tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38398262012-01-20T12:41:49.884-08:00CASAMENAOver the next twelve months this blog will document the recording of CASAMENA's latest project, a hip-hop, bata exploration with Michael Spiro and your blog keeper, Carlos Mena. I've recently decided to include all things CASAMENA here as well so you'll read about other projects as well.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.comBlogger651100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-16509615214149238492007-10-03T02:16:00.000-07:002007-10-03T02:23:35.658-07:00The CASAMENA Radio Hour (podcast and blog) lives here.Please subscribe and tell your friends tell your friends.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1167885584810532272007-01-03T20:36:00.000-08:002007-03-05T03:33:03.833-08:00Yes, I've been busy.. you can get the "CASAMENA: Remixes, Edits and Re-works Vol. 1" cd on my myspace page. Lot's of releases on the way but for you please support and pick up this one.Osunlade and Carlos Mena present Ocha Records first release: Bah Samba "Doober" remixed by CASAMENAselected from the upcoming "This Afternoon" EPAvailable now exclusively on Traxsource (click here for preview)"Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1161718836129699582006-10-24T12:35:00.000-07:002006-11-07T05:20:48.923-08:00WOW, I've really been laggin on postin' here... to answer all of your emails.. most of the edits and remixes have been taken down.. look for my remixes, and edits and re-works cd in the next two weeks.. more updates can be found on my myspace pageIf you are looking for the Thom Yorke remix here, don't bother.. find a dj friend and beg him or her for it.I'll be in Chicago, Denver, NYC, ATL, and Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1152680625070428722006-07-11T22:00:00.000-07:002006-09-30T14:13:02.573-07:00Osunlade "CASABLANCA SOUL" (CASAMENA BASEMENT REMIX) Enjoy!!Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1151917613176948362006-07-03T02:04:00.000-07:002006-12-07T16:26:24.533-08:00No posts in June.. sorry busy Mena... keep up my dates and such at myspace.com/casamena... look for the CASAMENA Basement Remix of Osunlade's "Casablanca Soul", it's finished and will be part of a remix EP from his Aquarian Moon album. On the label front, Ocha Records may have finally found a home, more on that soon, but expect our first releases this fall.As for production work here at Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1148144025802631652006-05-20T09:50:00.000-07:002006-06-01T12:00:57.913-07:00Got a couple of more things completed.Kuku "It's Alright to Sing So Blue" (CASAMENA Living Room Remix)andJarrier Modrow "Rare Soul" (CASAMENA Basement Remix)Today I have a clean-up session with Michael Spiro for our Afro-Cuban Bata Sessions project... it's really startingto take shape.Peace,MenaCarloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1146954161474406192006-05-06T15:22:00.000-07:002006-05-06T15:28:03.103-07:00Wow! No posts in AprilWell you know I've been busy.. some out of town dj dates, as well as more production on the afro-cuban bata project...I did manage to get a couple of remixes done.. Amel Larrieux "Nadie Mas" (CASAMENA Kitchen Remix) India Arie "I am not my Hair" (CASAMENA Kitchen Remix). You wont find these here, but can listen to them on my myspace page. mypsace.com/casamenaAlso just Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1143834149853939302006-03-31T11:32:00.000-08:002006-04-03T08:22:34.466-07:00Back in the labMiami was crazy of course. met so many folks, went to so many parties... hilights? 1. Tequilla at 11am with Charles Spencer2. Dancing to Santos' tunes at 7am3. The King Britt / Viktor D. party. WOW on so many levels. I'm still processing...4. Nadirah Shakoor at Rain, wowzers!!5. The love from the local Ft. Laud and Miami folks.. real big! Thank you.and if that wasn't enough, hitCarloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1142876439027622552006-03-20T09:39:00.000-08:002006-03-20T09:41:15.980-08:00WMC 2006You can get details on my appearances here --> casamena gigsCarloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1142336585867838012006-03-14T03:39:00.000-08:002006-11-16T06:40:36.826-08:00 Q-Tip featuring Busta Rhymes "For The Nasty" (CASAMENA Kitchen Remix)Yea I have a lot on my plate right now, but I needed a distraction. Enjoy.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1141873822343404482006-03-08T19:03:00.000-08:002006-05-06T15:16:58.800-07:00Bah Samba and Deeper Soul 12"I've been working on a remix for Deeper Soul Records, which I gotta say is turning out lovely. Hope to have that done this weekend. I also just wrapped up a remix of Bah Samba's "Doober" which will be released as a 12" on Yourba Records.Of course I've also been getting ready for WMC, by putting together the Ocha Records Sampler, My Winter Mix CD which has another 25 Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1138263720259577662006-01-26T00:15:00.000-08:002006-02-12T16:05:52.846-08:00Update time... I finished a track for KUKU, dope singer outta the DC area. Also did a deep, moody house thing for Tamara Wellons. Osunlade did a nice soul joint for her as well. Wrote the first song for my upcoming EP for Yoruba Records yesterday. Recording more Carniceros songs this weekend and will be recording Vinia joints for her debut for 2 days next week... life is good.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1138005837401430322006-01-23T00:43:00.000-08:002006-03-15T22:41:12.153-08:00Stevie Wonder "For Your Love" (CASAMENA Living Room Remix) I humbly submit my attempt to make this classic song, more "dancefloor friendly". Enjoy. This will probably be the last of these remixes for a while, as I have too much work on my plate which I need to get to. A list of projects I am currently working on can be found on my MYSPACE page. For frequent updates, stay tuned to this Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1137462098884693562006-01-16T17:35:00.000-08:002007-02-07T02:06:21.440-08:00Gilberto Gil "Refazenda" (CASAMENA Backyard Re-work) Another great song, that I simply love. I thought I'd help it get more play with this re-work, not that Gilberto Gil needs my help. Enjoy.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1136868995985919592006-01-09T20:19:00.000-08:002006-01-17T14:25:47.313-08:00IRAWO Vol. 1 - CASAMENA Winter 2006 Mix This mix features 4 upcoming releases from the CASA OCHA label, a joint venture between CASAMENA and Osunlade. It was really hard for me to narrow it down to these 12, and I left some really dope jams out, so I suspect there will be another mix shortly. Enjoy! (78.8 MB)Set List1. "Tambores Te Llaman" - Osunlade featuring Carlos Mena - CASA OCHA2. "Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1135837825677373752005-12-28T22:28:00.000-08:002006-07-03T01:54:05.293-07:00Omar Sosa "Tres Notas en Amarillo" (CASAMENA Living Room Remix)If you don't know who Omar Sosa is, please leave this page immediately.... just kidding. He is an amazing Latin Jazz pianist.Enjoy the dancefloor treatment.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1135105762326153172005-12-20T11:04:00.000-08:002006-06-27T20:45:16.023-07:00Los Carniceros "Calor" feat. Vinia MojicaJust got back from a cooooold week in NY, just left b4 the transit strike. Managed to stay out of the clubs and focused on work. 18 hour days and 4 hours of sleep every day, working on the Carniceros project with FeroNavi,(think eminem, meets, the beatnuts, meets the neptunes, but in spanish). We banged out 5 songs, but none more special than Calor, a Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1134093964217982812005-12-08T18:02:00.000-08:002007-03-06T23:35:13.516-08:00Jorge Ben - A Historia de JorgeThis is a track I love to rock during my sets. I thought I'd share it with y'all.If you don't have this record, go buy it now! Here's a dj friendly edit of one of my favorite songs, enjoy.A Historia de Jorge (CASAMENA Edit)Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1133978612350658512005-12-07T09:58:00.000-08:002005-12-08T18:14:46.040-08:00I'll be in L.A. Saturday, I don't usually post my gigs here, but this will be a special nite, so if you're in LA, come through. Osunlade will be spinning the following nite as well in LA.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1133549404847155322005-12-02T10:47:00.000-08:002006-07-03T01:53:08.180-07:00 Record So (CASAMENA EDIT)This is why it takes me forever to finish projects. I get sidetracked doing fun things like this.It's an edit of Record Play, with one of the most popular dancefloor grooves this last year. Enjoy.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1133502087255730732005-12-01T21:40:00.000-08:002005-12-20T08:16:43.886-08:00What does he look like these days? Here you go. This is from a recent photo shoot I did for Shout Magazine. Photography by Amanda Lopez Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1132172795898148802005-11-16T12:21:00.000-08:002006-07-03T01:53:38.510-07:00Put Your Lighters UpBrooklyn Stand Up!! I gotta admit I love this Lil Kim song. So when I found out the label was looking for an uptempo remix, I got them to send me an acapella and I took a stab at it. Don't know or care if they will like it but here it is. This one is for the clubs, enjoy. uh, Brooklyn, ... you can now take a seat. ;-)Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1131699768967436352005-11-11T00:56:00.000-08:002005-11-11T01:14:04.420-08:00My first 12" on Yoruba Records Let The Record Play I am very proud of this accomplishment, because of the reputation Yoruba has as a dance label. They have always put out quality, and now here I am with the only remix on this 12" of Frank-I's "Let The Record Play".Here are snippets: A SIDE - Original Mix (Osunlade) B SIDE - CASAMENA "Living Room Remix"Now go cop this 12, if you can find it....Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1128449836794376402005-10-04T11:17:00.000-07:002005-12-15T14:22:03.706-08:00Black AugustMany of you recall New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, giving a moving press conference shortly after the tragic natural and very unnatural distasters. Osunlade, Djinji Brown, Santos and I set his words to original production a while back. Here is my offering. Black August Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1127803678016508882005-09-26T23:47:00.000-07:002007-02-24T08:45:42.696-08:00Mandrill "Kofijahm" (CASAMENA Rework)I added beats, percussion, some synths and I did some editing. Why? Well, a lot of people don't know about Mandrill, so I am hoping by making this DJ friendly (house) rework, it will get this great music further exposure. Enjoy. Mandrill "Kofijahm" (CASAMENA Rework)Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1126665526798314252005-09-13T19:35:00.000-07:002005-09-13T19:38:46.803-07:00 Thank YouWow, thank you for the all the support on the remixes, I've received a lot of email and have seen some of the remixes charting, just based on me posting them here. I'm glad you enjoy them and I'll keep them coming. Look for my first 12" on Yoruba records with a remix of Frank-I's "Let the Record Play" on one side and the Osunlade original version on the other.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1123726862440062612005-08-10T19:21:00.000-07:002006-07-03T01:56:11.453-07:00Let The Music PlayHere you go. For all my old school heads. This song brings back so many memories. I felt the need to do a remix... just one of those things...Shannon - Let the Music Play (CASAMENA Kitchen Remix)Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1123561337676577182005-08-08T21:22:00.000-07:002005-08-08T21:22:17.716-07:00Antibalas Afrobeat OrchestraBandleader and songwriter, Martin Perna came through the CASAMENA studio today. I must say it was a blessing to have him play on a couple of things we got cookin'. We followed that up with some arroz con gandules, platanos, and great company. In the words of Ice Cube, "it was a good day".Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1122317082615778342005-07-25T11:44:00.000-07:002005-07-25T11:49:05.740-07:00Roy Ayers "Funk in the Hole" CASAMENA Kitchen RemixHere is the full song. I've posted it since, BBE passed on using it for the 12".... so enjoy! Funk In the Hole (CASAMENA Kitchen Remix) Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1122109591735270422005-07-23T02:06:00.001-07:002006-07-03T01:57:12.126-07:00Kanye West - Gold Digger (CASAMENA REMIX)This definitely brought back memories of EPMD's joint from a lyrical content standpoint, ...anyway I was bored this morning, (even though I have way too much real work to do) but here is my remix, Bugz go Dancehall.... lol... Kanye West - Gold Digger (CASAMENA Backyard Remix)Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1121642280734493802005-07-17T16:18:00.000-07:002006-07-03T01:58:08.976-07:00Common "Go" (Casamena Remix)This time I thought I'd make a house remix, the bassline on this one is simple, but you won't be able to keep from bouncing to this one. Common - Go (CASAMENA "Basement" Remix) The female vocal on here is a good friend, Suashia, who also appears on "Hip-Hop Meditations""Go" is my second Common remix, (I also remixed "The Corner") back in March, 2005.Enjoy.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1121554261044026352005-07-16T15:51:00.000-07:002005-07-16T15:53:42.330-07:00Trigger FingerTrigger Finger - Yup. Just got one. I love it so far, new joints coming soon.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1120622954522755332005-07-05T21:07:00.000-07:002006-07-03T01:58:50.916-07:00 Goapele - First Love (CASAMENA Living Room Remix)hot off the grill.. First Love - CASAMENA RemixCarloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1120070130911001572005-06-29T11:33:00.000-07:002005-06-29T11:35:30.916-07:00Here's an interview I recently gave with John Book at Music for America: CASAMENA interviewCarloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1119841778548697462005-06-26T20:07:00.000-07:002005-07-06T14:50:43.630-07:00 Yoruba Heavy 2Y'all know I be DJing right? Here's one of my mixes, this one has a bunch of Yoruba Records and Osunlade work in it, including one my remixes for a Yoruba release coming next month. Enjoy. Yoruba Heavy 2, a live house music setTRACK LISTINGTracks with * are on Yoruba Records or Yoruba related1. Goldilocks - Beady Belle2. Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser - Nomumbah *3. Samba (Scat Dub) - Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1119333404159030622005-06-20T22:54:00.000-07:002005-06-20T22:57:35.843-07:00Here is your snippet: Funk in the Hole - Roy Ayers (CASAMENA Kitchen REMIX)Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1119319393422508932005-06-20T18:57:00.000-07:002005-06-21T00:09:10.006-07:00 Roy Ayers "Funk in the Hole" CASAMENA (kitchen) REMIX is done! This is off of the Virgin Ubiquity 2 album on BBE which I recommend you get, it's dope. ...and in even bigger news. The first track from the Bata/Hip-Hop project is complete. It is the Aganju Rezo and Bata rhythm, deftly produced by Osunlade. This track is sick and will be heard at my next live set!! He's definitely set a Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1117855095080644962005-06-15T11:15:00.000-07:002005-06-15T11:19:57.860-07:00So, the CASAMENA (Living Room) remix of the Let the Record Play is done, and thanks to Osunlade's mixing ear, it sounds dope. WOW, I'm about to have a track on Yoruba Records, crazy!! In fact the only remix on the 12"!! Blessings, from the universe. OK so I need to explain the naming convention to my mixes... they are all rooms in CASAMENAlivingroom rmx= jazzy, laid back, coolkitchen rmx = Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1117337135938121402005-05-28T20:19:00.000-07:002005-05-28T20:26:51.483-07:00Ed Marshall put down the dope guitar solo last nite... so I'll finally wrap up the let the record play remix tomorrow. Osunlade wants to put this out ASAP, so look for it in the next few weeks. Made a beat for Karl Denson as well last week for a funky song...looking forward to hearing the finished product. Major PC Virus problem last week too... which caused me some stress, but all the data Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1115890371482318082005-05-12T02:26:00.000-07:002005-05-12T02:32:51.486-07:00Loveslap love I spent the afternoon at Loveslap today, getting an Ableton Live lesson. This turned into a recording session for a 2nd remix I am doing for Yoruba Records song, "Let the Record Play" which is slated for release in a couple of months. So big up th Charles Spencer.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1115797239229457792005-05-11T00:34:00.000-07:002005-05-11T00:42:00.516-07:00 Beats againSo my cel phone rings today, and it's horn man Karl Denson. Would like me to make a couple beats for these dope ass tracks he eventually sent me via AIM. Very cool. Michael and I did a little more work yesterday, fleshing tracks out. After the minor setback with Osunlade's hard drive crash, he's got the bata parts and vocals again, thanks to AIM. Great news regarding CASA OCHA Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1115166726481073842005-05-03T17:20:00.000-07:002005-05-04T01:50:17.566-07:00 Beats, beats, and more beatsMichael and I started matching up drum patters yesterday with bata tracks. We even started arranging some of the tunes, and making decisions on instrumentation... progress is being made! Now I have to find the right kicks and snare sounds. I am also in the process of moving from a Windows PC-based studio running Cubase and Acid, to an Mac-based studio running Logic Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1114887475552958262005-04-30T11:44:00.000-07:002005-04-30T12:00:49.833-07:00 DJinji Brown, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and Ron BlakeSo I've received a track with bata from Djinji which sounds great and i got word from Osunlade that Georgia is interested in being on the project...very cool!! What about Ron Blake? Well Me'shell has produced his upcoming CD "Sonic Tonic" and the label has put together a remix CD with various producers including yours truly. So look for the Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1113930865810525752005-04-19T10:02:00.000-07:002005-04-19T14:21:56.356-07:00Back from NYC I know it's been a while, but here is your update. Met with Vinia Mojica in NYC, without getting into details, I'll just say Whoa! Let her mystery continue, at least for a minute... more on that in a few weeks. As far as this blog is concerned, she's on board for the project. Also, met with a potential distribution partner for casamena projects, and met with Vinia again. LOL. YeaCarloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1112765873405841932005-04-05T22:30:00.000-07:002005-04-05T22:37:53.406-07:00You may have noticed that I didn't really say anything about the vocals Lazaro recorded a few weeks ago. I was in a state of shock, as was Michael Spiro when he heard what he put down on that Sunday. WOW!! This man is arguably the greatest living akpon in our tradition, his knowledge of songs and the Lukumi (Yoruba) language is on display on this session. We can't wait to share this amazing Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1111872234300077052005-03-26T13:20:00.000-08:002005-03-26T13:23:54.300-08:00Vinia Mojica and I had a nice chat while I was stuck in traffic in downtown Miami trying to make my way to steamy Miami Beach. All I'll say is much goodness coming from Miss Mojica. Maferfun Yemaya. As for the Winter Music Conference, all I can say is way too many parties!!! See my perosnal blog over at livejournal for more on that.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1110414774350962232005-03-09T16:30:00.000-08:002006-07-03T02:00:57.163-07:00John Legend - Ordinary PeopleI don't know why I did this, I don't really have the time, but here is a CASAMENA remix.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1110223600810577242005-03-07T11:22:00.000-08:002005-03-07T11:26:40.813-08:00Lazaro Galaraga vocals recordedIt's been a busy couple weeks, but here we are. We sent Vinia Mojica three tracks on Friday, we recorded Lazaro's vocals on Sunday, and Osunlade will be here tomorrow. I'm looking forward to see how he uses Logic on the Mac,... may wind up converting me to a Mac, ... well maybe for the portable studio. audio snippets soon... stay tuned.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1109050553498639082005-02-21T21:26:00.000-08:002005-02-23T12:15:59.310-08:00Recording session scheduled at CASAMENA with Grammy winner, Lazaro GalarragaThat's right "El Maestro" will be puttting down vocals, in two weeks... yeah I know I haven't posted in a minute... it's been really busy, I just finished a remix for Yoruba Records, for an artist they are putting out this summer, and am currently remixing another Yoruba Records artist. When did I become a remixer? OK Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1107657566402889792005-02-05T18:33:00.000-08:002005-02-05T18:39:26.403-08:00Feronavi just posted some beats that had my neck snappin. That kid ain't playin'. I gotta say though, there was one track I couldn't bear sending to anyone. I started writing to it immediately. Hmmm...
So here is where we are: bata loops are done, some great basslines done. We have a handful of producers putting beats together. Michael and I are going to try to get the midi parts recorded Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1107326847269320152005-02-01T22:28:00.000-08:002005-02-01T22:51:35.400-08:00AOL Commercial
Instant Messenger simply rocks, I know I've sung their praises in a previous post, but Osunlade and I have been sending each other music (after I upgraded my IM)for a couple of hours now. He just hipped me to some very cool work he is doing. I also just had an early morning session (7:00AM there) with our French connection, Dela. He's coming through with some serious heat Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1107055653209341782005-01-29T19:24:00.000-08:002005-01-29T19:27:33.210-08:00On tour with Zapp and P-Funk
If you are wondering why you haven't seen updates in over a week, it's because I was in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan performing. Had a blast, made some friends, music connects, and got to hang out with the funkiest people on the planet! (I'll update this post with pictures later)... Tomorrow back to work.
Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1106333796077232142005-01-21T10:49:00.000-08:002005-01-22T09:21:33.250-08:00I received a positive response from Kenya today, very cool. Also, sax man/producer Darryl Reeves is on the case in Atlanta. I'll tell you more later, but you need to be knowin'. That cat is very talented.
I am shopping for a new computer, my joint is kinda on it's last legs, I think. Still will be PC, just need to make sure I have a driver for the SeaSound Solo(extinct) analog to digital Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1106248054066522072005-01-20T11:03:00.000-08:002005-01-20T11:08:44.096-08:00 DJ Shadow, Tego Calderon
So I emailed Josh today, we'll see if he wants to do this. I hope so, 'casue I have a track picked out for him. I also spoke to Tego's office, I'm sure they are busy trying to secure US distribution right now. I sent Kenya(manager/??) an email, we'll see about that one also.
Met with Mike yesterday, he loved Yunior's bass work. Now I need to figure out why I am Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1106110319714595972005-01-18T20:49:00.000-08:002005-01-18T20:53:04.980-08:00VIVA AOL IM
Today I sing the praises of AOL Instant Messenger.
I was on IM with producers in France, Puerto Rico and Atlanta today, breakin' down the bata loops, basslines, and changes... Saved a bunch of bread on phone charges for real! Meeting with my partner in crime Michael Spiro tomorrow, ... always a good thing.
Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1105863461854601002005-01-16T01:14:00.000-08:002005-01-16T00:17:41.856-08:00 Loops, Loops, Loops
I think I found the right producer for Vinia's tracks. Yeah!! I've basically been cleaning up loops, and I know this doesn't make for an exciting blog, but later on, you'll be the first to hear what we've been doing. Michael is back and we had a very brief catch-up this morning, I'll probably see him tomorrow(Sunday), oh wait, that's later today.
Peace,
Carlos
Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1105644126845534942005-01-13T11:06:00.000-08:002005-01-13T11:35:30.360-08:00House music all night long
OSUNLADE is not only on board, but he is excited to work on this project. I haven't met him in person yet, but I love him already. We've been talking about this via email for months now. Maferefun Ochun! It's finally happening. He just emailed me his cel number, so I'll try to call him when I get back in this afternoon. There are three tracks that I think he can Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1105523951946445202005-01-12T01:53:00.000-08:002005-01-13T11:43:22.676-08:00BASS! How low can you go?
So I just took Yunior Terry back to where he is staying, in Oakland... Who is Yunior? You're asking. Here's the story, local, funky bassist, Victor Little, tells me Yunior is in town last nite. So I get his cell, and leave a message. Just know that he has toured with Jerry Gonzales and the Fort Apache band, Steve Coleman, and Lila Downs, as well as playing with his Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1105295583273718442005-01-09T10:28:00.000-08:002005-01-09T11:15:56.680-08:00Good news
It looks like we have Omar Sosa! *does cartwheels* Now I have to find a studio with a grand piano, or rent a serious keyboard with weighted keys. I think I want a "real" grand piano, though. By the way if you don't have his latest record, Mulato, please do yourself a favor. I have a couple of ideas of where he would fit in. Even though this record is really an exploration, Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1105109425079749642005-01-07T06:44:00.000-08:002005-01-07T06:50:25.080-08:00Today I'll try to contact Meshell...*holds breath*... I think Ron has a number for her.
Hmmm.. that brings up the question of budget, we ain't got one, but we are still making this record!! I plan on making a couple of calls today to folks who may be able to help us with some cash. We'll see... oh yeah, I played a little with the 5.1 surround mixing, we may use this for a DVD mix, I think a Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1105047687547553032005-01-06T13:39:00.000-08:002005-01-06T13:41:27.546-08:00I got a call back from Scott, and he seemed interested in the project... we even have a tentative recording date... I'll try to contain my excitement until it's official.Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1104953914085134132005-01-05T11:36:00.000-08:002005-01-05T15:28:21.723-08:00still editing the bata wavs, ... tedious.
also left a message for Scott, Omar Sosa's manager today... we'll see if he calls back.
stumbled on Jose Baroso's website, pretty cool. Obakoso.org Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1104815521027685082005-01-03T21:09:00.000-08:002005-01-03T21:13:48.946-08:00It will be tough to keep personal things out of this blog... but the last few days have been very hectic with the Anya for my iyatobi, which Michael happened to play, along with Lazaro Galarraga and Carlos Aldama. Tomorrow it's back to work on the record.
Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1104304453666633752004-12-28T23:10:00.000-08:002004-12-28T23:14:13.666-08:00With the blessings of Eggun and Orisha... today Michael and I embarked on our journey. We put down several toques which I think will work well for our project. I've already contacted several of the artists on our wish list and they all have said yes!! Tomorrow I'll begin splitting the wav files so that the each drum head has it's own wav and can be manipulated... When Mike returns from his Carloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839826.post-1104175862330792782004-12-27T11:22:00.000-08:002004-12-28T23:17:31.553-08:00OK this is the first offical post for a recording project being produced by Michael Spiro and Carlos Mena. Many records with the spirit of exploration and cultural meshing have preceeded this record we will add our our musical history to it and our hearts and will hope you enjoy it. We are planning on contributions from Russell Gunn, Vinia Mojica, Osunlade, Meshell Ndegeocello, Omar Sosa, LazaroCarloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08899177386745599009noreply@blogger.com0