Talk The Talk: DJ Mental Feelings
DJ Mental Feelings ó†aka Chris Smith aka The Mellow Legend aka Uncle Hammy ó is the kind of dude who gets credited on Devendra Banhart records even though he’s not playing on them. No, silly, he’s not Dev’s dealer, he’s just that much of a vibe captain. (He’s also an Esper, and they’re no slouches, either.) After a little hiatus, DJ MF brings back the world’s most patchouli-smelling DJ night, The Meltdown Committee tonight at Johnny Brenda’s. We caught the dude on IM to find out what’s what.
Interview and Espers news after the jump.
DJ Mental Feelings! It’s been a while, man. What’s up for this edition of the Meltdown?
It has been a while. I only do it once a season and I think I skipped the summer. This session celebrates the Beaver sprit, hibernation, insomnia and Thanksgiving. Also, new tribenames for the musics that show up to the Meltdown regional pow-wow: critter tunes and boot cut jams.
Right on, I think! Are you gonna do the whole take-home CD for further study, Mr. Hand?
Yes, though I might be using sister PC to call forth the spirit in action during the session. The creation of the takehome sesh might turn out to be what some of my brethren in the art-tribes call site specific.
You’re killing me, dude. Say: Did you see The Squid & The Whale yet? They totally blew up your spot, dawg! Bert Jansch, Loudon Wainright, John Phillips… it was like ol’ Uncle Hammy soundtracked a movie!
I haven’t seen it yet. I’d like to. I heard the soundtrack was wonderful, though sometimes misplaced. You can’t stick these record freaks in front of anyting without a bunch of fussin’.
Speaking of, what’s the latest haps with the Espers? You guys moving to Drag City?
Lots of stuff going down. The Weed Tree [Ed.: The Espers' covers album on Locust Music] was delivered to the people in October, we’re recording the next record now and, yep, Drag City it is. We had a nice little celebration this weekend just past in honor of the new philadelphia blood in the DC veins.
Well, mazel tov, my man! Between you guys and Pearls And Brass, that’s like… two Philly bands on Drag City! Very good. Before we split, any words for all your fellow turkey burglars out there?
Well, i guess i should extend real warm thank you’s to all of my friends and anybody else who has come to all the Meltdowns. I’ve had a blast doing them and the enthusiasm I get from all you folks is fantastic and just part of the whole overall goal of the night. Let music bring us all together, it isn’t a stupid idea.
We read you loud and clear, fellow/mellow traveller. Happy holidays and thank you for these vibrations.
The Meltdown Committee: Old and New Weird Americas, acid folk, commune sounds, vibe-hang anthems, el lay, fingerstyle, stoned loner, hill n’ holler, brit hippie, critter tunes, boot cut music and all things kin… takes place tonight at Johnny Brenda’s, Frankford & Girard Aves. from 9pm-2am. It is free.
