Striking Gold!

Who else can say they’ve struck gold here in the Interior of Alaska? As a gold panner, born and raised in the golden state, I am here to share my techniques of finding those diamonds in the coal.

As a community member and volunteer DJ here at KSUA 91.5FM, Fairbanks Alaska, I am here to share a part of my journey as I continuously transcend the plights and will provide you with the pearls.

I am Mr. Jam, a lifelong enthusiast of music. Growing up in The Golden State of California, I am fortunate to have been surrounded and supported by the culture. My neighbor Alexis Perez, 2 years older, invited me inside to check out his mixer accompanied by a pair of turntables. I recall vividly how he played an instrumental on one, and the other had a scratch record (sound fx to scratch, manipulate). I didn’t know what I was doing, but Alexis was supportive and cheered me on, allowing the freedom of music to utilize myself as a vessel. This was the onset of my passion and journey. I never had the chance Alex, as life took us different routes. Rest Easy Alexis Rey Yambing Perez.

Growing up in the lower 48, access and community were literally a stone’s throw away. You can obtain records from second hand stores, record shops, garage sales, craigslist; all with a healthy selection as well as decent pricing. I took my collection and I moved to Houston from the Los Angeles area. Here is where I lost 85% of my collection of 15 years. So many memories, feelings, and colors vanished. Soon after, I made it up here to the Interior of Alaska.

I arrived here in Fairbanks, just after midnight in January 2025. It was twenty something below – glad I was layered up! I began my search to scour the town in search of music. I hit the local spots: Forget Me Not Books, Value Village. The local spots are there but you must dig and go through each row, let your fingers move, walking through record by record. It did not suffice. I had to resort to alternative means. Ebay was a first for me, to chance it and purchase a lot of records (lot- a bundle or group collection of records). I didn’t have the time or opportunity to request specific songs, so I settled on a genre. Condition, quality, songs all varied; hit and a miss. A few lots later, I was able to organize what I could utilize, what I’d get to later, and what did not meet my needs.

What does this have to do with supporting the label, Mr Jam? There is so much quality, new music being released. The Ebay lots were good, as to gain an understanding of where the music was, the foundation pursued. To bring us to today’s times, I still seek to support the arts, the artist, and share my journey when I play out. One of my first purchases from the label was courtesy of Colemine Records out of Ohio. Colemine Records specializes in Soulful Sounds. Here I was graced by the works of Durand Jones and the Indications(American contemporary R&B/ soul), Aaron Frazer (Drummer/ Vocalist of Durand Jones), Jungle Fire (Afro/Latin Funk), Orgone(Soul/funk/psy/rock).

What else are you digging up? Since my first initial support direct to the label, other acquisitions include Big Crowd Records- Lady Wray (American Soul Singer), Bacao Steel Band (German Funk Ensemble utilizing the Trinbagonian Steel Pan), El Michels Affair (Composer/ producer), Thee Marloes ( Indonesian Soul Group). One more label before I go, Mofunk Records! They specialize in modern funk, G-funk, and soulful EDM. Give XL Middleton a listen (keytar, vocoder), Moniquea (funk vocalist), Zackey Force Funk (Electro Funk).

In the digital age, where all is at a touchscreen click away, vinyl remains near and dear to my soul. For the records obtained secondhand from record shops, thrift stores, craigslist, or lots; the artist tells their story once more. For the artists of today, they will have their opportunity to have their work cultivated in the physical. So I challenge you to start your journey, and all formats are welcomed. Whether it’s a 7 inch played at 45rpm, a 12” inch single/EP, a LP (album). Go ahead and support that artist, own a physical piece of work that you can tangibly play. An awesome way to dip your toes is to seek a compilation! You’ll get a taste of the various artists affiliated through the label!

This is dedicated in loving memory of Alexis Rey Yambing Perez. I am forever in debt for opening my ears, mind, heart, and soul to the power of music.

With Gratitude,

Mr. Jam