Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Artist to Watch - Inaugural Edition - William Giovanni


One of the big points of this blog is to get the word out about good music you might not have heard about.

Enter "Artists to Watch."

Posts with this title will feature artists you may or may not have heard of, and feedback is appreciated!

So for the inaugural entry of "Artists to Watch," it's William Giovanni.

Artist: William Giovanni
Name: Will G Cashaw
Hometown: Johnstown, PA
Current town: Pittsburgh, PA
Music Genre: Hip - Hop

Bio:
In hip hop, bridging the gap from street smarts to book smarts has always been a sort of dangerous move. Until recent years, “street credibility” and education have not often gone hand and hand. But when positive influences in your upbringing consist of family, pastors, and drug dealers – a contradiction may be what the genre needs.

The Johnstown, Pennsylvania native – also known as Will Gee – mixes a slick vocabulary with a renowned style that has gained him fans from all different lifestyles. His most popular song, “Sweet Science,” is a Muhammad Ali themed flurry of lyrics laid to the soulful sounds of a track produced by Brown Bag AllStars producer, The Audible Doctor. The track has been featured on The Audible Doctor’s “The Spread EP”, Kevin Nottingham’s “Please Listen To My DEMOS, Vol. 1”, and most recently William Giovanni’s “The G Tape”.

William Giovanni is currently working with up and coming Pittsburgh artist Mars Jackson, Johnstown artist Biz. He hopes to work with other young artists such as The 58s, Tanya Morgan and The Embassy Music Board in the future.


You can download Will's latest mix tape, 'The G-Tape" HERE for free!
and he can also be found on thepittsburghscene.com

Don't forget to add some feedback for the artist and myself!

Links for William Giovanni:

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

On The Road Again

Well, as the title indicates, I'm on the road again. Currently sitting in the airport in Ft. Meyers, getting ready to head back to the good old Steel City. While starting this trip, I realized a few things I've either forgot or simply over looked.

Why are there coffee and food shops right before you get into the security checkpoint? Everyone knows that there are tons of shops with the same things after security, and you can enjoy them while sitting at the gate. Well, I was that idiot this morning who bought a cup of coffee, then when checking out of the newsstand, I realized that hmmmm, I was holding an open, unsealed liquid. Enter Homer Simpson-like "D'oh!" with head smack.

Also, why would you not take everything (including your cell phones) out of your pockets when going through security. It's 2011 people! It's not like security hasn't been this way for the past decade or anything. And for those who haven't traveled in that period of time? Plan a trip and expand your world a little. Travel isn't rocket science, just pack your bag/s, make sure you don't bring on your extra-large hair gel in your carry-on, and if you won't need it on the flight, pack it in the bag you're checking.

Just be conscious of other travelers and make sure you have some idea of what you're doing in an airport.

- Mike

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Out With The Old....


Ok, it's been a little bit longer than planned since my last post. What can I say, free time isn't what it used to be! Regardless, I believe it's time for a little catch up:

In the last few months, I moved from Saturday nights to Friday nights at Carson Street Live, and now have moved on to bigger and better. Now, you can find me most Saturday nights at Seviche in Downtown Pittsburgh playing Latin/Global house music. It's a great feel with great food and drinks. If you get a chance to swing through, make sure you say hi and take a picture with me! I'll be putting it up on facebook, twitter, and here on the blog from time to time. This leads me to the next update...

I now have a Facebook Fan Page! Check it out here (DJ Ley Facebook Fan Page), show some love, and become a fan! There is also a permanent link on the right side of the blog now. I truly appreciate the support!

About a week ago, my good buddy Flick from 96.1 KISS FM headed down to the Katy Perry show at Peterson Event Center in Pittsburgh. Now I've been to tons of rock concerts and a few electronic concerts, but never a pop show, so I have no idea what to expect. Well, Katy did not disappoint. DJ Skeet Skeet opened up, getting the crowd amped for the main event, and then Katy came out. I ended up having a great time, a few laughs, and even caught the pop star singing a home town favorite (Black and Yellow?). The seats were great, and so was the show. What came next, I didn't expect.







We ended up heading to an exclusive Meet and Greet with Katy! She was so kind and welcoming to the handful of people who came back, and she gave each of us some one on one time. I give her tons of credit, spending time with us after just finishing a full show! Thank you Katy.






If that wasn't enough, a few days later my friends over at Shop 412 added the picture on their website. Thanks to Aaron and Christian!

More coming later today!

Interested in finding out more about the people and places I mentioned in this post? Check out the links below!!

Flick

96.1 KISS FM

DJ Skeet Skeet

Katy Perry

Shop 412

Friday, April 29, 2011

Quick two cents

Ok so, I've been a little lacking in the post department, but I have at least 4 new posts that will cover the past few months, they should be ready to go by mid next week. For now, I'll leave you with one of my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes

"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone who's weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love"

Hope you're ready for a wild weekend!
Check me out at Carson Street Live on Saturday night

Monday, February 28, 2011

The View from the Passenger Seat - Better Late than never

NOTE: I began this post back in the end of February/beginning of March, and never finished/Posted it. Thought it might be time.

Our adventure began Saturday at about 12:30PM.


After loading up the "War Machine," my buddy Brad and began our journey south. Armed with plenty of music, gatorade, and two boxes of cigars, brad put the peddle to the floor and we were off.



We worked our way down to Virginia, making a few pit stops along the way.

We took Saturday night "easy," spending the night at Brad's Aunt and Uncle's, Taking down some awesome Lasagna, stogies, and a few adult beverages.
After a dip in the hot tub, we hit the hay, for a quick 4 hour nap. 5 AM comes sooner than you might think.

After a few hours on the road, the Sun started to come up right outside of Charlotte, Current home of our buddy Jordan, and hometown our good friend Scott.



20 Hours on the road and 1120 miles later, The War Machine has arrived in Palm Beach.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Relationships for Dummies

Over the past few years, like many, I've grown as an individual. In high school, I was the quiet guy, kept to myself, often wondering if people even knew I existed. And then something happened at the end of my junior year that began to change things for me; I ran for student council. At the time, I thought it would be nice to have some say in the changes that happen in the school, but I honestly didn't think I stood a chance. Boy was I wrong. After I won, summer came and went and Senior year rolled around. Maybe it was because my time was drawing to a close, or maybe it was just the beginning of something new, but Something was in the air that fall. Through my senior year, I began to notice people noticing me. The people I grew up with started to show me some respect, and younger people (who I had never met) knew who I was. Even crazier still, underclass women were interested in me! I didn't know what to do. Little did I know, but this was the beginning of my transformation.

College was.....well, college. A long four years of meeting new people, parties, bars, clubs, women, and classes sprinkled in between. I couldn't understand why girls were interested in me, but for the first time in my life, I wasn't doing the chasing/lusting/drooling! It was like a drug, I couldn't get enough of it. If I actually found an attraction to a girl, most of the time they didn't want anything to do with me, but the ones that I didn't notice, or that I considered just friends were the ones that would bump into me at parties or would make sure they said hi to me walking on campus. Many times, these girls were underclassmen whom I had never met before! It was like walking into the twilight zone.

Needless to say, I got the better of myself, and began to go along with it. Sooner than I expected, I was a senior, about to graduate, and the previous four years had flown by. I had come to fully accept my fate. These women, for whatever reason, wanted me, or wanted to be with me, but I couldn't settle. As long as I can remember, I wanted to find an amazing girl, date her, enjoy spending time with her, and create the beginnings of a life together. Quite, mild-mannered, not really a stand out. But now, I had a stigma. I had become the jerks that I hated in high school; the guys who had the hottest girls, who treated them like garbage, and threw them aside. How did this happen? How did I change?

The truth is, I was and am still that same person, I just now have confidence in myself, and realize I shouldn't just settle. At this point in my life, everyone is trying to establish their own life and identity, and establish their independence. Yes, I'm still searching for that one person who will change my life forever, that I will want to settle down with and get to know for the rest of my life. But in order to meet that person, I have to put myself out there. I need to go to go out at night, I need to try new things and go to new places, introduce myself and have friendly conversations with people. Have I met women who I though could be something special? Without a doubt! And the truth is, every single one of those women mean something special to me in some way, shape, or form. It's not about the hook ups, or having the arm candy. It's not about the gifts or dinners. It's about getting to know someone, and enjoying their company while you do it. Have I met girls that I thought were something special and they ended up to be duds? Yes, but not every time. No one enters these steady situations looking to purposely hurt the other person, at least that's my stance, but it happens. Relationships are messy, even the best ones. No one gets along all day every day. People think that they loose their individuality as a person, but the truth is, the person you should be with wants to be with you for your individuality! You have to be able to stand on your own before you can stand with someone.

This brings me to my next point.

I'm sure I'm not the first to say this, but the "titles" people put on relationships of any kind are ridiculous. More importantly, the pressures and questions that people outside of the (for lack of a better word) "relationship," such as friends, should stop pocking and prodding. It's hard enough getting to know someone without everyone and their mother asking questions like, "are you together now?" and "Are you dating?" or putting added pressure on the situation like "I bet s/he's just using you." "If S/he really liked you, they'd be around all the time, or make it 'official.'" Grow up. Are we in middle school where once you start being able to have a conversation with a member of the opposite sex you automatically are an item? I think not.

The truth is, in today's world everyone is so caught up in everybody else's business that they don't have their own lives. Ladies, from a guy's point of view, In my Honest Opinion, if we like you, we'll let you know in our own way. If we want to make you more than a friend, we will. Is it going to happen right away? Nine times out of ten, not a chance. Guys like their independence and relationships threaten that life, that image of ourselves. It's not that we don't want to have a girlfriend/wife/what have you, we just need to be sure of what we are getting ourselves into. Some people dive in head first, and 95% of the time, they end up getting hurt. I know, I've done it. The head-over-heels feeling only works if both parties involved are feeling it from the get go, otherwise it's overwhelming for one side and the other gets hurt. If and when we are ready, we will let you know. Also, Guys are simple. We like to have fun, we like to go out, we like to drink, we like sports (playing them and watching them), and most importantly, we like hanging out with our buddies. It doesn't mean we don't want to spend time with you, and it doesn't mean we don't want you around, but we are guys, we need these things.

Most importantly, if you don't like something or something is on your mind, open your mouth and say something. We are guys, and we don't really pay attention to all the minute details, nor do we read into them. If we don't call or text right away, don't get bent out of shape. Imagine if the roles were reversed and you were out to lunch with your girlfriends. You wouldn't want a guy getting in the way of that time. It's the same thing for a guy.

As my rant comes to a close, I will leave you with this final thought. Learn to know when to pull the rip chord. When you go sky diving, there at instruments that will help you to know when to pull that chord. In the early stages of a relationship, you have to learn to gauge the person you are spending time with. You will surprise yourself as you start to get to know someone that you will begin to see their outlook. Sometimes you like what you see and sometimes you don't. Even when you do like what you see, you need to get to know that person a little more to find out if they are just a friend or more. It's not about the hookups or lack-thereof. Does it make it more complicated? Sure, but it's still not the most important thing. So stop reading into the small things, begin to enjoy the company around you and the time you spend together, and decide for yourself if it's worth pursuing. But remember, no one is a mind reader, so you have to communicate. If things work out, Great! and if they take a turn and don't work, it doesn't mean you still can't be friends. After all, you've spent some time getting to know each other and isn't that how all great friendships begin?

-Mike

P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Comments, please!



Friday, January 14, 2011

New Year, New Blog, New Ideas

That's right folks, Welcome to 2011! Big things happening this year.

First off, Its a new year so people are making all kinds of resolutions. Chances are, about 82% of those resolutions will be forgotten or left behind come mid February. Big surprise. What you can look forward to is a massive influx of random people you've never seen before at the Gym for the next few weeks. The good news? You won't have to worry about getting to know any of them until February 1st because by then, you'll know who's really sticking around.

Also, Right before the holiday break, I was invited to join a DJ crew (Exciting) and now I will be posting on their blog. Don't worry, I'll still be posting here, more of the free form fun I always do, but this new site will have a few of the other guys posting on it as well, so it gives a little bit of diversity to the mix. Check it out here at www.radioscreams.com

Also, I'm back to school, working on my MBA. I know, I'm insane. Full time job, this blog, the new blog, DJing, this DJ crew, my MBA, and trying to have a social life (have I mentioned that I gave up coffee for the new year?(See you in February)). I know that eventually something will have to give, and you know what? It's ok with me. Life is all about experences, and without trying new things from time to time, everything gets stale and your brain turns to mush and then zombies will start ruling the world....

Ok, so maybe not that much, but you get the picture. Life is about learning and growing as a person, so try something new this year. Hell, try a hundred new things this year! Who knows, you might actually find something you like

-Mike

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Snow, Sun, and a Reality Check

So it's been snowing the past few days, which I'm majorly pumped for. I love snowboarding and Skiing so this is definitely a great time for me. I'll be hitting the slopes of 7 springs this coming weekend during the day, and I'll be DJing both nights this weekend.

And now for the sun: This past summer I was lucky enough to be involved with PghRX's Rehab on the Rooftop, which was a sick way to spend a sunday in the warm summer months. I brought my video camera and finally took some time to put a little sample together. Big shout out to all the DJ's that participated, and Digital Dave and Nugget for getting us all involved. Also, PghRX for putting it all together and Clique Vodka for coming through in a big way.




Let me know what you guys think about the video! Trying to improve wherever I can!

And on a more serious note, a good friend of mine Brandon "DJ Bonics" just got out of the hospital today, and I know I speak for our community of friends when I say Thank you, Lord. You can read more about it on Bonics' Blog Here. Thoughts an Prayers go out to him, and hopefully his story can help to inspire others.

Steelers vs Ravens tonight, it should be one heck of a game... But I'm sure we're all looking forward to seeing what Harrison's Tab will be at the end of the night!

Here We Go Steelers, Here We Go!

-Mike

Monday, November 22, 2010

It's That Time Of Year...

This Thursday is that one day of the year over-eating is encouraged. That's right, it's Thanksgiving time again. Some people roast their bird, some people deep fry them. Some people eat homemade cranberries and some eat them from a can (I'm not a big fan of either). No matter what you eat, or how you eat it (for all the cavemen and women out there who enjoy roasting over an open flame and eating with your hands), there are a few things that are certain about Thanksgiving Thursday:

1) You're going to eat WAAYYYYY Too much
2) It's going to be an awesome decision until you see desert, then you're going to feel like you're going to explode
3) Someone in your house is going to be glued to the TV watching football all day
4) Leftovers will most likely last you the next 2 weeks (at least that's how it's been in my house)

Oh yeah, and #'s 5 &6?
Thanksgiving Eve and Black Friday.

Drink it in, people. The night before Thanksgiving is historically The Busiest bar night of the year (followed by New Years Eve in 2nd, and not including the Wildest day of killing your liver, St. Patrick's Day). It's the night that most people are home to see family, college kids are back from school, and most of the people from high school you may have been waiting to see, or never cared to see again, will be out and about. For those who are used to the wild night's in Pittsburgh on the weekends, you know what kind of mayhem awaits some of these poor souls. What you may not realize is that this night can become amateur hour in the blink of an eye. And the police know this all too well. If you're out on the town, and you know someone on south side, just plan to crash at their place. Or Catch a cab, or get a hotel room. No matter what, driving after this night of crazy drinking and reminiscing can get ugly quick, so save yourself from potential disaster be plan for the night.

Then the day after the feast of the year is that notorious shopping day known as Black Friday. You can bet your sweet @ss that I wouldn't be caught dead near a mall on this day, but for you brave souls venturing out to try and find the best deals, God Speed. I think I've only gone shopping on this day once in my life, and when I got to the mall at about 2 in the afternoon, the mall was still packed, and every store looked as barren and looted as every zombie/apocalypse movie ever released. It was kind of a funny sight to see, but I was bummed when what I was looking for was sold out, and the next best thing wasn't discounted at all, and wasn't really what I was looking for. Don't get me wrong, there are some great deals out there on this day, and some people love shopping on this day, but personally, I'll be doing my shopping another day.


This is one of my favorite holidays, mostly because it's really about coming together with family and friends, and those are things you can't buy in the store. Sitting around the dinner table, telling stories and enjoying each other's company is one of my favorite things, and I have a feeling this year is going to be another great one, which I am eternally Thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!


Mike

Saturday, November 6, 2010

It's November people, which means I'm long over due for the newest post. First up, an update on the new blog/site. Design is coming along well, and I'm working on boosting the power of my old PC to use as the server for the site. Got a few friends helping me out with the code to hopefully make the new site absolutely awesome.

New music to check out:

Cee Lo - Bright Lights, Bigger City - It's a tight track, and yet another reason Cee Lo is an under appreciated monster of the music business.

We Are The In Crowd - for all my punk fans out there, had a chance to check these guys out at the Hey Monday/Cartel show this past week in Pittsburgh, and I've gotta say, they have what it takes to make it, they just gotta keep true to the music and the fans. Their stage presence was great, the crowd was going crazy, and I've been rockin their EP since I left the show

and while we're on the subject

Cartel and Hey Monday @ Alter Bar 2010 - The show was a blast, hands down! Three opening acts, some better than others, but Cartel made the room explode with energy! Playing some well known and well known tracks like "Say Anything (Else)" and "Burn This City," plus some newer tracks, The crowd ate it up. As their set came to an end, they gave a shout out to all their fans who saw their last show in the steel city with New Found Glory, they wrapped up their set with a dope cover of "My Friends Over You" which made me jump around like back in the day. Then Hey Monday came on to wrap up the night. Only knowing a few of their songs, I had a hell of a time, and of course they played "I Don't Wanna Dance" which had the whole crowd going crazy, and the lead singer showed her ability to keep the party going when she stopped the music, called out two d-bags trying to get into a fight in the middle of a great time, and told them to grow up and stop ruining everyone's night. Reminds me of a DJ buddy of mine who used to do the same thing back in the day (HAHAHA!)! I have to say that I was absolutely floored when they Pulled out a cover Jason DeRulo's "In My Head" which had the crowd jumping and waving hands all over the place! Very pleasant surprise! All in all, it was a great night, mad props to my buddy Sandy for letting me know about the show and letting me tag along.
4/5

Well, it's time to get back to the grind, little bit of redesign work and some long overdue mixtape work to get done today.

Until next time, I'll See you on South Side

-Mike