Jason -Jae Aviance- Swinamer: The Rhythm & Roots of DJ Sabine

[huggs]

DJ Sabine from Brooklyn, New York is a refreshing talent unlike any other DJ/producer/artist I have interviewed. Her musical roots are grounded in the elements of cultural heritage, the sound of the drums, power of words and spiritual essence. Sabine’s music uplifts, connects and showcases the strength in female expression while honoring her ancestral rhythms.

Her mission is clear: “To move one to dance, release, and ultimately be free.”


Jason James: Can you explain your unique style of music for those unfamiliar with the sounds of Afro beat, Afro techno and African Diaspora ancestral house?

Sabine: Music of the African Diaspora is my main influence. I infuse electronic/house/dance music w/ traditional music...it can range from traditional Haitian, Cuban, African, Indigenous chants/rhythms to spoken word to dub to soul classic acapellas….pure, deep, uplifting, soulful vibes. I honor my ancestral rhythms and seek to be the keeper of that sound. I am not afraid to fully embrace my musical heritage and exhibit it to the world. I am part of a cultural movement in House/Dance music where ancestral rhythms are infused with futuristic sounds. Some have called it Afro-House and/or Global Soul.


JJ: How do the spirit guides, your ancestors and warrior womyn influence your music? Is there a special meaning as to why you have changed the way womyn is spelled with a y not an e?

S: It is rarely encouraged for females to be DJs or Producers. I chose to spell women as “womyn” just to rattle the norm and for people to take notice. I wanted my music to reflect the power of female expression and my cultural heritage. In my cultural and spiritual research I found information on the Yoruba Nigerian Goddess Oya. She represents transformation, ancestors, and warrior womyn. So I decided to call my craft/music Oyasound. In the past and currently, women have been underestimated as DJs. There are more emerging female DJs and current ones are coming into the forefront. In light of that, we have stepped up our DJ craft and have been the most creative in our styles and delivery with a clear message that we have been here and are here to stay.


JJ: Do you see yourself as a warrior of music? How and when did you know this is what you wanted to do?

S: As I became a DJ/Producer I wanted to give homage to the power of word and sound. I honor my ancestral rhythms and seek to be the keeper of that sound. I am not afraid to fully embrace my musical heritage and exhibit it to the world. I am part of a cultural movement in House/Dance music where ancestral rhythms are infused with futuristic sounds. Some have called it Afro-House and/or Global Soul.


JJ: What is your musical mission?

S: DJ SABINE SPINS GLOBAL SOUL: HOUSE, AFROTECH, AFROBEAT, HAITIAN ROOTS MUSIC, AND OTHER DIASPORIC TUNES. HER MAIN INFLUENCES ARE HER SPIRIT GUIDES, ANCESTORS, AND WARRIOR WOMYN. HER EAR FOR MUSIC SOOTHES THE INNATE PART OF HERSELF AND OTHERS THAT HONORS THE SOUNDS OF DRUMS, THE POWER OF WORDS, AND THE HEALING AFFECT OF CONJURING UP PURE POSITIVE FEELING AND EMOTION. ALL OF WHICH HER MUSICAL MISSION IS TO MOVE ONE TO DANCE, RELEASE, AND ULTIMATELY BE FREE.


JJ: Your event, Brooklyn Mecca has been coined the Home of Grassroots Dance Culture. How does this make you feel and what does it mean for you?

S: Brooklyn Mecca, has been coined the Home of Grassroots Dance Culture which signifies an organic community developed by the love of dance and music and their commitment to keep this culture alive and authentic. Brooklyn has been a special place that has kept this authenticity alive! I am the founder of Brooklyn Mecca and resident DJ. In Jan 2009 we celebrated our 4yr anniversary! Brooklyn Mecca is now called Rhythm & Roots. I chose the title Rhythm & Roots to pay homage to our now more global sound & travelling experience outside of Brooklyn, NY.


JJ: Listening to one of your podcasts- Brooklyn Mecca 2- while writing my questions, I have to say that I am having a hard time from getting up out of my chair and busting moves all over my living room floor. With the introduction of podcasts you are able to expand your audience, has this contributed to your mission as a DJ?

S: Podcasts are a natural extension of the live DJ experience for me. It gave people a central location to hear my music and respond. If they appreciate the sound, I would then be asked to play. DJ’ing has opened many doors musically and allowed me to travel and meet wonderful people. It amazes me the healing affect & universal language house/dance music has around the world. I’ve witnessed people of all backgrounds come together peacefully for the sake of dance music...the commonality is freedom. With the music I play and create I seek to contribute to the progression of dance music by always reflecting my influences and culture.


JJ: Can you have rhythm without roots?

S: No, you can’t have rhythm without roots. Roots are the foundation of good music…the drum…polyrhythmic pattern…heartbeat…cultural story…spiritual essence. A lot of music these days…mostly mainstream…has been stripped of this. I see aspects of music as powerful as the elements of nature. Fire: creativity/movement; Water: fluidity, adaptability, cleansing; Air: all encompassing, breath, sound, communication; Earth: security, grounding, fertile. Music is a human expression and connection.

JJ: What can we expect at the Soulmeka Red Party? Is this your first time in Montreal?

S: First time DJ’ing in Montreal! I am so excited to play & meet the Montreal massive. I have received such good energy & support already. Looking forward to feeling right at home. At the Soulmeka Red Party, you can expect a positive musical experience…. to be uplifted spiritually and good ‘ole fun!!!


JJ: Upcoming projects?

S: Quarterly/monthly Rhythm & Roots events & I am working on an Oyasound EP featuring singing artist Ihsan….projected release in March around the Miami Winter Music Conference.

oyasoundproductions@yahoo.com
www.djsabine.podomatic.com
www.myspace.com/djsabine
Facebook: Sabine Blaizin


You can catch DJ Sabine this Saturday, December 19th at the Annual Red Party @ Le Consulat 1442 De Bleury from 10p.m. until 3a.m. An event not to be missed!!!!!!!