Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Clusterfunk Collective presents Take Five: DJ Platurn [Interview]
Founder of the Oakland Faders, father of The 45 Sessions and international man of mystery DJ Platurn stands at the forefront of vinyl culture, preserving the prestige of the medium that gave birth to it all. He recently checked in with us to give a glimpse into his global view, an idea of a new "Ingredient" he has in the works, and his plan for what's next.
"Take Five" to tap into the talent beyond the surface.
1.) Illugi, Luke, Platurn - are there alter egos attached to each name? If so, which is your favorite, and why?
There's less than 10 Illugis on the planet. 'Return Of The Jedi' was the first movie I saw in American theatres. Platurn means "plate turner", the literal translation for DJ in Icelandic. I have different colored capes for each one.
2.) To know you is to know you have strong views on global events, injustice and a strong connection to the community around you. What is your opinion on using your talent to express your beliefs? How do you balance how much you share without pissing people off? Do you even care if people are pissed as long as it sparks conversation and critical thinking?
I like to think that i'm tactful in expressing my frustration with the world. Anger is a useless emotion that carries you but a few feet. I love music and I love the art of DJing. I come from a long line of leaders that I respect in such a way that I feel like their message should be preserved -- I embrace the now, but the now wouldn't be shit if it wasn't for the years that led up to it. I think the ugliest aspects of technology are ignoring and quickly forgetting what it took to get here. Music is the most spiritual expression of humanity -- it shouldn't be fucked with or disrespected, only revered and used to do good for the world. That, in so many words, is all I aim to preserve and represent with my short time on this planet. I do care, but I scoff at useless debate. It's not a pissing contest -- i'm here to preserve and respect what I know to be the best of Hip-Hop & DJ culture.
3.) Given the success of "The Main Ingredient", would you and your wife, Michele (chef/owner, Astellar Production), consider a similar series to highlight your collective creativity?
Yes. There is a cookbook in the works, the most unique of its kind. More to come when the time is right ;) ;)
4.) In January, you threw down an amazing set at Boiler Room SF. We couldn't help but wonder what the Icelandic gentleman was saying in the intro. Why did you choose that snippet to start your set?
It's a skit from an old kids record that I grew up on. He says, 'Well my little children, now you get to see something weird", and then some additional jibber jabber after that. It's a long time favorite from my Icelandic kids records collection.
5.) Congratulations on the 4th Anniversary of the The 45 Sessions. Where do you think The 45 Sessions will be in the next four years? Or, what do you see it evolving into?
Hard to say. I never imagined it would be where it is today, and it's turned into this self-evolving thing that tends to re-invent itself on a regular basis. I can tell you right now that we're trying out some new things this year, and you'll just have to keep your eyes and ears peeled to find out what that is. The Sessions is a fan supported/donation based event -- it will be around for as long as people want it there.
LIKE DJ Platurn on Facebook
VISIT djplaturn.com
Friday, April 25, 2014
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Clusterfunk Collective presents Take Five: DJ Saurus [Interview]
You won't find too many heads truer than DJ Saurus. An avid fan of hip-hop, he has worked with a flock of your favorite rapper's favorite rapper's - blending global and local talent via his monthly Blunt Club and Future Shock events, in addition to self-producing singles that will blow your wig back. He took time out to talk to us about his work with artists, adolescents, and animals - plus his plan for what's next.
"Take Five" to tap into the talent beyond the surface.
1.) You went to school for Engineering, and now you work with kids. How did that come to be and how has that influenced your music?
I got into engineering through my friend Tom Gordon who at the time had one of the two bigger studios in Reno where I grew up. My first exposure to watching Tom work and being in an analog studio was when Dr. Dre and Eminem were in Reno recording songs for Chronic 2001 and The Slim Shady LP with Tom, and I was fortunate enough to sit in on a couple of those sessions. I don't think a lot of folks know that "The Next Episode" and "Guilty Conscience" were both recorded in Reno. During the same sessions, I met this cat named Richard "Segal" Huredia who just so happened to be Dre and Em's chief engineer at the time, but had a mean list of cats that he's produced, engineered and written for from King Tee to Xzibit to damn near every dope rapper I ever listened to on the West Coast. So yeah, needless to say, I was geeked on that experience, but also learned a lot from it. After those sessions, I worked out of Tom's studio on my next 3 or 4 projects and just studied him, or Segal, or any any other cats that I could at the time. I had to learn all the facets of beats from not only sampling and producing, but recording and mixing and "controlling" my own sound. I was just a young DJ on the scene at that point and had just started to experiment with my own production but that was a pivotal turning point for me to see what the actual role of the engineer was. I thought to myself, "Wait...I can sample the record, make the beat, and control the levels of the mix." It was game over for me at that point, and I knew I had to learn that part of the craft so I moved to Arizona to get my degree, and the rest is history. I got into working with kids though my man DJ Smokestack who initially brought me in to do some production and DJ workshops for his after school program in the city. I then transitioned into writing my own youth curriculum called Digital Sound Arts that has been an integral part of the after school arts enrichment program in San Francisco for the past 5 years. I was fortunate enough to pass some of my knowledge down to hundreds of kids throughout the experience, got a grant to build a recording studio, designed and built that studio, and really just enjoyed the whole ride. It really humbled and grounded me as not only an artist but a human being. It was bitter sweet for me me to leave the program this year to move on to other career opportunities, but I was able to do so because I passed the baton my good friend Max Kane who will be taking over my position and expanding the program even further, which I am exited to see! It's dope to build something from nothing and now have the privilege of watching it flourish and be self sufficient. I believe that feeling is one one of the greatest gifts that life has to
offer.
2.) One of our favorite Saurus singles is "Brick In The Wall." What inspired the song?
"Brick In The Wall" was produced by myself for this group called Giving Tree that I was working with at the time. The tune was inspired by dusty breaks, good weed, and Alan Parsons. No, seriously though...I think the track was inspired by the sample that I selected which was a Paul Desmond record called "Theme for Black Orpheus" which is oddly coincidental because Paul Desmond was Dave Brubeck's alto player and actually wrote "Take Five." It's crazy that out of all my beats, that the one you guys gravitated towards is the same artist that I sampled who wrote the song with the same title as this interview. That's a trip..In fact, you can hear the tonal similarity between my sax sample and the lead sax in Take Five if you listen closely. Yeah...now I'm just nerding out for real. Haha...
3.) Although DJs delve into a lot of different genres, each delights in specializing in one or another. What is yours and what draws you in?
I think it's dope that DJ's are expanding their selections a little more now than ever, but my advice is to not veer too far out of your lane. Do you, and do that well, and the crowd will follow. I hear some DJ's that play too many genres just to play what they think a crowd wants to hear, when they need to focus more on their blends, transitions and overall skills. I study cats like Shortkut who can genre hop 10 times in an hour, but still just break necks and melt faces, and that's what I think it's all about - a balance of selection and skills, not dancing behind your laptop like some of these crumbs. Bring some shit that I've never, ever heard before, mixed with some classics I want to hear, with some cuts and bruises and breaks! I think that is the mark a truly great DJ. To play something that can move the crowd that they have never heard. My man Marc Stretch, who I do Future Shock party with at Legionnaire every Second Saturday of the month with (shameless plug), also said it well recently when he said, "my job is to play music that the crowd didn't know they wanted to hear", which is a cool way to think of it as well. I'm still a huge fan of DJ'ing despite what I may do behind the turntables, so that's just what I look for in a peers set. That is what draws me in as a listener. I think my genre of choice to play will always be Hip Hip. It's just what I'm most comfortable with and I guess I'm just a product of my environment.
4.) Blunt Club Oakland is becoming one of the top spots for rap talent in the region - boasting heavy hitters like Pep-Love, Masta Ace, Gift of Gab, MED etc. Who else would you like to see lace the Legionnaire?
I personally would like to have E&J (Exile & Johaz) come get down with us soon. I'm really digging that new E&J album. Oddisee, Murs, Zion-I, Roc Marciano, Homeboy Sandman, etc. are all in the hopper for 2K14 also, but I'm exited to have Ras Kass, DJ Plann.B and Alias John Brown with us this month on Feb 28th. We would like to continue to nurture the local talent in our own back yard also, so if you are in the Bay, and you want to come rock, hit us up! Our vision for Blunt is a more of a community vibe, but to also showcase national talent as well. Shout out my man Dumperfoo who started Blunt Club almost 13 years ago in Arizona, Pickster One, Max Kane, Karim The Night Clubber Lang, Dion Decibels, Zach Turner and everyone else who contributes to Blunt Club and the idea of keeping real Hip Hop culture alive in Oakland. It means a lot that people are checking for what we are bringing to the table.
5.) Some people are cat folks, and some people are dog folks. You, like us, are both. Name one thing you love about each, and explain how those characteristics contribute to your creativity.
I think I am more on the dog side of that fence, but I inherited my cat, Oliver, in a breakup, and I couldn't come to terms with giving him away, so 8 years later here we are. Naw, really though...I've had him since he was a kitten, and when he was little he used to mimic my hand gestures on the turntables and would try to emulate my movements with his paws on the platter. It was dumb cute. He likes to dig through records with me too, so he got a hall pass for that off top! It's my dog Miles' 2nd birthday today, and he is a friend too! Miles has accepted his role as second in command of the animal kingdom in my house behind Oliver, and is out of his chewing stage now - which is good for my sneaker and record collections. I think animals in general are calming and good exercises of our time and patience, which can translate into our crafts. I can definitely draw parallel lines between my relationship with animals and my art.
LIKE DJ Saurus on Facebook
VISIT soundcloud.com/dj-saurus
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Clusterfunk Collective presents Take Five: DJ Enki [Interview]
East Coast raised and West Coast made, DJ Enki is one of the Bay Area's finest - pushing the production envelope and crafting comical cuts. We chopped it up with the empyreal expressionist about beginnings, blends, and burritos.
"Take Five" to tap into the talent beyond the surface.
1.) Why Enki?
I first heard the name in a mythology class I took sophomore year of college, and I thought it was pretty cool. Enki's one of the three main gods in Sumerian mythology, and the myths about him/involving him are good stories that I really took to. Plus, I thought the name sounded dope, and I was reasonably sure that nobody else was using it. For a while, that was true, but over the past several years, several other Enki's have popped up around the world. Biters!
So hopefully this will dispel a couple common myths (ha!) about my name:
1: I didn't get it from the book Snow Crash, which I have never read
2: I didn't get it from Enkei wheels
2.) The range of genres in your sets is quite extensive. Do you prefer to play with tracks that you love or push the experimental envelope?
Ideally, I do both (and I guess some of the tracks I love also push the envelope, depending on your perspective). As a DJ, your job is to get people moving, which of course means playing hits and big songs everybody loves, but I also feel like your job is to push the envelope and introduce people to new things--play them music they didn't know they liked. If all you do is play hits and take the easy way out, you're not doing your job, straight up. So I do try to mix it up as much as I can. But it depends on the crowd; some are more adventurous than others. It's all about figuring out how much you can push a crowd without losing them. I like to walk that edge if I can, and I for sure like to genre-hop. It keeps things funky and interesting for both me and the crowd. Staying in one lane is boring.
3.) What inspired "Bacon The Funk" - fat with titles like "Ham Hocks Espanol" and "Hoggin' Ain't EZ"?
That started out as a joke, to be frank, not something I ever planned on actually making. It's like a bit of record nerd humor, a game that DJs play--"How many songs can you think of that fit Theme X?" and you see how obscure or funny you can get with your responses. I've been a lover of bacon since way back, so the genesis of the whole thing was Platurn and I joking around about "how many songs about ham/bacon/pork can you think of?" But at some point--I think shortly after I came up with the title (which combines my love of bacon with my love of Main Source)--I decided I should actually make the mix for real. And once I heard that Jim Gaffigan standup routine about bacon that you hear in various parts of the mix, that sealed it. So I just started pulling together a bunch of those songs that came out of that bit of joking around and put it all together. I had a lot of fun making that one, and I got a lot of really positive response from all over the place, which was dope.
4.) Blending seems to be becoming a lost art. Do you and Platurn plan to continue the "Blend-A-Pella" series?
We don't have any plans to right now, but we also didn't have plans to do a Part 2, and we ended up making one. And between the OG and Part 2, we certainly left enough on the cutting room floor to do a Part 3, so maybe a trilogy is in order. I'd certainly be into it because like you say, blending really is becoming a lost art--Serato and pre-made blends have really sucked the life out of it. That was part of the point we were trying to make: Instead of relying on all these shortcuts, dig into your actual vinyl collection and make these things work. And big ups to the DJs out there who still do live blends!
5.) What is your favorite "Flying Burrito" of choice at Juan's in New Orleans and why?
Oh, most definitely the jambalaya burrito (which I think they call the jamburrito). I live in the Bay Area. It's super-easy to find an excellent burrito around here. But a jambalaya burrito? Haven't seen it. That was some serious New Orleans stuff to me. And it was really good--I pretty much inhaled it! Whoever came up with that one deserves big props.
VISIT djenki.com
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Clusterfunk Collective presents Take Five: VINK [Interview]
Not yet old enough to buy cigarettes in the States, VINK still smoked the competition on Soundcloud - seamlessly generating gems at will, including a "sicker than your stool" remix of DOOM's Air. The young old soul spoke with us about his recent accolades, his singles, and his plan for what's next.
"Take Five" to tap into the talent beyond the surface.
1.) How did you come to join the Hard Jazz 7 label?
I released a rework of the song “Lady” by Dwele and it created a lot of buzz. A friend of mine, Kazuhiro Noguchi introduced my music to Orion of HardJazz7. We started talking back and forth about music, and eventually decided to join the HJ7 roster.
2.) You were recently selected as one of the "Top 15 Beatmakers" to watch in the New Year. Why do you think you were selected?
I can’t really think of an exact reason. I think it's because I’ve been putting in a lot of work (musically). I’ve spent a lot of time working on music and messing with different production styles, while doing various collaborations with rappers globally. Rappers like Tony Green and TheNamesMillen were a part of the learning process and helped me mould my sound. I put my heart and soul into my music, and it's been there for me, when many people gave up on me. I think that comes through in each release I put out. To me, that's what music is really about. There’s so many beatmakers out there globally and you’re forced to find lesser known music when you’re digging through
the crates, looking for samples. If I flip a well known sample like Ahmad Jamal’s classic song I Love Music, it's really simple and it's not going to sound much different from the Pete Rock version. 100,000 producers can do that, so you’re having to step your game up or else you’ll sound redundant.
3.) You have let loose of a load of free singles, remixes and edits via Soundcloud and Bandcamp. How do you
determine which artists to work with and/or which tracks to transform?
Most of the time, artists contact me for collaborations. If I like what I’m hearing, I will send them a few demo beats and get them to pick the one that suits them best. After awhile, he/she will send me the music with his/her verses recorded. If I like it, I’ll release the full song on my Soundcloud page for everyone to hear. With remixes, I look for a beat that goes well with an acapella or I will just craft a new beat around it. When it comes to edits, I just pick a song I like and have been listening to for a while. I’ll try to work from the vibe I get from that song to create a new song out of it (with respect to the original).
4.) You are set to release your debut LP this year, which will undoubtedly expand your reach internationally. How has the potential for exposure changed your approach (if at all)?
First, I want to give a big shout out to Manu Pillai for doing the artwork. If you’ve seen that, it looks amazing. I’m really excited about the release! It’s made me think further outside the box, and I hope it will lead to more great collaborations. I hope to reach even more artists than ever before. I love jamming out to new types of music and constantly perfecting my craft.
5.) Last, but certainly not least - where is the best spot to crate-dig in the Netherlands?
Well that's kind of tricky. If you’re looking for just breaks and rare grooves, you could go to smaller spots like the “Sounds" record store in Tilburg. You can find so much well priced stuff there, but on the downside you rarely find any hip-hop albums there. They sell Hip Hop music at spots like “Demonfuzz Records” in Rotterdam, but their prices are higher due to the rarity of the records. If you’re a true crate-digger though, you won’t mind paying that extra buck from time to time. Of course, that is all up to you and your wallet (haha).
LIKE VINK on Facebook
VISIT soundcloud.com/jeremiahvink
Friday, January 10, 2014
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Clusterfunk Collective presents Take Five: Big Willie Dynamite [Interview]
Big Willie Dynamite blew up the stage with their bombastic opening for Gift of Gab at Blunt Club Oakland this past November, blazing the trail for a spot on the entire audiences playlist. The trio took time to talk to us about the origin of the group and what's on tap for 2014.
"Take Five" to tap into the talent beyond the surface.
1.) How did Big Willie Dynamite come to be?
DJ Ray and I are brothers, and we were working on a project for our other group, The Buckle Bros. We have known each other for years and we called Marc Stretch from Foreign Legion for a guest feature on a song. The song was called "Good Times", and well the times were so good we decided to form like Voltron and record a whole album together. Two albums releases and plenty of shows later we just fit. Our personalities, style, creativity and vision all went together like cornbread and collard greens.
2.) Your music seems to attract a diverse audience. Can you speak to how that influences your creativity?
The climate, culture and audience has changed over the years in the rap game, and if you want to keep up with the ever-changing diversity you need to adapt. We have adapted over the years by paying attention and listening, the proverbial "ear to the street" if you will. You can't just look and sound like your average rapper any longer. We understand there is an ever-changing and diverse audience looking and listening to us, so we have to make music that has reach. So from a creative standpoint it presents a motivating challenge - which we love. It has raised the bar creatively. It has taken our music into directions that a diverse audience will appreciate - from introducing different instrumentation that's used around the world to using different diverse musicians that can take the sound into new and fresh directions. It makes creativity fun and exciting (and it doesn't hurt that we live in the Bay Area - rich with diversity). It has to lend a hand in molding who we are and what music we make. For us where we live from a diversity standpoint plays a huge part of our influence in the music we create.
3.) You described your Blunt Club showcase as a "huge success." How has the performance helped boost your brand?
That was a very special night for us for a variety of reasons. First off, we were happy to be able to help pack the house for our friends at Legionnaire Saloon and Blunt Club Oakland. There aren't a lot of solid venues left for good, non-mainstream hip-hop these days so nights like these are very important to the local scene as a whole. Secondly, that show and this album are both re-introductions for our group. It's been a pretty lengthy stretch between the last album and this one so you think to yourself, "Are our fans still checking for us?". I think the answer that night was a resounding "hell yeah!" We also incorporated a lot of new things in the stage show, and both the crowd response and the feedback afterwards were both way higher than I think any of us anticipated. I haven't been mobbed like that in a while (laughs). I think somebody asked Mondo to autograph his girlfriend! I guess our brand visibility has has seen the biggest boost due to that show. Our site (www.bigwilliedynamite.com) has seen more traffic than normal, and Bandcamp downloads are flying "off the shelves." I also feel like we put people on notice that the boys are back in town so you better step your show game up.
4.) If you could collaborate with anyone right now, who would that be and why?
(Mondo) For me it would be Kanye "you ain't got the answers, Sway" West because as much as he has convinced me that he may be fucking nuts, I truly respect his courage as an artist to think outside the box musically. He is fearless, and that is so very hard to find when the music industry is so robotic.
(Stretch) You took the name right out of my mouth. I've been a fan of Kanye's since hearing "Heart of the City." Since his early days, he's really been a trailblazer and had confidence in his instincts. Anybody that believes in themselves and follows their heart always has my respect. I don't think 'Ye is as crazy as he's making himself out to be, yet genius and crazy are often separated by a very thin line. How thin? As thin as your chances of marrying a Kardashian.
(Ray) Pharoache Monch and Black Thought of the Roots. Two of my favorites. I already work with 2 beasts, so if I was gonna have to work outside of our team, it would have to be 2 more fuckin' beasts!! I'm selfish like that, so I would have to have an even swap, or all 4 of em' on the mic. That would be cool as well. We would be on some year 3000 super Wu-Tang times 10 shit.
5.) What do you have in store for the New Year?
Everyone likes to say their album is the best. Selling yourself and self promotion is how people get on in this industry - along with sex tapes ;) The new year will bring an album from the team that will socially bring up some topics that are currently not being discussed in music. We have been blessed with a gift and it would be a shame to waste it on big booty hoes, maybachs and molly. That is what we have in store for the New Year and we can honestly say that we are excited to share it with all of you.
VISIT bigwilliedynamite.com
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Clusterfunk Collective presents Take Five: Jan Dulay [Interview]
At the tender age of 19, Jan Dulay has the world at her fingertips. A self-taught singer, songwriter and guitarist, she has covered a broad spectrum of singles, in addition to producing two EPs in two years. Add to that her participation in indie trio the Mildewcaines and you can see why she is what's next.
"Take Five" to tap into the talent beyond the surface.
1.) You are an entirely self-trained guitarist. Did you learn the chords first or go the route of trial and error?
I definitely learned chords first and during that learning process my fingers were callused and hurting and I'm pretty sure my fingerprints are partially deteriorated because of it. It was all probably math to me, since I learned tabs first and they were all numbers, and I loved math in middle school. For me that was the easiest way to learn because once I had them all in my head, I could just think up progressions and write away. I'm pretty sure middle school was my music prime.
2.) How do your culture and your life experiences contribute to your art?
A lot of my songs are fictional and not a lot of my life experiences go into them because I'm a tame and timid kind of person, and if someone looked at the lyrics from Hiraeth and L they'd probably look at me and wonder what kind of person I am. Some of my songs were supposed to be these extremely intricate film scripts I was gonna write. For example, Sorry (Mr. Powell) is about a 19 year old girl falling in love with a 30 something year old man and feeling sorry for him and all the trouble she caused him. I've never been in love with an older man unless you count Robert Downey Jr., and frankly I've never caused him any harm. Cyanide was a take on Frank Ocean, full of falsettos, similes, and metaphors, about falling in love with someone who'll probably never love you. Brave is about a fictional relationship I have with a famous actor that's a recurring storyline in my dreams and an 8th grade crush I had that crashed and burned, while Slow Burn, as "sensual" as it sounds, is actually about me burning my tongue on top ramen. As for my culture, not a lot of Filipino culture goes into my music but elements of romantic bright eyed love from OPM, or Filipino tunes, do go into it.
I also try to enter gender neutral territory when it comes to my lyrics; I don't use male or female pronouns that much because I don't wanna leave anyone out. I want my music to connect to everyone, not just the sad teenage girl, or the angry teenage boy. I wanna be the person someone listens to for anything you know? Sad or happy, angry or excited, I wanna be your gal.
3.) Any plans for The Mildewcaines to put out an album/EP?
There are definitely plans for a small EP brewing. Kurt and Vince, my bandmates, are very busy high school kids like myself, but we manage to squeeze in moments together where we can sit and play music and write lyrics. I've written a whole bunch of material for an album, but we probably will go with a live EP because of our schedules. I'm looking forward to an EP but if we end up with 2 r 3 songs together, I'll just attach it to my hiatus album before I head off to college.
4.) You boast quite a collection of covers, including but not limited to an acoustin rendition of "Ni**gas In Paris." How do you select singles to revamp?
I usually go for artists I'm absolutely in love with or songs that I want to hear from a different ear. I look for songs that would have a different story if I sang it a little slower or faster or rapped it instead. If it was, for example, a Kanye West song I'd try to see how it would sound if I slowed it down a couple of beats and how different the story would sound, then I record it and see how well people take it. I've done a couple of One Direction songs for my friends and I slowed them down a lot to give them a new story from a different voice and then it goes to different ears and people love it a little differently. I try to tell a different story from the original intent of the artist I borrowed the tune from.
5.) You just turned 19. Where do you see yourself a year from now?
That's a pretty loaded question, because I don't even know what I'm gonna wear for the next school day, let alone what I'm gonna a whopping 365 days from this moment. If we were going for a realistic view of a year from now, I see myself in a college classroom prepping for my sociology degree and jotting down notes, scrunching my forehead in confusion. If we were looking at through a dreamy filter, I (would love to) see myself with a bigger following. I have this recurring dream of being on stage and having my songs sung back at me by a thousand voices and I want to see that happen. It's a lot to ask for, to be famous and loved, but there's this voice in my head that nags at me and tells me that I want this to be me. Maybe I'll do The Voice and not win, but get a following from it? Maybe I'll do a youtube video that manages to catch someone's eye and signs me to a small indie label and. It's a lot of maybes. I see myself somewhere in those maybes.
LIKE Jan Dulay on Facebook
VIEW Jan Dulay on YouTube
VISIT jandulay.co.vu
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Clusterfunk Collective presents Take Five: DJ Sapien [Interview]
Having cut his teeth at the Stones Throw Beat Battles and contributed to more than half-a-dozen Pragmatic Theory compilations, it's safe to say that DJ Sapien is carving his own creative space. In our seventh interview, he shares some of the experiences that helped him shape his sound.
"Take Five" to tap into the talent beyond the surface.
1.) You hail form Taiwan and currently reside in the Northwest US. How has your transition to the States impacted your work?
Yeah, you know it's kind of funny in a way because growing up I pretty much explored all kinds of Western music more. I would hear my folks listening to Taiwanese pop songs or Chinese opera at home and, while I liked those types music, I was more interested in hip hop, soul, jazz and reggae. It was only when I started making beats a couple of years ago that I actually went back to my roots to find inspiration. While you won't find it much in my work as in sampling (per se) the influence is definitely there subconsciously.
2.) The Stones Throw Beat Battles helped solidify your skills. What was your greatest takeaway from that experience?
The Stones Throw Beat Battles were a turning point for me. I went in there just about two years ago and I was blown away by the amount of talented cats battling each week. I was just a beginner at the time and those guys were
so influential in shaping my perceptions, philosophy and style as a beatmaker. I learned everything from using filters and effects to not quantizing and how to get those drums to swing, so I owe everything to those battles.
3.) How did you connect with the producers at Pragmatic Theory?
Sev En from Pragmatic Theory was following the Stones Throw battles and she contacted me about being on one of their compilations. This was in August of last year, so I'd been polishing and refining my skills in those battles for nine months. I felt I was ready to put something out and the timing just all fell into place. They had put out their first compilation which was a Curtis Mayfield tribute so I was invited to be on their second release "Summer In the City". We really jived so I've been on every compilation since.
4.) You have edited Blu, Macy Gray and Danny! (to name a few). How do you determine which tracks to transform?
Well, first of all I have to like the original version but there's really not a method in choosing what to remix. Sometimes I'll be doing a beat and it will remind me of another song. Other times I'll just happen to come across an acapella that I'll specifically craft a beat for. Either way, I always want to result to have a completely different vibe than the original.
5.) Your tribute to Etta James is exceptional. Do you have plans to work with any other great vocalists?
Yeah, I've used some Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Dinah Washington (the greats) samples in the past and I've been avoiding vocal samples for a while now so it would be nice to get back to those again. I've been listening to some artists who maybe aren't as well known but are great nonetheless, just not household names. You might be hearing some Angelo Bond, Ruby Andrews or Sam Dees soon so stay tuned.
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VISIT dj-sapien.bandcamp.com
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Clusterfunk Collective presents Take Five: Suave [Interview]
Heavy is the head that wears many hats. However Nate Cameron, professionally known as Suave, balances being a father, an artist and an Urban Impresario with ease. In our discussion he delves into love, life and lessons learned from touring, traveling and teaching his son.
"Take Five" to tap into the talent beyond the surface.
1.) You once told us that Allen Toussaint said, "You gotta go to grow." How do you think your move to Cincinnatti allowed you to further your craft and, ultimately, your career?
It was by far one of the hardest decisions I've had to make in my 29 years of living, but it all came down to one word - diversification. Having toured the gulf coast for the last 3 years prior to my move to Ohio, and getting overwhelming feedback and support, I was encouraged to go into a region that I hadn't grew up in. I was born and raised in New Orleans, grandparents in Mississippi, and other relatives in Texas, Florida, North Carolina, etc. you get my point. So the South is and always will be my comfort zone. It's the region that made me who I am both in and out of my artistic endeavors. So I felt like it was time to leave the proverbial artistic nest and be confident in my art enough to know that it could sustain my family and I. In the 2 years I've been here I've been performing all over the region, but more importantly to me I've been able to solidify a lot of the behind the scenes administrative things with a label I co-own called GPNYC Records, and a new artistic non-profit I've started called Urban Impresario. Also I've been fortunate enough to get some song and production placement on a couple major networks like Fox NFL. So being here and away from the constant performance laden environment of New Orleans for a little while,has allowed to me to sit back and really put my music business degree to work. I'm could get used to these music industry desk jobs. Ha Ha!
2.) You spent some time in Nashville for school. What is the greatest lesson you took away from that experience?
Those were hands down the toughest 5 years of my life when I lived in Nashville. While attending Tennessee State University and studying Music Business and Marketing, I went through just about every emotion there is. I definitely enjoyed my college experience and all the life long friends and networks I was blessed to make. The greatest thing I learned in Nashville came away from campus though. That thing is perseverance. While in college I lost my mom to a battle with colon cancer, lost my godmother, survived (first-hand) Hurricane Katrina, was robbed and shot 3 times, and that's the short version. Crazy right?!? Most people I talked to said they had no idea how I shouldered half of what I did while still attending school, but its times like those that let you see what you're really made of. Even though I grew up in a that time (some of the most dangerous uptown areas of New Orleans), it was Nashville, Tennessee where I learned to deal with adversity head on and be be a soldier.
3.) How do you think early touring with heavy-hitters like Juvenile helped determine the depth of your artistry?
I learned so many priceless lessons - not only as an artist but as a business owner from just being around those guys. I remember right after Katrina, Juvie was preparing to release his "Reality Check" LP. The album was by far one of Juvenile's most anticipated, and it definitely didn't disappoint, touting productions and features from industry heavyweights like Ludacris, Lil Jon, Cool-N-Dre, Fat Joe, Brian McKnight, Trey Songs, etc. He was the creator of club classic and record setting anthem "Back that Ass Up" yet he chose to select the controversial song "Get Your Hustle On" as his leading single. A song written out of frustration and truth about the hardships fellow Hurricane Katrina survivors were facing in real life. To me, it not only showed his listeners that he wanted them to do more than dance while listening to his music, but it showed his label that he had more to talk about than your everyday southern club rapper they were labeling him as. To be able to see and hear some of the inner workings of that particular project really showed me the value and power of artistic integrity and creative control. I've vowed never to comprise neither of those things from then on.
4.) You have recently began to expand your reach abroad. Are there any differences to how you approach working with artists domestically versus internationally?
Not really, and that's the beautiful thing about it. Music and the spirit of collaboration are a language of their own. The same approach I would take while at Inner Recess Studios back home with Prospek and the crew is the same one I took while in studios thousands of miles aways form home with people that spoke different languages other than English. We always hear the cliche' "music is the universal language." I got to live it and experience that truth. So besides some of the small language barriers it's business as usual.
5.) How has becoming a father made your mission more important?
When my fiance and I were blessed with our son, Khaliq, earlier this year I experienced a focus that I never knew existed. Like all good parents, I want to be a righteous role model, teacher, and provider for my child. As an artist, it's made my mission to educate and organize our communities that much more important and urgent. Khaliq was also another reason to get the administrative side of my music business tighter. Music licensing, songwriting, producing, etc. (if done professionally) lead to one beautiful word - residuals. How cool would it be to leave my son financial support from doing something I was put on the earth to do and love doing. We as artists and parents are chosen to birth and cultivate something that we hope one day would impact the world for good. I don't take that lightly at all. His names, Khaliq Rashad, in Arabic mean "creator" and "wise counselor"......talk about some big shoes to fill. Ha Ha! Im excited to see him lace em up.
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VISIT gpnyc.com
LISTEN to his music here.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Clusterfunk Collective presents Take Five: Harn Solo [Interview]
We hone in on Harn's hustle - talking local talent versus legends, bringing the gap between the Bay and La, and his plan for what's next.
"Take Five" to tap into the talent beyond the surface.
1.) Explain the name Harn Solo.
The "Harn" part of my name refers to my real last name - Harney. I than added the "Solo" part as a play on words with the Star Wars character.
Solo is also referred to as a term of individuality. I'm well connected with the hip-hop culture in the Southcoast, so its not about being a loner or anything like that. It's really about letting loose with your creative freedom regardless of what others artists follow.
2.) When did you move to New Orleans, and what effect did the transition have on craft and, ultimately, your career?
I moved to New Orleans from California about four years ago. I also spent time in Arizona and Colorado before moving to the Crescent City. New Orleans is the first place I've lived in the South, so it was a definitely a culture shock when I first arrived.
I immediately noticed there was a lot of talent in New Orleans within the world of arts. Not only rappers, but also talented singers, producers, videographers and DJs. Some of my most notable collaborations are with Nola artists Prospek, Dappa, Suave, Lyrikill, Lyriqs da Lyraciss and Caliobzvr.
I feel like my music has improved after being around the people of New Orleans. The city also taught me how to hustle and run. There's opportunity out there, but you have to work hard to get it.
3.) New Orleans and the Bay Area quite obviously share similar (Southern) roots. In you opinion, what is the most prevalent element of artistry between the two regions?
In my opinion the Bay Area and New Orleans hip-hop cultures are both very colorful. Some of my favorite Nor Cal rappers are the Hieroglyphics and E-40. They dressed flashy and also had the stylistic word play to match their appearance.
The same could be said for Mystikal and Lil Wayne from New Orleans. You can't name a single rapper that looks or acts like those individuals. To me that's super dope.
4.) How does your West Coast upbringing contribute to your creative vision?
I went to a lot of Living Legends, Jurassic 5 and Hiero shows growing up. I even saw acts like Atmosphere and Eyedea from Rhymesayers. So that underground hip-hop culture will also be with me.
I can remember in college at Colorado State when my homies first played that "Deltron 3030" record. Shit blew my mind. I didn't know you could rap about wild ideas set place in the future. Moments like that probably turned me into the different kind of artist I am today.
5.) You have opened for Casual (Hieroglyphics), Tha Liks and Wu-Tang Clan (to name a few) - what did you take away from those experiences?
I took away the feeling I could actually hang on the same stage with some of the best 90s era hip hop legends. All those acts have toured more than I have, and have more professional experience than myself. However, I'm gaining confidence I have the ability to take my act beyond New Orleans.
Right now I'm working on building a team around me with a producer, videographer, manager, booking agent and more to get me to the promise land. This could just be the beginning of my story, so I'm grateful for Clusterfunk Collective for getting on board early!
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VISIT www.harnsolo.com
Friday, November 15, 2013
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