Category: News

Pride Month 2025 – Celebrating with Love, Respect, and Music

Each June, Pride Month allows us to honor the LGBTQ+ community — to celebrate resilience, visibility, creativity, and most of all, love. For decades, this month has stood as a reminder of both how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go in building a world where everyone can live authentically, safely, and joyfully.

Here at Burning the Ground, where we celebrate the music that helped shape generations — from underground dance floors to radio waves and neon-lit nights — it’s impossible to ignore the deep connection between the LGBTQ+ community and the world of remix culture, club anthems, and boundary-pushing expression. Pride lives in these grooves, in the bold beats of self-discovery, in the joy of being seen and heard.

But let’s be real: not everyone sees Pride Month the same way. Some feel unsure, uncomfortable, or even disagree with aspects of it. And while we may not all come from the same place, this space was always meant to be about connection. Through music, we’ve all learned that difference doesn’t have to divide — it can unite. It can teach. It can inspire.

Whether you’re out and proud, still on a journey, an ally, or just someone passing through — you are welcome here. You don’t have to have it all figured out. What matters is that we approach one another with kindness and a willingness to listen. No rainbow flag should feel like a wall; it should feel like an open door.

This month, we continue to honor the artists, DJs, producers, and fans — many of whom were and are part of the LGBTQ+ community — who brought the dance floor to life, often against the odds. Their courage, creativity, and rhythm echo through every remix we post.

Let’s turn the volume up, keep our hearts open, and remember what this music taught us: freedom feels like a beat you can move to.

Happy Pride Month.

— Paul
Burning the Ground

Happy Memorial Day Weekend USA

Hey BTG friends,

I hope you’re ready to enjoy a long, relaxing, music-filled Memorial Day Weekend! Whether you’re firing up the grill, heading to the lake, digging through crates at your favorite record store, or just kicking back with a classic 12″ on the turntable, this weekend is all about slowing down and appreciating the good things in life.

Memorial Day is also a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s a powerful reminder of the freedoms we enjoy—and the price that’s been paid to protect them. So while we celebrate, let’s also take a moment for reflection and gratitude.

Just a quick note—I’m taking today off from posting to recharge and enjoy the weekend myself. But don’t worry, Burning the Ground will be back very soon with more rare mixes and extended gems from the ’80s and ’90s that you won’t want to miss.

Until then, stay safe, spin something loud, and keep the music alive. 💿🔥

Happy Memorial Day!
– Paul

New Arrival: Concorde Music Black – First Impressions

Something new and exciting has landed in the Burning the Ground setup – my brand-new Concorde Music Black cartridge has arrived!

I’m currently in the early stages of breaking it in, which means I’ve been spinning record after record (not exactly a hardship). I’m giving it a proper workout across a variety of pressings and genres to let it really settle into its groove.

Let me tell you—it’s not often I swap out a cartridge and immediately hear such a dramatic difference. But this time? Night and day. The clarity, the depth, the punch… it’s all there. Everything feels more alive, more present, more musical. It’s one of those rare upgrades that makes you want to go back and rediscover your entire vinyl collection.

Needless to say, I’m already looking forward to transferring some vinyl with this beauty. Can’t wait to hear how it handles some of my favorite 12″ mixes and rare cuts.

More updates to come once the break-in period is complete, but for now—I’m impressed.

Stay tuned,
Paul

Quick Update – New Cartridge Incoming!

Hey everyone,

Just a quick heads-up — there won’t be a post today because I’m waiting on a new piece of gear that should arrive tomorrow: the Ortofon Concorde Music Black stylus and cartridge.

This new cartridge is replacing my four-year-old Ortofon 2M Black Plug & Play MkII, which has been my go-to since April 2021. It’s served me faithfully for thousands of rips, but it’s time to give it a well-earned retirement. Rather than just replace the stylus, I decided to go with the full Concorde Music Black cartridge — and here’s why:

Even though it looks different, the Concorde Music Black is essentially identical to the 2M Black in terms of sound and performance:

  • Both use the Nude Shibata stylus for ultra-precise tracking and top-tier detail.

  • They share the same moving magnet generator system and specs, offering that signature rich, dynamic Ortofon sound.

  • Frequency response, channel balance, and output levels are all nearly identical.

The biggest difference is the design. The Concorde version features an integrated headshell that plugs directly into my Technics SL-1200MK7 — no screws, no cartridge alignment, no hassle. Just plug in, set the tracking force (1.8g), and drop the needle.

👉 Ortofon Concorde Music Black – Official Product Page

A Huge Thank You

I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who has donated to Burning the Ground. This cartridge upgrade was made possible because of your support. Your donations directly fund the gear I use to preserve and share these amazing 12″ mixes — from cartridges and styli to software and equipment upkeep. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.

Once the new cartridge arrives and I’ve had a chance to break it in, I’ll be back with more music magic. Thanks again for sticking with me — and for being part of this music-loving community.

Stay tuned,
Paul