DJ AM, before I knew him personally, was an inspiration. I knew that this man was clean and sober and his mere existence and success acted as proof that I could do this work and be at the top of the game without drugs or alcohol, something that I had serious doubts about (and an idea my friends and family were incredibly resistant to).
Having the pleasure to get to know and to work with Adam is a gift, the gratitude for which I struggle to find words to articulate. I had to go on after him at Cinespace Tuesdays the first time I played there. I was so nervous I felt like barfing, my hands were shaking, my heart was beating out of my chest. Adam's humility and kindness, strength of presence, doing his best to make me less anxious (while simultaneously schooling everybody in the building with his effortless grace behind the decks) is something that I will always remember.
I remember during one of his sets at the Heist that Staccato opened for, coming out of a sober 'fun blackout' (having so much fun one quite literally blacks out) on the ground on my knees behind the DJ booth pounding the floor with my fists and screaming at the top of my lungs. What the fuck. I don't know many DJs who have that power, especially playing tracks that I usually scoff at given their mainstream status ("MORE Daft Punk and Queen? Pshhh!"), but Adam did this work with such art, creativity and sincere enthusiasm that it was impossible not to have a great time. He WORKED the crowd in a way that was just next level. His stepping up the status of DJ from background wedding creep and underground sonic pirate to a legit ARTIST with CAREER status (especially in America) is what allows me to do this work that I love so dearly for a living. Similarly, his commitment to Love and Service within this job, palatable yet educational song selection and ability to hear the 'next big thing' are all qualities that made - make - him stand out among the rest.
In May of this year I celebrated three years of continuous sobriety. Adam was kind enough to drop by and throw down a totally appropriate, joyful, awesome set for 150 heads in an 80 person capacity room FOR FUN AND FOR FREE. It was one of the best nights ever. That's the kind of dude he was. He loved his job and was happy to do it, he supported his friends and showed up for them, he embodied principles of real Goodness and Grace in everything he did.
I won't get into the horrors of the cunning, baffling, powerful disease we call 'Addiction' or how heartbroken I am that this Light has been extinguished. I will say that Adam Goldstein left the world a far better place than he came into it, simply via being alive. I know I speak for my peers and comrades when I say that I am so terribly sad, and so incredibly grateful.
Thank you, DJ AM, for everything.
--
All that said, this mix is for him, please say a prayer for the addict still sick and suffering when you listen/ride to it.
Total Runtime 1:04:54
Seated Flat (warm up)
Seated Flat (warm up)
Seated Flat
Seated Flat
Jumps
Jumps
Standing Flat
Seated Climb
Seated Climb
Standing Climb
Standing Flat
Seated Flat
Seated Flat (cool down)
Here's an amazing video Thee Mike B. made of our friend AM.
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