Twenty-some years ago, when I was living in the Philippines, my favorite cassette was a compilation of all the hit songs of 1986. It paid no attention to genre and skipped from hook to hook, chorus to chorus, playing "just the good parts," medley style. It was brilliant to my young ears and a good primer for what was going on musically stateside. While that tape has long since been lost, the spirit behind its creation lives on with the Battle of the Megamixes.

Last year's Battle was a glimpse into DJs' other crates, as competitors left their usual genres behind to drop anything and everything. The Baltic Room was packed beyond capacity with people crammed into every open space. Taking the win (and a new mixer) was Kris Moon, who blended Top 40, obscure IDM, and everything in between to win over the crowd and judges.

"The whole idea of the Megamix is to bring a lot of genres together and bust them up," says Travis Baron, one of the event's organizers.

Megamixing is actually pretty self-explanatory, with a DJ simply mixing tracks, only faster. It's about cramming in as many songs as possible, while still making it sound good and having it make sense. There's still room for a sense of humor, but megamixing is about a DJ's skill, not irony.

The early trash talk between competitors points to this second year being another friendly DJ exhibition. Yeah, it's serious business, but it's fun. Says Baron: "I really want this to be silly, but relevant."

Battle of the Megamixes will be held on Sat Aug 4, at the Baltic Room (1207 Pine St), doors 8 pm, $7 adv, 21+. The competition will also feature sets by Introcut, M'Chateau, Travis Baron, and host DJ Collage.


Decibel Festival organizers finally released the full lineup and this year's outing, held September 20—23, is looking mighty impressive. Seems there was an aggressive push to diversify the sound, so while there's more than enough minimal techno and experimental fare to go around, there are also more bombastic, rocking names on the bill. They've largely avoided the artists who are just working the entire festival circuit, so there's plenty of reason for out of towners to make the trek to Seattle. Check out the lineup and ticket information at www.dbfestival.com.

Closing things out on a sad note, it looks like techno/electro/IDM/misc. weekly Oscillate is hanging up its gloves at the end of the month. After years of showcasing the variety of talent in the Northwest, the promoters think the night has run its course and are ready to put their energy toward other efforts. There's promise of a big closing party on August 30, with details to come. In the meantime, spend the next few Thursdays down at the Baltic Room to pay respects.

Get Out!

FRIDAY AUGUST 3

PAOLO MOJO
Paolo Mojo's restlessness seems to be his biggest strength, as he finds time to search out records across multiple genres, keep a hectic tour schedule, head two labels (Music Is Freedom and Orcmusic), and put out his own material and remixes. He arrives in Seattle with a healthy degree of buzz, but he's been keeping this schedule for years and maintained a high standard, so in this case the buzz seems deserved. Last Supper Club, 124 S Washington St, 748-9975, $10, 10 pm—2 am, 21+.

SATURDAY AUGUST 4

SUMMERTIME GROOVES
Music outdoors? Yes, please. On a hotel roof? Uh, okay. This should be a unique party experience as Uniting Souls takes over the rooftop terrace of the Red Lion for an early evening of house music. Music aside, the interplay between clubbers and hotel guests trying to have a quiet meal makes this an occasion for prime people watching. Red Lion Hotel, 1415 Fifth Ave, 971-8000, 6—10 pm, $5, 21+.

MIKE MONDAY
Mike Monday has released tracks on progressive labels, is known for quirky house, and lists Prince and P-Funk as influences. He's a musical blender, dropping in farty electro bass lines here, acid-y effects there, with sprinkles of late-'90s electronica, possibly within the span of one track. Don't worry—it's not some uninspired rehash, just a producer unafraid to wear his influences on his sleeve. The Loft, 10 pm—2 am, $10 (must RSVP for entry and address: jason@innerflight.com), 21+.

SUNDAY AUGUST 5

RAFAEL ANTON IRISARRI, TYLER POTTS, DENSHION
The Rendezvous is a perfect space for this performance, a send-off of sorts for Irisarri, who is headed off for a series of international dates. The confines should provide the right amount of intimacy for the audience to absorb the night's music, various compositions of layered tones, delicate textures, and inspired loops. In short, beautiful brain music. Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave, 441-5823, 7—9:30 pm, free, 21+.