I can't decide if there's a lot to say or, that there is just nothing to say here. In fact that should indicate to me that I should just stop writing right now. However, I've never been the one to meekly bow down to my intuition. So as promised, this time I am writing from Austin, Texas.

As I plot changes to this website, I think about my goals in life. What are they? Always a good question since my interests continue to evolve. And then I ask myself, what would I like to accomplish over the next year? Since I have many interests, this is often a difficult task. So first I must prioritize these interests. First, this year is to generate as much $$ as I am able to do (short of prostitution & robbing banks) - ha, well not that that's out of the question. ;) Second, I must get to Beograd. These two goals are deffinite. However, it's the goals that are beyond this year which are not so clear. I believe that money should continue to be a priority since there is nothing I can accomplish without it (well there are somethings, but not most). I also know that I want to continue working with the internet & with computers, so then there's the schooling I will need to get. And then there's travel which is always important. These things are expensive. So, the only answer to this equation is save, save, save $$. Well, we will see how this year progresses. For the time being finding a job is my highest priority.

I'm leaving for Austin this Wednesday. And, I'm overwhelmed with excitement, anticipation, and anxiousness! That's about how this last month has been. Well, what else is new? I am in job-seeking mode. It's time to shine my resume & get a job which pays more than this philanthropic virtual Dj'ing that's so close to paying off, yet isn't.

The thing is, I really love music. However, I have learned nearly everything I had intended on learning from it. Yes, and there's still the issue of "playing-out", BUT isn't that notion "played-out" ?? So, I am not giving up on it just yet. Yet, I really must concentrate on some other personal & professional developments. Most importantly financial managment. Secondly, I feel the "urge" to travel once again. Yes, Eastern Europe has become a serious priority for me to tackle. Besides, I've promised sonja & I would really like to see her again!

Time to continue packing. Next time I write, it will be from Austin. :) Chao.

Well, it looks 100% certain that I will be re-locating from the suburbs of Baltimore to the suburbs of Austin. The past year was a wonderful year full of achieved goals and personal breakthroughs. I had the opportunity to meet countless interesting, intelligent, and good people. The Syndrome crew I will dearly miss & I regret not having more time and $$ to not only get to know them, but to work with them more. Bryan, Eric, & Mike, keep up the positive energy and keep pushing the fusion of soundsystems vs. live music vs. poetry vs. art. Really, a great thing which has so much potential!! Perhaps, incorporate some film/video in there too (among other mediums) ;) word.

So, the multi-media saga continues. I look forward to great year in Austin. I also plan to earn enough $$ to visit Eastern Europe for a month. Leaps and bounds are prophesized for this web-page. Some free-lance journalism should be in order. Hopefully, my friend Marjan will set up a gig for me to play while in Macedonia! Among other things, I am really excited to move!! Well, so long Baltimore. Maybe I'll see ya next year! Peace out ;)

This weekend was an increadible weekend for the Syndrome Crew. First of all, the poetry/turntablist/live-funk party at the 1614 lounge on Eastern Avenue was OFF THE HOOK!! Great positve music & poetry combination! The local slam-poet king of Baltimore (famous for the weekly XANDO'S monday night), Grandma Dave dropped some fantastic poems, includeing his signature "These Hands". Mc Sun of Nun & MC insuWRECKtionist had some great things to say as well. Upstairs in the lounge, Dominik displayed some great abstract paintings including a re-mix of his ex-girlfriend ;) . Overall, it was a choose your own adventure night. If the music was not fitting your mood, the softly lit upstairs provided relaxation, art to interpret, and a nice selection of "alternative" music on the jukebox.

Saturday night also prooved to be a success as well. illEffect jumped on the decks twice in one night! Both times dropping his uniqe signature blend of hip-hop, turntablism & drumNbass. As usual, he warmed the crowd up before the power metal band D.R.I.P. (i don't know what it stands for) jumped up to the stage. Though power-metal is not my usual choice of music, I must say this band rocked tha house! They were grimey & tough, and open to having a Dj drop turntablist technique's. Plus D.R.I.P. didn't seem to mind (or, even seemed to enjoy) when MC insuWRECKtionist blessed the mic with his smooth lyrical stylee.

Big up tp Sabrosa as well, I've never seen a Dj so happy to be playing records! His set was strong as usual, not to mention MC Sharpness who always adds a dope element to whoever is on the tables! Finally, There was the legendary J-Smooth (back from, Philly). After totally amping the dancehall with his predictable (but great) darth vader intro/imperial march dub, he went into some more predictable (if you are a J Smooth fan) record transitions. I was happy to hear the "Hip-Step" dub, as well as a few other original plates I've never heard before. I must say, It was somewhat of a disappointment that so many people left as J Smooth's set progressed. I really felt embarassed for Baltimore, since J is an internationally recognized Dj, from our neighboring Philadelphia. And I'm sure he wasn't very happy about that either. Oh, well. Nevertheless, Rock Deep In The Jungle Part 2 was a slammin' success.

Much has happend over the last month & a number of personal issues are happening right now for me. One big change I am making is in regards to record buying. I have sworn a life of minimal record purchasing for the next year. Currently, I own enough records to keep busy practicing different styles & combinations of drum & bass from hardcore, to ragga, to atmospheric, etc. Reasons for this decision: A) The price of records is just too damn expensive for the average Dj to keep a current selection (yes, $10-$12 is a ridiculous price to pay for some wax!), and B) I am currently planning a trip to Eastern Europe to see my girlfriend Sonja, and my buddy Relja in Belgrade.

So, in place of purchasing records, I will practise my turntablist skillz. Yes, the art of "cutting" (not "scratching") according to Grandmaster Flash. This skill I've always wanted to master since being a child, and hearing RUN DMC at the age of 8. So now I set out to accomplish that with a little practice everyday. Perhaps after I have put in some decent travel in Eastern Europe, it will be possible to begin record purchases once again. However, not until I make it there twice, wuahahahaa!!

For the past two weeks I have been busy learning the names of 150 students & teachers from the Balkans. Everyday I am on campus at Towson University documenting on DV & taking pictures with my digital cam for the South East European Youth Leadership Institute. So far, I am having the time of my life making many new & interesting friends from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, & Kosovo. There's no time to write more, so I will continue this entry later. For more informationon SEEYLI visit:

http://www.towson.edu/seeyli/

MAD record shopping going on here. I've been working the market for some serious records to stay on the cutting edge. But it looks like I'm going to need to slow down for a minute, because my bills are piling up. Anyway, I met Fubz - editor of the Baltimore based zine, MANIFEST:

http://www.manifestzine.com/

... needless to say, quite a cool fellow. It's too bad that Baltimore is loosing such a cool kid to New York City, cause Baltimore needs more intelligent headz. So, I couldn't persuade him to stay -but- he did give the info on how to get involved with the zine & I hope to see it continue to thrive in his absence.

Well, there seems to be a lot more Drum & Bass still going on than I had imagined. I'm going to try to make it out to Kobe 2night - though I may be walking there. Oh, by the way I got hit by a BMW yesterday... but that's another story. Peace.

For those who don't know, I am currently in the process of developing a documentary on the underground drum & bass scene in Baltimore. I've decided to name it "Concrete Jungle: Baltimore Massive". I am also looking for someone with a DV cam to help out with the project, so if you have one or know anyone who does, please email me @ p3patchwerk@msn.com ;)

I went out last night to support Dj illEffect & MC InsuWRECKtionist at the Thunderdome in Baltimore. Eric really warmed the house up making the transition from Hip Hop to Drum & Bass. So, by the time Dj Subrosa stepped to the decks, the crowd was set in motion. All Subrosa needed to do was to increase the level of madness. With help from MC Sharpness & MC insuWRECKtionist there was no problem doing so. The two mc's battled for what seemed like hours, keeping the crowd hype and on the dance floor. Sabrosa displayed mad skillz moving between soulful, jazzy, hard, & bouncy drum & bass tracks. This was the first time hearing this Dj & I gotta say - HELL YEAH!! Great job Sabrosa, Surrept, illEffect, MC Sharpness, & insuWRECKtionist!! Most definitely one hellova party. Keep up the great work!

I just finished upgrading all of my software... Photoshop 7, Adobe Premier 6, and Flash MX. Now, I just have to figure out how to work all of these crazy applications. Look forward to some sparkling upgrades on this website as well as a new page devoted to Binary Films - the independant film production company I am starting.

Also, I am currently in the process of writing a documentary "Concrete Jungle: Baltimore Massive", which is about the underground Drum & Bass scene in Baltimore. I plan to start shooting no later than september 1st on DV, and I will cover three to six months of parties, interviews, and demonstrations. I plan to include several interviews with the top DJ's, promoters, and bassheads from Baltimore & fully expect a slammin soundtrack, because you know my selection is nice!

Earlier this week I finally had the opportunity to meet Coutney aka Dj Simetra at Music Liberated on Saratoga Street. The store is a cramped little rats nest, but it's got the freshest vinyl selection In town. I came in with a list as long as my arm & in about 30 minutes Courtney had my arms full of all the promo's and anthems I could hold. Thanks, Courtney!

Today, I recieved a new 19" monitor - so now I'm back online and back in business. Last week Kobie and I travelled to Modern Video in Philladelphia. The people there were extraordinarily kind and talented. We had "ADORE" transferred to video and we touched everything up so it looks even better than before. Kobie showed the film to some producers & they loved it. Though no money will come out of the meeting, they did however pledge their support and praise for our first short film. The production company promised to help out with legal paperwork, & help getting it on to the HBO & Showtime shrt-film programs. Well, that's about it - I'm going record shopping on Wednessday, to keep my record collection cutting edge & that's about it.

Dj illEffect invited me to spin on the Syndrome crews webcast that will be starting over the summer. So, that should be a lot of fun... for the time being, I am sleeping less and working more to meet my goals. Cause that time just keeps on ticking... and it's killing you, man.

Hell, yes! I have much to say... Kobie & I screened our first short film "ADORE" together on Thursday May 16th & I'm happy to say that it was well recieved. Everyone had positive things to say about it.

Afterwards, we threw a wrap party & everybody grooved to the rhythmically gifted illEffect from the syndrome crew:

http://www.syndromeindustries.com/

It was an interesting night, and several MC's stepped up to the mic. One kid, Jeff was Beat-Boxing and while he was doing his thing J Grey & MC insuWRECKtionist got into a battle of words & wit. But it was all in good fun, and I believe everyone had an excellent time.

Now, This week Kobie & I have plans to get "ADORE" transferred to video. So, If anyone would like to see it (and I know you do), then please email me (p3patchwerk@msn.com). Also, If you were at the LEVIATHAN party and you would like to hear the recording of illEffect with the MC's, it would be no problem at all for me to send you a cd. That's all...

I slept for 3 and a half hours thursday night next to the moviola on the floor of the editing room @ Towson State University & then had to work at the bookstore for eight hours. Kobie is an insomniac, so he worked throughout the night. It was a tedious session, but we cut our way through a lot of film.

Due to the sleep I have been missing, I chose to cancel my regular friday night broadcast. Instead, J Grey came to my apartment and blessed the ASR with a dope concoction of samples. Currently, I'm working on a beat that he put together (i'm calling it J's Melody for now) featuring a string sample from a piece orchestrated by Vivaldi. It has the ability to literally string you along for hours. For the time being it is strictly just a hip hop beat, but I have plans to turn it into the intro for my next Drum & Bass mix.

I just want to say that James Nachtwey is the most incredible photographer. If you have an open mind, love photography, and are not afraid to see the most horrible living proof that we should stop being such a self-centered nation, and start opening our eye's to the real, real world. Then, check out James Nachtwey's INFERNO - filled with large black & white photos taken in the third world. It will change even the most concerned persons point of view.

Hey there, I have been hearing the buzz about Dillinja's "Grimey" EP. I checked it out at the Drum & Bass Arenas web-page ((www.breakbeat.co.uk)) and I just gotta say, huh? Sorry, it's kinda weak to put it lightly. There's a lot better production happening out there. I don't want to speak for all heads because different people groove to different stuff. But I would shop around i little bit more before kicking out 10+ bones for this record. Nevertheless, "Take My Life" has a dirty synth riff and a sweet vocal hook I wouldn't mind dropping. The deadly deep bass is signature as well. And... well, the last track just gave me a headache.

Also, poppin': Kobie is sending off the raw footage of "Adore" to be developed. We're both anticipating a quick processing time, so we can edit the 12 rolls of film we shot in and around Annapolis, MD. I'll be doing the soundtrack work and sure enough it's going to be very hot all-around. The screening is on May 16th and it's coming up much faster than I ever expected. So, If you're reading this: BE THERE !! Van Bocklen Hall, Room 204. Call/Email me for details & driving directions. Must get some sleep now.

Today The Roots are in town for "Tigerfest", Towson State Universities spring festival. I'm sorry to say that due to the lack of sleep i've been getting, I slept through their concert. If you want to call it that (they only played for an hour), but I suppose an hour of the Roots is better than no Roots. Anyway, Black Sheep showed up too, and I heard they were terrible. Word is, there were long pauses in between songs & they were just playing tracks from a tape without any live Dj to help them out. Sounds like I didn't really miss a whole lot, but I definitely got that sleep!

OK, tonight 'Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme' by Kevin Fitzgerald is being screened at the Charles Theater in Baltimore.

http://www.mdfilmfest.com/2002/freestyle.asp

I and J Grey (I've been warned to not use MC Jeff or Just Jeff) tried to see it, but upon arrival it was sold out. So, we rushed back to the XTSR studio to do my 8-10 spot. Jeff provided me with an arsenal of great hip-hop and we droped a lot of funk, hip-hop, and jump-up. Later, we caught up with Chivar and my film partner Kobie to finish up the soundtrack for 'ADORE', our 16mm Film I project. Chivar lent me his copy of Saul Williams poetry and I lent him my DVD of Darren Aronofsky's Pi. J Grey lent me his sampler and all of the wonderful beats he produced on it. I swear he should have a deal with Ninja Tunes - but that's another story. All in all, I have acquired an arsenal of funk, hip-hop, technology, and talent - more than I can chew and right now i can't tell if i'm cursed or blessed. Most likely the latter. Peace Out!

OK, I'm begining to get the hang of this HTML thing. Computer geeking isn't my first nature - so it takes me a while to ghetto-rig this web-page. Expect many future ghetto upgrades as I learn more about ghetto web-page designing. Free Mandella, & Peace Out!

Josh's CELL PHONE: 443-466-4505 -OR- EMAIL: p3patchwerk@msn.com