DJ cRAIG mITCHELL visits 'Rocket Shop' 3/16/11

Words by Julie Jay Seger, Photos by Sam Donnelly

All you Burlington music lovers have probably heard the name Craig Mitchell a.k.a. oLIVERtWISTED about town from one or more of his many gigs: international DJ, managing partner of  Slanted Black record label,  and the man in charge of DJ booking at The Half Lounge.  Craig stopped by 105.9 FM The Radiator this past Wednesday evening for Rocket Shop, The Radiator's local music radio slot from 8 to 10 P.M. every week.

Craig keeps busy with DJ gigs, travel and working with artists for Slanted Black, which is celebrating it's five year anniversary and is on its one hundred and thirty second release. Craig debuted his first album of primarily electronic and dance music back in 1998, and has maintained his presence in the industry by working with other artists and releasing more dance records and remixes. "I deal with my ADD by doing too many things and tiring myself out," Craig elaborates on his crazy work ethic.

A lover of all genres, Craig has also worked with live bands and is currently lead singer and songwriter in Craig Mitchell and Motor City.  "We sound like if Prince, Jamiroquai and The Black Keys had a baby. We're rock and funk, but really a nice mixture of it all." Craig keeps an open mentality toward all music, "If someone means it, no matter what it is, you can feel it. You can tell it's real."  Slanted Black has a similar philosophy by avoiding labels or genres and instead focusing on raw talent.

Originally from Michigan and now based out of Burlington, Craig admits he's always been "a little off." Growing up outside of Detroit, Craig listened to Stevie Wonder, Guns N' Roses, and Prince.   Mechanical sounds from factories and trains permeated his childhood. He reflects: "The sounds really stuck with me as a kid growing up and I think that might be why I love techno and electronic music so much."

You can experience DJ Craig Mitchell in Burlington at RJs every Thursday night or for retro night at the Half Lounge every Tuesday. Starting March 18th, Craig will be transforming the blue room at Red Square into his own Craigland every Friday and Saturday night for three weeks. "It's going to be off the hook, a real throwback to the old club days. Think deep, dark and crazy. I don't want to give away too much, but definitely come by for a good time."

Rocket Shop Playlist 3/16/11:

1) Craig Mitchell and Orange Factory, "Dreamin'"

2) Craig Mitchell, "Bonjour Hi La Pata y el Pato"

3) JANINA Z / Craig Mitchell, "Love Lockdown" (Kanye remix)