Electronic Dance Music in America, in the eyes of the mainstream, has only bubbled to the surface in the past 6 years. That observation is fair when one considers that the majority of DJs have ballooned and overextended into the scene. For them, a career of 30 years is unthinkable – too far down the line to think about – and too unlikely in a genre that some feel is already fizzling out on its short fuse.
Look a little deeper, however, and you’ll find the thriving fires of the underground scene, burning brightly for decades in the dark crevices and networks of warehouses, clubs, and bars of clubbing meccas like Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and their European correlatives. Dig deeper still, and you’ll find the fuel for the fire - the pioneers of the scene: the instigators that began a movement that now dominates the
global music scene.
One of those pioneers is Mark Farina, Chicago & San Francisco House legend, “Mushroom Jazz” genre-prenuer and one of the most accomplished DJs to step behind a pair of turntables.
On July 22, 2016, Farina returns with the 8th installment of one of electronic music’s longest running compilations, Mushroom Jazz, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the series.
Showcasing some familiar artists as well as some new discoveries, Mushroom Jazz 8 features more abstract composure filled with dubby, jazzy & styled beats accented by Mark’s signature vocal samples weaved into a downtempo musical landscape. Part introspective, part nature based, this latest installment will give diehard and new fans alike insight into Mark, the genre and his musical message.
Mark Farina’s presence in the pantheon of the Underground scene is undeniable; voted as one of the top DJs in the world by URB, MUZIK & BPM, Farina has thrilled crowds with his unique take on house music. His vision of reconstructing house music with hues of jazz, downtempo, and hiphop was a revolutionary concept in the late 80s and early 90s, transforming the club world and styles of Chicago and San Francisco. He was able to build a cult like following for the sound, dubbed ‘Mushroom Jazz’, through his club night in the San Francisco Bay area. Twenty five years and eight compilations later, the sound is alive and well, undoubtedly providing the foundation and inspiration for the amalgamation of hip hop and electronica through the decades.
Look for pre-order of limited edition cd, vinyl, posters (designed by Kii Ahrens) and SOL Republic Headphones on pledgemusic.com June 2016.
Mushroom Jazz 8
Crawfish & Chips | QSTN
Best Believe | Emapea
Duke | DJ Spinna
Rain Drops | Freddie Joachim
Hear It From You | Freddie Joachim feat. Lauren Santiago
Strictly Business | The Slipmat Brothers
You Dig | Jenova 7
Chalkboard | Jazzual Suspects
Ride | Freddie Joachim
Night Light | PH-Wert
Focus Point | Fredfades & Eikrem
Lil Boy | Riccio
Orange | Emapea
Bright Lights (Instrumental) | George Kelly Feat. Andre Espeut & BnC
Economy of Movement | The Slipmat Brothers
Body Boogie | Sunner Soul
Real Fungi | Colossus
Quiet Blues | PH-Wert
Basement Jazz | Ed Wizard & Disco Double Dee
Blue (Extended) | The Deli
Slow It Down | Colossus
I Still Don’t (Pt. II) | Larry de Kat
Tour Dates
May 18 – San Francisco – MJ Residency @ Monarch
May 19 – Minneapolis @ The Exchange
May 20 – Los Angeles @ Couture
May 28 – El Paso @ Neon Desert
June 02 – Toronto @ The Power Plant
June 03 – Washington DC @ U Street Music Hall
June 04 – NYC @ Circle Line
June 11 – San Francisco @ Monarch w/ Luke Solomon (Defected)
June 17 – San Diego @ Embarcadero Marina Park
June 18 – Rye @ Sonic Bloom
June 19 – Las Vegas
June 24 – Rothbury @ Electric Forest
June 30 – Edmonton @ The Bower
July 02 – Santa Barbara @ EOS
July 08 – Silverado @ Woogie Weekend
July 09 – Chicago @ Westfest
July 09 – Chicago @ The Annex
July 17 – Pemberton @ Pemberton Music Festival
July 23 – San Francisco @ Monarch w/ Ralph Lawson
Aug 05 – Cluj-Napoca @ Untold Festival
Aug 07 – London @ 51st State Festival
Aug 13 – Toronto
Aug 20 – Los Angeles @ Sound
Oct 08 – Joshua Tree @ Joshua Tree Music Festival
Oct 14 – Vancouver @ Imperial
