Grassroots Street Art Vol.2         01. Realithamann - Pen and Tell         02. Purple Crush - Vacation         03. Drowse - Whiskey         04. The B.E - Dey Lie         05. Michele Moreno - Dandelion         06. Dean Austin - Funny Worldwide         07. Arik & 'Em - 7 in pair-a-dice (lovely)         08. Lady L. - Broken         09. Chris Marsol - Burning Up         10. Cocoa Brown - Original Comedy         11. Ron Patterson - Story Book         12. Femi - Let Me Remind You         13. Dreadstarr - Raise Ya Hands         14. Miki Ariyama - Koibito         15. Doctor Plik Plok - Space Pop     Download Time: 5 to 7 mins (DSL/CABLE)     Download Time: If you have Dial up "Forget it."         In today's music arena IVth Element Ezine realizes that good music is like your best friend. That's why the Grassroots Street Art music compilation is an experience worth having. 15 artists that are as culturally diverse as the genres they represent. We believe the music will speak for itself, and each featured artist will expose each of their fans to something new to enjoy. The genres of Hip-Hop, R&B, Punk, Pop, Dancehall-Rock, Spoken Word, Comedy, Soul, Experimental, & the fusion there of, have been collected to provide a glimpse at the future of music. Our hope with this project is that we set a precedent on multi-cultural community building, where all is one and celebrated as equal forms of artistry, talent, & entertainment.    Artist: Realithamann    Song: Pen & Tell      IVth: What do you feel is missing in music? Realithamann: Well I don't think there is anything missing in music, perhaps there is something missing in the artist. To many of us are driven by the dollar, not saying there's anything wrong with making money but I'll put it this way. If you trade at the stock exchange you don't invest in every stock you see/hear about (JUNK BONDS). Most of the music on major radio/televisions are JUNK BONDS: quick money, quick fix & quick end. We need to have more patience and choose music (Mature Funds) that will give us artistic benefits as well as long term financial returns. IVth: What do you see when you look in the mirror? Realithamann: I see a person who loves to help others over himself. I see a person who is driven to succeed. I see a son, brother, friend. I see NO LIMITATION to my dreams. IVth: What does the future hold for Realithamann? Realithamann: Many more projects. I guess that not good self promotion but whatever the next thing is (My Album Funk Blues) you'll be sure to know. IVth:How has music shaped your life? Realithamann: I would like to phrase that question in the reverse. How have I shaped music? I shaped music by making sure everyone who I've worked with is on point, I'm only interested in working with those who has control of their ego. Who understands that life is more then standing on stage and performing, we can do that however what about respect & honor. What about representing of our ancestors, family, fans and country. IVth: Who would you most like to collaborate with musically, whether known or unknown? Realithamann: Most of my heroes have passed away. However I like doing music with those people, whom I love and respect as people. The best oranges from Florida & California doesn’t make the best orange juice. Sometimes its the oranges in your own backyard that makes the best juice. What's in your MP3 player right now? Realithamann: Nirvana, John Mayer, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, The GAP band, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springteen, MC Hammer, Kid & Play, KRS-One, Organized Konfusion, Wu-Tang, Gangstar, Simon and Garfunkle, Michael Franks, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, New Editions, Boyz to Men, Tina Turner, Billy Holiday, Earth, Wind & Fire, Al Green and the Birds and crickets outside of my window. (Just to name a few) IVth: What do you do, when your not doing music? Realithamann: Let see: Play video games, visit my family, photography, watch sports, play sports, workout, Take Power naps, think about music, cook and make orange juice. How do you come up with your musical concepts? Realithamann: Song come up all the time, it really depends on how I feel. If I'm happy, you'll get a happy song. If I'm upset, you'll get a upset songs. If you live and pay close attention to the world around you, concepts will hit you in the head a million times a day. That's why I never get writer's block, with everything going on in the world how could I (Writer's Block = Lack of Passion).    Artist: Purple Crush    Song: Vacation      IVth: What's new with Purple Crush? PC: ISLA - well, we're about to release our 2nd LP, Tales of the Urban Hippy, at our new digital download store. Along with that, we are about to make a video for the first single, Pop Bitch, and are planning the release parties for November. The Pop Bitch/Vacation 7" has been out for over a month and has done well in the NY and LA club scene. IVth: You two seem to travel back east alot, what's the difference in the music scene here in L.A. and over there in NYC? PC: JARED-well, to start with, its more spread out in LA, so something might be going on thats in your vibe and you might not know about it even if its right next door. On the other hand, that same something in NY might be closed to you if you don't quite fit the vibe. Contrary to popular belief, LA musicians tend to be more open to different crossovers of genre. Now having said that, the musicians I am closest to almost all live in NY. shout out to Probe dms, 33hz, Solo, and Naifian ISLA- NY is based on the arts and LA is based on entertainment. Both exist in both places, and both need the other to survive. IVth: Your music is a fusion of Rock, Hip-Hop, and Funk; what made you decide on that direction for your music? PC: ISLA-We're both originally from Seattle, so the rock comes from our highschool days wearing flannels in the clubs. Our years in NY really discovered the hip-hoppers within us - and it was LA that brought out the funk. although, i like to think that the funk has been with us from the beginning.... JARED-decide? we don't decide......it just is...... IVth: What is the ultimate goal for Purple Crush the group? and for Crushed Records the company behind the group? PC: ISLA-Ultimately, we want to Crush the world with Purpleness. As our empire grows, we look forward to expanding the roster on Crushed Records. JARED-along those lines I see purple crush being a foundation of some kind. Business will be part of it - the business of selling music - but our music has a positive undertone and want that to be distributed world wide. IVth: If you have day jobs, you have our permissin to go ahead and quit, but really how often do you get to sit back and create this musical materpiece? PC: ISLA-It never really stops. Jared tends to rotate between obsessing over the guitar and making beats. When we're on a heavy performance schedule, we tend to spend our energy on that, although sometimes the day after a gig is the most inspiring time creatively. JARED-thanks for your permission. i'm quitting tomorrow IVth: Are either of you artistic in any other art mediums? if so Explain. PC: ISLA-We both are very visual people. Part of why i love what i do is that, aside from performing and writing, i get use other mediums to suppliment Purple Crush. Often i'll sew costumes, and i am Purple Crush's in house graffiti artist for graphics and such. Jared shot the cover photos for the Oil Me Down 12" and designs the website. IVth: What is the future of music in your eyes? Is it getting better or worse to listen to? PC: JARED-It never changes. I think Duke Ellington said it best: "there are only 2 kinds of music. good and bad." IVth: Musicians get little or no recognition for how important they are to music production in general. Every sample is a note from a chord played from an instrument. It seems that music has less and less 'true' musicianship. Give us your thoughts on the subject. PC: JARED-it'd be a little easier to appreciate musicians if everyone wasn't already one. ha ha just kidding. Seriously, though, I wonder what true musicianship means. Back in the day you were a musician if you could score an orchestra. nowadays you are one if you can program a hot drum beat. Personally i'd rather program a hot drum beat. ISLA- I think instinct is the most powerful element to musicianship. The instinct gets translated through whatever means is available to you. IVth: If you were teaching a music appreciation class to junior high schoolers', what would you teach them? Would your curriculum be more technical (musician) or artistic (singing/songwriting)? Explain. PC: JARED-I'd teach them to cut down on the sugar, then i'd ask them what their favorite songs are, then i'd show them the original track that was sampled to make their favorite song. Ofcourse they'd probably have lost interest by then so i guess at that point i'd have to whip out the guitar and give them a shredding they'd never forget. ISLA: Every class would have to end in a jam session. IVth: You guys are on MySpace right? So tell us in 30 words or less why its good to be a Myspacer! PC: JARED-thirty words is not enough. ISLA- Don't listen to Jared, he's never on Myspace. I'm the Myspace manager. All I'll say is this...the internet is the new streets.    Artist: Drowse    Song: Whiskey      How did you come up with your bands name? Drowse: I once had an alarm clock that had a "drowse" button instead of a "snooze" button. I liked it. Since my band has a lot of energy but I'm real mellow, I thought it worked well. People thought I was Drowse, not just my band. Drowse has become my nickname. Who are the members of Drowse? Mike Biagiotti- vocals,guitars, Nate Mulhern-guitars, Ca$h D- bass, Marty Witt-drums. What inspires you? Drowse: The truth. I like to paint little slice of life pictures. Usually a little gritty. I like to let my emotions react and then use my intellect to sort through it and tell a story. Hopefully I can entertain people and also give them something to think about. Is there a difference between black and white music.? Drowse: Thats very difficult to say, but it seems to me some of the race issues involved with music are breaking down. I don't feel most younger kids think about things in terms of something being black or white music. If its there to be listened to, it will be listened to. I think its a step towards racial and cultural harmony. Your 5 year goal? Drowse: Put out a successful indie label record that garners enough attention to put out a major label album. Who would like to collaborate with? It would be cool to have Perry Farrell (of Jane's Addiction) do some guest vocals on a song. It also would be interesting to see how someone like Dr. Dre would produce a Drowse track. What's in your very near future? Drowse: New songs and hopefully a new demo very soon. What artist are you currently listening to? Drowse: Nirvana, White Stripes, Janes Addiction, The Go-Go's, Run-DMC In three words describe your sound? Drowse: Bluesy Punk Rock          Artist: The B.E    Song: Dey Lie      IVth: What made you guys decide to blend Hip-Hop and Spoken Word? BE: Jcrow- Originally we mixed Spoken Word in our songs because of the influence of X-Clan, Professor X and Brother J. They were playing off of each other in their songs and we began to dabble in it the same way with our songs. We used Spoken Word on a limited basis back then, mainly as interludes or briefly to wrap up the meaning of a song. As we began to study and understand how groups such as the Last Poets carried whole songs with the art form, we used it to create whole songs or full verses blended with rap verses. JDC- before Def Poetry Jam, Beats Lyrics and Conscious Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K) combined spoken word to our Hip-Hop because we understood the power behind the growing Spoken Word art form. Although it has never really given us commercial value, ‘real heads’ have always recognized the power behind our music and the power of influence we provide in every song! IVth: The last poets were phenomenal in their ability to move people to activism, what role does your art expression play in today's cultural movement? BE: JDC- The Last Poets were fearless, they were organized, but more than that they stayed on topic. Their movement was our movement, and in a lot of ways it still is! I’d like to think we continue to strive to express the feelings and concerns of the people, while remaining in sync with the pulse of the Hip-Hop community at large. Our music is elevated conversations of freedom- spiritually, mentally, physically (health), & financially- we look forward to the responsibility of being role models in this rap game! IVth: How often is your poetry a reflection of your personal life and relationships? Or is your art a reflection of this social distortion we call America? Explain. BE: Jcrow- My poetry always has elements of my personal life and relationships expressed in it. However, sometimes it can be what I perceive to be another person's reflections on a situation as well, in that way I'm a writer from an autobiographical and biographical sense as well. I enjoy writing what I think some one else is feeling at times, it's more interesting than just your own. As far as it being a reflection of social distortion, it can be that as well because you write as a journalist at times in your poetry. Poetry is always a wide interpretation of life, I write to understand and to get perspective every time. IVth: Who would you most like to collaborate with musically, whether known or unknown? BE: Lyrix - Puffy… Not for artistry but for the vast success that he has experienced. You can’t deny it and you must respect it. At this point I would like to experience "the machine" and there are plenty of great producers that can’t get you in the machine like Puffy. JDC- KRS-One, he was very instrumental in my early Hip-Hop development. His music has always focussed on the truth of the black experience in America, and I have mostly identified with his philosophy in regards to the culture. Its sad because looking at the Hip-Hop artists of today, you just don't see anybody who stands for anything, whether it be for the sake of the youth or for black people's social-economic/social-political/spiritual advancement. Fighting for freedom, being progressive, developing creative ways to bring about evolved mind states for our youth- are not things of the past, these things are more critical to our youth today than ever before. This war, the threat of the war continuing for years to come, are challenges our youth are not ready to face. PUT DOWN THE VIDEO GAMES & TURN OFF THE TV, & educate yourself about the options you have… that’s what I learned from listening to KRS-One, he gave me options to consider. IVth: Where do you pull your song content from? Relationships, pain, anger, or more joyful experiences? BE: Lyrix - Lately I pull my content from anger, pain, and relationships. Although as a lyricist I can pull from someone else’s situation and articulate it in a rhyme. JDC- I like to be inspired before I pick up the pen. The last song I wrote was 'Dey Lie' which was inspired by the war in Iraq and Hurricane Katrina. I felt inspired to remind fans of Hip-Hop music not to forget about our soldiers who are dying everyday in a War that was based on a lie, and secondly not to forget about the victims of Hurricane Katrina who are still dealing with the loss of their property and the various acts of fraud that the Federal Government has been responsible for. IVth: What is the future of the music scene? Where are musicians, singers, producers, & performers headed, in terms of progressive art? BE: JDC- It's an exciting time to be an artist (performer, singer, musician, writer, producer, etc.), I look at groups like Purple Crush for example, who have successfully combined Hip-Hop, Rock, & Funk for a mind-blowing musical experience. The fusion of these & other musical genres is the Now, in the Future we’ll probably see artists taking it back to the basics- where artists will explore/capture the fundamental attributes of all the musical genres; less soup, more meat.    Artist: Michele Moreno    Song: Dandelion      IVth: Where are you from and how has that shaped your musical identity? MM: I grew up in Chicago IL, but my grandparents are from Mexico. My dad was heavy into anything Latin (from Julio Iglesias to the Gypsy Kings) and the old school soul stuff of his that I bonded with was Gladys Knight and Al Green. Soul is big in Chicago, and I went to an almost all black school for 7th & 8th grade. It was there I was first exposed to Gospel music and Gospel choirs. That was a mind blowing experience for me. I also listened to urban House music & some blues, classic R&B and classic rock stations. So I loved everyone from U2, Jimi Hendrix, the Police, Peter Gabriel, The Cure and the Beatles to Stevie Wonder, Depeche Mode, Talking Heads, James Brown and Marvin Gaye. IVth: Where do you see your music career going in the next 5 years? MM: Well, I'm definitely going to put out a 10-song CD. That will be exciting and is only months away. From there I will simply try to share my music with as many people as possible, while trying to make a few dollars in the process. I suppose I should have a business plan or something, but I'm just taking one step at a time. IVth: Is songwriting difficult, or does life 'in general' make it easy? MM: For me songwriting has always been difficult. It's only been in the last year, that I'm really starting to understand structure and universal appeal in songwriting. In the beginning my stuff was so cerebral and long-winded (as in lots of long notes, not a lot of movement in chords), that my songs simply weren't that catchy. Now that I can play keyboards better, I can hear more chord changes and can create the musical support to make my vocal melodies simpler, and more free. IVth: Where do you pull your song content from? Relationships, pain, anger, or more joyful experiences? MM: That's a hard question to answer. Mostly I just play on the keyboard til I feel something. It's a visceral process for me -a longing for things I'll never experience again, as well as the melancholy of the idea that one day we'll all just fade away. I think of those things when I'm playing music, (which is odd because I'm such a happy person.) But sometimes I literally have to say to myself, "make a happy song and bump up the bpm!" IVth: Does your music have spiritual content? Explain? or If not, Do you think music 'in and of itself' is becoming more spiritually aware/conscious? & why? MM: I believe all music has a spiritual element - the lush-ness of someone's voice, or the playful nature of a melody, or the heartfelt solo on a guitar, they are all universal spirital elements. I would imagine that the very first music was voice and some type of beat, and was probably used in a fully spiritual state of mind and body. Today, some musicians continue that tradition, and others are disconnected from it. I'd say I'm somewhere in between. Sometimes I'm thinking, "is this hokey enough for radio?" and other times, thought is not part of the equation, and my musical expression is almost out-of-body. IVth: Tell us about your greatest experience, so far, as a performer? MM: In 2002, I sang backup for the legundary Ray Charles on a 5 week tour of the US. Every concert featured one of the Raelettes singing a solo number. Well, I had learned my song, but hadn't done it yet. So on my last night of the tour I asked Mr. C if we could do my solo (actually I sent a message to him through the "Head" Raelette). As we were about to go onstage, I was told, "you'll be doing your solo." It was a fundraiser for Jackie Collins' son, so sitting right in the front row were Jackie Collins, Robin Williams and that really tan actor, something Hamilton. I kind of had to block them all out, otherwise I might've been too nervous. But I sang, "Do It To Me Slow" backed by a big band and Mr. Ray Charles himself. What a trip! IVth: Most new artists like to make their own genre for many good reasons; what are your thoughts about your genre or the fusion of musical genres in general? MM: Practically every song I do is a fusion of styles. My song "Ruby B" blends pop with a little Salsa, and "Trippin" starts with an Indian riff but then goes 60s go-go. "Dandelion," the song on this compilation, has flamenco guitar riffs but is sort of Trip Hop. There is a lot of fusion stuff that I don't care for, but then there are people like David Byrne, who do an amazing job of blending genres and styles - he's one of my musical heroes. Also Aterciopelados: they're a Columbian band with rock and soul influences and they are amazing! They have a song on KCRW's compilation "Sounds Eclectico" - there's this funky accordion with the lead singers' rythmic vocal prowess. IVth: Who would you most like to collaborate with musically, whether known or unknown? MM: I would love to work with the 2 artists I mentioned above (David Byrne & Aterciopelados), or Bebel Gilberto (her CD Tanto Tempo is stunning), Fiona Apple (can I open for her?), William Orbit (produced Madonna's Ray of Light album), Amadou & Mariam (their CD Dimanche a Bamako produced by Manu Chao is painfully good) and Ozomatli (fiesta time!). IVth: What producers are you working with currently and what is it about their style that makes your works together so unique? Describe their sound. MM: Tree Adams did 2 tracks for me. He just really understands me musically and gives me specific ideas on all aspects of production. And when you find supreme artistic collaboration it's so unusual and it's so beautiful. I don't even have to say much to him, and he just does the things that I want to hear! Greg Kuehn is also doing an amazing job on my track "Trippin." He was the keyboardist for the socal punk band T.S.O.L., and he's played for a lot of big names. Now he does music for Film & TV, and his 2 kids are in a punk band called the Diffs. It's amazing how varied the background is of the musicians I've worked with. The most important thing is that they work with me, taking my cues and direction, which is really half the battle when working with producers. IVth: What can your fans expect from you in the near future? MM: A few more tracks, my first CD release and live shows. People have been asking, when's your next gig? I'm laying low trying to finish recording, but I recognize the importance of playing out, so I'm going to do that very soon. And I really hope to do a video of "Trippin." IVth: If you were speaking to a young person about music: would you guide them to learn music from a technical or an artistic viewpoint? or both? Explain. MM: Well, having learned from almost purely an artistic view point, I feel the pain of not knowing theory. Obviously, learning both is ideal. But really the heart of music is in your soul. IVth: For your band: who are the players and what instruments do they play? MM: Right now, I'm mostly a studio dweller, I don't have a band per se. There are 2 lovely and talented young ladies, USC grads, who are going to play live with me. We just had a great jam this weekend. They are Lindsey Hundley on keyboards and Lauren Kosty on percussion and vibraphones. I also found this amazing guitarist, Zane Carney, he's not even 21 and he's already on tour with somebody McCartney (not Paul, but a young male pop star). He's down with playing for me, when he's in town. That's the trouble with L.A. musicians. A lot of the good ones are out of town a lot! But I'm sure I'll get a regular group going!          Artist: Dean Austin    Song: Pamper your women      IVth: How would you describe your style of comedy? Is it a mix of several great comedic styles or it more focused on originality? DA: My comedy style is focused on being original! I have a tendency to talk fast off stage and it carries over on stage. I think that sets me apart from many comics’ cause I don't care what people think when it comes to how I do my comedy. I've had people say, "slow down cause you talk to fast," I would tell them listen up and enjoy the ride:)!! IVth: What’s the best thing about being a Stand-up comedian? What’s the worst? DA: The best thing about being a stand-up comedian is BEING A STAND-UP COMEDIAN!! Anyone who has a passion to do stand-up and not the passion to get rich or famous or material things understands what's great about being a comic. It's an extra bonus to make a living at it!! The worse thing about doing stand-up is not getting any laughs!! IVth: What should your fans know most about you? DA: That I'm sex machine!...haha:) Naw, I would like the fans know that I truly care about everyone that comes to my show to see me perform. What I mean is a lot of people come out to the show and think just because we're on stage doing comedy that they can't speak to us cause we're better than them and that's not true. I've talked to many of the audience members that come to the show and they tell me that most comics don't even come out to shake their hands or have any type of conversation with them. These are the comics that aren't even famous. Famous or not you should always look the person in the eye you're speaking to and tell them that you appreciate them coming to see your show!! Some comics act like they are doing the audience a favor for performing at the club. As comics, we should be happy that they came and paid to see us!!!! IVth: You’re on the road for long periods at a time, sometimes in the states and sometimes international; what are the biggest differences between your typical down home American audience and some of your more recent foreign audiences? DA: Really there aren't any differences between the two audiences. Everyone wants to laugh! All you have to do is learn about their culture and life and deliver it the way they like it. Being a good comedian is like being a politician...know the community's likes and dislikes and use that to your advantage on stage! IVth: You’re known for doing comic relief for our troops in Iraq. How does it feel to do comedy for our soldiers in battle? & In your opinion, how is their moral these days? DA: I really enjoyed performing for the troops overseas in battle! It was a very rewarding and enlightening experience!! The troops moral isn't good at all! After I finished a show in Iraq, one soldier told me that he got up that morning wishing he was dead or thought about killing himself, but he's happy that he wasn't dead and didn't kill himself because he got to see my show. Now that's a touching and painful thing to hear coming from a 24 year old young man that has his future fading in front of his eyes! He was a handsome model-type looking young man that could even make it in show biz if he really wanted to, but he might not even be alive today. IVth: What is your personal career goal for your comedy? A stand-up comedy special, your own TV show, to be in Movies, or something less extravagant? DA: I just want to do my stand-up and do movies! IVth: I believe Comedians make for better actors, as a comedian, which do you prefer on the big screen? Explain. DA: I prefer comedians!! I think that a comedian is a natural born actor, but acting is an art form that takes work just like being a comedian takes work. The only difference is that comics learn to act the moment they learn to hit the stage and actors have to learn to relax and get comfortable in the classroom. Getting on stage and doing stand-up is not the conventional way of learning to act and that's why comics are fearless enough to be great actors. IVth: Generally speaking, comedians leave stand-up for the big screen. I feel like when this occurs, that comedian loses part of his or her soul (the one thing that their original fan base fell in love with), and that’s a little disappointing for fans of stand-up comedy. What are your thoughts on this issue as it relates to your personal entertainment career goals? DA: I agree with you that some comedians lose their soul to the big screen and stop doing stand-up! I think that a true comic sticks with and keeps doing what he/she loves to do even after hitting the big screen! I will NEVER stop doing stand-up!! IVth: Are there any topics you won’t discuss in your comedy? DA: No there aren't any topics that I won't discuss. I think that it's important to speak from the heart when doing stand-up. IVth: What can your fans expect from you in the very near future? DA: My fans can expect more of me...more comedy shows in big and small towns across America and abroad, more television & movies along with taking time out to give back to the community. I have to do something that involves children. I also want to be a voice for sickle cell anemia. I just want to live and die happy!!!    Artist: Arik & 'Em    Song: in pair-a-dice (lovely)      IV: Who are the players? Arik: Arik Marshall- guitar, vocals, & songwriter Mark Cross- keys, vox (Weapon of Choice) Dawn Beckman- vox (Britney Spears, Res, Macy Gray) Audra Cunningham- vox Kaveh-bass (Dakah) Marina Bambino- percussion, vox (Played with Isley Brotherz) Tracy Wannomae- woodwindz (Macy Gray and Rickie Lee Jones) IV: Why the name? Arik: The name came from all the various name changes my previous bands would go through. I would get bored with the name or think of somethin' doper and change the name. So people I knew didn't know if the name had changed or not so they would just refer to us as Arik &'em. IV: Describe your music. Arik: Erotic, hypnotic, psychotic, symphonic, trance, dance, and romance musick from Uranus. (or you can just call it 'gypsyfunk!') IV: What do you hate most about the music biz? Arik: I hate how it's all about the dough and not the doe..re...mi! IV: What do you like most? Arik: There's really nothing I can say I like about it unfortunately. IV: Is there anything spiritual about your music? Arik: Yeah, my music iz spiritual cuzz I'm spiritual. I think a truly spiritual artist can write a song about mashed potatoes & gravy and it will be spiritual from an emotional standpoint; the feeling will still be there. IV: Who is your biggest influence musically? Personally? Arik: My biggest musical influence would have to be the U.S. Funk Mob, Parliament/Funkadelic, and Jimi of course! Personally, it would have to be 'The Greatest', Muhammad Ali. IV: Do you think music, in general, is going through a renaissance or is music, in general, in much need of a renaissance? Arik: It iz in desperate need of a renaissance! IV: How is your music different? Explain. Arik: My music iz different in the sense that I honestly express myself through music. If everyone would do that, then all music would be different, cuzz no two people are exactly alike. Like the blues, some people say it all soundz the same, but Robert Johnson sounds very different to me from Son House, and B.B. King don't sound nothing like Albert King. IV: Why should the world hear your music? Arik: The world should hear my music cuzz they might like it. To give folks the option to dig it or discard it. Hopefully more than less would get out their shovel! IV: What is the most underrated genre of music? Arik: Most underrated genre of music? um...Fishbone music! IV: What is today's top-selling music missing? Arik: Almost everything: originality, genuine soul, art not ego, balls, beauty, and rawness.          Artist: Lady L    Song: Broken      IVth: What inspires you to do spoken word? L.L: I have a thing with detail and paintin' THAT picture. Poetry allows me that. In school, growin up, I took acting/theatre/speech classes and it eventually became a tool for me to verbally and physically express myself. Nothing is better than an artist being able to "act" out their creations, their art. I feel as though I am blessed with the ability to do that. What inspires me? Life. People. The world. Matters of the Heart. Emotions. Experience. Struggle. Inspiration. Colors. Everything! If I can think and feel about it, I can write and express it. It's all about relating to one another. It’s all about sharing the same experiences. IVth: What's your ultimate goal for your art? Def Poetry Jam, a book, to open a cafe, or something else? Explain. L.L: I definitely wouldn't mind being on Def Poetry Jam! (GET AT ME MOS!!! *laughs*) Ultimately as an artist, if I could travel the world and share my words while gainin' experience to write more, I'd be more than content! If you're askin' in regards to makin' a livin' with my art - I'd love to make/sell albums and eventually have a series of poetry books sellin' on the shelves ya'dig? Now, if I get to THAT point and become more than comfortable financially, I'd be on some other ... helpin' the "world" and its "people" as well as dippin' into other parts of the industry. IVth: The Last Poets were phenomenal in their ability to move people to activism, what role does your art expression play in today's cultural movement? L.L: *WHOO* You comin' with it aren’t you?! *laughs* Currently, I don't have those type of pieces that are showcased on my website (its under construction) but I do write about "change" and culture. My art expression itself, I believe, shows cultural movement just by the experiences I speak of being a young - dare I say - Asian woman tryin' to live this life "HERE". Stereotypes are a... and if I'm lucky enough I can make people listen by my voice. If they listen, then damn, relatin' will manifest change... make sense? I also speak on many matters of the heart and as a WOMAN and dealin with relationships with the opposite sex, things are mad different - we (women) have changed in the way we deal with things. Ha, I would go into detail but listen to my pieces; you'll know what needs to change. IVth: How often do you find yourself on the Mic and how do fans of spoken word respond to your work? L.L: I'm not on the mic too often as far as performances go, I'm tryin' to stay with that pen and pad right now so I can get the vocals recorded. But, at the few that I've done, I certainly demand attention. Think about it for a second, you see a 5'1" Asian woman come to the stage... what do you think "most" people expect to hear? *LAUGHS* Then there I go speakin', not only with POETRY but with vivid visuals and lyrical content. Those who are feelin' it ask for more and thats always good, lol. But on the other hand, you have people that aren't really "listenin" to me or "open" to my art so I get nothin' from them *laughs* Eh, that's how it works though right? IVth: How often is your poetry a reflection of your personal life and relationships? explain. L.L: Damn, all in the business! *LOL* OFTEN. Let me explain something, I'm around people all day, everyday. By bein' around people and communicatin with them, I generally deal with their personal lives, their relationship and thus, THEIR EXPERIENCES. I can relate to them with my experiences so I can reflect and write about how it "feels". It's all about relatin and when you tap into emotions - thats tappin into being "human" , FEEL ME?! IVth: Is your poetry a release or an escape? Or what verb best describes your art? and why? L.L: Both. A release because growin up in my household, I wasn't able to really SPEAK on how I felt about certain situations. I carried that with me as I grew older but I got to a point where I would spill it out on paper and most of my pieces just come out flowin' fluidly like water without much thinkin. I just listen to myself and express. I also believe that, sometimes, its easier to write things down because paper won't talk back to you, it just "takes" it without being judgemental or resistant. As an escape, it makes me feel better... that mental vomit when an issue or feelin' is so intense that I gotta let it out. A verb? *looks back* INTENSE. I bottle thoughts up where it becomes deeply felt and comes out like... *BREATHES* IVth: Do you express yourself in any other genres of art? Tell us about that experience. L.L: Yes'yes, I sure do. I sing and draw. I don't sing or draw "professionally" but I can say I'm good at it. I use to sing when I was younger and I do the occasional karaoke to force myself to do it in front of others to get rid of the shyness I have *laughs* I practice on occassion with both arts to stay somewhat sharp - testing my vocal range and drawin' pictures that move me. I eventually will incorporate singin' in my poetic pieces and drawings in my future poetry books. IVth: Who are some of the producers you've worked with? Tell us about their sound? L.L: Currently, I work with two producers. One of whom is a good friend of mine - LP of WL PRODUCTIONS and a cat from DC named EPIDEMMIK. LP's sound is pretty versatile, from hard beats to experimental. He generally creates beats that suit an artist and in my case, soulful. Epidemmik does a wide range as well. He does samplin, funk, soul and straight hip hop. IVth: What is the future of the spoken word genre? & What role will you play in that? L.L: I believe the spoken word genre, dependin on how you receive it, will become more known in the future. I'm not too sure on how commercialized it will be but I know more people will be exposed to it. They will be able to distinguish the art from everything else. I will definitely expose the art outside the US. Hittin' places that are artistically and culturally rich, whose people are open to listenin' and relatin' to me. IVth: What can your fans expect from you in the coming months? L.L: Definitely launchin' my official website and releasin' my first album. Until then, I'll be sittin' tight with an open mind and heart, soakin all that comes to me so I could put it on paper and record those vocals.    Artist: Chris Marsol    Song: I'm burning up      IVth: In your band: who are the players, and what instruments do they play? CM: Chris Marsol: vocals/ guitar Cam guitar Rob fix bass Remy Natore drums Willsap keyboards IVth: Describe your style of music. CM: Well...since my style will change all the time..., i'll speak about ROCKiT SCIENCE (my debut album). I'd like to think of it as alternative rock, POP and soul/R&B. I don't think the record sounds like anybody out right now. IVth: What inspires you to do music? & How do you want your music to inspire others? CM: Every song is inspired by something different. Sometimes it's a movie or a friend's experiences, or my experiences, childhood memories, hopes and wishes, other music, fantasy....But overall i am inspired to do music because it is who i am. Painters paint, Bankers Bank, teachers teach and Marsol does music. The music is for my own personal _expression, but i hope that people feel what i'm doing. Maybe they'll feel it intellectually or maybe they'll just like the beat or the overall vibe....i don't care which...just as long as they feel something. IVth: I'm a huge fan of New Edition and the earlier career of Bobby Brown; in your opinion has music grown since the likes of groups/performers like this or are there even better groups/performers now? CM: Well in regards to R&B....i feel as though this is the genre with the slowest growth. There's not much difference between songs played on the radio in the mid 90's to now (mid '00s). You can't really say that for other music. Even hip-hop sounds different than the days of biggie and tupac circa 94. . the "crunk" sound has taken over. Garage rock has taken over the pop rock and the grunge. Brittany Spears/ N SYNC pop has been phased out. I could go on. But you could take any R&B song from '96 and play it on any R&B station and if you didn't tell people...they prolly would think it's new or just a couple of years old. IVth: What is the future of the music scene? Where are musicians, singers, producers, & performers headed, in terms of progressive art? CM: The future of music is generally in a retro state right now....from "neo" soul to the "80's" sound of rock and the "60's" retro rock goin on right now. IN my opinion, the 80's was one of the most progressive times in music where artists were fearless and would try anything. Clear Channel and Huge Multi-national Record companies have put an end to a lot of risk taking, which is soooo crucial to the development of an artist and the progression of music. BUT this is where the indie labels shine....they sign bands that are not necessarily attractive to Huge labels...but who have their niche. With Rock/rap callabos and NERD and others....it's soon gonna be ok for a black dude to do rock again.....and when i say ok i mean...having $ behind them to promote them the right way. I guess Lenny's gotta carry the torch for now....it's a shame that people think Rock is a White art form...when it's originators were Black. I think a lot of people would be shocked to find out who wrote Elvis Presley's songs. IVth: What is your 5-year goal for your music? CM: 5-year goal for my music is to stay alive and keep breathing and never repeat myself. IVth: I went to college in the bay, and I chose to go to L.A. in order to pursue my music dreams, so I have mixed feelings about music and the Bay Area. Do you think living in the Bay Area helps your career or hurts it or both? Explain. CM: Living in the Bay helps my art because it is an eclectic place and i'm able to draw from all kinds of influences...but if i want to make moves...i gotta go to LA. Sorry, but Sony and J records and all that bullshit ain’t in SF. IVth: If you had a chance to collaborate with any artist (well known or otherwise), who would you most like to record with? CM: I would love to collaborate with.....Sherryl Crow or Alanis Morissete....2 women artist that i absolutely love...in the rock genre. Or maybe Lauryn Hill as well. IVth: I'm a young musician and I can sing pretty good and I'm looking to get in the music industry. What advice can you give me to get myself started? CM: To get started in the music game.....START! IVth: What can your fans expect in the very near future? CM: In the near future i'll be playing out a lot more...outside the bay and i'll be working on my new record...actually i'm working on it now. IVth: What artists are you listening to currently? CM: Currently I am listening to Ryan Adams (Rock N Roll), Ben Kweller (Sha Sha), Lenny Kravitz (Greatest hits), and Ray J (Raydiation) Lol! oh yeah....and Ray Charles.    Artist: Cocoa Brown    Song:Original Comedy       IVth: Why is life in L.A. so hard? Or is it easy? Cocoa: Life in L.A. can never be easy, no matter what level you are at in you career. It's a constant hustle. The hustle to make it, the hustle to stay in the mix, to be seen, to be popular. Show business in my opinion is the only business in the world that doesn't care how well trained you are, how professional you are, how talented you are or anything else for that matter. It's all based on somebody in power in this town thinking you are all of that and having a desire to make you make them money. Even when someone makes it to that elite level of super-stardom they have a whole different kind of hustle to deal with. It can be really discouraging when you don't have a support system or a very high level of self-esteem and self respect to begin with. I wonder if you ever get to the point in this town or business that you are completely satisfied with where you are. It's all about the grind and how much of your time, talent and eventual soul you are willing to sacrifice to make it. IVth: What is your 5yr goal for your career? Cocoa: I gave myself 5 years to make it in this town, but each day that timeline gets a little shorter. I desire greatly to have my own show, comedy or drama, before I leave. I want to be one of the hottest and most sought after comedian/actress in the game. I want to have a sense of security and stability in my life, personally and professionally. I hope to be off the road so much and focus more on my acting and the many projects such as TV, film and/or stage to exercise my talents. I want to be universally recognized and respected. I want to complete, produce and star in my one-woman show, Confessions of a Suicidal Diva, and eventually make it into a movie. IVth: What should your fans know most about you? Cocoa: That Cocoa Brown is my alter ego, an over-exaggerated extension of my true self. That I am more than the sassy, don't take no mess, say whatever I damn well please woman. I am compassionate and hardworking. That I love hard and unmercifully. That I love the black man and all his idiosyncrasies and I pray each day that he will eventually love us, black women, back. I want to be married and in love completely with the man I marry as he is with me, I will settle for nothing less. I love children and I desire to have at least one before I die. I cook like I use to be a slave and I love to cook with love for my loved ones. I treasure my girlfriends (Elanda, Bita, Vicki, Caroline, Stacey and Nikki) so much, for true girlfriends are so hard to find and keep these days. I truly believe in and practice daily real sisterhood. I love my brothers, Kenny, Tony, Rico, Dondrick and Khyle to absolute death. That I thank them everyday for being such beautiful examples of black men and they give me hope that my king is out there somewhere. I'm a Daddy's girl to the core and the act they see, he never will. My Mom is my hero, strong, confident and beautiful everyday. I love life, but despise some of the bull... that comes with it. I'm finishing my Master's in Education as we speak, so if Hollywood won't give me a chance I may be teaching your kids one day. And last but not least, if I meet you and smile, believe that my actions are real because Hollywood has made me very guarded of my life, time and heart, so if I let you in, know that it is genuine. IVth: The industry is harsh, trendy, & often ridiculously predictable- why would anyone in their right mind want to be in it? Cocoa: It's forbidden fruit, that's what show business is. To regular people it is a life they dream about and read about incessantly. That's why papers like the Enquirer will never go out of business. I ask myself daily why I chose a career that takes way more than it gives back. But it's the belief that you might get in the door, you might make it and look back on all the hard work, let downs and disappointments and say it was all worth it. The idea of being as big as Will, Halle, Tom or Brad drives your engine called ambition. The thought that you gave up too soon drives you to keep going. IVth: I believe Comedians make for better actors, as a comedian, which do you prefer on the big screen? Explain. Cocoa: I love to watch my colleagues on the big screen or TV. I know a lot of them personally and to see their real personalities creep through in their characters is a delight. I once read that comedians are some of the most troubled and complex of individuals and we have mastered the art of translating our pain into something funny. That to me is true talent. Anyone can act like someone else but to be able to channel our pain, our experiences and our innermost darkest of emotions into a character is something we do every time we step on a stage and grab a microphone. Hollywood really hasn't realized the vast resource of true actors they have in stand-up comedians, but when they do we will rule the industry! IVth: Generally speaking, comedians leave stand-up for the big screen. I feel like when this occurs, that comedian loses part of his or her soul (the one thing that their original fan base fell in love with), and that’s a little disappointing for fans of stand-up comedy. What are your thoughts on this issue as it relates to your personal entertainment career goals? Cocoa: A true comedian can never leave the stage that made them. It's our therapy, our drug of choice (or at least our first drug anyway!). Even those who haven't performed on stage in ages can't stay out of the comedy clubs. It's something we need because it reconnects us to our roots, our pain, our past and our 1st real love. Those who leave completely have most likely sold their soul for the glitz and glamour of super-stardom, but trust they will eventually return because they will have new trials and tribulations to express and the stage is the only place we feel totally comfortable doing it. Even if I chose to teach full time one day, I would never let go of the stage. I love the ability to vent totally and get a buck or two to do it. It's my therapist, my Mom, My Dad, My pastor, My husband and my friend at times when I need to let go of some demons. If and when I cross over to fame and notoriety I will always go on the road and do stand-up, it's my 1st love and you never get over them. IVth: Whom would you say you are most similar to or can associate your style of comedy to, whether past or present and/or male or female? Cocoa: I've been compared or likened to a lot of people. Monique, Richard Pryor, Sam Kinison, Moms Mabley. But, I had the pleasure of being mentored by so many great comedians that have yet to get their just due. The comedians that I associate myself with are only recognizable if you are a true fan of black comedy. Comedians like Earthquake, Kool Bubba Ice, JB Smoove, Leon Rodgers and The Fat Doctor are the ones I admire and look up to. They aren't household names, but to me they are real stars in the game. Their individualism, their creativity and their love and dedication to the game inspire me. IVth: What’s the best thing about being a Stand-up comedian/actress? What’s the worst? Cocoa: The best thing has been the traveling. I have seen the world and gone places I know I may have never seen if I wasn't Cocoa Brown. I have lived briefly in Amsterdam. I have been on virtually every continent telling jokes. I have been to almost every Caribbean Island and got my groove back too many times. I have met people and made friends from all over the world. This is by far the best perk of being Cocoa Brown. Two of the worst things about being a stand-up and actress are the loneliness and the rejection. You are usually by yourself seeing the world and it gets a bit depressing living in hotel rooms and out of a suitcase. I miss the simple pleasures of life because of my career, like barbecues, weddings, family reunions and girl’s night out because I am always on the road. It also can be a bit discouraging knowing that you were the best in the audition room, but didn't get the part because you weren't small enough, big enough, connected enough, blah, blah, blah. There is 95% rejection and only 5% success while you are trying to make a name for yourself, so you have to pat your own back a lot. IVth: What advice would you give to an aspiring young lady coming up in this industry? Cocoa: First never sleep where you eat, i.e. don't get too friendly with your male counterparts. Trust me ladies they talk, a lot. Second, know the business because even if you have management, you need to be able to talk the talk and walk the walk at any given time. You have to be a businesswoman and promote yourself constantly. Third, always remain a lady and don't let anyone take you out of your character. You will be hated on at some point, especially if you are attractive and funny. Keep in mind it will most likely be male actors/comics hating on you the most, which to me is crazy, but sadly true. And last but not least, always have a back up plan because this business ain't no joke and you always need somewhere to go and something to do when you need to de-tox from the constant hustle of the game. Also, please stay true to self, for there will be many times ahead that the only thing that is keeping you from going completely insane is your morals, integrity and self-respect.    Artist: Ron Patterson    Song:Story Book       IV: Describe your style of music. Ron: Hip Hop R&B Soul with a blend of old classic rhythms. Content that relates directly to individuals while captivating the masses. IVWhy does the Music Game need you? Ron: R&B has become redundant. The industry needs a sound that respects the pioneer sounds of the past. Also the industry is just bland and needs a new sense of creativity. I have fun and focus on the rhythm pocket to keep you bobbing your head and singing along with the hook and verses of each song. IVHow often do you write songs or make music? Is there a special place where you create your music? Ron: You know I have to be inspired to write. It's not like I say hey I'm about to write a song. I only write hits and hits come to you. I don't normally write lyrics down anyway. Usually the music inspires me. So with a hot track on I move my body to find the exact pocket for the listener. Then I think about how moving my body to the pocket actually makes me feel (happy, sad, gangsta, sexy, angry, silly, etc.). Then at that point I take my feeling and apply that to the message or content. I'm fairly technical when it comes to writing. It's like math to me. So ultimately the my songs are designed to put the listener in the mood I was in when writing the piece and have them understand the rhythm and feeling to remember the content. Once the listener remembers the content, you have a hit. That's Ron P. 101 IV: When was the 1st time you sang in front of an audience, that wasn't your family or friends? How was that experience? Explain. Ron: Man I don't even know if I remember. But I do remember my first real performance when I was in a group The Fly Guys and our first show was at Carlos & Charles now known as Dublin's on the Sunset Strip in LA It felt good, we were all like 11 and 12 in a 21 and over club. I was the lead singer and you will be surprised what some woman will do to a kid. I have never been stage shy so I was a little hyper kid singing to all the ladies. I was singing my heart out. LOL, that's where it all started. IV: Where does your talent for singing/songwriting come from? Is it something that you have to practice often, or does it come naturally? Ron: My style is my mind so it kind of comes naturally from God and my experiences. I take my career seriously so of course practicing on a regular basis helps sharpen my skills and keep it coming. IV: In today's Music Arena whom do you most associate your style with? Who would you most like to collaborate with? Ron: I never really know how to answer that question because I feel like no artist is doing what I am planning to do with my music. I am inspired by Stevie, Marvin, Outkast, 50 Cent, Bilal, James Brown, and many more. I am into unique sounds and flavor so hopefully I will soon have a category of my own. IV: I'm a huge Prince fan and lately I've been missing his level of artistry, what advice can you give me? For example, is the future of music more likely to fall in to the hands of a 'would be' John Legend or 'would be' Usher? Ron: Well I feel you. I have yet to here another Prince but some things can never be duplicated. My first advice is to encourage that particular person to do some research. The radio and tv are all bombarded by politics and money. These sources only show you the stuff that people pay them to show in one way or another. You should search for the artists unseen. They are out there but since this is a business, having serious talent is not enough. I would say once you find a few sources, help them reach their goals by spreading the word. IV: Is there anything spiritual about your music? Ron: I have not had a chance to really get into the spiritual aspects of my content. I know that will come eventually but now I focus on being creative with simple realities, which is harder than being creative in spiritual concepts. People need to get to know me first before I take them on my spiritual journey. It's like poetry, the best poets talk about things that are simple and become clever in their delivery. I can't stand poets that get all super spiritual and you don't even know what the hell they are talking about. No disrespect but I fall asleep on those cats in a hurry. IV: I'm a young person looking to start a career in singing and songwriting; can you tell me what steps I should take to get the right start? Ron: Wow this is tough. My only advice is to never wait for anyone to give you anything. It will not happen. Or at least look at it that way. Focus on your craft and marketing plan. Your stuff has to look good and sound good. Work on your stage show too. Most artists touch the stage and they are weak. That turns off fans and gets around fast and you will not last. Be able to grab the mic and hold it down with few resources. Keep at it and don't stop. You will acquire more and more resources because people will start to believe in you and then the sky is the limit. And most of all do not get discouraged. IV: Tell your fans what they can expect in the very near future? Ron: Expect nothing but the best music you will ever hear. Every song for me gets better and better and comes closer to you. The more you listen to me the more I will become a part of your life. I want to bond with you to let you understand I am just like you. I don't make it seem like I am a star. I am just the cat around the corner from you with that hot music who is doing the damn thing. Ha ha!    Artist: Femi    Song: Let Me Remind You      IVth: How long have you been singing and how did you get started? Femi: I’ve been singing all my life. My first performance was in elementary school in a rendition of “roots” by Alex Haley/ Music by Quincy Jones. My professional career didn’t begin until I was about 23, when I did my first open mic. IVth: Where are you from and how has that affected your style of music? Femi: I’m from Oakland Ca. Home of the FUNK…baby! Yes, I’m funky…and as history has shown us Prince, James Brown and Marvin got their touring musicans from Oakland. There must be something in the water. IVth: What's the hardest part about Song Writing? Femi: Being open enough to view the world and write something that everyone can relate to. IVth: What inspires you to do music? & How do you want your music to inspire others? Femi: Music itself. No matter how long you’ve been doing it, the mastery of music is a life-long journey. I want my music to inspire, uplift and give a voice to a community that otherwise might not have one. IVth: If you could play a role in a movie of a famous singer, who would it be? or would you play yourself? Explain. Femi: Minnie Riperton, Patrice Rushen, Sheila E or Teena Marie. WHY? They not only where dope musicians/producers but they came along during a time when it was male dominated. That’s something all women in the industry have to contend with. IVth: What producers are you working with currently and how would you describe their sound? Femi: I’ve been producing myself, however I’ve collaborated with A-plus (Hieroglyphics), TD camp (Co-Deez, Equito) and a few unknown but dope producers. I want to work with Amp Live but he won’t return my emails (hook me up). IVth: What is your 5 year goal for your music? Femi: Release 2 solo albums, tour and record with more artists. I’ve got some stuff being release in 2006. I Never turn down anything but my collar. So get with me, if you feel me. IVth: I went to college in the bay, and I chose to go to L.A. in order to pursue my music dreams, so I have mixed feelings about music and the Bay Area. Do you think living in the Bay Area helps your career or hurts it or both? Explain. Femi: Both, I could cultivate my craft but once I was ready to present my work, there weren’t a lot of venues that could support me and my peers. However, there has been an influx of live music venues in the Bay over the past 3 years…More artist from the Bay are pushing themselves out there to be reckoned with by the music industry. Its like a sleeping giant has awoken…and it is HUNGRY! IVth: If you had a chance to collaborate with any artist (well-known or otherwise), who would you most like to record with? Femi: Prince, Quincy Jones, Jimmy jam & Terry Lewis, Linda Perry and a laundry list of others. IVth: I'm a young woman and I can sing pretty good and I'm looking to get in the music industry. What advice can you give me to get myself started? Femi: Go out to any and every spot that has a mic. church, school, anywhere and just sing, sing sing If there isn’t a place, create it and invite folks to hear you. One important thing to do is to also, get a recording of your voice. Technology has made it so easy. IVth: What can your fans expect in the very near future? Femi: Albums, tours, TV, and movie’s. I’m a work-a-holic for mines. IVth: What music artists are you listening to currently? Femi: This is my short-list: Esthero, Raul Midon, Fertile Ground, Led Zepplin, Eric Roberson, All jazz and a lot of Deep-house Soul from over-seas. IVth: Is music in general getting better or has it lost the quality and originality that it use to have? Femi: The commercial stuff is like fast food, you eat but does it have nutritional value? The underground is hot (creativity hasn’t suffered or been smothered). Remember when hip-hop was a virgin…Pure and true. Our musical ancestors would be proud to see that we haven’t SOLD-Out just to be famous. I just want to take the time out to say thank you to the following artist for being staying true: Ledisi, Martin Luther, Goapele, Mystic, Esthero, Sade, Julie Dexter, Salakida, Raul Midon, Eric Roberson, Fertile Ground, Mint Condition, Co-Deez, Rico Pabon, Destiney Wolf, O-Maya, The Attik, The Attic Merchants…and all of you reading this that won’t sacrifice your craft for cash. PEACE.    Artist: Dreadstarr    Song: Raise Ya Hands      IVth: Who are the players and what instruments do they play? D.S. There’s Darren Simms on Lead Vocals, Oren on Drums and Vocals, Chris Evans on Guitar, and Alonso Vargas on Bass. IVth: Describe your style of music? D.S. We have a pretty unique sound that is DreadStarr. However we have an organic blend of Dancehall Reggae, Rock, even a bit of urban beats through of live instruments. IVth: Is there a message in your music? If so, explain. D.S. Our message is simply unity through music. Each one of us were born in different countries, so just the fact that we even met is pretty amazing. We have a lot of respect for each other and our own individual musical identity. IVth: Who are some of your influences, musically? D.S. The Police, Jr. Kelly, The wailers, Jimi Hendrix, The roots, U2, Sizzla, Marley and pretty much anyone else who plays with heart and passion. IVth: What is the ultimate goal for the group? A major record deal, a major tour, or something more subtle? D.S. To put out the best music we can make and to see the world. As for record deals, yeah it would be great to find a label that really believes in us and wants to help us succeed. So many great bands seem to get lost in the shuffle of the majors, which is a shame. IVth: What music are you guys listening to currently? D.S. Steel Pulse, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Busta Rhymes, Jay Z, Capleton, The police, 311, Finley Quaye, The Roots, The list goes on for days. IVth: As far as songwriting goes, is everything a collaboration, or do each of you trust the other to come up with the song concepts? D.S. Basically we have fun in rehearsal and by the end of it we have about five different tunes to start dissection. I write a lot of lyrics which usually call upon Oren's melodic skills for a catchy hook's. If it’s nothing Pre-written then Oren and I will freestyle during our jam sessions, then Alonso and Chris pitch in to smooth out a song. In the end you get a band collaboration that’s really quite amazing when it all comes together. IVth: Do you prefer studio work, or live performances? Why? D.S. They’re both incredible experiences. Live you have the awesome energy of the crowd inspiring you and hyping you up. In the studio you must be much more meticulous and patient And be on your "A-game" 'cause recordings are forever. Our preference as a band I think is performing live, it’s just more fun. The energy at our shows is amazing sometimes it keeps us all going long after the last song. IVth: What can your fans expect from you over the coming months? D.S. A DreadStarr full length record to listen to and of course a US Tour, eventually a World Tour. IVth: What does the name of your band means? D.S. The name "DreadStarr" came from an old futuristic hip hop album I was working on (Dred Star 12). Shortly after the group formed it was pulled up amongst other names. The spelling was changed from "DreadStarr" which gave it more of a rock edge. IVth: What city do you come from and how did it influence your art form? D.S. We all currently reside in South bay of Los Angeles. I’m from Coventry, England. Oren is from Israel. Alonso is from Costa Rica. And Chris is from Laguna Beach, CA. I think that diversity really come out through our music. IVth: How long have you been performing? D.S. Just over 2 years with DreadStarr, but we all have MANY years under our belts with many previous projects. IVth: Where do you see yourself in 5 Years? D.S. We will be touring, recording, surfing, producing, eating sushi, and basically just enjoying life to the fullest. IVth: What are you doing when you’re not doing music? D.S. We all surf, so in between music breaks that’s probably where you’ll find us.            Artist: Miki Ariyama     Song: Koibito      IVth:What's new with Miki Ariyama? Miki Ariyama: Well right now I've returned back to school full time to obtain my degree in Nursing. At first it was tough going back because it's been so long, I wake up early in the morning, study for tests and write term papers. On top of that I'm working full time, writing for my new television show "Live@Home", writing songs and modeling. IVth: If you had a chance to collaborate with any artist , who would you most like to record with? Miki Ariyama: Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer. IVth: What's the hardest part about Song Writing? Miki Ariyama: Coming up with topics that I really want to write about, I really want to express my feeling so it very important that I choose music that fits the topic (Picture) in my head. IVth: Besides music what other ways do you express yourself? I love to paint Shuji and Model. Those activities helps me release other parts of my personality. IVth: If you die today, what do you want people to know about you? Miki Ariyama: That I was a caring and happy person. IVth: Do you think a person can change who they are? Miki Ariyama: Yes I believe a person can change, First they have to know why they want to change, then set their goals, Next work toward thier goals & get a mentor or somekind of support group to keep them on track, last but not least they must Believe! IVth:What's the difference between Rap & Hiphop? Miki Ariyama: Rap is music, while Hiphop is the artform developed by the African American Culture (Language , Tribal Outfits, B-Boy & B-Girls, Graff Art, Dj (Tablist), Emcees, and Beatboxers etc........ IVth: What's your Favorite Cartoon? Miki Ariyama:The Simpson's. IVth: What's your Favorite Food? Miki Ariyama: Baked Chicken, Fried Chicken, Grill Chicking, all chicken expect for raw. IVth: Name your three favorite movie? Miki Ariyama: Shrek, Indiana Jones, Karate Kid. IVth:Favorite beverage? Miki Ariyama: Apple Juice. IVth:Favorite place to hang out? Miki Ariyama: Santa Monica, Ca IVth: Words of advice? Miki Ariyama: You can do anything you want to do? IVth: Why do people run from success? Miki Ariyama: Maybe they're afraid of what the success will bring, so they run away from it. I say don't be afraid look forward not back.    Artist: Doctor Plik Plok    Song: Space Pop      IVth:What does Doctor Plik Plok mean? PLIK PLOK is simplicity. The "DOCTOR" adds the wisdom component. These days considered a creator of electronic hip-hop music through robotic dance movement. IVth: What city do you come from and how did it influence your art form? Doctor Plik Plok: In "Earthly" terminology, my geographical location originates from the streets of Richmond, California USA. Regarding dance movement, DOCTOR PLIK PLOK is originally what the Northern California Bay Area would call a "RICHMOND ROBOT". I teach ROBOT-STYLE body movement, creating clones of the Richmond Robot Dance Styles. The RICHMOND AUDITORIUM (Richmond, CA) was the place that breaded robottin' groups. Regarding musical influences, FUNK music and ELECTRONIC music blended together generates and drives the PLIK PLOK sound. In "Electronic Space Age" terminology, DOCTOR PLIK PLOK's geographical location is influenced by all the elements of the Galaxies/Universe. IVth: How long have you been performing? Doctor Plik Plok: Robot-style SOLO and GROUP dancing since 1977. Music production began in 1996, along with developing rap vocals. IVth: How would you describe your creative process? Doctor Plik Plok: Being out in the world: walking, driving, riding, swimming, etc. helps to develop the creative process. But nothing more than dancing to funk music by Parliament, Funkadelic, Cameo, Bar-Kays, Zapp (and many, many others). The PLIK PLOK musical sound is driven by the dance. I visualize the robotic and mechanical dance group entity as a unit performing a group dance routine in the same manner that a song can be written by a song writer and music by a producer. I drive lyrics on a song composition like i would visualize the dance portion of the theatrical play. I come from the cartoon, comic book, animated "claymation" film era which helps the creative process come a little easier through imagination. IVth: Where do you see yourself in 5 Years? Doctor Plik Plok: Driving the following entities into the realm of success: B.R.S. ARTS ALLIANCE (Boog-a-loo, Robottin', Struttin': www.brsaa.org), PLIK PLOK ENTERTAINMENT ( www.plikplok.com), and creating the new avenues for PLIK PLOK FILMS (TBA). IVth: What are you doing when your not doing music? Doctor Plik Plok: Teaching the new generation of K thru 12th grade students the art of B.R.S. dance art (Boog-a-loo, Robottin', Struttin': www.brsaa.org) IVth: What other organizations do you belong to? Doctor Plik Plok: (Boog-a-loo, Robottin', Struttin': www.brsaa.org), TART Productions ( www.tartproductions.com). IVth: We heard that you dance as well? How Long? Doctor Plik Plok: Robot-style SOLO (individual) and GROUP dancing since 1977. IVth: Who is DOCTOR PLIK PLOK? Doctor Plik Plok: 2000 beyond, the electronic and robotic hip-hop scientist. The Creator of electronic hip-hop music in conjunction with individual and group robotic dance movement. IVth: Who are some of your major influences? Doctor Plik Plok: "MUSIC": KRAFTWERK, PARLIAMENT, FUNKADELIC, B-52'S, CAMEO, EARTH WIND & FIRE, ART OF NOISE, BAR-KAYS, BRASS CONSTRUCTION, MASS PRODUCTION, DEVO, JAMES BROWN, SLY & THE FAMILY STONE, BOOTSY COLLINS, FATBACK, other funk... "DANCE": SHIELDS & YARNELL, ROBERT SHIELDS, JAMES BROWN, ALL UNSUNG BAY AREA HEROES THAT PERFORMED BOOG-A-LOO, ROBOTTIN' AND STRUTTIN' DANCE STYLES IN THE STREETS OF RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA USA THAT I EVER CROSSED PATHS WITH IN THE 1970's AND VERY EARLY 1980's.