Vanilla Gorillog

And so was born The Vanilla Gorilla #TwitterDJ Project.

2009-06-21T04:13:00.001Z

The Girl And The Robot / Röyksopp [#TwitterDJ Project]
Originally uploaded by Listen 2 Vanilla Gorilla.

Recently started raving about some music I was listening too and sharing it with my Twitter buddies. It seemed to go down well, so I thought why not start a project to share what I was listening too regularly, sort of like a one man music recommendation engine and see if people liked what I was listening to. Sort of like a Twitter DJ.

And so was born The Vanilla Gorilla TwitterDJ Project.

Every day [at least] I'll share my favourite track[s] of the day from my rather impressive [by most peoples standards anyway] music collection and we'll see where we go from there.

Enjoy the music.

New Mix CD - Love 2.0

2008-05-07T07:29:00.000Z

Finally getting around to completing my first proper chillout mix
compilation. It features tracks from Pretz, Jon Hopkins, Ulrich
Schnauss, Roger Sanchez, Divine Comedy and William Orbit. It is the
perfect CD for a Sunday morning for lovers still curled up in bed (ah,
those were the days) or a romantic weekend away..

Keep your eyes peeled on the site as I'll be posting it over the
weekend.

Sent from my iPhone

Ideal

2007-08-06T05:57:00.000Z

It's not very often that I fall so absolutely in love with an album that it doesn't leave the CD player/iPod playlist for months. Such albums have included Infusion 'Six Feet Above Yesterday', Jakatta 'Visions', Orbital 'Insides', Max Graham 'Transport 4', Mylo , Timo Maas and his classic Mixmag cover CD and Plump DJs 'Big Night Out'. Well, I'm stoked to say 'The Ideal Condition' by Paul Hartnoll (one half of the Orbital clan) has achieved it. It is addictive. The best way to describe this album is to imagine a world where classical and electronica collide to make an exquisite mess. Pan pipes and keyboard synths, choral voices sweeping all around. Simply divine. Buy it at once.

You can get a free download of the track 'Please' via this link and also details of his forthcoming gig at The Roundhouse.

What I'm Listening To...

2007-05-07T17:10:00.000Z

Checking out the latest from the Argentinian wonder that is Hernan Cattaneo. Wicked.

iPod

2007-04-24T10:00:00.000Z

I'm perplexed as to how I survived so long without one.

dirty.sexy.housemusic

2005-01-27T14:57:00.000Z

After almost a month of travelling around the world, finally made in back to London. During tour we had a really good time catching up with old friends and making lots of new ones too. Thoroughly enjoyed our time in San Fran and Tokyo and return trips are definately on the cards in the not too distant future. Equally Melbourne on New Years Eve was sublime and as it tunred out one of the most impromptu and fun nights we've had in a while. The favorite though was being back in Auckland on Saturday 8th Jan to play a homecoming gig for specially invited guests at Seventysix.
Thanks for everyone for turning up and making the night extra special.

i go back, way back

2004-10-03T14:56:00.000Z

Finally settled back in London and just enjoyed our housewarming with all our old friends. Despite a dreadful hangover Meg has started organising the tour over Christmas & the New Year including dates in San Francisco (USA), Brisbane, Noosa (Australia), Auckland, Queenstown & Christchurch (New Zealand) and Tokyo (Japan). Bring it on!!!

farewell aotearoa

2004-07-14T14:56:00.000Z

It's a very sad day as I am finally leaving New Zealand. My time here has been full of fun and we've had the pleasure of meeting and playing with some of the nicest DJs, clubbers and supporters throughout. I'd like to thank the following people (in no particular order) for there kind words, belief and support during my time here: Paul (your just tu meke bro), Gerry (keep clubbing like that Duracell bunny mate), Peb (will miss you sexy), Jeremy B (always be there for you bro), Princess Natalia (the russian goddess, a pleasure), Steve @ seventysix (for knowing good music when you hear it), Jaclyn (it took a while but we had a blast), Michaela (i can't get NOS sleep), Michaelangelo (when I put my pants on, I make gold records), Pete (your smiling face is always a pleasure), Greg Churchill (love your work, lets get that website sorted), Aragorn (the tallest guy in NZ), Sam Hill (so when you gonna book me?), Robyn (you're gonna be a star), Mr Oz (lets get tribal again soon mate), Shannon (dig that bassline), Angela Fisken (now that was your fault), Dannyboy (that decks fucked!), Nick @ Play (alright mate), OB1 (the friendly Digital Punk), Damien Stone (the bald and the beautiful).
Finally, I'll leave you with the words of Sam Hill... "you'll be back!"

iPowell

2004-07-04T14:55:00.000Z

Several famous faces from the NZ dance scene stuck their heads in a said hi. At 12pm the party kicked off in style. We finally finished at 8am, with a lot of sore heads.

rise again

2004-06-24T14:54:00.000Z

I was very proud to be a part of RISE, held at Studio9 in Wellington over the weekend. My good friend, DJ and promoter Jeremy B, celebrated his birthday in style and put on what some are calling "the best dance party and night out." Everyone had an amazing night, the place was packed and the vibe was awesome. I just remember walking through the club at around 2am after playing in 9 bar and thinking it was just like being back in the UK. It was a pleasure playing out for everyone both in the 9 bar and main room. Much props to all the DJs, Greg Churchill (wicked set bro), Robyn, Garreth, Craig and my main b2b partners in crime, Mr Oz and the birthday boy himself, Jeremy B. Without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best nights I've had in NZ! Love your work, Wellington!!!

To see how messy it was check out the pics at Biggie.co.nz - Set 1 & Set 2.

back to the bob*

2004-06-08T14:53:00.000Z

Its been a while coming but finally decided to head back home to old blightly after our extended stay here. Feel its time I made out for the European Summer and London again but its certainly been fun and we've made a load of friends here. We'll miss everyone and hopefully some of you will come out to our farewell party (venue and DJs to be confirmed) before we leave. All I know is that we have plan to Snowboard in the South Island and party in Ibiza in the same week! Leisure freaks!

* best of british or my mate Robsta... you decide!

queens birthday weekend

2004-06-05T14:52:00.000Z

Had a very busy weekend celebrating the old birds anniversary. Firstly it was my pleasure to play at great party held at Blend on K Road, Auckland. The party was held in honour of Leslie's 21st and was themed based on Cigars & Diamonds. Suffice to say everyone looked 'absolutely fabulous darling' and I have to say that I can't remember 21 year olds looking this good was I was that age. It was an honour to play for such outstanding guests and congrats to Leslie and thanks to Pete for organising such a great night! Nice one guys! P.S. Blend rocks as a venue!
If that wasn't enough though, Saturday saw another fantastic night and a 6 hour set (despite being booked for 5 hours) at seventysix. That place never ceases to please with its friendly after hours vibe and a clientele that always surprises. See you all next month for Vanilla Gorilla Beats!

roadtrip

2004-05-28T14:51:00.000Z

After 9 hours in a car driving down to Wellington from Auckland, the last thing you feel like doing is playing for 5 hours but suffice to say once the caffeine kicked in everything seemed alright again. Celebrated the birthday of russian disco goddess, Natalia, in style playing alongside Jeremy B and Mr Oz at Studio 9. Certainly looking forward to the return leg at Rise on June 19th and playing with those guys as well as Mr Greg 'Budonkadonk' Churchill @ StudioNine again. Rest assured we'll be taking the plane though ;-)

mansion

2004-05-15T14:49:00.000Z

It's good to know that the residents of the Christchurch can party with the best of them, it was a pleasure entertaining such a friendly bunch. Many thanks to Jaclyn, Michaela and Co for a hosting a great night, really enjoyed it and already looking forward to Round Two sometime in August!

the thirst of the month

2004-05-01T14:49:00.000Z

Although we missed the Found@Thirst event in Auckland on Thursday because of a planned weekend trip to Sydney we managed to catch up with the show @ the Home nightclub. It was great to end the weekend with a massive gig and get together with the Thirst crew again.

michaelangelo's lost masterpiece

2004-04-28T14:48:00.000Z

Just attended the finals of Found@Thirst. Our favourite and friend Michaelangelo was up for the award but missed out despite a great set. It was a great night of hospitality for the NZ dance music industry and it was good to catch up with all the familiar faces.
Speaking of the familiar faces, did anybody else catch a very happy Sam Hill getting funky on the dancefloor?

lopez

2004-04-09T14:47:00.000Z

Every now and again you meet a DJ who is really down to earth and Wally (real name David) Lopez is one of those rare folk. After playing a blindingly good set at Morrisson in Auckland, he took time out to join the dancefloor and we had an interesting chat. Hopefully I'll get chance to catching up with him in Ibiza this summer @ Underwater in Pacha.

ibiza nights

2004-04-06T14:47:00.000Z

The summer tour is almost here and our plans are beginning to take shape. The opening parties are beckoning and hopefully we'll be providing NZ with a glimpse of the Ibiza summer during those cold winter days! Keep your eyes peeled on WorldDJ.com for more details...

friendships

2004-03-27T14:46:00.000Z

I've met a lot of people in my time and made friends wherever I go but it is always nice to be remembered and the good times you have played an important part of. Sometimes it is easy to forget the effect the music you play can have on people. Recently had some of those moments with both old and new friends that have really brought that home.

seaman all over the place

2004-03-06T14:46:00.000Z

Back home in the UK, Robsta, my oldest pal is holding out for my summer tour of Europe this year especially after a year of not hearing me play live. He's keeping himself busy though, as at a recent Dave Seaman gig at my old haunt, The Bomb, Nottingham he sent me a classic text message.

"Dave Seaman... Yippee! :-) :-):-) (:-D)"

Wonder if he could still spell that without the 'e'? Suffice to say the phone call that followed was equally bizarre.

hanging on the phone with BT

2004-02-27T14:45:00.000Z

Two Tribes in Auckland provided a much needed night off for me recently and the opportunity to catch up with BT, in town with his Laptop Symphony tour. After ten years in business he just keeps getting better and better, a true star and a really cool guy. His set in the main room, along with Mauro Picotto, Tomcraft and Greg Churchill, blew the roof off!

going grey?

2004-02-16T14:44:00.000Z

DJ Danger Mouse's Grey Album - I'm not usually, a huge hip-hop and rap fan, but this sucker takes the Beatles greatest moment, mixes it up and tops it of with lyrics from Jay Z's Black album. Recently canned by EMI, you should definately hunt it down.

getting down & dirty?

2004-01-29T00:02:00.000Z

Check out the recent site update which includes the addition of a new 2xCD promo mix, now available for download. Two extra sexy mixes which have been gracing some of the world's more select sound systems for the last couple of months. In fact, if you're one of the beautiful people, it may even drop through your door!

Oh, and for those of your with harder tastes, be on the lookout for a new Progressive mix heading your way soon!

the shirt off me back...

2004-01-18T00:01:00.000Z

"Excuse me mate, but where did you get that t-shirt from?" Well, if you can't find any decent clobber the only solution is to make your own... fancy one?

the clock is ticking?

2004-01-02T00:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year to everyone! Great party made even more so by the selection of Coldplay's Clocks to bring in the New Year. A stroke of midnight madness...

house proud?

2003-12-10T00:00:00.000Z

Overheard a conversation from our neighbours over the weekend. "It's not so much the music, it's the constant thud, thud, thudding..."

Some people eh?

vanilla?

2003-12-06T23:57:00.000Z

Why? Here's a few reasons...
• Snowflake, the original vanilla gorilla - still brings a tear to my eye. Still think it was a little dumb though to house an albino gorilla in Barcelona Zoo. Not exactly overcast in that city eh?
• Vanilla coke – why didn’t they think of it earlier?
• Absolut vanilla – worth the wait
• Vanilla latte – the only way to drink coffee sans sugar.
• Vanilla pods – look cool and are multi-purpose... and yes, numb nuts, those black dots ARE meant to be in your ice cream.

Christmas in the Summer

2003-11-29T23:52:00.000Z

Second time around and it’s still weird! Santa and his sleigh just doesn’t work when it’s 25 in the shade.

Thoughts and sounds!

2003-11-29T19:35:00.000Z

Well, sitting here at home with a pile of records lying around trying to work out what needs to go in the box for this evening's demonstration I suddenly realised that I still enjoy this. The only thing that bugs me is when you are trying to record a new CD mix, your playing a blinder and then you look down and realise the Minidisc isn't recording... arse!