A Life & Birthday Celebration! marks the legacy of Prince by taking the audience on a kaleidoscope of the late great artists’ music from his early recordings in the late Seventies through to the epic anthems of the Eighties to the funk inspired Nineties into the experimental Noughties.
Prince dominated the Eighties and Nineties so, as a tribute, Bindi Beatbox have got together with Prince fans DJ Deesh and S-Endz (aka Casey Rain) to put on this night of purple magic. We chat to Casey on the Vimal and Zoe show:
DJ Deesh became a Prince fan in the early Eighties when he first heard 1999. He would go onto experiencing his first Prince concert at the NEC around seven years later, cementing his love of the Purple genius. This was also the same time when he started DJing and has since performed across the UK playing at festivals, arts centres and clubs.
S-Endz (aka Casey Rain) is a vocalist & writer best known as a member of British-Asian electro band Swami. He’s also one of the world’s most recognised Prince fans as a staff member of Prince.org and a co-producer of the award-winning XFM documentary Prince & The Revolution : Parade at 25, exploring the classic ‘Parade’ album on its 25th anniversary. Following the tragic loss of Prince in April 2016, Casey was the world’s only fan to be included in Prince’s memorial programme and tribute service in Los Angeles.
DJ Deesh and S-Endz wanted to pay tribute to Prince by putting on a club night celebrating his legacy at a cool central Birmingham venue inviting fans, music lovers and anyone else who wants a good night out and dance like it’s 1999.
S-Ends (aka Casey Rain)
What made u want to be involved in this event?
Deesh needed someone who knows Prince’s catalog inside out. I can play you things that will freak your mind and give you a purple fix. Deesh is handling the 80’s – I can prove to you that Prince was just as creative and groundbreaking in the 70’s, 90’s, 2000’s and 10’s too.
How many Prince tracks/Albums do you have?
Everything. Over 40 albums, 100+ singles, and if you’re counting unreleased material and live recordings too, then it’s easily over 4000 tracks. Maybe more. Too many to count, let’s just say that.
What was the first Prince track you bought?
The first album I remember actually buying was Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic in 1999. But I have strong early memories of Diamonds & Pearls being released and seeing Emancipation in stores. I came of age in the Napster era, so aside from the songs that I knew growing up, the internet gave me access to everything. I remember downloading random tracks from all sorts of different Prince era and being amazed at how consistent he was, and then I began my quest to hear and discover his entire catalog. It’s a never ending quest, by the way.
What is your favourite track/Album and why?
Impossible question to answer! However, I want to mention Crystal Ball as a track that changed how I viewed music, and Sign O’ The Times is probably my favourite album ever, by anyone.
Where did you see Prince perform live?
Three times in Birmingham, 10 times in London, and once in Las Vegas.
Do you think you are Prince’s biggest fan outside the US?
I don’t see fandom as a competition, but I know how much I love him, and he knew how much I loved him, he inspires me on a daily basis, and I’ve worn his symbol around my neck every day for nearly a decade. Some people have religion, I have Prince. I was very honored to be chosen to represent the fan community by being included in his memorial service in Los Angeles, so those who know, know.
Out of David Bowie and Prince, who do u think was the best artist and why?
I know people who love Bowie as much as I love Prince. Different eras and different strokes, they were both geniuses and everyone will have their opinion – but for me, Prince is the single greatest musical artist of all time. That was my opinion whilst he was alive and it is the same now that he is no longer with us.
What’s your favourite colour?
Purple…what else?
What is your favourite lyric from a prince track?
“Yesterday I tried to write a novel, but I didn’t know where to begin, so I laid down in the grass, trying to feel the world turn…..”
If you know that one, you’re definitely a fan.
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The Life & Birthday Celebration of Prince takes place on:
Date: Saturday 11th June 2016
Time: 10.00pm – Late £5 on the door before midnight
Venue: SO Mezze & Lounge, 89 Holloway Head, Birmingham, B1 1QP
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/657064284443750/
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Vimal Korpal
