Tonight at Neck of the Woods we are excited to host the legendary DJ House Shoes. Often labelled as 'Detroit's Hip-Hop Ambassador to the World', Shoes is known for being a huge part of the Motown Resurgence. He has toured with the likes of Guilty Simpson, Illa J, Exile and Aloe Blacc, as well as producing for names such as Danny Brown and the late J Dilla...just to name a few. He's been in the game for a while now but he isn't taking a break anytime soon.
Shoes' back on tour and heading down under to celebrate the launch of his new record label, Street Corner Music. We caught up with him before he arrived to ask him a few questions about his new projects and his views on the ever-changing music industry.
You are touring in celebration for the launch of your new label, Street Corner Music. Tell us a bit about the new label and how it came about.
3 years ago, I decided to step back in to the record game. In the era of Soundcloud and Bandcamp domination, I wanted to let the new generation of producers know how important the physicality of music is. I chose the name Street Corner Music because that was the first record store that allowed me a budget to do what I wanted. They allowed me to create my own platform and sell what I deemed to be the best of our genre back in 1994-1996. 20 years later I am building records from scratch and having a damn good time doing it.
You have been producing and Dj'ing for years, what significant changes have you noticed (both good and bad) over the last 10 years within the music industry?
The vibrations of the product that the larger corporations have released is definitely a lower frequency, and there is really no balance in the industry. But with the advent of Soundcloud and Bandcamp you have artists like Knxwledge who have seized the power to release their music independently of any labels for the most part.
The internet has really changed most creative industries. Distribution of art, music, photographs internationally is easier than ever before however people still highly value something tangible like print magazine and vinyl records. You have produced limited edition vinyl’s in the past, as well as releasing music online. Will you continue to use both digital and analogue media to release your music? Why do you think the combination is important?
Digital is where the money comes. With limited vinyl releases, there is not a lot of money to be made, and at the end of the day I am trying to get as much for these kids as possible. So both formats will definitely be available. The physicals definitely are the most important to me personally. You can walk into a record store and have an incredible experience. You can't walk into the iTunes store.
You continue to tour worldwide throughout the U.S, urope and Australia. What one place would you love to tour to in the future, other than New Zealand of course!
I've got 3 spots left actually that I must reach before all is said and done. Africa, Brazil and Japan....
Come down to the Woods tonight for a night long celebration of hiphop with the Detroit raised, LA based DJ/producer, including a live screening of the LA beats scene documentary 'All Ears' earlier on in the night.