I know i'm not a regular "TA" and only drop by so often, but I know many people on TA and thought i'd share my review for 2009 for those of you on here that aren't on FB.

Happy Holidays everyone!



So.....2009 draws to a close. What a year. Alot of things changed this year musically, and I was no stranger to making my voice heard on the matter. My opinions are sometimes a little over the top, but at the end of the day I think they are well received.

I write notes such as this one, not for attention or to cause drama, but to engage people in conversation, and talk about things that normally, we don't talk about with eachother. I won't bore you and go into depth with these topics again, if you've read any of my previous notes, than you know what I'm talking about...suffice it to say, many of the things I had issues with earlier in the year have made vast improvements.

As the underground got smaller and smaller, and people started jumping on the same loonie, many of us realized this and started working TOGETHER, rather than trying to go against eachother. This is what we need to keep doing. As I mentioned in previous "rants" the scene IS getting smaller, because of all the other forms of entertainment being pushed on the younger generation, it makes it difficult for all of us to bring new people into the scene and keep them here. But if the latter months of 2009 are any guide, I see everyone continuing to support eachother in a way that brings us all together again. If we all continue to do just that, support eachother, FOR the music first and foremost, I think you'll see some pretty big events in 2010, and maybe some of the older ways of doing things like they were done back in the day, will begin to creep to the surface once again.

One of the other things I "ranted" about this year was taking care of eachother, specifically with the awful GHB use that was taking place. As a photographer, and a keen observer of everything underground, I will be honest and say that since the publication of that note, many people I have noticed out and about partying, have begun to start taking better care of those they are partying with, and the people that ARE doing that, should be commended. There is however, always room for improvement, and I can only hope that as time marches on never ending, that we all continue to do just that....take care of those we are with, and lead by example....it'll make it so much easier to keep the younger generation engaged and informed, if we are all doing things PROPER.

It goes without saying that all of our friends that spin are our musical leaders. The people that introduce us to new music week in and week out. I'd like to personally thank all of you here for putting Toronto on the map. Again. It really is a world class city and we couldn't have the fun we do with out you all. So thank you Addy, Ricky, Carlo, Nathan, Vince, Val, Joe, Fab, Nitin, Jonny, Joee, Ovi, Chris F, Mike B, Alicia, Jamie, Mike P, Jared, Timmy P, Robb G, Joanne, Simon, Greg, Kenny, Amanda, Jon Jon, Joel, Evan, Cam, Josh, Sean, Mark, Adam, Felix, Gani, Matt, Jeff, Ned, Lee, Joel, Frances, James, George, Chris I, Chris L, Mikey T, Dave, Anthony, Mike, Lee and anyone else that I might be forgetting that is responsible for making Toronto what it is. An underground Hub.

Visually, I want to take a minute to say what's up to my comrades, Jason, Shaya, Andre, sometimes Sasha (lol) Giordan, and newcomer Jill, without all of us they're would be no visual representation of the memories you've had in 2009 and I obviously know how hard it is to go out week in and week out and have the drive and tenacity to sweat and make keepsakes for everyone, when everyone around you has they're hair down and is having a good time. So big up comrades. One love.

Lastly, and this isn't a knock against anyone else putting out music or against any of the previous djs i mentioned in this note, but big shouts out and good luck are in order to Mr. Lio. Everyone loves Carlo that goes without saying, and his talent will take him far far away. But his attitude and his humbleness are really what makes him what he is, and it's the reason we all are behind him as he takes his productions worldwide and begins another chapter in his life. We could all learn something from his professionalism and the way he carries himself week in and week out. I personally couldnt think of a more deserving candidate to represent Toronto's TRUE underground, and he's about to do just that. So kudos Mr. Lio. And all the best in your new ventures.

Thats it kids. That's all I have to say for the rest of 2009. As we start the second decade of this millennium, make sure that you bring with you all the good vibes and positive energy that make this scene of ours one of the best in the world....and most of all, keep smiling.

Johnny Mitchell's Rave and Rant, OUT.


P.S.

In NO particular order these were my TOP 10 events of 2009.

Family Day @ Guvernment
Beats Ahoy 10
Dirtycycle Boatcruise Volume 3
Daniel Steinberg @ Footwork
Green Velvet @ This Is London
Danny Tenaglia @ Guvernment
Nick Curly @ Footwork
Speedy J @ Footwork
Addy's Birthday @ Reign with Behrouz
WOW FTW @ the beaconsfield

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"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."-- Abraham Lincoln.