Monday, March 23, 2009
Behind the Times
Those that know me know that downloads aren't really my thing. I'd rather have something tangible. Artwork I can hold in my hand, production credits, cassette tapes, vinyl, cd... I want to be wooed. Which is probably why I'm the last kid on my internet block to sign up for an account over at datpiff.com. Datpiff is a mixtape site offering a limited number of free downloads a day for free users. Even better you can actually stream the tracks before/instead of downloading them. Last night I streamed a little Crime Mob, downloaded some Slaughterhouse to get me amped for Paid Dues and downloaded Pirate Signals of Gods and Gangsters. It may lack the romance this old fashioned gal is used to but its still music to my ears.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Stones Throw
Aside from my good friend Bill back home I haven't heard a soul discuss the potential of Mayer Hawthorne. Not hip hop, but definitely a new classic from the Stones Throw label. How can you deny the heart shaped vinyl either. A must have from 2008. If you've been sleeping on it then stop it.
If you live in Europe you can catch the dude on his current tour. Or at least peep his youtube vlogs abou the experience.
linkage: http://www.stonesthrow.com/mayerhawthorne
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Get Familiar World.
I was fortunate enough to catch Stokes live last year in Minneapolis at the Hand Over Fist cd release party. I'd heard a lot of good things about him but I'd yet to HEAR anything. Safe to say the man held it down and now a little less than a year later he'll be dropping an ep with one of my favorite producers. Look out 2009 F. Stokes is coming.
Death of a Handsome Bride available on iTunes April 7th, a F. Stokes and Lazerbeak collaboration.
Monday, March 9, 2009
literally literal
So Chris, Sean, and I got together today for what has been a series of meetings with 2 film students in preperation for a video shoot for Chris's song- "Riderback" (www.gahedindie.com). Now, we've already had a plot in mind (which should be very cool), but we were discussing other options in a direction of horror/thriller type vibe. These kids were very enthusiastic, but man, could they come up with anymore literal interpretations?! Pentagrams, witches, and churches? Really?
That's a pet peeve of mine. Beating the subject matter to death with literal interpretation after literal interpretation? Lame. Please, ya'll- whether it be art, videos, lyrics, etc- think outside the box! THIS video I found on Youtube is my f***in bag!!
Fever Ray is a solo project of the the female singer from the euro-electronica band, "The Knife". Interesting sounds/vocals and effects.
Fever Ray- "If I Had a Heart"
Check it out!
That's a pet peeve of mine. Beating the subject matter to death with literal interpretation after literal interpretation? Lame. Please, ya'll- whether it be art, videos, lyrics, etc- think outside the box! THIS video I found on Youtube is my f***in bag!!
Fever Ray is a solo project of the the female singer from the euro-electronica band, "The Knife". Interesting sounds/vocals and effects.
Fever Ray- "If I Had a Heart"
Check it out!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Ahhh Springtime
I'm Jamee. I'm a pseudo-hippie-gypsie-artist. I'm with a crew called GahedinDIE, currently residing in the arid Phoenix, AZ. I'm a transplant from Minnesota (central Cali before that) trying to get back to my roots. I was raised on the "range" (yah, sure, youbetchya!) in northern MN to a family of five.
Somewhere between my senior year of highschool and the year after that, I found Hip Hop. Or, it found me. A coworker played "Fuck You Lucy" as she scraped the ice off her window, and I remember being totally consumed by curiosity for this interesting sound and emotional delivery. Since then, I was driving the 4 hours each way to Minneapolis to attended weekends chock-full of shows. By myself. It didn't matter who came, and I waited for shows alone, bored but anxious, and it didn't matter. Since then, I've collected numerous albums, learned of tons of new artists, and have even gotten to work with some, doing live art and graphic design for:
P.O.S.
Sims
Digitata
Mel Gibson and the Pants
Carnage
Toki Wright
Ernie Rhodes
Jimmy2Times
Kanser
Last Word
I've learned the ugliness of the business, I've met the shady promoters and the stingy managers, I've seen the transactions and the riders, and I've seen a lot of misunderstandigs go down. But the music still gets to me.
I'm on my way back to Minneapolis, back to struggling to pay rent for a tiny apartment and working my ass off to network and hopefully eventually have my own show in the MiniApple debuting my work.
I love this time of year.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Bringing Fresh Coast East
I just got done sitting down with Samiha. She is the baby of our little group and probably by far the most passionate. She takes everything she does in life to the max and I had a really hard time trying to keep things short(ish) because she has so much to say.
Salina: I love that even all the way out going to school on the East Coast you're always repping the Northwest, what was it like for you growing up out here?
Samiha: i had a really good childhood experience in Portland, but i think I've come to appreciate it even more now that I've moved. i think the best part about Portland is just the mentality of the people. it's very laid back, very friendly, and yeah, somewhat hippy. it's awesome because people are very creative and have a very DIY mentality. there are a lot of awesome initiatives, like "keep Portland weird." living in Portland has been very awesome for encouraging me to be myself and be unique. it's funny because my dad took his job in Portland as soon as he finished his graduate work, and he was actually offered a better paying position in Chicago. he said he didn't want to raise his family there, and when i first heard about that when i was in my early teens, i was really angry because Chicago seemed like such a cool place. now, i can't imagine not living in Portland.
Salina: What role did the Portland scene play in what you were drawn to and exposed to musically early on?
Samiha: quite honestly, the local scene in Portland isn't what got me so deeply into music and live shows. i didn't go to my first concert until a few days before my junior year, and only because i had to beg and beg and BEG my brother to take me, and then my mom had to force him to take me. and even after that, my parents were somewhat strict in that they wouldn't let me go alone, and i would have to be back by midnight. for reasons like that, it really wasn't worth the "fight" to go to shows as often, so I'd only try to go for artists i REALLY REALLY dug. it sucks, but yeah, it limited my access to local artists to some extent. and it's funny because Portland is so known for its indie rock scene, and i initially wasn't very into that. my brother was big on all those bands. he used to always see the decemberists back before they were big. that was the stage in my life where what my brother did wasn't cool, so by immature logic, i wasn't into his music. towards the end of high school, i began to appreciate a lot of Portland artists more, like elliot smith and blitzen trapper. I'm still not completely into the indie scene.
Samiha: AND PS CAN I PLEASE SHOUT OUT JOSH MARTINEZ WHO LIVES IN PORTLAND NOW?!?!!?!?!!
Salina: Georgia and I already shouted out Josh. Its all love.
Salina: I love that even all the way out going to school on the East Coast you're always repping the Northwest, what was it like for you growing up out here?
Samiha: i had a really good childhood experience in Portland, but i think I've come to appreciate it even more now that I've moved. i think the best part about Portland is just the mentality of the people. it's very laid back, very friendly, and yeah, somewhat hippy. it's awesome because people are very creative and have a very DIY mentality. there are a lot of awesome initiatives, like "keep Portland weird." living in Portland has been very awesome for encouraging me to be myself and be unique. it's funny because my dad took his job in Portland as soon as he finished his graduate work, and he was actually offered a better paying position in Chicago. he said he didn't want to raise his family there, and when i first heard about that when i was in my early teens, i was really angry because Chicago seemed like such a cool place. now, i can't imagine not living in Portland.
Salina: What role did the Portland scene play in what you were drawn to and exposed to musically early on?
Samiha: quite honestly, the local scene in Portland isn't what got me so deeply into music and live shows. i didn't go to my first concert until a few days before my junior year, and only because i had to beg and beg and BEG my brother to take me, and then my mom had to force him to take me. and even after that, my parents were somewhat strict in that they wouldn't let me go alone, and i would have to be back by midnight. for reasons like that, it really wasn't worth the "fight" to go to shows as often, so I'd only try to go for artists i REALLY REALLY dug. it sucks, but yeah, it limited my access to local artists to some extent. and it's funny because Portland is so known for its indie rock scene, and i initially wasn't very into that. my brother was big on all those bands. he used to always see the decemberists back before they were big. that was the stage in my life where what my brother did wasn't cool, so by immature logic, i wasn't into his music. towards the end of high school, i began to appreciate a lot of Portland artists more, like elliot smith and blitzen trapper. I'm still not completely into the indie scene.
Samiha: AND PS CAN I PLEASE SHOUT OUT JOSH MARTINEZ WHO LIVES IN PORTLAND NOW?!?!!?!?!!
Salina: Georgia and I already shouted out Josh. Its all love.
Samiha: haha yeah i saw that!! and buck up princess is AWESOME!!!!! (even though people already know haha)
Samiha: and oh yeah, hip hop-wise, I've heard more sub par Portland emcees than genuinely enjoyable ones. i really do dig braille though.
Salina: If you weren't into all that how did you get into new artists then?
Samiha: haha i'm a gigantic loser. i would see that my brother posted on IGN (Internet Gaming Network) message boards. i secretly made an account, because i obviously couldn't admit to brother bear that i was in any way trying to emulate him. they had a hip hop forum, and seriously that is how i got into a lot of the artists i now listen to. that was my first experience with real, in-depth, passionate discussion of music, and i actually met some interesting people there. those boards didn't just introduce me to indie artists, but schooled me on hip hop in general as well. that's how i learned about wu-tang (which EVERYONE was obsessed with), a tribe called quest, people like kool keith.
Salina: Were those the artists you kind of cut your teeth on? Who else?
Samiha: I'd have to say nas, tupac, wu-tang clan, and a tribe called quest were the main ones. oh common too. oh and blackstar and mos def and kweli separately too. because when all of those artists came out, i was mad young. blackstar was probably the most "recent" out of all of them, and I'd guess that their album came out in 97 or 98. that means i was 7 or 8 haha
Salina: I was going to say you were a baby when a lot of those things came out/were big.
Salina: You're kind of large into the street team thing these days. How did you get into that?
Samiha: well, i love love love love love LOVE brother ali to death, and atmosphere is pretty freaking incredible too. and also for a lot of other rhymesayers artists, I'm supportive of them as musicians but also as human beings. both of those things make me want to spread their work to as many people as possible. because RSE doesn't have a message board, i used to check the news section of rhymesayers.com EVERY FREAKING DAY! multiple times a day. the day i saw the posting for street team members, i seriously freaked out like crazy. haha this just shows what a big nerd i am, but i actually had boatloads of homework due the next day, but i decided to put that aside and fill out the application. and not just put in thoughtless, easy answers either. i sat there for ages, trying to craft the perfect answers which would convey the right amount of passion and responsibility and whatnot. i thought it was going to be a mad intense application process. but yeah, a couple weeks later i got a last.fm message from Jake (who is seriously wayyyyyy tooooooo cool) from RSE, thanking me for supporting RSE. i was really confused, but then a few days later i got an email from kevin saying that i made the team. it clicked because i remembered that i linked my last.fm page to my application in my attempt to show how "down" i was with rse haha. but yeah it's been awesome ever since. it made me realize how easy it can be to physically promote artists. i reached out to the booking agent at a venue in Portland when cunninlynguists were coming, and he said that he'd make the show all ages if i helped promote. just stuff like that, and the fact that i helped bring people out to shows or got people exposed to music, that blows my mind.
Samiha: and oh yeah! I'm on the spork kills street team now too! everyone really needs to check them out! Louis logic is not only a genius but also such a lovely human being!! and amazing live!!!
Salina: Back to Ali. You're like superfan when it comes to that man. What is it about him and his music that has you so passionate? (I threw on Shadows On The Sun just for this interview fyi)
Samiha: hahaha good work, good work! okay but seriously, about ali, have you HEARD the man? have you heard his passion? have you heard how heartfelt his lyrics are? have you heard how real he is? i feel like his music is incredibly infectious, and the way i feel about it is simply reciprocating all that he has put into it. I'm really drawn to artists who are storytellers. most of my favorite songs are those that tell incredible tales. a good majority of ali's tracks fall under that vein. i really don't think there is another artist in the game right now who is as emotional or raw on the mic as ali. it doesn't hurt that every last bit of that passion translates into his live show. let's see, i've seen him... in august 06 with atmosphere in Portland, may 07 in Portland (first headlining tour!!), aug 07 at paid dues in eugene, nov 07 with ghostface and rakim in portland, nov 08 in philly, and jan 09 in nyc. yeah so six times. and i'm planning on three more times in may. but yeah, anyway, every single time has been incredible. if he is that amazing in studio and live, then he just wins in life. or in my book, at least. and oh yeah one last thing about ali, i'm Muslim, and so is he, and i know that a lot of people make the assumption that i only heard of him because of that connection, or that that is why i love him so much. actually when i went to paid dues in eugene, murs asked me who i was there to see, and even though i was most excited about felt and brother ali, i didn't want to sound too eager about felt so i said ali. his response was, "yeah, i knew it" and that almost makes me sad. ali isn't a great emcee JUST because he's muslim. i mean i have SO much pride that he's repping my faith so hard, and that he's breaking stereotypes, and just being awesome, but i consider that an added bonus.
Salina: Really quick before we move on, top five Ali songs?
Salina: oh crap... picket fence, chain link, faheem, rain water, um, dorian, damn no. i want to add pedigree and his verse off the wale song. this is too hard
Salina: Haha alright so that is seven.
Samiha: and that's leaving off so many other favorites
Salina: So its your freshman year over there in NYC. What kind of adjustment has all that been for you?
Samiha: MANAGING MY TIME. i'm working, and i have leadership positions in some organizations, and my closest friends live a few feet away from me, and i try to go to as many shows as possible. combine all that, and i'll find that some days i leave my room at 8:30 in the morning and don't return until 1:30 in the morning. and when do i do work? beats me. at the same time though, i think going to shows has made me manage my time to some extent. i saw murs the day before a midterm, so i sat outside the venue until the first artist came onto stage, reading over my study guide haha
Salina: Hah. I've brought flash cards with me and quizzed myself in line etc. before too.
Samiha: haha yeah, you'd be surprised at how efficient it is! especially because everything runs on hiphop time
Salina: Two hours late you mean?
Samiha: hahaha yes!
Salina: So we've got Georgia at Greenpeace, what kind of organizations are you involved in?
Samiha: well right now, i'm involved with two on-campus organizations. i'm the event coordinator for WBAR, which is one of our radio stations, and i'm a program committee member for the Muslim Students Association. i know that the "audience" of both those organizations are incredibly different, but to me religion and music are such big parts of who i am that it's a very natural thing. i also worked with habitat for humanity this past summer, and that got me REALLY into non-profit work and social justice, so i'm hoping to integrate that component into my life to a greater extent too. through MSA, i'm in charge of community service events. and i'm actually hoping that i can help bring this awesome chicago-based non-profit that combines islam, arts, and social justice to NYC. those three things are my favorite and most important things in my life, so i want to and am trying to focus my time on them.
Salina: What are some of the biggest stereotypes you look to break about your religion?
Samiha: hmmm, probably that we are all extremists. i mean i wear hijab, which is the head scarf traditionally worn by muslim women, but i am also very american. my religion is not at all a barrier for me, and in no way does it oppress me. i really do view it as a way of life. it's something that inspires, encourages, educates, and motivates me. if people can see that i'm very proud of my religion, and that i very openly practice it, but that i am also very "normal," then they'll realize that muslim women aren't subdued and submissive. it's actually very interesting that i've gone to a lot of rap shows where artists will say "assalamualikum" to me, which is the greeting of peace that muslims say to one another. when i saw ghostface, he actually saw me in the crowd, pointed at me, and said that into the mic. people looked around to see what he was doing. i thought that was a very cool and teachable moment. it just showed that you can be very religious and still have other interests.
Salina: You've mentioned the internet quite a bit. How do you see the web changing music and the hip hop community?
Samiha: the internet is both awesome and terrible for the hiphop community. it's awesome in the sense that it really allows people to transcend geographical boundaries and become exposed to all sorts of artists. there are QN5 fans in australia, and QN5 has never toured there. there are BCR fans in holland, and BCR has never toured there. and neither of the artist from those labels have the type of marketing or publicity that would otherwise make them accessible in countries like that, had it not been for the internet. at the same time though, and this is going to sound way trite because this is a gripe every freaking human being with any experience with the internet has, but it gives everyone an opportunity to be heard. everyone can make a myspace and start promoting their stuff. it really oversaturates the market, and especially given how easy it is to download things, it makes it really hard for artists to stand out and it makes it even harder for fans to pay money for the songs they buy. it's a fine line though, because especially with message boards where artists post, like lethalville where mac is always interacting with fans, it creates a way deeper connection between artists and fans. those connections make the fans dig the artists as human beings, and consider the artists to be their friends. you don't want to steal from a friend; you want to go out of your way to make sure your friend succeeds. without the internet, those kinds of interactions and opportunities would only be limited to live shows.
Salina: Tell me a little bit about your connection with QN5. How did you get into them?
Samiha: oh man... okay so i listened to southernunderground, which is the second album by cunninlynguists, and it changed my life. i literally listened to that album non-stop for god knows how long. i'm not even exaggerating. anyway, i completely fell in love with them. there is a skit on southernunderground in which tonedeff (ceo/founder/rapper extraordinaire of qn5) acts as an obnoxious dj on a station called WQN5. that, in combination with his guest appearance on "love ain't" off southernunderground made me want to check his work out. and one thing led to another, and i realized that every artist on that label is incredibly talented.
and again, this is where the message board/internet aspect of it comes into play again. i registered for their forums, and i soon began to realize how incredibly interactive they were with their fans, and also how awesome the tight-knit the fanbase was as a result of that. it's kinda like lethalville. everyone knows each other, and they've all met each other through shows and stuff. big groups of fans travel across the country for the annual megashow. there are inside jokes between artists and fans. it made me realize that they were the most incredible human beings. i know a lot of DIY labels, but seriously, NOTHING beats the DIY attitude of QN5. the level of work and struggle that goes into all their projects is incredible. i fully support them in everything they do, and it's so easy to do that because they are seriously the nicest, most talented, funniest, dopest, most awesome people in the whole wide world.
Salina: You also work on their webzine.
Samiha: yup! and that is a perfect example of the profound impact they have on their fanbase. the webzine is actually an off-shoot of the first ever qn5 zine, which was distributed exclusively in physical form at one of the annual megashows. to this day, i still have not seen a single copy surface on the internet. only the people who were at that show got it. but yeah, supposedly it was comprised of some fan and artist articles and lots of inside jokes. with the online version, we wanted to create something that would allow us to channel all our love for the artists into a constructive product that would not only bolster the enthusiasm for qn5 amongst existing fans, but would also garner new fans as well. working on the online fanzine has been a lot of fun. there are some incredibly talented fans in our group. the amount of time our graphic designer, kontrast, put in was incredible. that dude designed the most professional looking layouts ever.as much work as it was, i was a really rewarding and important experience because it let us give back to the artists who have given us SO much. we're actually working on our third issue right now
Salina: You're a part of a LOT of fan communities. Which one do you think has the most fun?
Samiha: lethalville, NO DOUBT. and i'm not only saying that because that's how i know you. lethalville is seriously comprised of the best individuals ever. i IM, text, and call users from lethalville on the regular. i mail them goodies simply because i WANT to, simply because i know it'll make them happy, and they do the exact same thing back. it's not a matter of obligation or courtesy, it's just genuine friendship. i really do consider a lot of people on the boards to be my REAL friends.
Salina: Okay, give me a quick run down of your dream playlist.
Samiha: okay well my friend and i actually decided we're only going to play our favorite songs on our next show. so i guess this will be good preparation. this is a random order, so don't judge my mix-making abilities! tonedeff - porcelain, pos - goodbye, purexed (can you tell that i love never better?!), cunninlynguists - nothing to give, dance for me, brother ali - chain link, picket fence, common/lauryn hill - retrospective for life, blackstar - respiration, nas - doorags, tupac - never call you bitch again, atmosphere - always coming back home to you, lift her pull her, in her music box, cecil otter - 100 fathers, dtr - traveling dunk tank, kid gloves, the wren (!!!), dots and dashes, substantial - r love songs gay, tonedeff - optimist. um yeah i can go on and on and on ahha) OH outkast - da art of storytellin pt 2
Salina: Where and when can we tune in to hear some of these on your radio show?
Samiha: ahhh!!! tuesdays from noon to two pm (est) on http://wbar.org/
Salina: I notice a lot of Doomtree on that list. ;)
Samiha: well isn't that a coincidence!
Salina: Shocking, what is it about them you're drawn to?
Samiha: UH EVERYTHING? really though, that's so true. because they are such a massive crew with so many different things going on, they really give you 82475824798 different ways to get into their music.
Salina: What's your best discovery of 2009 so far?
Samiha: does never better count? i have this horrible habit that when i get into one album, i play it almost exclusively. and it's only interrupted by another equally dope album, and then the albums duke it out for playing time. so ultimately i end up listening to maybe 6 or 7 new albums each year.. sad. but okay, if never better doesn't exist, then i gotta say spork kills. that's a legit answer. new artist!
Salina: And for those that don't know Spork Kills is...
Samiha: spork kills is the brainchild of THE louis logic, mc extraordinaire, and two danish producers named rolf and laust. basically it's a mix between surf and rap music. i love their work because louis is just an awesome lyricist, and the beats are just crazy inventive, so they make for a great combo. but more than that, i love the ideology behind it, which is that they all found something new that they loved, and they realized that it might be a risky or alienating move, but they believed in it enough to put it out there. i think it's so brave and rare for artists to do that, and i really hope and believe their gamble will pay off.
Salina: What can we look forward to from your blogs?
Samiha: semi-articulate show reviews. i should preface my blogposts with the warning that they will most likely contain a lot of colorful adjectives, capital letters, and exclamation points. i'll try to tone it down so as to sound less like i'm rambling, but i can make no guarantees.
Salina: Georgia wants to know "left coast vs. right coast who wins?"
Samiha: LEFT COAST. NO QUESTION.
Salina: Fresh Coast for life.
Samiha: fresh coast is the best coast
Salina: Was there anything you wanted to get out there that we didn't cover?
Samiha: YEAH. i think this blog is such an awesome idea! i want to big up cody again for coming up with it, and you for taking the initiative. i'm really excited to read about all you other lovely ladies' experiences! seriously. so much of what georgia said about the typical female at a rap show is so on true, and that's depressing. this is our attempt at changing things, and i think that's just way too cool.
Samiha: and oh yeah, hip hop-wise, I've heard more sub par Portland emcees than genuinely enjoyable ones. i really do dig braille though.
Salina: If you weren't into all that how did you get into new artists then?
Samiha: haha i'm a gigantic loser. i would see that my brother posted on IGN (Internet Gaming Network) message boards. i secretly made an account, because i obviously couldn't admit to brother bear that i was in any way trying to emulate him. they had a hip hop forum, and seriously that is how i got into a lot of the artists i now listen to. that was my first experience with real, in-depth, passionate discussion of music, and i actually met some interesting people there. those boards didn't just introduce me to indie artists, but schooled me on hip hop in general as well. that's how i learned about wu-tang (which EVERYONE was obsessed with), a tribe called quest, people like kool keith.
Salina: Were those the artists you kind of cut your teeth on? Who else?
Samiha: I'd have to say nas, tupac, wu-tang clan, and a tribe called quest were the main ones. oh common too. oh and blackstar and mos def and kweli separately too. because when all of those artists came out, i was mad young. blackstar was probably the most "recent" out of all of them, and I'd guess that their album came out in 97 or 98. that means i was 7 or 8 haha
Salina: I was going to say you were a baby when a lot of those things came out/were big.
Salina: You're kind of large into the street team thing these days. How did you get into that?
Samiha: well, i love love love love love LOVE brother ali to death, and atmosphere is pretty freaking incredible too. and also for a lot of other rhymesayers artists, I'm supportive of them as musicians but also as human beings. both of those things make me want to spread their work to as many people as possible. because RSE doesn't have a message board, i used to check the news section of rhymesayers.com EVERY FREAKING DAY! multiple times a day. the day i saw the posting for street team members, i seriously freaked out like crazy. haha this just shows what a big nerd i am, but i actually had boatloads of homework due the next day, but i decided to put that aside and fill out the application. and not just put in thoughtless, easy answers either. i sat there for ages, trying to craft the perfect answers which would convey the right amount of passion and responsibility and whatnot. i thought it was going to be a mad intense application process. but yeah, a couple weeks later i got a last.fm message from Jake (who is seriously wayyyyyy tooooooo cool) from RSE, thanking me for supporting RSE. i was really confused, but then a few days later i got an email from kevin saying that i made the team. it clicked because i remembered that i linked my last.fm page to my application in my attempt to show how "down" i was with rse haha. but yeah it's been awesome ever since. it made me realize how easy it can be to physically promote artists. i reached out to the booking agent at a venue in Portland when cunninlynguists were coming, and he said that he'd make the show all ages if i helped promote. just stuff like that, and the fact that i helped bring people out to shows or got people exposed to music, that blows my mind.
Samiha: and oh yeah! I'm on the spork kills street team now too! everyone really needs to check them out! Louis logic is not only a genius but also such a lovely human being!! and amazing live!!!
Salina: Back to Ali. You're like superfan when it comes to that man. What is it about him and his music that has you so passionate? (I threw on Shadows On The Sun just for this interview fyi)
Samiha: hahaha good work, good work! okay but seriously, about ali, have you HEARD the man? have you heard his passion? have you heard how heartfelt his lyrics are? have you heard how real he is? i feel like his music is incredibly infectious, and the way i feel about it is simply reciprocating all that he has put into it. I'm really drawn to artists who are storytellers. most of my favorite songs are those that tell incredible tales. a good majority of ali's tracks fall under that vein. i really don't think there is another artist in the game right now who is as emotional or raw on the mic as ali. it doesn't hurt that every last bit of that passion translates into his live show. let's see, i've seen him... in august 06 with atmosphere in Portland, may 07 in Portland (first headlining tour!!), aug 07 at paid dues in eugene, nov 07 with ghostface and rakim in portland, nov 08 in philly, and jan 09 in nyc. yeah so six times. and i'm planning on three more times in may. but yeah, anyway, every single time has been incredible. if he is that amazing in studio and live, then he just wins in life. or in my book, at least. and oh yeah one last thing about ali, i'm Muslim, and so is he, and i know that a lot of people make the assumption that i only heard of him because of that connection, or that that is why i love him so much. actually when i went to paid dues in eugene, murs asked me who i was there to see, and even though i was most excited about felt and brother ali, i didn't want to sound too eager about felt so i said ali. his response was, "yeah, i knew it" and that almost makes me sad. ali isn't a great emcee JUST because he's muslim. i mean i have SO much pride that he's repping my faith so hard, and that he's breaking stereotypes, and just being awesome, but i consider that an added bonus.
Salina: Really quick before we move on, top five Ali songs?
Salina: oh crap... picket fence, chain link, faheem, rain water, um, dorian, damn no. i want to add pedigree and his verse off the wale song. this is too hard
Salina: Haha alright so that is seven.
Samiha: and that's leaving off so many other favorites
Salina: So its your freshman year over there in NYC. What kind of adjustment has all that been for you?
Samiha: MANAGING MY TIME. i'm working, and i have leadership positions in some organizations, and my closest friends live a few feet away from me, and i try to go to as many shows as possible. combine all that, and i'll find that some days i leave my room at 8:30 in the morning and don't return until 1:30 in the morning. and when do i do work? beats me. at the same time though, i think going to shows has made me manage my time to some extent. i saw murs the day before a midterm, so i sat outside the venue until the first artist came onto stage, reading over my study guide haha
Salina: Hah. I've brought flash cards with me and quizzed myself in line etc. before too.
Samiha: haha yeah, you'd be surprised at how efficient it is! especially because everything runs on hiphop time
Salina: Two hours late you mean?
Samiha: hahaha yes!
Salina: So we've got Georgia at Greenpeace, what kind of organizations are you involved in?
Samiha: well right now, i'm involved with two on-campus organizations. i'm the event coordinator for WBAR, which is one of our radio stations, and i'm a program committee member for the Muslim Students Association. i know that the "audience" of both those organizations are incredibly different, but to me religion and music are such big parts of who i am that it's a very natural thing. i also worked with habitat for humanity this past summer, and that got me REALLY into non-profit work and social justice, so i'm hoping to integrate that component into my life to a greater extent too. through MSA, i'm in charge of community service events. and i'm actually hoping that i can help bring this awesome chicago-based non-profit that combines islam, arts, and social justice to NYC. those three things are my favorite and most important things in my life, so i want to and am trying to focus my time on them.
Salina: What are some of the biggest stereotypes you look to break about your religion?
Samiha: hmmm, probably that we are all extremists. i mean i wear hijab, which is the head scarf traditionally worn by muslim women, but i am also very american. my religion is not at all a barrier for me, and in no way does it oppress me. i really do view it as a way of life. it's something that inspires, encourages, educates, and motivates me. if people can see that i'm very proud of my religion, and that i very openly practice it, but that i am also very "normal," then they'll realize that muslim women aren't subdued and submissive. it's actually very interesting that i've gone to a lot of rap shows where artists will say "assalamualikum" to me, which is the greeting of peace that muslims say to one another. when i saw ghostface, he actually saw me in the crowd, pointed at me, and said that into the mic. people looked around to see what he was doing. i thought that was a very cool and teachable moment. it just showed that you can be very religious and still have other interests.
Salina: You've mentioned the internet quite a bit. How do you see the web changing music and the hip hop community?
Samiha: the internet is both awesome and terrible for the hiphop community. it's awesome in the sense that it really allows people to transcend geographical boundaries and become exposed to all sorts of artists. there are QN5 fans in australia, and QN5 has never toured there. there are BCR fans in holland, and BCR has never toured there. and neither of the artist from those labels have the type of marketing or publicity that would otherwise make them accessible in countries like that, had it not been for the internet. at the same time though, and this is going to sound way trite because this is a gripe every freaking human being with any experience with the internet has, but it gives everyone an opportunity to be heard. everyone can make a myspace and start promoting their stuff. it really oversaturates the market, and especially given how easy it is to download things, it makes it really hard for artists to stand out and it makes it even harder for fans to pay money for the songs they buy. it's a fine line though, because especially with message boards where artists post, like lethalville where mac is always interacting with fans, it creates a way deeper connection between artists and fans. those connections make the fans dig the artists as human beings, and consider the artists to be their friends. you don't want to steal from a friend; you want to go out of your way to make sure your friend succeeds. without the internet, those kinds of interactions and opportunities would only be limited to live shows.
Salina: Tell me a little bit about your connection with QN5. How did you get into them?
Samiha: oh man... okay so i listened to southernunderground, which is the second album by cunninlynguists, and it changed my life. i literally listened to that album non-stop for god knows how long. i'm not even exaggerating. anyway, i completely fell in love with them. there is a skit on southernunderground in which tonedeff (ceo/founder/rapper extraordinaire of qn5) acts as an obnoxious dj on a station called WQN5. that, in combination with his guest appearance on "love ain't" off southernunderground made me want to check his work out. and one thing led to another, and i realized that every artist on that label is incredibly talented.
and again, this is where the message board/internet aspect of it comes into play again. i registered for their forums, and i soon began to realize how incredibly interactive they were with their fans, and also how awesome the tight-knit the fanbase was as a result of that. it's kinda like lethalville. everyone knows each other, and they've all met each other through shows and stuff. big groups of fans travel across the country for the annual megashow. there are inside jokes between artists and fans. it made me realize that they were the most incredible human beings. i know a lot of DIY labels, but seriously, NOTHING beats the DIY attitude of QN5. the level of work and struggle that goes into all their projects is incredible. i fully support them in everything they do, and it's so easy to do that because they are seriously the nicest, most talented, funniest, dopest, most awesome people in the whole wide world.
Salina: You also work on their webzine.
Samiha: yup! and that is a perfect example of the profound impact they have on their fanbase. the webzine is actually an off-shoot of the first ever qn5 zine, which was distributed exclusively in physical form at one of the annual megashows. to this day, i still have not seen a single copy surface on the internet. only the people who were at that show got it. but yeah, supposedly it was comprised of some fan and artist articles and lots of inside jokes. with the online version, we wanted to create something that would allow us to channel all our love for the artists into a constructive product that would not only bolster the enthusiasm for qn5 amongst existing fans, but would also garner new fans as well. working on the online fanzine has been a lot of fun. there are some incredibly talented fans in our group. the amount of time our graphic designer, kontrast, put in was incredible. that dude designed the most professional looking layouts ever.as much work as it was, i was a really rewarding and important experience because it let us give back to the artists who have given us SO much. we're actually working on our third issue right now
Salina: You're a part of a LOT of fan communities. Which one do you think has the most fun?
Samiha: lethalville, NO DOUBT. and i'm not only saying that because that's how i know you. lethalville is seriously comprised of the best individuals ever. i IM, text, and call users from lethalville on the regular. i mail them goodies simply because i WANT to, simply because i know it'll make them happy, and they do the exact same thing back. it's not a matter of obligation or courtesy, it's just genuine friendship. i really do consider a lot of people on the boards to be my REAL friends.
Salina: Okay, give me a quick run down of your dream playlist.
Samiha: okay well my friend and i actually decided we're only going to play our favorite songs on our next show. so i guess this will be good preparation. this is a random order, so don't judge my mix-making abilities! tonedeff - porcelain, pos - goodbye, purexed (can you tell that i love never better?!), cunninlynguists - nothing to give, dance for me, brother ali - chain link, picket fence, common/lauryn hill - retrospective for life, blackstar - respiration, nas - doorags, tupac - never call you bitch again, atmosphere - always coming back home to you, lift her pull her, in her music box, cecil otter - 100 fathers, dtr - traveling dunk tank, kid gloves, the wren (!!!), dots and dashes, substantial - r love songs gay, tonedeff - optimist. um yeah i can go on and on and on ahha) OH outkast - da art of storytellin pt 2
Salina: Where and when can we tune in to hear some of these on your radio show?
Samiha: ahhh!!! tuesdays from noon to two pm (est) on http://wbar.org/
Salina: I notice a lot of Doomtree on that list. ;)
Samiha: well isn't that a coincidence!
Salina: Shocking, what is it about them you're drawn to?
Samiha: UH EVERYTHING? really though, that's so true. because they are such a massive crew with so many different things going on, they really give you 82475824798 different ways to get into their music.
Salina: What's your best discovery of 2009 so far?
Samiha: does never better count? i have this horrible habit that when i get into one album, i play it almost exclusively. and it's only interrupted by another equally dope album, and then the albums duke it out for playing time. so ultimately i end up listening to maybe 6 or 7 new albums each year.. sad. but okay, if never better doesn't exist, then i gotta say spork kills. that's a legit answer. new artist!
Salina: And for those that don't know Spork Kills is...
Samiha: spork kills is the brainchild of THE louis logic, mc extraordinaire, and two danish producers named rolf and laust. basically it's a mix between surf and rap music. i love their work because louis is just an awesome lyricist, and the beats are just crazy inventive, so they make for a great combo. but more than that, i love the ideology behind it, which is that they all found something new that they loved, and they realized that it might be a risky or alienating move, but they believed in it enough to put it out there. i think it's so brave and rare for artists to do that, and i really hope and believe their gamble will pay off.
Salina: What can we look forward to from your blogs?
Samiha: semi-articulate show reviews. i should preface my blogposts with the warning that they will most likely contain a lot of colorful adjectives, capital letters, and exclamation points. i'll try to tone it down so as to sound less like i'm rambling, but i can make no guarantees.
Salina: Georgia wants to know "left coast vs. right coast who wins?"
Samiha: LEFT COAST. NO QUESTION.
Salina: Fresh Coast for life.
Samiha: fresh coast is the best coast
Salina: Was there anything you wanted to get out there that we didn't cover?
Samiha: YEAH. i think this blog is such an awesome idea! i want to big up cody again for coming up with it, and you for taking the initiative. i'm really excited to read about all you other lovely ladies' experiences! seriously. so much of what georgia said about the typical female at a rap show is so on true, and that's depressing. this is our attempt at changing things, and i think that's just way too cool.
Georgia On My Mind
Earlier today Georgia and I sat down on aim and took turns interviewing one another to give you all a basic idea of who we are and what we're about. Georgia is our Greenpeace, grassroots, crazy, Fargo loving LA transplant. Here's what she had to say.
S: How do you know each of the other girls? (cody, crista, jamee, samiha, salina)
G: There's a little place on the internet "lethalville.net" that got me connected to some amazing people that happened to be supporters of the same independent hip hop label. The ladies happened to be posters. since then I've met up with Salina, Samiha, and Crista across the country at hip hop shows.
S: Why write a blog with them?
G: Because they're all beautifully intelligent. There's also a stereotype about females at hip hop shows. We're proving that stereotype wrong. I wanted to be part of a group of strong women.
S: What's the stereotype?
G: Stupid girls. Girls that are looking to get wasted and hook up with an artist. Girls who get dragged to the show by their boyfriend, get wasted, and grind with him at the front of the stage. Girls who don't appreciate the artistry that goes into the final product. Girls that couldn't even tell you who was just on stage performing.
S: Does that make you wary of all girls you see at shows?
G: Unfortunately yes. I don't feel like there's any depth to a high percentage of them. I don't think I could form friendships with most of them the way I've been able to with the lethal ladies. BUT - if they're paying for their ticket and supporting groups I love then that's cool, have a fun time, I just don't have a lot of respect for those girls. wow, someone slipped some haterade into my water this morning
S: haha, workin' on that LA elitism? ;)
G: apparently
S: So we've got representation fairly well spread over the map, you're one of our midwest girls, Fargo. What was it like growing up there?
G: The nicest way I can say it is that it was a process. It took a while to come into my own and definitely didn't happen until college. It took some great friends to introduce me to Atomsphere and from there I never looked back. I got my hands on any RSE release that came out. I saw any show that came my way. Hip hop became a release for all of my awkward years. I talk a lot about the spiritual experience I get from attending shows - not religious, but there's something about it that definitely fills me up. Especially having artists in the Midwest they were talking about what I knew. I didn't know East Coast or West Coast. I knew the Midwest. I love where I'm from. Everyone should. We are who we are now because of where we came from. To sum up Ernest Rhodes and his thought on that subject: If you don't love where you're from at least be constructive of your criticisms. Our communities shape who we are and hopefully give us the push we need in whatever direction that may be.
S: As you said you do talk a lot about those "moments" what was yours? The one that really sold you on hip hop and you knew that was just it.
G: To narrow it down is really really hard. There have been a lot of great Fargo moments, Minneapolis moments, a great DC moment, a great Sioux Falls moment, and a great Hollywood moment. But the one that sticks out to me was seeing Brother Ali at First Ave in Minneapolis. It was his homecoming show after having been on tour to promote "The Undisputed Truth." I had been at other shows along the tour but NOTHING compared to the energy his home town gave him. Booming chants of "Ali! Ali! Ali!" went on for minutes before he took the stage. When he finally did the crowd exploded. The show was unlike anything I had seen. These kids were waiting for Ali to come home. Ali was waiting to come home. When they all got to be at home together all I remember thinking the whole time was "wow, this is something really special"
S: You actually lived in Minneapolis for a while. With that being almost the center of the "underground" hip hop community right now what was that like?
G: Incredible. There was a show every day of the week if you looked hard enough. Whether it was a major artist like Atmosphere, POS, Doomtree, or Brother Ali playing at home, or cats like Toki Wright, St Paul Slim, Kanser, I Self Devine, Muja Messiah (really the list could go on) The great thing about the Midwest is that no matter what you do in life there is a great sense of community about it. All these artist put on shows with each other. They're all helping with bookings, promotions, and merch tables. They're all working to lift up the Midwest in the most positive manner possible
S: And now you're a recent LA transplant, what's that like?
G: Weird!Everything here is really spread out and the mass transportation not so great, so I feel if I DID know about shows I'd have a hard time getting to them. The Winters and Losers Tour was the only show I caught out here. You and I are planning to get to Paid Dues - but it's an hour away without traffic, which is easily done in the Middle of Nowhere, but right now we have no idea how we're getting there. Loving hip hop is easy in the Midwest. But - the lethalboys and Mae that were at the show were some of the most genuine people I've met in my two and a half weeks here.
S: Musically, what are you into besides hip hop?
G: During high school I was big on Dave Matthews Band. It started because I had heard about their charity work, which blew me away. The music came second and quite naturally. I'd give my right arm to be able to see The Beatles, or The Doors. Wookiefoot is a great Minneapolis act- more geared toward the hippies and festi-heads. The Bobs of my heart are Dylan and Marley. The Bens of my heart are Harper and Folds. I also like Jack Johnson for his smooth mellow reassurance. It's a disgustingly long list so I'll let it chill at that. And Abadawn (because he'd be upset if I didn't say so)
S: Hey now, Aba's hiphop you little name dropper! Don't think you're sneaky
G: ; )
S: If you want to talk NWFresh that's fine. Who else are you into from my neck of the woods?
G: Grayskul, Jake One, Boom Bap Project, Type
S: I'm sensing a theme
G: people that are linked to the midwest?
S: *cough*Rhymesayers*cough*+Type
G: wellllllll... yeah. but that's where i started getting exposed - i'm sure being out here i'll be introduced to others. sir mix-a-lot, how's that
S: Josh Martinez?
G: aba's slowly working me on josh
S: Buck Up Princess?
G: no?
S: I have the tour only version , we'll hook that up. That's how I got Samiha into him and now I think she's a bigger fan than I am
G: i feel like she'd take everything to the next degree. girl has some serious fire
S: And she's the baby how crazy is that? Have you seen her QN5 zine?
G: i'm glad she got an early start
S: My QN5 knowledge begins and ends at Cunninlynguists but its a pretty amazing web publication.
S: You and I are pretty much the "jet setters" of the group. Of all the cities and venues what is your absolute favorite spot to catch a show?
G: depends on the artist. I'd much rather see an act in their hometown, but it was pretty amazing to see the response POS got at Rock and Roll Hotel in DC. Kids knew his songs word for word. (and Mike and Sims)
S: So... I keep waiting for you to mention MeandYouCrew...
G: Since you brought them up . . what would you like to know?
S: I'm just surprised you haven't mentioned them. I knew I'd get Aba and Ernie at some point. I kind of figured MeandYouCrew would be thrown in too. Hometown love and all.
G: The thing about MeandYouCrew is that it's essentially Jem P and his Brother DJ Scissorfist. Kipp G is they hype man and promoter. Kipp is why so many artists come to Fargo in the first place and then return.
S: So when I drop my highly anticipated solo album I should hit Kip up about a Fargo gig?
G: absolutey - he'll book the show and tell all 2,000 of his facebook friends to go.
S: Awesome, I'm on it. Aba of course will book the Northwest leg.
G: of course. he'll having you as opening for him when camobear signs him
S: I've demanded he bring Carnage to Seattle.
G: he puts on a good show
S: I mean how dope would a Kristoff Krane + Carnage show be out here? I can vouch most NW kids have seen nothing like it.
G: would they understand it?
S: Oh yeah, how could you not be into that?
S: Speak of the devil, Camobear just friended me on myspace. ;)
S: So what do you do when you're not attending shows? I know you have one of the best jobs in the world.
G: If I were back home I'd be disc golfing like mad - but again, the transportation issue - I don't think it'll happen here. But when I'm not at shows I'm saving the planet. Or, since I have cable for the first time ever while living on my own, I watch movies. I do a lot of Yoga when I can - I'm looking forward to trying out the studios in my neighborhood. I'm also looking forward to hiking around Griffith Partk. OH! And I really want to go see the Pacific Ocean (not from an airplane)
S: So we know you're down with the RSE crew but how else do you find new music?
G: Through friends suggestions. One of my good buddies back home, Case, is a wealth of knowledge. So he usually tips me off to really great artists. He was one of the biggest influences in expanding my love of hip hop. Last year he started making mix cds for every month of the year so I heard a lot of new stuff that way. I also find new music from opening acts of other groups I like - or suggestions from the groups themselves.
S: Best new discovery of 2009 so far?
G: It's too early - I can't say I've been exposed to anything new yet. I was so busy with interviewing, training, and moving for the most part. Do you have a suggestion?
S: Its not hip hop but I started listening to a lot of Wavves last month. Very noise, loud, chaotic. Kind of surf rockish. Anything that samples whales is okay with me.
G: haha, surfers
S: What can we expect from your blog entries?
G: Photos. Maybe a backlog of previous shows until I figure out LA - but I much prefer using photos and videos to capture the moments rather than trying to express something with words that is sometimes such a personal experience
S: Give us a break down of your current playlist?
G: Yesterday I was in the office by myself so I was easing off the midwest into the west coast. I played Brother Ali's "Undisputed Truth" (In anticipation for his new release) Kanser's entire catalogue, Silentarmy's catalogue, some Jurassic 5 with KRS-One's "prophets vs profits"
S: How do you know each of the other girls? (cody, crista, jamee, samiha, salina)
G: There's a little place on the internet "lethalville.net" that got me connected to some amazing people that happened to be supporters of the same independent hip hop label. The ladies happened to be posters. since then I've met up with Salina, Samiha, and Crista across the country at hip hop shows.
S: Why write a blog with them?
G: Because they're all beautifully intelligent. There's also a stereotype about females at hip hop shows. We're proving that stereotype wrong. I wanted to be part of a group of strong women.
S: What's the stereotype?
G: Stupid girls. Girls that are looking to get wasted and hook up with an artist. Girls who get dragged to the show by their boyfriend, get wasted, and grind with him at the front of the stage. Girls who don't appreciate the artistry that goes into the final product. Girls that couldn't even tell you who was just on stage performing.
S: Does that make you wary of all girls you see at shows?
G: Unfortunately yes. I don't feel like there's any depth to a high percentage of them. I don't think I could form friendships with most of them the way I've been able to with the lethal ladies. BUT - if they're paying for their ticket and supporting groups I love then that's cool, have a fun time, I just don't have a lot of respect for those girls. wow, someone slipped some haterade into my water this morning
S: haha, workin' on that LA elitism? ;)
G: apparently
S: So we've got representation fairly well spread over the map, you're one of our midwest girls, Fargo. What was it like growing up there?
G: The nicest way I can say it is that it was a process. It took a while to come into my own and definitely didn't happen until college. It took some great friends to introduce me to Atomsphere and from there I never looked back. I got my hands on any RSE release that came out. I saw any show that came my way. Hip hop became a release for all of my awkward years. I talk a lot about the spiritual experience I get from attending shows - not religious, but there's something about it that definitely fills me up. Especially having artists in the Midwest they were talking about what I knew. I didn't know East Coast or West Coast. I knew the Midwest. I love where I'm from. Everyone should. We are who we are now because of where we came from. To sum up Ernest Rhodes and his thought on that subject: If you don't love where you're from at least be constructive of your criticisms. Our communities shape who we are and hopefully give us the push we need in whatever direction that may be.
S: As you said you do talk a lot about those "moments" what was yours? The one that really sold you on hip hop and you knew that was just it.
G: To narrow it down is really really hard. There have been a lot of great Fargo moments, Minneapolis moments, a great DC moment, a great Sioux Falls moment, and a great Hollywood moment. But the one that sticks out to me was seeing Brother Ali at First Ave in Minneapolis. It was his homecoming show after having been on tour to promote "The Undisputed Truth." I had been at other shows along the tour but NOTHING compared to the energy his home town gave him. Booming chants of "Ali! Ali! Ali!" went on for minutes before he took the stage. When he finally did the crowd exploded. The show was unlike anything I had seen. These kids were waiting for Ali to come home. Ali was waiting to come home. When they all got to be at home together all I remember thinking the whole time was "wow, this is something really special"
S: You actually lived in Minneapolis for a while. With that being almost the center of the "underground" hip hop community right now what was that like?
G: Incredible. There was a show every day of the week if you looked hard enough. Whether it was a major artist like Atmosphere, POS, Doomtree, or Brother Ali playing at home, or cats like Toki Wright, St Paul Slim, Kanser, I Self Devine, Muja Messiah (really the list could go on) The great thing about the Midwest is that no matter what you do in life there is a great sense of community about it. All these artist put on shows with each other. They're all helping with bookings, promotions, and merch tables. They're all working to lift up the Midwest in the most positive manner possible
S: And now you're a recent LA transplant, what's that like?
G: Weird!Everything here is really spread out and the mass transportation not so great, so I feel if I DID know about shows I'd have a hard time getting to them. The Winters and Losers Tour was the only show I caught out here. You and I are planning to get to Paid Dues - but it's an hour away without traffic, which is easily done in the Middle of Nowhere, but right now we have no idea how we're getting there. Loving hip hop is easy in the Midwest. But - the lethalboys and Mae that were at the show were some of the most genuine people I've met in my two and a half weeks here.
S: Musically, what are you into besides hip hop?
G: During high school I was big on Dave Matthews Band. It started because I had heard about their charity work, which blew me away. The music came second and quite naturally. I'd give my right arm to be able to see The Beatles, or The Doors. Wookiefoot is a great Minneapolis act- more geared toward the hippies and festi-heads. The Bobs of my heart are Dylan and Marley. The Bens of my heart are Harper and Folds. I also like Jack Johnson for his smooth mellow reassurance. It's a disgustingly long list so I'll let it chill at that. And Abadawn (because he'd be upset if I didn't say so)
S: Hey now, Aba's hiphop you little name dropper! Don't think you're sneaky
G: ; )
S: If you want to talk NWFresh that's fine. Who else are you into from my neck of the woods?
G: Grayskul, Jake One, Boom Bap Project, Type
S: I'm sensing a theme
G: people that are linked to the midwest?
S: *cough*Rhymesayers*cough*+Type
G: wellllllll... yeah. but that's where i started getting exposed - i'm sure being out here i'll be introduced to others. sir mix-a-lot, how's that
S: Josh Martinez?
G: aba's slowly working me on josh
S: Buck Up Princess?
G: no?
S: I have the tour only version , we'll hook that up. That's how I got Samiha into him and now I think she's a bigger fan than I am
G: i feel like she'd take everything to the next degree. girl has some serious fire
S: And she's the baby how crazy is that? Have you seen her QN5 zine?
G: i'm glad she got an early start
S: My QN5 knowledge begins and ends at Cunninlynguists but its a pretty amazing web publication.
S: You and I are pretty much the "jet setters" of the group. Of all the cities and venues what is your absolute favorite spot to catch a show?
G: depends on the artist. I'd much rather see an act in their hometown, but it was pretty amazing to see the response POS got at Rock and Roll Hotel in DC. Kids knew his songs word for word. (and Mike and Sims)
S: So... I keep waiting for you to mention MeandYouCrew...
G: Since you brought them up . . what would you like to know?
S: I'm just surprised you haven't mentioned them. I knew I'd get Aba and Ernie at some point. I kind of figured MeandYouCrew would be thrown in too. Hometown love and all.
G: The thing about MeandYouCrew is that it's essentially Jem P and his Brother DJ Scissorfist. Kipp G is they hype man and promoter. Kipp is why so many artists come to Fargo in the first place and then return.
S: So when I drop my highly anticipated solo album I should hit Kip up about a Fargo gig?
G: absolutey - he'll book the show and tell all 2,000 of his facebook friends to go.
S: Awesome, I'm on it. Aba of course will book the Northwest leg.
G: of course. he'll having you as opening for him when camobear signs him
S: I've demanded he bring Carnage to Seattle.
G: he puts on a good show
S: I mean how dope would a Kristoff Krane + Carnage show be out here? I can vouch most NW kids have seen nothing like it.
G: would they understand it?
S: Oh yeah, how could you not be into that?
S: Speak of the devil, Camobear just friended me on myspace. ;)
S: So what do you do when you're not attending shows? I know you have one of the best jobs in the world.
G: If I were back home I'd be disc golfing like mad - but again, the transportation issue - I don't think it'll happen here. But when I'm not at shows I'm saving the planet. Or, since I have cable for the first time ever while living on my own, I watch movies. I do a lot of Yoga when I can - I'm looking forward to trying out the studios in my neighborhood. I'm also looking forward to hiking around Griffith Partk. OH! And I really want to go see the Pacific Ocean (not from an airplane)
S: So we know you're down with the RSE crew but how else do you find new music?
G: Through friends suggestions. One of my good buddies back home, Case, is a wealth of knowledge. So he usually tips me off to really great artists. He was one of the biggest influences in expanding my love of hip hop. Last year he started making mix cds for every month of the year so I heard a lot of new stuff that way. I also find new music from opening acts of other groups I like - or suggestions from the groups themselves.
S: Best new discovery of 2009 so far?
G: It's too early - I can't say I've been exposed to anything new yet. I was so busy with interviewing, training, and moving for the most part. Do you have a suggestion?
S: Its not hip hop but I started listening to a lot of Wavves last month. Very noise, loud, chaotic. Kind of surf rockish. Anything that samples whales is okay with me.
G: haha, surfers
S: What can we expect from your blog entries?
G: Photos. Maybe a backlog of previous shows until I figure out LA - but I much prefer using photos and videos to capture the moments rather than trying to express something with words that is sometimes such a personal experience
S: Give us a break down of your current playlist?
G: Yesterday I was in the office by myself so I was easing off the midwest into the west coast. I played Brother Ali's "Undisputed Truth" (In anticipation for his new release) Kanser's entire catalogue, Silentarmy's catalogue, some Jurassic 5 with KRS-One's "prophets vs profits"
Interview with Salina
In order to get to know each lady better we're conducting a series of interviews. Here's how mine went down with Salina this afternoon.
-----------------------------------------------
G:By now everyone knows how we know each other but what shows have you seen and with which ladies?
S: Hmmn. I've seen more shows with our male counterparts than you ladies but... I saw Black Clover's Happy Holidays tour with you (Georgia) and Crista and then we were all at the Doomtree Blow out but you know how I do. I was rocking front row status with Eric and Ander so I didn't see much of you guys. Last month I saw the Never Better tour in Eau Clair with Crista, we road tripped from Minneapolis with some friends. It was a lot of fun but I was not feeling that crowd
G: Speaking of crowds - what differences have you noticed from Seattle kids to Minneapolis kids to Wisconsin kids at shows?
S: You're forgetting Kansas City, Portland, San Bernardino, etc. ;)
G: So to reframe the question - what differences have you noticed about crowds all across the country? :)
S: Seattle crowds can be fickle, it really varies from show to show. Its incredibly hard for a hip hop artist to sell out a show around here. You'll be out one night and Grayskul will only half fill the Chop Suey and then there will be nights like the Rudy and the Rhetoric cd release. Businesses were shut down at 6pm all over the city that night for "inclimate weater" and shows were being cancelled at other venues but R&R packed the Nectar and the energy was insane. I feel like we don't get that as often as we should out here.
Kansas City... those kids can drink man.
Soulcrate at the Riot Room is one of those things you'll carry with you your whole life. Unfuckwitable.
Minneapolis is nuts. Its like overload.
There's something going on all the time if you know where to look. I think I've caught up to three different shows in one night out there.
Its very tight knit too, you get the sense that everyone knows eachother.
After a while people recognize you too. The world is tiny.
Eau Clair... college towns man. Maybe it was just a bad night but girls were dropping like drunken flies having to be carried out. Fights and cops and whatnot. Just wasn't a good look.
Portland is all love. Very accepting. Not a lot of that elitist bullshit that can sometimes creep into "indieground" culture.
I think everywhere has their good and bad nights. Like anything else your experience is going to be what you make of it.
G: What is it about the artists (or hip hop in general) that has made you want to travel ridiculous distances to see them perform?
S: I have itchy feet. I want to get out there and just experience and live life. I don't want to just sit at home wishing for something to happen. If I can break away from my little nest and hang out with good friends, see new things and feel a little more immersed in our little community of music freaks then I'm going to do it.
G: What has been your favorite act to catch on the road?
S: Are you trying to get me to say the magic word?
G: Say it!
S: Honestly its a toss up. Between Soulcrate at the Riot Room and then again at the Entry its impossible not to list them but I think the answer you're looking for is Doomtree. I've caught those kids in almost as many cities as I've seen Black Clover so yeah I catch them on the road a lot.
G: Who is your favorite hometown or regional act to catch?
S: Thats the impossible question... they're all so fantastic.
G: Pleading the fifth?
S: Yes, its a multiplayer tie. I could list artists for days and still leave out someone who makes my heart stop.
G: You mention Doomtree - How did you get exposed and what about them made your "heart stop"?
S: Believe it or not but I'm pretty much a Janie Comelately on this whole Doomtree movement. They had that whole RSE connect. Ipecac Neat is so up my alley its the stuff my dreams are made of. That was quickly followed by Lights Out Paris and Dessa's False Hope. Meat Tape, it all kind of snowballed from there I've always been really in awe of the diy ethic. Not just musically but the entire movement in general. And outfits like DTR and BCR completely embody everything thats beautiful about it. "We are not for them." If you don't like it cool, we didn't make it for you anyways. Did you catch that printed on the Never Better disc? Its in the center, backwards. I love it. Its my new mantra.
G: Yes, and I am so glad I decided to pick up a copy at the DC show. Best purchase of the year. Who would you predict as the next family member of DTR to break out?
S: Really hard to say. I've always got one eye on Sims and one on Mike and Beak but with Cecil signing to SFR he's going to have that bigger label support and better distribution.Lazerbeak. Definitely Beak.
G: Everytime I hear his name I cant help but say it in the way it's sampled during their shows.
S: YES! Me too. He's everywhere right now. Dude is unstoppable.
G: What are you looking forward to the most this year with all of the tours coming up / album releases coming out?
S: I Self Devine has one coming, Ab Rude (FINALLY), The Veldt (hopefully), F. Stokes and Lazerbeak are dropping an EP this month, I'd love a full length from the Millionth Word...There's so much buzz going on all over with everyone its going to be and has been so far an amazing year musically. Paid Dues and Sound Set are definitely the high points of my Spring every year. I can't wait to hang out with you (Paid Dues) and Crista and Jamee (Sound Set) its nice to have some girl accompanyment at shows now and then.
G: You're always sending me links to some amazing fashion. Do you think fashion and hip hop need each other and how do they work to influence each other?
S: Yes and no. Hip hop doesn't need fashion but fashion is clinging hard to hip hop.I think we all definitely benefit from having our own personal style. It reflects our personalities a gives us confidence. You just get that swagger when you feel good in what you're wearing. I mean I'm probably a little more daring or careless or whatever the polite term these days is for "hot mess" in what I wear compared to most of us? Its not about what you're wearing, or it shouldn't be. I know I stick out like a sore thumb at shows on occasion. But I LOVE every single piece in my closet so no matter what I throw on our how I put it together I like what I'm wearing. Being comfortable in your own skin is the only element of style that matters.
G: Why did you want to organize this blog?
S: Um, I think it was Cody's idea at some point on the board and I love that we all have very... loud points of view. I wanted us to have an outlet for that. Somewhere thats ours, outside of the boys. I love them but I really feel that its important to have that female voice too you know?
G: Speaking of the lethalboys - what are some of the best times you've had with them?
S: I think that night we were all at the Entry for the Happy Holidays tour was pretty dope. That and Sound Set weekend were both really fun. I think the best is yet to come.
G: What can we expect from your entries?
S: Just me. I'm a little all over the place. You'll get a lot of music, maybe some style, I might try my hand at a vlog or two. You probably won't get many pictures out of me and if you do its only with a little help from my friends. What do you want to see?
G: I want to see some amazing reviews (shows, releases, up and coming artists) - your knowledge of music is amazing - share it. What are you looking forward to from the other ladies?
S: More of Jamee's AMAZING art and hopefully a few Gahed updates as well :) She also has at times a very different take on artists/music than the rest of us so I think she's going to get me thinking and questioning stuff a lot. I welcome that.
Crista is one of the most amazing people I've ever met so anything we're lucky enough to get from her will be a treat. She watched a lot of this stuff we're into or talk about happen. Her taste in music is widespread and really great I'm so glad she's on board. Picture timeline?
Samiha is the baby sister but could probably school me on 90% of hip hop. I can't wait for a nice cross between repping NWFresh and NYC. She's so passionate about EVERYTHING. The excitement is contagious.
Cody I'm pretty sure is the one who said, hey lets all blog about shit. She's my inspiration. I don't know as much about her musical inclinatons so I'm really excited to get more of a taste of what she's into outside of BCR. She's a party girl after my own heart.
Georgia. What aren't I looking forward to seeing from you? I'm hoping we get to collaborate on things a lot. I'm anxious for updates from a Midwest girl in LA, a grassroots organizer, a hip hopper, a fellow redhead. More vlogs please.
-----------------------------------------------
G:By now everyone knows how we know each other but what shows have you seen and with which ladies?
S: Hmmn. I've seen more shows with our male counterparts than you ladies but... I saw Black Clover's Happy Holidays tour with you (Georgia) and Crista and then we were all at the Doomtree Blow out but you know how I do. I was rocking front row status with Eric and Ander so I didn't see much of you guys. Last month I saw the Never Better tour in Eau Clair with Crista, we road tripped from Minneapolis with some friends. It was a lot of fun but I was not feeling that crowd
G: Speaking of crowds - what differences have you noticed from Seattle kids to Minneapolis kids to Wisconsin kids at shows?
S: You're forgetting Kansas City, Portland, San Bernardino, etc. ;)
G: So to reframe the question - what differences have you noticed about crowds all across the country? :)
S: Seattle crowds can be fickle, it really varies from show to show. Its incredibly hard for a hip hop artist to sell out a show around here. You'll be out one night and Grayskul will only half fill the Chop Suey and then there will be nights like the Rudy and the Rhetoric cd release. Businesses were shut down at 6pm all over the city that night for "inclimate weater" and shows were being cancelled at other venues but R&R packed the Nectar and the energy was insane. I feel like we don't get that as often as we should out here.
Kansas City... those kids can drink man.
Soulcrate at the Riot Room is one of those things you'll carry with you your whole life. Unfuckwitable.
Minneapolis is nuts. Its like overload.
There's something going on all the time if you know where to look. I think I've caught up to three different shows in one night out there.
Its very tight knit too, you get the sense that everyone knows eachother.
After a while people recognize you too. The world is tiny.
Eau Clair... college towns man. Maybe it was just a bad night but girls were dropping like drunken flies having to be carried out. Fights and cops and whatnot. Just wasn't a good look.
Portland is all love. Very accepting. Not a lot of that elitist bullshit that can sometimes creep into "indieground" culture.
I think everywhere has their good and bad nights. Like anything else your experience is going to be what you make of it.
G: What is it about the artists (or hip hop in general) that has made you want to travel ridiculous distances to see them perform?
S: I have itchy feet. I want to get out there and just experience and live life. I don't want to just sit at home wishing for something to happen. If I can break away from my little nest and hang out with good friends, see new things and feel a little more immersed in our little community of music freaks then I'm going to do it.
G: What has been your favorite act to catch on the road?
S: Are you trying to get me to say the magic word?
G: Say it!
S: Honestly its a toss up. Between Soulcrate at the Riot Room and then again at the Entry its impossible not to list them but I think the answer you're looking for is Doomtree. I've caught those kids in almost as many cities as I've seen Black Clover so yeah I catch them on the road a lot.
G: Who is your favorite hometown or regional act to catch?
S: Thats the impossible question... they're all so fantastic.
G: Pleading the fifth?
S: Yes, its a multiplayer tie. I could list artists for days and still leave out someone who makes my heart stop.
G: You mention Doomtree - How did you get exposed and what about them made your "heart stop"?
S: Believe it or not but I'm pretty much a Janie Comelately on this whole Doomtree movement. They had that whole RSE connect. Ipecac Neat is so up my alley its the stuff my dreams are made of. That was quickly followed by Lights Out Paris and Dessa's False Hope. Meat Tape, it all kind of snowballed from there I've always been really in awe of the diy ethic. Not just musically but the entire movement in general. And outfits like DTR and BCR completely embody everything thats beautiful about it. "We are not for them." If you don't like it cool, we didn't make it for you anyways. Did you catch that printed on the Never Better disc? Its in the center, backwards. I love it. Its my new mantra.
G: Yes, and I am so glad I decided to pick up a copy at the DC show. Best purchase of the year. Who would you predict as the next family member of DTR to break out?
S: Really hard to say. I've always got one eye on Sims and one on Mike and Beak but with Cecil signing to SFR he's going to have that bigger label support and better distribution.Lazerbeak. Definitely Beak.
G: Everytime I hear his name I cant help but say it in the way it's sampled during their shows.
S: YES! Me too. He's everywhere right now. Dude is unstoppable.
G: What are you looking forward to the most this year with all of the tours coming up / album releases coming out?
S: I Self Devine has one coming, Ab Rude (FINALLY), The Veldt (hopefully), F. Stokes and Lazerbeak are dropping an EP this month, I'd love a full length from the Millionth Word...There's so much buzz going on all over with everyone its going to be and has been so far an amazing year musically. Paid Dues and Sound Set are definitely the high points of my Spring every year. I can't wait to hang out with you (Paid Dues) and Crista and Jamee (Sound Set) its nice to have some girl accompanyment at shows now and then.
G: You're always sending me links to some amazing fashion. Do you think fashion and hip hop need each other and how do they work to influence each other?
S: Yes and no. Hip hop doesn't need fashion but fashion is clinging hard to hip hop.I think we all definitely benefit from having our own personal style. It reflects our personalities a gives us confidence. You just get that swagger when you feel good in what you're wearing. I mean I'm probably a little more daring or careless or whatever the polite term these days is for "hot mess" in what I wear compared to most of us? Its not about what you're wearing, or it shouldn't be. I know I stick out like a sore thumb at shows on occasion. But I LOVE every single piece in my closet so no matter what I throw on our how I put it together I like what I'm wearing. Being comfortable in your own skin is the only element of style that matters.
G: Why did you want to organize this blog?
S: Um, I think it was Cody's idea at some point on the board and I love that we all have very... loud points of view. I wanted us to have an outlet for that. Somewhere thats ours, outside of the boys. I love them but I really feel that its important to have that female voice too you know?
G: Speaking of the lethalboys - what are some of the best times you've had with them?
S: I think that night we were all at the Entry for the Happy Holidays tour was pretty dope. That and Sound Set weekend were both really fun. I think the best is yet to come.
G: What can we expect from your entries?
S: Just me. I'm a little all over the place. You'll get a lot of music, maybe some style, I might try my hand at a vlog or two. You probably won't get many pictures out of me and if you do its only with a little help from my friends. What do you want to see?
G: I want to see some amazing reviews (shows, releases, up and coming artists) - your knowledge of music is amazing - share it. What are you looking forward to from the other ladies?
S: More of Jamee's AMAZING art and hopefully a few Gahed updates as well :) She also has at times a very different take on artists/music than the rest of us so I think she's going to get me thinking and questioning stuff a lot. I welcome that.
Crista is one of the most amazing people I've ever met so anything we're lucky enough to get from her will be a treat. She watched a lot of this stuff we're into or talk about happen. Her taste in music is widespread and really great I'm so glad she's on board. Picture timeline?
Samiha is the baby sister but could probably school me on 90% of hip hop. I can't wait for a nice cross between repping NWFresh and NYC. She's so passionate about EVERYTHING. The excitement is contagious.
Cody I'm pretty sure is the one who said, hey lets all blog about shit. She's my inspiration. I don't know as much about her musical inclinatons so I'm really excited to get more of a taste of what she's into outside of BCR. She's a party girl after my own heart.
Georgia. What aren't I looking forward to seeing from you? I'm hoping we get to collaborate on things a lot. I'm anxious for updates from a Midwest girl in LA, a grassroots organizer, a hip hopper, a fellow redhead. More vlogs please.
After a full length tour that took them across the country Black Clover Records artists Grieves and Soulcrate Music are back on the road this time bringing with Silentarmy and Type.
I caught Type (of The Let Go) on tour with Grieves and Mac Lethal a couple years back (when they stopped in Fargo, ND) and I couldn’t wait to catch him on the road again. Same with Silentarmy whom I saw at the Soundset ’08 pre-party at Minneapolis’ own Dinkytowner. I guarantee both of these acts are going to be a major force in the independent hip-hop world.
It would turn out to be a couple years before I’d get to see Type and close to a year before I’d get the chance to see Silentarmy. Luckily - I killed two birds with one stone on March 3rd in the beautiful state of California.
Selling out the Knitting Factory in Hollywood, 110 of us showed up on a Tuesday night to support Grieves on his first headlining tour.
Unfortunately for this blog I’m terrible at remembering set lists, and I failed to take notes. The PBRs probably didn’t help either . . . .
So instead - I’ll recap in photos
(That way it also spares the definite possibility of me gushing over Soulcrate Music. How could I not though? They are the highest energy performers I've ever seen live. That and they're from South Dakota. We were practically neighbors)
California clearly had love for Grieves. A recent transplant to California it was apparent who the crowd came out to see. Giving 110% to the 110 of us Grieves was on point from beginning to end.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Late Pass
I'm a little late on this but I'd just like to take a second to big up our girl Jamee and her Gahed family on their write up in the Phoenix New Times. Congrats kids, stay grindin'.
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