🔊🎶 HIVE Productions proudly presents NECTAR at Flask Lounge on June 2nd, starting at 9PM. 🔊🎶
Come groove with us for an unforgettable sensory experience at Nectar, where top notch grooves and a mind-blowing Portal visual display collide. Immerse yourself in an otherworldly atmosphere as the pulsating beats of cutting-edge melodic techno transport you to new dimensions of sound. Witness the convergence of music and art as the Portal visual display mesmerizes with its captivating blend of light, color, and shape, creating an ethereal dreamscape that dances in perfect harmony with the music. Prepare to lose yourself in the enchanting fusion of sound and visuals at Nectar, a transcendent event that will leave you spellbound and craving for more.
Boston up and coming DJs Dr. Ross (yes, an actual doctor) and Chris Culnane make their Maine debut alongside founder Max Dansky for a night of tech-driven rhythm, groove and vibes supremé.
🌟🎆 Join us at Flask Lounge in Portland, Maine, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere and top-notch sound. This is an event you don’t want to miss! 🏙️🌙
For the love of house, let’s dance! 🌇💫
🔊🎶 HIVE Productions proudly presents NECTAR at Flask Lounge on June 2nd, starting at 9PM. 🔊🎶
Come groove with us for an unforgettable sensory experience at Nectar, where top notch grooves and a mind-blowing Portal visual display collide. Immerse yourself in an otherworldly atmosphere as the pulsating beats of cutting-edge melodic techno transport you to new dimensions of sound. Witness the convergence of music and art as the Portal visual display mesmerizes with its captivating blend of light, color, and shape, creating an ethereal dreamscape that dances in perfect harmony with the music. Prepare to lose yourself in the enchanting fusion of sound and visuals at Nectar, a transcendent event that will leave you spellbound and craving for more.
Boston up and coming DJs Dr. Ross (yes, an actual doctor) and Chris Culnane make their Maine debut alongside founder Max Dansky for a night of tech-driven rhythm, groove and vibes supremé.
🌟🎆 Join us at Flask Lounge in Portland, Maine, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere and top-notch sound. This is an event you don’t want to miss! 🏙️🌙
For the love of house, let’s dance! 🌇💫
🔊🎶 HIVE Productions proudly presents NECTAR at Flask Lounge on June 2nd, starting at 9PM. 🔊🎶
Come groove with us for an unforgettable sensory experience at Nectar, where top notch grooves and a mind-blowing Portal visual display collide. Immerse yourself in an otherworldly atmosphere as the pulsating beats of cutting-edge melodic techno transport you to new dimensions of sound. Witness the convergence of music and art as the Portal visual display mesmerizes with its captivating blend of light, color, and shape, creating an ethereal dreamscape that dances in perfect harmony with the music. Prepare to lose yourself in the enchanting fusion of sound and visuals at Nectar, a transcendent event that will leave you spellbound and craving for more.
Boston up and coming DJs Dr. Ross (yes, an actual doctor) and Chris Culnane make their Maine debut alongside founder Max Dansky for a night of tech-driven rhythm, groove and vibes supremé.
🌟🎆 Join us at Flask Lounge in Portland, Maine, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere and top-notch sound. This is an event you don’t want to miss! 🏙️🌙
For the love of house, let’s dance! 🌇💫
🔊🎶 HIVE Productions proudly presents NECTAR at Flask Lounge on June 2nd, starting at 9PM. 🔊🎶
Come groove with us for an unforgettable sensory experience at Nectar, where top notch grooves and a mind-blowing Portal visual display collide. Immerse yourself in an otherworldly atmosphere as the pulsating beats of cutting-edge melodic techno transport you to new dimensions of sound. Witness the convergence of music and art as the Portal visual display mesmerizes with its captivating blend of light, color, and shape, creating an ethereal dreamscape that dances in perfect harmony with the music. Prepare to lose yourself in the enchanting fusion of sound and visuals at Nectar, a transcendent event that will leave you spellbound and craving for more.
Boston up and coming DJs Dr. Ross (yes, an actual doctor) and Chris Culnane make their Maine debut alongside founder Max Dansky for a night of tech-driven rhythm, groove and vibes supremé.
🌟🎆 Join us at Flask Lounge in Portland, Maine, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere and top-notch sound. This is an event you don’t want to miss! 🏙️🌙
For the love of house, let’s dance! 🌇💫
🔊🎶 HIVE Productions proudly presents NECTAR at Flask Lounge on June 2nd, starting at 9PM. 🔊🎶
Come groove with us for an unforgettable sensory experience at Nectar, where top notch grooves and a mind-blowing Portal visual display collide. Immerse yourself in an otherworldly atmosphere as the pulsating beats of cutting-edge melodic techno transport you to new dimensions of sound. Witness the convergence of music and art as the Portal visual display mesmerizes with its captivating blend of light, color, and shape, creating an ethereal dreamscape that dances in perfect harmony with the music. Prepare to lose yourself in the enchanting fusion of sound and visuals at Nectar, a transcendent event that will leave you spellbound and craving for more.
Boston up and coming DJs Dr. Ross (yes, an actual doctor) and Chris Culnane make their Maine debut alongside founder Max Dansky for a night of tech-driven rhythm, groove and vibes supremé.
🌟🎆 Join us at Flask Lounge in Portland, Maine, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere and top-notch sound. This is an event you don’t want to miss! 🏙️🌙
For the love of house, let’s dance! 🌇💫
🔊🎶 HIVE Productions proudly presents NECTAR at Flask Lounge on June 2nd, starting at 9PM. 🔊🎶
Come groove with us for an unforgettable sensory experience at Nectar, where top notch grooves and a mind-blowing Portal visual display collide. Immerse yourself in an otherworldly atmosphere as the pulsating beats of cutting-edge melodic techno transport you to new dimensions of sound. Witness the convergence of music and art as the Portal visual display mesmerizes with its captivating blend of light, color, and shape, creating an ethereal dreamscape that dances in perfect harmony with the music. Prepare to lose yourself in the enchanting fusion of sound and visuals at Nectar, a transcendent event that will leave you spellbound and craving for more.
Boston up and coming DJs Dr. Ross (yes, an actual doctor) and Chris Culnane make their Maine debut alongside founder Max Dansky for a night of tech-driven rhythm, groove and vibes supremé.
🌟🎆 Join us at Flask Lounge in Portland, Maine, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere and top-notch sound. This is an event you don’t want to miss! 🏙️🌙
For the love of house, let’s dance! 🌇💫
🔊🎶 HIVE Productions proudly presents NECTAR at Flask Lounge on June 2nd, starting at 9PM. 🔊🎶
Come groove with us for an unforgettable sensory experience at Nectar, where top notch grooves and a mind-blowing Portal visual display collide. Immerse yourself in an otherworldly atmosphere as the pulsating beats of cutting-edge melodic techno transport you to new dimensions of sound. Witness the convergence of music and art as the Portal visual display mesmerizes with its captivating blend of light, color, and shape, creating an ethereal dreamscape that dances in perfect harmony with the music. Prepare to lose yourself in the enchanting fusion of sound and visuals at Nectar, a transcendent event that will leave you spellbound and craving for more.
Boston up and coming DJs Dr. Ross (yes, an actual doctor) and Chris Culnane make their Maine debut alongside founder Max Dansky for a night of tech-driven rhythm, groove and vibes supremé.
🌟🎆 Join us at Flask Lounge in Portland, Maine, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere and top-notch sound. This is an event you don’t want to miss! 🏙️🌙
For the love of house, let’s dance! 🌇💫
🔊🎶 HIVE Productions proudly presents NECTAR at Flask Lounge on June 2nd, starting at 9PM. 🔊🎶
Come groove with us for an unforgettable sensory experience at Nectar, where top notch grooves and a mind-blowing Portal visual display collide. Immerse yourself in an otherworldly atmosphere as the pulsating beats of cutting-edge melodic techno transport you to new dimensions of sound. Witness the convergence of music and art as the Portal visual display mesmerizes with its captivating blend of light, color, and shape, creating an ethereal dreamscape that dances in perfect harmony with the music. Prepare to lose yourself in the enchanting fusion of sound and visuals at Nectar, a transcendent event that will leave you spellbound and craving for more.
Boston up and coming DJs Dr. Ross (yes, an actual doctor) and Chris Culnane make their Maine debut alongside founder Max Dansky for a night of tech-driven rhythm, groove and vibes supremé.
🌟🎆 Join us at Flask Lounge in Portland, Maine, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere and top-notch sound. This is an event you don’t want to miss! 🏙️🌙
For the love of house, let’s dance! 🌇💫
Rapper, MC, Producer, Artist, Writer, Lover of Calvin and Hobbes.
Jesse Duncan, also known as Khed/Kid Calvin or J.Dunkz, has been an artist for roughly 25 years, and was born in San Diego, and raised mainly in New York, Texas, and Maine (among other states). Recently, Jesse volunteered his time and created an epic mural in Flask’s downstairs bathroom, promoting messages of love and respect.
When did you first discover your love for art?
It was around 1987, at the young age of 6 or 7, when I started getting into skateboarding and it’s culture through the local teens from the housing complex I lived in at the time. They showed me how to draw and cut elaborate designs and logos on the griptape of skateboards. I was hooked with expressing myself through art ever since then. As I got older, I started getting into Calvin and Hobbes. I would cut comic strips out of newspapers and put them all over my walls. I eventually took to re-drawing all of those strips. Through the music I listened to growing up and all the skateboarding magazines I was reading daily, I started noticing graffiti. I got hooked on drawing letters, playing around and studying colors, as well as the freedom to think outside the box a bit and get funky.
Can you give us a brief history of graffiti culture?
Graffiti in some shape or form has been around for a long time (like ‘kilroy was here‘ and cave paintings), but it wasn’t until the early ’60s, that graffiti culture started taking shape. There was early Chicano gang graffiti on the west coast taking shape with their own letterforms. Around ’65, a guy writing ‘cornbread’ in Philly (Darryl McCray,) would walk the city bus routes spraypainting and writing his name on everything. Eventually, this would spread into NYC and surrounding areas. Primitive tags turned into more elaborate ones, then quick 2 colors ‘throw-ups’ or ‘stamps.’ Eventually evolving into more and more intricate pieces with 3-d’s and abstract designs, characters, backgrounds, and murals.
Has the culture changed in recent times? It definitely has given the rise of social media. Before that, it was kind of a passed down trade in a sense, such as the unwritten rules, tools, tricks, tips, and stories about graffiti. Older, more experienced writers would pass down knowledge to the younger kids. There are still folks out there paying homage to the unwritten rules of graffiti, though. It’s also much easier to see what’s getting painted online these days, instead of having to go out and look for spots and hope you find graffiti-like it used to be. Now a lot of folks are missing out on exploring the city they live in. Many younger writers are in it for the quick fame these days without thinking about longevity. There are still folks out there paying homage to the unwritten rules of graffiti and doing things the proper way.
“Crack Is Wack” by Keith Haring at Harlem River Drive and E. 128th St. Keith Haring moved to New York from Pittsburgh in 1978. Eight years later, he created his “Crack Is Wack” piece on two sides of a handball court that sits beside the Harlem River Drive at E. 128th St. He created the piece during a time when HIV/AIDS and the crack epidemic were hitting the city hard. (Haring himself tragically died of AIDS in 1990 at age 31.)
How does someone earn the title of “Graffiti Artist?”
Writers is the preferred term, but, anybody who has a graff name and focuses on letterform, and then proceeds to put up their name continually, would be considered a writer. Writers and street artists are two completely different things.
What are your thoughts about tagging?
Tagging is gravely misunderstood from the viewpoint of outsiders. It’s the foundation of graffiti. Without it, there wouldn’t be the elaborate pieces and murals you see today. With graffiti, there are rules about where it’s appropriate to tag. Mom and pop shops/venues, schools, churches, houses, civilian cars are all off-limits. Tagging is deeply rooted in typography and handwriting. It’s based very much on understanding letter structure and form. Styles can be very different regionally too, and there’s a lot of rich history behind the evolution of certain handstyles. There’s a wonderful book called “Flip The script: a guidebook for aspiring vandals & typographers” I highly suggest if anyone is interested in learning more about it.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
Bill Waterson, Learn, Rich, Jurne, Kerse, Mecro, Taste, Twist, Mone, Mes, Aves, Spek, trixter, daks, baser, aves, mes, cezanne, klimit, keith haring, jackson pollock, daks, soe, the solo artist, turdl, vane, write, neil geiman, jack kirby, bode, dondi, salvadore dali. The list could go on and on forever, there’s so many.
If you could share space for a mural with anyone, who would it be with, and what location?
Anyone of my close homies. I love painting with good friends and having fun vibing. I’ve always wanted to paint in Australia, Vancouver, Canada, and the pacific northwest. I love to paint in hidden spots away from the beaten path, preferably near water.
What’s one of the most significant challenges you face as an artist?
Time. Between balancing work, being a dad, making music, and producing art, it’s really hard to find time for everything.
What are you most proud of?
The birth of my twins 10 years ago. Those little nuggets are my life.
I’m trying to further my Aqua Velvet Audio brand by releasing more music, more art, more murals, collaborating, doing more shows, more community outreach, and possibly starting a clothing line. Other than that, raising my kids and working on myself every day.
Your favorite lyric?
This is the hardest thing for me, haha. I loved so much different music over the years, so many genres, moods, and feelings, it’s hard to pick a favorite.
Favorite Color? Sea Foam Green
A word you think is funny? Discombobulated
Tell us a secret? “Loose lips sink ships”
If you enjoyed reading this blog please consider making a small ($1 – $5) donation to help us through this crazy time & Commission Jesse for future projects at Flask.
Resolutions, lessons learned, insights to get gigs, the importance of Tuesday nights at Flask, what to expect on NYE, and fun bonus QnA’s w/ APG, G-Force, Harlock, and Kid Ray! New Year’s Eve falls on a Tuesday, landing on our weekly Open DJ Night. I thought, why not ask our Open hosts to take over and lead us into 2020 Flasquerade style.
What has your experience been as a host of OPEN? Is OPEN vital to the DJ community?
Andrew Paul (APG): When I heard Open needed a host earlier this year, I jumped right on the opportunity, for the main purpose of keeping the night going. It has been vital for the scene and should not be taken for granted. For newer and older DJ’s alike, it allows us to play out, and connect with others. It’s been an honor to host.
Gina Hesse (G-Force): I got my first real electronic music gig because of Open back in 2012. I owe a lot to Open, and I think it is vital to the Maine electronic music scene. It helps bedroom DJs get a chance to break out of their comfort zone and potentially get gigs out of it.
James Spinney (Harlock): I’ve been lucky to be a part of Open since Kid Ray’s induction in 2013, attending the first few Open’s as a patron and occasionally signing up to DJ. Open had been an immediate success in the scene, encouraging both veteran DJs and hopeful beginners to come out and spin their passions for an eager crowd, and I was no exception. As a producer first, and DJ second, Open was especially magical for me as it provided a platform to show off the music I had been producing over the years. To help support Open, several of the regular DJs, Carl Fisher, Moses, A Dude Named Ray, Dj Cougar, as well as Kid Ray himself, would help by providing the necessary equipment to host the night. I ended up picking up a pair of new CDJs to provide some relief for the rotation and become a regular co-host. The rest is history!
Christopher Ramos (Kid Ray): I was the primary host for six years up until this year, I host the first Tuesday of the month. I love every Tuesday, one way or another. Once, a guy tried playing a set with two cassette decks. This forum offers new and veteran DJs and Artists a chance to hone their talents with their peers.
Flask receives 100’s of booking requests each month from bands and DJs. I imagine this number is equivalent to other venues in Portland. What’s the best advice you can give to up and coming musicians who want to break out and book gigs at Flask and other local venues?
Andrew Paul (APG): When I was a newer DJ, Open was vital for me. It gave me a way to practice outside of the bedroom, and at the same time, network with other DJ’s attending. That alone helped create paths for new gigs.
Gina Hesse (G-Force): I’d say, if you’re a DJ or producer, get to Open. It is the ONLY Open DJ night in this area. I know that I have booked DJ’s that I have heard at Open, and they have gone on to other things. As far as other music genres, make demos. Get your name out there. Go to open mic nights and make yourself known. You will never be heard if you don’t get out there and perform for the masses!
James Spinney (Harlock): One of the most important things you can do is come out and show support for the events being hosted at the venue. Network with regulars, talk with the promoters and get a few attendances under your belt before hunting down a gig. If you’re a DJ, then definitely swing by on a Tuesday and sign-up for Open (sign-ups start at 8:30, so get there early!). Often there will be regulars and veterans who frequently host or DJ events attending Open, so giving them a preview of your talents can only help! Many of the veteran DJs are more than willing to give upcoming artists a shot. G-Force specifically has a fantastic track record of showcasing phenomenal artists that otherwise have gone unnoticed. If you run into her, say hi, and introduce yourself, it’ll be the smartest thing you do that night.
Christopher Ramos (Kid Ray): If you want it, you have to shoot your shots as professionally as possible. Be present and available.
It’s open mic, but for DJs. Bring your Records, CDs, or Controller. All formats/genres are welcome. Every Tuesday at Flask Lounge 117 Spring St. Portland ME with hosts Kid Ray, G-Force, Harlock, APG. Sign up starts at 8:30 pm sharp. Join the OPEN FACEBOOK GROUP PAGE for all updates and details.
The decade is almost over. It’s been a wild one. Can you share one lesson learned in the last decade you will take with you into 2020?
Andrew Paul (APG): Be yourself. Keep your craft authentic, and to not compromise that for what might be trending. If it makes you move, it surely will make others, too.
Gina Hesse (G-Force): One HUGE lesson I learned this decade is to never take anything for granted. Not your family, not your house, nothing. LOVE every day and stay focused and motivated.
James Spinney (Harlock): It’s important to have balance in your life, Jackie Chan once said (in a very cheesy remake of The Karate Kid) “Wù jí bì fǎn”; too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Focusing on your passions is important, but it’s also important to make sure you’re financially stable, have a good job, and to make healthy lifestyle choices. We all want to live the dream and believe our passions alone will keep us afloat, but the reality is even the most successful of us aren’t DJing or producing music full-time. Find a balance that works, and if you feel yourself slipping in one direction or another, realign yourself and assess what is most important right now.
Christopher Ramos (Kid Ray): Pay attention to other people’s personal space.
What are your 2020 goals? Resolutions?
Andrew Paul (APG): To keep sharing the music that I love, one event at a time.
Gina Hesse (G-Force): To quit drinking.
James Spinney (Harlock): I was lucky enough to find the love of my life through the music scene, and last May, we tied the knot. Going forward into 2020, we hope to continue saving up and with any luck purchase our first house so we can start working on having a family. If stars align and fortune favors me, I’d like to go on a trip to spend a week in Japan.
Christopher Ramos (Kid Ray): My goals for the new year are to pay more attention to my own needs, wants, and happiness. I tend to put others ahead of myself.
What can we expect from you on NYE?
Andrew Paul (APG): I will be warming up the night early with some soulful drum n bass vibes. It will surely get you moving!
Gina Hesse (G-Force): House and bass vibes that are certainly going to keep you dancing!!
James Spinney (Harlock): Well, House Music has always been a soft spot for me. Even though my DJ roots go way back to my days as a host for dnbradio.com, I’ve always been a House music producer first and foremost so… I suppose you’ll have to come out and find out for yourself on New Year’s Eve what I picked!
Andrew Paul (APG): I’ll eat both. Gina Hesse (G-Force): Thin James Spinney (Harlock): Stuffed Crust! Christopher Ramos (Kid Ray): Thin
2. Ice cream cone or cup?
Andrew Paul (APG): A cone-shaped like a cup! Gina Hesse (G-Force): Cone James Spinney (Harlock): Waffle Cone Christopher Ramos (Kid Ray): Cup
3. Dogs or Cats?
Andrew Paul (APG): A cat that acts like a dog. Gina Hesse (G-Force): Cats and Wiener dogs 😂 James Spinney (Harlock): I have a Ball Python so… Snake? Christopher Ramos (Kid Ray): Both
4. House or Bass?
Andrew Paul (APG): Bass. But not strict to any genre. Gina Hesse (G-Force): BOTH! James Spinney (Harlock): BOTH! Christopher Ramos (Kid Ray): House (mostly)
