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Tulum Kiki

Man! I’ve already been back from Mexico for 17 days?? It doesn’t seem like that at all. Covid really took me out. I’m in somewhat tip top shape again and back on the bullshit… begrudgingly.

Locus. I had a really really really lovely time. Much thanks to my homegirl Alley Cat for letting me be her +1. I loved her set so much! Not only did she play D Kay and Lee’s Wax’d, but she played a dope SPY remix of Piper. I guess it made the rounds last year, but that was my first time hearing it. It sounded amazing on that sound system in the forest. I love the Jonny L remix and SPY’s version does not disappoint. She also played an Alibi remix of Kosheen’s Hide U that was new to me and it was πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯! I’m aware that some of these tunes have probably been making the rounds for a minute, but you know me, I am a bit rubbish at keeping up with the latest releases, so sorry if I’m late to the party on some of these gems.

I keep trying to pick a favourite set, but I can’t. The days were so fun and it was just a blast to be in super nice weather and listening to loud dnb. I loved LSB and Workforce’s sets from the day venue. Fabio and Dom & Roland killed it. I love the cenote venue. Such a vibe. Saturday night I raaaaaaved. πŸ˜‚ I definitely danced for 8+ hours. Klute absolutely smashed it. I didn’t know the majority of the tunes he played, but it all just sounded amazing and I was so here for it. Kemal and Rob Data and Ed Rush and Optical were everything you wanted it to be. I left backstage for their sets and very much appreciated brockin out with my old JVC homies that were there as well. Shouts to MC Brace and Virgo. We deffo got our proper stomp on. πŸ₯°

All the emcees were on point. Everyone brought it! I started feeling ill on the last day, but I’m happy I got to enjoy the majority of the festival. I was sorry to hear about all the issues some festival patrons were having with cartel and police. I was with the artists since I was staying with Alicia, and we didn’t really hear about everything that was happening til way after it happened. I had a fantastic time, but I do feel that next time safety for the festival patrons should be the number one priority.

I don’t think I will go again if they have it next year. The main reason I had so much fun is because I got to hang out with Alley Cat who is a good friend and I didn’t have to deal with any bullshit. That was my second time going to Tulum, and even though it was wonderful, I don’t think Tulum is spectacular enough for me to spend money to go there a 3rd time. There are heaps more places all over Mexico that are even more fantastic and a lot less expensive.

All in all, a fab time with some great people and amazing music. πŸ’•

I’ve spent the whole week writing thesis chapters. I know it’s old, but this Workforce remix has matched my temperament for the past couple of days. Such a great tune.

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2023 & Kiki

Happy New Year!

I made it back from Sierra Leone in one piece.

I had a really lovely holiday. All the events I went for were super enjoyable.

My mum’s house is massive and looks fantastic. They really did a great job.

I enjoyed being around my family and am definitely looking forward to going back.

Here’s me, my mum and some aunties in one of the many ashobi I accrued during the trip.

I went to visit my dad. I don’t have the words at the moment to describe how it made me feel. Grief continues to be an emotion I have no clue how to navigate. I seem to unlock a new approach daily that helps me trudge along and make it through the day. I am extremely grateful I got to go.

Jet lag has been a bitch. I thought it would be gone by now.

Listening to Visages and cleaning my room. Been wanting this one for a while. So so good. πŸ₯°

Drum n Bass · Mixes · Tracks

Thesis & Kiki

Dang! This semester is kicking my behind.

I’m hanging in there…. barely. Very much looking forward to Thanksgiving so I can have a break.

Received some bad news about my father’s estate. Can’t believe we’re coming up on 2 years and this person is still causing all this trouble. I can’t even imagine what it will be like when I get to grieve my dad properly.

I am happy I am going to Sierra Leone for Christmas. I know we say our loved ones are always with us, and I do believe he is, to some extent. I just feel like his energy will be stronger in his resting place. That’s his home. I have a hard time with him not being buried in a place I can go visit regularly.

It’s crazy that there’s only 6 more until the end of the year. 😐

Lenzman and Submorphics played this Calibre on the most recent Echobox Radio show and I forgot how much I love this tune. Gonna have to put it in rotation for a bit. πŸ₯°

Currently listening to some Redeyes and reading research articles.

Toodles for now.

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A Wrinkle in Time Kiki

I’m up early. I’m going to SD this weekend for my friend Shannon’s wedding. She is genuinely one of my favourite people ever and I’m happy to get a much needed break to go celebrate with her. But, I’ve got heaps to do, so I can actually enjoy my weekend.

I was writing a lesson plan and the Alix Perez remix of “About You” came on, and I immediately was vibin’. I forgot how good that track is! I got that nose wrinkle going as that bassline kicked in. πŸ₯°

The other day at work they were doing some marketing videos for our socials and they were interviewing all the teachers and asked the question, “What is something your students would probably find surprising about you?” I said without a doubt that I regularly rave to drum and bass at 6am. πŸ˜‚

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🎈🎈🎈

It’s my birthday today. 46.

I didn’t have to work today, so that’s nice.

It’s the small things that make me feel sad. I always looked forward to my dad’s bday calls. He was always so excited for me. πŸ’Ÿ

These in-between birthdays aren’t that eventful. When I hit 50, then I’ll woop it up.

I’m going out for a nice meal with two of my friends tonight. Good company and a piece of cake is enough for me these days. πŸ₯°

Currently listening to some En:vy and Particle.

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Welp Kiki

It only took 4 semesters, but I’m finally overwhelmed. Same old story — too much to do; not enough time. It probably has to do with the fact that I had to start writing my thesis this semester. 😭

Anyway, Doing homework and listening to some tunes.

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Laborious Kiki

Spending my Labor Day Weekend doing homework, what else is new? πŸ™ƒ

I’m listening to Atlantic Connection. I’ve always been a huge Atlantic Connection fan. I don’t know if he was gone for a bit or I just wasn’t aware of tunes he’s been doing over the last couple of years… the latter is more likely. We know I am late as shit about finding out about new dnb tunes. πŸ˜‚ Regardless, I’m always happy to listen to his stuff.

Two of my AC faves.

This tune always reminds me of my friend Judy. My Chicago dnb days were A1. 🀩
This is the EP that came out in April that I’m listening to.

Hope everyone is enjoying their 3 day weekend. πŸ₯°

Drum n Bass · Mixes · Tracks

Momiji Kiki

I’m not too bothered by there being no seasons in SoCal. I am so grateful that I don’t deal with snow anymore that I’m ok with that trade. I do love fall though. It would be nice if I could just go on a “Momijigari” like they do in Japan. Momijigari is going on an autumnal jaunt to see the fall leaves.

Doing homework. Listening to some Smote. I used to be OBSESSED with this one tune of his on Innerground from back in the day. More than happy to jump back on the Smote train. 😊

I also listened to this mix while I was at the gym this morning. Not only do I love Zero T’s tunes, but I also really love him as a dj. His sets are just so good. πŸ₯°

He plays Break’s Squash remix towards the end. That remix really is amazing. Still got it on repeat!

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Free Time Kiki

No homework to do. No work to catch up on. Who am I? Free time is amazing isn’t it? πŸ˜‚

Decided to have a quick mix session before I go to my friend April’s birthday dinner. I just played all old High Contrast. That era of dnb was a-one. πŸ₯°

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100m-Dash Kiki

I’m 45 and still constantly surprised by how fast time flies. You would think I’d be used to it by now.

August starts on Monday. My dad’s birthday is on the 8th. It’s already been a year and 8 months since he passed. I think about him daily. There are still so many annoyances affecting the closure of his estate, which sucks, but I’ve unlocked a new level of processing those feelings with the help of therapy, so that’s good. Having him buried in another country is difficult for me. I would like to be able to visit him whenever I want, so I’m very much looking forward to going to Sierra Leone this December and getting to do that.

This summer has just been busy. Loads of work ish and summer semester of grad school. I’m finishing up my 3rd semester of a 5 semester program. I’m enjoying it. It’s definitely a different experience when it’s your 2nd master’s.

So much good dnb this summer! πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯° Here’s some tunes I’ve been loving:

Submorphics. He’s not only my friend, but I’m also a massive fan. We’ve been friends for about 18 years now and I still listen to his tunes on the regular.

More North Quarter selections. What can I say, their catalogue is just my vibe. 😊 Love this FD EP.

I’ve also been listening to a lot of Tyrone. I’m late to the Tyrone party. Totally wasn’t familiar with him. His tunes just always show up in my Spotify daily mix. I stan. Good stuff. 😍