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Oldies with a twist
By Kristopher McDonald kmcdonald@kansan.com
Two Lawrence DJs pave their way with some goodies from the past
Inside, the lights are turned down, the music is flowing, and everyone in the bar is dancing the night away. Brian Sears, or rather DJ BSears, is controlling the pace of the evening with each song selection he makes from his obscure collection of vinyl treasures.
Sears, Lawrence junior, along with Washington, D.C., native and Lawrence resident Matt "Stackswell" Brenner, hosts "The Breakdown," a monthly event with a club-like atmosphere, at the Eighth Street Tap Room, 801 New Hampshire Street. This Saturday, "The Breakdown" will feature special guest, DJ Sabo—the world-renowned artist is based in New York.
The event does come with a warning, Sears says.
"If you want to break up the monotony of the usual bar scene, come check us out," Sears says. "Just please don't expect us to play any songs you've ever heard."
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Working hard to forge their way in a
mostly indie rock town, Sears and Stackswell are trying to bring a new sound to Lawrence with a little bit of flair. The odds of hearing a Billboard Hot 100 song are slim, but this pair of DJs hopes to musically educate its audience with its rare mix of 45s and LPs—once thought to be a thing of the past.
In Sears' collection, an eclectic assortment of jazz, funk and disco from the '70s and '80s can now be found, but it took time to establish a credible base of music to launch his career. When Sears found his passion for Djing, he set out to enhance his selection of music. Sears used every extra penny he had buying and trading vinyl records through online forums and personal connections.
In the world of DJs, a 45 is the most common form of the vinyl single—the name is derived from its play speed, 45 rpm. An LP, or long-playing phonograph record, is designed to be played at 33 1/3 rpm.
"To some people it sounds crazy, especially my parents, to spend money on old 45s, but to me it's an investment into what I love," Sears says. "It's my passion and I just want to share it."
Spin those records: Brian Sears, left and Matt "Stackswell" Brenner, right, host "The Breakdown," a monthly event at The Eighth Street Tap Room. Their next show is this Saturday with guest DJ Sabo.
The kinds of records these DJs buy and trade can cost from $75 to $400,but Stackswell says these vintage jewels can sell for even more. Recently,Stackswell sold a Messenger, Inc.,record on eBay for more than $1,000.This isn't always the norm,it just depends on how much a buyer really covets a specific record Sears says.
"One day a record will be worth $50 and the next day it could be worth $300." Sears says.
During one particular exchange of records last year, Sears met Stackswell through an acquaintance and the two immediately hit it off. Sears, who was the sole host of "The Breakdown," asked Stackswell to join him in his show. Stackswell, living in Washington, D.C., at the time, flew in once per month to co-host the event until he finally made the decision to move to Lawrence permanently early in the fall.
"I really enjoyed Lawrence and loved the culture here so it just made sense to me," Stackswell says." I figured it just made sense for me at this time in my life."
The two DJs work well together but each brings his own style to the show. Sears is more laid-back, letting the music speak for itself. Stackswell incorporates his collection
of Motown, northern Detroit soul and blue note jazz with his personable. crowd-inclusive style.
"I like to get on the mic and make shout-outs," Stackswell says. "I want to make everyone feel appreciated and included."
Whether two people are on the dance floor or 500 are, Sears and Stackswell aren't satisfied unless everyone is happy. For them, a good night happens when everyone is on the dance floor; losing track of time. Brian Majors, KU alum and Lawrence resident, has been to "The Breakdown" before and says he will be there again.
"It's a party. People who have never been to a dance night at the Tap Room should try it out." Majors says."They pack the place and I've never not had a good time."
Sears and Stackswell are aware that not everyone will be open to their brand of music, but all they ask for is a chance to show how much fun the music of our past can be.
DJ Sabo in the spotlight
"The Breakdown," hosted by Brian Sears and Matt "Stackswell" Brenner, welcomes special guest DJ Sabo at 10 p.m. on Saturday. Based out of New York but originally from Philadelphia, Sabo, 33, lets his passion for music drive his life and hopes to spread his sound along the way.
"If I can get a room full of 10 people moving or 1,000, it's a good night," Sabo says. "The whole point is to take people on a journey until the lights come on."
When he isn't busy in NewYork, Sabo is DJing around the world. Recent trips have included Atlanta, Los Angeles and San Francisco, but he has also played in various countries such as the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Mexico, France and Austria.
One of his most memorable gigs came after President Obama's inauguration when he DJed for the Huffington Post party, which included singers such as Sheryl Crow, Will. I.Am., and Sting.
This will be Sabo's second visit to Lawrence and he says he can't wait to play in front of an open audience again.
"The last time I was here was great. The party went off," Sabo says. "People in New York aren't always as open-minded to my sound, but in Lawrence, it's something they haven't heard and the people really seemed to love it."
"We take music that people have probably never heard and turn it into something people enjoy and swear they have heard before," Sears says. "A lot of times people are surprised by how much they really like the music we play."
If you are at the show, feel free to ask Sears or Stackswell what they are playing or anything about their passion, just don't ask for Justin Timberlake or 50 Cent, Sears says.
"I love sharing my passion with people but it gets frustrating when all they want is the Top 40," Sears says.
After all, if the Billboard Hot 100 is what you want—just turn on the radio and have a dance party at home. JP
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April 23, 2009