H++L |
Purists often debate the definition of “DJ.” To be technical, all these laptop DJs popping up all over the place do qualify, as they remix previously recorded work. Though I understand the beef. First off, there are no “discs” (a/k/a records) involved. There was no sweat broken over hours of crate digging at Enterprise — hell, every song they’re looking to play can be purchased from iTunes. The love, the involvement, the dedication, the hours of practice getting together a set or routine are nonexistent, according to those who have spent a good half of their life building up their record collections, replacing needles, and mastering the cross-fader.Let’s take a different approach. In Jamaica, DJs are often referred to as “selectors.” I’ve been there. I’ve been standing in a dirt parking lot sectioned off by corrugated zinc panels, watching two “sounds”(DJ collectives) clash, pulling out their “specials” or “dub plates,” on which they have an artist re-record their most popular track and dub in the sound system’s name. That is competitive DJing. What I like most is the moniker, “selector.” That is essentially what the person in charge of the music is doing — selecting the tracks — and to me that is the most important part. It’s not the juggling, the cutting, or the tricks (save that for Maine Hip Hop’s annual Iron Fader): it’s the music being played. Which brings us to H++L.
H++L are Heidi Powell and Lauren Wayne, a fierce, female, laptop DJ duo. Usually clad in matching or complementary outfits or costumes, their styles go together as much as their musical tastes — and it’s nice to see entertainers putting in the extra thought to the wardrobe aspect of performance.
Last Sunday, despite the Monday holiday, the White Heart was pretty low-key, which was fitting for our hostesses. They shy away from being an attraction. H++L are more concerned that their selections inspire dancing and force the crowd to be the ones on the floor. A blend of ’80s and electro mix well as the two volley back and forth between their personal preferences. Culture Club, Depeche Mode, and A-Ha bring us back to a time when people listened to the radio and knew every word by heart. H++L break out those one-hit wonders that you loved but never bothered to invest in. Tunes from Royksopp, Ladytron, and The Knife balance out a possible overdose of the ’80s and expand the listeners’ taste beyond the mainstream of electronic music. Though clearly not elitists, these two are not afraid to break out Justin Timberlake or Lupe Fiasco upon request. They’ve got it on hand, and I just needed to hear “My Love.”
H++L play the White Heart again February 14 for the anti-Valentine’s Day party. And I think I heard mention of some Hugh Hefner costumes. . .
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