From the Publisher

Stephen Ceplenski

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The iPod revolution has changed the way we buy and listen to music. No longer are we required to buy an album because we like one song. We control our own playlists. We can be randomly surprised by what our little music machines play, or create an entire musical experience based on our moods and desires. But at a party the music is no longer in your hands. That is why the role of the DJ is so important to us when we go out.

It doesn’t matter how well a promoter organizes the venue, the entertainment, or the myriad other factors for a successful event - the DJ has the greatest impact on your enjoyment of the night. I’ve been to small, dark, smelly clubs and had an amazing night due to the music. And I think almost everyone has been to a well-planned and meticulously executed event and been smacked in the head with a tired set. Even if you don’t get laid, the music can still make it a great night out.

The gay party scene in America has a fairly short list of celebrity DJs that are used consistently, but some fundraisers are including up-and-coming unknowns for the early set, exposing us to new and different sounds. As dance and Circuit events continue to evolve to include a younger and more demanding audience, so too must the music. Imagine if the music you heard at every party never progressed past the disco music of the 70s? An emerging generation craves different sounds, obscure mixes, hip-hop influences, and more international sounds, all of which are finding their way to our dance floors.

When talking to our noiZe boys and other friends who travel to fabulous destinations such as Sydney, Montreal, Madrid, and Amsterdam, it quickly becomes apparent that there are a wide variety of different and engaging sounds that we may be missing in our neck of the woods sometimes. Spend a few days in Ibiza and you will see why it is the summer haven for clubbers, ravers, and jet-setting party boys. Black and Blue and Toronto Pride are both known for having a venerable buffet of DJs that produce upbeat and late- night vibes that are refreshing and familiar at the same time. A group of our friends that attended the hugely popular Madrid Pride came back this year exclaiming just one thing: “The music, the music, the music!”

Re-invention involves taking risks, changing your perspective a bit, and transitioning in a smooth yet noticeable manner. DJs will never make everyone happy. It would be a mistake to even wish for that. There will always be catty opinions and backseat DJs on the dance floor. But it’s important to acknowledge that there are various ages and musical tastes at every party, and that creating a unique journey for everyone can involve many different experiences. Whether it’s tribal sounds, salsa beats, high-energy moments, sultry rest periods, or classic diva tracks, melding and morphing a tapestry of amazing music together is an art form.

noiZe has featured reviews of four albums of dance music in every issue for the past ten years. Recently, to recognize that not all great music comes on an album, we added Zingles to the mix: reviews of ten singles that you may be hearing or might hear soon. In November, we will introduce an online database housing our entire archive of music reviews so that you can find the tracks that you love and download them to enjoy when you’re not out shaking your booty. So after you’re done checking out the fourteen reviews in this issue, come visit us at http://www.noizemag.com.

In this issue we also take you to the Lone Star State and highlight the city of Dallas. While you may not think of Texas as a big party state, remember that both Purple Party and Jungle are there. A unique spotlight features both Dan De Leon and his promoter partner Alexander Catala. This sexy power couple has been busy creating new things for us to enjoy.

Whether or not you’re familiar with Jonny McGovern on Logo’s The Big Gay Sketch Show or DList.com’s Daniel Nardicio, you’ll want to check out our profiles of them in this issue to learn more about these two New York nightlife mavericks. We also have a touching piece from the Indianapolis noiZe boy who appeared on the last page of our previous issue. If his story doesn’t tug at your heartstrings, nothing will.

We have also chosen a new noiZe boy from over sixty submissions across the country! We will be picking one lucky person every month. Check out Neil Thein from Miami on our MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/ noizemagazine) and look for him at White Party Week in Miami. He’ll be the sexy guy you see dancing, smiling, and handing out copies of noiZe.

Keep pumping that great music, Mr. DJ!

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