Much Respect | DJ Russ Rich

Hey there disco boys and girls-

This month's Much Respect posting features one of my favorite San Francisco DJ's, and someone who has become a very close friend over the past two years - DJ Russ Rich.  Russ and I met while DJing together, and we quickly bonded over a shared love of sexy, vocal dance music.  Russ has had an incredible influence on me, and we have spun together many times and even collaborated on a recent podcast together - one of my favorites, if I do say so myself.

If you've ever heard Russ spin, you've probably left the dance floor with a smile on your face. That's because the music he loves to play is big, happy, vocal house, with a touch of gospel, progressive, tribal and tech thrown in to keep things moving. Russ has been inspired by artists like Prince, Everything but the Girl, Madonna, and Peyton, as well as producers/DJ's the Freemasons, Moto Blanco, Victor Calderone, and Tony Moran.

Originally hailing from Minneapolis, Russ moved to San Francisco in 1997, and became immersed in San Francisco's dance music scene. Institutions like Club Universe, Mass @ 1015 Folsom and the End Up showcased some of his favorite DJs, like David Harness, Neal Lewis, and Phil B. A few years later, with clubs like Industry and Matinee emerging, Luke Johnstone and Jamie J. Sanchez became two inspirations, and Russ began venturing into the scene as a DJ.

Over the past few years, Russ has become quite an influence in the SF scene.  He's recently headlined parties such as PLAY T-Dance at Lazy Bear, I Just Wanna F*ckin' Dance, Rub, Epic, and has been regularly seen spinning with the likes of The Freemasons, Hector Fonseca, Dave Aude, and other dance legends.  He'll soon be spinning the new party Sauna with DJ Lee Decker on February 4th.

Russ has become an incredible mentor, a partner-in-crime, and an amazing friend over the past few years.  He continually inspires and challenges me to become a better musician.  I am truly honored to show Russ some well-deserved respect this month.  You can find out more about DJ Russ Rich on his website and Facebook page.  Much Respect, my friend!

DJ Craig Gaibler

Top Ten | January 2012 - New Year, New Sounds

Hi disco boys and girls-

I hope you all had a safe and happy New Year's!  The new year always brings a fresh new energy, and that couldn't be more true with music.  This month, my top ten is full of exciting and interesting sounds - from thumping house music to beautiful progressive sounds.

Each song is unique and special, and hopefully shows my varied taste in dance music.  I'll be interested to hear what your favorites are.  And now, here's the top ten for January...

Top Ten 12.01 - January 2012 - New Year, New Sounds

Song of the Moment | Pagano, Peyton, Paramour - The Reflex (Danny Verde Remix)

Out now on Beatport!

Song of the Moment | Zoë Badwi - Until You're Over Me (eSQUIRE vs. OFFBEAT Remix)

Podcast | 11.12 - Circuit Training 05: Wrapping Up 2011

Hey there disco boys and girls-

The end of the year is here, and looking back this year really seemed like something special.  From the unbelievable amount of DJ's who became household names, to all the divas and pop stars who enlisted club producers to make their singles, 2011 seems like the year dance music truly took over.

Even after regular podcasts, there were dozens of tunes that never made it into any of my mixes.  So my year end mix is chock-full of all my favorite tunes that I didn't want you to miss out on.  Starting with some bouncy, fun pop music at the beginning, the mix heads into a heavier and sexier direction, and even winds down with quite possibly the most important pop song of the year.  I think it's pretty great, and I hope you do too.

Without further ado, I present to you:

"DJ Craig Gaibler 11.12 - Circuit Training 05: Wrapping Up 2011"

11.12 - Circuit Training 05: Wrapping Up 2011 by DJ Craig Gaibler

Tracklisting:

01.  Chris Brown - Beautiful People (Cosmic Dawn Club Mix)

02.  Zoe Badwi - Freefallin' (Wawa Club Mix)

03.  P!nk - Heartbreak Down (Funk3d Club Mix)

04.  Black Cards - Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Fame (Wawa Club Mix)

05.  LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem (Wideboys Club Mix)

06.  Robyn - Call Your Girlfriend (Kaskade Club Mix)

07.  Gat Decor - Passion (Freemasons Bootleg Mix)

08.  Kristine W - Land of the Living (Timothy Allen Mix)

09.  Dreamette - Night Of Your Life (Wayne G White Party Mix)

10.  Emeli Sande - Heaven (Freemasons Bootleg Mix)

11.  The Wanted - All Time Low (Ralphi Rosario Club Mix)

12.  Nicki Minaj - SuperBass (Barona Hull Peak Boom Remix)

13.  Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like A Love Song (DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio Club Mix)

14.  Rosabel feat. Tamara Wallace - Let Me Be Myself (Rosabel Club Mix)

15.  Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger (Gustavo Scorpio Private Mix)

16.  Swedish House Mafia - Save The World (Gustavo Scorpio Private Mix)

17.  Beyonce - Countdown (Manny Lehman's Big Room Remix)

18.  Tony Moran feat. Angelica - Silly Love (Mauro Mozart Powah Mix)

19.  Coldplay - Paradise (Ranny's Bootleg Mix)

20.  Alex Kenji, Starkillers, Nadia Ali - Pressure (Alesso Remix)

21.  Adele - Rolling In The Deep (Lenny B Club Mix)

All these songs were very important to me this year, and I hope they bring back great memories of the year for you too.  Here's to a safe and exciting new year!

As always, much love and respect,

DJ Craig Gaibler