Recess

Tongight is BIGGG - it's a Studio 143 () Takeover!!

We love having the Studio crew crash and this one's going to be a doozy. The crew is rollin' through with showstoppers a-plenty.

Aather () is poppin' off another sweet set tonight. If you caught his last rooftop round, you know to show up.

Maestro (.nso) has a great time ready for us, with the right basket of vibe and prance. He has a lot to offer, come soak it up.

Andymaybe () is rollin' out the audio red carpet. This one knows how to bounce a house proper, so for a good time just get on in here.

Aaaaand our very own, home-grown homie NOOD () will be layin' up some hot sauce. He's back fresh off the Burn and lookin' to be cookin' (while never wookin').

EARLY ALERT! It's First Friday so come through early before it stacks (and do it for $10 before 10pm)

The boyz are back in town and hittin' the playground - it's Recess!

COMMUNITY KICKBALL with Studio 143 ()

// Who are your events for and what do you want them to walk away with?

Our events are for everyone! We aim to appeal to anyone seeking art and connectivity. Studio 143 and its events were built around a wholesome and homey vibe. We strive to establish a sense of community through our events and leave lasting positive memories with everyone who shares a dancefloor with us.

// What do you strive to provide the musician community?

We've always wanted to be a platform for growth in the local electronic music community. We appreciate that not all music is created equally, and we believe that there is a time and place for every sound. When designing our boutique events it was our goal to build a lineup of artists whose style would compliment each other. In our hiatus from producing events we have been experimenting with ways to showcase these curated experiences. We want to give a spotlight to the talented individuals whose sound isn't the typical club vibe.

// Have there been any surprises between what you imagined and what you've wound up doing?

I think our story is the ultimate example of underestimating the possibilities. The journey from backyard gatherings to club takeovers has proven to us that anything is possible when you stay consistent and always put your best forward. As a team we are always learning and honing our craft. Almost every event provides something to improve upon and learn from.

// What would you say to someone looking to start their own collective in the AZ community?

Anyone is capable if they are driven and passionate. Consistency is key. Learn and adapt before giving up, or else you'll never know how close you were to success. Most importantly, check your greed at the door and always remember why we rave in the first place.

// What’s next?

While we hope to return to hosting boutique events soon, we are also looking forward to expanding our digital footprint to provide a larger platform for our community and showcase local talent in a way that is accessible around the world.

//-

📷: .o.u.t, .dj, .g.photography

SWING SET CHAT with Maestro (.nso)

// What got you into working with music?

I got involved with music early on as a child. I started singing when I was 5 and at the age of 8, my mom asked me to learn O Sole Mio to sing for her birthday one year in the restaurant that she ran with my dad, Donna Bella Pizza. After that first public performance for her and in front of the customers, she asked me if I would be interested in taking formal voice lessons. At the age of 9, I joined the Pittsfield School of Music in Massachusetts where I began to learn how to read music and start my journey of mastering my vocal technique and classical training, which to this day I am still working on with my current voice teacher. At the age of 10 I began arranging melodies and dictating my own arrangements of tunes. Eventually, I moved from Massachusetts to Arizona in 2001 and discovered in the school programs out here that band, choir, and orchestra were legitimate classes and electives to focus on. I got involved as much as I could. In the 8th grade, I picked up the string bass and joined the orchestra in addition to being in choir. By my sophomore year of high school, I was enrolled in 2 band classes, 2 orchestras, and 3 choirs. I went on to pursue 3 degrees in music from ASU; a bachelor’s of music in theory and composition, a bachelor’s of music in vocal performance, and a master’s degree in opera performance (because I have always wanted to be a film composer and write my own operas and sing in them and also be a producer who DJs and conducts the orchestra simultaneously). I have also been a core chorister of the Arizona Opera Chorus since 2016.

// Where is your own sound coming from?

I often tell people when asked this question that my niche is "Orchestral EDM". I feel that my sound has been inspired by my deeply rooted classical training then influenced by my parents’ upbringing of eclectic modern music from Prince to Pink Floyd, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin to Metallica and Rammstein, Daft Punk to Depeche Mode, and so much more. Many of my orchestral compositions have been inspired by Hybrid, Film Scores, Janelle Monae, Elvis Costello, and a lot of video game music particularly from Sega Saturn and PS1. As a producer, I am heavily influenced and inspired by Pink Floyd, LCD Sound System, Moon Boots, James Hype, and many more. Ultimately, my sound comes from my heart and from what I feel in the moments that the music I hear in my head brings me to emotionally passionate states of being that require focus to make it realized to hear in reality.

// What does music do for you?

What doesn't it do? Music is what keeps me going. Yes, I have a great family and group of friends with the most loving and wonderful support system, but music is what drives me to hold my normal 9-5 job, music is what inspires me to work hard to save up so I can play harder by investing in myself through my voice lessons, software, equipment, and business endeavors to build my brand and establish my goals and dreams. By the grace of God, I feel music is what He has blessed me with and given me to bide my time in this world while I wait to be with Him, either when He calls me home or if I live to see His second coming, which I also hope I get to live for; my hope is to be in His music ministry when I get to heaven and see the decks and instruments Jesus has up there.

// What are you working on?

In September of 2022, I successfully achieved one of my life's dreams conducting and debuting my original concept show of NuSymphonica Vol. 1 with my NuSymphonic Orchestra at Club Aura on Mill Avenue in Tempe AZ. Since then, I have been focusing more on DJing and administrative sides of the music business including establishing my own LLC. Currently, I am juggling a plethora of exciting and invigorating projects: I am helping one of my closest friends, Aaron (Aather) build and establish his empire, serving as CFO and Director of Public Relations for the Studio 143 Collective while also building up my own brand and music company: NuSymphonic Entertainment LLC. I have several musical endeavors in progress including learning several operatic lead roles for auditions in the future, several concept EPs and Albums with multiple tracks to be completed as well as accompanying music video projects, a quintet chamber project featuring a string quartet and myself as DJ, and plans for NuSymphonica Vol. 2 in which this time I will DJ as Maestro and Conduct the NuSymphonic Orchestra.

// What's next for you?

I am very much looking forward to the coming year. I plan to move forward with all my projects and want to continue building my following while DJing, Composing, Producing, and performing with the AZ Opera Company. I look forward to what Aaron has in store for Studio 143 and to being a part of such a unique, loving, and supportive collective. The excitement that I have with the opportunity that Studio 143 has been given to collaborate with Recess is through the roof and only the beginning of many more exciting developments to come. I want to pull off NuSymphonica Vol. 2 and my chamber project with the string quartet.

// Anything else you would like mentioned or promoted?

I want to say thank you to Neal and Recess for all the opportunities, love, and support as an up-and-coming artist and DJ, thank you to all those who show the love to me, my friends, and colleagues in the industry, and, thank you to God for all the blessings and fortuities He has bestowed upon me to be here and to be able to share the dance floor with you all. Never give up, never lose hope, always keep the faith, and carry on! Luke 1:37 For with God, nothing shall be impossible.

Thank you Sub Terra for a great night 🙏🔥

It's a SUB TERRA Takeover!!

Buckle up, buttercup - comin' thru and we kickin' August out in a BIG WAY.

Enter the masters of House + Techno:
Zamzjamz ()
Streeter ()
SPKN ()
Mike Ronn (**tbitch)

Required: YOU and crew.

The rooftop is rising tonight, come get your rooftop shenanigans with us.

Come early, stay late - it's SUB TERRA @ Recess!

(some pics: , )

COMMUNITY KICKBALL with Sub Terra ()

// Who runs Sub Terra?

SubTerra is a group run collectively. Tyler (), Christian (), and Mike (**tbitch) handle the majority of the day to day operations for the wider group.

// Why did Sub Terra come into being?

By being around a team of like minded individuals that all shared a passion for music and throwing events. With a history of running underground events in the past, we wanted to legitimize ourselves and thus Sub Terra was formed.

// What’s the main goal or mission?

To curate memorable and inclusive dance events and provide opportunities for local artists and Djs to gain more exposure. Our end goal is grow into a successful production company that brings top-tier acts to AZ.

// What’s a memorable moment for Sub Terra?

Hosting our first Phoenix Underground event underneath the overpass. That led us to partner with Techno Snobs () to throw a massive event this past April, Obsidian, which was a huge success and legendary event for the underground community.

// What is a main challenge for Sub Terra?

It will always be finding underground and unique venues to host our events. As the landscape is always changing, it’s a challenge to always be on the lookout for new and worthwhile spots.

// What is Sub Terra trying to bring to the community? What is it’s place in the community?

We focus on bringing quality House x Techno events to the valley, and prioritize locals to be in the lineups. To the best of our ability, we provide opportunities for all those who reach out and whose genres fall under the House and Techno umbrellas.

// What would you say to someone looking to start their own collective in the AZ community?

Focus on your locals and build a community by providing great experiences for your attendees. As your grow your community, everything else will follow!

// What’s next for the collective?

Be on the lookout for some headliner announcements as we start heading into the winter months! We have some exciting shows coming up!

//-

now THAT was a party. 🙏

Tonight's for friends - like you.

The foundation Recess is built on is friends, music, creativity and shared experience.

Since we started - and well before - we've continued to grow what we love. Giving a platform for the players, a floor for the dancers, and a space for absolutely everyone to be who they are. We love meeting you, we love hanging with you. Talking, dancing, laughing, dancing and - did we mention dancing?

Come get down ALL NIGHT with us, to deep vibes and sick tunes from a group of great musicians. Best of all, come get down with a great group of people. That's what happens when YOU and your friends show up.

See you tonight on the floor, and be sure to say hi. You will make a new friend.

There's room for everyone on the playground - at Recess.

Friday 8/23
& Friends

Tonight's the night!

No, seriously - it's nighttime. Tonight. At night.

For real though - come dance your ass off and soak up good vibes. Capiche?

Nicky V () has the goods and is servin' - come get some.

Lugh Haurie () is whippin' out mad soundz these days, ya'll need to get down to this.

NOOD () will do that voodoo that he do so well.

And let us celebrate Krug One () for two reasons. First, he's a musical badass that's gonna trigger your dance muscle. Second, it's his BDAY! Come cut it up with one of the valley's best.

Don't forget your friends, they need something to do tonight. Get on down here proper-like for $10 before 10pm and let's make a night of it.

I mean, that'll be pretty easy since it's nighttime, and stuff. DUH.

Last one to the playground buys a round - it's Recess!

SWING SET CHAT 2 with Krug One ()

// Who are some favorite artists and why?

From a young age music was always my favorite thing. If you asked me who my favorite artists were at 12 and 13 it would’ve been 2pac, blink 182 and Garth Brooks. Fast forward to 16-18 and that same question would’ve been answered with Above & Beyond, Nero, and Jack Beats... and of course, 2pac still. My love for music is ever evolving and that will never change, DJing is a beautiful way to share my musical tastes with like-minded people.

Some of the electronic artists I’ve been into lately have been Demuja, Dosem, Joy Orbison, Justin Jay, Juheun (), Cassettes for Kids, Porter Robinson, Dusky and one of our rooftop legends, Cormac Beeler (). For the most part, I’ve been drawn to a more lofi and outlandish type, and house and electro. Other artists that stay in my rotation most days are Durand Jones & The Indications, Ci******es After S*x, Men I Trust, EKKSTACY, Pink Floyd, Mac Miller, 2pac and Toby Keith. Very chaotic, I know... I listen to what I feel on any given day and with those, I usually can’t go wrong.

// What are your current goals?

My goals right now are honestly to be the best version of myself that I can for my wife and 3 daughters. We all share the same tastes in music and I’m very lucky to have the life that I do and share it with people that I truly love.

// What would you like to do musically that you have yet to do?

In the future, there are a few places I’d love to get the chance to play at; Melinda’s Alley (), DoLab at Coachella and The Brooklyn Mirage. I’ve been to all three in attendance and the environments there are unmatched, but all very unique.

//-

+ Check out Krug One's first Swing Set Chat at instagram.com/p/C3pz2DDrano/

We're bringin' it higher tonight!

Percolate your weekend with Spkn () bubblin' up the hawt stuff to make you trot.

Dialate your waist while Streeter () elevates the space. It's a sonic throw down and we're ready to prance.

Tighten yo shoelaces cause NOOD's () gonna trip dat a$$. Don't miss the spin on this one.

We're blessed to release stress to the musings of Isaiah Walker (). He's got some fresh cuts and wicked mixes to make us move and it's been a minute (can't wait!). Come get a taste of Chicago in the desert.

Bring your franz for $10 before 10pm and turn your ringer off cause everyone who's important is already hurr.

Beat you to the swings - it's Recess!

SWING SET CHAT by Isaiah Walker ()

// What got you into working with music?

Music has really been a part of my life since day one. My dad was always in a band, my sister was in band, so it eventually became my turn and started with at-home piano lessons, to marching band, and jazz band up through high school.

// Where is your own sound coming from?

For mixing you’ll definitely hear a lot of Chicago house rhythm with some tech house synths, but producing wise still trying to find that sound. A lot of it sounds like what’s been done already, but I still got a lot of work with sound design.

// What does music do for you?

Music is the s**t, lol. I mean it can make you happy when you’re mad. Can make you sad too, when you don’t even wanna be sad. I love it! All sorts of genres too, not just electronic. Makes me feel human.

// What are you working on?

Production. I hate it and love it. But I’m getting there. My goal this year is to start releasing tracks. Probably just on Soundcloud but whatever; I need to stop making excuses about why I’m not dropping anything.

// What's next for you?

A vacation. I go back home at the end of August. I’ll be attended Arc and spinning at North Coast after.
But other than that, just working on music in my studio (bedroom 🤣).

Just wanna give a shout out to everyone who has supported me these past few years. Ya'll da s**t!

//-

Playground be hoppin'!

Last one for July, and it's a doozy. Bring it on home tonight for a proper boogie-down.

Xara () is gonna swing us back n' forth with big vibes and high energy. Get lofty while she belts out the groove we need to move. Get your prance on.

Joypop Drifter () see-saws back into our lives with a soul-poppin' set. Catch some hot House with us and make the night count. Bring the homies.

NOOD () apes it up on the monkey bars with beats to lift feets. His summer sets bring tight vibes, plenty of moves, and big smiles. Come hang.

We welcome back Breauxx () as he spins through on a merry-go-round of sound makin' us pound the ground. Proper dance shoes required when he's runnin' the decks. He's stirrin' it up with some originals plus a bevy of mad remixes all ready to rock the party. Homie's a guaranteed ticket to MOVE!

Join us on on downtown’s favorite crown for only $10 before 10pm.

Class is out and your friends are runnin' - toward Recess!

SWING SET CHAT with Breauxx ()

// What got you into working with music?

At age 9, I began as a percussionist performing symphonic and marching band for 9 more years. Upon entering college, I was presented a scholarship at my university for track & field as well as being band but was required to choose between the two. Gave up music to become a jock. 11 years after, picked music back up by getting acquainted with DJing and the rest is history!

// Where is your own sound coming from?

My sounds come from my experience with Southern marching bands and education on what it means to embrace a sound that runs naturally through my veins as well as having an origin to (House).

// What does music do for you?

It allows me to fully express myself with no constraints. Music is an art which means it is subjective. I love knowing that how I express myself through it will always be natural and thats enough to keep me doing it for the foreseeable future!

// What are you working on?

Ableton. Stacking up my catalogue of originals & remixes, whilst giving them test runs during my sets I am able to hone in my sound a bit deeper to continue creating new sounds and tracks to stand apart.

// What's next for you?

In the process of creating an EP with some of my tracks so that listeners may have a better idea of the sound that I am looking to portray.

Since my recent label release w/ OOMF! & Space Yacht label manager Tony H, I have been absolutely on fire and taking it to the next level with a self release happening towards the end of this month. Next month, I shall be out in Chicago for the 2nd year in a row performing for an official afters for the North Coast Music Festival held on Labor Day Weekend.

//-

FRIDAY 7/26:
Breauxx ()
with
NOOD ()
Joypop Drifter ()
Xara ()
** $10 before 10pm **

Time to kick the week to the curb and get down at the clurb.

IllJill () brings her buffet of dance dishes served hot n' ready. Bounce with us she takes us 'round the bend and back again. Be ready to put it down!

Been a hot minute since we had Sapio () roll thru. He's comin' in blazin' with a heapin' serving of hustle. He will proceed to wax the floor with YOUR footwear, so wear your best and brace for a foot fest.

Recess resident Nood () brings his spread of dance dishes served hot n' ready. Bounce with us as he takes us 'round the bend and back again. Be ready to put it down!

Senbad (), one of the valley's ultimate set-makers, is here to drop it deep. Stealin' some energy from Solstice Saturday's, he's got a sweet sesh cooked up and ready to rumble through. Come groove like you need to, we're ready to prance.

What could make tonight any better? You and your crew. Roll through for $10 before 10pm so you're not weeping like a willow this weekend cause you missed the move.

It's just doesn't stop on the rooftop - bounce on up for Recess!

FRIDAY 7/19
Senbad ()
with
NOOD ()
Sapio ()
IllJill ()
** $10 before 10pm **

TONIGHT!!
RECESS x ALL THE HOMIES (.official)
DJ Jeremiah Christo ()
with
NOOD ()
Aather ()
Cheakz ()
** $10 before 10pm **

FRIDAY 7/11
RECESS x ALL THE HOMIES (.official)
DJ Jeremiah Christo ()
with
NOOD ()
Aather ()
Cheakz ()
** $10 before 10pm **

Three time's a charm!

Release parties are special to Recess because we get to platform another growing milestone of our ever-expanding, increasingly incredible AZ music community. Tonight is NO exception.

Samwell () sets the night on fire with extra-hot saucy sound. His sets are absolutely for the dancers so come through if you're looking to cut it up.

Maestro (.nso) returns to lay down another sweet sesh. We're loving what he rolls out. A Maestro set is full of fab vibes, surprise throwbacks and enough motion to shift an ocean.

Nicky V () brings it back with eclectic vibes for all the tribes. This shoe shifter's sound has been aging like a fine wine. Come get some!

Stepping up is Victor Castles () with a Record Release Party to remember. Victor's sound takes you on a powerful journey, and tonight he gives play to fresh track “Let's Fall” feat. Justin Erinn (). Come celebrate Victor's victory along with the beauty that is togetherness - courtesy a signature Castles set.

It's even a "record" for Recess! Tonight's release party is our third in a row, making it a summer of fresh tracks galore and the first time we've ran three back to back.

Where else can you feel like a million bucks for $10 before 10pm?

Release the hounds - time for Recess!

STUDIO SANDBOX with Victor Castles ()

>> What made you start producing?

I've been writing songs since I was 12, so over 20 years now. I was always fascinated by the concepts of recording, mixing, and engineering, especially when recording in studios with old bands I used to play in. I also played in a rock band for almost 15 years. I was the chief songwriter and am well rounded in playing and writing for each of the instruments involved: guitar, bass, drums, voice, etc.

Oftentimes I found myself writing music for multiple or all the instruments and my brain started to work this way every time I sat down to write a song. I didn't even know what production meant in modern terms back then. Little did I know I was preparing myself to ultimately become one myself. When my band didn't work out a little over 10 years ago I made the decision to move from my hometown of Tucson, AZ and make my way to Phoenix and to begin immersing myself in the electronic music realm to which House and Techho were always the styles I gravitated to.

I spent my first few years here as a promoter and DJ. I retracted from the local DJ scene about six months prior to Covid and kept my head down working endlessly and relentlessly for years, during and after Covid, to get myself to a place where I could truly be proud of the music and art I was creating and pumping out of my studio speakers. It's taken longer than expected, but I truly feel I'm finally there. The goal is to make timeless records, always. Quality over quantity.

>> What were your initial challenges with production?

I've always been a technology wiz, but truly translating the skills of the art of making music organically into electronic production, mastering Ableton, plugins, and understanding the science/art of audio and mixing. Not to mention technical difficulties and technology impeding the process due to not having enough resources like cpu and ram. Overheating was a major problem before I figured out how to run a lean project...

My debut track "Let's Fall" (July 3rd, 2024) took years to finish because after we wrote the demo I didn't feel I was quite competent enough as a producer, more specifically as a mixing engineer. I could've sent it off to a mixing engineer as a lot of producers do, but I have a very specific vision for my music and I knew if I didn't take the time to learn such a challenging aspect and missing piece of the puzzle, I might not ever be able to truly represent myself sonically with authenticity and truth. Those aspects really matter to me so, instead I spent a very long time trying to crack those codes in mixing. Now I feel like I have such a deep understanding of it. I'm able to make records sound pretty solid fairly quickly across multiple genres. It's a beautiful thing and I'm very proud of having acquired these skills.

>> How do you stay motivated and break through early frustration?

This can be difficult. The process can be very lonely and definitely frustrating! (haha) Your commitment to your dream has to be greater than the discomfort of making it a reality. I try to push through obstacles, but sometimes walking away, spending time with friends (asking for feedback), and doing things to clear your head and reset can really help.

There's a fire inside me that can't be put out when it comes to music. It's hard to explain. I feel it's my purpose and I'm letting myself and everyone else down when I'm not progressing myself in that area. I've made ultimate sacrifices to keep this dream alive throughout my life and when times get hard, I think about how I've come too far to only come this far. And that mantra helps.

>> What advice would you give to someone looking to start producing?

Stick with it. Never quit. Do it every day. Slow progress is still progress. Find a mentor, pay it forward and once good enough mentor someone else. Learn the fundamentals of audio and mixing asap. Learn the fundamentals of music theory. All the education you need like most things these days is available online. Teach yourself an instrument. And one of the most important things, COLLABORATE with the right people. Also, learn to always leave your ego at the door. There's no room for ego in this game.

>> Where can we hear what you're putting out?

My debut single as an electronic artist, "Let's Fall" released everywhere for purchase and download on July 3rd. If you were to ask me, the best way my fans and friends can support, would be to purchase the song on Beatport.com. I was able to get on Beatport without the support of a label, which is rare and that's a big deal to me. Another really exciting thing is this song will be available to post as featured audio on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Capcut, Snapchat, etc. So feel free to add it to your content such as reels, stories, and posts! Also adding the song to your streaming playlist (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) would be a huge support as well!

All major online music retailers such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, Beatport.

Online radio: Pandora, iHeartRadio, Deezer, etc.

Major Streaming Platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube.

Mad love to my Bishops & Rooks.
..

SWING SET CHAT with Victor Castles: bit.ly/swing-set-chat-victor-castles

Yoooo - it's 'bout time!

Time for a proper night to shake off the universe. We got the setup.

FRESH ALERT: It's a Baggins record release party, come get down to new sounds.

Heaven-sent resident NOOD () is fixin to break it down. A NOOD set is a guaranteed gitdown and his groove is your move. Show up and make it so.

Maestro (.nso) steps up for another go round. This multi-talented AZ goldmine is puttin out serious sound nuggets. It's a chance to use them shoes, don't miss.

Quailbuddy () is droppin' in to give it up. Dance floor beware - he's got tricks. Gather round with us for a good sesh, he's ready to oblige.

Baggins () is bustin' out with fresh cuts going live on Black Disk () and Mise En Place (). This rising AZ producer is onto something (we knew it from the start) and here's your invite if you haven't gotten the drift. Come soak up some of AZ's tightest House at this very special release party.

Roll through with crew for $10 before 10pm.

It's about time - for Recess!

STUDIO SANDBOX with Baggins ()

>> What made you start producing?

For the last few years I've had it in my mind that I wanted to start producing but it was always an "I'll start tomorrow" mentality. Finally it hit me that if I want to take this seriously and push music as far as it can go for me I had to start making music!

>> What were your initial challenges with production?

I think the biggest challenge for me was and still is song composition, making sure everything is cohesive and fits together in a way that makes sense. It's easy to over complicate things.

>> How do you stay motivated and break through early frustration?

The biggest key for me has been committing to finishing tracks. It's helped give a sense of accomplishment and I can see small improvements from track to track. Over time that adds up! Also there are a surprising amount of talented producers locally in AZ and seeing the music they put out always inspires me to get into the studio.

>> What advice would you give to someone looking to start producing?

Just stay consistent! Don't force yourself to be in the studio if you're not feeling it but getting in there 3-4 times a week or more is going to be the key to progressing. No one was born naturally knowing how to use a DAW ;)

>> Where can we hear what you're putting out?

Spotify or Soundcloud! I have 3 releases so far on Spotify and 3 more planned for this year! So, be on the look out for plenty of tunes in the 2nd half of the year from me.
..

SWING SET CHAT with Baggins: https://www.facebook.com/recess.phx/posts/pfbid0WHi1fd44airXxQZhnj4W5qzrqkaq7izSKQFMrTMRsjprxLKaxBnhSA1LdNTfoxqRl