Just got in from Soul for Heroes (Sutton-In-Ashfield. EXCELLENT day, well done to EVERYONE involved in whatever capacity.

I was handed a copy of Aprils Manifesto and told to go somewhere quiet and read page 18.

Soul Sam has written an article regarding his views on a couple of venues he's attended and also views on March's article regarding the Cream Cracker.

I just wanted to write something in repsonse and to hopefully answer a few points raised.

I firstly take full responsibilty for whatever happens at the Cream Cracker being the sole promoter. Wether that be having to ask drunken people on the dance floor with glasses to leave or respect other people at the venue and to unconditionaly accept the flak when a boot/carver slips past the net. To lay praise squarely and 100% with the guest DJs and punters on a good night but equally accept the full responsibilty for a bad night from the punters point of view.

I have FULL trust in the guest DJs i ask to very kindly take time to do a spot at the Cream Cracker and have no say in what they play or dont play. However that said I promote the venue as 60's Northern, RnB and Early Crossover. I try to book DJs that will play those genres of tunes from the VAST catalogue that is available to any one of us on the scene, punter or DJ.

I have been to plenty of venues where i have approached a DJ and requested a tune to be played if possible and have innumerous times been looked at and told "What, no way I aint playing that, and its not as if i have asked for "Love on a mountain top, or Ghost in my house". I have had people who attended the venue tell me the next time i saw them that the reason they hadnt attended CC for a while was because they were told to "F off", when requesting a tune, which doesnt bode well when i tell everybody who attends that if they want a tune played they should just ask the DJ. For some people a DJ can seem a higher being that shouldnt be spoken to mainly out of fear of being told to sod off or being belittled by someone who wouldnt be able to DJ were it not for the people who genuinly humble me by travelling the distancesthey do to attend venues. Also a certain tune means something different to each of us, and we each have ones that stand out for us personally, if you go to a certain venue hoping to hear that one tune at some point in the night and you have taken your time to pluck up the courage to approach the DJ and they tell you to sod off or look at you as if your head is about to fall off, no matter how good an evening you have had up to that point, that one fleeting moment can make you feel so inadequate.

I have also booked DJs in the past who have turned up with 30 or 40 tunes to do an hours spot, and they have just played one after the other regardless of the floors reaction or not. I have also personally been to events where i have not danced for a DJs entire spot.

I personally do get fed up with hearing the same tunes AGAIN and AGAIN everywhere i go.

I have every faith in a DJ reading the floor at the Cream Cracker, however I have had and have seen DJs who couldnt read 20ft high lettering in bright red on a sunny day 6 inches from their face let alone how a floor should be played. I have seen DJs stand behind the decks like they are counting the loose change in their pockets whilst playing a whole set to an EMPTY dancefloor.

At the start of the CC nearly 4 years ago 5 of us used to DJ every time, and it got stale and boring. I know change the DJs around and even though i am the promoter and also DJ i have no qualms with stepping down or doing a shorter spot. So consequently at CC we know have 5 guest DJs and also 30 minutes from 8.30 to 9pm where anyone can bring some tunes along and play for 30 minutes.

Admittedly 60 to 70% of tunes in a spot of known tunes is high and admittedly this is a general term not one on a contract i get guests to sign when they agree to do a spot, however with the as said vast amount of "OLDIES" available, how many tunes can a person honestly say they have never heard before somewhere. Im NOT asking or demading DJs to play Bobby Sheen, Philip Mitchell, Ike and Tina Turner again and again im simply saying that they shouldnt forget about tunes that have been forgotten about, or underplayed as some venues call them.

My comment regarding "not paying DJ's" if they clear the floor, IS meant as in DJs playing an hours set to try and impress some other promoters or collectors and not giving a toss about the crowd. The comment regarding the Ritz is a prime example of this, i stopped going to the Ritz in Desborough when i noticed the DJs playing to empty floors, so dont come with the passion at the Ritz bollocks, as i have seen people sitting down more often than not at the Ritz on some occasions. Admittedly this is an integral part of the scene and i myself cant explain the buzz when you play a tune and people come up, dancers, promoters or DJs and ask you "what was that last tune, i havent heard it before and its brilliant", admittedly it doesnt happen to me very often. When a DJ of a higher status asks me what was that tune, as happened to me at Leicester Allnighter in January, i cant help but smile and feel chuffed. We all feel it but to want that at the expense of the people who have paid and travelled to your venue to dance as in CC is wrong, IMO.

Regarding "Modern", it seems that EVERBODY has a different take on modern tunes. My personall take is any tunes played in a gay nightclub in New York in the 70's, at the Anglian disco dancing championships in the 80's, in Ibiza or some tent in a field in Surrey in the 90's to present are not Northern Soul. They do however come under the general term SOUL.

I advertise the genres of music played at CC and state clearly on the flyers what they are, the punters come knowing full well what is being played and 150 to 180 peoples tastes are certainly catered for. If people want to hear "MODERN" then there are an infinate amount of venues catering for this. Why should other DJs and promters feel that we all need to move on, admittedly they have probably gotten bored rigid with the "Northern Scene", me and a immeasurable amount of people havent.

The music policy at CC is and has evolved over the 4 years and i hope for the better, i do not want the venue to be another generic oldies night where you can recite every tune played throughout the course of the evening, that is why i try to book as many DJs as possible for each CC, and dont have 4 or 5 residents.

When i am asked to do a spot, i try to do my job, which at the venues i am asked to DJ is to entertain the punters and play tunes that they will hopefully enjoy and to play as many tunes as i can , as a dancer first and foremost, that may make people want to continue dancing not doing a spot where i dictate what they should be listening to. I have many tunes in my playbox that i want to play and we could all do a spot of tunes that are very rarely played and have an empty floor for an hour, however thats not what i am inveted to DJ for.

I have a broad music policy and so do the guests we have at CC, as i have said there are 1000's of excellent 60's Northern tunes and by having as many guests as possible these are hopefully being given a well deserved airing and given the appreciation they deserve without playing a 30 track best Northern album in the world compilation time and time again. I KNOW that The Cream Cracker is not the "In place" to be in the Uk and that it is certainly not everyones cup of tea or will it ever be and i can assure you that i am under NO illusion that it will be written about in innumerous books or magazines over the next 30 years, however at this present moment in time and as for as long as people want to attend i will promote the venue but should there be a mass exodus towards the modern scene and oldies are totally forgotten about, which IMO would be such a shame, i will stop promoting.

Lastly as i have prattled on long enough i request that Mr Soul Sam continues to do whatever it is he does that keeps people loyally following him around the country for many years to come but not to assume that he knows the atmosphere at The Cream Cracker each time one is held without attending yourself. Which can surely be the most cowardly form of critism. The only reason i can think of honestly as to why this has been written disparigingly as it was in response to Mr Chapmans article is because i havent asked Mr Soul Sam to Dj at the Cream Cracker.

Dont hold your breath Sam, i certainly wouldnt want that on my consceince.

Kind Regards

Kev (still NOT doing modern no matter how much you kick and scream) Such

I don't know why this reply has been posted on Soul Source and not been directly replied to via Manifesto...it's quite obvious judging from other replies that Sam doesn't come on here so the purpose of this thread is obviously motivated from alternative reasoning

A case of Any publicity is good publicity?

I don't know why this reply has been posted on Soul Source and not been directly replied to via Manifesto...it's quite obvious judging from other replies that Sam doesn't come on here so the purpose of this thread is obviously motivated from alternative reasoning

A case of Any publicity is good publicity?

On the way back from Soul for Heroes this morning, what i wanted to reply was buzzing around in my head. I tried to go to sleep but couldnt get settled. So i typed the post and was in two minds wether to submit it. However in all honesty i didnt know that Sam doesnt come on SoulSource. I dont know the nickname for every member on here. I presumed obviously wrongly that this site and Manifesto were in some way about the same subject and people that read Manifesto would certainly also come on this site. I felt that the article was not putting the best light on the Cream Cracker, Sam having not attended. Admittedly he was replying with his own observations to a previous article, which IS his want. However far short of sitting up all night writing it in ink and then probably spilling coffee onto it before i sent it off to Manifesto. I came onto Soulsource and typed away. Believe me Beeks it was not put up by myself as a cheap publicity stunt. Would you say the same if i had put it up after my next event?

Kev

Edited May 4, 200916 yr by kev such

Why, how would he know? And if he did know, he'd join and reply. I know places who've had discussions about me, I've never even met them or don't even know them, Just let them get on with it is the best thing to do.

I just don't like people talking behind peoples backs thats all. yes I suppose he could join, and then he could reply.

P

I just don't like people talking behind peoples backs thats all. yes I suppose he could join, and then he could reply.

P

By the way, we were talking about you the other day and....oh...

By the way, we were talking about you the other day and....oh...

i think that you know your venues Kev and what works for it.

if your aspirations are reflective of those who pay to attend then you are most certainly doing something right.

Don't let the written words of others affect you if you have confidence in the reasons for what you are doing mate.

just keep those regulars 'cream crackered' Kev and ignore outside influences, and maybe invite Mr.Barnfather down to experience the cram cracker first hand, to talk to the regulars and to you, as i well know, sometimes peoples words or actions can be misperceived by others.

p.s. nice set at soul for heroes mush

good post.

ps, you're not allowed to use the word mush unless you were dragged up the south side of the Nene.

I wouldn't let it bother you mate. MANIFESTO is a lads mag...if your not one of the lads (clique) you dont get in it! Hence its opinions, reviews and articles are generally so out of touch, or cater only for venues they promote or have an interest in, that its a boring and irrelevent read...for me anyway. I never see Tim or Sam at a venue unless they are djing...consequently they convey a very limited and narrow perspective of the soul scene. They dont seem to venture out as punters. You never see them popping in to check out small venues just to see whats going and that puts them well out of touch with a scene that is constantly moving, changing and developing. Sam I have to say, is ahead of Tim (you never see Tim out!)......as i said, dont pay any attention to it as its of NO consequence.

expect another 2 pages now

I wouldn't let it bother you mate. MANIFESTO is a lads mag...if your not one of the lads (clique) you dont get in it! Hence its opinions, reviews and articles are generally so out of touch, or cater only for venues they promote or have an interest in, that its a boring and irrelevent read...for me anyway. I never see Tim or Sam at a venue unless they are djing...consequently they convey a very limited and narrow perspective of the soul scene. They dont seem to venture out as punters. You never see them popping in to check out small venues just to see whats going and that puts them well out of touch with a scene that is constantly moving, changing and developing. Sam I have to say, is ahead of Tim (you never see Tim out!)......as i said, dont pay any attention to it as its of NO consequence.

Manifesto has always been like that, right from the start, one or two articles but mainly about people they know.

For once - I agree with Paul S.

Should we consider the mass culling of stranded sheep?

Edited May 5, 200916 yr by James Trouble

Manifesto has always been like that, right from the start, one or two articles but mainly about people they know.

For once - I agree with Paul S.

Are you feeling ok Pete?

I wouldn't let it bother you mate. MANIFESTO is a lads mag...if your not one of the lads (clique) you dont get in it! Hence its opinions, reviews and articles are generally so out of touch, or cater only for venues they promote or have an interest in, that its a boring and irrelevent read...for me anyway. I never see Tim or Sam at a venue unless they are djing...consequently they convey a very limited and narrow perspective of the soul scene. They dont seem to venture out as punters. You never see them popping in to check out small venues just to see whats going and that puts them well out of touch with a scene that is constantly moving, changing and developing. Sam I have to say, is ahead of Tim (you never see Tim out!)......as i said, dont pay any attention to it as its of NO consequence.

I must admit that ive never read Manifesto and probably never wiil, if there is anything you need to know you will find out on here

Are you feeling ok Pete?

Look at the way Sam is holding the piece of vinyl. No way should a record collector put his mits all over the vinyl !!!- say no more.

Can we do this every weekend..............just cancelled delivery of my sunday papers...............great read

I have got to know Kev very well over the past few years & we would have been travelling with him to the Soul For Heroes do if my wife had felt better.

We have different opinions on numerous things Soulful, but hey...........maybe that's why we gel?

After reading the points made here, all i can say is Kev IS guilty of the following:

1. A less than well-thought out piece put into Manifesto in the first place e.g. " i won't pay the DJ'S" etc

2. A hasty reply to Sam's points in the next issue of Manifesto

3. A "different" understanding as to what constitutes Modern Soul these days.

4. A tendancy to let "Little" things get to him e.g "A Bulldog chewing a wasp" scenario.

Kev has over the past 4 years or so has established a very well attended Soul night, that caters in the main for those who prefer the "Oldies" genre. However, he has also tried to get away from the "same old same old" tunes that get played to death every week around the country.

His own collection has changed dramatically over this time & he has been known to spin one or two tunes that have been labelled as Modern Soul

I go to the Cream Cracker, as it's local for me, & i get to see many friends there. Musically, it has got a lot better, but still falls short in the " X-over /Modern" dept for me personally, but always a good night.

An easy way to fix this is to have an "Across the board" policy where it does what it says on the tin.......something for everyone!!

Kev................chill out brother...............is it an ex-soldier thing? . Remember the old saying........"I may not agree with your opinion...........but i will fight for the right for you to have one" !!

cheers,

John Mc.

The British Soul scene is far too tribal top accept a truly across the board music policy like we see on t' continent.

They even have tables and chairs at venues as well. Most bizarre.

about a year or so ago Kev asked me if i was up for a guest spot at Cream Cracker and as ive not been to CC before i asked the music policy and what the punters mainly like etc etc, Kev informed me that it was mainly known of 60s, R&B and early 70s/crossover that his punters preferred but are also open to something new or different but preferbly not modern, what do punters know who knows until you try anyway i said yes i fancy doing a spot for you at CC and im on at the end of this month, Kev has not told me what to play but given me a good idea of what HIS Event is about, its up to me on the night to give him what he has hired me for and that is to make his crowd go home Cream Crackered and happy as i take it that being the promoter he kind of knows what works for his event,

things can come accross different to how they read so i just wanted to let you lot know that Kev aint a dictator but a promoter that cares passionately about his event and wants to do it his way, we all have a choice so just enjoy yours,

ps, i aint Kevs best buddy pal either as i only met him for the first time last month and yeah he is a nice fella just like Sam

is he the same kev that borrowed a mates avatar site to supposedly sell some tunes on the QT,but then used said site to absolutely slag off the PEMBERTON CENTRE,calling it and it's dj's/promoters all sorts of nasty names.Or is it the same kev that went to WE GOT SOUL in wellingborough and told someone that the doo was shite and almost ended up in a fight with steve philis the promoter and top dj,or was that a differant kev......remember refrain from violent and impetuous ways (Mr enoeda R.I.P )

Edited May 5, 200916 yr by gordon russell

is he the same kev that borrowed a mates avatar site to supposedly sell some tunes on the QT,but then used said site to absolutely slag off the PEMBERTON CENTRE,calling it and it's dj's/promoters all sorts of nasty names.Or is it the same kev that went to WE GOT SOUL in wellingborough and told someone that the doo was shite and almost ended up in a fight with steve philis the promoter and top dj,or was that a differant kev......remember refrain from violent and impetuous ways (Mr enoeda R.I.P )

Im not going to get into a keyboard slanging match with you Terry.

Firstly. I didnt say or request the "mates avatar" site to sell some records on the QT. The person in question knew what was going on. Admittedly it was childish and immature. But has now been dealt with.

Secondly. Jackie Allsorts told me months previous that he was thinking about closing down "We got Soul". I guested at said venue and in the Gents i asked him if he had changed his mind? He said he was still considering it. Steve Phyllis's stepson overheard and told Steve when he went back into the hall. Steve Phyllis said something over the mike aimed at me. I then challenged his son, who rightly so, Steve defended by saying he would and i quote "Rip my head off and shit down the hole" So the hassle only started when i gave him the opportunity and he decided against it. Strangely Jackie has just announced that he has closed "We got Soul". I NEVER said the do was shit, crap or any other thing.

I really dont give a monkey's chuff what you say or who you say it about, however if you are going to post for F***S sake get the bloody thing correct.

Kev

Edited May 5, 200916 yr by kev such