Greetings Cats! Over the past few days, I have received several e-mail letters asking why I was not DJing at this year's DEMF. I hope this will answer everyone's questions.
I was asked approximately at the end of April if I was available to spin on Saturday, May 27th, or Sunday, May 28th. Unfortunately, I was unable to accept this invitation because I was already scheduled to spin at the Stammhiem Club in Kassel, Germany. Upon my return from Germany on Sunday, May 28th, I planned on only spinning my resident night at Tonic. However, I did offer to spin on Monday, May 29th. Although there were still many slots that still had not been filled (listed as TBA), I was never offered one of the open slots for Monday. Lenny of 430West Records asked me about spinning at their 10 year anniversary party back in March (before this year's Winter Music Conference). I was also approached by the cats of the Motor Lounge around WMC time to participate with the DEMF on their stage. But the booking to spin in Germany was made in December of `99, and I wanted to honor my commitments. Unfortunately for me, there were some circumstances beyond my control which forced the cancellation of my appearance at Stammhiem. Once the word got out that I was going to be home, I was asked by Meighan & Alvin to participate in the Music Retailer's tent (where I could sell Intangible/TP music). But there wasn't enough time for me to properly prepare to set up a booth, so I had to decline the offer. I was also asked by Linda G to spin at Science for the one of the DEMF pre-parties. But I suggested that Linda give the spot to an "up and coming" cat who she felt deserved a chance. I was asked to be on stand by to fill in for Juan Atkins in case he didn't show up. I never heard anything else about that, so I assumed that Juan was there (although I have heard conflicting stories). Then on Monday, May 29th, there was a small, but powerful (internal) campaign to allow me to spin on the Motor Stage from 8PM to 10PM. Unfortunately, those efforts were defeated because the sound company's equipment on that stage was only insured up until 8PM (Hmmm)! Even though I was not scheduled to spin or participate in this year's DEMF, I still promoted this event during my 2nd appearance on Much Music's (Canada's MTV) Electric Circus Dance Show, which resulted in Much Music sending a crew down to cover the event and interview several of the artists and DJs. The only people who thanked me for what I did was Barbara (of Pop Culture Media) and Rob Theakston (of Planet E). I am not angry or upset about not being included in this year's DEMF for several reasons. But the main reason is because this event is bigger than any ONE person anyway. I am very fortunate to be able to travel all over the world. I have had many moments to shine under the sun. It was great to see cats like Al Ester, Minx, and Mike Clark finally get their day in the sun. There's enough SUNSHINE for everyone. If you let "Flashlight" play out to the end, it clearly states, "Everybody's got a little light, under the SUN". Besides, there's always next year. Maybe I'll be asked to participate again in 2001. But at least I was asked to participate this year. Regarding Al Oldham, it should be obvious that the man was hurt. It's not just about the music the man has made. He did a lot of things behind the scenes to help many cats in Detroit (including Carl Craig). I don't know what went into the decision making process for the DEMF, or the 430West party. I don't believe that anyone involved with the DEMF or 430West meant any harm or disrespect towards T-1000. The surprising thing to me is how several people on the 313 List who seemed to have supported Al in the past, have now turned and are now so malicious towards him? Cats who praised his album on Tresor are now dogging his music. Cats who supported Al's views in the past are now blasting him for his comments. Keep in mind that he didn't post his views on this list or any other list. What he did was simply say if you want to know my point of view, you may read about it on my website. Now at the end of the day, the man has the right to express his opinion on his site. I haven't see one post where someone asked Al WHY he feels the way that he does. Instead, cats seem to be more quick to pass judgment. It's easier to judge information at the surface, rather than to search deeper for the truth. I am not defending what Al said. I am not trying to get into that drama so don't get it twisted! Instead, I am defending his right to express his point of view! There were many others like K. Hand, Alton Miller, Rob Hood, and countless others who should have been involved this year. I am certain that everyone was considered. Just like I was booked, I am certain that others might have already been scheduled for other events. But I still saw people at the DEMF like K. Hand with a glowing smile on her face. The vibe was very positive! Laura Gavoor's e-mail really said it all perfectly as far as I am concerned (thanks for the shout - you know I luv ya). The only thing I wish to add is this . . . Although I was not involved personally, I still take pride in the DEMF because it was still a celebration of my efforts, and the efforts of all my brothers and sisters here in the Detroit area who struggled for years to make something out of nothing. I personally want to thank Luke, Mike, Mike Fowlkes, and Hubert of the Technologix crew in Toronto Canada for coming out to spin at Tonic on Saturday, May 27th. I also have to thank DJ Nova from Miami Florida for banging the box at Tonic on Sunday. It was also a great pleasure to finally meet lovely ladies Diana Potts and Holly McDonald. I want to thank all those who came out to TONIC on Sunday, May 28th, and the after party at the Theater later that night. I also want to thank all of my friends and fans who I spoke to and took pictures with in Hart Plaza on Saturday, May 27th and Monday, May 29th. For me personally, walking through the plaza and meeting with everyone was even better than being on any of the stages! What impressed me the most about the DEMF was the love of music. It was all about the music. Even the media (ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and UPN) all spoke positively about the music. I am proud to be part of the Detroit music community! The drama, the controversies, the pleasures, the love and the conflicts are all part of our history, and that makes our MUSIC so powerful! peace & respect, TP
