When/how did ESBE Clothing get started?

In 2008. With my artistic background, I began designing t-shirts for friends and family, and discovered that I wanted to branch out and do this for the consumer. With the assistance of my co-partners, Jameel Winbush and Isaac Andrade, we envisioned this was an opportunity to put the ESBE name out there while making a profit at the same time.

Are you headquartered in LA?

Yes, we are headquartered here in Los Angeles as well as a small distribution center in Newark, New Jersey.

Do you think LA is a fit city for an upcoming clothing line?

LA is one of the meccas of fashion. It’s a huge city with many cultures and unique styles. ESBE clothing stands behind cultural expression and I believe that my line will be successful here in LA.

What is the lifestyle that ESBE Clothing is trying to project?

E.S.B.E. means Each Step Becomes Elevated. What this mean is that we have goals in life and by taking steps to complete them, we move on to the next which brings us closer to reaching our ultimate goal we set to achieve. We started the ESBE Project to foster positive mindsets to better ourselves and elevate others to reach their goals.

Is 86 Clothing the first store that will carry your line?

Yes, it is the first. We are honored to have an in store launch party tonight to display new designs with General Monks (Planet Asia and TriState). We will also be promoting the limited edition General Monks t-shirt.

What other artists are you working with?

We have worked with Raekwon - The Chef. We got linked up through my co-partner Isaac’s mother, Sister Asia who is Raekwon’s personal assistant. He has been a big supporter of ESBE Clothing. We are also working with Planet Asia - Gold Chain Military. Through networking and being big fans of his music, we were able to link up with them. What attracted me to them was their hustle and grind in the industry which is true to my beliefs, and ultimately leads us to helping brand each other’s name.

Other artists I have been blessed to work with are: RasKass, DJ Woool, Ruste Juxx, Def Down Records, Da Block, Residue Riggins (Pasadena, CA), Green House Project, Dek-Nucleus, Dirty Apes and many more, including athletes.

Do fashion and music co-exist?

I believe that fashion and music go hand in hand. Music speaks to your soul. It is the essence of how you feel and what you believe in. Fashion ties in to music by representing the type of clothing you wear and how you wear them, which speak to what a person is about and what they are trying to illustrate or represent.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I focus my attention on color and certain parts of the streets that reflect a fresh yet unique expression. I also look at the youth, because they’re always changing and evolving.

After the in-store tonight, what’s next for you and ESBE Clothing?

I’m looking to make bigger moves to get my name out there which express the meaning behind the name ESBE.

If you’re around the West Covina area tonight, go check out SB, his team, and General Monks. More info is here. I’ll leave you with this from Pharrell Williams. “Fashion is to music, what time is to space. They coexist and they can’t exist without each other."

More info:
Twitter - @ESBECLOTHINGCO
Facebook - ESBE CLOTHING CO

by triciaCA

Ok, before I start with the questions. Can you answer any questions about U-N-I?

As far as U-N-I goes, I have tunnel vision with my project and this is all I can focus on.

When is the solo project “LA RIOT” releasing?

I am looking at July for the release.

I caught wind of your solo endeavor when you dropped the very powerful Rodney King video on the 20^th anniversary of his beating. Why this concept for your solo album? Are most songs on the upcoming album centralized on the riot theme?

I had to RIOT to break what was expected of me and really paint pictures of what's in my head.  I constantly think of concepts, and for you to see the picture clear, I have to paint it myself.  Everything is not centralized on the riot theme, but it will all make sense in my riot for good music.

You said you riot for "good music". What's wrong with the music out right now?

A lot of folks are cloning records and making themselves to be clones of what's "hot." So by rioting for good music, I am rioting for originality and sparking a Molotov cocktail with a new sound and visuals to match.

You just dropped a track from the new project called “Los Angeles”. How has the response been so far?

The response has been great. It's organic and growing at a steady pace.

What everyone should know is that LA Riot isn’t just about the music. You actually have a movement behind it that involves wheatpasting. (The image used on the posters is of Thurz as Rodney King 20 years later.) How has that progressed?

The wheatpaste movement is progressing great.  I'm organizing more bombings with a large amount of folks.  I will be posting video of supporters putting up wheatpaste posters.

These supporters, are they who make up the "92CREW"?

The #92CREW is a collective of individuals sparking a riot in every aspect of art.  The crew ranges from the art creator to the supporter.

Will the campaign go further than the wheatpasting and the music?

The campaign will definitely stretch beyond wheatpasting and music.  I can't put everything out there that I'm doing, but I'm opening up a new store in conjunction with my album.

I'm sure you can't disclose any info on that yet.

I can't reveal any information at this time, but I will let you know soon.

I always try to add some fun questions within an interview so that our readers can know you outside of your craft. With that said, if you could perform with any artist (dead or alive) who would it be?

At this time it's hard to say. I would want to perform with artists I look up to, but I'd rather be doing what I'm doing now to be as great as the artists I look up to so that they'd want to collab with me...I've been raised to not beg for anything and not accept handouts.

Top 5 music albums you can't live without?

Muddy Waters, Illmatic, Illadelph Halflife, Death Certificate, Dogg Food...honorable mentions: Ready to Die, Doggystyle, Street Songs, Best of Beres Hammonds, Thriller, and a little Fleetwood Mac.

And finally, what are the top 5 things YOU riot for?

I riot to be heard amongst all the clutter...to show the youth what real art and music is...to feed my daughter...for knowledge...and because no one else is.

You can catch Thurz performing live tomorrow, April 28 at Blu Monkey for free. For more info on #92CREW, to download "Los Angeles", or to view more videos, visit: http://theriotstartshere.com. You can also follow Thurz on Twitter - @Thurzday.

Thurz' LA Riot manifesto reads like this: I riot because BET has failed every generation after 1999. I riot because Top 40 Radio plays the same electro/techno-based songs 10 times an hour. I riot because the artists that are forced upon the masses are hybrid clones with the same content in every song. I riot because I haven't felt the same love and attachment for an album since Redman's "Muddy Waters." I riot for the freedom of music and art that has been incarcerated. Freedom to express oneself allows for a generation of unique thinkers with artillery to blast the narrow-minded capitalist to vapors. I am the LA Riot.

WHAT DO YOU RIOT FOR??

by triciaCA

Where is VNS based out of?

Out of Walnut, as we broadcast live at our studio overground bomb shelter known as "CSI".

Who makes up the team that is VNS?

Me: I do production on the show as well as set the tone as far as music and segments go. I also do a lot of behind the scenes like controlling camera angles, doing sound checks, updating the equipment and creating the VNS studio you see live on air.  I'm just a lover of music. There's just so much out there to be heard and shared and I just love creating a platform where people can hear stuff they've never heard. I've been djing on and off for about 15 years now and I've been doing radio for about 4. I enjoy all types of rhythms and sounds and to me it's all about diversity.

Idea: Right hand man. He's been with me since the beginning. Also known as the Hip Hop Librarian/Ideapedia/Selector. This cat knows a little bit of everything and his music knowledge goes deep especially in the genre of New Orleans funk and jazz related music. He helps out interviews, bookings, and keeps the show flowing with his knowledge in many topics.

Enzo: DJ. He is our liason to the outside for the show. Also does bookings for VNS at parties and is more of a behind the scenes person dealing with VNS operations related to sponsorship.

Just Pudge: DJ/Graphics Point Man. Just Pudge does a lot of graphics for us and also serves as liason to potential sponsors on the outside like clothing companies and music websites (i.e. Mixcrate). He is working with Mixcrate right now to get VNS on track with them as a cohesive team.

DJ Ab-loon: DJ/Splicer. Ab cuts up or "splices" videos for us that we use as commercials on VNS. He also has famous his "DJ AB-LOON DANCE" that we have made popular on the show.

DJ Eri: Newest resident DJ and Scratch Cam aficianado. She's just a really dope DJ with diverse styles and she also joins Ab-loon on our Scratch Cam segments.

Kyrs: Kyrs is also our newest resident and provides interesting commentary on our breaks. Helps out with the the "PLUG SEGMENT" on the show and is also involved in booking and recommendations on the show.

Intern Ashley: Our final newest resident also provides intriguing commentary and she also does reviews on clubs, restaurants, and music she had a chance to experience that week.

How did you come up with the name Vibes & Stuff? (A Tribe Called Quest?)

My favorite hip hop group of all time is A Tribe Called Quest. "Vibes & Stuff" was my favorite cut off their Low End Theory album because of it's jazzy undertones and lyrical delivery. I did name it after that song and because the phrase "Vibes & Stuff", to me, represents every facet of diversity in this language we call music.

What is your show format? Do guests have to cater to this format or they spin whatever they want?

The music format of the show is mainly diversity and being eclectic. What makes our show unique is that we allow DJs and artists to come to the show and play music they may not be able to play on the outside. VNS allows musical freedom. One set you might hear some disco and house while 2 or 3 songs later you'll hear latin and afrobeat rhythms. We try to play music no one has heard before and because we do we are able to open up the listener's ears and mind as well as our own to an array of eclectic music. Guests can spin whatever they want but we usually try to tell them not to spin any radio music. (Some people call it TOP 40). For the most part, the guest we book on the show are guests we book for a reason and that reason is because we already know how deep their crates go.

You've had a lot of guests (both DJs and artists) in this first year on air. Can you name a few?

We've had a lot of artists come through. Close to 100 in a year. All of these artists in some way have been inspirations to us musically and have taught us a lot about life and sound with each episode. Just to name a few: Boombox Crew, RRS Feed, Glenn Red, Rick Wren, Soul Sessions Family, Joe Bataan, Bobby Soul, Jeremy Soul, Wiseacre, Jazzercise Crew, Bodega Crew, Marlon Fuentes, and One Man Jazz. The list is endless. Go to www.vnsradio.com to check out past and future guests.

On your show, you ask all of your guests, "Who would you like to open for or perform with living or dead, any artist?" I now ask that same question to you.

This might be a long list. HA!
Miles Davis
Fania All Stars
Cut Chemist, DJ Shadow, Melo D, and J-Rocc doing 8 turntables
Fela Kuti and Tony Allen playing alongside Souljazz Orchestra and Antibalas
Joe Bataan
New Mastersounds jamming with James Brown

How important is it to check out events where fellow DJs and future guests are playing? How many times in the week do you go out and check out these events?

I think it is very important to go out and support events we plug on the show because it shows mutual respect and love for artists out there grinding it out in this culture. At the same time, it gives us insight on the guest as part of research so we know what to expect when the guest comes to the show. There is only so much you can know about a person by reading their bio but to truly understand their style, taste, and musical weaponry, one should go to their respective parties and listen.

We try to go out as much as we can and check out events our guests are doing. We recently started bringing little video cameras to the event so we can take footage at the party. We then take that footage and edit and splice it so we can show it as a commercial on the show so people who have never been to these events can see what they're missing. This also is a give and take in that we are helping each other out by showing them we support them and vice versa.

Biggest accomplishment in the last year?

Biggest accomplishment would have to be the overall transformation and production of VNS. What started out as a show in literally the kitchen of my apt has blossomed into a full fledged, legit studio. It took a long time to have everything evolve but it has and we are truly blessed by all the compliments we get when people walk in the studio. Another accomplishment is the amount of listeners we are able to reach to on a weekly and without them we wouldn't be here today so to all you people reading this and who tune in...THANK YOU!

Where do you want to be for the 2nd anniversary?

For the next anniversary, we hope to be moved in to another studio and we hope to be on maybe a Sirius or XM Radio account. We do have a lot of things planned but we're going to enjoy this one and hope the next 365 days takes us on an even higher plateau. As long as we can play music for people then we're happy.


VNS Radio streams live on Sundays from 5p - 9p PST on: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vibes-and-stuff. Congratulations to the entire VNS family on one year of successfully shifting the paradigm. Music is their passion, and it's evident on a weekly basis. Get hip!

by triciaCA

How did a mixtape turn into a charity project?

Every time I visit the Philippines I am touched by the hardship, poverty, and living conditions of so many Filipinos.  It hits home because the Philippines is my home and Filipinos are my people.  I've always wanted to do something to help out even if it was something small.  When I started working on this CD, my initial goal was to simply take donations through Paypal and buy school supplies for children in pre-school.  After sharing my plans with my Dad and my partners Roslynn Cobarrubias, Chrystal Cruz, and Joel Ricafort, a simple idea evolved to a large project to help build homes for the less fortunate.  That was when the JustRight Project was born.

That was simple, yet the importance is so significant. Why the title "JustRight"?

Being a fan of different types of music, I go through phases where I listen to certain genres and certain artists for months at a time.  During the inception of the the JustRight CD, I was listening to Robin Thicke's song entitled "Jus Right" from the Sex Therapy album.  That song title stuck with me and I felt that it gave a mature feeling of love.  I felt that it was perfect to call the new CD JustRight because it's the sequel to Make Her Feel Good mix which had a puppy-love vibe and Love.Sick which was a break-up Mix.  The title JustRight represents maturity, love, hope, and the idea that love happens for the right reasons at the right times.

What is the financial goal of JustRight, and what does that money translate to?

Third Floor Network and myself did not pledge or set a financial goal amount to raise for the project mainly because we didn't know what to expect.  I think I can speak the same for my partners that instead of pledging a set amount, we personally pledged to give 100% of my free time and effort until the end of March 2011 to the project and do our personal best to raise awareness and give others a platform and opportunity to help out.  Thanks to our friends and family, we have already raised enough money to build the first home even before the CD drops or any of our events.   

It only takes $2,300 to build a home that will benefit a family of 5 or more people.  The beneficiaries are considered to be the poorest of the poor.  For most of them, a home will be the only thing they will own aside from the clothes on their back and some personal belongings.  In our eyes, $2,300 builds a small home with only necessities, but for the beneficiaries, having a home with running water, a solid roof, and a kitchen builds a second chance in life and a brighter future for their children.  $2,300 changes lives and brings dignity and hope to those less fortunate. 

You've teamed up with the ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor) Foundation to make this happen. Why did you choose that particular foundation?

It was actually a coincidence that my Aunt Rose, a close family friend, has been working on building the Aytona Village for over 2 years now.  When I found out that her family donated the land, I was sure that I wanted to be a part of their project.  ANCOP is the foundation that she chose to build the village with mainly because they promote Christian-Catholic beliefs and she believed in the structure, resources, and reputation of the foundation.

How far do you want to take JustRight?

I feel that Third Floor Network and myself have already accomplished our initial goals of raising awareness on the poverty in the Philippines to our peers.  The beauty of our marketing strategy is that it encourages others to take initiative and contribute to the project.  With that said, we are in the process of planning events with individuals in Manila, Toronto, and New York with many doors still opening for us daily.  I would like to take the JustRight Project as far as we can without having any expectations.  It has to be fun, entertaining, and JustRight!

From your first hand experiences in the Philippines, tell me why it's important to help the people there.

As human beings, it's JustRight to help the less fortunate when we are capable.  Even the slightest effort can make the biggest difference.  As a Filipino-American I have been blessed with opportunities here in the states that my parents worked hard to get.  I'm just giving back and sharing some of my blessings with those less fortunate.   Respect the past and invest in the future.

Now to the musical element. Explain the JustRight mix, compare it with your other releases, and explain how you made this CD for your listeners.

My previous mixes were about myself because they reflected what I was going through in my life during that time.  JustRight is in a way similar but I made it more for the listener.  I treated this mix as if I was a composer working on a composition with a simple goal of making a classic.  I wanted to compose a mix that people can listen to from beginning to end without skipping tracks and at the same time shine light onto artists and songs that don't normally get exposure in the mainstream market.  I wouldn't label the JustRight CD underground or commercial as I strive so hard to find a balance between the two to capture the interest of advanced listeners who can appreciate all types of music. 

Justright brings a different first impression to its listeners compared to other mixes.  Instead of having a fancy intro with DJ scratches and name drops I decided to keep it simple with a direct verbal message of what to expect for the next 80 minutes.   Like a thesis to an essay, the first three songs were blended plain and simple to represent the 3 genres you can expect to hear on the entire mix (Soul, R&B, Hip Hop).  Immediately after that you are re-introduced to the DJ Jay-P sound with songs by Common, Groove Theory, and Musiq Soulchild who were artists also featured in the beginning of the Make Her Feel Good mix.  Throughout the mix, you will find a handful of remixes and exclusive tracks only available in the JustRight CD.  With over 100 songs used to create this 77-track mix, I'm hoping that my listeners will keep JustRight on rotation for years to come.

How long did the mixtape take you to complete?

The CD took me 10 months to finish from inception to duplication with a lot of long nights  in my home studio.  The longest part was gathering songs that fit the music format I had in mind.  It took me over 6 months to gather over 200 songs before I started recording the mix.  I also started over 8 times until I felt it flowed well from beginning to end.

Your work ethic is just as crazy as mine. So from one hustler to another, when do you have time to sleep?

I sleep when I can.  I have such a busy lifestyle with multiple jobs and projects on my plate at all times but I try to prioritize getting rest and my health.  My motto is "Help yourself to help others. You can do more when you're capable." That includes sleeping and maintaining good health!

I normally do a "Top 5" thing when I interview folks here. So since you're a DJ, yours would have to do with music. What are your top 5 albums of all time? GO!

This is a tough question and it would probably take me hours to give you an answer so I'll just state my top 5 hip hop albums in no particular order.

1. A Tribe Called Quest - Low End theory
2. Jay-Z - The Black Album
3. Wu-Tang - 36 Chambers
4. Emanon (Aloe blacc and Exile) - Imaginary Friends
5. Nas - Illmatic

So after 10 months in the studio, JustRight is now available HERE. A perfect follow up to his previous mixtape, “Make Her Feel Good”, JustRight boasts over 100 tracks, ranging from Freeway to Rahsaan Patterson (major brownie points for using these two), from Trek Life to Christine Alane. Jay-P’s ear has undoubtedly evolved, as he features his own remixes (my favorite is his Drake “Best I Ever Had”) and also some mashups that had me saying “No, he didn’t just do that!” (like Groove Theory’s “Tell Me” over Musiq Soulchild’s “B.U.D.D.Y.”). There is something to be said about his song selection. It’s mature and almost unconventional – testament to said evolution. When you visit the site for your free copy, please take the time to learn more about the charitable element, and consider making a donation. On Friday, February 11, Jay-P and the rest of the JustRight team will host a release party at East 3rd in Downtown Los Angeles. Everyone is invited to celebrate this unique project.

For more info, please visit http://itsjustright.org and http://iamjayp.com.

by triciaCA

We’d often lace him up for gigs, and then this past April I commissioned his latest project, Oishi Media, to direct/film/edit Bambu’s "The Queen is Dead" music video. Oishi has since become the go to team for many artists and organizations out of this area. DJ Duel and his camp give vision and give voice for the simple reason of inspiring.

It took me awhile to call you by your legal name – Marvin – because I’ve always known you as DJ Duel. Nicknames don’t stick quickly…how long have you been DJing?

I’ve been djing for about 15 years, first mixing...then evolved into serious scratching (SpinCycleLA represent).

I'm not going to lie. I don't go see scratch DJs do their thing. With that said, is Los Angeles a good market for that kind of DJing?

Not really. Los Angeles has so much to offer but is not appreciated. No artist in LA gets the proper recognition they deserve. It sucks that my music here is nothing, but I get a crap load of downloads outside the country.

Is that why you started Oishi Media?

I mean don't get me wrong, DJing is still there. I still scratch, but have been on hiatus from tours, recordings - with the exception of Rhythm Natives’ new album, a few tracks for Budamunky (Jazzy Sport Records), and a couple releases for Ivan Ives (No Threshold Records). But my main focus now is to visually stimulate bored minds.

How did the visual stimulation start? And tell me about its evolution.

In February 2010, a few of us decided to submit an entry for a cereal commercial competition, hahaha. We fell in love with the production of it, and got serious. One of boys at the time was depressed and lost from losing one of our best friends last year, and turned to narcotics to ease the pain. Camera work and being behind the scenes with editing, brought him out of that funk.

With the help of my partner Petro (RevBong) we decided, since Petro is a HipHop MC/Rapper (see www.oishimedia.com video section for “Love is a Battlefield”), and I am a DJ, we could shoot, produce, and edit videos, and that would keep him happy, and all of us productive. Because of this, we all got sucked into it. We fell in love with the art and hustle involved with media production. Now it is where it is. People loved our hard work and our vision. Till this day that hasn’t changed.

Oishi Media has now become a prominent name in the cultural circuit - was that your plan all along?

Our plan originally was to inspire. To let us capture and show what lives and grows in Los Angeles, that people don’t pay attention to. It just happens that the cultural circuit caught wind of this, and made us one of their primary correspondents to capture media.

Tell me your ideal project/ideal artist to work on/for.

Our primary work is around showcasing artists that mean something - artists that can inspire people to do great things. To chase what they love and fight for what they believe in. That’s why we work so closely with artists like Rhythm Natives and Bambu.

So if you were working on a video for Bam and let’s say Lady Gaga needed Oishi immediately, would you stop what you were doing to do a video for her?

Hahahahahaha HELL NO. We have loyalty to the people we are associated with. Especially those who do good for their community and their people. We believe in the same ideology as Bambu and would never turn our back to him. Oishi Media also has a strong, driven, work ethic that makes sure we finish the job correctly before we leave.

What can we expect from Oishi in the future?

More videos, more photography, more funk for your eyes and ears...!!!

Can you give me specific project names?

We are at 65% completion of the Festival of Philippines Art and Culture (FPAC) 2010 DVD project which should be in production by the first quarter of 2011. We are also in works with Bambu on several video projects, as well as Rhythm Natives and Double Dosage. These along with interviews, reviews, and promo’s including Youtube sensation, TenchiJK, and clothing company Pnoy Apparel.

Nice! Now for your off topic question. You're also a foodie, give me your top 5 spots in LA.

Oh man, theres so much. I can't give a super Top 5, but I will put the random 5 places I love to grub. I'm not saying they're the best, but pretty damn fulfilling. In a random order:

1. Park's Finest BBQ

2. La Estrella Tacos (on Fletcher Drive)

3. Koraku (Little Tokyo... late night rice)

4. Sam Woo BBQ (The soy sauce chicken and roasted duck)

5. Mediteranean Triangle (The 3 meat combo. I think its called soltana plate, so bomb!!!!!)

6. Let me add in taco trucks!! Fred's, White Rabbit Truck, NomNom Truck....!!! HOLLA!

Last words.

Let me just shout out the Oishi Media staff: Petro, Kim, Jeff, CJ, Jorge, Robert, Ritz, Diah, Peter, Arlene, Charlie, and Johanna. SpinCycleLA: War, Rever, Kary, Hectic, and Eri! And the Live Injection Sounds! Peace to Rhythm Natives, Bambu, and Beatrock Music. And to Chicharon Adventures for always being dope as fuck and always having my back. Special shout out to my better half, my wonderful girlfriend, Jennifer Glenn, for being there and supporting me. She makes my hard work days feel easy and flawless!

I am NOTHING without my core. My family, OISHI Media, and all of my SpinCycleLA CREW drive me to do great things!



Please get familiar with Oishi Media. They are doing big, big things for industries you should care for. You'll be able to follow their work here on CA or thru any of our affiliated artists. We strive to lift our friends and colleagues up and DJ Duel stands for all that.

by triciaCA

I had interviewed two members of the Rhythm Natives back when the CA site still had the whole wood background thing going on.  Nothing ever came of it except for two simple blog entries. Sorry, guys. But it makes sense for me to drop this feature now.

The boys released their debut self titled album to the world today.

When I first started my interview sessions, I was just learning who they were as individuals and as musicians. This time, I got to ask my best friends the questions. As other sites and writers review the album, leak tracks, and play videos today, this feature exists to show off the band’s personality. With 5 questions to answer, get to know each member of the Rhythm Natives – the band that’s changing the way you view hip hop and the way you see live performances.

Jon "KreativeThought: MC/bodyboarder/my source for all things R&B

Outside of being an MC for the band, you're also a producer, having produced two tracks for Bambu on "I Scream Bars for the Children". How do the two jobs compare? Has one craft taken you away from the other?

One has definitely taken over the other. I definitely enjoy being an MC for the band, more so than being a producer. Not that I don't like producing. I enjoy producing too but it has taken a backseat the past few years. Maybe I'll get back into it someday but my heart is with MC'ing.

What's the easiest topic to write about?

Through experience, the ones that were the easiest to write for our album were the relationship based ones like "Trust Me" and "Make Up Your Mind".

Who would you want the Rhythm Natives to share the stage with? Dead or alive. Give me your top five.

1. Michael Jackson, 2. Earth, Wind, and Fire, 3. The Roots, 4. Wu-Tang Clan, 5. Jay-Z. This may change on a weekly basis.

What's your favorite song on the album and why?

"Trust Me". If I were to ever create an album for myself, it would sound like this. I'm a sucker for the Fender Rhodes. I also  think it's one of the more mature songs on the album.

Last words.

Buy the album! If not, you will be reminded every Friday until you do so. LOL! With all jokes aside, THANK YOU to everyone who has ever shown us love. We appreciate it. RHYTHM NATIVES BAAAAAABY (in Lil' Wayne voice)!!!!

Glen "eXAKTOh": MC/idea man/sometimes talks to me in Tagalog

You're originally from the Philippines, and in the track "Miss Universe" you reference Andrew E as a hip hop influence. How does the hip hop scene in the motherland compare to that of the US?

Unfortunately I have no access to the hip hop scene in the Philippines and can only talk about what I loved growing up. I do know of a cool party that a friend throws out there, it's called Dubplate. They fly in top djs from all over the world to Manila, some of the pasts guests were The Gaslamp Killer, Shortkut, Kode 9, Free The Robots. I need to visit soon.

Tell me how your writing process starts and ends.

It starts off in our rehearsal studio, while the band jams, I jot down song ideas that will fit the beat, once we get a solid structure of the music Jon and I will share ideas and finalize what the potential song will be about. If I cannot finish my verse at that session, then it pretty much ends where it started at the following scheduled rehearsal, I make some edits, and make the tune as funky as possible.

What's currently in your playlist?

Lazerproof Mixtape
Rhythm Natives Album
Parokya ni Edgar - Inuman Sessions
Kickslab x BeatJunkies -BABU: WARGAMES
Marc Spector, the unreleased music he gave me. He's next.

Give me 5 cities you'd like the Rhythm Natives to tour. Why those 5?

1. Rio de Janeiro, the crowd will be beautiful. Créu Créu Créu. 2. Tokyo, because it is the mecca of all music. 3. NYC, 'nuff said son! 4. Manila so that we can inspire our people and let them know that dreams do come true. Plus to hang out with fam. 5. Barcelona, I can just imagine what food we'll have backstage.

Last words.

Lifeswell baby! Bounce it back when you get hit with it. Rest in Peace Eyedea.

Matt "Chooboy": bassist/the serious one/skater

Besides being a bassist for the Rhythm Natives, you are also a golfer. Who would you rather spend the day with - Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers or Tiger Woods? Why?

Since my day job requires me to be around golf all day, I'd much rather spend a day jammin' tunes with Flea while listening to some crazy tour experience he had. I like playing golf, but I LOVE to play music. Plus, I think Flea's a Lakers season ticket holder. I would never turn down tickets to a Lakers game.

What song did you last sing out loud?

Air Supply "Makin' Love Out of Nothin' at All" (don't hate)

Describe the best gig you've had.

The band and I will always have great gigs for years to come. With that said, I'd have to say my favorite gig thus far would have to be playin' a Weezer cover set with my brother and cousins at a recent family reunion.  It was just such a blessing to share a stage with family.

What's your favorite song on the album? Why?

 "Like This" feat. Bambu - I like the heavy rock influence on this track.  Since I come from a rock background, I felt free to incorporate some riffs that would otherwise not fit into our more hip-hop influenced tracks.  I'm always trying to sneak my rock style in.

Last words.

Sorry, this is only the beginning ... ask me again on my death bed.

Mart: guitarist/funny man/newest member, but plays like he's been around for years

I've known you to be the "rock" guy, meaning that most of your musical influence comes from that genre. How does that help or not help you as a member of a categorized hip hop band?

Not as tricky as it seems. I guess the only challenge would be me getting familiar with more hip-hop artists than before. It's more of what the listeners get out of it more than what i do to blend into the genre. I've always considered our music as something that anybody can enjoy, as it's more about being a fan of the music than being a fan of rock or hip-hop.

How did it feel when you were asked to be a part of the band? (Mart joined RN late last year)

I didn't really know what to expect at first. But overall I was really surprised at the pace these guys are at when I came on board.

Would you rather be a guest guitarist for Incubus or Jason Mraz?

The bigger dream would be jamming with those two artists with RN in one show. Or even sharing a marquee with them. Or have Brandon or Jason featured on our record.

Ideally, where do you want to go with this album?

As faaaar as weee liiiike! As faaaar as weee liiiike, ba-by!!!

Last words.

Tricia is the beyst! [Thanks, Mart!!]

Boj01: drummer/photographer/my stylist

Who would you rather take lessons from - Travis Barker or ?uestlove?

Oh man, that's tough...Both of them are major influences in my drumming. But if I had to choose one it would have to be Travis Barker because he really made a name for himself as an individual drummer from a punk/alternative background and now doing sets with hip-hop artists and DJs. It really diversifies his way of drumming now.

What is the best advice you've received regarding your career?

Never stop chasing your dreams.

Ideally, where do you want to go with this album?

Ideally, I just want people to appreciate our music and maybe get inspired by all the hard work and dedication that we've put into it. If by any chance we get picked up by a label then so be it. Then i can finally do what I truly love full-time.

If you could pick 5 words to describe your life right now, what would they be?

Those five words would be: grateful, blessed, humbled, loved, and blissful.

Last words.

Live LIFESWELL.

Chezzy Chez: keyboardist/kind of dude that has a natural talent for everything/musical director for RN

As the "musical director" for the band, how do you feel about the evolution of the band's sound? And where are you going with the sound for future projects?

It's crazy seeing the band evolve throughout the years. Just looking back from the times we use to just jam in Bojo's garage to where we are now is sometimes surreal. Each member has gone through so much growth musically and as a group I think we've developed into a band that has a unique sound, but also a band with the versatility to create music in different genres. When you listen to the album, each song draws upon a different type of feel. It's very diverse. And it's challenging when you try to create a certain type of song when we all come from different musical backgrounds, but we were able to do that. So ultimately, I think the listener will appreciate number one the work ethic, and number two the creativity that we all put in this album.  With that said, I think the diversity of this group will make it much easier for future projects. Each of us are able to venture outside the band to collaborate with other artists but still to represent Rhythm Natives. So we'll probably let this first album seep in for a little bit and we'll start working on the next one real soon. Working on music will stay constant as long as we love what we do.

I imagine you sitting at your keyboard and just playing the keys until a beat just flows. Is that really the case when creating music?

The creative process is difficult at times. Sometimes I just sit there not knowing what to play so i just get up and dance around, haha. Other times I'll come up with a beat that the band will dig but then I'll forget it the next day. It's hard to come up with something really new and original but when we're in the studio I usually start with a little chord progession and then the rest of the musicians will add their own flavor to it. If the emcees feel they could work with it, they usually have me record the beat and send it to them so they could write to it. Then collectively we would get together to structure an actual song. And I think we work better that way because we're all open to each other's ideas and we somehow find a way to have the musicians compliment the emcees and vice versa. It's easy to make music with a group of friends sharing the same passion. And it's just fun!

Give me 5 cities you'd like the Rhythm Natives to tour. Why those 5?

Manila because it would be nice to go back to the homeland. I wouldn't mind going on Wow-Wow-Wee and and having my mom see me on TV. Tokyo because of all the art and culture that surrounds the city. I think they would really embrace the music that we put out. New York would be nice, one because i've never been and two hip-hop was born there. Chicago because a lot of my musical influences come from that city. And Vegas!

What inspires you to do what you do?

Inspiration comes from the people around me. Val, the fambam, and of course the rest of the band. I think what motivates me musically is witnessing the progession of the band - the work ethic, the drive, and the dedication to their craft. When I see someone bringing something new to the table I get inspired to do something to kind of match that, it makes me want to step up my game so that the music can only get better. And I think having that competitive nature within the group makes us better as a whole. Teamwork and patience, along with the support from our friends and family allowed us to make the album a success.

Last words.

Find something you really love whether it'd be a keyboard, drums, emceein, djayin, tamborine. Practice, practice, practice and eventually you'll see yourself improve. Stay humble and use music as an expression of yourself. To the top!!!


Again, the album is out today. Please cop it! Also, be on the lookout for more info on this release in the weeks to come on their official website, www.rhythmnatives.com. Let love be what you do.

by: triciaCA

How did Double Dosage start?

In 7^th grade; it started out as a clique, but we hated each other. JU was the new kid on the block. But we found peace when we talked about music by Bone Thugs, Wu Tang, and the Death Row camp.

So Double Dosage (DD) started out as a crew. How did DD evolve to just include the two of you?

We just kind of grew out of it.

How long have you guys been doing music together?

We’ve been professionally recording for a year now. We started doing Friday night beat sessions that have now turned into an everyday thing.

Within that year, you’ve released a sampler, a debut mixtape (Loot, Juse, Respect vol. 1), and just last month another mixtape (The Construction), all for free. How do you feel about that strategy?

Our game plan asks this question: How can you sell an album to someone if they don’t know who you are? So we just keep pushing the music, beginning on the street level.

What’s the process like for you when you create music?

We don’t have an executive producer, so we seek beats from other producers. They are either sent to us, or we search for them. We don’t have an engineer, either, so the recording and mixing is done at home in our in house studio. When we release songs, we like to release its music video at the same time. The music video is conceptualized, filmed, and then edited by us, too.

Besides street level distribution, how else are you getting your music out?

Performances. We try to do them once or twice a month at different venues.

You just came off of a big show, actually a contest called “I Run LA” hosted by Star Strucc Ent., Interscope, Konvict, and Universal Records, which you won. Tell us more about that show.

It was mostly a hip hop competition, with the exception of 2 R&B acts. A total of 28 performances, and we came in 1^st place.  We won $1,000 which was put into the distribution of “The Construction.”  We also won a trip to Hawaii, a distribution deal through Universal, and appearances on the website of The Source, and in the September edition of XXL magazine, found on page 147. Our video for the competition can be found on YouTube.

For the rest of the summer, you have more cultural events scheduled. Do you feel that there is a downside to catering to a niche audience?

We love performing for the Filipino community, but have no problem reaching out to other people.  We have a very diverse audience, so we cater to EVERYONE.  By the way, we’ll be at FPAC this year.

As emerging, independent artists, is it hard to break through in LA?

We’ve only lived in LA, so we really don’t know. Everyone is hustling in this city, so we nurture the competition. We only have one goal, and that’s to sell words that people listen to.  The fact that our city has a huge population of artists does make it interesting.

The cover of “Loot, Juse, Respect vol. 1” has a photo of you two sitting underneath the Hope Street sign in Los Angeles. Was that planned? Like is there a deep meaning to the photo?

It was more like a coincidence. But now, we’d like to consider it fate.

What are your favorite places in LA?

Home. There’s no place like it.

If you could play anywhere in LA where would you play?

Ideally, we’d end a nationwide Double Dosage tour at the Staples Center.

Who are your favorite artists to come out of LA?

Tupac, Snoop, Nipsey Hussle, and Nate Dogg.

If you could perform with any other artists (dead or alive) who would they be?

Eminem, Jay Z, Drake, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac.

What are you listening to right now?

Our mixtape 'The Construction', Eminem’s 'Recovery', and Drake’s 'Thank Me Now'.

What is the ideal music label to sign you?

Interscope, Shady/Aftermath, or Grand Hustle.

What else is in store for Double Dosage?

Look out for our feature on XXL, our Universal Records distributed track, the Pinoys Makin’ Noise vol. 2 mixtape by PST Gear, a new music video for “200 Proof,” track #4 on “The Construction,” which we plan to do with Oishi Media, and our upcoming shows. Updated info is on our site: DoubleDosage.com, or follow us on Twitter @DoubleDosage213.

When someone downloads any of your available mixtapes, what kind of message can they expect from you?

Do you, handle business, and live life.

When we finished this interview with Double Dosage, we were really enamored by their drive. They took their mutual love for hip hop and brought it to the next level as artists. To be able to create and distribute music on their own terms and get the kind of attention they've been getting is quite the feat. We are looking forward to what's in store for this duo. For now, you can download 'The Construction' HERE and watch the music video for their latest single, 'Show Me the Way' HERE.

by triciaCA

Fast forward to last weekend, when Eyeone allowed CA a tour of his studio. He was prepping for his newly curated show Rendition2 at Hold Up Art in Little Tokyo, which had its opening reception on Friday, June 25.

You came to LA when you were 6 years old from Mexico City. Why did your family choose Los Angeles as a new home?

My mom's brother lived in L.A. and he motivated my parents to bring us out here.

You explained to us that LA encapsulates your interests, which in turn becomes subjects of your work. I’ve seen your mixed media pieces with bicyclists or helicopters as the focus. What about this city inspires you?

The city represents infinity of experiences which constantly feed my work. It inspires me because it is vastly chaotic and alienating and paradoxically warm and full of life. 

How, then, did you come up with the Zapatista character?

The Zapatista characters I designed were created for use by La Otra Campaña, a Zapatista initiative for grass roots organizing and exchange across Mexico and the world. In Los Angeles, I participated with La Otra en el Otro Lado ("The Other Campaign On The Other Side" more or less) and contributed some graphic design work for them.

How are you still tied to movements in your home country? For example the Zapatistas, or your latest trip to the Distrito Federal with fellow LA artist, Cache to paint a mural?

I don't really get hung up on the notion of a "home country." I've always thought there was something fishy about the artificial lines drawn on the world that separate people. The Zapatistas fight for universal human rights that are as relevant in Chiapas as in occupied Palestine, the state of Arizona, or our neighborhoods here in LA.

Recently, Cache and I were invited to paint a collaborative mural in Mexico City for a symposium titled "Revolution and Migration" organized by the National Institute of Anthropology and History. The director of the project had been doing research in L.A. and our work caught his attention.

Travelling has made it clear to me that graffiti can be a unifying language which transcends artificial geopolitical lines and can function at the street level. The Zapatistas would call that "desde abajo." The graffiti community, for better or worse, has truly created an international movement. 

We get the impression, since we urged you to create a Zapatista vinyl toy and you declined for ethical reasons, that you are truly creating art for art's sake. What keeps you grounded?

I have a day job as a graphic designer. 

In regards to art and commerce, I always cite Fugazi as role models. In my opinion, they demonstrated that creative expression (in their case, music) can be a sustainable and ethical way to make a living.

You’re part of the LA crew Seeking Heaven.  Can you give us a little background on SH? Did your involvement in the crew serve as a launch pad for your career?

Seeking Heaven was founded in Northeast L.A. by Precise in 1989.  I am one of the more recent additions to the crew.

I don't see my involvement in the crew as a "launch pad" to my career. "Launch pad" implies departing and leaving something behind. The work of my fellow SH'ers is always a source of inspiration and motivates me to try to keep up.

Prior to Seeking Heaven, how were you honing your craft? And did you always know you'd be an artist?

My earliest memories are of making visual things. I have always liked to draw and make images as far back as I can remember.

Which one of your works are you most proud of?

That's a tough question. My collaborations with my Grandma would be at the top of that list. 

Overall though, I don't really get too proud or comfortable with what I've done. I get critical and that makes me anxious to get the next thing done.

When you were setting up the gallery for Rendition2, I saw your grandma holding a spray can to a wall. What kind of artwork do you do with her?

Mostly installations where she handles the lettering.

Where does the name "Eyeone" come from?

When I was a kid, I nearly poked one of my eyes out with a model boat my parents had lying around. I saw a blinding light and my eye immediately shut. I had to wear an eyepatch for what seemed like an eternity and was way scared, thinking I was only going to have one eye. When the patch came off, my eye worked! It sounds funny but I had to do eye exercises for a while after to get my vision back to normal. Hence, Eyeone.

You have published “Lost” – a book capturing ten years of documenting visual culture on and off the streets of Los Angeles. Juxtapoz, Giant Robot, and Beautiful/Decay gave you accolades. Why did you create the publication?

I'd been involved in the hardcore/ straightedge/ punk scene in L.A. in the early 90s and collected 'zines. I dug the way the participants in that culture documented their own movement and felt the same DIY approach would work for graffiti in L.A.

Were you the one that collected the photos over 10 years?

I take most of the photos in "Lost". I also receive submissions, especially archival material and rarely-seen images from the featured artists themselves.

Who are your favorite artists?

Wow, this question always leads to a long-ass laundry list, but I'll drop some names anyway: Swank, Leon Chavez Teixeiro, Patrick Martinez, Skypager, LeHumanBeing, Tempt, Kathe Kollwitz, Rini Templeton, Leopoldo Mendez, Paula Reynoso, Luna One, Kozem, Precise, Panic, Sizer, Haeler, Gorgs, Ashley Wood, J.Shea, Kofie, Cache, Ozamu Tezuka, Gail Swanlund, Walt Kelly, Bill Watterson, Twist, Der, El Lissitzky, Ian Lynam, Go Nagai, Katsuya Terada, Fucte, Bonks, Michael Alvarez, Slay, David Jien, Ekundayo, Andrew Hem, Lisa Alisa, Herakut, Bates, Joker, Dare, Ragnar, Josh Middleton, Posada, Neo, Krenz, Axis, Hajime Sorayama, Albrecht Dürer, Taller de Gráfica Popular, Kcho, Rene Mederos, Glen Barr, Syd Mead, Ray Harryhausen... I'll stop there for the sake of your readers.

I'm not going to lie, I know like 5 people from your list of favorite artists. So let me rephrase this - what elements make up your favorite art pieces? Theme? Color? Imagery?

I like too many things to pinpoint a favorite, and I couldn't objectively itemize what themes/colors/imagery they have in common that draws me to then. If I tried, the list would be longer than the artist list!

Fair enough. I do know that some of those artists are featured in Rendition2. How did you choose the artists?

The artists in Rendition2 are people whose work I admire. Some were involved in the first one, but I consciously wanted to add new names to the Rendition concept.

You hadn’t curated a show in a while. Why did you decide to come off of your hiatus for Rendition2?

I think Hold Up is a rad project and was stoked when they asked me to curate a show. If I had allowed myself to stay on hiatus, I could easily see that having gone on for a very long time. I forced myself to break that inertia.

Rendition1 was part of the Scion project. How is Rendition2 different from the first one?

Rendition2 presents new work, new artists, is not corporate-backed, and is taking place in the center of our city, Downtown L.A. 

Is there a theme to Rendition2 besides all artists being from LA?

The overarching theme of the exhibit is Los Angeles visual culture.

What do you love most about LA? 

Most everyone I love is here, and I can get to those who aren't with relative ease. 

In your curator quote for Rendition2, you say "Informed by graffiti, printmaking, photography, and punk, I aim to present a vision of the city that is subjective and paradoxically documentary in nature. Inhabiting this vast urban chaos leads me to explore and find humanity amongst the wire, cement, and smog." What is YOUR vision of LA?

Currently it is smog, concrete, helicopters, and lights, but oftentimes it is the river, birds, and people. And bicycles.

What kind of mark would you like to leave on Los Angeles? What kind of mark would you like Rendition2 to leave on its visitors?

I'm not really trying to make a personal mark on Los Angeles. I hope people enjoy Rendition2 and get a glimpse of some of the amazing contemporary art being made in L.A.


Rendition2 runs at Hold Up Art until July 12. We were at the show on Friday and felt very connected to our hometown through the art pieces on the wall. Eyeone did a fantastic job on this one. While at the studio, he gave us copies of "Lost". It's probably one of the best representations of Los Angeles graffiti. I have coffee table books at my home that aren't as real as this one. And that's the kind of impression we got from Eyeone. He's someone genuinely real, doing things for the sake of passion and expression. We can always get hip to that.

If you'd like to keep up with Eyeone and his art, check out his blog, www.eyelost.com, or follow him on Twitter, @eyeonesh.

by triciaCA

Where does "conscious hip hop" or "raptivism" fit in today's music world? Do you feel that it has a place in mainstream hip hop?

Hip-Hop originally began as a political statement against the racial and political inequalities in the brown and black ghettos of NYC. It’s only been in the past 5-10 years that the genre has been hijacked by commercial/mainstream interests that have been successful in steering the culture further and further away from its roots. It seems like we are forgetting that hip-hop was (and is) a platform for poor youth of color to voice their issues. "Consciousness" will always have a place in hip-hop... the real question is, will hip-hop always have a place in mainstream culture. We live in a culture-vulture society that likes to steal and copy other cultures without giving the proper credit to its creator. At some point the mainstream or major labels will realize that they have no further use of the culture and they'll drop it for the next new genre.

So with that, what are the challenges you face (as a ‘raptivist’) in order to stay in the game? In the song “Sunshine”, you yourself say “political rap is like a trap sometimes”.

We're often regarded as not making party music that people just want to get loose to. A lot of "conscious" rappers do become one dimensional with their style, content and presentation. And to some listeners the music becomes redundant. The challenge to getting more appeal from the listeners is to make it funky and versatile. I think Blue Scholars are a good example of political rap breaking out of the "trap". Deep lyrics, fun beats. The other difficult thing about being a 'raptivist' is that we are competing against an extremely powerful music industry that promotes and propagates superficial things like wealth and luxury, while also encouraging murder in poor communities. When you turn on MTV or listen to the top 40 radio stations, all you hear is one big advertisement for products that the average working-class person can’t afford. At least in the 1990's, when gangsta rappers talked about murder in the streets, they gave a better analysis as to why gangs and violence existed. Nowadays all you hear is kill, kill, kill - with little explanation of the conditions that create violence in the hood.

You were born in Nigeria, raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then made your way to San Francisco by way of Brooklyn and the Philippines. Why all the traveling? And how has your nomadic past made you into the artist you are today?

I'm an immigrant whose family moved around in pursuit of better opportunities and better living conditions. I'm a Sagittarius, so by cosmic design I didn't have a choice. The number one thing that traveling has taught me is that humans are guided by two things, love and money. The road has also shown me that no matter where you are, there are the exploited and the exploiters, working class folks are pretty much the same no matter what part of the globe you're in.  

Did your traveling inspire songs such as "Traveling Man" and "Mr. Sagittarius"?

Yes of course. Those songs were also inspired by my admiration of American folk music. I'm a huge fan of artists like Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Billy Brag, Roma de Luna, Iron and Wine. A lot of hip-hop artists might think that folk is boring, but folk music has a hypnotic way of telling stories. It’s usually calm and relaxing. I guess that's what we were trying to accomplish with "Traveling Man" and "Mr. Sagittarius".

We as in you, Mister REY and Fatgums. How did the three of you come together?

Like most things in my life, the formation of Power Struggle was unintentional. I met Mister REY through local San Francisco community work; he made beats and opened up his studio to me on Saturday mornings while the rest of the rap world was getting over their Patron and Henny hangovers. He's a very soulful dude, like the full Filipino version of Joe Bataan. Gums and I just had a real natural musical connection. I haven't known him for very long but I consider him a very good homey. I get a lot of beat CDs from producers that are trying to get their name out. Most of it is garbage, but when Gums gave me the Counterparts sampler, I was truly impressed. In the current electronic era, Gums brings back soul.

Prior to you teaming up with Mister REY and Fatgums as Power Struggle, you were in Kill the Vultures and Oddjobs. What were the musical differences between the three groups?

Oddjobs was the first group that I was in. We were your basic backpacker hip-hop group, we had a lot of white fans - so I guess you could say we made it. Kill the Vultures became what was left after Oddjobs split. Kill the Vultures was like atmosphere on heroin (musically). Power Struggle was a cultural/racial/political awaking...I’ll leave it at that.

Your first record as Power Struggle was “Hearts and Minds” (released in 2008). Explain your evolution to “Remittances”.

The more I got involved in social justice work, the sharper my political analysis became. You can hear the difference in the two records. When I made "Hearts and Minds", my views on economy, government, immigration, war, the Illuminati (just kidding) were really broad. I didn't have a proper framework to apply to the things I felt were problematic in our world. Musically, "Hearts and Minds" was made with producers east of the Mississippi river. Detalx is from NY and Ben Zilla from Minneapolis. I think it was difficult to come up with something organic when you're thousands of miles away from each other. "Remittances" was much more natural since I lived with Mister REY and since and Gums and I were in constant communication. Also, "Hearts and Minds" didn't have an executive producer to make sure everything was really sounding good. Fatgums really stepped up, and tightened all the loose ends, to make this a great record.   

Has there been a defining moment in your career that made you truly focus on the people and their struggle?

In 2007, I had the opportunity to go on a second European tour with Kill the Vultures, or go on an exposure trip to the Philippines. The exposure trip was put together by a Filipino youth org called ALAY. The purpose was to educate folks on the concrete social-political conditions in the Philippines, and to learn about how people were organizing to address different issues like poverty, corruption, human rights violations, militarization, U.S. semi colonialism, etc. After my exposure trip I realized that I wanted to commit my artistic talent to exposing the contradictions that kept the Philippines on a third world status.   

What kind of community work do you do in San Francisco?

At the Filipino Community Center (FCC), I work on issues related to employment and workers rights. FCC is located in the Excelsior District that has the highest concentration on Pinoys in SF. Most of the people are working class folks, a lot of them are recent immigrants. A lot of the themes and stories from "Remittances" come directly from the lives of the people in our hood. 

In "Inspired by a Dream", you explain the character of a revolutionary saying "Revolutionaries fight out of love for the people that they know and trust..." What is your favorite revolutionary story? Who is your favorite revolutionary?

I am inspired by all people who liberate themselves from colonialism, slavery, occupation...Mike "Dream" was an Oakland graffiti artist who got murdered in the streets in the late 90's. He was an amazing and talented artist that not only had crazy style and skill, but also connected his work to the race and class struggles of the people in Oakland. I was in high school when he was at the top of his game, I saw his pieces in a graffiti magazine and I was truly inspired - especially since he was Filipino. St. Paul, Minnesota didn't have too many role models for Filipino kids.

What are some of America's problems that you are particularly interested in changing? How about in the Philippines?

This could be a really long answer, but I'll keep it short and simple. I guess for now there are two things that I would like to bring to people’s attention. 1) The struggles of Filipino migrants all cross the world. I think people really need to understand what is happening inside the Philippines that force thousands of workers to leave the country daily. It's important to discuss the conditions that Filipino migrants face as domestic workers, caregivers, sex workers, etc. 2) I hope that Filipinos abroad will keep a closer key to what happening in regards to poverty, human rights, corruption, and militarization in the Philippines. I think Manny Pacquiao made it cool again to be Pinoy, now we have to take it a step further to not just be patriotic or nationalistic, but to also deepen our understanding to why we are a third world nation.

Your album drops today. What is next for Power Struggle?

Do as much as I can to support other Beatrock artists like Bambu, Counterparts, Otayo Dubb, and Bwan without selling my soul. I want Beatrock Music to become so successful that we get flooded with people’s demos.

What do you hope listeners will get from your music?

For Filipino Americans - a better sense of self, a better understanding of the situation in homeland, to reconnect to their roots beyond patriotic fashions and Manny Pacquiao knockouts. For the non-Filipino - 10 bucks for each record they buy [laughs].

Why have you called your album "Remittances"?

Globally, Filipinos send millions of dollars every year back to their families in the Philippines. Without these remittances the Philippine economy would crash. I chose the title "Remittances" to pay respect to all our proletarian kababayan (family) that sacrifice so much to provide for their families.  

You mentioned you are into folk music. What other music are you listening to? Who are some of your favorite artists?

Iron and Wine, Billy Brag and Wilco, Shining Suns, Pet Shop Boyz, Woody Guthry, Blu. I'll tell you what I'm not listening to, oh wait, you'll have to wait for the next interview. 

Maybe some of you can empathize, but listening to socially conscious music was always very difficult for me. Perhaps it was the execution; it needed to be funky and versatile as Nomi said. "Remittances" is an easy listen, all while being told stories of struggle and passion. The album drops today. Pick it up directly from Beatrock Music HERE. Break the mold, upset the setup, shift the paradigm, and listen to Nomi. Mixed with the production of Fatgums and Mister REY, you'll deifnitely be taken on a journey.

by triciaCA

Before you started Piddle Productions (PP), you worked in the entertainment industry as a writer. How is your art different from that of “Hollywood”?

Piddle Productions brings about culture and gender awareness through eclectic events, film and music. I believe in using media to manipulate common stereotypes that come with identity. It not only provides entertainment, but also community building and social change.

How did you come up with that name?

This is a funny story. When people upset me, I used ramble off a lot of baby talk and at the end I called them a Piddle. I have no idea where I got it from. I still get teased about it today from my family. Perhaps I am coming full circle with what it means for me today. I want to be heard, and it may not be pretty, because life is not always pretty. I guess you can say I piddle in the arts to relay my thoughts and feelings to the masses. 

Is Indigo Lounge the main focus for PP?

Indigo Lounge is my main cultural event. However, I continue to work on short films and plays.

Tell us more about Indigo Lounge. When did it start, and how has the response been so far?

I started Indigo Lounge in 2009. My intentions were to create a space for artists from all walks of life to express awareness, activism and education through self expression and music. It has grown into something really powerful and inspirational. I believe people really "get it" when they step into the experience. It is an artsy diverse crowd of young and old unified by one common thread - art.

How do you scout talent for your events?

I usually go to as many poetry spots as possible. I do a lot of research and reading about local artists, as well. I am always exploring new venues and I don't just simply get the most popular poet to perform at Indigo Lounge. It is more about the personal experience I get when I watch them perform. I'm usually the mysterious person in the front observing. Although I am an artist, the event is not about me. I am just a person who created a space for artists who understand and live my vision.  Some people call me the female Russell Simmons which is funny, but makes sense because I am not in it to be the star and people say I have a humble disposition.

So in your observations, can you safely say that the poetry scene thrives in Los Angeles? How would you compare it to the other places you’ve been?

The poetry scene in LA is definitely thriving. It always has been. I think other places look to us as setting an example. Whenever people from out of town stop by the Indigo Lounge they are so amazed at the colorful talent and the uniqueness of jamming on stage with a live band. I remember a group of people from Missouri stating that they thought this type of stuff only happens in movies. 

Are there any local poets we should look out for?

I am working with a poet /author/ playwright by the name of Evy Trezvant. She has supported Indigo Lounge since the beginning. She wrote a play called "Womban."  I read the script and was asked to be part of the play. Not only am I performing, but I am also the Stage Manager. It is a powerful play that takes place in Los Angeles and deals with the female psyche and the importance of working through personal issues in order to heal. This won't be the last time you hear from Ms. Evy. I have a good feeling about this. Micheaux Fortson also known as "Urban Voodoo" is someone to look out for as well. He is a drug and alcohol counselor, public speaker, and organizer of the Young Poet Society.

When and where is "Womban" playing?

It will run June 10th-13th at the Complex in Hollywood. You can buy discounted tickets here: www.huemanitee.org

You’ve got this play and you also mentioned to me in the past that you’re doing a documentary on Los Angeles. Can you tell us more about the film?

I don't want to say too much. However, I know it has never been documented before. It is about a movement that started in East Los Angeles in the 1960's. It is part of Los Angeles history and culture that has somehow been overlooked.

So that’s the entertainment side of you. I want people to know about what you do for the community. 

I’m a mental health therapist in the inner city, where I also tutor and mentor the youth. I am part of an organization called “Young Poet Society" out of Long Beach Community College, in which I write and direct spoken word plays.  Right now we are working on another performance for their Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) banquet. It is a story about staying motivated, overcoming obstacles, and striving towards your goal even with little resources. I also help coordinate fundraisers for outreach organizations dealing with literacy in my spare time. I’m currently working on getting funding for a program that combines art therapy and inner city kids.

In your opinion, what are some major issues facing inner city kids?

They do not have many spaces to call their own, especially after budget cuts. They need to be heard and it is important that we give them an opportunity to express themselves in a safe environment. In my experience, I realize children suffer from post traumatic stress symptoms more than we like to accept and we do not have enough creative outlets for them to begin to heal so that they can lead happy, healthy, successful lives.

You’re also an advocate for women. In March, you were a guest speaker for the LA Union Workers’ “Women’s Month” program. How did that go?

I was very honored to have the opportunity to speak at the LA Union Women's Empowerment program. I was asked to talk about domestic violence. Instead of giving a lecture on domestic violence, I gave statistics and read a poem that I wrote called, "Dear Diary" which is about self empowerment. It is about a woman who writes in her diary for her own sanity, and within writing about her experience becomes empowered and has the strength to leave her situation. I have experienced verbal abuse and witnessed friends and family members go through physical abuse. However, we can give the victim as many resources and information as possible, but if they lack self esteem and they are not ready to think as a survivor in order take responsibility on their own, they will continue to go back to the same situation. After the program several women thanked me because they could relate. It is such a great feeling to know that I connected with at least one person.

Amazing. You’ve truly become a positive force in our city. The focus of the e-zine is to survey an artists’ relationship with LA. Let’s wrap with a few questions about “home”. What do you hope for the LA art scene as a whole?

I hope that more artists and artists seekers open their mind and step out of their comfort zone and take advantage of all the hidden treasures of LA.

Who is an LA native hero of yours?

I would say the everyday people who stay focused and continue to strive against all odds. Those are the people I look up to. 

What is your favorite spot in LA?

Wow. That's a hard question. I have so many. The spots I like the most are Little Tokyo, Silverlake, and Echo Park. I like to give events in those areas and I love the fact that on any given night you can find something interesting, fun and unique. 

I met Zoe during the music video shoot for Bambu's "The Queen is Dead". She makes a cameo joining the roster of other significant women in the arts. You can see why I wanted her to be represented. Next month, Catch Zoe starring in "Womban" at the Complex Theater. And if you're interested in getting involved in the programs or organizations she works with, please visit her website: www.piddleproductions.blogspot.com. She posts updates with information and links for anyone that wants to get involved or has questions.

by triciaCA