WHO Toronto DJ, producer and promoter John Kong spends his Saturdays at the Supermarket — spinning, that is, a cornucopia of funk, soul, hip-hop and disco at the Augusta Ave. resto-bar that’s home to his label Do Right! Music’s weekly showcase. Getting his start in 1994 in an east-end club called Vatican alongside Toronto shape shifters Mark Oliver and Paul E. Lopes, Kong started the label after 10 years of buying and breaking records. With artists such as Basic Soul Unit, hip-hop MC and DJ Abdominal, Circle Research and Anonymous Twist — plus newly recruited Afrobeat band Souljazz Orchestra — the label offers one-stop shopping for boogie, disco and other original feel-good music. Rewind to the ‘90s when Kong, an expert selector of jazz, rare groove, deep funk and soul, connected with fellow DJs Jason Palma, Nav, A Man Called Warwick and Aki to form Movement, a globally renowned DJ collective whose monthly gatherings (on the last Friday of every month at Supermarket) summon a sizable loyal following. With a little more than five weeks until New Year’s Eve, Kong is busy planning Do Right NYE 2008, while working on Juno nominee singer/songwriter Elizabeth Shepherd’s next album for Do Right! Music.
WHAT “Soul-inspired dance music,” says Kong.
WHERE Never Forgive Action & Do Right Present Never Forgive Action vs Circle Research: Round 2, classic hip-hop all night. Nov. 23. Supermarket (268 Augusta Ave). $5.
FAVOURITE SONG OF ALL TIME Stevie Wonder, “As”
FAVOURITE SONG RIGHT NOW “Cutty Larks’ ‘Get Caught,’ a new single on Do Right, from Vancity’s Dr. J and Amalia Townsend. She reminds me of Betty Davis.”
FAVOURITE WEBSITE RIGHT NOW www.dancetracksdigital.com. “They have a good selection of MP3 downloads. I don’t mind paying for music; it’s all about karma.”
WHAT IS VITAL TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE? Earl Grey tea.
WHAT GLOBAL ISSUE CONCERNS YOU MOST RIGHT NOW? Health and poverty.
WHAT IS THE LAST GREAT FILM YOU SAW? No Country For Old Men
WHAT ACTOR WOULD PLAY YOU IN A BIOPIC? Tony Leung, directed by Wong Kar-wai.
WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? Music mags and EYE WEEKLY.