artist series

Tyra-header

Artist Series/04.29.13:
Tyra From Saigon

Interview by DJ Shotgun

BO: Where are you from?
TY: The name does not lie, I was actually born in Saigon! We were boat people and I was only one when I left Vietnam so I don’t remember much, but we had to stay in a refugee camp in Indonesia for about two years until we got sponsored to live in Canada. I grew up in the burbs just outside of Toronto, but that’s the city I rep! Now I’m in San Jose, California.. been out here for school for the past 6 years..

BO: What was your first set up and what do you currently use?
TY:  My first DJ set up was a super whack one I found on eBay because I was too excited to wait and didn’t listen to my dad’s advice of getting a Rane mixer. The turntables were Technic 1200 MK2s, but both of the pitches were all mangled, so I ended up reselling them a month later. The mixer was a horrific Gemini one.

Right now, my DJ set up consists of a pair of Technics M3D’s and I’m rockin both Serato and Traktor for DJ’ing purposes. I’m on my Rane TTM 57 mostly because a few years back, Innofader installed their crossfader in it for me, and personally, it feels the best for cuttin’. I also have a Pioneer DJM-T1 with Traktor integrated in it. Shure M-44 7’s til I die for needles and I use are Pioneer HDJ 2000’s and Beats Pro by Dre headphones.

Since my space is very limited, I had to minimize my set up, so for production I use both my Macbook Pro and Imac where I run Ableton as my DAW. For keyboard work, I’ve got a Roland Juno 106 and M-Audio Axiom midi controller; for drums I’ll use the midi controller and sometimes the Maschine. I use Native Instrument’s Komplete 8 for all my VSTs and have a dying T.C. Electronic Konnekt D24 audio interface. I’ve got a ton of guitars but my main ones are my Ibanez Prestige 2170 SE electric, my custom Fender acoustic electric and another custom Tele that Chris Lyons built for me in 2011.

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BO: What got you into being a DJ?
TY: I’ve always been jealous of my DJ friends who were able to mix one song into the next. I thought it was insane that two songs could be layered and seamlessly blended because I spent most of my childhood making mix tapes for my friends but the best I could do was fade one song in and out. Sometimes I would wait by the radio for hours until that specific song I wanted would come on to make the playlist perfect. My dad gave me this badass Panasonic boombox for my ninth birthday and I’d carry it everywhere I went along with this hideous brown suitcase full of cassette tapes and a book of CDs with me. I’d always mess with the volume control and auto-reverse functions and just whatever that was on the box at the time in order for me to manipulate the track. Turntables were introduced to me in high school and after watching the Scratch documentary, I knew I had to make it happen.

BO: Do you a specific genre you are comfortable playing?
TY: Since I started off with house, it’ll always be my first love. I’m really into the jackin’, funky, progressive stuff. I just recently learned how to mix hip-hop and other slower genres, it’s really different than playing electronic music where you can do really long blends, which is what I’m used to. 

BO: Most memorable moment as a DJ?
TY: The best times were with DJ Annalyze when I used to live in Canada. She’d drive up from Rochester to have scratch sessions with me and we would just drink beers and eat pizza all night and record ourselves scratching over loopers, then post our videos on YouTube and Myspace. One night at 2 am, the cops came by cause of a noise complaint! I’ll never forget visiting DJ Q-bert’s crib for my first time in 2006 when I just moved to California. He was so kind to lend me a pair of turntables from his octagon because I didn’t have any turntables to practice on yet.

BO: Besides doing the DJ stuff tell the people about your musical background.
TY: My parents are both musicians so I grew up with a lot of toys to play with. I was very shy as a kid though, and it weirded me out playing in front of people. When I was four, my dad bought me my first keyboard and then he upgraded me to a Casio Tonebank SA-20 at the age of seven. My parents put me in piano classes at the Ontario Music Conservatory when I was eight and after some years, I got really fed up playing classical songs and abandoned the keys for the guitar. I fell in love with the guitar right before high school and it consumed my life until I bought my first pair of turntables when I was twenty. Regrettably, I remember taking only two guitar lessons at the conservatory and then quitting because the pace was too slow for me, but I would probably be more knowledgeable in techniques if I had kept going.

BO: What do you feel about the new generation of tablist compared to the generations in the past?
TY: I’m a meddler of a lot of things. I never really considered myself a “tablist” or anything so I wouldn’t know how to answer this one. Scratching was just a newfound art form that I obsessed over for a few years of my life, but shamefully, I wasn’t ever familiar with the background of it or the DJ’s who really made it what it was today, so I can’t really give you a credible perspective. What I can say is that these new tablists are crazy wit it man- I am blown away by the technicality of cuts shown by the new school cats. Musically, I definitely prefer the recent style of cuts compared to the old school sound. There’s a lot more technology out there these days too and it’s inspiring to see them incorporate Maschines and midi controllers in their routines.

BO: What do you feel is a well rounded DJ?
TY: Must have mixing skills without cheating. Must connect well with the crowd. Must have sweet track selection. Scratching and beat juggling skills is a plus, and of course, a big booty wouldn’t hurt.

BO: What project’s are you currently working on?
TY: I’ve got my “Anxiety” album still in the works. The production has been done since last year but there are tons of collaborations on it with a grip of rappers and vocalists, so I’ve got a few more tracks to wrap up before it gets dropped. I am also planning to release my “Elektro Eros 3″ remix compilation this year, and hopefully by the end of the year, I can start on my two albums with Laurence Yalung and Priscilla J. (both separate genres of music).

BO: Kicks or heels?
TY: Neither. I prefer very cheap flip flops or moccasins, the real Canadian ones though!

BO: Who are the top 5 DJ’s on your list?
TY: Enferno, DJ Flipman, DJ Fong Fong, Chris Sheppard, and Armin Van Buuren.

BO: What is your most valued piece of vinyl?
TY: My first record I ever bought: Los Hermanos – Quetzal.

BO: Any advise you want to share with the new generations up and coming?
TY: I always tell people that everyone and their momma is a DJ nowadays, so pursue something else to make their style original and stand out from the rest.

BO: I so appreciate the time…one more question for the road…Would you prefer Bruce lee or Jet li?
TY: Bruce Lee any day!

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For an oldschool nostalgic 90′s mix, find it here. And for the EDM heads, here’s a house mix made with a ton of custom remixes and mash ups, find it here.

tyrafromsaigon.com
senseaoriginals.com
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Myspace

 

Klever-cover

Artist Series/03.26.13: Klever

Interview by DJ Shotgun

BO: Where are you from?
KL: Born and raised in Atlanta, GA.

BO: What was your first set up and what do you currently use?
KL:  My first set up was a Kenwood home turntable on the right side so I can play the beat, a SLB1 Technics turntable on the left so I could scratch, and my mixer was a huge pyramid 8 channel mixer. It sucked! But it prepped me for the good equipment to come.

BO: What do you feel about Digital Djing to Analog DJing?
KL: Digital DJ’ing is cool with me. There’s another element of creativity you can do with it. You can take your routines and mixes to another level for sure! But there’s nothing like using real records. The sound AND feel you get with records is the best in my opinion. 

BO: Most memorable moment as a DJ?
KL: One of my most memorable moments is winning my first championship title in NYC 2000. It was the USA DMC finals and and I had soooo much love and support from my friends…DJ SHOTGUN was there from the beginning of at all. And it felt so fucking good to put in all that work and focus with him and we where able to share all of that together. 

BO: Do still take time to practice and develop your skills from the point they are at now?
KL: For a while I wasn’t. But recently I have been. I was doing stuff in my life that took that focus away. But I’m back and ready to be a part of it all again. Actually, I cant believe I’m still alive. There are so many times I put myself and other people in fucked up situations from drinking…I gave that up a year ago and it feels really good to get back to the creative person I really I’m.

BO: What do you feel about the new generation of tablists compared to the the generations in the past?
KL: I think the DJ’s are lacking the “FUNK” and coming from there heart as far as cutting goes. There’s too much emulation going on rather than coming up with there own style. Don’t get me wrong! There’s some kids out there fuckin’ it up. But that’s only a hand full.

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BO: Where do you think the current state of hip hop is at in your point of view?
KL: Ignorant as fuck! Hahaaa.

BO: What project are you currently working on?
KL: Craze and I started working on (((SCRATCH NERDS V.2))) as we speak. We put out Vol.1 10 years ago, haha. So that coming along really nice…and I’m working on an EP as well. Some heavy slow and low bass beats. And some uptempo tunes as well. Basically club music.

BO: Rane mixer or Vestax mixer?
KL: Rane. 

BO: What’s playing in your iPod currently?
KL: Metal/hip hop/house/country/moombah/(NPR) talk radio ;)

BO: Anything advise you want to share with the new generations up and coming?
KL: have fun with it!! and don’t do drugs…hahaa.

BO:  I so appreciate the time…one more question for the road…What would you consider a well rounded DJ?
KL: Someone who knows his or her craft; know your history; and share it with the rest of the world. Know how to mix without hitting the ((sync)) button. BASICALLY KNOW WHAT THE FUCK YOUR DOING!! heheeee.

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Check out more on DJ Klever:
Facebook
Twitter
SoundCloud
Instagram
Kleversworld

DJBonics

Artist Series/02.24.13: DJ Bonics

Interview by DJ Shotgun

BO: Where are you from?
DB: Born in Philadelphia. Went to College in PGH and learned the craft and stayed there up until recently where I currently go back and forth from PGH to Philly if not on tour. So I guess Pennsylvania.

BO: What was your first set up and what do you currently use?
DB: Oh Shit! My dad bought me these Numark “Dj-In-A-Box” Turntables. They were purple, plastic, belt driven and pretty awful. But that’s what i started on so I can’t hate! 

BO: What do you feel about Digital Djing to Analog Djing?
DB: Well digital djing is obviously the current standard. What’s dope about it is that it really makes the possibilities endless. You can have any type of music, any sound, at anytime. It also beats carrying around crates of records. But analog and in this case djing with wax was definitely where I started. And to me really is the best way to start. Learning how to mix, cut, and blend REAL records really helps a build discipline. It helps you really learn the fundamentals  of mixing because it’s not as forgivable. If your blend is off you got to bring the needle to the beginning of the record by hand versus pressing one button to go back to the cue point. If you are scratching and the record skips you have to go back and find the sound, unlike using digital stuff where you are never really gonna lose the sound no matter where the needle jumps (unless you blast it off the table). I’m not gonna be the purist guy that says I’m better because I’ve learned on Wax. I just know that I have a deeper understanding of djing and have skills that are only learned through that “period” of djing.

BO: Most memorable moment as a DJ?
DB: Wow. There is a few memorable moments. Most recently I remember in the early 2000′s I use to work for Clear Channel Entertainment help promoting concerts. So at the biggest concert venue in the PGH area, I use to pass flyers out to come to different shows, concert deals etc. And at that same venue just this past summer I got to play at that venue for a sold out crowd over 22,000 people. Another honorable mention was winning the Red Bull Thre3style in PGH and then competing in the first ever U.S. Finals.

BO: Tell the folks who you DJ for?
DB: WIz Khalifa and for WIred 96.5 Philadelphia, and occasionally on 96.1 Kiss in PGH.

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BO: What do you feel about the new generation of tablists compared to the the generations in the past?
DB: I don’t even know if there are “new tablist.” I sure their are kids who can scratch and juggle etc. But there is no real comparison to the cats from the 90′s and early 2000′s. The  pioneer’s. The Q-bert’s, Roc Raida’s, A-Trak’s and Craze’s. These dudes were innovators and seemed to make endless possibilities with a very limited medium. That’s why I continue to make scratch video’s to show the new cats that it’s more then playing the hottest song at the moment. There is a craft and an art involved.  

BO: Pizza or Sushi?
DB: That’s tough. I love sushi but I’d have to say Pizza.

BO: Who are the top 5 DJ’s on your list?
DB: Q-bert, Craze, Jazzy Jeff, Kenny Dope, and AM.

BO: What’s playing in your iPod currently?
DB: Classics mainly right now. Beatles, BIlly Joel, Sade, Tortured Soul, and a few random mixtapes. 

BO: Anything advise you want to share with the new generations up and coming?
DB: Don’t be afraid to build a legend. I know the lifestyle and the fast life seems tempting but a real DJ will always know a real DJ. Take your time, do it right, you can do it baby, do it tonight…. oh… Just love it. 

BO: I so appreciate the time…one more question for the road…Boom bap or trap?
DB: I mean I from the golden era. I grew up listening to that era. SO my hear is there. I love me an 808 drum roll though. And I am fucking with the TRAP HOUSE shit.

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Check out more on DJ Bonics:
djbonics.com
Twitter
YouTube

DJ_Rasta_Root

Artist Series/01.07.13: DJ Rasta Root

Interview by DJ Shotgun

BO: Where are you from?
RR: I was born in Ft. St. John British Columbia, in Canada. My parents are from Trinidad & Tobago.

BO: What was your first set up and what do you currently use?
RR: My first set up were Technic 1200s and a Gemini 19 inch rack mixer with an 8 second sampler..lol..I currently use Technics with a Rane TTM 57.

BO: What do you feel about digital DJing to analog DJing?
RR: I think there is a part of me that wishes that it was still an all analog environment—I don’t miss the record crate carrying. Now I know it’s 2012 and I accept and embrace the technology.

BO: Most memorable moment as a DJ?
RR: Most memorable moment was DJing in front of 14,000 people in Bogota, Colombia for ‘Rap Al Parque’.

BO: Tell the folks who you DJ for?
RR: I DJ for Phife from A Tribe Called Quest, Dwele, and Anthony David.

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BO: What do you feel about the new generation of tablists compared to the the generations in the past?
RR: I think its definitely a different world now, as far as serato in the battles etc., but I think there is still alot of great talent out there that are bending the limits of what the equipment can do. So I am not mad at all!

BO: Where do you think the current state of hip hop is at in your point of view?
RR: I think its in a dormant state. It’s figuring out where to go next or how to appear to us. A lot of corporations took advantage of it and left it for dead…but I think there is something brewing…not sure what. 

BO: What projects are you currently working on?
RR: I am currently working on my headshell company called Smokin Shells. It is a high polish DJ headshell that is like nothing you have ever seen! smokinshells.com. It’s my contribution to DJ culture. 

BO: Benz or a Hooptie?
RR: Hooptie for weekdays..Benz for the weekends. 

BO: Who are the top 5 DJ’s on your list?
RR: In no order: Jazzy Jeff, ShortKut, Klever, Kemit, and myself (lol)

BO: What’s playing in your iPod currently?
RR: Currently playing Dwele’s new album, ‘Greater Than One’ in stores August 28th…hahaha. 

BO: Any advice you want to share with the new generations up and coming ?
RR: Just stay true to yourself, practice everyday…and always remember to give back to the beauty art of DJing. 

BO: I so appreciate the time. One more question for the road, would you prefer the real vinyl recording or a Mp3 version?
RR: Real vinyl…all day.

 

Check out more on DJ Rasta Root:
smokinshells.com
Twitter

Artist Series/11.05.12: Rich Medina

Interview by Base Boogie

BO: Where are you from?
RM: I’m from Lakewood, New Jersey originally, but I’ve been living in Philadelphia since 1992.

BO: How long have you been DJing?
RM: I’ve been a DJ since I was 11 years old. I’ve been a “professional” DJ for far less time haha. 

BO: Who are some of the OG DJs that inspired/influenced you when you were just getting started?
RM:Larry Levan, Shep Pettibone, Ernie Kendall, DJ Cheese, DJ Cool V, DJ Bassy, DJ Scorpio, Kid Capri, Pete DJ Jones, Mr Scott, Afrika Bambaataa, Grand Wizard Theodore, Grandmaster Flash. I could go on…

BO:  You’re known to play an ill variety of different genres. What’s some of your favorites you like to rock?
RM: Afrobeat, Rare Groove, Tropicalia, Random province funk from brown countries, House, R&B,and Hip Hop.

BO: And who are some of your favorite artists/groups?
RM: Cold Crush, Rock Steady, Stevie Wonder, Fela Kuti, James Brown, Andy Bey, Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack, The Funk Brothers, The Mizell Brothers, Nas, De La, The Roots, Marvin Gaye, Gil Scott Heron, Philly International, and every artist that ever appeared on Soul Train and American Bandstand. I could go on…

BO: Top 5 records that never leave your crate?
RM:Fela-Fogo Fogo, James Brown-The Big Payback, Tribe Called Quest-Jam, DJ Spinna & Sean Escoffery-Days Like This, The Blackbirds-Reggins

BO: What’s one of your holy-grails that you own?…and one that you’re still looking for?
RM: East Of Underground is one of my grails. Looking for far too much other holy shit to mention here fam…. 

BO: What do you like to do outside of DJing?
RM: Time with my family, basketball, drawing, MMA, good weed, good rum, good people, and listening to my favorite DJs and artists play live. 

BO: What can we expect out of Rich Medina in the near future?
RM: Expect more hard work, diversified business and branding, and new music from my studio very soon. 

BO: Top 5 DJs of all-time?
RM: Impossible. Some of them haven’t been born yet, and some are still coming into their own. But for starters: Larry Levan. I can’t put anyone else on the all time list at the moment. I’d like to believe that one day you’re gonna ask another person this question and they might consider me. Still working for that, as are many of my peers, many of whom who could contend for this list.

BO: What’s the dopest country outside of the US, that you enjoy rockin’ whenever you’re out there?
RM: Japan, England, and Holland. Have yet to go to Africa, but considering my love for and representation of West African music, I assume Africa will be added to that list within a year. 

BO: Name 3 things your fans may not know about you?
RM: I was a competitive roller speed skating champion as a 12 year old; I love fried chicken and watermelon like “all Black people”; I dunked on Rick Fox (North Carolina/LA Lakers) in college. 

BO: Any shout-outs?
RM:My mom. My lady. My son. I love you all more than life itself. 

 

Check out more on Rich Medina:
Ricardo Grande Music
richmedina.com
twitter.com/richmedina
facebook.com/djrichmedina

Management / Bookings: scott@barkhamcreative.com

Artist Series/09.05.12: DJ J-Smoke

Interview by DJ Shotgun

BO: Where are you from?
JSMK: Yo, I live in Queens, NY.

BO: What was your first set up and what do you currently use?
JSMK: My first setup was a pair of techs and a Gemini Scratch Master! Right now, I still have those same techs and a Rane Sixty-Two.

BO: What do you feel about Digital Djing to Analog Djing?
JSMK:I think it’s great. My back definitely appreciates it. I know a lot of people were against it when it first started, but it’s technology. You can’t stop it. And if you fight it, then you’ll just get left behind. You have to use it better than the next guy or the new guy.

Also, I’m kind of tired of seeing those pics that say “If you didn’t carry this (crate of records), then you shouldn’t carry this (laptop).” Cause honestly if you think about it, if you followed that rule, then there would never be any new DJ’s, ever. You just have to accept the fact that it’s easier to be DJ now, but being a good DJ is still hard. And analog always sounds better. Always.

BO:  Most memorable moment as a DJ?
JSMK: Hmmmm…I used to say winning the ITF Team World champs in ’99, but now I don’t know. Honestly there have so many crazy/good/memorable moments.

BO: Who you have DJ’ed for or with?
JSMK: I never really DJ’s for any groups or MC’s, I always just used to do the show/club thing…But def met a lot of cool crazy cats. I once jammed out w/Kevin Bacon haha.

BO: What do you feel about the new generation of tablist compared to the the generations in the past?
JSMK: I think the scene is dying so there aren’t as many talented new turntablist’s coming out like before. Also I think a lot of kids also don’t feel like you have to battle to really make a name. So I’m sure there’s a lot of dope kids in their bedrooms just killin’ shit. But I do miss hearing routines made from songs that are already out instead of routines using beats produced at home.

BO: What project are you currently working on?
JSMK: Nothing crazy, I still put out mixtapes and stuff like that.

BO: Hamburger or Sushi?
JSMK: Hmmmmm…man I’m always down for a good burger but I’m also always down for some good sushi.

BO: Who are the top 5 DJ’s on your list?
JSMK: I don’t really have a top 5. Since there are so many kinds of DJ’s, but def, everyone in the Allies is straight filthy. Also Crate Bullies son! But man, there are so many good DJ’s out there that I appreciate and listen to. The list can go on and on u know? Junkies, X-men, ISP, 5th Platoon.. I could probably list 50 DJ’s that I think are great.

BO: What’s playing in your iPod currently?
JSMK: I listen to a bunch of diff music. Like I actually just loaded the old Soundbombing II joint on there. I got a few Mick Boogie mixes on there…a little bit of everything. But always mixtapes. I rarely just listen to songs straight up.

BO: Anything advise you want to share with the new generations up and coming?
JSMK: Practice.

BO: Aight…one more question you like a skirts-type of woman or tights-type of woman?
JSMK: Sheeit. You have to appreciate all types. But if I had to choose. Tights.

Check out more on DJ J-Smoke:
Twitter/Instagram: @jsmokenyc
www.soundcloud.com/jsmoke
www.mixcrate.com/jsmoke

Artist Series/08.02.12: B-Boy Kevo

Interview by Base Boogie  

BO: Where are you from?
KVO: Im originally from San Diego, California but i was raised in Jacksonville, Florida.

BO: What crew do you rep?
KVO: I represent the one and only Main Ingredients Crew.

BO: How long have you been b-boying?
KVO: I’ve been bboying for more than 13 years now.

BO: What got you into b-boying and who were some of your inspirations that got you started?
KVO: My two older sisters introduced me to the dance…to be honest the only b-boy i liked when i was little was Easyroc. His tape inspired me alot, plus it was the only tape I had.

BO: How would you describe your style?
KVO: I dont really have a description for my style. I practice just about everything. I just try to do what i like and be well rounded.

BO: Who are some of the b-boys that influenced your style?
KVO: There is toooo many to name but some of them would have to be Easyroc, Wicket, Ivan, Floor Rock, K-mel, Stripes, Milky, and Ruen. I can spend all day answering this question but those are some i can think at the moment.

BO: What do you think about the scene today, compared to how it use to be when you were first coming up?
KVO: It’s cool, it’s just way too serious for me now. When I was coming up I just did what I liked and had fun with my crew but now it’s all about who’s who and competition. I dont hate it though, it was meant to happen. I just try to do me.

BO: What do you like to do outside of b-boying?
KVO: I like chilling man…with my lady or my crew .. play bowling, shoot pool, go drink drink, a lot of random stuff.

BO: You’ve traveled to many countries to do what you do, which country was the most memorable for you?
KVO: I would have to say France this past March was the most memorable. It meant a lot to me because Stripes and I won Chelles Battle Pro and to take the W with my boy is a crazzyy feeling.

BO: Name your top 5 b-boys of all-time?Name your top 5 b-boys of all-time??
KVO: (in no particular order) Easyroc, Ivan, K-mel, Ruen, Stripes.

BO: What are some of your favorite music groups or artists that’s always in rotation in your iPod?
KVO: LOL man I like Wu-Tang a lot …I like a lot of hip hop.. Bob Marley music, breaks, Sade, smooth jazz, funky music, house music…all kinds.

BO: Name your top 3 favorite food?
KVO: Wooo! Chicken fingers, chicken katsu, krystals, all the healthy stuff.

BO: Any last shout-outs?
KVO: Shouts to my crew/family, Bofresco, Nufsed, and to all the b-boys holding it down.

 

Artist Series/07.12: Clyde Singleton

Interview by Base Boogie  

BO: Where are you from?
CS: Jacksonville, Florida…Northside native.

BO: How long have you been skating?
CS: 26 years.

BO: Who inspired you to start skating?
CS: My neighbor…he had a board, i picked it up. Started tick-tacking to the bus stop, and went 2 bus stops up, haven’t quit since.

BO: What sponsors are you reppin nowadays? And who did you skate for back in the days?
CS: I don’t skate for anyone…dont want to…I do it for the love now…fukk a sponsor…it’s no fun when it becomes a job. As for back in tha day, started off with Vision, moved on to Acme…then, went to Natas Kaupas’ 101. Sal Barbier recruited me to 23 after. Then we banged out Aesthetics/Elwood, and ended it out skating for Zoo York…had a great career, can’t complain.

BO: Who are your biggest influences when you started?
CS: Fred Reeves and Steve Steadham…they were the only brothers i seen skateboarding in magazines. That was inspirational to me.

BO: How many competitions have you entered?
CS: Too many to remember.

BO: And which one was the most memorable?
CS: North Hampton, England…I made it to the finals, in a World Cup. Also, one of the first X-Games in Oceanside. I beat Tony Hawk. Whaddup Birdman.

BO: Other then the US, which country has the dopest skaters?
CS: US hasn’t had the dopest skaters, since about 96..just keepin it real.

BO: 5 best skaters of all-time?
CS: Sean Sheffey, Julien Stranger, Kareem Campbell, Sal Barbier and Kevin Taylor.

BO: What artists are you bumpin in your iPod when you’re skating?
CS: I can’t wear an ipod when I skate…it’s goofy, as well as distracting.

 

BO: Are you currently working on anything? Projects outside of skating?
CS: School. Got limited edition boards dropping this Summer…a few gallery openings, another contest. I’ll be grinding until forever.

BO: Name 3 things your fans may not know about you?
CS: I’m very well read. I’m from Jacksonville, not Cali. I’m not into trends, whatsoever.

BO: Any shout-outs?
CS: Mom, Pops, my brother Ray, my family and anybody reading this…yall be easy.    

 

 

Artist Series/06.08: Ceaze/MSK/The Seventh Letter

BO: Where are you from?
CZ: The worlds illest peninsula and DUVAL COUNTY.

BO: How long have you been writing?
CZ: I was first introduced to graffiti around 1984 or so and did it here and there as I got older. But not till 1989 & early 90′s did i start taking it more serious. I started off  b-boying with my brothers, cousins, and a few of our homeboys. We had a crew called “CSB”- City Street Breakers. I remember when i first seen graff, it definitely caught my attention. The tags, the burners, the style, the crazy color schemes, the whole movement in general had me from the get! I’ve seen it here and there, movies, books, etc. and tried attempting it occasionally when i was just a kid; I was like in the 3rd grade, there were a few members of our crew who did graff, “JOHN-JOHN” was really dope & one of my cousins  he wrote “ZEC” or “ZECA ONE”.He pretty much got me more involved with graff at that time, and the rest was history!

BO: What crews do you rep?
CZ: MSK first and foremost! THE SEVENTH LETTER and AL.

BO: Who inspired you to do what you do?
CZ: Well, my cousin for getting me into graff when i was a lil kid. cant forget my man “BASIC” aka “BUDSKI” def doing his thing around late 80′s early 90′s and kept me on top of my shit at the time as well. There were also a few other graff crews from our town doing their thing: WOW CREW, UGA, and CTC. Basically everything and anything surrounding me can be an inspiration; from my crew, to great music, to great art, shit anything visually appealing to my eye.

BO: Top 5 writers of all-time?
CZ: Hmmmm…daam, thats a hard one. I like and respect alot of writers from all over the world. not to sound bias but, MSK & AWR all day errr day…in no particular order i’d say: 1. SEEN 2. BATES 3. CAN-2 4. VANS THE OMEGA 5. ASKEW (well generally the TMD crew!)

BO: Since you’re a sneakerhead, what are your holy grails, top 3?
CZ: Daam, thats another hard one homie… there’s to many “treats” to just narrow it down to top 3. Hmmm, I’ma say 1. 1992 Adidas Streetball (any color) cuz i have a few different colors in those; 2.1999 white cement Jordan 4′s;  3. 1993 Nike Air Force 1 hi (blk w/ red swoosh, yellow laces w/ red & yellow strap) I’m not that big on air forces, but the one’s from around the years 91, 92 & 93 were really dope to me. I have a few from those years and their def siiick !… to be honest with you i haven’t been keeping up with the sneaker game for quite some time now. I really don’t give a fuck about it much anymore (wana buy some kiks? ) hahaha!.. but i’ll always be a sneaker head and if i run into some heat i might just copp that shit!!! gyeeeaaahh!

BO: Are you currently working on anything?….or do you have anything planned for the future?
CZ: Yeah, I’ve done a few projects lately and have more projects lined up, stay tuned. Lately I’ve been focusing on my tattooing alot! What’s good, when u wana get your next one homeboy ?….. don’t be skerrrd!

BO: Since you do tats, what other tattoo artist are you feeling? As well as who’s been some of your inspirations?
CZ: There’s alot of sick ass tattoo artist out there. I see and hear about great artist all the time through online, through books, word of mouth, etc….Grime (Skull and Sword) those guys are all dope! Jason Kundell, Norm, Shige, Adam Barton, Adrian Lee, Chris O’Donnell, Rodrigo Melo, Rico Daruma, and Bern just to name a few.

BO: What seems to be the most popular color or favorite color paint you tend to use?
CZ: Black! But i like alot of colors for the most part, cant say just one.

BO: Where is your favorite country you’ve visited to paint?
CZ: So far probably Seoul Korea. I’ve been out there a few times, that place is pretty kool. 

BO: Any other country you’d like to visit, you haven’t been to yet?
CZ: Of course…there’s no particular place, but i’m down to go anywhere anytime…shit, that list can go on.

BO: What is your favorite type of foods?
CZ: Anything!

BO: Any shout-outs?
CZ: Jen, Seve, Lexe, Siaz…MSK, AWR, THE SEVENTH LETTER, AM7, BOFRESCO, NUFSED, ASAMOV,  MAIN INGREDIENTZ CREW & CSB till infinity.

 

 

Artist Series/3.17: DJ Vajra

Interview by Julius Fausto  

DJ Vajra BO: Where are you from?
Vajra: I am from Denver, Colorado

BO: What was your first set up and What do you currently use?
Vajra: My first set up consisted of two belt drive tables (I found one in the garbage and made a belt out of electrical tape), and an MTX Battle Board II mixer. I currently use Tech 12s and the Rane TTM 57 Mixer.

BO: What do you feel about Digital Djing to Analog Djing?
Vajra: I used to be one of the snobby purists who are against digital djing, but after 5 years on Serato, I actually like digital much better.

BO: Who inspired you or influenced you to get in the game?
Vajra: Watching DMC battles back in 96 made me want to DJ. Guys like Q-Bert, Roc Raida and Babu were major inspirations.

BO: Most memorable moment as a DJ?
Vajra: Winning the DMC world finals a few weeks ago in London is pretty hard to top at the moment!

BO: Top 5 dj’s
Vajra: Top 5 djs (no particular order) Q-Bert, Craze,  Z-Trip,  A-Trak,  Numark

BO: Now that you’ve conquered the world , what’s left in Dj Vajra’s journey?
Vajra: Trying to win Red Bull Thre3style November 10th in Vegas. Other than that, just keep pushing forward.

Dj Vajra winning round