MUZIKBUTRFLY: SHADOW DANCING
In this world of stardomization pushed to the limits, we’ve nearly come to forget about all of those who, in the shade, anonymously contribute to give us access to almost anything from a simple click. We jump on the wagon by the likes of this yearly Miami gathering and all the fuss which is made around to pay them our tribute via this chat we’ve managed to have with NYC promoter Joann Jimenez better known as Muzikbutrfly...
Hola Joann. Que tal amiga? Let’s have you under the spotlights for once while getting to know a bit more about’cha and yer activities. I mean, where d’you come from? I mean your background and what has led you to invest yourself in this scene.
I am Latina, my parents come from Dominican Republic. I was born and raised in “Washington Heights”. For those of you who are not familiar, it’s like the Dominican mecca in Manhattan, New York City. My first introduction to this music and culture was through my brother, who is 10 years older. He frequented the Garage, the Loft, Bonds. He and my cousin would DJ at house music parties back then so I got to hear some really great music at home. I would sneak into his room and grab tapes to play on my little radio, I instantly fell inlove with the music. Surprisingly, I didn’t start going out until my early 20’s. First place I remember was in Brooklyn called “Behind Club Doors”, then Shelter and then Body & Soul, the rest was history. Here was where I became in involved in the design and production of Body & Soul t-shirts. Shortly after, I began working for Francois K. at Wave Music and then his monthly residency Deep Space. A little while after I joined Wave, a few of us started The Melting Pot and around that time also started another party called Kazulo. Shortly after, I curated a few art shows for Emerging Arts and then came ALMA NYC which brings me to the most recent project RAZA NYC.
Tell us about your job on a day to day basis and its conditions...
I start my day with phone calls and email correspondence pertaining to ALMA NYC, Wave Music, Wave Music Sales, Deep Space, RAZA NYC and Muzikbutrfly which connects me to whatever other freelance jobs I have going on as well. It can get hectic sometimes but it works for me, I like to be busy. My work consists of graphic design, photography, marketing, promotions, public relations, purchasing and anything that falls inbetween. It’s interesting because I get to be creative through everything I do, it’s is never the same.
Is it supposed to be an almost 24/7 kinda work or does this leave you some time to do something else? If so, what then do you do?
Yes, it’s 24/7 but I do make a little time for myself. I like to spend time soaking in some art exhibits, films and/or music with family and friends. I am starting to get into mixing natural oils and creating scents for burning and for the body – it is very therapeutic.
Are you working as an independent or within a structure?I guess both. Wave and Deep Space are structured in the sense that there is a inform way of doing things but even still, it’s not the most conventional role – my job title is the biggest mystery I might be uploading sound files to photographing to design at 3am or 3pm. RAZA and ALMA are independent – those are what make it “24/7” for me. Sometimes you cannot just ‘shut things off’ because these two entities that have life of their own. I feel like I’m just one of the vehicles that they live through and there is no ‘off button’. The beauty is that they feed off each other; ALMA is a Neo-Brasilian Fusion party and RAZA is like ‘Pan-Latin New York City flava” and then Wave and Deep Space is all within the same scene so everything blends really well around me.
Would you say that your job is based on long time relationships, or is it that you almost each time have to rejustify yourself because of the competition?
Most have been based on long time relationships. I met Francois K. while working for Body & Soul nearly 9 years ago and so I fell right into his label Wave Music... Deep Space is his residency in NYC at Cielo and so that is how I became involved there. From there I began doing on-line promotions for Cielo via that connection. With ALMA, I was friends with True and Miller before we formulated the plan and our friendship is what has been the cornerstone to our success... We picked up Manchildblack along the way. RAZA, my latest collaboration, is based on friendship as well; all the people involved (Benny Soto, Carmen Valentin & Derek Santiago). With each event I do, I do feel like I have to “rejustify” myself to the public, keeps things new.
Would your relations with your collegues be based on mutual respect or is this hard competition?
If you create your own identity, you won't have to worry so much about competition. If you find your own niche, people will come specifically for that. I have an immense respect for those that do the same thing I do. You need a lot of dedication and persistence to keep a crowd coming back again and again in New York City.
What decides you to embark on a project rather than another one?
It all depends on the timing and the concept. It could be the greatest concept but if the timing isn’t right, it could be a waste. The integrity of the person also plays a majort part - it all transcends.
Is the artistic side predominent in the way you come to choose to work or not with someone? If so, to which extend?
There is a combination; work ethic, professionalism, standard and purpose. The artistic side plays half the role. I would rather work with someone that’s great and humble as opposed to amazing and impersonal.
As opposed have you ever happened to refuse an opportunity?
I have refused opportunities that I don’t feel are solid. If there isn’t a strong foundation, I don’t feel comfortable moving forward.
Your favorite artists, DJ’s, clubs?
From A to Z: 4 Hero, Bob Marley, Celia Cruz, Danny Krivit, DJ Jamad, DJ True, Ed Bonilla, Ed Motta, Femi Kuti, Francois K., Giles Peterson, Hector Lavoe, Ian Friday, Ian Rock, Jazzanova, Jill Scott, Joe Claussell, Juan Valentin, La Lupe, Louie Vega, Luisito Quintero, Mary J. Blige, Miller Cruz, Mos Def, Osunlade, Seu Jorge, Tito Puente, Willie Colon
On one hand, some people tend to keep on sayin’ that the
proper of the community we’re both parts of to a certain extend is to remain underground. D’you agree?
I don’t agree that we should be thinking about whether it should stay underground or not. We should concentrate on preserving it and not letting it slip away...
Your explanation as to why the house scene has never reached the same status and, as a direct consequence, never managed to get the same amount of exposure as compared to other genres such as hip hop and R&B???
I guess it doesn’t have a commercial appeal to the big masses because there’s not concentratedd enough. It’s like a double edged sword... The beauty about our scene is the freedom and individualism we all possess. No two are alike and then on top of that we have endless sub-genres like techno, acid, deep, etc... So, this may make it too complicated for the masses to follow. If it’s hard to follow then it’s hard to package.
How has Internet changed the way you work? Would you say that one couldn’t work anymore without it nowadays ?
It’s amazing how much we all depend on the internet. I cannot imagine my job without it.
What’s the part of the time you spend behind your screen as opposed to direct communication in some club or whatever?
I try to keep it balanced. Depending on what’s happening it may be more going our and/or more time on the phone. All unpredictable, never the same.
Your favorite resources?
indamixworldwide, rhythmism, fusicology, Time Out NY, bouncefm, worldDJ, giantstep
We all know how the technological revolution seems like a never ending process. What, according to you could make a website becoming a - if not THE - reference in comparizon to others?
For me it all depends on how eclectic the site, how many people are hitting it and how it works – if it’s too complicated, you lost me.
How do you see Miami as far as the scene is concerned?
I think people are more into image, their looks and profiling there; this can be inhibiting. I feel this affects the energy and the vibe on a whole.
Already been there? Any chances to see ya this year? If so, where then???
I will be everywhere, meeting with people from all over the world, setting up ALMA’s CD release tour. The mixed compilation is due out in May 2007 on Wave Music.
Thank you dear... MFSB
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