title says it all. 1 whole year passed.
still thrashin'
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Thursday, July 10, 2008
#8 - R.A.V.A.G.E. -
this is an old interview with r.a.v.a.g.e from the m.i.c. nicest dudes you could get to, he does it all and a breath of fresh air in hip hop. read up!
listen to American Monsta (Jay-Z remixed album)
TS: first, let's introduce your self and what you're currently working on.
Ravage: Peace Alex. My name is RAVAGE from Long Island, NY. I am a producer, emcee, organizer and graphic artist.
TS: What inspired you to become a producer, a graphic artist?
Ravage: Production:
I started producing for a number of reasons back in 2000. I grew up with a nice diet of soul by way of my dad's record collection of 33s and 45s. I was growing up in the 80s when the evolution of Hip Hop lyrics and beats was constant. That really intrigued me to stay involved with the culture. In 2000 after I slowly stopped playing sports, I didn't have a creative or physical outlet for some of my life & family issues anymore. I was working in UPS and if I wasn't working I was just listening to Future Flavas on tapes that I made (god bless Callie Ban, Marley Marl and Pete Rock!). I got inspired by Rza's production techniques and the release of Supreme Clientele that year. That was a great album for hip hop. My boy Gene from Wyandanch saw how I was breaking down beats and actually gave me suggestions and knowledge about how producers made certain parts of beats, what equipment was used, etc. He really opened my mind to how production comes together. I sketched all my beat ideas out in a notebook and then , when I got my hands on this secret production weapon of mine (my moms actually found it for me.haha) I started beasting day and night making beats. Once I got started I studied styles from slum village's Jay Dee, NO.I.D, Rza, pete rock and more.. even Bjork.. I was deciphering everything she did..and recreating stuff.
Graphically..
Dag!!! My dad used to work nights and sometimes when I wake up to go to school, I'd have comics laying on the kitchen table. It was his way of staying connected because he was usually asleep by the time me and my sister were awake to go to school...long story..just studying the Marvel and Stan Lee style..I got really inspired by the Hulk and Spiderman. So I just made my own comic books, at home. My mom was extremely supportive and used to buy me pencils and stuff all the time.. haha how bout it was NOT EVEN TOYS.. I just wanted paper and pencils!
As I got older, the art teachers in my middle school really started taking notice to my persistance! I was arguebly the best artist in my school out of 3 other kids. I was getting real ill with the pencil and actually got recommended to take private lessons when I was 11. The private teacher I had was Judy Almer, she used to do the Magilla Gorilla cartoon for Hanna- Barbera
;-)
I learned all mediums for art during that time and am thankful for Ms. Rosenstock and Ms. Judy Almer.
TS: What are you currently spinning?
Ravage:
1. Large Professor ----"1st Class
2. Nas "Hip Hop's Dead"
3. Black Milk"Popular Demand" He's got this joint! If you don't know, check out the song called "Home of the Greats!" the beat is sick!
TS: Summer’ is right around the corner, any plans for 07’?
Ravage:Man, with the summer approaching, hmmmmmmmmm.. Normally I try to leave the country, for Japan's my muse. I wanna hit Japan, but I think I am not gonna make it this year because I'm really focused on tearing up the scene with a small T-shirt attack. I think a lot of kids are really talented when it comes to digital art BUT I think a lot of kids can do the digital art stuff way better than I can right now. My specialty however, is still that same pencil I started with. I'm gonna try to separate my style of releases into the T shirt market with raw, simplistic and really dope designs by way of my sketch skills. For up to date info, check me out at www.ravagenrumble.com
Me and my fam (Chika, DJ Phase, Elf, Jieun and Urban Envy) are gonna try and take it there.
On the promotional tip, I am gonna push The Suzie Wong Project for the summer of 2007 (http://www.suziewong2020.com ) and finish recording my personal albums!
TS: can you give some background info on G.A.ME? how has that been working out?
Ravage: G.A.ME is a Hip Hop Union for artists that are not necessarily signed to major labels. Many times artists need help achieving there goals so we focus on making sure they have some sort of:
-Healthcare
***we actually talk to local doctors to offer services
-Legal assistance
***we try to get artists assistance if they have to review music contracts or any other legal documents
-Promotion
***Bringing artists together, no matter the commercial success to do shows on a larger scale!
M1 of dead prez talked for a long time with Omowale, formerly known as Lawrence James, a student from the CUNY HUNTER SCHOOL. Me and L used to play basketball, rhyme and go to school there.
Long story short.. he told me about the idea and need help putting it together.. so we recruited a few more students it was me, Diop, Neh, Frances and So Soon along with Omowale in the beginning.. we went out to shows and recruited artists, held meetings, and created events.
G.A.ME's been strong since 2001!
The union at one point was able to work out things with local doctors and dentists for free health care. And things worked nicely at that time.
"In 2004, G.A.ME developed the G.A.ME HealthCare Network in which we provided free medical, dental, and free to low-cost prescription for G.A.ME members from physicians organized through our grassroots efforts. We address health diseases such as HIV/AIDS and asthma through structured campaigns throughout the U.S. and in Lagos, Nigeria. G.A.ME plans quarterly health screenings and regular forums on health education. G.A.ME testified before the Congressional Hearing on the U.S. HealthCare Crisis in Harlem and at the Congressional Hearing for Artists on Healthcare on behalf of artists and the uninsured population." – G.A.ME
More info is here:
http://www.kickgame.com
TS: Let me get your input on the following issues: domestic issues such as poverty, police brutality, immigration, death penalty, etc?
Ravage: On the Domestic tip!
Shoot… Police Brutality's a real, real, real, problem. I marched with Charles Baron on March 17, 2007 in NYC because I felt that the justice system was not going to give officers enough time for firing 50 shots into Sean Bells body.
I feel so bad about it because we're in the 20 + year old age bracket. Why is it that because of the way we look automatically misconceive what we do? One time me and Majesty did a show with Q-Unique in long island. When we left, we got questioned in the parking lot because me and Maj fit the description of men that were robbing houses in Suffolk County. We had a great night doing that Hip Hop show but it was ruined because the cops wanted run I.D.s etc.
after the show..u know what I mean.. To me, I feel certain kinds of men are always going to be misconceived by cops as problems. That being said, I get bothered by cops at least twice a year and it pisses me off.. haha
Every person on this planet is different. I don't like stereotypes but I understand why certain things may trigger fear in others.
Another thing that's happening on the domestic level is immigration. Immigration where I am from, is a big deal.. many people are moving into my town that used to be segregated white on the southside and black and spanish on the northside.
a few things immigrants can do to make living harmonious although not being legal citizens is:
Respect where you have come from and
Respect where you are currently living
That goes for American born citizens who need to learn about the immigrants that travel here to live.
As long as there is understanding I don't have a problem with immigrants or the citizens that were born here..
Bottom line, it's about respecting each other..
TS: How do you feel about music piracy?
Ravage: hmmmmmmmmmmmm great question..
I feel that music should be free.. and if you like it enough and can afford it.. you should buy it.. I think that if kids are not reselling the mp3s than the downloads are cool
They should however, want to self promote that artist if they really feel the music
I know back in the day..shiiiiiiiiiiiiit I used to tape stuff off the radio, future flavas, WBLS.. KISS FM..etc.
I'd make my own blend tapes for the walkman, copy it over for my boys..then when the albums came out.. I'd buy the wax (god bless wutang for that protect ya neck single! I used to scratch it to DEF!!!)
And also.. we'd by the tapes.. the wutang tapes were always dope
DJ Envy, CLUE shit..lots of hot blend tapes.. but the wutang tapes were dope.. by tapes I mean the albums on cassette..
To get to the point.. back then, if I heard a song I liked.. I did my research and found more..tried to find more. Then I'd put all my peoples on to what I found and vice versa, then we'd make tapes for each other..and build,..it wasn't piracy because we'd eventually buy what we liked. I think the mp3 download situation is the same in a way.
I do feel that when entire albums are uploaded for everyone to beast and download… it kills anticipation. Many times online I'll see a forum where a kid uploaded a full album.. and I won't even download it..cuz I don't wanna kill the anticipation of my buying the album and seeing the artwork and listening to it all in one sitting..more so the release dates too. It's like you open your Christmas present on thanksgiving because you can't wait until christmas. That kind of kills the spirit of that actual day when it comes, you know what I mean..lol
I'm weird like that.. I'm the type to really go thru a CD insert or the cassette insert..and read about affiliates.. do ur research and then find out that the affiliates got even more hot music.. not really just to download a song I really like and that's it?
Like Jamiroqui, if u study, leads you to Slum Village, or vice versa.. slum village can lead you to Elzhi or Stereolab.. depending on how deep you get with the music..
TS: lastly, anything you'd like to get off your chest?
Ravage:
everyday and every moment's a gift, thus it's called the present. I give thanks for being able to learn more and more about myself and about the world each day.. living in NYC right now. Is very very interesting.. hehe.. it's tough but a lot of fun too..so it there's balance here
i look forward to traveling the world a lot more..
Shout out to my girlfriend Mina, Urban Envy www.urbanevy.com NYTrib(www.nytributary.com ) and my homey charmaine,
Be on the look out for
The S.I.M album - RAVAGE and SIM E
Platinum Stealth - me rhyming on A.I. Platinum Limb (japan) beats
Audio Assassins- all production done by Hiden Beats (japan) me rhyming
The 10 cent album (10 commandments)- all my production featuring Megalon aka Tommy Gunn rapping
Syntax Erroars - production and rhymes feat. RAVAGE
i'm gonna reach out to fam to really help me make some great music..
Shout to you Alex, thanks again and i appreciate it very much. one.
Lastly, if you are reading this, I give thanks that you took a moment to learn about me, I will make a lot more noise soon.. make sure to visit me at
http://www.myspace.com
Peace!!
listen to American Monsta (Jay-Z remixed album)
TS: first, let's introduce your self and what you're currently working on.
Ravage: Peace Alex. My name is RAVAGE from Long Island, NY. I am a producer, emcee, organizer and graphic artist.
TS: What inspired you to become a producer, a graphic artist?
Ravage: Production:
I started producing for a number of reasons back in 2000. I grew up with a nice diet of soul by way of my dad's record collection of 33s and 45s. I was growing up in the 80s when the evolution of Hip Hop lyrics and beats was constant. That really intrigued me to stay involved with the culture. In 2000 after I slowly stopped playing sports, I didn't have a creative or physical outlet for some of my life & family issues anymore. I was working in UPS and if I wasn't working I was just listening to Future Flavas on tapes that I made (god bless Callie Ban, Marley Marl and Pete Rock!). I got inspired by Rza's production techniques and the release of Supreme Clientele that year. That was a great album for hip hop. My boy Gene from Wyandanch saw how I was breaking down beats and actually gave me suggestions and knowledge about how producers made certain parts of beats, what equipment was used, etc. He really opened my mind to how production comes together. I sketched all my beat ideas out in a notebook and then , when I got my hands on this secret production weapon of mine (my moms actually found it for me.haha) I started beasting day and night making beats. Once I got started I studied styles from slum village's Jay Dee, NO.I.D, Rza, pete rock and more.. even Bjork.. I was deciphering everything she did..and recreating stuff.
Graphically..
Dag!!! My dad used to work nights and sometimes when I wake up to go to school, I'd have comics laying on the kitchen table. It was his way of staying connected because he was usually asleep by the time me and my sister were awake to go to school...long story..just studying the Marvel and Stan Lee style..I got really inspired by the Hulk and Spiderman. So I just made my own comic books, at home. My mom was extremely supportive and used to buy me pencils and stuff all the time.. haha how bout it was NOT EVEN TOYS.. I just wanted paper and pencils!
As I got older, the art teachers in my middle school really started taking notice to my persistance! I was arguebly the best artist in my school out of 3 other kids. I was getting real ill with the pencil and actually got recommended to take private lessons when I was 11. The private teacher I had was Judy Almer, she used to do the Magilla Gorilla cartoon for Hanna- Barbera
;-)
I learned all mediums for art during that time and am thankful for Ms. Rosenstock and Ms. Judy Almer.
TS: What are you currently spinning?
Ravage:
1. Large Professor ----"1st Class
2. Nas "Hip Hop's Dead"
3. Black Milk"Popular Demand" He's got this joint! If you don't know, check out the song called "Home of the Greats!" the beat is sick!
TS: Summer’ is right around the corner, any plans for 07’?
Ravage:Man, with the summer approaching, hmmmmmmmmm.. Normally I try to leave the country, for Japan's my muse. I wanna hit Japan, but I think I am not gonna make it this year because I'm really focused on tearing up the scene with a small T-shirt attack. I think a lot of kids are really talented when it comes to digital art BUT I think a lot of kids can do the digital art stuff way better than I can right now. My specialty however, is still that same pencil I started with. I'm gonna try to separate my style of releases into the T shirt market with raw, simplistic and really dope designs by way of my sketch skills. For up to date info, check me out at www.ravagenrumble.com
Me and my fam (Chika, DJ Phase, Elf, Jieun and Urban Envy) are gonna try and take it there.
On the promotional tip, I am gonna push The Suzie Wong Project for the summer of 2007 (http://www.suziewong2020.com ) and finish recording my personal albums!
TS: can you give some background info on G.A.ME? how has that been working out?
Ravage: G.A.ME is a Hip Hop Union for artists that are not necessarily signed to major labels. Many times artists need help achieving there goals so we focus on making sure they have some sort of:
-Healthcare
***we actually talk to local doctors to offer services
-Legal assistance
***we try to get artists assistance if they have to review music contracts or any other legal documents
-Promotion
***Bringing artists together, no matter the commercial success to do shows on a larger scale!
M1 of dead prez talked for a long time with Omowale, formerly known as Lawrence James, a student from the CUNY HUNTER SCHOOL. Me and L used to play basketball, rhyme and go to school there.
Long story short.. he told me about the idea and need help putting it together.. so we recruited a few more students it was me, Diop, Neh, Frances and So Soon along with Omowale in the beginning.. we went out to shows and recruited artists, held meetings, and created events.
G.A.ME's been strong since 2001!
The union at one point was able to work out things with local doctors and dentists for free health care. And things worked nicely at that time.
"In 2004, G.A.ME developed the G.A.ME HealthCare Network in which we provided free medical, dental, and free to low-cost prescription for G.A.ME members from physicians organized through our grassroots efforts. We address health diseases such as HIV/AIDS and asthma through structured campaigns throughout the U.S. and in Lagos, Nigeria. G.A.ME plans quarterly health screenings and regular forums on health education. G.A.ME testified before the Congressional Hearing on the U.S. HealthCare Crisis in Harlem and at the Congressional Hearing for Artists on Healthcare on behalf of artists and the uninsured population." – G.A.ME
More info is here:
http://www.kickgame.com
TS: Let me get your input on the following issues: domestic issues such as poverty, police brutality, immigration, death penalty, etc?
Ravage: On the Domestic tip!
Shoot… Police Brutality's a real, real, real, problem. I marched with Charles Baron on March 17, 2007 in NYC because I felt that the justice system was not going to give officers enough time for firing 50 shots into Sean Bells body.
I feel so bad about it because we're in the 20 + year old age bracket. Why is it that because of the way we look automatically misconceive what we do? One time me and Majesty did a show with Q-Unique in long island. When we left, we got questioned in the parking lot because me and Maj fit the description of men that were robbing houses in Suffolk County. We had a great night doing that Hip Hop show but it was ruined because the cops wanted run I.D.s etc.
after the show..u know what I mean.. To me, I feel certain kinds of men are always going to be misconceived by cops as problems. That being said, I get bothered by cops at least twice a year and it pisses me off.. haha
Every person on this planet is different. I don't like stereotypes but I understand why certain things may trigger fear in others.
Another thing that's happening on the domestic level is immigration. Immigration where I am from, is a big deal.. many people are moving into my town that used to be segregated white on the southside and black and spanish on the northside.
a few things immigrants can do to make living harmonious although not being legal citizens is:
Respect where you have come from and
Respect where you are currently living
That goes for American born citizens who need to learn about the immigrants that travel here to live.
As long as there is understanding I don't have a problem with immigrants or the citizens that were born here..
Bottom line, it's about respecting each other..
TS: How do you feel about music piracy?
Ravage: hmmmmmmmmmmmm great question..
I feel that music should be free.. and if you like it enough and can afford it.. you should buy it.. I think that if kids are not reselling the mp3s than the downloads are cool
They should however, want to self promote that artist if they really feel the music
I know back in the day..shiiiiiiiiiiiiit I used to tape stuff off the radio, future flavas, WBLS.. KISS FM..etc.
I'd make my own blend tapes for the walkman, copy it over for my boys..then when the albums came out.. I'd buy the wax (god bless wutang for that protect ya neck single! I used to scratch it to DEF!!!)
And also.. we'd by the tapes.. the wutang tapes were always dope
DJ Envy, CLUE shit..lots of hot blend tapes.. but the wutang tapes were dope.. by tapes I mean the albums on cassette..
To get to the point.. back then, if I heard a song I liked.. I did my research and found more..tried to find more. Then I'd put all my peoples on to what I found and vice versa, then we'd make tapes for each other..and build,..it wasn't piracy because we'd eventually buy what we liked. I think the mp3 download situation is the same in a way.
I do feel that when entire albums are uploaded for everyone to beast and download… it kills anticipation. Many times online I'll see a forum where a kid uploaded a full album.. and I won't even download it..cuz I don't wanna kill the anticipation of my buying the album and seeing the artwork and listening to it all in one sitting..more so the release dates too. It's like you open your Christmas present on thanksgiving because you can't wait until christmas. That kind of kills the spirit of that actual day when it comes, you know what I mean..lol
I'm weird like that.. I'm the type to really go thru a CD insert or the cassette insert..and read about affiliates.. do ur research and then find out that the affiliates got even more hot music.. not really just to download a song I really like and that's it?
Like Jamiroqui, if u study, leads you to Slum Village, or vice versa.. slum village can lead you to Elzhi or Stereolab.. depending on how deep you get with the music..
TS: lastly, anything you'd like to get off your chest?
Ravage:
everyday and every moment's a gift, thus it's called the present. I give thanks for being able to learn more and more about myself and about the world each day.. living in NYC right now. Is very very interesting.. hehe.. it's tough but a lot of fun too..so it there's balance here
i look forward to traveling the world a lot more..
Shout out to my girlfriend Mina, Urban Envy www.urbanevy.com NYTrib(www.nytributary.com ) and my homey charmaine,
Be on the look out for
The S.I.M album - RAVAGE and SIM E
Platinum Stealth - me rhyming on A.I. Platinum Limb (japan) beats
Audio Assassins- all production done by Hiden Beats (japan) me rhyming
The 10 cent album (10 commandments)- all my production featuring Megalon aka Tommy Gunn rapping
Syntax Erroars - production and rhymes feat. RAVAGE
i'm gonna reach out to fam to really help me make some great music..
Shout to you Alex, thanks again and i appreciate it very much. one.
Lastly, if you are reading this, I give thanks that you took a moment to learn about me, I will make a lot more noise soon.. make sure to visit me at
http://www.myspace.com
Peace!!
Monday, July 7, 2008
#7: ExTxA - no faith!
negative skate-thrash from sweden. 13 tracks in a little over 18 minutes, totally 80's hardcore style. fans of bandanna thrash, wxhxn? ds-13, i object! click picture to download, i suggest you do!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
#6 : magrudergrind
no false advertising. 62 tracks of thrash ranging from 2002-2005 covering almost an hour of music. 3 piece with dual vocals and lots gang vocals. songs switch up to some power violence influence. no joke, this band fuccckkkiinnnggg riiipppsss. click the picture to download.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
#5 demo reviews/uploads.
duke nukem forever : straight out of california bringing their style of fast hardcore. all i can sum it up as fast, loud, and very angry. this ten song demo is actually pretty rad if can get over the monotonous material. all the songs kinda sound the same, which is actually ok if you're duke nukem forever because it's all about cop killin', fellatio, and retard strength. i like it, you should too. click the picture to download the demo.
killedbyscenesters (r.i.p) demo : rowdy ass fastcore pimps is actually a pretty title for these dudes. 5 song demo is for fans of fast thrash with really screeching vocals. not like nice view, hellnation type but a little more audible, thankfully. and again, thankfully it's 5 tracks cause you can get bored fast. the names goofy but oh well. they play
fast, and do it good, so click picture to download.what life is - 2007 demo: more california hardcore, similar to the style of hardcore that's more favorable lately. it's a cleaner sounding style that's still rough sounding. i love the vocals, actually one of the only bands of the style i do like. 5 song demo for fans of outbreak, beartrap, etc. again, picture to download.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
#3: despise you, weekend nachos
despise you interview was brief as fuck, so pretty much just expect a split with agoraphobic nosebleed and another split 7" with capitalist casualties. stay on the look out.
weekend nachos is one of those bands that makes me believe theres still hope for hardcore. i wish i couldve made it to dudefest to see and meet them. i caught up with john and heres how it went:
TS:tell me who you are and what you do?
WN:i'm John, i do vocals, write all the lyrics and most of the music. most of you know me as "the shit-talking 16 year old from Weekend Nachos" but that's probably because i said something you didn't want to hear about yourself. not my fault you're a fucking poser.
TS:where in the world did you decide weekend nachos?
WN:well i'm assuming you're referring to our band name and how we came up with it. it's just randomness, man. people need to stop judging a book by its cover, and that's the main reason for a hard, brutal band like us having a silly name like Weekend Nachos. you all need to either get over it or just don't listen to us, either way it's fine but complaining about it definitely isn't necessary. the guy who reviewed our LP in MRR took up the entire paragraph complaining about how he hates our name, and didn't say jack shit about the record itself. not surprising coming from a piece of shit zine like MRR, but still, how are people this dumb?
TS:everyone i talk to now a days knows about weekend nachos, you guys draw in kids from all over the place. what's the past few years been like for you and the band?
WN:ha, funny you mention that cuz it took people a little while to come around. in 2004 when we first started no one even gave it a second glance, we were just an obnoxious "grindcore" band from Dekalb who had retarded sounding vocals and couldn't play our instruments. now in 2008 my mind is blown at the different kinds of people who get into it. you got poser crusties skanking around with their dogs, youth crew straight edge kids finger pointing, white trash mosh bros clobbering people on the edge of the pit... to me, hardcore isn't about unity, but it is about a bunch of kids all coming together and beating the fuck out of eachother. when we started our band i never thought we'd have such a diverse group of supporters. i'm 100% all for it. you should like what you like and never ever fall into a stereotype or a specific genre.
TS:when can we get some new jams? whats going on for 2008?
WN:this summer, we will have a brand new album out. it's going to be another full-length LP. expect it to be harder, heavier, and more upsetting than anything else we've done so far.
TS:i'm gonna try to make my way out to dudefest this year, what are you anticipating those few days in summer?
WN:honestly, i have no idea what Dudefest is. the guy who sets it up was very insistent that we play it and i thought that was reason enough to do it. if someone is showing that much respect and support towards Weekend Nachos, we will play just about any show. i have no idea what to expect, but i'm stoked that the dude (no pun intended) asked us to play and from what i hear it's a pretty successful fest every year. regardless, i'm excited about it!
TS:think you'll make it out to the east coast anytime soon?
WN:yes, this summer when our new record comes out, we will tour the entire U. S. again.
TS:thanks for everything, anything you'd like to say?
WN:hmm, not really, oh yeah i guess i would like to say that 75% of our fans are judgemental posers who are basically too "cool" for anything besides Dropdead. i want to let you all know that you're limiting yourself to a lot of great hardcore out there and just because someone doesn't sing about not eating animals and the war overseas doesn't mean you need to blacklist them. get off your high horse and listen to some real hardcore. that's all for now, thanks so much for the interview!
listen/find out more here
weekend nachos is one of those bands that makes me believe theres still hope for hardcore. i wish i couldve made it to dudefest to see and meet them. i caught up with john and heres how it went:
TS:tell me who you are and what you do?
WN:i'm John, i do vocals, write all the lyrics and most of the music. most of you know me as "the shit-talking 16 year old from Weekend Nachos" but that's probably because i said something you didn't want to hear about yourself. not my fault you're a fucking poser.
TS:where in the world did you decide weekend nachos?
WN:well i'm assuming you're referring to our band name and how we came up with it. it's just randomness, man. people need to stop judging a book by its cover, and that's the main reason for a hard, brutal band like us having a silly name like Weekend Nachos. you all need to either get over it or just don't listen to us, either way it's fine but complaining about it definitely isn't necessary. the guy who reviewed our LP in MRR took up the entire paragraph complaining about how he hates our name, and didn't say jack shit about the record itself. not surprising coming from a piece of shit zine like MRR, but still, how are people this dumb?
TS:everyone i talk to now a days knows about weekend nachos, you guys draw in kids from all over the place. what's the past few years been like for you and the band?
WN:ha, funny you mention that cuz it took people a little while to come around. in 2004 when we first started no one even gave it a second glance, we were just an obnoxious "grindcore" band from Dekalb who had retarded sounding vocals and couldn't play our instruments. now in 2008 my mind is blown at the different kinds of people who get into it. you got poser crusties skanking around with their dogs, youth crew straight edge kids finger pointing, white trash mosh bros clobbering people on the edge of the pit... to me, hardcore isn't about unity, but it is about a bunch of kids all coming together and beating the fuck out of eachother. when we started our band i never thought we'd have such a diverse group of supporters. i'm 100% all for it. you should like what you like and never ever fall into a stereotype or a specific genre.
TS:when can we get some new jams? whats going on for 2008?
WN:this summer, we will have a brand new album out. it's going to be another full-length LP. expect it to be harder, heavier, and more upsetting than anything else we've done so far.
TS:i'm gonna try to make my way out to dudefest this year, what are you anticipating those few days in summer?
WN:honestly, i have no idea what Dudefest is. the guy who sets it up was very insistent that we play it and i thought that was reason enough to do it. if someone is showing that much respect and support towards Weekend Nachos, we will play just about any show. i have no idea what to expect, but i'm stoked that the dude (no pun intended) asked us to play and from what i hear it's a pretty successful fest every year. regardless, i'm excited about it!
TS:think you'll make it out to the east coast anytime soon?
WN:yes, this summer when our new record comes out, we will tour the entire U. S. again.
TS:thanks for everything, anything you'd like to say?
WN:hmm, not really, oh yeah i guess i would like to say that 75% of our fans are judgemental posers who are basically too "cool" for anything besides Dropdead. i want to let you all know that you're limiting yourself to a lot of great hardcore out there and just because someone doesn't sing about not eating animals and the war overseas doesn't mean you need to blacklist them. get off your high horse and listen to some real hardcore. that's all for now, thanks so much for the interview!
listen/find out more here
#2 : to live a lie
was stoked to get the interview with tlal. constantly putting out good records and their samplers are gnarly. will gave me a pretty good history and future of the label. get the upload links later on in the post. enjoy
TS:start us off with your name, and what you do?
TLAL:My name is will. I do TO LIVE A LIE RECORDS. For my real job I actually just quit my old job doing computer repair and I'm doing tech support for the State of NC. Kind of exciting to have a little more money my way to continue to do releases.
TS:what gave you the idea to come up with the label, how did you get into it all?
TLAL:When I was 15 I played bass in a pretty so-so punk band and we self released two CDs. The name I used for my contribution on those was POSITIVE YOUTH PRODUCTIONS. Moving forwards, in about 2003 I started doing a record distro called Stronghold. I made a big Ebullition order to start it up. I remember getting some crucial stuff like SPAZZ/OPSTAND splits and LOS CRUDOS records. I put up a website and managed to get a pretty good distro up and running. I slowly bought up records wholesale from labels. I kept hearing from friends that I should put out some releases myself and do trades to get records to distro, but I always shrugged it off and said that it seemed like a lot to do. Funny thing is that now the releases are my priority and the distro is the secondary concern. Both are important but I do the distro to keep the label alive.
Fast forward to 2004 and I got to talking one day with my friends Ricky and Dub from Miami about doing a three-way split release for a MAGRUDERGRIND / GODSTOMPER record. I knew those two from when they were in a screamo band awhile back called TUNES FOR BEARS TO DANCE TO. Currently they are both in MEHKAGO N.T. and SHITSTORM, and Ricky is in TORCHE and a handful of other bands. Ended up that they didn't have money to do the record so it was a co-release between me and Jorge from NUCLEAR BBQ PARTY RECORDS. I got to see and meet MAGRUDERGRIND up at Charm City Art Space in December that year and was even more stoked.
The actual name of the label came from a screenname I've had since I was probably 13 and I still use today. Kind of geeky, but it seemed better than to be Whatever Thrash Records or something of that nature. TLAL seemed to just be like saying.. Will Butler Records, so I stuck with it.
TS:what's been your favorite memory so far?
TLAL:I have a lot of great memories. I'll list a few TLAL related shows that were amazing.
One of my favorites was at the end of December 2005 when I OBJECT, MAGRUDERGRIND, BLACK SS, and BAIL OUT! played a house in Raleigh called the Thrashitorium. I managed to pick up three extra large pizzas with veganrella and atomic tofu before the show and feed the bands and the show itself was excellent. I had never met anyone from any band other than MAGRUDERGRIND and was excited that everyone was nice and all the bands ripped that little house apart. Subsequently, I went down with MAGRUDERGRIND to This Is For You Fest and had a great time hanging out with them. I OBJECT, and some craziness on the beach with MUNICIPAL WASTE.
I also have fond memories of the TERMINAL YOUTH release show the beginning of January in 2007. It was booked after a full week of house shows and kind of fell through as far as the turn out was concerned because it was at this club downtown and people were tired and broke. ANS was supposed to play but they had van problems and I was bummed out I wasn't going to hang out with them. They had come through before and played a show with CLOAK/DAGGER and crashed at my house for a few days so I got to know them pretty well and was excited about being reacquainted with them. BLANK STARE ended up playing the show as well as SEASICK. There were so few people the sound guy had the band play on the floor (which ruled) and just mic'ed the vocals and didn't bother with anything else. BLANK STARE crashed at my house and had tire problems so we got to figure all that out together. TERMINAL YOUTH broke up not too long after that show so I'm glad I got to see them.
One last show I have to mention is the BLOODY PHOENIX show. They played with locals BODY SOIL and MAN WILL DESTROY HIMSELF back in August of last year. Just an excellent show. It was the second to last show at an amazing punk house in town called the GSS House.
Aside from shows, I really treasure the friendships I've made. I'm great friends with Paul who does GIVE PRAISE RECORDS, who I'm sure I'd never have met otherwise. I recently went to Kollapse Fest with Mike who does All Go No Slow Radio podcast, and it was excellent to hang out with him. I love meeting people at shows and its gratifying to sell releases and hear positive comments and feedback and see good reviews. I'm not in this for the money or I would have a distro full of $6 CDs and $3 7"s, I do it to have a good time doing it. I'm sure the moment I get tired of doing a label is the day I stop releasing records.
TS:what's up for future releases, you planning on doing another sampler anytime soon?
TLAL:Excellent question. Currently I have the HIP COPS / GATE split out. I have sold through my copies of the records and I just bought some more off another label.
Next up is the FINAL DRAFT 7" which is going to rip. Luis actually sent me the demo tracks of it awhile ago and asked me if it was too well record. I told him it was amazing and it is a huge improvement over the lo-fi-ness of the ARM split. Its going to be crushing, I'm seriously so excited about it, and it comes complete with a DESPISE YOU cover. Its being pressed at a record plant that I love because they do amazing thick, high quality records, but I don't use often because its expensive. Look for that soon.
Up after that is a 39 track FxPxOx CD containing all their recordings from 2003-2007, including the I OBJECT split I helped on, a live set, and will be an enhanced disc with a bunch of cool extras. FxPxOx's US tour a matter a months ago was canceled due to Macedonia denying their travel, so this will get me re-excited on them. I guess if I can't see an amazing band live, might as well release something amazing for them.
After that I have a record that was planned two years ago, and due to three masters being lost in the mail from Japan to here, it hasn't happened. Its a split between CONGA FURY and SHITSTORM, and will be the second TLAL exclusive release. This will destroy everything.
After that will be releases from COKE BUST, JUICE TYME, MESRINE, PLF, ARCHAGATHUS, SAKATAT, KAKISTOCRACY, and CHRONICAL A/D if all goes to plan.
Samplers will pop out as soon as I have new songs to put up. I've been just supplementing current samplers with songs as I go so there may be a revision of the current one.
TS:thanks for your time will, anything you'd like to say?
TLAL:I think I've already said too much already. I feel like I should say something cliche here.. so above anything, stick by what you believe and have a good time while doing so.
UPCOMING RELEASES:
TLAL.20 - SECRET
You will see in a couple weeks.. something I've worked hard on.
TLAL.21 - KAKISTOCRACY / NUX VOMICA - split 7"
KAKISTOCRACY play crucial NC mountain crust and have been around for probably a decade. This is their first output after a three year wait following their crushing LP on Profane Existence. NUX VOMICA is ex-Wake Up On Fire and is scathing, ripping, metallic crust punk.
TLAL.22 - ARCHAGATHUS / SAKATAT - split 7"
ARCHAGATHUS is the newly prolific Canadian AGATHOCLES-worshiping act, but I promise you they are better. Actual real thought out recordings rather than releasing random practice tapes from the mid 90's (sorry AGx, I have a special place for you in my heart even though I called you out). This stuff rips. SAKATAT from Turkey bring anything ARCH forgot in eight ripping quick grind anthems.
TLAL.23 - MESRINE / P.L.F. - split 7"
This is it. Thats all I can tell you. MESRINE from Canada have been around for more than a decade. Real, pissed, grindcore. Their newest recordings have a touch of death metal, or are at are at least more cleaned without sacrificing the raw mincing destruction. PLF tracks are so good! These tracks are like a cocophonous melange of grindcore and thrash metal. Wow. Texan domination. TLAL exclusive.
TLAL.24 - CONGA FURY / SHITSTORM - split 7"
CONGA FURY masters have been lost in the mail for three years until finally they have made the journey from Japan to myself in the US safely. Three years of anticipating this release and its finally almost here. Still waiting on SHITSTORM to record, but guess what, its worth it. After their Relapse release of "This Comp Kills Fascists," they are changing their sound for the better. Not sure if they want to me say why but you'll find out. If you haven't heard them before, the band plays mega brutal blastcore that has been known to crumple ceilings. Thats what was worth the three year wait. TLAL exclusive.
TLAL SAMPLER II
TLAL SAMPLER III
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
