Sound Check

Treat 'em right

by Wes Flexner

JOE MAIORANA PHOTO

"I might go from a Lupe Fiasco song to the Eurythmics to a Diplomats song to Michael Jackson, then to Jay-Z," explained DJ Kratedigga, resident DJ every Friday at the Cove Lounge.

I asked if he's familiar with any of the current kings of eclectic pop DJing, the ADD-riddled crowd rockers like Diplo or Girl Talk who have been turned into icons by the blogosphere. He gave me a look that said, I don't know who that is, but I have an open mind to who you are talking about, and simply stated, "I don't get to check out as many DJs as I'd like to."

To me, that's a really cool response. His inspiration isn't contrived trend jumping; he's motivated by an ear for music and a sociological understanding of his audience.

This holistic sixth sense music fits his aptly titled venue like a warm, stylish sweater. The Cove is tucked away on the corner on Fifth and Spring. It doesn't even have a sign, and it doesn't need one. It's packed with people that appreciate the casual but classy environment the club offers.

Equally classy is Kratedigga, a charter member of the Usual Suspects DJ collective, who fills the room with blends of dancehall, new soul, old soul, house, commercial and underground hip-hop. His ability to seamlessly mix all these genres stems from 15 years of DJing, as well as a background in African percussion and classical music.

The weekend before Valentine's Day, as the sound pulsated, candles, Hershey kisses and condoms lined the bar for the crowd. But the mood and lighting of the room made the existence of prophylactics less of a seedy, sexual thing, and more a sign of the club's maturity, comforting to the point of maternal respect for its patrons.

Comfort is big there. The couches have the softest pillows I have ever touched in my life. Part of me contemplates stealing one for my house, but this place is too nice for anyone to do any wrong.

March 8th, 2007

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