Mixxd X 2

The first time I heard Ana M play was in a warehouse in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I could tell immediately that this DJ had something different. She has a commitment to her sound, and an ability to change and adapt to the environment it’s being played in. Which is still exactly what I hear when I listen to her DJ now, but with a bit of evolution.

She has confidence, awareness and an understanding of what it takes to be a truly unique DJ. The road she has taken since that very first night I heard her play has changed her, but then again, so has mine. Isn’t that the point, though? Don’t we want to hear the changes? Isn’t that why we’re here?

Some things haven’t changed, though, which is why I’m happy to see that for the next month we will have two chances to not just hear Ana M the DJ, but to also experience the vibe created by her shows known as MIXXD.

What I always like about these shows is the fact that they’re created with the intent of blending not just sounds, but styles and perspectives. When you go to a MIXXD show you get variety in an environment that is more focused on the vibe than on anybody actually playing.

The first stop in the MIXXD X 2 month is this Sunday, June 26th at Insideout where she has gathered a lineup of six different DJ’s, all playing their own form of House and Techno, or somewhere in the middle.

Included are two of my favorites. Xkota, who continues to show her own ability to stand with the best techno DJ’s in the southwest, and also Varsity Acid, who always plays well, no matter where I see him or what sound he plays.

What I like about Varsity Acid is what I like about Ana M and her Mixxd shows. They can each play whatever whenever, and the environment allows for the adaption and evolution of their sound.

The last time I heard Varsity Acid play was alongside Christoph at Electric Playhouse, and I’ve been dying to tell him how much I enjoyed his sound that night, but then again, like I said, the next time I hear him it will be something different. I love that New Mexico will always be about that.

His sound was driving and powerful, and if I’m not mistaken he even found a way to mix in some Acid just before handing the reins over to the other DJ. I can even remember seeing him in the crowd and wanting to tell him I enjoyed it, but being too embarrassed. So now I’ll say it in print. Thanks for the good night. We needed it.

Rounding out that lineup are Ana M herself, of course, as well as Ruby Rhodd and Ulione, to complete an all local lineup on a Sunday night, which I hope will become a common occurrence, since so many people love hanging out in the cool desert air and listening to the music they love, with the people they love.

There’s no excuse not to go. Be there before 8pm and the price is only $5, get there after and still its only $10.

What I hope for this show is a return to the roots of the local connection to house music, and the reminder that no DJ is above the mix that is our culture. I’m excited for all the DJ’s involved, but most of all I’m excited for New Mexico, and the hope that this is only the beginning.

From there MIXXD has another show on July 10th, at Insideout again, and I’ll admit I’m very excited for this one. Coming to town is one of a kind Madam X, and the description of her fits very much in line with what I can tell Ana M is doing as well.

Madam X will play anywhere from Breaks, to House, to Techno, to anything experimental that she likes, and the eclectic DJ’s will always be my favorites. Often times DJ’s fall into the trap of playing what people expect of them and Madam X will never be one of those DJ’s.

She takes you on a journey and the possibility of seeing her in such an intimate environment as Insideout, where the stars are the ceiling, is one I hope every electronic music lover in New Mexico will at the very least consider.

The New Mexico electronic music scene is at a crossroads right now, and I feel Ana M sees that as much as anybody, which is why it’s so important that she’s bringing unique DJ’s to such settings, while still including the sounds of our local scene as well.

Included on the lineup are two DJ’s who play solid sounds of their own in Femme.Antics with Drum and Bass, and Wyatt Lawson with Dubstep. Both belonging to different genre’s, and yet at the same time, what difference does it really make? If you can play you can play, and these DJ’s can play.

Along with them are again, Ana M and another local favorite Conrisa, as well. Causing the overall amount of DJ’s playing on both nights to be an even ten, with nine of them being different locals who play different sounds, and yet believe in this scene as much as the next.

For this one the price before 8pm is $10, and after its $15, with both shows going from 6pm-12am. Both on Sundays, and I can’t say enough how excited I am to be having events all weekend long again. You can go out Friday, and even again Saturday, and still have Sunday to recover with good music. This is a great step for the music scene in our city.

So in closing, I’d like to tell Ana M how much I am enjoying her evolution through sound and I look forward to hearing where it goes from here. I feel this DJ may very well represent where New Mexico is going next, and if she blows up don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Included is a mix from Ana M Herself so you can hear for yourself, but again, don’t forget to go early and stay late. Plus, tickets only sold at the door. So you’re not getting in unless you get in. I love that.

Anyways, see you on the dancefloor, and all that jazz. It’ll be a real Mixx.

You see what I did there?