Denni Kindred, aka Longstocking, grew up skating and surfing in Southern California and Florida before settling in Seattle. Longstocking has a unique perspective on the dance music world and has a heavily textured sound that has made an immediate impact on the West Coast underground. Both of Denni’s self-released EPs accumulated six Beatport top ten slots in the same year. This new tune on HE.SHE.THEY. takes house back to its LGBTQBIPOC roots, where dance floors are safe for all. Says Longstocking, “Poser is a blatantly shameless homage to the skate culture that kept me grounded. For me, ‘Poser’ captures the feeling of skating outside in the elements, dancing on a board gracefully in an ugly world, shedding the constraints of gender and assigned roles by giving in to the sport with all its injuries and triumphs. There was something magical about a bunch of punk skater surfer kids that also found freedom in dance culture. Our styles carried over into it, and it fit the punk and skater ethos of freedom. This is my squeeze to the culture and the queer kids throughout it. Don’t stop skating or dancing ever.”
“If some folks are back at mine, they are in my safe little bubble. That bubble tends to be relaxed, sappy, hazy & sentimental. Here we have shameless low-key tunes that are on the rim of my ear this evening. The common strain amongst these gems is each one anchors me in it’s own unique way. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy.”
Pre-order link: https://www.beatport.com/release/poser-ep/3365027
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Hunnybee
This one has so many aspects I love in a sound. The dreamy distortion of a piano. The buttery groove that is the bass. The vocal work is unbearably charming. Let’s move our bed out into the sunshine!
Nico – These Days
These Days was originally written by Jackson Browne when he was just 16. Nico recorded it first and captured the introspective sadness. The violins along with Nico’s deep crooning, feels like having the suffering slowly brushed from your hair. This is for those that have lived.
Kishi Bash i- Q&A
In my head, this is the song I serenade to every long term love of my life. Go ahead, gush and fall in love.
Kings Of Convenience – I’d Rather Dance With You
Light and fun, this one captures the awkwardness of flirting and small talk. Sometimes, it’s so much better to just dance and enjoy a moment. Besides, it makes for a great first memory.
The Sea and Cake – The Argument
Every time. Every single time I hear this, it takes me somewhere best described as dancing barefoot on shag carpeting with your bestie in the subway tunnel. No worries, as we will never see these people again.
Stereolab – Diagonals
I still learn from this track. The first time I heard it back in 97 or 98, I hadn’t quite heard anything like it. The entire Dots and Loops album inspired me then and still does to this day. I’ll just let the piece speak for itself.
Elis Regina – Águas de Março
As warm and sunny as it sounds, the song is inspired by the March downpours in Rio de Janeiro. Elis has a voice so nurturing and steady, you can’t help feeling like everything is going to be alright.
Sade – The Sweetest Taboo
So many Sade songs one could pick, but one must. Her voice is as stunning as she. Wether this song is about a secret affair, or a queer trist, Sade sets the mood in fine style.
Desmond Dekker & The Aces – It Mek
This angelic voice from Kingston Jamaica was the one who discovered fellow welder, at the time, Bob Marley. Spanning genres of ska, rocksteady and reggae, his voice rightfully became iconic in the rich music history of Jamaica.
Buddy Holly- True Love Ways
I’m ending with one of the pioneers of rock and roll, Buddy Holly. When you listen to this young gentle unassuming talent, remember that this track was laid down 4 months before his death in a plane crash with fellow musicians, Ritchie Valens (another inspiration) & The Big Bopper. He was only 22. This piece is also special to me, as I’d sing it to my girls when they were babies, trying to get them back to sleep.
