Our good friends at Billy Kid Creative put together this dope promo highlights video taken from our Frankie Knuckles tribute party back in April 19th. Check out some of the fun that went down that really had us saying this could seriously be Sydney’s friendliest dance-floor with our the world famous SOUL PATROL dancers looking after everything from Limbo, Soul Train, Wobble Dance vibes the parties have become so so well known for.
Next party on Sunday May 24th ||
Soul Of Sydney presents as part of Vivid Festival 2015
Melbourne Afro-Beat Powerhouse
THE PUBLIC OPINION AFRO ORCHESTRA
Sunday May 24 / 1pm | at as Secret funk oasis (very close to Sydney CBD)
An afternoon of afro inspired FUNK, SOUL, DISCO, BOOGIE, BREAKS & BEYOND.
GET TICKETS from $10, Updated Party Info, Videos and Mix-tapes
MUSIC by: Sydney Godfathers of Funk ★ ALL SOULED OUT DJ’s / ★ STEPHEN FERRIS (Mornings – FBI Radio) & GRAHAM MANDROULES
plus
★ SOUL OF SYDNEY DJ’s and friends
★SIMON CALDWELL (Mad Racket – FBI Radio)
★MIKE WHO (Stolen Records – FBI Radio, Astral People, Pineapple Republic)
★ MEEM (Back to Funk Radio– 2ser) ★ JAMES LOCKSMITH (DUST – Dubai) ★ PHIL TOKE (Soul of Sydney, Spirit of House) ★ DJ CMAN (Mama Feel-Good Funk Collective) +
SUPERBREAK, EDSEVEN, DJ NAIKI, DJ SAYWHUT?! and more.
OVER TWO ROOMS.
STREET ART:
★Live Sydney Street Art Showcase by Billy Kid & friends.
HAIR BRAIDING ★Live Hair Braiding by Eden Stylez
ABOUT SOUL OF SYDNEY NYD 2015
SOUL OF SYDNEY return after a very memorable 2014 of parties for their fourth NEW YEARS DAY (and new years day night) for an afternoon (and evening) of FEEL-GOOD POSITIVE PARTY VIBES.
Expect and afternoon of feel-good funk jams, soul, bboy breaks, roller-boogie, classic hip hop jams and early house vibes as they bring in 2015 our extended SOUL FAMILY in the only way we know how, with good music, positive people dancing in key of life.
Previous NYD events have become infamous, after setting up some very memorable events at all kinds of fresh party spaces, including;
NYD JAN 1 2012 – Soul of Sydney Block Party Picnic (Newtown)
NYD JAN 1 2013 – Soul of Sydney Roof Top Block Party (Broadway)
NYD JAN 1 2014 – Soul of Sydney Courtyard Block Party (Sydney CBD)
For the 2015 installment you can expect more of the same FEEL-GOOD party spirit, a throw back to better days when KOOL HERC & GRANDMASTER FLASH, LARRY LEVAN & FRANKIE KNUCKLES were headline DJ’s.
This year they bring in the new year in a fresh indoor/outdoor oasis (5 mins from CBD) with one of the most vibrant and positive crowds in Sydney and one of the only places where DJ’s, Dancers, Bboys and Disco heads all meet to party bonded by a love for FUNK based music in all its forms.
SOUL OF SYDNEY: Launched as a collective in 2009 as a new-years resolution between FUNK and SOUL devotees who were disenchanted with the state of music in Sydney & knew they wanted to do something to help their scene grow.
They are a grassroots independent, artist run cooperative of DJ’s, Musicians, Producers, Dancers & Designers bonded by a love of ‘FUNK’ and ‘SOUL’ based music in all its forms, a creative family working to promote and support the music they admire as well as the street culture around it in Sydney.
Inspired by recent trips to New York’s ‘Body and Soul’, LA’s ‘The Do Over’ as well as the musical ideals and legacy of some of the DJ’s, Clubs and producers who laid the foundation for HIP HOP, DISCO & HOUSE they aimed to bring their own brand of feel-good party spirit to Sydney and to showcase the DJ and Dance talent of our city.
They have sought to encourage an atmosphere where DJ’s, Record Collectors, B-boys & B-Girls, and Musicians meet away from the usual late night bar and club situation, something on a Sunday afternoon where dancers and DJ’s connect through music in a more relaxed and personal setting.
From humble beginnings in 2009 as a blog, they started to host a series of infamous Sunday afternoon block parties, picnics and events in various locations around Sydney by late 2011. Always keeping it fresh with a new secret location (released only to ticket holders), they have thrown parties in all kinds of interesting spaces including; public parks, carparks, laneways, rooftops, warehouse spaces, courtyards and fresh restaurant spaces around town and more recently Bondi Beach Skate Ramp for their reunion picnic 2014.
ABOUT SOUL OF SYDNEY BLOCK PARTY
Back in 2011 SOUL OF SYDNEY collective took a chance purely as a couple of music heads on a sunny Sunday afternoon to throw a one off secret Sunday afternoon picnic. They set up turntables, and a small sound system in a park in the inner west Sydney with a simple idea to bring FEEL-GOOD FUNK & SOUL music in an environment where people had the freedom express themselves, where dancers connected with DJ’s and DJ’s had the freedom to play anything they were feeling. The idea was to try to bring something different for people who were too old for bars and clubs and way too young to give up on music in a unique kid friendly environment in park.
Inspired by the musical ideals of early DISCO, HIP HOP and HOUSE pioneers such as; David Mancuso’s The Loft (NYC), Larry Levan’s Paradise Garage, Kool Herc’s Block Parties, Ron Hardy, Grandmaster Flash and Frankie Knuckles, they wanted to throwback to the roots of those scenes with an open music policy focused dance floor expression and a more inclusive environment.
Three years on those musical ethics have not changed, still very open you can expect to hear an everything from the likes of; James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, De La Soul, J Dilla, Stevie Wonder, Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash, Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles just to name a few in a throw back to better days.
Musically you can expect DJ’s to cover some serious ground, from Afro-Beat, Funk, New York Disco, Roller Boogie jams to early Chicago House vibes, classic Hip Hop jams beyond. It is a rare situation where DJ’s have the freedom to play more of the music that inspired them, their musical ROOTS and INSPIRATIONS which they wouldn’t normally be able to play in usual bar and club sets.
SOUL OF SYDNEY are also collaborating with a host of Sydney creatives to also showcase a various street culture elements around the music. They have been working to bring many unique aspects to the events, including live street art, individual designed clothing, live hair braiding, live dance showcases by the likes of SYDNEY STREET ART PROJECT, BILLY KID, EDEN STYLEZZ (Hair Braiding) just to name a few.
SOUL OF SYDNEY NYD 2015 WARM UP RADIO | Check out sounds from the DJ’s playing on the day for an idea of the kind of vibes you can expect.
★About The Party:
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Sydney’s extended Soul, Funk Family come together behind one of our favorite sons who had all his DJ equipment had stolen by thieves a couple of days ago.
We are collectively hosting another Godfathers of Funk afternoon event on from 1pm with some of original SOUL & FUNK Don’s and some of our favorite selectors throwing down the feel-good vibes for a very good cause.
Party kicks off from 1pm at a secret location (5 mins from CBD).
Expect an afternoon of positive vibes, Feel-Good Funk, Soul, Disco, Boogie & Old School Party Jams & Beyond + Live Sydney Street Art Project showcase + Soul Train and Bboy Showcase and more.
Sydney’s extended Soul, Funk Family come together behind one of our favorite sons who had his DJ and production equipment stolen by thieves a couple of days ago.
We are collectively hosting another Godfathers of Funk afternoon event on Sunday Sept 14 from 1pm. Featuring some of Sydney’s original SOUL & FUNK Don’s and some of our favorite selectors throwing down the feel-good vibes for a very good cause.
Party kicks off from 1pm at a secret location (5 mins from CBD).
Expect an afternoon of positive vibes, Feel-Good Funk, Soul, Disco, Boogie & Old School Party Jams & Beyond…
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★ Info. http://www.soulofsydney.org/blockparty
★LIVE SYDNEY STREET ART PROJECT SHOWCASE feat. ★Styna and ★Cheeky
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Introducing ★ CHEEKY (www.cheekyobserver.com) & ★ STYNA (Art by Styna), the two immensely talented artists who will be joining us this Sunday to paint as part of live Sydney Street Art Project.
Be sure to check out there amazing work on the links below, both artists have generously donated their time and their talent to be part of the event. Works will be for sale on the day and online via the links below.
★ About CHEEKY ★
WHO
Though I like to travel under the pseudonym “Cheeky Observer”, my real name is Alicia McFadzean.
★ PHILOSOPHY
I love detail, intimacy and that cathartic moment of transformation when a work takes on a life of its own.
I make mistakes.
I look to the world as my teacher in the design space. I like to think that I can learn just as easily from graffiti on the street, as I can a textbook or a computer screen.
I have an insatiable craving for life and all the weird and wonderful things in it. I want to capture these things, piece by piece, and share them with you.
Christina Huynh is a freelance artist and graphic designer based in the suburbia of Sydney’s West. Working under the alias of STYNA, her work is a reflection of the contrast between wildlife and human nature.
Christina mixes human behaviour with animal characteristics and in doing so she tries to illustrate underlying themes of movement and momentum. Although her work is mainly figurative, Christina’s drawings are based on the highs, lows and in-betweens of her life.
Her favourite medium is fusing watercolours with a ballpoint pen however as of late, Christina is delving into the adventurous world of acrylics and spray paint.
Introducing the two immensely talented artists who will be joining us this Sunday to do their thing live as part of live Sydney Street Art Project. Be sure to check out there amazing work on the links below.
CHEEKY /
WHO
Though I like to travel under the pseudonym “Cheeky Observer”, my real name is Alicia McFadzean.
PHILOSOPHY
I love detail, intimacy and that cathartic moment of transformation when a work takes on a life of its own.
I make mistakes.
I look to the world as my teacher in the design space. I like to think that I can learn just as easily from graffiti on the street, as I can a textbook or a computer screen.
I have an insatiable craving for life and all the weird and wonderful things in it. I want to capture these things, piece by piece, and share them with you.
Christina Huynh is a freelance artist and graphic designer based in the suburbia of Sydney’s West. Working under the alias of STYNA, her work is a reflection of the contrast between wildlife and human nature.
Christina mixes human behaviour with animal characteristics and in doing so she tries to illustrate underlying themes of movement and momentum. Although her work is mainly figurative, Christina’s drawings are based on the highs, lows and in-betweens of her life.
Her favourite medium is fusing watercolours with a ballpoint pen however as of late, Christina is delving into the adventurous world of acrylics and spray paint.
★ABOUT OUR DJ’s
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★ Stephen Ferris ★
Stephen, the first DJ and eldest of Sydney’s famous Ferris brothers (dubbed “our Cosa Nostra” by UK soul DJ Norman Jay) started his career in San Francisco in the late 70’s. It was this sojourn to the US that introduced him to what was to become his lifelong passion – soul – be it fashioned in disco, funk, hip-hop, latin, house, jazz or pop.
He arrived back in Sydney in the early 80’s and rejected the prevalent European trends of new wave, romanticism and gothic promoting a funk night at “The Watermelon Club” with his long term collaborator Andy Glitre. Opening in Kings Cross in 1982 on a Monday night, the pair soon outgrew the venue, and moved to The Berlin Club at Jamieson Street playing to a Tuesday night crowd of 1,500 weekly.
From 1984 – 1988 Stephen fronted pop/funk band Flotsam Jetsam. The band enjoyed considerable success releasing five singles and an EP, touring extensively throughout the country, and supporting major overseas acts A-Ha, Queen and Simply Red. Towards the late 80’s Stephen was back as an influential DJ in both the club scene and the emerging dance party scene appearing at the R.A.T., Fun, Mardi Gras,and Sweatbox parties at the Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall of Industries culminating with the ‘end of the decade’ R.A.T. party with Grace Jones and 20,000 strong crowd.
The late 80’s also saw Stephen move into radio with his national dance show “The Rhythm Method” broadcast on Triple J on Saturday nights successfully until 1993.
In the early 90’s he started promoting the hugely successful “All Souled Out” – Wednesday at Rogues attracting performances by Sisters Sledge, Thelma Houston, Diana King and KC (without his Sunshine Band!). It was the club of choice for private parties for visitors such as Prince, Prince Albert of Monaco, Jose Carreras, and Gerard Depardieu. During this time he also wrote a monthly column for Juice magazine, Rhythm Method.
A collaboration with his brother John in 1999 produced the soundtrack for the City of Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Throughout the 90’s whilst continuing his club DJ work (see below for details), he emerged as the DJ of choice for any important Sydney social occasion from Bryan Brown & Sam Neill’s 50th Birthday party to a private party for Bill Gates’ visit to James Packer’s wedding. Recently he has been responsible for the success of functions for corporate clients such as Armani, Givenchy, Sony, Austereo, Channel 7, Universal, Columbia Tristar, Village Roadshow, Murdoch Magazines, Clemenger, Macquarie Bank, News Ltd BMW, Mercedes Benz, Fashion Week, NRL, Boston Consulting, Chanel, Warners, Foxtel, Bentley and Benetton amongst others for jobs from film premieres and wrap parties to fashion collections and launches.
Clubs that have showcased Stephen’s unique DJ-ing talent over the years include Kinselas, Soho, Spagos, Hip Hop Club, Kommotion, Ozone, Freezer, Q Bar, Embassy, Goodbar, Home and Yu. He has worked alongside international DJ’s Frankie Knuckles, Paul Oakenfeld, Graham Park, Mike Pickering, Norman Jay, Gilles Peterson and Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), all of whom speak highly and respectfully of his skill. DJ supports include; Fatboy Slim, Scissor Sisters, Norman Jay, Franie Knuckles, INXS and Grace Jones to name a few. Back to radio in 2000 with All Souled Out at Rhythm FM which built a solid following, seconded to sister station Kiss FM in Melbourne for a short stint in 2001.
FBi 94.5fm beckoned in 2003 and has since held down the morning shift WED to FRI with regular segments including Theatre with Terry Serio “Funk Flashback” with Josh Beagley and the recently podcasting Rugby League hit “Fire Up!” with Brett Oaten. Also moonlighting on James Valentine’s afternoon show on ABC 702 as a musical guest host.
And his penultimate gig, the annual school disco at Darlinghust Public School with the toughest audience in the world, his son and his school mates.
★ Graham Mandroules ★
“A gardener of funky delights of long standing, Graham has been in involved in the music industry in numerous capacities.
Dj, record label owner, promoter, manager, ARIA judge, music consultant, journalist, mentor, booking agent, marketing & promotions, festival director, producer, stage manager, event co-ordinator, radio and many other shapeshifting manifestations.
Graham has performed at probably too many nightclubs, festivals, dance parties, corporate and other events including The Playground Weekender Festival, The Big Day Out, Vibes on a Summers Day, Good Vibrations, Sydney Festival events, The Sydney Olympics, RAT Parties, All Souled Out, International tours, New Years Eve & New Years Day events too numerous to list.
Listing all the artists that he has worked with would appear to be shameless namedropping, though he does have lots of stories to tell to the curious.
Not entirely sure about what he wants to be when he grows up, Graham will continue playing and making music until such time that he is visited by “The Destroyer of Delights and the Parter of Companions.”
★ABOUT SOUL OF SYDNEY
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Created in November 2009, Soul of Sydney is an independent, artist run collective who are bonded by a love of ‘funk’ based music. Our people include DJ’s, Musicians, Producers, Dancers & Designers who have come together to promote and support the music we love in this city, and the street culture around it.
Soul of Sydney Block Party is our monthly Sunday musical afternoon (12-9pm) feast. Focused on a family orientated get together, DJ’s, Record Collectors, B-boys & B-Girls, and musicians come down to share & enjoy some of the music they love in a completely different environment, outside of bars or clubs.
We have an ‘open decks, open mic & open dance floor’ policy just to keep it personal and give everyone a chance to do their thing where locals can come down as our guests outside of a usual club set.
Music styles generally sit at a safe middle ground of Soul, Funk, Disco and a fair bit of Jazz & golden era hip hop stuff too with artists James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, De La Soul, J Dilla, Stevie Wonder, Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash, Larry Levan among the playlist.
Our House Sydney returns on Sunday Easter long weekend with one of the true pioneers of House music, ALTON MILLER (DETROIT, USA). Visiting Australia for the first time in over 10 years, the man from the motor city will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Detroit’s legendary club ‘The Music Institute’ which he co-founded with George Baker and Chez Damier. http://vanguardsound.com/id25.html
Alton’s trip downunder also coincides with the release of his latest album, ‘Light Years Away’ which has been critically acclaimed by the likes of Osunlade, Atjazz, and Boddhi Satva. http://mixedsignals.ca/#/-in-the-house-canada
Our underground sanctuary to celebrate this special occasion will be The Manhattan Lounge, 58 Elizabeth St Sydney and will be powered by the warmth of our Turbo Sound PA system.
Local supports include Phil Toke, Michael Zac and Eadie Ramia.
Limited $20 pre sale tickets are available from www.ourhousesydney.com. Strictly limited capacity so get in quick.
A recent mix of Alton’s —–>
Alton Miller Cluberia Podcast
Alton Miller live@ Staple San Fran 01/15/00 160 min
Alton Miller Movement Detorit Mix from Deep House Pages
A preview of his critically acclaimed latest Album ‘In Light Years’
ALTON MILLER
Growing up in the 1970s, Miller soaked up the musical environment surrounding him in the Motor City, taking a particular interest in the sounds of Motown, Philadelphia, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Santana. It was during the early ’80s once the “dance music crazed” Alton became friends with a young Derrick May that he decided to start spinning records, citing Chicago DJs such as Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles as prime influences. By the latter part of the same decade, Miller joined forces with George Baker and Chez Damier to start the Music Institute, a short-lived but legendary Detroit club that has since become near-mythical, thanks to the pioneering techno efforts of figures such as May. Following the demise of The Music Institute, Miller took an interest in Conga drumming in addition to DJing, which led to a period between 1989 and 1991 where he toured the world with his music. He then joined forces once again with May, first as an employee of the artist’s Transmat Records label, then as Aphrodisiac, the title under which he would begin releasing his music. Besides his EP on Transmat’s sublabel Fragile, he also released his music on Kevin Saunderson‘s KMS and a series of EPs on Serious Grooves. By the mid to late ’90s, he had increased his presence in the Detroit area through a number of DJ performances and a stream of stunning twelves. His latest album ‘Light Years Away’ had been critically acclamied by the likes of Osunlade, Atjazz and Boddhi Satva
SOUL OF SYDNEY: Feel-Good FUNK SOUL DISCO & beyond. 
