The most amazing thing about  Denver’s incarnation of the famed Beauty Bar chain is also one of the least obvious.  For newcomers.  First timers.  People who don’t know what the space once looked like.  Felt like.  Smelt like.  The former tenant, “Snake Pit” was such a disgusting dive a better name for it would have been “Snake’s Arm Pit.”

It was rank.  Dark.  Dirty, and not in a good way.  What was once a decent hang out for cheap ladies night drinks and 80’s dance offs gradually descended into a hornets nest of belligerent thugs and feminazi punks just itchin for a fight.

Think I’m joking?  Snake Pit will (hopefully) forever stand as the only place I almost got my lights punched out.  By a girl.  Who mistook my smile in her girlfriend’s general direction as a sexual advance so brazen, she was forced to defend her honor.  Or would have.  If I hadn’t run off into the night, never to return to Snake Pit again.

Okay.  So now you have a mental picture of what Snake Pit was like.  Take the exact opposite of that, multiply it by 13, add in bonus points for cheap PBR and an impossibly friendly, femme heavy crowd (nowhere else on earth have I been to a club where girls actually outnumber guys on most nights) and you’re getting close.

The place hasn’t “changed”.  It’s been reborn.  As a heavenly hipster haven so gorgeous you have to see it to believe it.

I’ve never been there without having a ridiculously good time.  The Martinis & Manicures Happy Hour is good for the ladies.  The friendly staff and huge dance floor is good for everyone else.

Added bonus?  It’s just a few blocks from my place, so  the commute is Cash Approved to  say the least.

When I imagine spinning there, the first thing that comes to mind is the general vibe of the place.  Upbeat.  Sexy.  And most of all:  fun.

The people at Beauty Bar are there to party.  Shake their  music lovin, cutie booties off between shots of Jameo and cans of Schlitz.  Ready to get down.  Ready to get off.  On something surprisingly sexy and new.

Like my latest Cashup: “booty bar“.  File under “hipster hysteria waiting to happen.”

From the Tony Toni Tone vs Daft Punk madness to the hardcore electrification of a Hot Chip classic to the old skool MSTRKRFT meets new skool Empire of the Sun fun, this mix has a little something for everyone.  Everyone who likes insane mashups, Tone Loc, and or the thought of deadmau5 and Coldplay sittin in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, at least.

The mixes, they are improving.  Sound quality is consistent this time around, and the overall flow is juuuust right.

As always; I’m proud of The Cashups themselves.  99.9% of the music you’re hearing?  Isn’t “just a remix of…”  It’s a Cashup.  Two or more tracks brought together in the oh so unholy matrimony of my music loving madness, each made better by its unexpected bedtime companion.  It’s also the first time these naughty boys and girls have shared a bed.  (*as far as I know)

But don’t take my word for it.  Download for yourself or just press play below.

Thanks for the inspiration, Beauty Bar.  To say I love what you’ve done with the place would be an understatement. Keep up the good work.

As for everyone else?

Let the Eargasms begin.

hugs,
cash

JUST CAN’T GET ENOUGH?  Check out my prior two “full length” Cashups:

this is what the world is for

and

dj fantasy camp - scumbag sundays edition

+++

booty bar - a cashup

DOWNLOAD here via Media Fire

When thinking about, dreaming of, and planning for life changing events, it’s important to define the three W’s:  When, What, and Where.  When it came to my non-stop daydream believin about my first dj gig?  I had two of them firmly in my sights.

The “What” became crystal clear about five seconds after finishing my first Cashup (see here): start spreading the TKT (see here) on a massive scale to booty shakers and shakettes driven wild by hearing music they’re at once:

a) intimately familiar with

and

b) completely shocked / amazed / delighted to be hearing again for the “first time”, mixed and mashed with all manner of seemingly incongruent, yet surprisingly awesome tracks they’d never imagine fitting together.. until now.

The “When” was slightly more vague but nonetheless obvious:  “Soon.”  Or at the very least, “sooner than later.”  When I realized I had the tools to actually play a full set (however imperfect it may be.. and oh, it’ll be plenty imperfect, hahaha), two decades’ worth of experience dancing my ass off at clubs and paying attention to what made everyone else dance THEIR asses off, and a 14,000+ song music collection I knew inside and out, I knew it was only a question of time before fate smiled upon me and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime.

Still, the final piece of the puzzle eluded me.  When I initially decided to give dj’ing one more try (see here for my first disastrous foray into it), I imagined the website looking something like this:

dj cashie:
coming possibly never to a T.G.I.Friday’s, Bar Mitzvah, or Riverboat Casino Lounge near you

Truth be told, I’d still happily play any of those rockin venues if I had the chance.

Instead?  My first night spinning live will be happening at the uber-sexy Tryst Lounge in downtown Denver.  An actual bar, with an actual dj booth.

Looking back on it now, I should have seen it coming.  The “trinity @ tryst” of good omens could hardly have been more clear.

GHOST IN THE (*PBR VENDING) MACHINE

Tryst is the only place in Denver, if not the entire world that has a working, PBR Vending machine on premises.  To repeat:  PBR.  Vending.  Machine.  As any regular reader of TGOC knows, my love affair with the red, white and blue canned beauty is life long and kinky.  Well, life long anyway.

HIP TIP:  She’s a tough but fair broad, looking for action but not always willing to admit it.  Be patient, keep your eyes on the PBRalicious prize, and bring some crisp bills to improve your odds.

MY LUNAR APPROVAL RATING

(*is through the roof.)  When I was first approached about the night, I received a simple text:  “Would you be willing to spin on a Thursday?“  To which I smoothly responded:  “Hellsmuthaphukking YES I would!”  Always pays to stay aloof and maintain your mystery. Ha!  Can you imagine?  Anyway, it turns out the specific Thursday night in question?  3/8/2012?  I.E. the one happening 48 hours from now?  Is a full moon.  If you’ve ever dated me, or known me,  or not known you were dating me, you’re well aware only Friday the 13th comes before full moons in importance on the Cash Calendar.

Boo.  Yeah.

Thanks to the always amazing Jenny, “World Famous Turkey Caller” (see here) , blonde uber-bombshell, and funny gal extraordinaire for bringing this juicy tidbit to my attention.  It bodes well for the show, I can assure you.

and finally:

AMEN, MY KEN.  AMEN.

My good friend & talented promoter Ken was the one who offered me the gig, based on some of my mixes he’d heard on TGOC.  In addition to being bar none the most dependable, upbeat, and inspirational person in my life (*other than my marvelous parents) for let’s say the last five years or so, he also fills a very unique, impossibly important role in Cash Life that would be difficult to describe, but makes the fact that HE’s the one responsible for my dj’ing debut even sweeter.  The bottom line?  He’s always been a huge fan of Tryst, and usually suggests it as a starting point when we’re planning a night out.

This coming Thursday?  Something tells me we won’t be leaving till well after last call.  And if you’re a fan of cheap booze, awesome music, and cheering me on (or booing me out of the booth) as I get to live out one of my life long dreams ?

Neither will you.

Hope to see you all there.

hugs,
cash

A long time ago, in a low key, all night coffee shop not too far away, I had one of the most profound experiences of my life.  It lasted approximately five minutes.

The setting? Leela’s European Cafe, downtown Denver.

I’d stopped in for a quick second to drop off my friend (and barista at the time) Tiffany’s copy of my latest mix cd, “Third Date.”.  Smiling, and without a single word, she proceeded to the stereo.  The raucus Yeah Yeah Yeah’s track playing?  Screetching to a dramatic halt.  Sleepy students and hardened hipsters alike were suddenly looking up from their chess games and textbooks.  At us.  In disdain.

She pressed play, my mix began, and two amazing things happened.  The mood in the room immediately changed.  People returned to their regularly scheduled activities.  Then, a few moments later, a guy approached us at the bar:

“Who the hell is this?!  It’s awesome.”

Tiffany:  “Ask him, it’s his mix.”

It was an incredibly hard to find remix of Sia’s “Breathe Me”.  He thanked me profusely and returned to his table.  I was tingling.  Glowing.  Goosebumps. One of the most incredible feelings of my entire life, not only hearing one of my mixes in public, but getting the instant gratification that comes with knowing someone else was truly enjoying it.

This Thursday?  I anticipate having one of the most profound experiences of my life.

This time?

It should last three and a half hours, as I bring some Cashup magic to the mile city, live,  from behind the digital decks at Tryst lounge.

The fun begins a 9:59pm, and should go all night.  Drink specials (including $2 PBRs, natch) and the chance to see me spin my first set are all yours.

Hope to see you there.

Thanks to Ken and everyone at Tryst for this mind blowing opportunity.

hugs,
cash

Listen Now: Scumbag Sunset and Genesis 1.3

In the corporate world (puke..  gag..  single tear for all my fellow cube slaves) there are a lot of bullshit phrases to contend with.  “Paradigm shift”, “Leverage” and the always laughable “Synergy” immediately spring to mind.  Sadly, I could go on.  There is one phrase however that has some redeeming qualities to it, and can be applied just about anywhere, work related or not.  That phrase is “POC”, which stands for “Proof Of Concept“.  This is basically a rough and ready, demo quality version of a software / process improvement that can be shown to function at a rudimentary level giving hope that the finalized version could prove sufficent to meet whatever need / specifications it’s intended for.

With that in mind then, I’d like to introduce my first “POC” dj set.  These beauties will be specifically tailored to a venue / night I know and love, and, in my wildest dreams could someday procure a guest spot at.  Hence the “dj fantasy camp” header.

“Scumbag Sunset” is an example of what I might play at the most inspiring night I’ve ever attended; “Scumbag Sundays” at Shag Lounge in Denver.

In addition to the mind blowing awesomeness of its talented host, Michael Trundle (aka boyhollow - read all about my non-gay man crush on him here, here, and here) the night is made all the more amazing by the crowd in attendance.  A motley crew of skaters, hipsters and assorted punk rock minded youths who have one thing in common:  They don’t.  Give a.  Fuuuuuck.  About what?  Genre.  Style.  Commercial vs Indie.  Unknown vs practically played out.  They are there with one and only one thing in mind, having a kinky cool, out of control, kick ass time.  They are pursuers of pleasure and pleasure alone, apparently “mismatched musical selections” be damned.

In other words, they have no pretensions about the music being played, be it hip hop, electro, indie, dubstep or “other.”  They are there to shake their asses.  Party like rockstars.  Have mad fun and accidentally subvert the idiotic “status quo” of typical dj sets / nights the world over in the process.

Their tolerance is high and their desire to get the fuck down is higher.  Regardless of what’s being played.

In my opinion, from a dj’s perspective?  This is sanctioned nirvana delivered by absolute freedom of choice when it comes to song selections.

“Scumbag Sunset” is all over the place, genre / tempo wise.  But the Cashups share one common trait;  a desire to kick off an end of the world worthy dance party.  Pervy paradise served up piping hot for all the tattooed freaks and closet headbangers in attendance.

Some highlights?  The Kriss Kross.  Oh, you heard me.  Something I’ve been hoping to do for ages, that finally came together in the insanity you’ll find here.  The “Careless Whisper” Cashup is another gem, so filthy it’ll make George Michael himself blush.  Adding sweet vocals to an already amazing deadmau5 track is pretty good too, and the creme de la creme?  My very own version of a MGMT track you probably think you’ve heard every take on… until now.

SPOILER ALERT:

To call the language on this thing “NSFW” is the understatement of the year.  That’s what makes it so damn delicious, dur.  Nonetheless, you’ve been warned.

In a better world, you’d be dancing your ass off to this circa 9:45PM on a random Sunday night in the mile high city.

For now?  Dance your ass off to it in your apartment.  Halfway house.  Boombox fueled, spontaneous streetcorner soiree.  Somewhere.  Anywhere.

You’ll be happy you did.

And I?  Will be far, far happier still.

enjoy.

hugs,
cash

DOWNLOAD - scumbag sunset via mediafire

or listen here:

Once upon a time… I was the only person on earth who remembered to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day.  Nowadays, I’m the only person on earth who can’t.

Instead?

I got you a little something.

I’ve been saving it for you.

(It’s down below.)

By the way;

That thing you came here to teach me?  Well, it took long enough, but you finally did. 

Sorry I’m such a slow learner.

thinking of you,
cash

+++

Something wicked this way comes.  Actually, somethings wicked.  To be precise?  Three Cashup based sets custom tailored to three of my favorite nights / venues in Denver.  Oh, they’re gonna blow your mind, don’t worry.  While you wait?  The world’s first “official” Cashup infused set.

I’m not gonna lie to you.  This was originally intended as one of the three sets mentioned above.  But as my collection of kick ass Cashup combos has increased, so has my understanding that this particular set is more fitting as a prelude.  The opening act.  For djcashie.  All up in yo’ biznass.  Or at least whatever part of “your biznass” makes it to the dancefloor.  Believe me, that’s where you’ll be headed.

Is it perfect?  Hell no.  Have we met?  Besides my overall thoughts on perfection (see here), this is, once again me, dj’ing we’re talking about.  It’s sure to be mad fun though, for anyone with an open mind and good taste in music.

Having said that?  I’m proud of a lot of things here.  First, it’s my only “real” dj mix to date.  Aka, the songs are being mixed in real time by yours truly (rather than being sutured together in Audacity as was the case with my prior “mixtapes”.)

Second?  The Cashups themselves.  99.9% of the music you’re hearing?  Isn’t “just a remix of…”  It’s a Cashup.  Two or more tracks brought together in the oh so unholy matrimony of my music loving madness, each made better by its unexpected bedtime companion.  It’s also the first time these naughty boys and girls have shared a bed.  (*as far as I know)

Finally?  I’m proud of the three people responsible for this.  Me, myself, and I.  Why?  I never dreamed I’d be able to do this (see here.)  But apparently, dreams have a way of making themselves come true.  Especially mine.

When the stars align.  When the time is right.

Ya’ll remember that.  It’s probably important.

Highlights of Genesis, 1.3?

Well, there’s the gorgeous wordplay happening in the opening track; which to me, improves upon the message of both songs used in the process.  Then there’s the MGMT thing.  “Shock me like electric feel”… indeed. (no joke, just you wait for that line, trust me)  My New Order um, “rework” is as sick as they come (I prefer it to any of the half dozen or so “offical” remixes of the track in question).  Then of course there’s Lykke Li vs. Guetta.  Oh, you heard me.  Finally?  The creme de le creme; deadmau5 vs an 80’s classic you have to hear to believe.

BONUS GIFT, JUST FOR YOU

This Cashup, like all those to come, includes plenty of not so hidden “easter eggs” in the form of lyrical content purposely joined to tell, um, a certain story, or share a certain message I think you deserve to hear.

Will you pick up on it?

What am I, Cashtromdamous?

Okay, okay.  Yes I am.

But what the fuck do I know?

Other than this:

There are far worse ways you can spend 36 minutes and 7 seconds of your life than dancing your ass off to some musical Cashnanigans.

So;

Crank it up.

Rock it out.

And stay tuned.

There’s plenty more where this came from.

Viva music.

Viva Cash.

Viva you.

Methinks we’re gonna get along juuuuust fine.

PS:  thanks to ET for the Inner Party System track.  No, I didn’t think I’d live long enough to hear it mixed with Kanye West either.  But the future’s an uncertain place.  So are my Cashups.  It’s still one of the most important songs ever recorded.  Oh yeah;  and thank you for MGMT.  Are you fucking kidding me?  Good lord, seriously… thank you.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… and again… and again…

you’re.

good.

Gorgeous electro + haunting drug ballad?

But of course. 

The Weeknd meets Deadmau5.

Brought to you by djcashie.

Thanks to Greg for introducing me to The Weeknd in the first place.

Thanks to Ms. Easy for constantly reminding me why they’re so good.

One of the greatest lines ever written?

You bring the drugs baby, I can bring my pain…

Been there once or a baker’s dozen times myself.

(At least.)

Holy hell.

Goosebumps, ahoy.

File under “Love”.

In Cashup form.

Enjoy.

Headphones are definitely the way to go with this one.

Thanks to my infamous southern belle for turning me on to the Page track in the first place.  Thanks to Depeche Mode for, well.. everything.

Save some egg nog for me.

hugs,
cash

As I dive further and further down the rabbit hole of learning to dj (my trusty Numark Mixtrack at my side), I’ve realized something.  Mashups are at once; slightly more difficult to mix and infinitely more fun to absorb.

Therefore, a taste of things to come.  A short Cashup for your amusement or ridicule.

Hope you enjoy it.

hugs,
cash