Introducing: Dave, owner of Friends of Sound

Introducing: Dave, owner of Friends of Sound

Friends of Sound is a hidden jem on South Congress that's a gold mind for the record collector of all types. I've spent time in and out of the store with new sounds that ring through my ears for days. Of all the record stores I've been to in the good ole USA and England, I will highly reccommend this spot. I'm sure DJ Shadow and Madlib have selected records from this location on numerous occasions among other DJ's. An extremely knowledgeable staff lead by Dave the owner of the location. Also know as DJ Cool Hands. Dave took a moment to share his thoughts on records, tunes and a little bit about the record store industry.  

Feel free to take stroll down to his store or surf the internet highways to his site for more information. 

http://www.friendsofsound.com/

What are some jems that are in your records collection?

Gloria Ann Taylor, "Deep Inside of You," ep. This record epitomizes where I've ended up with my musical tastes. Most records come and go for me. Due to the business I am in I tend to keep them for a short time and then move them. But, the Gloria Ann Taylor is one that I could just never bring myself to let go of.

How long have you owned a record store and how did it come about?

I have owned Friends of Sound Records in Austin for approximately 6 years. The store came about because I had a problem. I couldn't stop amassing records and my personal collection surpassed 20,000. My wife said it was either me or them. At the time, I was also unemployed and it seemed like a far more enjoyable career than many others I could have chosen.

What goes into opening and maintaining a record store?

The collector in you has to die. You can't only stock records you like because the general record buyer doesn't necessarily want a store full of Japanese Modern Soul with a funky glockenspiel break. You have to put yourself in the position of a buyer with tastes other than your own. You need to constantly keep up to date on the trends in sales of different genres and keep a balanced stock available for consumers.

What are your thoughts on the record industry and digital distribution?

Since it's inception, the record business has been a constant evolving and shifting entity. The recent focus on digitizing music has positive and negative connotations. On the positive side, people have access to music like never before and it is easier for musicians to get their songs heard. On the negative side, I personally feel, that there is something lost when you digitize a song, Yes, people may be able to hear it, but there is more to music then just the song. There's a visual aesthetic that is important to the overall experience and that is often lost in digital translation.

Any producers that you would love to see scoring a film?

Pete Rock. He never gets enough credit and he's always been amazing.

You're a DJ as well? What tunes come in rotation and any upcoming gigs?

In Austin, I participate in a great soul night called the New Day. It is at the Highball on S. Lamar and takes place the third Saturday of every month. I also have a guest spot in February at Title Town in Pittsburgh.
 I have been on a late 70's/early 80's soul kick.

Some of your current tunes that are really tickling your ear?

My top 5 right now are 1) Split Decision Band- Everybody's Watchin Out   2) Trace of Smoke- Treasure Mind  3) The Spinners - It's a Shame  4) McKinley Mitchell - Party Across the Hall 5) Clifton Dyson - I'm Giving Up

What is your favorite film monster?

Animal from the Muppets. 

Introducing: Hot Rails to Hell

Introducing: Hot Rails to Hell

A very talented band composed of 2 electricians, a carpenter and a bartender from different bands to form like voltron to create this super sonic sound called Hot Rails to Hell. I met the band at different moments through Kevin (Guitars) of the band. He also turned me onto metal from the Netherlands and other interesting tunes. Had a quick second to chat with Kevin about the band and what not. Rock on

You have an interesting line up, how did you guys form?

Jasmine, Jay, and I all met in 07' and played in a hardcore punk band, Ben Pickett was always around, went on a texas tour with us. Jay and I played in several punk bands before we decided to start a rock n roll project. fall of 09' we asked Ben and Jasmine if they were interested and they were, so we got together and jammed on a few songs, sounded good. Played are first show at the broken neck that next march, and kept going.

What other side projects does the band have?

I play guitar in Night Siege, Jay plays drums in the Blood Royale, Jasmine plays bass in The Altars, and Ben Pickett plays Banjo with Dirty Charlie.

How would you describe your sound?

Toni Iommi had a love child with Angus young

Some of the band influences?

hmmm.....lets go with Black Sabbath, Kiss, motorhead, and early metallica

Any bands that you are currently listening too?

Been listening to lots Darkthrone, the "Kill em all" record, Sabbath, Kiss, band from sweden call Graveyard

Analog or digital?

Mostly analog, lil bit of digital is good.

Upcoming news and gigs that you are looking forward too?

Been working on our full length record with David Dickinson at Lonewolf Productions, should be ready by SXSW

What's your favorite film monster?

The monster from "The Thing"

Introducing:Butcher Bear

Introducing:Butcher Bear




Saw Butcher Bear with Charlie at Beauty Bar from a recommendation from a friend of a friend. I was curious and thought it was a slash metal group at first from the name then saw a blue bear wearing a snare drum come out from the depths with Charlie singing tunes that were not metal. Enjoyed the show and later ran into him and her at Red Scoot Inn, I think we all had a few adult beverages that evening cause my memory is still kinda foggy about that evening. I was able to have a small interview with the busy bear over the weekend and this what he had to say...


How are you doing today?

Doing good Doing good. Just trying to stay busy .

How would you describe your sound?

pretty junk shop. i use all kinds of different sounds to make songs. Pop music from the gutter. Live instruments, computer box, samplers, drum machines, kids' toys.

How and when did you get into djing and producing tunes?

I've been playing records for ten years. my buddy Craig who performs under the name $hit & $hine, sold me my first turntables when he left for England. I've been writing songs for more like 18 years. in all kinds of different ways. moving to producing and arranging with computer set ups and little drum machines happened maybe 7 years ago. pretty much the same as what I've always done with a few minor adjustments in the process.

Who are some of your influences?

My friends are my biggest influence for sure (soundfounder, Boom Baptist, HOBO D, Reaganometry, Atarimatt, Horse Rappaport, SSS, Answering Machine Records). i always like to see what they are up to. i get a lot of inspiration out of seeing what they come up with. we're all pretty different, but use alot of the same gear, so that helps with ideas. John Coltrane, Tim Kerr, Marc Bianchi (Her Space Holiday).

What are some current sounds that really tickle your ear the most?

I've been listening to tons of Ras G. He really has the craziest music out right now. almost unclassifiable. he makes tracks that seems totally complex, but off the cuff at the same time. it sounds like there's a war going on in the speakers. and the BASS. no one flexes it like him. Also, new Her Space Holiday record. it's not out yet, but i can tell you, the songs on there are so good. real special record for sure.

What are some of your memorable past gigs you had?

Biggest thing that happened last year was creating Exploded Drawing with my homie from Focus Group, soundfounder a.k.a. Andre Brown. A semi-Monthly event we created, where we play records for an hour and then we have 6 twenty minute sets of original live music from Texas and abroad, played by the people that make it on their equipment, ranging from drum machines and pedals to computer-controller set up, to just a loop pedal and a tambourine. We just rented a spot, a sick P.A., and let the homies show us what they've been up to in the Lab. Just so cool to see the community coming together and seeing people perform music they maybe thought they never would.
Also, getting to open up for Nosaj Thing last year was definitely a high point. Huge sound system, got to play some of my fave joints and also a bunch of my own production.

The label (IN)SECT Records, how did that come about and who is on the roster?

It's something I'd wanted to do for a very long time. Just needed the right situation and music to make it a reality.
Currently I've put out records for:

This Moment In Black History (from Cleavland)
Butcher Bear & Charlie
A couple mixtapes with RECSPEC. They do all of our design and web stuff. www.recspec.org
Explosion Horse (Clarke from Cowabunga Babes)
Georgia Anne Muldrow & Dudley Perkins (amazing Fonk from this couple)
california party girls (break your heart music)
Fresh Millions (Big sounds from this tiny band)
Society of Friends (power violence from texas)
Any future releases to expect from (IN)SECT Records?

My schedule for 2011 is as follows:

Starship 27 Vol. 2 (compilation feat. Ras G, Dam-Funk, Computer Jay, I-Ced, J-1, Eric Lau, House Shoes and more) (2X12" vinyl/Digital) coming out March 29, 2011

Reaganometry & Butcher Bear - R&B split EP - (Digital Only) out March 15th (contributing six songs each, this e.p. represents a huge step away from the more pop stuff i've done, and for Reaganometry a huge step toward greatness. He is close to say Amon Tobin, Aphex Twin, Boards Of Canada)

Atarimatt - Happy Mayonnaise (12" vinyl/Digital) out beginning of April - Matt plays an Atari 2600 that he modded out. I have no idea how, but he stores his songs on game cartridges. His debut vinyl release is one of the most evil things we've heard over hear. and it's possible that your young children will like it just as much as you will.

DAK - flexi-disc out in April 2011 - DAK has put out a cassette on a label called Leaving Records. He's a beat maker from L.A. really original music. Never heard anything like it before. and we're putting it on wax. flexible wax.

What are some upcoming events to look out for?

We're doing Exploded Drawing every other month almost. You can get details at facebook.com/explodeddrawing and we're always taking submissions from folks at explodeddrawing@gmail.com if you'd like to come and play it.

We are having the TWO-YEAR anniversary for a monthly DJ night we do over at the Rio Rita. It's called Kon Karne's Butcher Shop with The Bear. Me and Kon Karne spin records every month under a different theme. For our Anniversary which is on Friday February 25, 2011. It's always free, so come have a drink with us to celebrate. The theme this month is "Cotton Panties" podcast is up at www.konkarneandthebear.podomatic.com

Starship 27 Vol. 2 record release shows in L.A. and San Fran beginning of April and later that month we'll be curating a night of performance and music at the Fuse Box Festival here in Austin.

What’s your favorite film monster?

probably David Bowie

Introducing:Eagle Claw

Introducing:Eagle Claw



First heard about Eagle Claw via Bart, the drummer of the group a few years ago and he told me about it. I thought it was really interesting and was all about watching a band just get up there and shred kinda like listening to the instrumental B-side of a record. Saw them play for the first time at this spot called Hole in the Wall and had a blast watching everyone going Donkey Kong. Overall I thought it was really innovative and all about attending their future shows. The music is well produced and just awesome. Here's a little interview I did with the group recently.

What is the Story behind Eagle Claw on how you formed in the Fall of 2007?

It was never really supposed to be anything. Bart (Drums) had been jamming with Luther (Bass) off and on just for fun, but it was really infrequent. I don't recall exactly how it happened, but they found out somehow that I could play guitar and asked if I wanted to jam.I said yes, but the only amp I had at the time was a little 8: VOX. Hardly enough to contend with a drum kit and a bass rig. Like I said, it was all just for fun. Eventually though, songs began to form and we all really liked where it was heading. As an instrumental band, we could also see that there was a ton of room sonically to add another guitarist. The process of trying out guitarists took a lot longer than you might think. There's a lot of talented musicians in Austin, but for all of their particular reasons, we knew we had the right guy when Mike joined the band! We never looked back since.

For a metal band you have a very unique sound and wondering why you made the choice of going instrumental versus having vocals?

It really wasn't a conscious decision. We never had playing shows in mind but out sound just kinda grew organically into what it is now. We like what we are doing and so do the people who come out to see us. I can't say that we are against the option of lyrics but for us, now is not the time.

You have a release titled Poacher with some interesting artwork, how was it working on the release and who did the design?

We all had a lot of fun with the release of Poacher! I guess there was a lot to be learned though. We were so unorganized. Instead of trying to get everything done at or around the same time, we did each part individually, which stretched the amount of time from start to finish tremendously. Lesson learned. Bryan Richie recorded and mixed the album, Conrad Keely did the front cover artwork and puregrease.com did the rest of the album artwork.

What are some of your most enjoyable gigs?

Free week shows in ATX are always bad ass! Other than that we have had a lot of opportunities lately to play with a lot of bands that we respect and listen to! The Sword has also been taking us out quite a bit which is always fuckin rad! We had a killer time at Fun Fun Fun Fest 2010 too! We really just like to play live and we always enjoy it.

Any future plans such as a tour?

Of course! I don't know how soon anyone will be reading this but we have a show in OKC on the 11th and Dallas on the 12th, both of which we will be opening for The Sword. After that we will be playing a couple one0off dates from till SXSW ( which we are playing and can announce those shows soon) After SXSW we will be going on a 3 week tour heading Northeast to NYC and back down again. Check eagleclawhurts.com for more listings.

What is your favorite film monster?

Mike is the movie guy, so I had to ask him. Seriously he is that guy you know that remembers every movie and the actors name who played in it. I don't even know who this is but I looked up pictures of this monster and he looks pretty rad. Mike's favorite film monster is C.H.U.D.

More info can be found about Eagle Claw at:
www.eagleclawhurts.com
www.myspace.com/eagleclawatx

Introducing: Manikin

Introducing: Manikin

A band that I really enjoy watching and listening to in Austin. A post punk vibe with a unique sound that is peppered with other sounds. Had a moment to share a few words with Alfie from the band. I highly suggest you check them out and catch one of their shows in the area.

How long has the band been together and how did it form?

We form the band out of boredom- it's been almost a decade in the making and there's seem to be nothing to cover the void we all feel inside.

Where are some the most memorable places that Manikin have played at and why?

One memorable show was at Emo's where there was only one guy at the front dancing like he was doing the P90X commercial. it was a little show in it self. I almost forgot we were playing- it was that cool to watch.

What are some of the influences of the band, also any favorite local bands that you enjoy playing with?

Early Siouxsie and Joy Division, The Avengers, Prince and Michael Jackson, the Adolescence, The Vibrators, Madonna, the Normals, maybe Lydia Lunch and Richard Hell. Lots of stuff. We enjoy paying with The Hexie, Bottle Service,

On your most recent album, Stop the Sirens, how long did it take to record and write the songs for the album?

like five minutes- it comes to us in a dream and completely ornamented and ready to be disastered.

Can you elaborate on what the song Sirens is about?

it's about escaping but getting caught. Also Perfect Picture is another song that grabs my attention, can you tell a little bit more about? Our struggle is the same in any generation. The message is the same but with different author. We are not any better.

Do you have songs that are not released yet that you didn’t find to fit on the last three albums, any thoughts of working on a B-Side compilation cd?

We're breaking that mold actually. Soon we'll be as free as a caged bird.

How many albums do you have out and how do they differ from one another?

3 albums- they're different because the were made from different places in our lives. We're changing constantly.

How does the band develop songs? Do usually come up with a concept or just work off from each other jamming?

In a dream- I heard this question before or was I just dreaming again.

What are the upcoming plans for the band and thoughts about working on another album?

Focusing in making good songs- better songs.

Who does the art work for Manikin?

global consciousness does it

More info on the band can be found at:

http://www.myspace.com/manikin

http://www.themanikin.com/

Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain

Today is the anniversary of the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. He was found by an electrician at his household but was deceased for a few days from a self inflected gun shot wound. He's an influence on many including myself since an early age. Still remember when it was announced on the news at my neighbors on my way to school. Rather shocking and but here is one of his last interviews to remember him by. Kurt you will be missed and I wish you were here still.

Read an interview with Kurt Kobain taken in the Fall of 1994 after the jump.

Modest Mouse documentary

Modest Mouse

I ran into Modest Mouse long ago when I was living in New York back in the early 2000s or very late 90s and spent a weekend with them at the Bowery Ballroom not knowing who they where until after the show. Just on a friends reference to check them out. Just thought these guys were amazing and lived the moment to the fullest with randomness. Also it's pretty awesome to watch someone play a guitar with his mouth yelling out lyrics. Sounded like a plan over a mountain of Paps Blue Ribbon cans. They've greatly changed since the late 90s to what they are today and I doubt they remember me. Johnny Marr from the Smiths is currently in their lineup which I find strange. I still listen to their first three albums occasionally. Here's a very old documentary with the group and featuring many artists such as Built to Spill and Elliot Smith featured below in order. Enjoy and please ROCK ON!

Introducing:UME

Introducing:UME

For a while I heard about UME and finally had the chance to see them destroy the stage at Red 7 while opening for River Boat Gamblers. I was very impressed by the sonic CBGB nyc rock out vibe they produced. Been listening to their new EP that they recently produced non stop in the play lists.
They are playing at the Highball tomorrow evening. www.thehighball.com Should be a great show to remember!

How long has the band been together and how did you form?

We really got things rolling seriously as UME around 2007 when we all moved to Austin, but the three of us have been playing together off and on since 2002. I first met Eric and Jeff playing DIY punk shows in the Houston area while we were in different bands in high-school. I was playing guitar in a grindcore-ish thrashy band at age 15. At one of my band's first shows at a skate park, Eric came up and talked to me while I was sitting on a vert ramp. We've been together ever since.

Where does the name UME come from?

It's a Japanese plum blossom pronounced "ooo-may." Our friend Tim came up with our band name in honor of his favorite food, umeboshi. He actually hooked-up with his wife at an UME show :)

Which bands influenced UME and what groups are you currently listening to?

Fugazi to Ric Ocasek, Archers of Loaf to Team Dresch, Deep Purple to Prince, Spazz to Bat for Lashes. I've been listening to a lot of Fleetwood Mac, Fever Ray, and Screaming Females lately.

How was the recent tour with the Meat Puppets and any future tours planned?

It was an honor for us to tour the west-coast with such talented, down-to-earth, and really hilarious guys. Cris became on of my BFFs on the road and entertained us for hours with his gift for instantly deciphering spoken word scrambles - though I got him with "ronhatcceniropt." Yes, we're going to be touring constantly right after we finish recording the full-length this summer.

Where’s your favorite experience showcasing UME?

We really love playing live and getting to meet people that enjoy our music. I'm also still motivated by taking the stage and catching people off guard by the fact that I'm, yes, actually "in the band," not just "with" the band or the merch-girl. It's surprising to me that this is still many people's expectations and it's my dream to help change that.

What cities out of Texas have shown the most appeal to the band?

We've met and been supported by awesome people in Austin, Dallas, and Houston early on... we've even had some good shows in Beaumont and the Valley.

I really enjoy your new EP Sunshower. How does it differ from your last album?

Sunshower was our first time to actually enter a studio to make an album. Our first release is pretty rough and began as a set of demos that was picked up by a Brooklyn label. At that time, the band lived 1600 miles apart and rarely practiced. By the time we recorded Sunshower we were able to practice consistently and I think we began to find our identity as a band. I also tried to find my voice as a singer (I've never considered myself a singer) and incorporate more melodic elements with the heavier side of our sound.

Any songs that you really enjoy playing live during shows, songs that you just have to play?

We still play one of the first songs we ever wrote called, "Baby Xie-Xie." Its ending crescendos into chaos in a way that makes it a fun live experience but probably tortuous on headphones :)

Do you have any future projects coming up?

We're working like crazy to finish writing the full-length and to get into the studio this spring. We're also in talks with a few labels and hope to have some good news around SXSW.

Besides music, what are some hobbies that you all enjoy?

Jeff's a heavy reader and Eric has been getting in to making effects pedals and just built a tube amplifier for his stereo. I've been mostly trying to write vocal parts for the new songs, but also cooking a lot of southern-style food - collards, cornbread, and pinto beans (cooking is pretty uncharacteristic for me, but this cold weather has been keeping me inside:)

What are some of the bands current favorite films?

Lauren - I'm on an early Al Pacino kick - Godfather I and II, Jeff - Gattaca, Eric - Lonesome Dove

What is your favorite film monster?

Pumpkinhead and Kiefer Sutherland from the Lost Boys




and

Introducing: DJ Signify

Introducing:DJ Signify

Last of the three part interviews that were found in my Blast from the Past circa 2004 days. DJ Signify is a very interesting person with some very impressive production skills. Here is more from the interview with him..

What inspired you to create Winters Going?

I thought the album was dark and needed something
lighter.

Why did you decided to collaborate with Buck 65?

He's been a homie of mine for many years and a huge
influence on my music, I thought he would do a good
job on the record and would understand what I was
doing.

Can you explain the art work behind the album?

The kid who did does most of Lex stuff and is named
Bat and he did his art for boombit.I was really siked
to work with him and told him that I wanted something
very minimal. He came back with the idea of his of
making the album a coffin and the hands inside are
pushing out. I really like it a lot! Very consistent
with the record.

Any artists that your interested in working with in
the future?

I did a track with Grande Master Cass from
the kool quest brothers.

Any future plans?

I'm actually getting really amped to do an
instrumental record.

Same kind of sound as Winters going?

You never know till you hear it.

Tell me about Lex Records?

Lex is a series from Warp Records and was started by a
guy named Tom Brown, basically a hip-hop division of
Warp. Going into the hip-hop genre. They have made a
name for themselves and Danger Mouse, Gemini, the
Gifted one, Sage, and Boombit is on the label
and the label seems to be doing quit well.

How do you feel about artists such as Prefuse 73?

I do!, I really don't look into artists thinking is
this hip-hop or not. Not the way I look at things. I
really do like him as an artist and think he is
interesting.

How long have you been in this business?

I've been a DJ since 95. I had a radio show. I've been
making beats for about four years.

Do you listen to anything else besides hip-hop?

I listen to tons of stuff that is not hip-hop based.
Lately I've been listening to rock based stuff.My
obsession is crowd rock and post punk. Which has a
lot of parallels to hip-hop. It's really based on
drums around that music. I'm obsessed with that music
as I am with hip-hop. I'm into in a really big way.

Are you looking into possibly doing film scores?

I would love too!

What kind of genre would you be interested in?

I would be interested in doing any genre but I would
have to like.

What do you have planned for the future?

First off the bass player, Matt Kelly.I'm pretty much
sure I'm going to collaborate with him at some point
again.The two guys in our band are real inspiring. I
think me and Rob are talking about doing an EP
together.Where we would take a lot of dope West coast
mcs like Sinco and we have this Etour EP that me and
Rob did. I did the beats and Rob raps on it. Have a 7
inch with Grande Master Cas coming out in a couple of
weeks coming out on Grande Good Records. I did a mix
with Stienski, the Sugarco, it's only out on import on
sugarhill suites.

whats your favorite color?

I don't have a favorite color, probably grey if
anything.

More info on DJ Signify can be found:

www.myspace.com/djsignify
www.djsignify.net

Introducing:Sixtoo

Introducing:Sixtoo

Here is another interview which was found in the Internet email archives from 2004. Never was published until now.

I have these dope teeth check em out!

Ha, I noticed that you and Signify both collaborate with
Buck 65?

Well Buck is a long time partner of my mind. Started
making music with him since 95. AS the sebutones we
released a couple records together, like rap records
that we're both mcing on and sharing production
duties. And over the years of course we sort of gone
into our own directions. I still on occasion work with
him. But for the most part I'm just more interested in
developing my own career as a rapper. But as hip-hop
music goes there's a lot of similarities in taste of
myself and Justin. I think we both come from the same
era with lyrics. When lyrics were very important. For
now that focus doesn't seem to be there too much
anymore.

What do you think about Madlib?

I think Madlib is really dope. I like a lot of the
Quananm kats. Doom is still around kinda left over
from the old days. But both of us come from that era
and more so appreciated cats with lyrics.

What inspired you the most to create your unique sound?

Mostly from beat diggin.You know growing up the era of
hip-hop that I did. The only rule was not to fight and
as a result of that I think my taste for music has
gone a little less centered looking for beats that
may or may not have been touched before. Generally
being exposed to genres of music for the most part
that haven't been sampled but could be sampled.
Specifically minimal musics that have an interesting
flare to them. That is what I'm trying to do with my
own music now. Influence from everything from French
pop to punk rock. Straight up rock to breaks to Jazz
to funk and soul and take what I considered the strong
elements of all those different musics put them into
my own thing without exploiting them but more so
paying homage to all those genres

On your latest album did the Montreal winters have an
influence?

Part of it but more so than anything. Just trying to
make a record that really..especially an instrumental
record you would want there to be the same emotion and
tenacity that you would put into a lyric record. My
music has always been real personal and all most
enough so that has pushed me out of writing. I really
don't wanna release my diaries to the public as a
result to that I think I've been trying to put that
same emotions and tenacity to instrumental music.

Still writing?

I'm still writing a lot , I still do raps but
generally I think my life has gotten phased in the
last of the while and there's personal shit. Some
people feel that I and some of the anticon guys have
created a new genre that is specifically that. It's
like diary rap. Like wearing armor in our sleep. All
these thing I generally don't even like, you know.
I prefer not play peoples emotions as my writing style
personally.

I felt the same when I heard one of Buck 65's
songs.The song was on check with the moment of what
was going on in my life.

Tell me about the art that is involved?

I mostly do stuff myself. These days I'm too busy
focusing on music as also a visual artist my taste in
art ascetics are a little refined. The guy who did
all my ninja stuff. Like my chewing on glass record
and my new ep that is coming out in October. My friend
Font a well known graffiti artist in Canada and mostly
doing commercial illustration work these days. I told
him to listen to my record for a couple of weeks and
do what you do. I think that's how friends should do
it.

How did you get started with Ninja tunes?

Jeff was really into the direction my music was
heading. Was doing a live album and sampling myself
and using rique records that caught their attention of
the guys in the uk.

What kind of instruments do you use?

Fender Rhodes, bass, an mpc and other analog outboard
stuff. I use Api compressors.

What kind of music have you been listening to mostly
up in the now?

Everything from Avant Garde music to 70's music

More info on Sixtoo can be found:

www.myspace.com/sixtoo

sixtoo.blogspot.com

http://www.ninjatune.net/ninja/artist.php?id=108

Introducing: Blockhead

Introducing:Blockhead

A blast from the past circa 2004 interview with Blockhead of Ninja Tune. The interview was for a Texas zine called Feedback Magazine I used to work for part time which most of the content was cut until NOW. Thank you Rylie for finding this. These are my first ever interviews with people and I was very nervous btw.. more than usual...

How would you feel about doing film scores any plans
with this?

I would love too but it's the matter that I work with
samples so when I do an album I would have to make an
obscure version.

Have you done anything currently leaning towards this?

I've done stuff for video games like Getaway 2 but it
was music they gave and it really didn't matter what
music I sampled.

Do you find yourself ever mcing once again?

Not in a serious way. The people that like my beats
would not like the kinda rap I do. Ignorant battle
raps. That's the way it was 7 years ago.

How long have you been involved in music?

I've been making beats since 93 and I got my sampler
in 94.

What kind of sampler do you use?

An ARS 10

How did you hook up with Aesop Rock?

I met him in collage in 94 and we used to rap together
and we both started making beats at the same time. We
became friends and from that we built that I took the
more beat direction and he took the more rhyming
direction. We're homeboys you know.

What inspired you to create tracks such as
Carnivore??

It's all about melody and getting something that will
catch someones ear, ya know. I kinda just sit there
until it's done and when I step away from it, it's
done. More about sequencing and building memento.

Do you think that you will possibly might be working with
RJD2 at some point?

To a point. I just don't think that there is a point
for two producers to work together. Cause we both have
our own styles, own ideas on how to make beats,
different equipment. Both kinda go in different
directions. I just see no purpose to it.


What have you been listening to recently?

Mf Doom, Master Killa, I like TI. I got lime wire so
I've been downloading a lot of stuff, basically
whatever I get my hands on.

How do you feel about people downloading your tracks
off the net?

You can't really do anything about it, it's
promotions.When your an artist at my level you really
don't depend on record sales.

Did you used to work in a bakery?

Yea! I did it for 5 years!

I used to dig graves and make pizzas!

More info about Blockhead can be found:

www.myspace.com/theblockishot

www.ninjatune.net/blockhead/

Introducing:Yppah

Introducing:Yppah

Had a chat with Yppah about his new album that just came out. He's currently signed onto to Ninja Tune and from Texas. His music productions has been featured in games and even films.

How are you doing today?

Hello Richard. I am very well thank you. :D

How did you get your start in wanting to produce songs and into DJing?

I started playing guitar when I was like 10 and would learn songs that I liked and formed shitty little rock bands. I kind of just did that until i was a couple of years into high school. Around that time me and some friends of mine got into DJing and that led to scratching and working on 'scratch music'. After a while we started recording what we were doing with samples and turntables. That led to wanting to produce and the realization that i could start incorporating guitar and other instruments that I played.

On your last album They know what Ghosts Know how long did it take you to create it?

It took about a year. I had about a year and a half's worth of material from right after i finished my first album, but i ended up scrapping everything. I wasn't satisfied with anything i was making and felt it was all mediocre. I was having trouble finding a direction. I'm not exactly sure when or what song i was working on when i turned the corner but had taken a short break and was listening to a lot of early 90s indie rock. Mainly shoe gaze sort of stuff. It was then that i started finally coming up with songs that i was happy with. Then a year later i had the songs for my final album.

What instruments do prefer to use for the past album?

I was pretty much going for a straight rock band sound with the electronic feel along with most of the same elements from my first album. Things like guitar, bass, drums... standard rock band instruments.

Did you have a concept for it when structuring it?

Not originally. I definitely had a idea after all the break and the whole scrapping of the first batch of material situation.

The track Shutter Speed is rather interesting in the build up, how did you create the song and what inspired you for that song?

I actually made that track when i was living in Austin for a short time. I think i was listening to a ton of stereo lab, so I'm sure that had a big influence. A friend of mine had this junky little drum set that i recorded with a pzm mic and kind of just built everything else around it.

What are some of your influences?

I like comic art a lot. I don't know exactly how much it directly affects my music. I like looking at Basil Wolverton drawings... they make me laugh. I guess i try to incorporate melodies that invoke emotion along the lines of melancholy and a sort of happy whimsical giddyness. Maybe that's where the comic side fits in. Aside from that its just a lot of psych rock, shoegaze and beat oriented music. A lot of various electronic bands. I like Air and Radiohead's compositions a ton. Clark is some really awesome stuff that I've been just recently get into.

Any plans on using live vocals for future projects or road shows?

Yeah there are always plans for vocals. I tried to incorporate some on this last one, but it didn't really pan out. I think this next album should definitely be quite a bit more vocal heavy.

Do you have any more plans for having music on video games?

That's kind of up to my licensing. Hopefully we get some leads soon. I really like money. Spending it, Using it to buy things and live. So yeah, I hope it happens soon ha ha.

How was traveling to Japan and what were some highlights being out there?

I loved Japan. The crowds out there are great. The first trip out we played a sold out crowd in Tokyo a couple thousand deep i think. That was pretty crazy playing to that many people. I liked walking around the Shibuya area. Its fascinating with all the crazy little stores and lights. Kind of expensive but fun.

Any plans on performing soon?

The only thing of the books for Yppah so far is SXSW. We are working on securing a spot for the NRMAL Festival in Monterrey Mexico the week before SXSW. It looks like that might pan out.

What are some current projects you have and future plans?

Right now I'm working on a project called Collider with a friend of mine who produces under the name Pollination. He has a release out on Exponential Records called Inca Orange and was also a part of the Day Of The Woman project. As of right now all we have out is a remix we did for the major lazer contest. We should hopefully have something completed by the summer.

Any films that find influencing you with creating your tunes?

Nah not really. I watch a bunch of junk. I like typical shitty movies so i don't think that's really influencing anything I'm making..Ha.

What is your favorite film monster?

ha ha... the Leprechaun from the Leprechaun Movies. Hes a little bastard!

Introducing:Emily Haines

Introducing:Emily Haines

I heard about Metric via a close friend long ago and been a fan since then. They have well produced songs with lyrics to match with great stage presence. She has a long history of music in her and has seen much. I just really like her view on life and can really relate on many levels on what she has to say. I would say that she is one of my influences. It's a pleasure to see her and perform this evening in Metric at La Zona Rosa. One of the shows I'm very excited to see this week. Hope to see you out tonight.!

Introducing: Waajeed

Introducing:Waajeed

From Detroit, a city I vaguely remember in my travels but would like revisit very soon. Waajeed has been busy for a while and people really need to know about it. From Slum Village to Dilla to Platnium Pied Pipers, he's been there creating some of the most respectful beats around.
Here is a little interview with him at the Red Bull Academy. Still waiting for my application....
He's performing tonight at the Beauty bar with Blu Jemz and Geo-logy. Rare Austin performance to not be missed out on.

Introducing Rapid Ric

Introducing:Rapid Ric

Met Rapid Ric through the years and have nothing but repect for what he does. He's all over the place and putting things on the map for sure. He's currently touring with Chamillionaire as his DJ. He's been putting out these amazing mixtapes for a while. We decided to check up and see how he puts his magic to his tapes.

When did you start to work on your first mixtape and what's the
history behind it?

In High school around 10 years ago, i did a bunch of mixes at home or
at clubs that we use to spin at in Mexico... We didn't have a radio
station in my hometown that would play anything besides regional
spanish or country.. Kids at school just wanted club, street, or any
music that our parents didn't listen to.

How many mixtapes have you made since then?

If u include all the Hip-Hop series or the Whut It Dew series, the Chalie Boy's, and all
the personalized ones i did for other artists, i'd say its around 150
or so...

Which are your favorite mixes that you've compiled?

I like mixes that showcase talent from my state... so i'd say all the
Whut IT Dews, the ones i did for Z-ro, and the Chalie Boy Versatyle
Childs....

Who are some people that you collaborated with in the past?

Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Bun B, Z-ro, and of course Chalie Boy....
people outta Texas, Killer Mike, Mistah Fab, BOB, Huricaine Chris..

Do you see working with any of the past people in future projects?

absolutely, i think that if people have heard of me, they've heard of
the tapes i did in the past... so i almost have to stay involved in
the same circles of artists and friends..

Just want to say I was very impressed with your King of Trill tape!

How long did it take to create that mix?

Took me a couple of weeks... at that time, there wasn't a full conversion of vinyl to mp3 yet, so i
was still finding alot of Bun B verses and UGK features on vinyl. So
i was completing the tape piece by piece every time i found a new
song..

How do you begin working on a concept with your mixtapes?

I try to fill a musical void that i think i can do a good job at... I
just always Liked Texas stuff and so the void was easy for me to do...
Normally i wait till there's a good amount of songs that make up the
bulk of the tape, then i add to it...

Any programs that you prefer to use?

Back in the day i use to use a tascam, then a sony muli-track- then
after that, I used cool edit pro which is now Adobe Audition..... Now
i do all my mixtape work, production, mixing, and engineering on Logic
9, which i highly recommend...

What do you reccommend for people starting to make a mix?

2 things- Make sure you have continuity throughout the whole tape, and
make sure the 1st 15 minutes of your tape is bangin...

Any thoughts on where to promote their mixtapes at?

Nowadays, blogs, friends, facebook, twitter, all these resources that
mom and pop shops in the 90's and early 2000's couldn't deliver.....

What future projects do you have coming up?

I have a mixtape coming that isn't fully titled yet that I'm doing
with Skratch Bastid from Canada... he collected all the original
samples from past UGK and Pimp C songs and we are compiling them in
this crazy multi-genre mix... should be fun... I also did another Z-ro
mixtape for Rap-A-Lot, and of course there's another Chalie Boy
Versatyle Child coming before his album, as well as Whut It Dew 6,
before the Whut It Dew album drops..

What is your favorite film monster?

Did really ask for my favorite film MONSTER??? hmmm, i'd say it's got to be the trolls from Willow, remember those dudes??

Yes I did!

Introducing Blu Jemz

Introducing:Blu Jemz

Heard about Blu Jemz a while ago from friends and have been curious for some time. Did some researching about him, noticed this guy knows his music and been doing what he does for a minute. I give props on his work ethic to keep things innovative and enjoyable. Blu Jemz took some time with us have a sit down via the intrawebs to discuss what he is up to these days. He is currently on tour and just came back from Russia. He'll be playing on 8 October for his Beat Machine tour at the Beauty Bar in Austin Tejas among other spots.


What are you doing right now besides typing and reading?

Sitting in the airport listening to people bash Obama behind me and Gadhafi really lay into the general assembly in front of me on CNN. I forgot my headphones and it's really killing me, i never listened to people at the airport before, what assholes. I would buy some over priced headphones from one of those Sony vending machines right now if I could.

Do you currently have any nights in New York right now and what would some expect to hear when walking in?

Right now I'm only doing one monthly part on a consistent basis. Its called Boys On Film and I do it with my friend Lloyd-Ski. We only play 12"s that were made in the 80s, whether it's new wave, rap, house, pop, whatever you have to have the 12" to play it. Before Serato we had all beome these 12" fiends, like all we wanted was to have the original 12" of the song, cause the mix is usually cooler (not always) and the sound quality is a lot better than LPs.

I read that you have a little bit of a hip hop back round somewhere, what have you done in the past and any plans to move forward with any of it?

Yeah I used to be in a group called SBL. Looking back it was some backpack shit, but at the time I never saw it like that. When we finally got the chance to put out records (2000) rap music had become sucky. Like either you could be a "jiggy" raper who talks about nothing or a "backpacker" who talked about how wack jiggy rappers were. All people cared about was battling or $, cash, hoes. We were weirdo's and our music was always kind of cerebral an there just wasnt any room for that any more so we stopped.

Who are the Hardy Boyz and what future plans do you have with them?

Hardy Boyz started as just me and my two friends going home after a party and making a song. We never thought of it as anything more than that. But than of all the music we played for people those were the songs people were reacting to the most. Than turntable lab wanted to put out some Hardy Boyz so here we are working on an album. I would call it New Wave Italo rap.

What production work are you focusing on right now, any plans for some remixes?

I just did a remix for my boy Amp Live's new song which i'm pretty happy with. I do have other shit i'm working on but remixes take me forever so who knows if they will ever get finished

How was Russia?

Moscow was crazy it's like the richest city in Europe or something. I ended up having breakfast in my hotel the first morning only to figure out later that it cost me $40. It was worth it tho because they had caviar and a harp player. In general Moscow was crazy (clubs stay open till 6am) tho and NOT dangerous at all as most think.

What’s the most cinematic party you’ve played at?

I guess when I used to DJ at this really "hip" club in LA called Teddys. Every actor in LA would come thru, but what made it cinematic was just everyone was dressed so slick. Like if you were to watch an upscale party scene in a movie. It was unreal.

Notice that you are going on Tour for the Beat Machine Tour soon in the states. What are the tour stops, who is on it and what’s the concept behind it?

Well I put together this compilation for Scion of different producers who's beats i always was a fan of. Two of the guys on the comp are my good friends (ge-ology and Waajeed) and to me they're a little slept on for there production. So I got a little sponsorship and decided to take them on tour with me. Basically its gonna be like dance parties that are grounded in the beats and electronic sound. Both of them are some of my favorite DJ's and know how to turn dance floors out.

In your free time from music land what do you enjoy partaking in?

Tennis although I haven't played in a while. I like to pretend like one day my friends and I will make a movie so we talk about that all the time.

What are some movies that you are enjoying from now and the past?

I just saw La Dolce Vita recently and that put me into a Fellini phase, that film is just so cool like you don't even have to put quotation marks around the word "cool." I also really like District 9. I thought any movie that puts aliens in Africa can't lose.

Who or what is your favorite monster?

I wanna say Animal from the Muppets, but that doesn't seem right.