single, "Just Dance," I actually disliked intensely), the Ting Tings, Kelly Clarkson, Wynona (yes, THAT Wynona, the country music star, Wynona Rider)... Hell, even the boys got in on the act: U2, the Pet Shop Boys, David Guetta, Enrique Iglesias... I mean it was literally non-stop with all the great tunes that kept coming and coming and coming... Unfortunately, I was so busy with the Gay Internet Radio Live (G.I.R.L.) GayDays contest, I didn't have time to use all of that great stuff in podcasts with the exception of my final-round set, Episode 25 of "Press Play" (while the rest of my entries can be heard in the streaming media player on my Website at www.dj-jester.com). But now, summer is upon us. We're all out celebrating Pride, and there's still plenty of great new stuff filling my DJ bag! Rather than go back a few months and sound like an FM radio station, I thought I'd make it up to you with the most current stuff I could get my hands on. So here you go: new music from Beyoncé, Whitney, the Pussycat Dolls, U2, David Guetta, Agnes (winner of the Swedish edition of "American Idol"), Sophia May, Bellatrax, Erica Jayne, and even a couple of less-familiar names like Chris Kaeser and Ralph Falcon. Some of these tunes have already hit #1; others are destined to be there within the next month-or-two. But anyway you want to look at it, these tunes are top-of-the-chart right now, and are likely to keep summer clubbing on fire! So get out your fan, turn up the air conditioning, and grab a large Sweet Tea from Mickey-D's, 'cause you're gonna need it! This one's definitely a "Scorcher!" http://www.dj-jester.com http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Scorcher.m4a Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:20:12 -0600 Podcasting yes 01:18:36 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas The third installment in the Trance series, created again for the gang at the Dallas Flaggers' Weekend. Going from progressive to euphoric, this set should help you ascend to the heights Olympus itself. After all, even the Gods need a soundtrack! "Empyrean Beat" is the third installment in the Trance series, created again for the gang at the Dallas Flaggers' Weekend, held every summer in Dallas, TX. The artwork for "Empyrean Beat" is once again courtesy of Phillip Bryan, who's tie-died flags are a wonder! There are four different flags represented in the set artwork, created a few years ago for some shows he did in Thailand. Phillip notes the impetus for these designs was an effort "to create a design that conveys dimensionality, a volume that normally doesn't come across with tie-dye." I would say he succeeded without a doubt. "Stacked Pride," is the design behind this set's title card. Three others, used for individual tracks, were offshoots of the work that went into "Stacked Pride;" Phillip named them "Woven," "Stacked," and "Honeycomb." The most amazing thing to me about these flag patterns is they were created sheerly with tie-dye methodologies! "Empyrean Beat," is likewise an effort to take you on a journey through the Empyrean fields themselves, and right into the halls of mythology. With songs ranging from progressive to euphoric, this set should help you ascend to the heights Olympus itself, and sit at Zeus' right hand as the feast of Dionysius is laid before you. After all, even the Gods need a soundtrack! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Empyrean.m4a Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:07:46 -0600 Podcasting yes 01:17:03 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas The final, and winning entry into the G.I.R.L. GayDays DJ Search competition; 90-minutes of pool-party goodness! If you're going to be at GayDays in Orlando, FL, this year, please come see me on Friday night! 6 http://www.gayinternetradiolive.com http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/G.I.R.L.09.7.m4a Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:23:31 -0600 Podcasting yes 01:29:20 DJ Pete Savas Let's face it, 2008 sucked! No one I know had a good year; the music was the only good thing about it in fact. This set, therefore, is an homage to 2008, while taking us into the new year. So it's on to 2009! Avanti! Let's face it, 2008 sucked! No one I know had a good year. Many of my friends lost their jobs and have been having great difficulty finding work. The price of gas went up above $5.00/gallon in some parts of the country before falling back to more accurate levels at around $1.50/gallon. Banks failed, the automotive industry is in great peril, and companies laid off workers at an astounding rate. About the only good thing in 2008 was the music, and I expect that to continue into 2009. So this set is something of a send off to 2008, with the first track being a mash-up of some of the most popular songs of the year. The rest, is pure shake-your-ass music, that with any luck, will put a great big smile on your face while putting a wiggle in your butt. So, let's say "goodbye" to 2008, and dive into 2009 with new enthusiasm! "Avanti!" http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Avanti.m4a Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:04:40 -0700 Podcasting no 01:16:53 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas At this time of year, it's so easy to get overwhelmed. There's the shopping, the dinners, the crowds, the parties, the shopping, the incessant holiday music, the shopping, the crowds, the traffic, the shopping... It's so easy to get, well, Holidazed! At this time of year, it's so easy to get overwhelmed. There's the shopping, the dinners, the crowds, the parties, the shopping, the incessant holiday music, the shopping, the crowds, the traffic, the shopping... It's so easy to get, well, Holidazed! Rather than try to fill a set with nothing but holiday music (and believe me, it'd be real easy to do that, given the overabundance of holiday dance music out there), I thought I'd go the other direction, and give you all something fun, frenetic, and upbeat to provide a break from all the holiday overload! So, go grab a cocktail, put on your dancin' shoes, slip on the headphones, or crank the stereo up really loud and unwrap this present. This one is 100 percent pure fun. Go on, get "Holidazed;" you know you want to! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Holidazed.m4a Sat, 27 Dec 2008 01:31:12 -0700 Podcasting no 01:19:50 DJ Pete Savas If there is one constant in the universe, it is, as Bowie said, "Ch-ch-changes." "Transition" is about changes, unexpected things, hopes and dreams, and new directions. Hopefully, you'll find your own change in here as well. If there is one constant in the universe, it is, as Bowie said, "Ch-ch-changes." Beginnings and endings. Finding the unexpected. Looking over the fence and dreaming about how much better it could be. "Transition" is about all of those things, all of those changes, the unexpected twists and turns, disappointments, hopes and dreams, and new directions. It's odd, actually, how much this set is a reflection of where I find myself right now, at this moment, at the end of one opportunity that didn't work out, and facing another opportunity in the distance; but in the meantime, in limbo, looking at what might be, and what I would love it to be. "Transition" marks these transitions in my own life. Hopefully, you'll find your own change in here as well. http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Transition.m4a Fri, 28 Nov 2008 03:41:49 -0700 Podcasting no 01:16:49 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas More beats, more bass, more funk, more chunk. "More" is a bit, well, more. This one is the result of too much good music to fit into one set, but definitely not the "left-overs," or the "B-sides." Go ahead, have a little "More!" More beats, more bass, more funk, more chunk. "More" is a bit, well, more. This one is the result of too much good music to fit into one set, but definitely not the "left-overs," or the "B-sides." Honestly, nothing could be further from the truth. This set is a bit broader in it's presentation. You're going to find everything in here from pop, to house, to progressive, to dark 3:00 am music, to chunky house, and even a touch of trance. It may feel a bit scattered at first listen, and on it's surface, it really can be. But there is one thing that binds all these tracks together, that makes the variety work in a way you wouldn't expect, and that's the bassline. Tune into it, and you'll hear exactly what I mean. It's what allows things to go from the progressive sound of Foamo, to the more melodic Natasha Bedingfield. So here's the challenge: If you don't click with "More" on your first listen, give it a few more. I'm pretty sure it'll grow on you. Go ahead, have a little "More!" http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/More.m4a Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:11:41 -0600 Podcasting no 01:17:41 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas When a song is too good you can't decide between two mixes, what do you do? Why, use 'em both, of course! Miracle wraps 11 other tracks with two mixes of Oceanlab's beautiful new single, "Miracle." I hope you enjoy it. When a song is too good you can't decide between two mixes, what do you do? Why, use 'em both, of course! Using a technique called "bracketing, or "bookending," Miracle wraps 11 other tracks, some of the most popular on the dance floor right now, along with a couple that will be big real soon, between two mixes of Oceanlab's beautiful new single, "Miracle." What you get is a set that comes full circle, right back where it started, but not quite in the same way. It's a nice effect, and not something that's always possible; but when it does work, it makes for fun listening, especially if you start the set all over again right after it ends and hear the two mixes back-to-back. I hope you'll enjoy this set, and maybe find a miracle all of your own somewhere along the way. http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Miracle.m4a Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:47:58 -0600 Podcasting no 01:26:14 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas An excursion into Tribal sounds, from minimal to layered and progressive, this one will speak to your primitive side. So turn the lights off, strip down, get hot and sweaty, but don't forget to fire up your "Blacklight." An excursion into Tribal sounds, from minimal to layered and progressive, this one will speak to your primitive side. Some of these tracks may be familiar to club-goers (especially if you've hit parties like "Magnitude" and "Aftershock"), some may not. You may even find the same with the artists; there were some I'd known for years and some new names I'd never encountered before, but will certainly be on the lookout for in the future. I had more tracks for this than I had time, and cutting some of them was a difficult task; but it leaves me with a good start for Blacklight II, perhaps. At any rate, this set should get you up from the first track, and keep you moving through the end; even if that shaking is just your rump in your office chair. So turn the lights off, strip down, get hot and sweaty, but don't forget to fire up your "Blacklight." http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Blacklight.m4a Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:18:24 -0600 Podcasting no 01:18:40 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas Relax. Breathe. Chill. Pause. Taking a break from the usual, my first foray into Chill music. It's a lot harder than you might think, really. The music has to be more in so many ways. So relax, breathe, chill. "Pause." Relax. Breathe. Chill. Pause. In this day and age, where rush, rush, rush; go, go, go, now, now, now, is the way things are done, it's time to sit for a while. As such, I'm really proud to be presenting this set. Taking a break from the usual, this is my first foray into Chill music. It's a lot harder than you might think, really. The music has to be more in so many ways. Sound and mood and even words become more important when there's not a beat to drive them; because of that, it's taken a lot longer to bring this set, first conceived way back after Episode 3 when I first heard Carrie Skipper's "Time Goes By," and just knew I needed to share it with you all. Over the months, one-by-one, each of the songs fell into place as I heard them. And then it came time to mix them down, and once again, I broke my own rules. This set was mixed down using multi-track audio editing software, not my usual CD decks and a mixing board. It doesn't mean the computer mixed the set for me, but rather, the ability to move tracks around, nudge the mix points by fractions-of-a-second, allowed me to get this just right. It's not "live" mixing per se, but it is still me, making the decisions and choosing where the next song starts. I'm not likely to repeat this technique again, unless I do another chill set because this kind of music just lends itself perfectly to this technique. So there you have it. A departure from the ordinary for "Press Play." A departure in terms of creation and recording. And a new direction for me as a DJ. Come with me. Take a moment from your busy day. Relax. Breathe. Chill. "Pause." http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Pause.m4a Mon, 04 Aug 2008 01:37:27 -0600 Podcasting no 01:13:21 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas A Trance set that's a bit more on the progressive side. This set is named after, and features images of, another set of flags, made by "Texas Flagger Boy," Phillip Byran, for this year's Dallas Flagger Weekend festivities. A Trance set that's a bit more on the progressive side. This set is named after, and features images of, another set of flags, made by "Texas Flagger Boy," Phillip Byran, for this year's Dallas Flagger Weekend festivities. Flaggers and Poi Spinners are such an integral part of a club experience for me. They add beauty and grace to a night out, giving the music another dimension, and expressing so much emotion through movement and color. It's an art; these guys practice constantly, and it take just as much strength and stamina as many athletic disciplines. So next time you're out dancing, and you see someone on a stage, a box, or just another high point in the venue, stop and appreciate what they're doing. If you like what you're seeing, give them a tip; they deserve it. I hope this music inspires. I loved putting this set together for you. http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Heavens%20Reach.m4a Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:36:53 -0600 Podcasting no 01:17:36 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas Are you ready for summer? The heat has already arrived, and I'm not just talking about the weather. This set has some scorching tracks, representing circuit, progressive, retro-fabulous, and house music. And it's all coming up, "Next," just for you! Are you ready for summer? The heat has already arrived, and I'm not just talking about the weather. Episode 16 of the podcast is ready to get your summer off to a rollicking start with some scorching tracks. Representing the circuit tribal and diva grooves, the progressive scene, a little retro fabulous, and good old reliable house music, you'll find a little bit of everything (just how I like it) in this mix. In addition, there's an exclusive remix of a hot new track, "I Remember" by Kaskade, done just for me (and your enjoyment) by the ever-fabulous DiscoPup! What's really amazing about this set is that almost 50% of the tracks are either reworks/remixes or samples of songs that were big hits in their own right. You're going to recognize these right off the bat, and I hope they'll bring back some good memories for you, as well as create some new ones. A couple of these are going to be huge summer anthems, like the new mix of "Dive in the Pool" and "Cafe Del Mar." These two blockbusters have been given a very deft re-treatment; the new mixes just blew me away the first time I heard them and I knew I had to use them in a podcast. It's funny too, in a way, especially for "Dive in the Pool," which when it first came out, not only filled the floors no matter where it was played, but got the hands up in the air and the crowd chanting along. But like any big song like that, it crested fast ad then crashed hard, landing in "cheese factor" territory. This new mix, however, breathes some new life into the track, reviving it and Pepper Mashay's "Let's get soakin' wet!' Then there are the two new stormers, one from the "Queen of Disco" herself, Donna Summer, and one from the newest sensation on the block, Rihanna. You're going to hear these tracks a lot over the next few months, and I'm predicting Rihanna's "Take a Bow" will have the longevity of "Please Don't Stop the Music." So, no sitting this time; get up on your feet and shake your thang, 'cause this groove ain't gonna let you sit down. And it's all coming up, "Next," just for you. http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Next.m4a Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:04:17 -0600 Podcasting no 01:19:33 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas Morning comes. With it, the promise of a new day; or the end of an amazing night. "Morning music" has taken on a new sound, thanks to a few emerging producers. So, I present "morning," hoping your day is filled with happiness, beauty and love. Namaste. Morning comes. For some, the promise of a new day; for others, the end of an amazing night. Or is it? "Morning music" has a sound of its own. While gentle in one respect, it's still got enough punch, enough drive, to keep a crowd going long after the sun has risen. My first real understanding of "Morning music" came as I prepared to play REAL BAD in 2006. I knew what the sound was, but had never really called it "Morning music" before then. Lately, however, there's been a new sound emerging from a few producers that has, in my mind, epitomized "Morning music;" and while any of these songs would be equally at home at the beginning of the night or at the peak of a big set, I found bringing them together in this set to be an excuse to make some "joyful noise!" I may have used a couple of these tracks in previous podcasts, or you may wind up hearing some of them again; I try rather hard not to be repetitive. But then again, one of the things I want to do with "Press Play" is explore different themes and moods, so I hope you'll forgive me if the richness and versatility of these tracks inspires me to use them elsewhere. Without further adieu, then, I give you "morning," hoping your day is filled with happiness, beauty and love. Namaste. http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Morning.m4a Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:40:26 -0600 Podcasting yes 01:19:10 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas Zephyr winds are blowing, hot and fresh, surging from the heat of creation, bringing with them the familiar strains of warmer music, happier times, and the light, carefree feel of the summer-to-come. Strip off those extra layers, and prepare to heat up! The zephyr winds are blowing, hot and fresh. They surge from the heat of creation, bringing with them the familiar strains of warmer music, happier times, and the light, carefree feel of the summer-to-come. "Zephyr" is my attempt at catching this spirit, and of setting the tone for what is surely to be a fantastic summer season. This set starts off a little on the darker side, with an unexpected sound from Cosmic Gate, best known for there trance sound. But this progressive kicker from them sets up a nice groove from which to start a set. At the other end, you'll find a new group, Dobenbeck, with a different mix than what's been popular on the airwaves, but a perfect cap to the set. In-between, you'll find some familiar names: Stonebridge, Natasha Bedingfiled, Moby, Mariah Carey, the Shapeshifters, and even an exclusive remix of Madonna's "4 Minutes," done just for me by my good friend Disco Pup. All in all, I hope "Zephyr" will warm you up for the coming summer, and that like the winds for which it's named, carry you off into the sunshine. So, strip off those extra layers, and prepare to heat up! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Zephyr.m4a Sun, 25 May 2008 20:26:35 -0600 Podcasting yes 01:17:37 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas Music from "The Golden Basket;" KUMA|SF's monthly party, held April 2008 at Club 8 on Folsom. Music from "The Golden Basket;" KUMA|SF's monthly party, held April 2008 at Club 8 on Folsom. Filled with funky progressive tunes, this episode of the podcast was put together before the night of the party; it's not a "live" recording, but I used all of the songs in this set (except one) that night. If you were there, this should take you back to that night; if not, why the hell not? :) See you bears in May for the final (?) Basket! Don't forget to bring your toga! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Golden%20Basket.m4a Sat, 03 May 2008 22:04:56 -0600 Podcasting yes 01:18:35 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas It's been a long, hard, cold winter; so bring on the Thaw! This set is dedicated to the return of spring, of longer days, warmer weather, fewer clothes, and just plain fun! So go get out in the sunshine, Thaw out! It's been a long, hard, cold winter; so bring on the Thaw! This set is dedicated to the return of spring, of longer days, warmer weather, fewer clothes, and just plain fun! With that in mind, you'll find this episode filled with songs to warm you up, lift your spirits, make you bob your head, shake your butt, smile, laugh, and generally bring the sunshine back into your life. So go get out in the Springtime air, Thaw out! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Thaw.m4a Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:21:03 -0600 Podcasting yes 01:26:57 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas It's February; time for as much love as you can handle. Thus, I present "Heart," dedicated to my two loves: David and Paul. I could not ask for two better men, and I will never understand what they see in me. I love you both! Happy Valentine's Day. It's February, and time for as much love as you can handle. Thus, I present "Heart," dedicated to the two loves of my life: First is David, my husband of 10 years, my rock and my wellspring, my first, and my reason for remaining in Salt Lake City. And now there is Paul, my heart, my soul and my inspiration; the man who came out of nowhere, and wove himself so completely into my being I feel as if he's always belonged there. I could not ask for two better men in my life, and I will never understand what they see in me. I love you both! Happy Valentine's Day. This set does a few things differently than before: to begin, the tempo goes from faster-to-slower to show how the excitement of love calms down over the years. Next, the music goes from trance and progressive to house and pop, to exemplify the progression of love from initial infatuation, to it's deep and abiding nature. Lastly, pay attention to the lyrics in this one; they're really more important than anything else, and the songs chosen were picked primarily because of what they say. These lyrics also reflect the nature of long-term love, how it starts with a sense of wonder and amazement, and as time goes by, deepens into the kind of feeling that exemplifies true partnership and companionship. I hope you all enjoy "Heart," and find within it, the "Love You Feel." http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Heart.m4a Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:32:32 -0700 Podcasting yes 01:21:43 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas Constructed using only tracks given to me by my friend (and fellow DJ) Paco, this set is my way of thanking him for the gift. Deep, dark and funky, this set is a perfect companion to "Crush," but even more on the progressive side! "Et tu, Paco?" was constructed using only tracks given to me by my friend (and fellow DJ) Paco, this set is my way of thanking him for the gift. The name of this set is a play on the words spoken to Brutus by Julius Caesar right after being stabbed in the back by Brutus. Rather than convey a sense of betrayal, as was Caesar's intention, my use of "And you, Paco?" (as it translates from the Latin) is meant to tell him this set is for him, from him, and is my own way of combining the songs (some of which he's used in his own podcasts). Deep, dark and funky, this set is a perfect companion to "Crush," but even more on the progressive side! http://www.dj-jester.com http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Et%20tu%20Paco.m4a Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:39:21 -0700 Podcasting yes 01:14:25 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas You can't keep a good song down, or from the hands of remixers! Here are some old favorites, made fresh again. Spanning eras from the '60's to the '90's, you could even say this set was decades in the making! You can't keep a good song down, or from the hands of remixers! It's something to be grateful for, actually; especially in light of the track listing for this set. Here are some old favorites, made fresh again, and honestly, they've never really sounded better! Spanning eras from the '60's to the '90's, from "classic rock" to "new wave," with artists as diverse as Pink Floyd, Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, the Eurythmics and David Bowie to name a few, each of these songs has been tremendously influential in their own time. Some have held up for decades, being remixed again and again for contemporary audiences, while others, are going under the remixer's hand for the first time. No matter what, though, all of these mixes can be traced no further back than 2004, with Danny Howell's take on Donna Summer's signature song, "I Feel Love". "Everything Old is New Again" brings them all together, in an effort to take you on a journey through the years, and show just how much has and hasn't changed in that time; you could even say this set was decades in the making! http://www.dj-jester.com http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Everything%20Old.m4a Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:20:42 -0700 Podcasting no 01:28:01 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas What is "Passionista?" I think of it as passion with an attitude; you'll hear it that way too! What is "Passionista?' I think of it as passion with an attitude. This one starts off with the new song from one of my favorite artists, Seal, and flows into songs about passion, including a cover/remix of a song called "Passion," originally by Gat Decor, and now done justice by Danceteria! From there it's time to crank up the attitude before we bring it back home with a bit more passion, this time for the very music that gets us all moving, courtesy of Rihanna. It's all part of "Passionista," passion with an attitude, you'll hear it that way too. http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Passionista.m4a Sat, 24 Nov 2007 21:58:07 -0700 Podcasting no 01:15:35 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas A touch of funk, a bit of chunk, a slice of electro, wrapped up in melodic goodness; inspired by four DJs - from budding to big room - who rock my world (Donovan (aka "Big Red Dee"), Funkybear Martin, Paco and Ted Eiel), it's time to feel the Crush! As I put this set together, I knew I wanted to create a kind of departure from my normal form. Gathering my inspiration from four of my DJ friends, who go from "budding" to the "big room," who's never fail to blow me away with every set they produce, I wanted this one to include a touch of funk, a bit of chunk, and a slice of electro; but still be wrapped up by a couple of tracks that bear the melodic goodness I've grown to love over the years. The tracks all came together quickly; faster in fact than I'd expected (as I have at least two other episodes in pre-production right now that were started before this one), and as I recorded this, it just felt right. This is the way I'd love to play for hours on end. Drop a groove and go. Take it deep. Pull it back. Then plunge head-long into the funky, chunky, dirty beat for a few more hours, until there's not an ounce more that the crowd can sweat out. Then give 'em one more track so beautiful, so smooth, so melodic, they can't help but throw their hands up in the air and give up anything they have left in reserve to the euphoria. What a rush! I want to dedicate this set to the four DJs who inspired it, and who rock my world: Donovan (aka "Big Red Dee"), Funkybear Martin, Paco and Ted Eiel. These guys go from the "budding" to the "big room." They've all introduced me to artists and songs I might never have heard otherwise. They keep me fresh and excited with their own sets. They make me want to hang up my headphones and retire sometimes too, 'cause I wonder if I can ever be as good. And not only are they a treat for the ears, but they're also a treat for the eyes, and more importantly, for the soul as well! Thank you, guys. This set's for you. So, are you ready? It's time to feel the Crush! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Crush.m4a Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:09:31 -0600 Podcasting no 01:19:38 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas This is a section of the recording of REAL BAD XVIII, at 1015 in San Francisco. Recorded September 24, 2006. The full eight-hour-and-forty-six-minute recording is available on my Website. This is a segment of the set from REAL BAD XVIII, held at 1015 in San Francisco on September 24, 2006. REAL BAD is an annual party, held immediately following the Folsom Street Fair, and benefitting AIDS Charities in the Bay area; REAL BAD XVIII raised $115,000 dollars. The event starts at 7:00 pm, Sunday evening, and goes until 4:00 am on Monday morning; yes, that's right, nine hours, and one DJ. This section of the night is from about 1:10 am to 2:30 am; it represents the end of the "Peak" set and the beginning of the "Morning" set; it was selected from the full set by the GRGR/West team to be given to REAL BAD party hosts, as a "thank you" for their work in selling tickets to the event. REAL BAD XVIII changed me forever, and not only as a DJ. I was honored to have been chosen from a field of 24 DJs who were invited to submit for consideration. Every year a new DJ is chosen, someone who hasn't played to a crowd of over 300 in San Francisco previously, and the committee takes a chance with each selection. That night was the fulfillment of a dream for me, and I may never have a better one, but I'll keep trying. I hope you will enjoy this segment of the night. If you want to hear the full recording, it's available on my Website as a free download. Remember: The music is love, and we're all part of that. http://www.realbad.org http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Real%20Bad.m4a Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:31:24 -0600 Podcasting no 01:16:12 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas A set to fill you up, mind, body, heart and soul. Progressive at its core, I hope this set will resonate with you on a personal level, the way it did for me. The beauty in joy is apparent; but a melancholia can be wondrous too. This set has been in the works for the last few months, and speaks to the way I've been feeling of late. These songs, some new, some old, have a particular resonance to them. Perhaps it's the minor key most are composed in; or the powerful bass lines; or the haunting vocal quality; or even the sadness that pervades them in one way or another. Whatever it is, they all have a certain feeling of melancholy to them, that drove me to bring them together this way. This set also marks my first foray into "harmonic mixing;" that is, putting songs together based on their musical key, as well as their tempo. It makes the set smoother, and I'm really pleased with the overall effect. I hope you will enjoy listening to "Melancholia" as much as I enjoyed making it. Even if it's not among your favorites, perhaps it will find a place for those moments when you need something with this "voice." http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Melancholia.m4a Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:24:25 -0600 Podcasting no 01:29:27 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas Summer is upon us. A time to break free, to spread our wings, to fly above the clouds, below the waves, into dream; defying gravity, we Soar! From pop to trance, this set covers the bases; high and happy, deep, funky and progressive, with a smooth, calm finish. I hope you'll enjoy this mix, designed to get you ready for summer! http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Soar.m4a Sat, 30 Jun 2007 21:00:45 -0600 Podcasting no 01:18:35 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas A Trance set for flaggers and poi spinners everywhere; dedicated to Chris "Firecub" Dayson and Jim "JuicyFruit" Hauck, who's grace and beauty extend beyond their art. This set is specially designed for flaggers and poi spinners everywhere, and is lovingly dedicated to two men who's grace and beauty go far beyond their art: Chris "Firecub" Dayson and Jim "JuicyFruit" Hauck. This set is inspired by the flags given me by JuicyFruit, named "The Eyes of God," and it has been shaped by the range of emotions in the music. The artwork for this Podcast is based on a picture of the flags themselves. http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Eyes%20of%20God.m4a Fri, 18 May 2007 09:36:39 -0600 Podcasting no 01:24:11 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas Excerpts from Fireball at Winter Pride in Whistler, BC, February 10, 2007 http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Fireball_II.m4a Sun, 22 Apr 2007 22:24:29 -0600 Podcasting no 01:06:47 DJ Pete "Jester" Savas Excerpts from Fireball at Winter Pride in Whistler, BC, February 10, 2007 Excerpts from Fireball at Winter Pride in Whistler, BC, February 10, 2007 http://www.dj-jester.com/podcasts/Fireball_I.m4a Sun, 08 Apr 2007 23:07:54 -0600 Podcasting no 01:02:03