I think the best kept secrets are those passed along by friends. That's how I first came to know about The Pirate Signal. While word of mouth whisperings and mixtape emails are all well and good I'd have to say that these days the secret is out. Begging to be blasted at maximum volumes to fully unleash its full genre bending mashup of awesome, this is most definitely not your kid sister's favorite emo indie rappers. So when given the opportunity to review The Pirate Signal's "No Weak Heart Shall Prosper" album, like any juicy secret, I couldn't resist sharing it with Miss Izzie and since two sets of ears are better than one this is our collaborative take on the album. As my friends can attest, I consider the word "review" to be a dirty word. A task I only perform when really truly warranted (No Bird Sing/Soulcrate.) While I've been a fan for a while this was Izzie's first introduction to The Pirate Signal.
For me personally, it was an acquired taste, but one that I grew increasingly fond of after each listen. From bits of drum & bass to rock, to auto-tune, scratches, guitar, banging drums.. the beats are unpredictable. At times I knew I was listening to something modern and cutting edge, while others I'd think I was hearing a blast from the past- late 90's rap-rock era. Yonnas has a distinct voice and tone. Lyrically he stands apart, darker than your average flow- layered with poetic lines. The female vocals on some tracks set it over the edge. I think Digital... Rock sum's up what you're in for; hip hop/digital rock/pop. But it still can't prepare you for the diverse hodge podge of musical elements.
The whole album feels like a hurricane in my headphone, taking you through a whirlwind of genre bending tracks. Songs that echo back in your brain for days. I admittedly get really attached to albums for extended periods of time. Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble? No Bird Sing? When I love on something I love on it hard. This is one of those albums that has yet to leave my playlist and I don't foresee living without it anytime soon.
Though I chose a different career path, as a musician at heart, I always dreamt of creating an album that could not be categorized into any genre. I wanted to create music period; therefore I wanted to make each song sound completely different than and unrelated to the next. With the P S, you kind of get a sense of this. If you were to leave this album playing straight through and carry on with whatever you were occupied with prior, you'd probably forget that you were listening to the same group half way through. Now, sometimes too much could be overwhelming and in turn, be a turn off. In this case, the P S gives you such variety that it keeps you interested; gives you a feeling of a book left open.. You can never quite put your finger on what you're hearing, so you continue to listen. Izzie gives two thumbs up.
Fellow friends here in the West can catch Pirate Signal live this week 8/31 @ Baby Sale in Boise, 9/1 @ Ash Street Saloon in Portland, 9/2 @ El Corazonin Seattle, 9/3 @ Hidmo in Seattle, 9/6 @ Hubwize in Huntington Park and 9/9 @ Black Market Goods in Albuquerque. "No Weak Heart Shall Prosper" can also be purchased digitally on itunes.
Well, here it is. I have spent years working on my craft and building up the courage to put my stuff out into the world in a commercial manner. So here it is:
"Calling our crew, Label, Show, "The Rape" has nothing to do with the sexual meaning and we are not on some insane clown posse shit. It started from promoters, booking shows, and how people acted & treat each other here with the money situation of music or just in general as people. We all have our own definitions but to keep it short it stands as a reminder not to take that shit from them and to help our friends and hard workers around us out."
The Maryland natives have gained the respect of their peers up and down the east coast. This year, the 5th annual "Rape" has expanded and is including a couple of friends from New York and New England.
Cubbiebear will be performing songs from "The Rape" and from his forthcoming album: "Force Back To Sleep." Teddy will be performing songs from "Apple Juice" as well as "You Can't Un-Chop Trees." Oz will be performing songs from "Ain Soph Aur."
When I was a small child, I had a firm belief I could communicate with animals through my mind. I wept for fallen trees and my mother had to cover my eyes if we passed any roadkill before I'd lose it. I read every encyclopedia article I could get my little hands on that had anything to do with animals and the earth. I was an avid "Zoobooks" reader, I was glued to every nature show I could find.
When my mom and dad dragged me to the Kennedy Space Center one summer, I was miserable and bored out of my mind. Amongst the huge structures and impressive space artifacts and towering space shuttles, these ginormous reminders of man's conquest for technology and conquering of new frontiers, I became enthralled with an alligator in a nearby pond. Leaning over the ledge I watched in awe as this animal, millions of years of evolution and survival, merely existed the only way it knew how. A couple bystanders peered over with me, and I started spewing every Alligator fact I could recall, and when my parents returned to check on me, I had a crowd of people gathered and asking questions.
I have always been a deep-feeling person. I have this quality that has turned out to be a curse and a gift. I feel everyone around me, soaking in every anxious thought, every sorrowful expression, every joy and every loss. Something moves me and reverberates in my soul. I have found this trait to be of great aid in my career as a Habilitative Specialist for those with disabilities. But this quality keeps me up at night, brings me to tears and my worries ebb and swell. It pains me to see all this destruction, all this hate, and worst of all, all the indifference of what is REALLY going on.
Earth Day is more to me than a day to plant a tree or pick up garbage. Corny as it sounds, every day should be Earth Day. Where have we gone that we don't remember our roots? This earth has molded and strengthened our species. Our cultures used to be wrought with folklore of the wind, the sun and the leaves, spiders and the stars. How have we gotten such amnesia? Where did we turn away from our heritage? How do we go days without feeling grass between our toes, or looking up at the clouds? This isn't just some hippie shit; I'm talking about what we inherited from our past.
This Earth Day, and every day hereafter, I challenge you to do those things. Walk up to a tree and study the knots. Look at the years that have molded the scars on the bark. Feel the leaves between your fingers and watch the ants that scale its trunk. Observe the deep connection species have with each other, and question where yours have gone. Thank that tree for devoting its WHOLE life to creating air to fill your lungs, then think of football fields worth of forests of these trees being clear-cutted and destroyed like they're merely products. Since when does that tree not matter? That tree you see struggled through drought, fought the wind, soaked up the rain and persevered.
Getting to know yourself is getting to know your past. And your past is all around you.
I've provided some ways for ya'll to make a difference!
YourTree.com allows you to pay for a tree to be planted
Click HERE for a "Supermarket Scorecard" to see where your favorite grocery store ranks in supporting sunstainable fishing.
Click HERE to donate to Greenpeace, an INDEPENDENT organization dedicated to saving what matters!
Google your city and find a city-wide cleanup!
Click HERE to go to Care2.com and just CLICK and it instantly donates to an organization/fund you choose. For FREE!! NO COST TO YOU!!
Band practice was an interesting concept for the surprise shows P.O.S. (Stef Alexander) played around the twin cities this week. Preparing for Coachella Music Festival this Friday, Alexander dropped some subtle hints via Twitter and tested the waters with a performance much different then the standard DJ and MC combination.
Blending together a slew of talented musicians seems to be the haps in Minneapolis these days. It's rare to come across someone who is making music and isn't in multiple bands. While that may be normal, now it's become quite genre bending and it's been a really amazing thing to watch unfold. Alexander and his DJ Plain Ole Bill teamed up with drummer Ben Ivascu, Isaac Gale who you may have seen filming and taking pictures on the every never is now tour now singing, screaming and playing guitar, Ryan Olson described by Alexander as playing instruments you wont understand blend together to bring these songs to a whole new place.
Encouraging the crowed to sing along if you know the words, add in on the "ohhhs" and mosh when appropriate P.O.S. still embodied the charismatic performer we all know. Being backed up by a band of musicians buzzing with energy and playing nearly flawless sets, really did not come across as a practice run at all. Ivascu on the drums, is nearly show stealing adding a backing to the already thunderous beats of songs from Never Better and P.O.S is ruining my life added a lair that you almost can't imagine the songs without. The addition of these truly talented musicians brings a rap set to an entirely new level. If you're at Coachella this weekend, this is a performance that shouldn't be missed. And for everyone else, if we're lucky Alexander will take this line up on the next tour, because it really is something to be seen.
Here at Lovefest we focus on the things that we enjoy about hip hop, which is why I hope you as a region, Pac NW, forgive me for being a little hard on you all as fans. Prior to moving here I had heard it plenty from the artists themselves - "*insert city here* doesn't give a shit about artists until they've moved away." For a long time I thought it was absurd, maybe these dudes hadn't paid their dues yet and were being big rapper babies. However, upon moving here I found it to be completely true. Dues are being paid but where the fuck are you as fans? I don't want to be hard on you as a region because I love you all, Oregonians and Washingtonians, and in the short time I have lived in your states I have done nothing but fall in love with what you have to offer.
What I'm disappointed in is that you haven't done the same, especially when it comes to rap shows in your bigger cities (Portlanders and Seattlites I'm looking you square in the eyeballs.) I have made it a point to see everyone and anyone I can. These dudes (and the occasional dudettes) deserve more support than they're getting out here. I get that everyone wants their local artists to be Atmosphere (you've made that quite apparent by playing it in every bar and before every show), but it's ok because no one else IS or WILL BE Atmosphere. That spot is reserved for Slug and Ant. In the meantime why not celebrate what you have.
I have been so fortunate during my time in the Pac NW to go to a variety of shows. However, I come from the land of sold out Black Clover, Doomtree, and Rhymesayers shows. Your local artists could have that level of a audience, if only you respected your local artists more and made the effort. In the end I hope that I piss some of you off because I feel like that's the only way you will prove me wrong. PROVE ME WRONG, DAMNIT! What do you need? They all have twitters that will tell you when their shows are, or Myspaces (If you're still into that). You can even "fan" them on Facebook. I just want to grab you by your shoulders and shake each and every one of you in the Upper Left Coast. As Kanser says, "Support Broke Rappers!"
Saturday May 29th, the night before Soundset at the Nomad World Pub
This is one of the first shows that I've had my hand in planning, along with Botzy and my friend Melody, we are creating what we intend to be a pretty dope pre-party!
Every person in attendance will also get a free compilation mix with entry. If your in town come out and party with us!!!
Just in time for last close and bar call . . . er . . . last call and bar close ; ) Lovefest would like to take you on a a little tour of the Camobear / Someone Clothing space. If you need some new threads, are looking for something to cover your walls, or want something to stimulate your earlobes, this is definitely the spot; one of my favorite places in Portland.
Last Friday info can be found here Bring Back the Beat benefit can be found here
Last weekend Miss Crista came to visit the East Coast for the first time. Our plan was to attend a few shows as the "Every Never is Now" tour stopped through the Mid-Atlantic Region. While she was here, there happened to be another tour rollin' through as well! In anticipation of Dez & Nobs' new album "Rocky Dennis", said to release this spring on Grizzly State Records, Dezmatic, along with a few friends, were playing shows up and down the East Coast. Unfortunately, by the time Crista arrived off of the plane that Friday night, we showed up at the Strathmore Mansion just as Educated Consumers, Timmy Wiggins and Dezmatic were shaking hands with fans, thanking them for their purchases at the merch. table and seeing them off for the evening. (Ps. I want my money back for those tickets, haha) --Actually, although we were disappointed to have missed their live performances, I was super stoked to get a handful of copies of "Rocky Dennis", as it was only available for advanced purchase on this tour-- Thankfully, Lovefestonline.com and The 'Rocky Dennis' Tour had some mutual friends on the 'Every Never is Now' tour, performing the following evening at DC9. So before the show on Saturday, March 6th, we had a chance to catch up with them at Uncle Ben's Chili Bowl in our Nation's Capital to chit-chat about the new album, "Rocky Dennis", how their tour was going and some other randoms. *** NOTE: Since I am the worst interview-er in history, the environment of the restaurant was hectic & loud, and there were so many people involved in the conversation, I will be paraphrasing the interview Q's & A's ;)
Lovefest: In the new video for "Dwight Gooden", its hard not to notice the fact that you guys are eating in every other scene. What is one favorite local spot of yours?
Dezmatic: Definitely Cafe 217. Its a breakfast spot that's open for the late night crowd. Ya know, a place for people to stop on the way home from the bars.
Lovefest: Name 5 "Must Have" places while on tour.
Dez: Ohhh, this is a great question because this is what we do. We love to eat and try new things.We're at one of them now, actually. Uncle Ben's Chili Bowl (DC) is always good. In Pittsburgh there is a place called Primanti's. When you're in the South, of course you're going to want to get BBQ, so I'm going to say Miss Ruby's Kitchen in Raleigh, North Carolina. Also, in New York, you have to stop at Crif Dog's.
Lovefest: Where is that located? In Brooklyn? The City? errr...
Dez: Nah, its in Manhattan. On St. Marks. Seezmics: You know what I really like? I think Sonic is great. Izzie: So Seez <3's>
--Break for a conversation about how Sonic doesn't always have locations in the same areas that the commercials are aired--
Lovefest: Seez and I have have talked about this in the past. But for the record.. How'd you and he started touring together? Also, what's it like to work with Seez; on tour and making music together? Dez: I just do this for the money. I hate Seez.
Seez: When you make music independently and/or are not on a medium-large record label, you kind of have to reach out to others in your area/region who are doing similar projects in order to build a network. Its difficult to work your way up completely by yourself. So, it's good to have that support from others who are in the same boat as you. And of course I'm not going to work with people just because I get along with them. I have to actually like their music and support what they do..
Lovefest: Right, I remember you saying that when we spoke about you're last tour, for instance. Like when you took Cubbiebear with you, you obviously knew he was a good artist and hard worker, and in the end, he fully appreciated the opportunity you gave him. (Check out Lovefestonline's Coverage of the Big Mama Tour; Part One of the Disposable Camera Series)
Seez: Exactly. So anyway, I met Nobs at Scribble Jam many years ago. We kept in touch and he stayed with me some time later, when he came down for a Warped Tour. Later, after their release of Behemoth (Dez & Nob's First Album) is when I met Dez. I liked the work that they were doing and so we started setting up shows to play together. And the rest is history..
Lovefest: So Dez, what about Nobs? How did you two meet and fall in love? Dez: Well, [a former] girlfriend of mine went to Scribble Jam years back and among other things kept raving about this particular CD she got with Phlegm and Nobs on it. I gave it a listen and really liked it as well. So I reached out to Nobs initially. We met a few times and he came out to see me perform. I was keeping busy putting out multiple demos of my own and he was working with [Hand Held Aspects] and [3 Sides of a Circle]. -Long story short- In the meantime, we eventually started working on music together and released Behemoth in 2006.
Lovefest: Ok, so let's talk touring. You've done mostly East Coast shows so far. Do you see yourself venturing out into other parts of the country in the future?
Dez: Most definitely, I love traveling. I want to get back to Minneapolis. I like California and Texas. I mean, this is what I ultimately want to do; play shows all over. We're actually going to be in Europe in May. One place I would love to go is Hawaii! I would love to get out there. Lovefest: Aside from your home town, what has been your favorite city to perform in?
Dez: I like performing in Connecticut. Lots of Cardboard City folks up there. Umm, Cincy, Pittsburgh, DC, Minneapolis. Honestly, I like to perform where I walk into a place and the crowd is ready to have fun, no matter what you throw at them. When you are trying to perform for people who are kind of uptight and not ready to get down/ have fun with you..
Lovefest: Like ...[index finger to the nose to lift the head up]... Snobby?
Dez: Right. I mean mostly places I just mentioned draw crowds that are fun, but none like Albany and CT. It's as if we're performing for family. Everyone is welcoming and excited to hear us no matter what.
Lovefest: What about venues? What are the best/your favorite venues to perform in? I know as someone who attends LOTS of shows, there are certain things that I may like/dislike about certain venues that sometimes sway my decision as to whether I will attend. But a concer-goer's perspective is different than the performers..
Dez & Seez: Well, its more so the crowd that matters, not necessarily the venue. We also like to try different venues each time we go to a city.
Dez: The staff that work at these venues plays a role in whether we like the place or not, as well.
Lovefest: I totally agree. I personally don't like to go to 9:30 in DC because I think the staff there are [not nice].
Dez: You know what the most important thing is, honestly? The sound man! Seriously, if you don't have someone that knows what they're doing, it could ruin a show.
Seez: "YEAH! Having a venue without a good sound man is like having sex with someone that's alseep!"
Lovefest: Dude, I'm going to quote you on that. For real.. that's hilarious.
Lovefest: Ok, so we've gotta know.. what has been your strangest or most memorable tour moment EVA??
*Seez, Dez and Timmy all looked at each other simultaneously and started laughing*
Seez: Can I take this one? haha.. Ok, so we were just in VA playing a show in Richmond. There were of course local acts that were opening up for us. So there were these two guys. One was rapping about blunts and 40's, ect. and he would pass the mic off to this other guy. Well, the other was a much more aggressive rapper. No lie, this dude had on a wrestling belt. Like a WWE -type massive wrestling belt.
Lovefest: Wow, so it sounds like these two rappers were like extreme opposites. As if they were on different ends of a 'rap' spectrum.
Seez: Yeah; strange combination. So, after the second guy would finish rapping and passed the mic back to the first guy, he would just stand there; Arms folded in front of him, chest sticking out and a completely serious look on his face. I mean this guy would literally hold his arm out to someone in the crowd and affirm them, as if he was gunning for them. I mean this guy was dead serious.
Lovefest: Oh my goodness, so he kept the role going as to keep the crowd entertain? Like he believed he was that character and wouldn't break from it?
Seez: Yeah, he believed in his product.
Dez: Ha, he sold crack, but he believed in his product.
**Note: Lovefest attempted to record this story on camera, although failed miserably due to the noise volume in the restaurant. Unfortunately I wasn't able precisely recreate/describe the story that Seez told, because I am an admittedly terrible story-teller. However, they will be posting footage of was just talked about on StashboxTV. Stay tuned..
Lovefest: So as far as tours go, what would be your ideal line up, to play with?
Dez: I like to do shows with my friends and who's art I respect. Louis Logic, Timmy and Seezmics obviously, Alaska from Hangar 18 is a good dude..
Lovefest: I know this is like asking you to go to work yet being told you're not allowed to work... but who would you like to see? What would be your ideal line up to sit back and watch?
Dez:Big-Biz and the Melvins, Jay-Z, Sade, Portishead, Atmosphere has always put on a good show. Definitely ICE CUBE! excited to go see him at Paid Dues this year! Ice T.
Timmy: Slick Rick and Doug E Fresh!!
(All agreed on MJ)
Dez: Anyone with a live band as well. I saw Jay-Z with a band; that was Phenomenal. The Roots; always a great show.
Lovefest: Im a huge Roots fan. I have a tradition where every time I drive into Philly I put on Illadelph Half life.
Dez: Oh! Also, A Tribe Called Quest. I saw them a while back at "Party in the Park" in Albany's Lincoln Park. They got on stage and the crowd was out of control.
--As we we're leaving the restaurant, we continued our conversation in transit to the venue--
Lovefest: I know you've stayed busy in the meantime, but how does it feel to finally release this follow up album?
Dez: I feel like I've been pregnant for four years.
Lovefest: Haha. What is your formula for making music?
Dez:Im a work horse. I don't really think about it too much. I just do it. I make music like I'd check off a grocery list. Each song revolves around a certain theme, so I just go through and make each song as it pertains to something I may be thinking about or would like to address.
Lovefest: Well, what can fans expect from this album? What would you like to say to your fan base as a whole; older or newer fans?
Dez: This album is straight to the point. Our last album seemed to have more anomalies. We have also endure more shit in our lives since Behemoth.
Lovefest: Right, so of course that's going to filter through..
Dez: Think of it like this; If you're hungry, a delicious juicy steak would be extremely satisfying, no? But sometimes a simple and quick grilled cheese could be satisfying all the same, right?
Lovefest: Ok..
Dez: Well, in that case, "Rocky Dennis" is like the Meat and Potatoes of albums.
Lovefest: Nice, I can dig that. To wrap this up, what is your current job and how does it affect your music?
Dez: I Manage a restaurant; I bar tend, cook, serve. A lot of my songs have food incorporated into what I'm saying.
Lovefest: Whats the Strangest job you've ever had?
I've spent the last week and a half doing what I've been calling Spring Cleaning but has really snowballed into an over haul and deep reflection of my life. Thankfully Georgia and Izzie have provided some excellent distractions that kept me from wanting to curl up inside myself and return to hibernating for another six months. This week on our Thursday phone date Izzie and I got caught up in another round of "have you heard ____ yet?" This kind of game can and did go on for hours. Here's the short list. Minus a certain record Izzie will be talking about shortly...
Let's Be Professional is the latest release by The Tribe & Big Cats! The critic-y thing to do here would be to get all long winded about the growth between Supply and Demand and this... Thankfully for both of us we all know I'm no critic, just a believer. So please, download away and share your thoughts because I've been bumping this one all week. Favorites include I Ride My Dinosaur To Work and We Go Hard featuring Franz Diego.
Seattle favorite alert! Seattle favorite alert! I know, I know its been out since Christmas but I can't come up with enough big sloppy word kisses to rain down on Mashhall's (formerly They Live!) They La Soul mixtape. Large.
There are no more nice things left to say about Young Black Male that haven't been said countless times by others across the blogosphere already. So I'm just going to stick to my plea that he bring back his The Best Week Ever freestyles. And make sure if you liked the mixtape to make a donation as well.
You either love him or hate him but I definitely have a soft spot for Yelawolf. I know its been out for a minute but Trunk Muzik was an immediate download so I have to mention it.
And TuesdayTuesdayTuesdayyy don't forget Kaiser Von Powderhorn 2 is officially unleashed upon the masses. I promise this one is well worth the wait.
I want to sign off by mentioning that Thee Satisfaction will be setting out on their six city Black Weirdo tour this spring and have set up a Feed The Muse page for those that would like to aid and encourage these ladies on their journey. Also be on the look for them and other Seattle favorites on MTV's $5 Cover coming in June.
A quick P.S. from Georgia :Jem P, formerly of Meandyoucrew, has rapped his way from Chicago to Fargo and back again. Now he has released a new long awated solo album for download, FREE. Don't miss this. Jem P is a crazy talented lyricist and a personal (relatively) hometown favorite.
As the fat rain drops plop loudly out my window, I'm sitting here thinking about Spring. For me, as for many, spring is an intoxicating mix of sorrow and hope, despair and rebirth. The earth begins awakening from slumber, and with that comes change: large and minute. The birds return one, two, three at a time. The storm clouds rumble and roll in with fervor, and all this change can awaken a little craziness in us all. My nephew, born with cerebral palsy and many saddening birth defects, has just had his first birthday, a HUGE milestone for such a tiny baby with so many struggles just to survive. So with this, I am posting this FREE mixtape as a sort of moody celebration of death and rebirth. Both are necessary and both are beautiful. Enjoy this mixtape and its two faces, and look around you for the evidence of both in the world.
Click HERE to Download My Spring Mixtape for Free!
Tracklisting 1. Portishead- Hunter 2. Atmosphere- Body Pillow 3. Helio Sequence- Back to This 4. Black Kids- Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend 5. Drake/Bun B/Lil Wayne- Uptown 6. Joanna Newsom- Sprout and the Bean 7. Fever Ray- Now's The Only Time I Know 8. Lady Gaga- So Happy I Could Die 9. Broken Bells- The High Road 10. ATL RMX- Breakin' Bread 11. Dessa- Matches to Paper Dolls 12. Elliot Smith- Pitseleh 13. Gorrilaz Ft. Mos Def- Stylo 14. Etta James- Don't Cry Baby 15. Fever Ray- Seven 16. Shiny Toy Guns- Major Tom 17. City and Colour- As Much As I Ever Could
Forgive me while I step aside from the crazy, music loving, concert-going Izzie that you all have come to know online and step into a serious role that is my life. I want to share part of my life with you, a part that the majority of you do not know, in hopes that you can help support me to make a difference.
I grew up a middle child of 1 Boy and 3 Girls; I was the middle girl. I still have the middle child syndrome, haha. But one thing that I could appreciate was that my mother never really made my siblings or I feel neglected, or more/less loved that any other. She had a way of making everyone feel loved, at peace, respected and cared for. From her I learned how to be strong, loving and, most importantly, patient.
My mom, Alice, was a very out-going person who could make friends with anyone, even the stranger at the grocery store or the homeless man at the corner. She'd give the shirt off her back, last dime out of her pocket or a place to sleep and a warm meal to anyone in need. I could write a book on the good she had done in her life, but I'm going to try to get to the point here..
Alice developed and auto-immune disease before I was ever even born, so she was sick my whole life; but this never effected her spirit. Then she was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer when I was only 12 years old. I remember being in 7th grade and yet in the hospital with her when she had a double mastectomy (breast removal) and went through her Chemo/radiation treatments. The doctors would say the type of cancer she had was so aggressive that most women with this form of malignancy could only survive for a year & a half TOPS! So you could imagine the anxiety I had as a young girl, believing her mother would die at any moment. I continued to live with this for years..
Fortunately, she went into remission for 5 years. She maintained a positive attitude, had a strong faith in God and refused to let go before she saw kids grow up. My family would supported her when she would go to Relay For Life events and we really did raised a lot of money over the years. My Mom always loved the Ocean and wished that she could live near the water. Well, she got her wish, I suppose, but she wasn't specific enough. My father's job relocated us to the Midwest, near Lake Michigan, where she would spend the rest of her life.
When I was around 17 or so, the cancer returned, and slowly would spread to her bones and liver over the next three years. I spent countless hours at doctors offices with her while she had chemo, coached her with physical therapy treatments when she had her hips replaced, gave her shots at home to boost her immune system, I had taken science and anatomy classes in high school so that I could help her decipher what information medical professionals would give her about her blood work and what not... in retrospect, I realize it was a bit much for such a young girl to carry all that on her shoulder on top of work, school, social life, ect. I decided to stay home instead of going away to college to see through that she was taken care of. I mean, what was I suppose to do? How could I leave my dying mother (as my older siblings both did when they were 17) when she needed support the most?
A few years past and she was in and out of the hospital. And on a cold yet sunny winter day, four days before Christmas in 2004, she took her last breath that morning in the hospital while my brother and I sat beside her. She was only 52. I was with her for the entire roller-coaster ride. From the day she came home from the doctors crying, telling me she had found a lump in her breast, to the day she left this earth. I watch her deteriorate and eventually die over the course of my teenage years.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm one of the most fortunate people on earth to have been blessed with such an amazing mother. A woman who positively changed the lives of MANY people. But I also watched a disease take the life of someone who didn't deserve to die such a slow and horribly painful death.
After she passed I saw through that my younger sister graduated high school and afterward I moved back to the East Coast to begin MY life. I needed to learn how to take care of MYself, because all I ever knew how to do was take care of other people. It took me a long time to truly come to terms with what has happened in the past. And honestly, I have not done a single Relay for Life since I was a teenager doing it with her. I'm now 25 and realize that I need to reach out for support to do this just as she needed the support to. All those years that people were raising money, it really was for a good cause. Indirectly, it helped my mother stay alive 7 years longer than predicted with medical and technological advances. I had the chance to spend more time with her than I could have ever hoped for.
Everyone has a story like this. You could ask every person you see throughout the day, and I bet you that 80% of them have someone close to them who has/had cancer or has had it themselves. So, I decided to finally do this again. As part of the "Woman in Science" Club at my school (Towson University), I will be walking on March 26-27 7p-7a. I'm asking for your support to help me do this for the first time in YEARS. Think about it, you could be helping someone like my mother who deserved to live a longer life. Someone like me who deserved to have a mother. Even if you can't donate monetarily, your awareness and concern is appreciated.
Thank you,
Izzie
If you would Like to make a Tax-Deductible donation, please visit The American Cancer Society and if you put it under my name (Elizabeth Huyette-Arrizza) I would greatly appreciate it!
What’s most noticeable about The Heartland Panic is the music behind the words. DJ Absolute’s production on this album is top-notch. Each track gives you something a little different, from a funky groove on “Clouds In My Head” to a throw back 50s groove on “Think About Me.” There was clearly a vision laid out that lent itself to a fluid collaboration between rappers and producer.
A Def once mentioned that when they started making music together, he and Dirt Dee sounded like the same person. "The Heartland Panic" gives Attn: Def and Dirty distinct voices; in tone, rhyme patterns, and lyrics.
With the classic instrumentation you get the feeling that "The Heartland Panic" should have a dance accompanying it by the same name, much like "The Hustle", "The Jerk", or "The Monster Mash." Everybody do "The Hearthland Panic!" You can’t help but move, or at least strut down the street, when you hear this album.
This is the best way to explain what I felt the first time I listened to this album:
In case you forgot:
Soulcrate Music The Heartland Panic In Stores TOMORROW Black Clover, distro by Fat Beats.
All Tracks Produced By: DJ Absolute
All Words By: Attn:Def & Dirt Dee
Supplemental Instrumentation: Keys-Jonathon Hegg Trombone-Joel Broveleit Saxophone-Matt Wallace Guitar-Xopher Smith Vocals And Guitar-Nick Thomas
If you remember nothing of an album you listened to, more often than not you at least remember the last track. In the case of "The Heartland Panic" the last track, "Learn From It," combines a rock guitar and marching band snare to back an empowering lyrical anthem. This is a track that delivers a "grit your teeth and get on with it" message. The hook is one that anyone who has faced a struggle can relate to. "Learn From It" is one to blast on your headphones while holding your head high.
Keep an eye out tomorrow when we post our over-arching thoughts on "The Heartland Panic." In the meantime - get your copy (and other dope ass merch) over at Lethalville. Also - starting on the 19th of March, you can find Soulcrate, along with label master Mac Lethal, and friends of Black Clover - Prof and Akream on tour in a city near you.
Sleep Awake, the eleventh track of Soulcrate's The Heartland Panic, struck me as something quite easy to relate to. The song unfurls like one's thoughts at the end of one's day, lying in bed wondering what this world is coming to. The stress, the people, the pace of life, the mundane tasks and overwhelming responsibilities all seem to pile up when you're trying to get some rest. This track approaches said issues in almost a relaxed manner, perhaps even defeated at times and the subject matter flirts with both sides of the proverbial coin- the metaphors and relationships between sleep and death, and the finality of one and the relief of both, sometimes interchangeable. This song shows a maturity these Black Clover boys have come to develop in ways only life experiences can teach.
Soulcrate Music The Heartland Panic In Stores 3/9/2010 Black Clover, distro by Fat Beats.
All Tracks Produced By: DJ Absolute
All Words By: Attn:Def & Dirt Dee
Supplemental Instrumentation: Keys-Jonathon Hegg Trombone-Joel Broveleit Saxophone-Matt Wallace Guitar-Xopher Smith Vocals And Guitar-Nick Thomas
Have you ever been in love? Like reeeeeally deeply in love, then it just turns to shit? Built something from the ground up and that foundation of trust just deteriorates and everything falls apart?
If you can feel me then you'll dig this jam. This song embodies what it feels like to be smacked up side the head with reality.
--Izzie
Soulcrate Music The Heartland Panic In Stores 3/9/2010 Black Clover, distro by Fat Beats.
All Tracks Produced By: DJ Absolute
All Words By: Attn:Def & Dirt Dee
Supplemental Instrumentation: Keys-Jonathon Hegg Trombone-Joel Broveleit Saxophone-Matt Wallace Guitar-Xopher Smith Vocals And Guitar-Nick Thomas
After a strong intro to the record and a dense filling, "Think About Me" takes you back to a lighthearted, upbeat tune. If you sit back and listen, their flow equates to riding an ocean wave. Rarely do you find artists with the ability to successfully sing and rap simultaneously, but Soulcrate is always on point with it. Towards the end of the track, the piano peeks its head out from behind the trumpet and finger-snaps to let you know whats up. What's up is clearly a head bopping, rap a long dance party in a few short weeks when the Blood in the Heartland Tour hits your home town. Songs like this are my favorite part of shows because even the surliest of heads are sure to be nodding along. See you theeerree. Hope you enjoyed the set up, because ironically.. the matter of the song has nothing to do with you or the way you feel ;) --Izzie & Salina
Soulcrate Music The Heartland Panic In Stores 3/9/2010 Black Clover, distro by Fat Beats.
All Tracks Produced By: DJ Absolute
All Words By: Attn:Def & Dirt Dee
Supplemental Instrumentation: Keys-Jonathon Hegg Trombone-Joel Broveleit Saxophone-Matt Wallace Guitar-Xopher Smith Vocals And Guitar-Nick Thomas
Soulcrate has been on the grind and it shows, yet they sure are having a blast doing what they love. So, why not make a song about it? This song is just straight up fun and any hard-working listener can appreciate and clap along...Although "Make it Break" is not my favorite track on the album, per se, it is a vital one! Still coming strong with the horns and almost a funk intro. Initially the only thing I didn't fancy about the song was that the beat sounded like an intro throughout the whole track; you sense that build up, as if something is suppose to come in and break the monotony. But just because that specific aspect isn't personally appealing (strictly in comparison to other beats on the album), you'll realize it is exactly what is needed to keep the song high-energy for them to express the underlying theme; Work, Sleep, Music, Productivity.
Soulcrate Music The Heartland Panic In Stores 3/9/2010 Black Clover, distro by Fat Beats.
All Tracks Produced By: DJ Absolute All Words By: Attn:Def & Dirt Dee
I think we've all heard this one by now... except maybe the sticklers (we see you Froes #lethalville) who are holding out for the full album experience next week. I'm going to have to agree with our Lethalville brethren on this one as it does make me want "to go bonkers all over it." Old Vs. Dumb calls to mind how hype these guys can get a crowd. If you've ever been to a Soulcrate show you know they'll have you a sweaty hot mess before they're even half through with you. Its no easy feat translating the energy and intensity of an artist's live show onto a record but this gives a definite glimpse of what to expect when these dudes take command of the stage. And in case you've been sleeping you can still wake up and peep what you've been missing with the free download of this track over at 2Dope Boys. And there's still time to grab that pre-order before it ships over at Lethalville.
Soulcrate Music The Heartland Panic In Stores 3/9/2010 Black Clover, distro by Fat Beats.
All Tracks Produced By: DJ Absolute
All Words By: Attn:Def & Dirt Dee
Supplemental Instrumentation: Keys-Jonathon Hegg Trombone-Joel Broveleit Saxophone-Matt Wallace Guitar-Xopher Smith Vocals And Guitar-Nick Thomas
When it came time to divvy up tracks for this project the fairest way seemed to be by luck of the draw. So we threw numbered scraps in the old Black Clover fitted and alphabetically songs were drawn for each lady. It is only fitting of course that the born and raised North Wester would draw the most somber song on the album. While not my favorite Drop Sound, is probably personally the most relatable track on The Heartland Panic. It could easily soundtrack those long gloomy S.A.D. filled months from November to February where leaving the house is a near impossible feat yet the thought of hopping the next train, plane or spaceship to anywhere but here lingers tauntingly. Outgrown relationships and a city turned too small suffocation bring a sense of urgency anyone who's been trapped in either situation can appreciate.
Soulcrate Music The Heartland Panic In Stores 3/9/2010 Black Clover, distro by Fat Beats.
All Tracks Produced By: DJ Absolute
All Words By: Attn:Def & Dirt Dee
Supplemental Instrumentation: Keys-Jonathon Hegg Trombone-Joel Broveleit Saxophone-Matt Wallace Guitar-Xopher Smith Vocals And Guitar-Nick Thomas
Beginning as an anthem with the battle cry "They're tryna keep hope dead" in time with a solitary snare, one would expect a solemn song of injustice, but this song evolves into an uplifting mix of horns and upbeat verses. Both emcee's unleash their stories of pursuing and pressing on all to a dance-friendly beat and echoing claps, staying true to their vow to liberate from average. This song is a valid addition to The Heartland Panic, showing their skills in creating an anthem without sounding redundant or preachy. Definitely a jam that will be played in my hooptie piece of shit... if I ever fix the cd player!
Soulcrate Music The Heartland Panic In Stores 3/9/2010 Black Clover, distro by Fat Beats.
All Tracks Produced By: DJ Absolute All Words By: Attn:Def & Dirt Dee
Keys-Jonathon Hegg Trombone-Joel Broveleit Saxophone-Matt Wallace Guitar-Xopher Smith Vocals And Guitar-Nick Thomas
On the fourth day of SOULCRATE my headphones gave to me.....
DRUUUUUUUUUMS!
Perhaps I'm partial to a damn good drum beat due to my deep roots in percussion, but this song is off the bloody hook!! (One of my favorite sticking techniques is a dulled, single-stick drum roll on the snare -- which you can hear every other measure of this song). The heavy hovering over the trio of hi-hat, bass & snare, complemented by electric guitar, will set you up for people to look at you sideways when you've got your ear buds in, in public-- First the knee bend, then head nod and the swaying back & forth...
These guys are going pretty hard on this track, spitting some bold lyrics in yo' face! Now, the two have always had a unique style of flow that can essentially be heard throughout most verses in their songs. Its what would allow one to differentiate between them and other artists in a "name that group"-type listener response. But with this song, they tend to step aside from that at moments to branch out and try something new; it certainly works for them. You will feel the glow from the fiery blaze left after the songs time has run out, 'cause this song is FIYAH!
"Oooooooooh"... and by the end of the song, this fairly simple yet fun hook will have you join in unison.If you're trying to jam out, I say go grab the album March 9th and skip to track 4;
"Get set, Ready, GO!!"
Soulcrate Music The Heartland Panic In Stores 3/9/2010 Black Clover, distro by Fat Beats.
All Tracks Produced By: DJ Absolute All Words By: Attn:Def & Dirt Dee
Supplemental Instrumentation: Keys-Jonathon Hegg Trombone-Joel Broveleit Saxophone-Matt Wallace Guitar-Xopher Smith Vocals And Guitar-Nick Thomas
From the beginning of track three the staccato horns, sax riffs, and funk guitar set the pace for the lyrical groove about to follow between Attn: Def and Dirt Dee. The hook soon becomes infections; one you'll find yourself rapping to yourself on the bus long after the album stops playing. This is sure to be a live show regular.
For a great in-studio interview and performance check out these videos our good friend Ron dug up from this summer.
Don't forget (as if we'd let you):
Soulcrate Music
The Heartland Panic In Stores 3/9/2010 Black Clover, distro by Fat Beats.
All Tracks Produced By: DJ Absolute All Words By: Attn:Def & Dirt Dee
Supplemental Instrumentation: Keys-Jonathon Hegg Trombone-Joel Broveleit Saxophone-Matt Wallace Guitar-Xopher Smith Vocals And Guitar-Nick Thomas
Track two, isn't the typical song I think of when I think if Soulcrate Music. It's a little bit darker, and a little bit louder, but they took it there, and they killed it.
When I think of "The Heartland Panic" this song is just that. It's a soundtrack song, for driving late at night in the bitter cold playing loud. The drums, hit hard, and the bass line is strong. The layered vocals showcase just how A Def and Dirt Dee are a force in making music together.
This is one of those stand out tracks on the album, maybe not the party song or the single. But it has significance, it's that track that talks to you.
In anticipation of the new Soulcrate Music release, "The Heartland Panic," we at Lovefest will be posting our thoughts on and reviews of each track. Keep an eye on the site for the next thirteen days, a number appropriate for for the Black Clover family. One track will go up each day with the last day being dedicated to our over arching feelings on the record. We can't wait for you to hear this album and know you'll be just as blown away as we have.
It was no secret we were about to listen to something special when Jeremy Willis asked us to participate in the pre-listening, but when the introduction swelled and and the horns punched, special soon became an understatement. What a way to set the tone, gentlemen. This is one classy and sophisticated album as made apparent from the first track on.
Much like "Cardobard Intro," "Let It Shine" is a track you can see A Def and Dirt Dee making an entrance to. The production by DJ Absolute is musically thoughtful and the band incredibly in sync. This track is a statement as to what's to come, not only with the album but the artistic growth of Soulcrate Music.
And then THIS happened : )
Look for it:
Soulcrate Music The Heartland Panic In Stores 3/9/2010 Black Clover, distro by Fat Beats.
All Tracks Produced By: DJ Absolute
All Words By: Attn:Def & Dirt Dee
Supplemental Instrumentation: Keys-Jonathon Hegg Trombone-Joel Broveleit Saxophone-Matt Wallace Guitar-Xopher Smith Vocals And Guitar-Nick Thomas
