Dj Jonene, Jonny Phelps, San Francisco, California - Panhandle Records - The Official Interview

Name:Jonny Phelps aka DJ Jonene - Panhandle Records / Safe In Sound Music, San Francisco, California, USA

Age: 29 years old
Sex: Male
Born: 23rd July, 1972
Location: Currently in San Francisco Ca. USA

1.For the not so clued up person in regards to the world of Soulful House and Garage, UK Underground music could you tell us how you got started in this game?

I got into this scene in that late1980's. My first underground had to be sometime in 1989 or 1990. I was still in high school at the time. There seemed to be this missing element in the current music that I was listening to. It was almost cutting edge but just quit didn't take me there. The music I heard that night was exactly the void I was trying to fill. I was instantly hooked.

1a. Who or what had the greatest influence on what you listen to today? 1(a) Was through listen to your parents (Did they have an artists or performer that they constantly kept going on about that influenced you) 1(b) Was through listening at a early age to the Radio to a particular sound or artist 1(c) Was through going to the church (being part of a choir?) 1(d) Or was it by being forced to take musical lessons that influenced your choice?

My greatest influences as a DJ would have to be my friends from Chicago - Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Miles Maeda, Diz and the list can go on and on. Producers would be from Tony Senghore, Phil Asher, Lance Desardi and JT Donaldson to MAW.

2. Who was your first musical hero? Was it Artists from the.. Soul area Hiphop scene Rock/Heavy Metal scene Motown, The Sound of Philadelphia or Stax Records artists Jazz artists, Hip Hop Artist. Or just any particular artist?

Ah man, thatıs a tough one. I liked all kinds of groups and bands growing up. I liked everything from Kool and the Gang, to Michael Jackson in the 70s' to Depeche Mode, New Order, OMD in the early 80's. I have always been in to dance music either it being R&B and Soul to New Wave.

3. You are a DJ/Producer now. However what was the first club that you played that allow you to gain vital experience to that is invaluable now! Is it still there now; and have you gone back to play there from time to time?

I was playing a lot of basement parties and house parties in the early 90's. I really didn't start DJing in clubs on a continuous bases until I moved up to San Francisco. I believe the first club I played at here was Hollywood Billiards or 111 Minna. It was on a weekday and there was only about 150 people. I have played 111 from time to time still.

4. Has Soulful, Deep or Vocal Garage music been your choice since the begining. Or had other forms of House Music caputered your imagination before these?

In the beginning I was playing a lot of funky breaks and techno. Then I moved to San Francisco and learned about a little thing called House Music. I have never looked back since that day.

5.Soulful House and Garage music in the Uk, at the time was dominated by the Usa, during the early to middle 1990's.Todd Terry, Mark Kinchen, Masters at Work, Kerri Chandler, Smack Productions names of the greats. Did they have any effect on you as they did in the Uk?

Nobody can argue about any of these early producers. No matter what sound you where into back then. You heard anything by the Murk boys, TT or MAW, you where freaking out on the dance floor!

6. We over in the Uk, were more prone to listening to the House styles from the East Coast of America, then from West Coast of America. However, the West Coast seems to come alive with its love of Deep House, which owes its origins to the City of Chicago, Usa. Have you ever been lucky enough to club in Chicago, and see where the inspiration comes from?

I actually have played in Chicago quit a bit at clubs like Red No Five, Zentra, Mad Bar & Le Passage. I come out and play for the 3 degrees crew a few times a year.

7.Has the club scene within San Francisco accepted House music ? Is it begining to take its under its wing? Are the public in your area of the world getting into House and Garage music more seriously then before. Or is the domiinance of Rock, Rap and Country to strong?

San Francisco is House Music.It has been house music since I can remember. Since the early days of Wicked with Garth, Jeno and Thomas to the early Boogie Buffet days with Derrick Carter and Mark Farina. This city will always be about house music. We have producers like Rasoul, Miguel Migs, and Joshua (dj iz). To records labels like Panhandle, Safe In Sound, Red Melon, Tweekin, Love Slap, Naked and Om. There is a strong comparison to music being played in Chicago to music played in San Francisco. I enjoy playing in both cities.

8. Marcus Wyatt, Julis Papp and Dave Warrin are names that we know over here in the Uk. Or should I say that punters that are into the Usa Sound of House are? Are any of them signed to PanHandle Records? Have you worked with any of them, with regards to Club work or Dj Production work in any way?

Marques used to come play with us at Stompy from time to time. I use to hold a couple residencies a few years back with Julius. Julius and I use to play Saturday nights infamous Release party at 1015 Folsom.

9. With the formation of Pan Handle records we already know that you are one of the founders, but is there any one else involved? Who thought of the ideas of setting this label up. As it seems all of a sudden that there is now quite a few labels coming from your area all at the same time. What is the musical ethos of Panhandle records? Are you a label geared to producing Deep House and Tech House records only? Or are you looking to put out other styles of House and Garage music from the label?

There are three of us involved.Eliga Mayhew, Tasho and who is also my resident mate at Stompy and Shattered and myself. We are focusing on what we perceive the San Francisco house sounds like. We are trying to incorporate that sound into our releases. The sounds of our records are the sounds that are being played in a lot of the local clubs and bars. We are just putting out music that we all share similar interests in. Who is to say if we will be putting out Techno and Garage? If at the moment in time we are all into, then so be it. But for now, Panhandle and Safe In Sound will be pretty much deep and funky house. Safe In Sound Music is my new solo label project that I am working on at the moment. You will soon be hearing a lot coming from this label. I will be focusing on a broader sound. Everything from soulful deep house to pumping/chunky house.

10. Probably the most famous label to date within the House field to come from you area is Naked Music? Has the label worldwide success within the House music circles made it easier for you to succeed instead of competing on your own from San Francisco?

I think we are doing fine on our own even with the success of Naked. I believe Bruno is doing a great thing over there and I must commend him on it. But, there are a lot of cool mates doing labels at the moment here in the city, and I believe everyone is doing their part. Chris over at Om, Darren at Tweekin, Dano, JZ and Fredness at Red Melon to Garth with Grayhound. Everyone is really supportive of one another. I am really glad to see San Francisco putting immense amounts of energy back into the club scene. I am honored to be involved with this community of talent.

11.Out of all the singles that have been released on the label which is your favourite and why? Please tell us?

Well the Mark Farina - Landscape Ep - is pretty dirty. Its Mark first full ep release I and I believe he came out firing. Its deep, dark and dirty. Just how I like it on the dance floor. The Inland Knights - Crazy Ep and JT and Lances - Out of the Gate stand out too

12. Changing the subject now. Are you one for djing "live"? Or do you prefer concentrate on Dj/producing work more so?

I am concentrating about 50/50 right now. I am playing anywhere from 10-15 gigs a month right now. So when I am not working on the new label or with Panhandle. I will find some time to dip into the studio and get some work done. I have been working on tracks lately with other producers. Tony Senghore and I have been pretty busy in the studio. I have also been working on some remixes with JT Donaldson down in LA.

13. The Stompy monthy parties are quite well known in San Francisco, Usa. How long have they been running? How did you be come one of the residents. Was it by sheer persistence that you got given a chance to show what you can do. Or was it sheer luck that you got in? To a Brit what would I expect when coming to a Stompy Party?

Well Preston Lytton has been doing the Stompy parties for about 7 years now. The old residents where Mark Farina & John Howard with an occasional appearance by Derrick Carter. I used to live with this girl Madeline who is now Preston's girlfriend. Preston used to come by the house from time to time and hang out. He asked me if I wanted to play for Stompy on New Years Day in 96/97. I jumped at the offer and I suppose you can say the rest is history. I believe it was all about timing too. There was some differences going on between John and Preston. John and Preston decided to go their separate ways and I basically filled in John's residency.

Now, what would you expect from a Stompy party? Take a peek at the website http://www.stompy.com - (stompy sights) and let me know what you think.These parties back in the late 90's were like no other. People flying or driving anywhere up to 8 hours away to come experience Stompy. Stompy was in a club that had a convertible roof. The roof basically slide back about 60 feet, opening to the sky above. The place held around 1000 to 1100 kids. Stompy use to fall on a three day weekend holiday. So everyone had Monday off and everyone was ready to throw down. The party would start around 12 in the afternoon on Sunday and go until 3 or 4 Monday morning. There would be BBQ's on the top deck, cocktails in hand with sunshine on everyone's faces. When the roof was open you could watch the party and look down onto the dance floor. Glitter would rain down onto the floor where you catch the kids in platforms, wigs, bell bottoms, high heels, butterfly collars, pimps, pimpettes, hustlers and players would all be there in full effect. These parties where so fucking phat, even Sneak showed up out of the blue when Derrick Carter was playing and just hopped in the decks with him. The place went though the roof. Stompy is a true legendary San Francisco party and will surely be missed by all who ever experienced it. I am honored to have been able to play and be involved in one of San Francisco's best underground house parties.

14. It seems as if the Stompy Montly parties have attracted all the big names to play there. Names such as such as Louie Vega, Mark Farina, and Derrick Carter for starters. Are you planning on attracting more International names to play at this venue?

Well Stompy is pretty much over now. The founder Preston and other partner Madeline have since moved to Barcelona. Tasho and I have joined forces with the Sunset crews Galen and Solar and now have started Shattered. http://www.shatteredsf.com

But when it was happening, we had the Freaks boys over Luke Solomon and Rob Mello playing at different times and also had Ralph Lawson over.

15. Changing the subject now sees me mentioning pirate radio. It is a big part of the UK DANCE CULTURE. And more so in London, England. Have you, or is there such a set up where you are based in the Usa?

Not exactly. Just a lot of the College radio stations are playing proper dance music.

16. What is the Legal radio set-up like with regards to Dance music in your area of the world? We are lucky in England. We have national station geared towards playing Black Dance music practically 24 Hours day (*Or will be soon!!). Whats the state of play in the San Francisco?

SF radio pretty much sucks ass. They have an ok 1980's station and a pretty cool Soul and R&B station as well, but thatıs about it.

17. Changing the subject completely again. One just can't get away from the subject of the music known as 2-Step Garage music that is busting out of London? (Artful Dodger, M.J.Cole, Ed Case, etc etc). The music has bulldozed its way into the Garage and House music world whether we like it or not. Its the newest hybrid within the music gender. Some people hate it. Some people love it. What are your views on the scene and the music?
Plus the fact there seems to be a divide within the music already. With those that prefer the Rnb/Soulful side of 2-Step Garage to those that prefer the Ragga/Breakbeat feel of 2-Step Garage. Many have named this music as "Breakbeat Garage". Have you heard of any of this music at all?

Not really. Don't really pay attention to much on that end of the scope.

18. Once again changing the subject, and as you do dj from time to time. Do you still do your own stint of record shopping or hunting? Or do you leave it up to being supplied by labels, etc to keep you up to date? When you play out? A lot of DJ's nowadays survive by living of what given to them by Record labels of all shapes and sizes. What about you. Does this apply to you?

I do pretty much 90% of my buying. I receive promos from time to time but no to often. Most of the domestic labels that I am into are owned by good friends of mine. So we all exchange records with each other. I like to shop out of town too to see what cities are getting that SF is not.

19. Djing again; and this time it to do with Record mixing. Your technique when playing out. Do you use a style of blending when you playing out; or are you a person who like to jump straight in and out of a track without warning!!! What styles do you like to use when behind the decks?

I tend to use both styles. It all depends on the set. If I am in the early part of the evening or late part of the night, I like to blend it baby! Deep house sounds got to be smooth. I like using the EQ's and jacking and beating that shit when its time to get dirty.

20. Out of all the hundreds of artists/groups that you have collected and listen through out the years within the Soulful House and Garage music movement which has impressed you the most. Anyone that keeps coming up in your mind?

I really like Masters at Work's music and style and Gentleman's Haircut - that shit is next level.

20. Changing the subject completely. Will you be apppearing at next years Winter Music Conference (2002)? It has become the place where once a year Dj's from all over the world prodominently from the House and Garage World meet up. It seems as if it is going to be its best yet. Will the world see Grant at the Winter Music 2002 Conference?

Well Jamie Thinnes from Seasons and myself have been doing the Panhandle/Seasons - The Miami Movement party for a few years now. They have been getting bigger and better each year. I am sure you will find my lurking around there in 2002.

21.Another music like institution and dubbed the "New Ibiza" by music critics and fashion experts alike is "Ayia Napa", in Cyprus. It has taken the clubbing world by storm. Will we ever see Jonny Phelps going there. let alone appearing there? Newier styles are being introduced there other then Uk/2-Step Garage. Would you be interestsed in playing there? Have you been asked?

Of course I would love to come play there. If I was invited to come out and play, I would for sure be on that plane. Do you have any hook ups? ::wink::

22. Deep House music has a huge following around the world. Probably the most followed of all the styles within Soulful House and Garage music movement around the world. It use to be the sole rights of the Usa, that made quality "Deep House music - and traditionally from Chicago and New York. But of late France and Germany are making Deep House tunes that will make these cities in the Usa sit up and take notice. Will Deep House music ever break loose of its "Trainspotters" tag within Soulful House and Garage music movement? Can the music be taken more seriously by the major record labels then it has been in the past do you think?

I believe it will. It is already happening in Europe. It is just going to take a little while longer for it to catch on here in the states.

23. You have travelled I take it? Where do you love to dj or perform the most and why?

I like to travel period.I have fun pretty much anywhere I go. I have mates in a lot of countries and we usually get pretty crazy when I get there. Belgium, France, Spain, Australia, Sweden and Finland are all beautiful places to visit and play. Just something about coming back home and playing to your home crowd hits you in that soft spot.

24. As Soulful House, Deep House and 2-Step Garage becomes bigger and bigger arond the world. Who do you rate as one to look out for in the future (DJ Wise?) Who should we keep an eye out for! From your own country? DJ/ music artist/s producer and from what you have heard or seen from abroad? DJ/ music artist/s producer.

DJ's and Producers like JT Donaldson, Lance Desardi and Brett Johnson are the ones I say to keep a close watch on. These three boys are really onto something and everything they are touching right now is turning to gold.

25. You were asked to do the remix duties on a recent compilation House and GARAGE CD Album. Was it fun to do? How did you get to do the work in the first place?

Well I have been producing for a while now. I really enjoy working on music with other producers as well. I feel that there is more creative energy and forces that come out this way. Tony and I have been spending a lot more time working on things together.People have heard some of our stuff and have asked us to remix the work. JT and I did a EP together for the Swirl People for their Aroma label. Raoul was into the music and had us do some more remixes for them. The next one is Fears coming out on their Tronicsole label. My partner in Shady Agents is Wally Callerio from Dufflebag Records in LA. We also worked on the Save the People remix for the Swirl People on Aroma.

26. Christmas is coming up. Are you going to be taking it easy and resting ones self over the festive period (2001). Or are you behind the decks somewhere in this world within that period? Please let us know?

Things are pretty hectic up into March,2002 right now.Crazy schedule in December and New Years, then I am off to New Zealand and Australia for three weeks to play. Back for a full schedule in February plus ACCA Fest in Mexico and then March and the getting ready for Miami.

27.What does the Future Hold for DJ JONENE - Jonny Phelps. Have you got any more ambitions. Anything more exciting that you would like to do?

Take it a day at time. That is all I am looking into right at this moment. Focusing on my new label Safe In Sound Music ( http://www.safeinsoundmusic.com ) and exerting more time and energy in DJing in the coming years. Getting ready to settle down and buy a house for me, my dog Sole and my three cats Nesta, Felina and Wasbi. 28.Changing the subject completely.Have you got any advice for any aspiring Record label producer, DJ, Club owner or Dj/producer within the world of House and Garage music. Any rules that he should adhere to?

Just be real man! Show your true colors and don't FUCK anybody over. This scene isn't that big, and the word will get out. You all know who you are out there who have been fucking people over, you need to quit! For everyone else out there, thank you for keeping it real! Peace!

Interview conducted by DJ JONENE - Jonny Phelps, San Francisco, California - Panhandle Records

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