October Monthly Mix 23

J.T. Vibes Radio is a visual and audio experience curated and explained by local artist John Thompkins. Enjoy a tour through volumes 1-5 for music of all genres compiled this October.

Volume 1: Take a ride with me.

“Hair blowing in the wind. The smell of salty ocean air stings your nose. Rooted in the traditions of lowrider soul, and the sweeping soundscapes of legends like Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, Les Imprimés starts your journey down the coastline with a summery and beachy ode to his unrequited lover. Tap your fingers on the steering wheel as the brother duo, Illnoledge, propel you along with driving, afrobeat-inspired percussion, a grooving bassline, and soaring vocals affirming Black perseverance. Nod your head to the infectious, sensual congas and funky breakdown complimenting the powerful vocal performance of Erykah Badu on ‘Kiss Me On My Neck.’ Are you ‘In the Mood’ like Tyrone Davis..?”

Volume 2: Welcome to the digital underground.

“Nocturnes for a digital age. From the brooding, dissonant keylines of Alfa Mist and the quiet intensity of Yussef Dayes on drums, to the genre-bending synth-pop soul of dreamcastmoe, step into the nightlife of the future. A soundtrack, fit for a service worker making their commute home in the world of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982).” 

Volume 3: For my dawgs in LA.

“Los Angeles. The city of angels. Cleo Soul’s soaring vocals flow through your car speakers as you sit in warm, summer traffic on The Five. The funky bassline of ‘The Love’ pulses from the kitchen of a local pizza joint as you wait for your order. ‘Summer Madness’ plays over the sizzle of patties as your uncle mans the grill at the family barbeque.”

Volume 4: Run simulation.

“Lightyears from home. You miss the flower fields that used to make you feel so free. How the wind would carry bees and pollen with its current, like a highway, just above your head. How the warm sun would gently toast your skin. You make your way to the Immersion Room. You enter the chamber door and take your usual spot at the reclining hover chair.” 

Volume 5: Focus.

“The struggle to be recognized and respected as human beings. Jazz contains many aspects of the Black experience. Pain and suffering. Joy and perseverance. The raw magic of the genre at its conception was even captivating enough for white audiences to eventually gatekeep it and call it high art. Despite its commodification in these circles, jazz has managed to adapt and transform while maintaining the essence of its core. What more apt subtitle for jazz is there than ‘Black Classical Music’ as championed by Yussef Dayes and fellow collaborators Venna and Charlie Stacey? Listen closely, and you’ll hear history.”

“Few combinations are more potent than music and visual forms of art. For me, music is a synesthetic, cinematic experience. It provides the soundtrack to our lives. Join me as I attempt to paint these sonic landscapes.” – John Thompkins

Enjoy this month’s musical deep dive and meet us here at the end of November for a whole new slew of sounds.