Episode 338: MAX GLAZER "Celebrating 25 Years Of Federation Sound"
Episode 338: MAX GLAZER "Celebrating 25 Years Of Federation Sound"Digest
This podcast features an interview with DJ Max Cleezer, celebrating his 25 years with Federation Sound and his significant contributions to NYC's music scene. The conversation covers his early career at Fat Beats and Eight Ball Records, shaping the reggae section and his unique experiences DJing at iconic clubs like Limelight and the Tunnel. He details the shift from the Tunnel's chaotic energy to the more exclusive Black Diamonds parties, culminating in the legendary "Happy Birthday Goldie" night at Chaos, where Nas and Jay-Z's diss tracks were played back-to-back. The podcast also explores the formation of Federation Sound, his collaborations with Rihanna (including dubplate creation on a tour bus), his work with Cypher, and the challenges and triumphs of navigating the US market for reggae and dancehall music, including the rise of Afrobeats and Soca. The interview concludes with a discussion of his long-standing relationship with Vibes Kartel and the creation of their collaborative mixtape, *Federation Sound Vibes Cartel*. The podcast also promotes the Sound Collective, a NYC studio and educational facility.
Outlines
Introduction: DJ Max Cleezer & Federation Sound's 25th Anniversary
Introduction to DJ Max Cleezer, his legendary status in NYC's reggae and dancehall scene, and his 25th anniversary with Federation Sound.
Early Career & NYC's Music Scene
DJ Max Cleezer's early career, time at Fat Beats and Eight Ball Records, shaping the reggae section, and NYC's dancehall culture.
NYC Dancehall Culture & Record Hunting
NYC's unique dancehall culture, record shopping, Super Power Records, and the "Dollar Van" phenomenon.
DJ Max Cleezer's Journey to NYC
DJ Max Cleezer's path to becoming a NYC DJ, upbringing in Woodstock, early exposure to reggae and hip-hop, and college application.
DJing at Limelight & the Tunnel
DJing experiences at Limelight and the Tunnel, opening for Funkmaster Flex, and challenges of the Tunnel's turntables.
DJ Dynamics & the "Tap on the Shoulder"
The "tap on the shoulder" phenomenon, building energy in a club setting, and DJ dynamics.
The Sound Collective & Promotion
Promotion for the Sound Collective, a NYC studio and educational facility, with a discount code.
Early Hip-Hop Parties in NYC: Black Diamonds & Derek Corley
Early hip-hop parties in NYC, Black Diamonds, Derek Corley's events, and the shift from the Tunnel to a more upscale scene.
Nas vs. Jay-Z & the Chaos Club
The Nas vs. Jay-Z beef, the Chaos club, and the legendary night where their diss tracks were played back-to-back.
The Legendary "Happy Birthday Goldie" Night at Chaos
The December 16, 2001, event at Chaos, the crowd's reaction to the Nas/Jay-Z diss tracks, and its historical significance.
Musical Landscape of Black Diamonds Parties & DJ Philosophy
The musical style of Black Diamonds parties, the DJs' philosophy on avoiding playbacks, and the exception made for the Nas/Jay-Z tracks.
The Enduring Legacy of "Happy Birthday Goldie" Night
The lasting impact of the "Happy Birthday Goldie" night and the unique audio recording.
Formation of Federation Sound
The formation of Federation Sound, its origins, and evolution into a prominent sound system.
Early Reggae Radio Days & Collaboration with Cypher
Early reggae radio days, collaboration with Cypher, and introducing reggae to a wider audience.
Rihanna's Breakthrough & Sypher's Role
Sypher's early adoption of Rihanna's music, the importance of connections, and Rihanna's success.
Transitioning to Reggae-Focused Events & the Rihanna Tour
The shift towards reggae-focused events and the opportunity to work with Rihanna.
Dancehall's Popularity, Challenges, and the US Market
The fluctuating popularity of dancehall and reggae in the US market, visa issues, and cultural misunderstandings.
Afrobeats, Soca, and the Evolution of Caribbean Music
The rise of Afrobeats and Soca, their impact, and misconceptions surrounding genre classification.
Relationship with Vibes Kartel & Federation Sound Vibes Cartel Mixtape
The long-standing relationship with Vibes Kartel, their collaborative mixtape, and the recording process.
Collaborating with Rihanna: Dubplates & Remixes
Collaborations with Rihanna, creation of dubplates, remix of "What's My Name," and challenges of working with a major pop artist.
Keywords
Reggae Dancehall
Jamaican popular music genre, fusion of reggae and dancehall.
Funkmaster Flex
Influential American DJ, known for Hot 97 radio show.
Fat Beats
Renowned NYC record store, hub for hip-hop and underground music.
Super Power Records
Brooklyn record store, extensive reggae and dancehall collection.
Dollar Van
Informal Brooklyn taxi service used by record collectors.
Sound Collective
NYC music studio and educational facility.
Black Diamonds
Prominent hip-hop party promotion company in Manhattan.
Chaos (Nightclub)
NYC nightclub, famous for Nas vs. Jay-Z night.
Nas vs. Jay-Z
Highly publicized feud between two iconic rappers.
Federation Sound
NYC-based sound system, known for hip-hop, reggae, and dancehall.
Q&A
What were some of the key challenges and rewards of DJing in iconic NYC clubs like the Tunnel?
Challenges included bouncy turntables and pressure from headliners; rewards included high-energy crowds and showcasing skills.
How did the unique dancehall culture of New York City influence your DJ sets?
NYC's West Indian population created demand for energetic reggae sets.
What role did record stores like Fat Beats and Super Power play in shaping your musical identity and career?
Access to diverse music, building DJ collections, and social hubs for music lovers.
Can you describe the "tap on the shoulder" experience and its significance in the NYC DJ scene?
A request for a record or signal to end a set, highlighting collaborative and competitive dynamics.
What is the Sound Collective, and how can listeners connect with it?
A NYC studio and educational facility; listeners can visit their website or use code "Road" for a free month.
What was the significance of the December 16, 2001, night at the Chaos club?
The only documented recording of the crowd's reaction to Nas and Jay-Z's diss tracks.
How did the atmosphere of Black Diamonds parties differ from the Tunnel club?
Black Diamonds was more upscale and exclusive, with bottle service, unlike the Tunnel's chaotic energy.
How did the DJs' decision to play the Nas and Jay-Z diss tracks multiple times contribute to the night's legendary status?
The repetition amplified the intense energy, creating an unforgettable experience.
How did Federation Sound evolve from a DJ crew to a sound system?
From a close-knit crew to a unified identity and brand.
What were some of the initial challenges faced by the speaker in his early career?
Limited airtime for reggae mixes and navigating the music industry.
Show Notes
On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas are excited to welcome DJ, producer, and New York’s finest, @MaxGlazer, along with guest host @DJGoldFinderNYC. Max reflects on his journey in the NYC music scene (2:20 ), from working at iconic record stores like #FatBeats and #8Ball Records to becoming a prominent DJ in the city’s dancehall and reggae circuits (8:08 ). He shares stories from his early career, including the challenge of opening for headliners at venues like #TheTunnel and #Limelight (23:30 ) and the rise of dancehall and reggae in the mid-2000s (34:19 ). Max recounts memorable moments, such as premiering Jay-Z and Nas diss tracks in the club for the first time in 2001 (52:10 ), and details the foundation of starting the Federation Sound system with @CiphaSounds (1:31:39 ). Max also talks about working and touring with a young Rihanna (@BadGalRiri) (1:34:10 ) and encourages tour DJs to understand the landscape to ensure they are properly compensated (1:50:40 ). Finally, he discusses his working relationships with Sean Paul (@DuttyPaul) (1:58:45 ) and Vybz Kartel (@VybzKartel) (2:30:01 ).
This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!
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