Static Multimedia Exclusive - Chuuwee Interview
Interview Written & Conducted by Grant David
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Chuuwee has been rapping since he was only thirteen. Influenced by his mother and many great mc’s like Jay-Z, Outkast, UGK, and others, Chuuwee blends the borders of underground, backpack hip-hop, and mainstream rap. Since his rise, many people have tried discouraging Chuuwee, claiming he wasn’t built to create music and he didn’t have what it took to be successful. However, negativity hasn’t slowed him a bit, opening for revered artists like Mistah F.A.B., Rakim and Rhymefest in Los Angeles, California fuel his fire and are evidence that Chuuwee can definitely hold his own. He is already building quite the reputation throughout Northern California. Beyond his love of making his own music, everything from writing to producing, Chuuwee also enjoys sharing his thoughts and seeing how people react to his ideas. He has a true passion for performing and supports the mentality that if your live performance isn’t any good, then your music won’t matter at all.
Chuuwee’s Crown Me King mixtape serves as the prelude to his long-awaited official solo-debut, Wild Style, which will be released on May 29th, 2012 via Amalgam Digital*. Whereas Chuuwee’s previous efforts were hybrid sub-genres he created such as “neo-boombap” (neo-soul meets boom-bap) or “hooliganarism” which Chuuwee describes as Treach of Naughty By Nature meets Wakka Flocka Flame, Wild Style can be summarized as pure 90s hip-hop, where he is taking the classic elements of the golden era with the look, sound and the feel and then applying them to the present day. Inspired by Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, Big L, De La Soul with even hints of DMX, Wild Style promises to be Chuuwee’s break-out project, one that will showcase him as being a frontrunner lyricist from hip-hop’s new school; while also paying homage and respect to the great pioneers of the 1990’s. “Wild Style is the album that’s going to eradicate weak rap off the face of the map. It is the return of real hip-hop. It’s pure, and it’s not me trying to re-make it. It’s not me telling you its 90s hip-hop; it is 90s hip-hop” says Chuuwee.
(*note: after this interview was conducted, Wild Style was pushed back and is now supposed to be released this summer. Chuuwee stated via Facebook, “WILDSTYLE! IS BEING PUSHED BACK FOR SUMMER 2012. I know I know some of ya’ll gone hate me for this. The fact of the matter, however, is that it’s just not time yet. I want to get BIGGERR BETTER features…”)
Check out the exclusive interview we did with Chuuwee below in which he goes further in detail about Crown Me King and Wild Style. And make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the latter which hits streets this summer. In the meanwhile you can keep up-to-date with all Chuuwee news by visiting his Facebook and Twitter pages as well as revisiting us here at Static regularly. I would like to thank Chuuwee again for his time, one of the best interviews that we’ve had in a long while, and you’re more than welcome back anytime. The sooner the better. Peace.
Chuuwee’s Crown Me King mixtape serves as the prelude to his long-awaited official solo-debut, Wild Style, which will be released on May 29th, 2012 via Amalgam Digital*. Whereas Chuuwee’s previous efforts were hybrid sub-genres he created such as “neo-boombap” (neo-soul meets boom-bap) or “hooliganarism” which Chuuwee describes as Treach of Naughty By Nature meets Wakka Flocka Flame, Wild Style can be summarized as pure 90s hip-hop, where he is taking the classic elements of the golden era with the look, sound and the feel and then applying them to the present day. Inspired by Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, Big L, De La Soul with even hints of DMX, Wild Style promises to be Chuuwee’s break-out project, one that will showcase him as being a frontrunner lyricist from hip-hop’s new school; while also paying homage and respect to the great pioneers of the 1990’s. “Wild Style is the album that’s going to eradicate weak rap off the face of the map. It is the return of real hip-hop. It’s pure, and it’s not me trying to re-make it. It’s not me telling you its 90s hip-hop; it is 90s hip-hop” says Chuuwee.
(*note: after this interview was conducted, Wild Style was pushed back and is now supposed to be released this summer. Chuuwee stated via Facebook, “WILDSTYLE! IS BEING PUSHED BACK FOR SUMMER 2012. I know I know some of ya’ll gone hate me for this. The fact of the matter, however, is that it’s just not time yet. I want to get BIGGERR BETTER features…”)
Check out the exclusive interview we did with Chuuwee below in which he goes further in detail about Crown Me King and Wild Style. And make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the latter which hits streets this summer. In the meanwhile you can keep up-to-date with all Chuuwee news by visiting his Facebook and Twitter pages as well as revisiting us here at Static regularly. I would like to thank Chuuwee again for his time, one of the best interviews that we’ve had in a long while, and you’re more than welcome back anytime. The sooner the better. Peace.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - REKS Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
Fresh off the heels of my interview with Iron Solomon, we already got another Static Multimedia Exclusive Interview for your listening pleasure. I recently had a conversation with REKS in which we discussed his brand-new album, Straight, No Chaser, which is droppin' in two days on April 24th, 2012. We also talked about his time at the South By Southwest music and film festival, opinions on rappers like 50 Cent and Jay-Z, upcoming tour schedule, go-to liquor, break dancing history, where he feels his career is headed, and much much more. So check out the interview below and leave your comments letting us know what you think. Furthermore, make sure to go out and cop Straight, No Chaser when it drops on April 24th, via iTunes or your local record store. And lastly make sure to check out GargleGrenades.com, an official REKS co-sign, which promotes hip-hop fashion, news, and underground music while simultaneously shining the spotlight on deserving unsigned hype.
I would also like to thank REKS again for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about his new project. The dude had literally just gotten out of a release party and made sure that we had a sufficient amount of time to talk before he moved on to his next venture. So thanks again REKS, that was real chill of you; you're most certainly welcome back anytime. Good luck with Straight, No Chaser and the evolution of the revolution. Next time you're in my time the Hennessy is on me. Salute!
Still living off the praise of fans, critics and peers as well as sales of last year's instant classic R.E.K.S (Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme), REKS now sets out to take the next step in his progression with his official full length follow up opus Straight, No Chaser. Once again teaming up with super-producer Statik Selektah, the two combine like a modern day Gang Starr for Straight, No Chaser.
REKS took the underground scene by storm with his debut LP, Along Came The Chosen back in 2001. The album featured production from a then eighteen year old Statik Selektah and featured collaborations with underground stalwarts: Pace-Won & Young Zee of the Outsiderz, 7L & Esoteric, J-Live and more. The critically acclaimed LP was featured in the Source, XXL, Vibe, and REKS was named to URB Magazine's "Next 100". The album's single "Skills 101" reached #45 on the Billboard Singles chart, putting him on shows and tours with huge national acts. REKS finally released his highly anticipated sophomore LP, Grey Hairs, in 2008. The momentous album featured production from DJ Premier, Large Professor and ten-tracks from Statik and featured collaborations with Lil Fame of MOP, Consequence, Skyzoo, Termanology, Jon Hope and Big Shug. Grey Hairs lead to REKS being profiled by XXL Magazine in their "Show & Prove" section. REKS released the companion piece More Grey Hairs, appeared on Statik Selektah's Spell My Name Right: The Album and released two more mixtapes (In Between The Lines Series Vol's 1&2 which were hosted by Statik Selektah/DJ Green Lantern and DJ Ill Will respectively) and both mixtapes garnered thousands of downloads and widespread praise.
REKS has already set things in motion for Straight, No Chaser with lauded appearances at SXSW, an upcoming European tour and the recent leaks of the LP's buzz-singles, "Chasin'" and "Autographs" which have migrated to every corner of the streets and internet alike. REKS laments "I feel Straight, No Chaser was necessary to add too the understanding of how well Statik and I come together and make a timeless pieces of work. I feel the album is varied in topic and focused on issues I feel still plague our society; its raw, its real, its refreshing and its REKS.
STRAIGHT, NO CHASER WILL BE RELEASED ON APRIL 24th, 2012.
Fresh off the heels of my interview with Iron Solomon, we already got another Static Multimedia Exclusive Interview for your listening pleasure. I recently had a conversation with REKS in which we discussed his brand-new album, Straight, No Chaser, which is droppin' in two days on April 24th, 2012. We also talked about his time at the South By Southwest music and film festival, opinions on rappers like 50 Cent and Jay-Z, upcoming tour schedule, go-to liquor, break dancing history, where he feels his career is headed, and much much more. So check out the interview below and leave your comments letting us know what you think. Furthermore, make sure to go out and cop Straight, No Chaser when it drops on April 24th, via iTunes or your local record store. And lastly make sure to check out GargleGrenades.com, an official REKS co-sign, which promotes hip-hop fashion, news, and underground music while simultaneously shining the spotlight on deserving unsigned hype.
I would also like to thank REKS again for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about his new project. The dude had literally just gotten out of a release party and made sure that we had a sufficient amount of time to talk before he moved on to his next venture. So thanks again REKS, that was real chill of you; you're most certainly welcome back anytime. Good luck with Straight, No Chaser and the evolution of the revolution. Next time you're in my time the Hennessy is on me. Salute!
Still living off the praise of fans, critics and peers as well as sales of last year's instant classic R.E.K.S (Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme), REKS now sets out to take the next step in his progression with his official full length follow up opus Straight, No Chaser. Once again teaming up with super-producer Statik Selektah, the two combine like a modern day Gang Starr for Straight, No Chaser.
REKS took the underground scene by storm with his debut LP, Along Came The Chosen back in 2001. The album featured production from a then eighteen year old Statik Selektah and featured collaborations with underground stalwarts: Pace-Won & Young Zee of the Outsiderz, 7L & Esoteric, J-Live and more. The critically acclaimed LP was featured in the Source, XXL, Vibe, and REKS was named to URB Magazine's "Next 100". The album's single "Skills 101" reached #45 on the Billboard Singles chart, putting him on shows and tours with huge national acts. REKS finally released his highly anticipated sophomore LP, Grey Hairs, in 2008. The momentous album featured production from DJ Premier, Large Professor and ten-tracks from Statik and featured collaborations with Lil Fame of MOP, Consequence, Skyzoo, Termanology, Jon Hope and Big Shug. Grey Hairs lead to REKS being profiled by XXL Magazine in their "Show & Prove" section. REKS released the companion piece More Grey Hairs, appeared on Statik Selektah's Spell My Name Right: The Album and released two more mixtapes (In Between The Lines Series Vol's 1&2 which were hosted by Statik Selektah/DJ Green Lantern and DJ Ill Will respectively) and both mixtapes garnered thousands of downloads and widespread praise.
REKS has already set things in motion for Straight, No Chaser with lauded appearances at SXSW, an upcoming European tour and the recent leaks of the LP's buzz-singles, "Chasin'" and "Autographs" which have migrated to every corner of the streets and internet alike. REKS laments "I feel Straight, No Chaser was necessary to add too the understanding of how well Statik and I come together and make a timeless pieces of work. I feel the album is varied in topic and focused on issues I feel still plague our society; its raw, its real, its refreshing and its REKS.
STRAIGHT, NO CHASER WILL BE RELEASED ON APRIL 24th, 2012.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Iron Solomon Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
We got some exclusive content for you today. I recently sat down and had a little chat with battle-rap champion and hip-hop underground upstart, Iron Solomon (man, it's been a minute since I've done an interview), who just released his debut album entitled Monster late last month. We discussed a variety of things, including what it was like making Monster, his recent trip to the South By South West (SXSW) film and music festival, why he decided to stream his entire debut album on SoundCloud.com for free, his upcoming Monster tour, where he believes he'll be at in the next five years, his dream collaboration with Kanye West, and much, much more. You can check out the full interview below as well as take a look of some of Solomon's highlights at SXSW. I would just publicly like to say thanks again to Iron Solomon for being so professional and cordial; he was definitely the most entertaining/intelligent/down to earth guy I've interviewed since I talked to Vinnie Paz and Jus Allah of Jedi Mind Tricks. So, thank you again Mr. Solomon, we here at Static Multimedia genuinely appreciate it and wish you the best of luck on your debut album. Monster is available now, go pick up your copy because it is most certainly worth the money, and I can personally guarantee you that you will not be disappointed.
Of all the projects to drop this year (as of now), Iron Solomon's could possibly be the most slept on. The battle rapper is attempting to put those skills to good use in order to make a more concise, more flowing LP that harkens to every aspect of classic hip-hop. With Monster, he's hoping to prove he doesn't fall in the category of most battle rappers; although he retains the great lyricism, he manages to prove that he isn't like typical battle rappers who know nothing about using that skill to create a strong album.
Iron Solomon is a born and bred New York City rapper/producer who made his name in the battle circuits, stomping competition coast-to-coast and racking up millions of YouTube views along the way.
Fresh off the heels of Redrum Radio, a Halloween inspired mixtape released October 31st of last year; the MC has recently released his debut album Monster on March 27th through Royal/3D. Appearing on the record are established artists such as Talib Kweli, Jean Grae, Paul Wall, and Novel, as well as the legendary DMC of Run-DMC fame and more.
According to Solomon, the album is a "personal offering that gives listeners a window into the life and mind of a kid growing up in New York City's schizophrenic landscape. Monster touches on everything from my personal come-up and the stress of pursuing one's dreams to the struggle of young relationships, family drama and youthful arrogance-plus a healthy dose of party and bullshit."
Solomon's work ethic and talent are being recognized by powerhouse names in the music industry:
"I'm just tellin' yall, you need to watch out for this dude Iron Solomon. He killed it on the battle circuit, now he's about to kill 'em with the records. I'll put my money up" --Rob Markman, MTV News
"Iron Solomon is nasty...it gets me excited in the studio, to watch [him]...I get very inspired by that..."-Drake
"Solomon has a very commanding presence about himself. I wanted him to take the beginning of my record and make it something special."-Travis McCoy, Gym Class Heroes
Monster is produced entirely by Iron Solomon and his in-house team of producers and musicians. The album meshes trunk-rattling 808s with hard-hitting drums, soaring strings, lush synths and soulful horns, while remaining strongly rooted in the aggressive, witty lyricism Solomon is known for.
We got some exclusive content for you today. I recently sat down and had a little chat with battle-rap champion and hip-hop underground upstart, Iron Solomon (man, it's been a minute since I've done an interview), who just released his debut album entitled Monster late last month. We discussed a variety of things, including what it was like making Monster, his recent trip to the South By South West (SXSW) film and music festival, why he decided to stream his entire debut album on SoundCloud.com for free, his upcoming Monster tour, where he believes he'll be at in the next five years, his dream collaboration with Kanye West, and much, much more. You can check out the full interview below as well as take a look of some of Solomon's highlights at SXSW. I would just publicly like to say thanks again to Iron Solomon for being so professional and cordial; he was definitely the most entertaining/intelligent/down to earth guy I've interviewed since I talked to Vinnie Paz and Jus Allah of Jedi Mind Tricks. So, thank you again Mr. Solomon, we here at Static Multimedia genuinely appreciate it and wish you the best of luck on your debut album. Monster is available now, go pick up your copy because it is most certainly worth the money, and I can personally guarantee you that you will not be disappointed.
Of all the projects to drop this year (as of now), Iron Solomon's could possibly be the most slept on. The battle rapper is attempting to put those skills to good use in order to make a more concise, more flowing LP that harkens to every aspect of classic hip-hop. With Monster, he's hoping to prove he doesn't fall in the category of most battle rappers; although he retains the great lyricism, he manages to prove that he isn't like typical battle rappers who know nothing about using that skill to create a strong album.
Iron Solomon is a born and bred New York City rapper/producer who made his name in the battle circuits, stomping competition coast-to-coast and racking up millions of YouTube views along the way.
Fresh off the heels of Redrum Radio, a Halloween inspired mixtape released October 31st of last year; the MC has recently released his debut album Monster on March 27th through Royal/3D. Appearing on the record are established artists such as Talib Kweli, Jean Grae, Paul Wall, and Novel, as well as the legendary DMC of Run-DMC fame and more.
According to Solomon, the album is a "personal offering that gives listeners a window into the life and mind of a kid growing up in New York City's schizophrenic landscape. Monster touches on everything from my personal come-up and the stress of pursuing one's dreams to the struggle of young relationships, family drama and youthful arrogance-plus a healthy dose of party and bullshit."
Solomon's work ethic and talent are being recognized by powerhouse names in the music industry:
"I'm just tellin' yall, you need to watch out for this dude Iron Solomon. He killed it on the battle circuit, now he's about to kill 'em with the records. I'll put my money up" --Rob Markman, MTV News
"Iron Solomon is nasty...it gets me excited in the studio, to watch [him]...I get very inspired by that..."-Drake
"Solomon has a very commanding presence about himself. I wanted him to take the beginning of my record and make it something special."-Travis McCoy, Gym Class Heroes
Monster is produced entirely by Iron Solomon and his in-house team of producers and musicians. The album meshes trunk-rattling 808s with hard-hitting drums, soaring strings, lush synths and soulful horns, while remaining strongly rooted in the aggressive, witty lyricism Solomon is known for.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Planet Asia Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
Planet Asia helped jump-start the West Coast independent hip-hop movement, releasing a slew of popular 12-inch singles on upstarts like Stones Throw and ABB Records in the late 90s that established him as one of the leaders of a crop of talent that included the likes of Dilated Peoples, Madlib, Murs, and Jurassic 5. Now a 15-year veteran, the Cali-based MC (born in Fresno, he's spent most of his career living in Los Angeles and San Francisco) shows no signs of slowing down. The first decade of the new millennium saw Asia briefly sign with major label Interscope, go independent again for his debut album The Grand Opening, release full-length collaborative projects with both Evidence of Dilated Peoples (The Medicine) and DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill (Pain Language), form his own label (Gold Chain Music), and work with everyone from Linkin Park to Bun B to Ghostface Killah. Now, Planet Asia is back with his first retail album in four years, the star-studded Black Belt Theatre, which hits stores everywhere via Gold Chain/Wandering Worx/Greenstreets on February 28th, 2012.
Named after a 1980s Saturday-afternoon TV show and inspired by Planet Asia's favorite films, Black Belt Theatre combines the violent precision of classic kung-fu flicks with the calculated cool of classic blaxploitation movies. "I wanted to make the album like a movie, something you would see in a theater," says Asia. "That's why it has so many features. All the guests feel like different characters in the movie." These guests include veterans like Raekwon, Talib Kweli, Paul Wall, Ras Kass, Camp Lo, and Strong Arm Steady, as well as newcomers like Fashawn, Willie The Kid, Torae, and Nio Tha Gift.
"They're basically just all people I thought were dope," says Asia. "Both young cats I'm feeling and veterans I've always admired." Unlike on his albums with Evidence and DJ Muggs, Asia also got to determine the sonic direction on Black Belt Theatre, resulting in a soul-heavy, blaxploitation-influenced sound. "It was fun because I got to reach out to guys like Oh No and Khrysis for beats, find the best tracks and put together a masterpiece," explains Asia. "It's some esoteric gangster shit...a full plate for the listener."
Black Belt Theatre will be released on February 28th, 2012 and will feature appearances from Talib Kweli, Raekwon, Paul Wall, Fashawn, Mistah FAB, Chace Infinite, Camp Lo, The Jacka, Krondon, Torae, and Rass Kass.
Check out the exclusive interview below in which I and Planet Asia talk about his new album Black Belt Theatre and other upcoming projects. Leave your comments and let us know what you think and make sure to go out and buy Black Belt Theatre on February 28th, 2012.
Planet Asia helped jump-start the West Coast independent hip-hop movement, releasing a slew of popular 12-inch singles on upstarts like Stones Throw and ABB Records in the late 90s that established him as one of the leaders of a crop of talent that included the likes of Dilated Peoples, Madlib, Murs, and Jurassic 5. Now a 15-year veteran, the Cali-based MC (born in Fresno, he's spent most of his career living in Los Angeles and San Francisco) shows no signs of slowing down. The first decade of the new millennium saw Asia briefly sign with major label Interscope, go independent again for his debut album The Grand Opening, release full-length collaborative projects with both Evidence of Dilated Peoples (The Medicine) and DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill (Pain Language), form his own label (Gold Chain Music), and work with everyone from Linkin Park to Bun B to Ghostface Killah. Now, Planet Asia is back with his first retail album in four years, the star-studded Black Belt Theatre, which hits stores everywhere via Gold Chain/Wandering Worx/Greenstreets on February 28th, 2012.
Named after a 1980s Saturday-afternoon TV show and inspired by Planet Asia's favorite films, Black Belt Theatre combines the violent precision of classic kung-fu flicks with the calculated cool of classic blaxploitation movies. "I wanted to make the album like a movie, something you would see in a theater," says Asia. "That's why it has so many features. All the guests feel like different characters in the movie." These guests include veterans like Raekwon, Talib Kweli, Paul Wall, Ras Kass, Camp Lo, and Strong Arm Steady, as well as newcomers like Fashawn, Willie The Kid, Torae, and Nio Tha Gift.
"They're basically just all people I thought were dope," says Asia. "Both young cats I'm feeling and veterans I've always admired." Unlike on his albums with Evidence and DJ Muggs, Asia also got to determine the sonic direction on Black Belt Theatre, resulting in a soul-heavy, blaxploitation-influenced sound. "It was fun because I got to reach out to guys like Oh No and Khrysis for beats, find the best tracks and put together a masterpiece," explains Asia. "It's some esoteric gangster shit...a full plate for the listener."
Black Belt Theatre will be released on February 28th, 2012 and will feature appearances from Talib Kweli, Raekwon, Paul Wall, Fashawn, Mistah FAB, Chace Infinite, Camp Lo, The Jacka, Krondon, Torae, and Rass Kass.
Check out the exclusive interview below in which I and Planet Asia talk about his new album Black Belt Theatre and other upcoming projects. Leave your comments and let us know what you think and make sure to go out and buy Black Belt Theatre on February 28th, 2012.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Johnny 3 Tears (of Hollywood Undead) Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
The latest installment in our Static Multimedia Exclusive Interview series consists of a one-on-one conversation that I had with Johnny 3 Tears, one of the lead vocals for Hollywood Undead. The rock band from Los Angeles released an album called American Tragedy earlier this year; in addition, they literally just released its predecessor. On November 21st, 2011, Hollywood Undead dropped the follow-up to American Tragedy, a "part 2" of sorts which essentially draws inspiration from the original album. The concept the band conceived was to take American Tragedy, recruit a ton of highly-skilled and highly-accomplished DJs, and remix the album making it an entirely new experience for die-hard Hollywood Undead fans as well as just music enthusiasts in general. Now, let me clarify, not all the tracks from the original album make the American Tragedy Redux cut. However, the majority of your favorites made the album and there are even a few brand-new tracks to set those who may be skeptical about picking this one up over the edge.
"This is our first remix record ever," Hollywood Undead's J-Dog explains. "We got to pick the DJ`s and re-mixers that the band really likes. Borgore, Jonathan Davis, KMFDM, Andrew W.K. are a few on the list. Who would have thought that someone you grew up listening to would one day remix your song, Me...Bitch! So stay tuned, and hope you enjoy it. We hope it makes you sweat your tits off at your barnyard raves! Enjoy!"
Now, when musicians decide to take on the task of remixing an album, it always puts their fanatics on edge. There is always the large chance that they could end up ruining their previously loved material. Artists like Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails, and Limp Bizkit have all crafted remix albums with substantial success, and now Hollywood Undead seeks to accomplish the same feat.
American Tragedy Redux is a clean and entertaining cohesive blend of techno, rock, dubstep, and hip-hop that oozes these masked menace's passion through every guitar strum and drum beat. Dedicated and weary fans may be a little shocked at first when they hear the new party-pumping album, but is it really so surprising when considering that the group, ever since they came out, have continuously blended genres and experimented in areas where other less confident and creative artists have avoided? I think not. Hollywood Undead loves to cook up new sounds and is certainly not afraid to test and blend different styles to see what works best for them. American Tragedy Redux is the perfect example to support my point because the group did, indeed, execute a lot of things that listeners may have not expected like handing the reigns over to DJs and remixologists like Wideboys, Jonathan Davis (that's right, of Korn), The Juggernaut, Andrew W.K., Digital Dog, and more.
I actually got a chance to sneak preview Redux, and it was nothing less than amazing. Speaking as someone who started out relatively dubious about not only American Tragedy Redux but Hollywood Undead as a whole, I must say that this group has completely won me over, and I am now proud to call myself a supporter. This new joint had me hooked after the first two tracks. The album immediately starts off thunderous and explosive with the tracks "Levitate (Digital Dog Club Remix)" and "Comin In Hot (Wide Boys Remix)" which are supplied with enough energy and voltage to melt your mind only seconds after harnessing ear buds. The third track, "Apologize (Buffalo Bill 'Die Young' Remix)" is equally as energetic but compliments the Hollywood Undead sound that is unmatched by the previous two efforts.
Other notable tracks include "Lights Out (The Juggernaut vs. Obsidian remix)" and "Le Deux (Dr. Eargasm Remix)" which are sure to get the blood pumpin' and the bad chicks on the dance floor. All in all, I think that this is a fantastic album, and I definitely urge all of you to go out and pick it up. You won't be disappointed. Though there are only 10 tracks totaling up to right around 50 minutes of music, it is all quality. And plus, it is just extremely interesting to see guys like Jonathan Davis and Andrew W.K. put their own little spin on the Hollywood Undead sound.
So check out the interview in which Johnny 3 Tears goes into much more depth talking about the Redux project and leave your comments letting us here at Static know what you think.
The latest installment in our Static Multimedia Exclusive Interview series consists of a one-on-one conversation that I had with Johnny 3 Tears, one of the lead vocals for Hollywood Undead. The rock band from Los Angeles released an album called American Tragedy earlier this year; in addition, they literally just released its predecessor. On November 21st, 2011, Hollywood Undead dropped the follow-up to American Tragedy, a "part 2" of sorts which essentially draws inspiration from the original album. The concept the band conceived was to take American Tragedy, recruit a ton of highly-skilled and highly-accomplished DJs, and remix the album making it an entirely new experience for die-hard Hollywood Undead fans as well as just music enthusiasts in general. Now, let me clarify, not all the tracks from the original album make the American Tragedy Redux cut. However, the majority of your favorites made the album and there are even a few brand-new tracks to set those who may be skeptical about picking this one up over the edge.
"This is our first remix record ever," Hollywood Undead's J-Dog explains. "We got to pick the DJ`s and re-mixers that the band really likes. Borgore, Jonathan Davis, KMFDM, Andrew W.K. are a few on the list. Who would have thought that someone you grew up listening to would one day remix your song, Me...Bitch! So stay tuned, and hope you enjoy it. We hope it makes you sweat your tits off at your barnyard raves! Enjoy!"
Now, when musicians decide to take on the task of remixing an album, it always puts their fanatics on edge. There is always the large chance that they could end up ruining their previously loved material. Artists like Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails, and Limp Bizkit have all crafted remix albums with substantial success, and now Hollywood Undead seeks to accomplish the same feat.
American Tragedy Redux is a clean and entertaining cohesive blend of techno, rock, dubstep, and hip-hop that oozes these masked menace's passion through every guitar strum and drum beat. Dedicated and weary fans may be a little shocked at first when they hear the new party-pumping album, but is it really so surprising when considering that the group, ever since they came out, have continuously blended genres and experimented in areas where other less confident and creative artists have avoided? I think not. Hollywood Undead loves to cook up new sounds and is certainly not afraid to test and blend different styles to see what works best for them. American Tragedy Redux is the perfect example to support my point because the group did, indeed, execute a lot of things that listeners may have not expected like handing the reigns over to DJs and remixologists like Wideboys, Jonathan Davis (that's right, of Korn), The Juggernaut, Andrew W.K., Digital Dog, and more.
I actually got a chance to sneak preview Redux, and it was nothing less than amazing. Speaking as someone who started out relatively dubious about not only American Tragedy Redux but Hollywood Undead as a whole, I must say that this group has completely won me over, and I am now proud to call myself a supporter. This new joint had me hooked after the first two tracks. The album immediately starts off thunderous and explosive with the tracks "Levitate (Digital Dog Club Remix)" and "Comin In Hot (Wide Boys Remix)" which are supplied with enough energy and voltage to melt your mind only seconds after harnessing ear buds. The third track, "Apologize (Buffalo Bill 'Die Young' Remix)" is equally as energetic but compliments the Hollywood Undead sound that is unmatched by the previous two efforts.
Other notable tracks include "Lights Out (The Juggernaut vs. Obsidian remix)" and "Le Deux (Dr. Eargasm Remix)" which are sure to get the blood pumpin' and the bad chicks on the dance floor. All in all, I think that this is a fantastic album, and I definitely urge all of you to go out and pick it up. You won't be disappointed. Though there are only 10 tracks totaling up to right around 50 minutes of music, it is all quality. And plus, it is just extremely interesting to see guys like Jonathan Davis and Andrew W.K. put their own little spin on the Hollywood Undead sound.
So check out the interview in which Johnny 3 Tears goes into much more depth talking about the Redux project and leave your comments letting us here at Static know what you think.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - M.O.P. Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
The Raw is back! Babygrande Records presents M.O.P & Snowgoons upcoming LP, Sparta, which will be released on November 22nd, 2011.
We are droppin' a HUGE interview for you guys today. I'm talkin' BIG! The last time I was this excited about doing an interview was a few weeks ago when I got to speak to Vinnie Paz and Jus Allah of Jedi Mind Tricks, but this latest installment may very well top that one. Today, I was lucky enough to be granted the opportunity to sit down and talk with Billy Danze and Lil Fame of the Mash Out Posse, M.O.P. These guys have been two of my favorite artists for a long time, and it is such an honor to have been able to speak to two of the most hardcore and real rappers who have ever graced the game. This gruesome-twosome is nothing less than legendary. However, not only was I thrilled that I got the chance to talk with Billy and Fame, but I was also pretty pumped to hear that they are coming out with a new album on November 22nd, 2011, which is entitled Sparta and is a collaboration with the European super-producers, the Snowgoons.
Hailing from Brownsville, Brooklyn, Billy Danze and Lil Fame have solidified their reputation as iconic lyricists through their years of hard-hitting rhymes and unparalleled tenacity. Never compromising their style and having shared the mic with industry greats such as Jay-Z, Jadakiss, Styles P, Guru, ODB, Busta Rhymes, and Redman, just to name a few, the duo has rightfully earned its status as one of the most revered acts in hip-hop today.
In late July 2011, Billy Danze took to Conspiracy Worldwide Radio to break the news that M.O.P's upcoming LP would be a collaborative effort with the German and Danish production team, the Snowgoons. Speaking on the album, Danze said, "Snowgoons just sent us some fire...those dudes are incredible...when you hear this project, you're going to be satisfied as an M.O.P fan and a Snowgoons fan." Ensuring fans around the world that this will be one of their most diverse sounding albums, the Mash Out Posse member went on to praise the Snowgoons, proclaiming, "they've got everything...they're blazing through and coming from different angles. These guys providing us with that dramatic sound, with those theatrical sounds, with that hard hip-hop...they supplied us with everything. I'm really psyched about this project." Further, listeners can prepare for what Danze and Lil' Fame consider "their best project in 10 years."
Danze says of The Snowgoons "We may get some features, but I think M.O.P on a Snowgoons project and Snowgoons producing a whole project for M.O.P is enough featuring.
"Those dudes are incredible," he continued. "When you hear this project, you're going to be satisfied as an M.O.P. fan and a Snowgoons fan. I think you're going to flip your wig," he continued. "They've got everything... It's amazing to me because most of the time, producers have a signature sound. These guys already sent me like fifty tracks. They sent me fifty tracks and they're blazing through and coming from different angles."
So check out the interview and leave your comments letting us know what you think. I would just like to thank Billy and Fame again for taking time out of their busy schedule, myself, as the rest of Static Multimedia, genuinely appreciates that and you guys are more than welcome back anytime. The 22nd can't come fast enough.
ANTE UP!
The Raw is back! Babygrande Records presents M.O.P & Snowgoons upcoming LP, Sparta, which will be released on November 22nd, 2011.
We are droppin' a HUGE interview for you guys today. I'm talkin' BIG! The last time I was this excited about doing an interview was a few weeks ago when I got to speak to Vinnie Paz and Jus Allah of Jedi Mind Tricks, but this latest installment may very well top that one. Today, I was lucky enough to be granted the opportunity to sit down and talk with Billy Danze and Lil Fame of the Mash Out Posse, M.O.P. These guys have been two of my favorite artists for a long time, and it is such an honor to have been able to speak to two of the most hardcore and real rappers who have ever graced the game. This gruesome-twosome is nothing less than legendary. However, not only was I thrilled that I got the chance to talk with Billy and Fame, but I was also pretty pumped to hear that they are coming out with a new album on November 22nd, 2011, which is entitled Sparta and is a collaboration with the European super-producers, the Snowgoons.
Hailing from Brownsville, Brooklyn, Billy Danze and Lil Fame have solidified their reputation as iconic lyricists through their years of hard-hitting rhymes and unparalleled tenacity. Never compromising their style and having shared the mic with industry greats such as Jay-Z, Jadakiss, Styles P, Guru, ODB, Busta Rhymes, and Redman, just to name a few, the duo has rightfully earned its status as one of the most revered acts in hip-hop today.
In late July 2011, Billy Danze took to Conspiracy Worldwide Radio to break the news that M.O.P's upcoming LP would be a collaborative effort with the German and Danish production team, the Snowgoons. Speaking on the album, Danze said, "Snowgoons just sent us some fire...those dudes are incredible...when you hear this project, you're going to be satisfied as an M.O.P fan and a Snowgoons fan." Ensuring fans around the world that this will be one of their most diverse sounding albums, the Mash Out Posse member went on to praise the Snowgoons, proclaiming, "they've got everything...they're blazing through and coming from different angles. These guys providing us with that dramatic sound, with those theatrical sounds, with that hard hip-hop...they supplied us with everything. I'm really psyched about this project." Further, listeners can prepare for what Danze and Lil' Fame consider "their best project in 10 years."
Danze says of The Snowgoons "We may get some features, but I think M.O.P on a Snowgoons project and Snowgoons producing a whole project for M.O.P is enough featuring.
"Those dudes are incredible," he continued. "When you hear this project, you're going to be satisfied as an M.O.P. fan and a Snowgoons fan. I think you're going to flip your wig," he continued. "They've got everything... It's amazing to me because most of the time, producers have a signature sound. These guys already sent me like fifty tracks. They sent me fifty tracks and they're blazing through and coming from different angles."
So check out the interview and leave your comments letting us know what you think. I would just like to thank Billy and Fame again for taking time out of their busy schedule, myself, as the rest of Static Multimedia, genuinely appreciates that and you guys are more than welcome back anytime. The 22nd can't come fast enough.
ANTE UP!
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Alex Gaskarth (of All Time Low) Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
Today, we are adding another installment to our Static Multimedia Interview series as we sit down and talk with Alex Gaskarth, the lead singer of the pop-punk band All Time Low. The band just recently released their fourth full-length studio album entitled Dirty Work, and Alex has been generous enough to take time out of his schedule and discuss it with us. However, not only did we converse about Dirty Work, in addition we also touched on the condition of the industry, music piracy, Rockstar Energy, album sales, the group's upcoming music videos, how it feels to wear drag, and what fans can expect from All Time Low in the future.
Since forming in the Baltimore suburbs in 2003, All Time Low have become one of the biggest pop-punk bands to emerge on the scene, building a grassroots following of die-hard fans with very little radio airplay and a touring ethic that would rival road-weary vets like Green Day. Their profile only rose with the release of their stellar Interscope debut Dirty Work -- a twelve track mix of hard-charging anthems and sugar-shot rockers who are poised to dominate house parties and joyrides this summer. As singer-guitarist Alex Gaskarth promises, "I feel like dancing tonight -- I'm gonna party like it's my civil right!" The album is one of rock's most anticipated of the year, with Alternative Press hailing All Time Low on the cover of their "Most Anticipated Music of 2011" issue.
"In a lot of ways, this is the perfect summer record," says drummer Rian Dawson of the band's fourth album. "The songs are really loud and will get you to roll the windows down. It's just a fun record all around."
For Dirty Work, All Time Low -- featuring Gaskarth, Dawson, lead guitarist Jack Barakat, bassist Zack Merrick -- teamed up with some of rock's most in-demand producers and studio aces, including Mike Green (Paramore, Boys Like Girls) and Butch Walker (Pink, Dashboard Confessional). The result is their most confident collection of songs yet, including the blistering "Time-Bomb" and "Guts," which features a guest spot from Maja Ivarsson of the Swedish indie-rock group the Sounds.
Despite the good-times vibe of Dirty Work, All Time Low spent a grueling two years making the album -- in between brief breaks from their non-stop touring schedule (which has included top slots at Warped Tour in 2007, Bamboozle in 2010, and festival billings with their heroes Blink-182). The majority of the sessions were completed with Green in Los Angeles, but the freewheeling schedule only boosted the band's songwriting spirits. "We hate to stop touring," says Gaskarth. "Rather than locking ourselves in the studio, we're always hopping around and changing environments. It helps refresh everybody and breathes new life into our songs."
All Time Low have come a long way since forming in Baltimore, MD as teenagers playing Blink covers in high-school. Before they'd even graduated, they released two raucous mission statements -- the 2004 EP The Three Words to Remember in Dealing With the End and the 2005 full-length The Party Scene -- and went on to sign with indie stalwart Hopeless Records in 2006. However, it was their 2007 release So Wrong, It's Right that cracked everything wide open. All Time Low's third record, 2009's Nothing Personal, fared even better, debuting at Number Four on the Billboard chart and earning them positive reviews from outlets as far-reaching as Alternative Press and The Washington Post.
So check out the exclusive interview and leave your comments letting us know what you think.
Today, we are adding another installment to our Static Multimedia Interview series as we sit down and talk with Alex Gaskarth, the lead singer of the pop-punk band All Time Low. The band just recently released their fourth full-length studio album entitled Dirty Work, and Alex has been generous enough to take time out of his schedule and discuss it with us. However, not only did we converse about Dirty Work, in addition we also touched on the condition of the industry, music piracy, Rockstar Energy, album sales, the group's upcoming music videos, how it feels to wear drag, and what fans can expect from All Time Low in the future.
Since forming in the Baltimore suburbs in 2003, All Time Low have become one of the biggest pop-punk bands to emerge on the scene, building a grassroots following of die-hard fans with very little radio airplay and a touring ethic that would rival road-weary vets like Green Day. Their profile only rose with the release of their stellar Interscope debut Dirty Work -- a twelve track mix of hard-charging anthems and sugar-shot rockers who are poised to dominate house parties and joyrides this summer. As singer-guitarist Alex Gaskarth promises, "I feel like dancing tonight -- I'm gonna party like it's my civil right!" The album is one of rock's most anticipated of the year, with Alternative Press hailing All Time Low on the cover of their "Most Anticipated Music of 2011" issue.
"In a lot of ways, this is the perfect summer record," says drummer Rian Dawson of the band's fourth album. "The songs are really loud and will get you to roll the windows down. It's just a fun record all around."
For Dirty Work, All Time Low -- featuring Gaskarth, Dawson, lead guitarist Jack Barakat, bassist Zack Merrick -- teamed up with some of rock's most in-demand producers and studio aces, including Mike Green (Paramore, Boys Like Girls) and Butch Walker (Pink, Dashboard Confessional). The result is their most confident collection of songs yet, including the blistering "Time-Bomb" and "Guts," which features a guest spot from Maja Ivarsson of the Swedish indie-rock group the Sounds.
Despite the good-times vibe of Dirty Work, All Time Low spent a grueling two years making the album -- in between brief breaks from their non-stop touring schedule (which has included top slots at Warped Tour in 2007, Bamboozle in 2010, and festival billings with their heroes Blink-182). The majority of the sessions were completed with Green in Los Angeles, but the freewheeling schedule only boosted the band's songwriting spirits. "We hate to stop touring," says Gaskarth. "Rather than locking ourselves in the studio, we're always hopping around and changing environments. It helps refresh everybody and breathes new life into our songs."
All Time Low have come a long way since forming in Baltimore, MD as teenagers playing Blink covers in high-school. Before they'd even graduated, they released two raucous mission statements -- the 2004 EP The Three Words to Remember in Dealing With the End and the 2005 full-length The Party Scene -- and went on to sign with indie stalwart Hopeless Records in 2006. However, it was their 2007 release So Wrong, It's Right that cracked everything wide open. All Time Low's third record, 2009's Nothing Personal, fared even better, debuting at Number Four on the Billboard chart and earning them positive reviews from outlets as far-reaching as Alternative Press and The Washington Post.
So check out the exclusive interview and leave your comments letting us know what you think.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Jedi Mind Tricks Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
Today is significant because today we are droppin' an interview that marks the actualization of a personal dream of mine. I was granted the privilege as well as blessed with the opportunity to sit down and talk with Vinnie Paz and Jus Allah of the mind-blowing and thought-provoking underground rap duo known as Jedi Mind Tricks. I have been following these guys since they released Violent By Design back in 2000. So after hearing them preach over beats for countless times over the course of twelve years, to have them suspend their status as rap gods of the underground and sit down and talk to me, who is just a college student, a hip-hop reporter, and a die-hard JMT fan, was nothing less than surreal. When my supervisor sent me this assignment, I was ecstatic but also very nervous and intimidated to talk with Vinnie and Jus. These last few months working for Static Multimedia, I have evolved (at least, least in my opinion) as a writer and as a reporter. However, the thought of talking to artists whom I idolize really got me anxious and had me feeling like it was day-one, and I had never done this before. I felt like I was in unfamiliar waters, and I will admit I was even a little scared.
However, I am extremely happy to divulge that these were two of the nicest and most down to earth guys whom I have ever talked to. I realize I have said that in the past, but the level of accommodation, enthusiasm, and warmth that both Jus and Vinnie showed me transcends that of any other artist that I have interviewed before. I mean these guys are really the kind of dudes that you would genuinely want to hang out with and speaking with them was surprisingly comfortable and came very naturally and with great ease. That's just how welcoming they were and I got this inexplicable sense that there was a feeling of mutual-respect that radiated throughout the entire duration of our conversation. After I had concluded the interview and hung up the phone, I was absolutely blown away by how great that it had actually gone, and that was the point when my mind was flooded with all the lyrics and mental images that Jedi Mind Tricks has ever produced. Those same monumental rappers whom I subscribe to had taken time out of their busy schedules to talk to me, and that is when I was hit with the sudden revelation that Jedi Mind Tricks are really, two of the most real emcees in the rap game today.
Enough of all my adoration and hip-hop head braggadocio, let's talk about Violence Begets Violence. For more than fifteen years, the name Jedi Mind Tricks has become synonymous with raw, gritty underground hip-hop. From their debut album, The Psycho-Social, in 1996 to their seminal sophomore release, Violent By Design, to their musical expansion heard on Servants In Heaven, Kings In Hell, JMT has made an indelible impression on the independent music scene (with over 400K units sold) while arguably forging its own sub genre of rap. Led by the fiery vocals of controversial front man, Vinnie Paz (who also released a critically acclaimed solo-LP, Season Of The Assassin in 2010, which featured the underground smash "Street Wars" featuring Clipse and Block McCloud and also guest appearances from Paul Wall, Freeway and Beanie Sigel), and his venerable rhyme partner, Jus Allah, the group has built one of the most critically-acclaimed and commercially-successful careers in independent music.
Though JMT rarely appears on Billboard charts, their success is most accurately measured in the passion and respect of their growing legions of hardcore fans who have packed JMT shows around the world from Boston to Bogota to Bucharest. JMT's music is defiant, and their longevity is a testament to their blue-collar work ethic; born from the bloodlines of their hometown, Philadelphia, PA.
On October 25th, 2011, JMT is set to drop their seventh studio album, Violence Begets Violence, through Vinnie Paz's own label, Enemy Soil. Though JMT fans can expect more of the uncompromising, unrelenting brand of hardcore rap music that has become the group's signature sound, Violence Begets Violence, marks a change as longtime JMT producer, Stoupe, hands over production duties to a new wave of talented producers honed in on the JMT sound; but set on creating a fresh take on a classic formula.
Jedi Mind Tricks Violence Begets Violence will be available on CD, vinyl, and via digital download on October 25th, 2011.
Today is significant because today we are droppin' an interview that marks the actualization of a personal dream of mine. I was granted the privilege as well as blessed with the opportunity to sit down and talk with Vinnie Paz and Jus Allah of the mind-blowing and thought-provoking underground rap duo known as Jedi Mind Tricks. I have been following these guys since they released Violent By Design back in 2000. So after hearing them preach over beats for countless times over the course of twelve years, to have them suspend their status as rap gods of the underground and sit down and talk to me, who is just a college student, a hip-hop reporter, and a die-hard JMT fan, was nothing less than surreal. When my supervisor sent me this assignment, I was ecstatic but also very nervous and intimidated to talk with Vinnie and Jus. These last few months working for Static Multimedia, I have evolved (at least, least in my opinion) as a writer and as a reporter. However, the thought of talking to artists whom I idolize really got me anxious and had me feeling like it was day-one, and I had never done this before. I felt like I was in unfamiliar waters, and I will admit I was even a little scared.
However, I am extremely happy to divulge that these were two of the nicest and most down to earth guys whom I have ever talked to. I realize I have said that in the past, but the level of accommodation, enthusiasm, and warmth that both Jus and Vinnie showed me transcends that of any other artist that I have interviewed before. I mean these guys are really the kind of dudes that you would genuinely want to hang out with and speaking with them was surprisingly comfortable and came very naturally and with great ease. That's just how welcoming they were and I got this inexplicable sense that there was a feeling of mutual-respect that radiated throughout the entire duration of our conversation. After I had concluded the interview and hung up the phone, I was absolutely blown away by how great that it had actually gone, and that was the point when my mind was flooded with all the lyrics and mental images that Jedi Mind Tricks has ever produced. Those same monumental rappers whom I subscribe to had taken time out of their busy schedules to talk to me, and that is when I was hit with the sudden revelation that Jedi Mind Tricks are really, two of the most real emcees in the rap game today.
Enough of all my adoration and hip-hop head braggadocio, let's talk about Violence Begets Violence. For more than fifteen years, the name Jedi Mind Tricks has become synonymous with raw, gritty underground hip-hop. From their debut album, The Psycho-Social, in 1996 to their seminal sophomore release, Violent By Design, to their musical expansion heard on Servants In Heaven, Kings In Hell, JMT has made an indelible impression on the independent music scene (with over 400K units sold) while arguably forging its own sub genre of rap. Led by the fiery vocals of controversial front man, Vinnie Paz (who also released a critically acclaimed solo-LP, Season Of The Assassin in 2010, which featured the underground smash "Street Wars" featuring Clipse and Block McCloud and also guest appearances from Paul Wall, Freeway and Beanie Sigel), and his venerable rhyme partner, Jus Allah, the group has built one of the most critically-acclaimed and commercially-successful careers in independent music.
Though JMT rarely appears on Billboard charts, their success is most accurately measured in the passion and respect of their growing legions of hardcore fans who have packed JMT shows around the world from Boston to Bogota to Bucharest. JMT's music is defiant, and their longevity is a testament to their blue-collar work ethic; born from the bloodlines of their hometown, Philadelphia, PA.
On October 25th, 2011, JMT is set to drop their seventh studio album, Violence Begets Violence, through Vinnie Paz's own label, Enemy Soil. Though JMT fans can expect more of the uncompromising, unrelenting brand of hardcore rap music that has become the group's signature sound, Violence Begets Violence, marks a change as longtime JMT producer, Stoupe, hands over production duties to a new wave of talented producers honed in on the JMT sound; but set on creating a fresh take on a classic formula.
Jedi Mind Tricks Violence Begets Violence will be available on CD, vinyl, and via digital download on October 25th, 2011.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - DJ Statik Selektah Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
We are droppin' a HUGE interview today for all of our hip-hop heads out there! We're talking to DJ Statik Selektah about his new album, Population Control, which is coming out October 25th, 2011. He is here to tell us what we can expect from his fourth album as a producer and talk to us a little about its creation process. For all lovers of beats and fans of scratchin' that get your brains realxin', this is an interview that you won't want to sleep on.
Statik Selektah is an established producer, DJ & radio personality from Lawrence, MA, now residing in Brooklyn, New York. Born Patrick Baril in 1982, found a love for music at a very young age. He regularly experimented with his parents' eight-track machine, cassette recorders, and turntable. Inspired by the likes of Funk Master Flex and DJ Premier, Statik made his first FM-appearance when he was only thirteen and eventually began doing radio shows at Phillips Exeter Academy's WPEA, where he also occasionally Dj'ed some of the Afro-Latino Society Parties. As he grew older and expanded his brand as well as his network, he began to start to DJ at clubs and private parties up and down the New England Coast. Then in 2000, Selektah moved back to Massachusetts from New Hampshire to pursue an audio production degree at Boston's New England Institute of Art; it was around this time, Statik started to put out his own mixtapes series titled Spell My Name Right. Constantly moving forward and constantly networking, in 2003 Statik created ShowOff Marketing, which has had clients such as Reebok, G-Unit Records, Virgin Records, Capital, Universal Records, Diddy's Vote Or Die campaign and many others. Three years later the East Coast DJ made Showoff into a record label and put out Termanology's Out The Gate as the labels first release. He would follow that with his debut LP called Spell My Name Right, second Stick 2 The Script in 2009, and another album 100 Proof: The Hangover which reached 37 on Billboards Heatseeker Albums Chart in 2010. Married to his work, besides dropping his own albums and producing many other artists, Statik currently has a show on Thursday nights on Eminem's Shade 45 XM/Sirus Radio Station from 8PM - 12AM.
The DJ is now readying his fourth producer album entitled Population Control for an October 25th street date on Showoff/ Duck Down Music. The eighteen-track album, entirely produced by Statik, features original songs from Mac Miller, Talib Kweli, Bun B, Chris Webby, Pill, Dom Kennedy, LeCrae, Joell Ortiz, Freddie Gibbs, Brother Ali, Colin Munroe, Sean Price, Styles P, Lil Fame of M.O.P., Reks, Action Bronson, Chace Infinite, Slaine, JFK, Strong Arm Steady, Jon Connor, XV, The Kid Daytona, Termanology, Josh Xantus, Saigon, Jared Evan, Kali, Gameboi, Skyzoo, Chuuwee, Tayyib Ali, Push! Montana, LEP Bogus Boys, Ea$y Money, Nitty Scott MC, Rapsody, Smoke DZA, STS, Dosage, Scram Jones & DJ Babu.
Statik blended a mix of exciting new talent with well respected veteran artists & issued a call for 'Population Control.' He explains the title by saying, "every person I meet is a rapper, DJ, or makes beats. This is my way of saying who is legit from the new generation, and I added a few of the OGs that still care about our music. This is a different sound from my previous albums. It's fresh and younger, but still very raw. I'm excited to show the older rap heads how dope some of the new guys are, as well as show some of the kids following the new guys how the OGs get down."
Check out the interview below in which Statik and I talk about his new album Population Control, what's wrong with the rap game right now, his keys to success, and why he isn't really the biggest Gucci Mane fan (amen, brother).
Leave your comments and let us know what you think and make sure to go out and buy Population Control on October 25th, 2011. I was able to get to listen to an advanced copy, and this is one that all hip-hop heads are going to love. It is really one of those albums that you can listen to all the way through without skipping a track. Ironically it's anything but static.
We are droppin' a HUGE interview today for all of our hip-hop heads out there! We're talking to DJ Statik Selektah about his new album, Population Control, which is coming out October 25th, 2011. He is here to tell us what we can expect from his fourth album as a producer and talk to us a little about its creation process. For all lovers of beats and fans of scratchin' that get your brains realxin', this is an interview that you won't want to sleep on.
Statik Selektah is an established producer, DJ & radio personality from Lawrence, MA, now residing in Brooklyn, New York. Born Patrick Baril in 1982, found a love for music at a very young age. He regularly experimented with his parents' eight-track machine, cassette recorders, and turntable. Inspired by the likes of Funk Master Flex and DJ Premier, Statik made his first FM-appearance when he was only thirteen and eventually began doing radio shows at Phillips Exeter Academy's WPEA, where he also occasionally Dj'ed some of the Afro-Latino Society Parties. As he grew older and expanded his brand as well as his network, he began to start to DJ at clubs and private parties up and down the New England Coast. Then in 2000, Selektah moved back to Massachusetts from New Hampshire to pursue an audio production degree at Boston's New England Institute of Art; it was around this time, Statik started to put out his own mixtapes series titled Spell My Name Right. Constantly moving forward and constantly networking, in 2003 Statik created ShowOff Marketing, which has had clients such as Reebok, G-Unit Records, Virgin Records, Capital, Universal Records, Diddy's Vote Or Die campaign and many others. Three years later the East Coast DJ made Showoff into a record label and put out Termanology's Out The Gate as the labels first release. He would follow that with his debut LP called Spell My Name Right, second Stick 2 The Script in 2009, and another album 100 Proof: The Hangover which reached 37 on Billboards Heatseeker Albums Chart in 2010. Married to his work, besides dropping his own albums and producing many other artists, Statik currently has a show on Thursday nights on Eminem's Shade 45 XM/Sirus Radio Station from 8PM - 12AM.
The DJ is now readying his fourth producer album entitled Population Control for an October 25th street date on Showoff/ Duck Down Music. The eighteen-track album, entirely produced by Statik, features original songs from Mac Miller, Talib Kweli, Bun B, Chris Webby, Pill, Dom Kennedy, LeCrae, Joell Ortiz, Freddie Gibbs, Brother Ali, Colin Munroe, Sean Price, Styles P, Lil Fame of M.O.P., Reks, Action Bronson, Chace Infinite, Slaine, JFK, Strong Arm Steady, Jon Connor, XV, The Kid Daytona, Termanology, Josh Xantus, Saigon, Jared Evan, Kali, Gameboi, Skyzoo, Chuuwee, Tayyib Ali, Push! Montana, LEP Bogus Boys, Ea$y Money, Nitty Scott MC, Rapsody, Smoke DZA, STS, Dosage, Scram Jones & DJ Babu.
Statik blended a mix of exciting new talent with well respected veteran artists & issued a call for 'Population Control.' He explains the title by saying, "every person I meet is a rapper, DJ, or makes beats. This is my way of saying who is legit from the new generation, and I added a few of the OGs that still care about our music. This is a different sound from my previous albums. It's fresh and younger, but still very raw. I'm excited to show the older rap heads how dope some of the new guys are, as well as show some of the kids following the new guys how the OGs get down."
Check out the interview below in which Statik and I talk about his new album Population Control, what's wrong with the rap game right now, his keys to success, and why he isn't really the biggest Gucci Mane fan (amen, brother).
Leave your comments and let us know what you think and make sure to go out and buy Population Control on October 25th, 2011. I was able to get to listen to an advanced copy, and this is one that all hip-hop heads are going to love. It is really one of those albums that you can listen to all the way through without skipping a track. Ironically it's anything but static.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Prince R.O.B. Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
The thing I like most about working for Static Multimedia is that this company gives equal amounts of attention to A-list artists as well as the up-and-comers. This is something I am very proud of because I feel an abundance of artists that deserve to be heard have no outlet in which to do so. What we have done here is constructed a network which provides a box for novices to stand on while at the same time keeps current with established talent. I mean we have brought you interviews from legends like Sebastian Bach, frontrunners like Eve To Adam and Statik Selektah, and diamonds in the rough like Young Deuce and Ryan Rocket. Today, we carry on this tradition of giving all deserving artists a voice by introducing the new kid on the block, Prince R.O.B.
Rob is a twenty-year-old out of Washington State, whom is beginning his rise to stardom. He is about as passionate as it gets when it comes to writing lyrics and his ear for beats is unmatched. He is determined to be successful and while others continue to imitate, Rob innovates. His confidence level is high and his pen game is the only thing that ascends above it.
Inspired by legends like Outkast, Too $hort, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Lil' Wayne, the Prince R.O.B. models himself after some of the best in the bizz. He realizes the lengthy and laborious work that he'll have to put in to make this dream come true, and he is more than willing to do it. In such a short period of time, the young upstart has already managed to put out a bounty of fresh tracks that has his internet followers as well as his hometown homies buzzing.
However, don't take my word for it, just check out the interview below and see what you think. I am confident this is someone who needs to have notice taken, and I am positive that this kid is bound to blow up. Check out the interview as well as his music links and post your comments letting us know what you think, we really want to know.
"Live, learn, regret... live life to the fullest, learn from what you lived and never regret what you've learned, only regret what you haven't. " - Prince R.O.B.
The thing I like most about working for Static Multimedia is that this company gives equal amounts of attention to A-list artists as well as the up-and-comers. This is something I am very proud of because I feel an abundance of artists that deserve to be heard have no outlet in which to do so. What we have done here is constructed a network which provides a box for novices to stand on while at the same time keeps current with established talent. I mean we have brought you interviews from legends like Sebastian Bach, frontrunners like Eve To Adam and Statik Selektah, and diamonds in the rough like Young Deuce and Ryan Rocket. Today, we carry on this tradition of giving all deserving artists a voice by introducing the new kid on the block, Prince R.O.B.
Rob is a twenty-year-old out of Washington State, whom is beginning his rise to stardom. He is about as passionate as it gets when it comes to writing lyrics and his ear for beats is unmatched. He is determined to be successful and while others continue to imitate, Rob innovates. His confidence level is high and his pen game is the only thing that ascends above it.
Inspired by legends like Outkast, Too $hort, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Lil' Wayne, the Prince R.O.B. models himself after some of the best in the bizz. He realizes the lengthy and laborious work that he'll have to put in to make this dream come true, and he is more than willing to do it. In such a short period of time, the young upstart has already managed to put out a bounty of fresh tracks that has his internet followers as well as his hometown homies buzzing.
However, don't take my word for it, just check out the interview below and see what you think. I am confident this is someone who needs to have notice taken, and I am positive that this kid is bound to blow up. Check out the interview as well as his music links and post your comments letting us know what you think, we really want to know.
"Live, learn, regret... live life to the fullest, learn from what you lived and never regret what you've learned, only regret what you haven't. " - Prince R.O.B.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Matty Lewis (of Zebrahead) Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
Today, we are bringing our loyal readers another interview to savor. Yesterday, I had a pretty interesting chat with Matty Lewis, the lead singer and guitarist of the band zebrahead, and we talked about numerous different subjects, including what it's like to tour in Japan, gambling ideologies, and pornography. Matty was definitely one of the coolest guys whom I have interviewed so far only rivaled by Sebastian Bach, the ex-frontman for Skid Row. He was extremely nice and equally as polite, and just came off as a guy who was passionate about music and was infinitely happy living his life.
And with good reason the rock star should be happy because his band, hailing from Orange County, is releasing their ninth studio album entitled Get Nice! September 27th, 2011 and it's bound to be a massive hit.
The collective members of zebrahead include rapper Ali Tabatabaee, Matty Lewis on vocals and playing the guitar, Greg Bergdorf on guitar and backing vocals, Ben Osmundson on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Ed Udhus on drums. The band fuses elements of pop punk, funk, alternative rock, alternative metal, rapcore and rap rock together creating a unique sound that is all their own. Zebrahead was formed in La Habra, California in 1996 by guitarist Greg Bergdorf and drummer Ed Udhus (both formerly of the band 409), bassist Ben Osmundson (formerly of 3-Ply) and singer/rhythm guitarist Justin Mauriello (formerly of Once There). All four musicians, whose bands at the time shared the same practice space, found themselves experimenting with different sounds together and soon became friends. After deciding that they wanted to explore their musical options further, the foursome left their bands all together and formed Zebrahead. The group, who were inspired by acts, including Fugazi and Descendents, found themselves uninspired by the local musical trends of ska-punk and instead began incorporating elements of hip-hop into their sound, eventually recruiting rapper Ali Tabatabaee to join them as a co-vocalist.
Cut to sixteen years later and the band has found a new lead singer, traveled around the world and played with such acts as Green Day, Less Than Jake, Kottonmouth Kings, 311, MxPx, Reel Big Fish, Unwritten Law and Goldfinger, and has headlined tons of other festivals and tours. All that success doesn't even include the fact that the band has their own brand of shoes, and that they have been featured/referenced in numerous instances of pop culture, including providing soundtracks for video games like Duke Nukem, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Super Smash Bros., as well as for movies like Dude, Where's My Car?, Little Nicky, and Bring It On.
Like a lead bullet, zebrahead continues on and is releasing Get Nice! September 27th, 2011. It is the band's first album to feature original material since the release of their seventh studio album Phoenix. It includes the singles "Ricky Bobby" and "Get Nice!" and is also available as a limited collectors-edition complete with 3-D album artwork.
Check out the exclusive interview with him and leave your comments because we want to know what you have to say, as always.
Today, we are bringing our loyal readers another interview to savor. Yesterday, I had a pretty interesting chat with Matty Lewis, the lead singer and guitarist of the band zebrahead, and we talked about numerous different subjects, including what it's like to tour in Japan, gambling ideologies, and pornography. Matty was definitely one of the coolest guys whom I have interviewed so far only rivaled by Sebastian Bach, the ex-frontman for Skid Row. He was extremely nice and equally as polite, and just came off as a guy who was passionate about music and was infinitely happy living his life.
And with good reason the rock star should be happy because his band, hailing from Orange County, is releasing their ninth studio album entitled Get Nice! September 27th, 2011 and it's bound to be a massive hit.
The collective members of zebrahead include rapper Ali Tabatabaee, Matty Lewis on vocals and playing the guitar, Greg Bergdorf on guitar and backing vocals, Ben Osmundson on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Ed Udhus on drums. The band fuses elements of pop punk, funk, alternative rock, alternative metal, rapcore and rap rock together creating a unique sound that is all their own. Zebrahead was formed in La Habra, California in 1996 by guitarist Greg Bergdorf and drummer Ed Udhus (both formerly of the band 409), bassist Ben Osmundson (formerly of 3-Ply) and singer/rhythm guitarist Justin Mauriello (formerly of Once There). All four musicians, whose bands at the time shared the same practice space, found themselves experimenting with different sounds together and soon became friends. After deciding that they wanted to explore their musical options further, the foursome left their bands all together and formed Zebrahead. The group, who were inspired by acts, including Fugazi and Descendents, found themselves uninspired by the local musical trends of ska-punk and instead began incorporating elements of hip-hop into their sound, eventually recruiting rapper Ali Tabatabaee to join them as a co-vocalist.
Cut to sixteen years later and the band has found a new lead singer, traveled around the world and played with such acts as Green Day, Less Than Jake, Kottonmouth Kings, 311, MxPx, Reel Big Fish, Unwritten Law and Goldfinger, and has headlined tons of other festivals and tours. All that success doesn't even include the fact that the band has their own brand of shoes, and that they have been featured/referenced in numerous instances of pop culture, including providing soundtracks for video games like Duke Nukem, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Super Smash Bros., as well as for movies like Dude, Where's My Car?, Little Nicky, and Bring It On.
Like a lead bullet, zebrahead continues on and is releasing Get Nice! September 27th, 2011. It is the band's first album to feature original material since the release of their seventh studio album Phoenix. It includes the singles "Ricky Bobby" and "Get Nice!" and is also available as a limited collectors-edition complete with 3-D album artwork.
Check out the exclusive interview with him and leave your comments because we want to know what you have to say, as always.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Taki Sassaris (of Eve To Adam) Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
I just got off of the phone with Taki Sassaris the lead singer and guitarist of the rock & roll band Eve To Adam and man did we have a great interview. You hear me complain a lot about the lack of heart and soul in the music industry today but Taki Sassaris and the rest of Eve To Adam couldn't be a more opposite example. These guys really ooze passion. They're great at what they do and even more importantly, they absolutely love doing it. No album better showcases their dedication than their latest installment, Banquet For A Starving Dog, which will be distributed by Universal Music Group and hits stores in only two days (September 13th, 2011).
The group, hailing from Queens, New York, isn't dictated by fashion, style or fad of the day. They have one simple goal: to re-ignite Rock. "Rock needs to be protected because it's on the endangered species list," says Taki. The group also has the dual distinction of being highly skilled road warriors, as they hold their own with arena and stadium sized major label acts. They're the underdogs of the music industry and damn proud of it.
The members of Eve To Adam (often called ETA) consist of Taki Sassaris on lead vocals and guitar, Alex Sassaris on drums and backing vocals, Gaurav Bali on guitar and backing vocals and Eric Bergmann on bass and backing vocals. While waiting on the release of Banquet For A Starving Dog, the hardworking and ambitious rock syndicate utilizes all down time and is currently on a national summer tour with Saving Abel.
The album's debut single "Run Your Mouth," now available on iTunes, is making an impact on mainstream rock radio, stirring up prominent buzz among hard rock, classic rock and modern rock fans alike, with an ever increasing fan base on the rise.
The "Run Your Mouth" music video, helmed by the critically acclaimed Diamond Brothers and featuring guest appearances by Dann Florek (Law & Order SVU); Vincent "Big Pussy" Pastore (from HBO series The Sopranos), Chuck Zito (from HBO series OZ) and Award-winning Indian television star Kavita Kaushik (F.I.R.), premiered on MTV.com and has been picked up by VH1.com.
Regarding their forthcoming album, ETA comments: "The title Banquet For A Starving Dog represents both the making of this album and the end results. Our goal was to create a diverse album with songs that reflected real emotions and actual events in our lives. For the first time in our career, we were given complete artistic control, and we took full advantage of the opportunity to be the masters of our own destiny. By expanding the sound of the band with acoustic guitars, piano, strings and electronic loops, we're confident that the sonic "banquet" created will strike a nerve with music lovers of all kinds. This record is simply us being us, and we feel that it's our most well- rounded, inspirational work to date."
ETA's live show is widely recognized as the band's cornerstone, although they also have extremely well-crafted songs and a genuine rock & roll edge. To date, the group has sold more than 10,000 digital copies, 10,000 hard copies and 10,000 digital singles of their independently released debut CD. They've also performed sold-out tours with Arena and Stadium level acts such as Daughtry and Motley Crue, in addition to logging in more than 112 performance dates with Saliva, POD, Three Doors Down, The Exies, 12 Stones, Crossfade and more. Comments Taki Sassaris, "Our live shows are the cornerstone of this band, and we always promise to deliver high energy, adrenaline filled rock shows."
During the course of our interview we brushed on numerous subjects, such as background info on the Banquet For A Starving Dog album, how the ETA managed to secure Vincent Pastore for the "Run Your Mouth" music video, their crazy concert schedule, and what advice Taki had for inspiring musicians, just to name a few. Check out the full interview below and leave your comments letting us know what you think. Furthermore, make sure to pick up Eve To Adam's newest album Banquet For A Starving Dog, in stores on September 13th, 2011. As Taki mentioned in the interview, for those of you that may have given up on rock or may have never really gotten into it, this is a great place to start. Good music is simply good music no matter the genre, and these kings of Queens are making their music accessible as well as enjoyable to all different ages, races, and classes. They truly are resurrecting rock & roll.
I just got off of the phone with Taki Sassaris the lead singer and guitarist of the rock & roll band Eve To Adam and man did we have a great interview. You hear me complain a lot about the lack of heart and soul in the music industry today but Taki Sassaris and the rest of Eve To Adam couldn't be a more opposite example. These guys really ooze passion. They're great at what they do and even more importantly, they absolutely love doing it. No album better showcases their dedication than their latest installment, Banquet For A Starving Dog, which will be distributed by Universal Music Group and hits stores in only two days (September 13th, 2011).
The group, hailing from Queens, New York, isn't dictated by fashion, style or fad of the day. They have one simple goal: to re-ignite Rock. "Rock needs to be protected because it's on the endangered species list," says Taki. The group also has the dual distinction of being highly skilled road warriors, as they hold their own with arena and stadium sized major label acts. They're the underdogs of the music industry and damn proud of it.
The members of Eve To Adam (often called ETA) consist of Taki Sassaris on lead vocals and guitar, Alex Sassaris on drums and backing vocals, Gaurav Bali on guitar and backing vocals and Eric Bergmann on bass and backing vocals. While waiting on the release of Banquet For A Starving Dog, the hardworking and ambitious rock syndicate utilizes all down time and is currently on a national summer tour with Saving Abel.
The album's debut single "Run Your Mouth," now available on iTunes, is making an impact on mainstream rock radio, stirring up prominent buzz among hard rock, classic rock and modern rock fans alike, with an ever increasing fan base on the rise.
The "Run Your Mouth" music video, helmed by the critically acclaimed Diamond Brothers and featuring guest appearances by Dann Florek (Law & Order SVU); Vincent "Big Pussy" Pastore (from HBO series The Sopranos), Chuck Zito (from HBO series OZ) and Award-winning Indian television star Kavita Kaushik (F.I.R.), premiered on MTV.com and has been picked up by VH1.com.
Regarding their forthcoming album, ETA comments: "The title Banquet For A Starving Dog represents both the making of this album and the end results. Our goal was to create a diverse album with songs that reflected real emotions and actual events in our lives. For the first time in our career, we were given complete artistic control, and we took full advantage of the opportunity to be the masters of our own destiny. By expanding the sound of the band with acoustic guitars, piano, strings and electronic loops, we're confident that the sonic "banquet" created will strike a nerve with music lovers of all kinds. This record is simply us being us, and we feel that it's our most well- rounded, inspirational work to date."
ETA's live show is widely recognized as the band's cornerstone, although they also have extremely well-crafted songs and a genuine rock & roll edge. To date, the group has sold more than 10,000 digital copies, 10,000 hard copies and 10,000 digital singles of their independently released debut CD. They've also performed sold-out tours with Arena and Stadium level acts such as Daughtry and Motley Crue, in addition to logging in more than 112 performance dates with Saliva, POD, Three Doors Down, The Exies, 12 Stones, Crossfade and more. Comments Taki Sassaris, "Our live shows are the cornerstone of this band, and we always promise to deliver high energy, adrenaline filled rock shows."
During the course of our interview we brushed on numerous subjects, such as background info on the Banquet For A Starving Dog album, how the ETA managed to secure Vincent Pastore for the "Run Your Mouth" music video, their crazy concert schedule, and what advice Taki had for inspiring musicians, just to name a few. Check out the full interview below and leave your comments letting us know what you think. Furthermore, make sure to pick up Eve To Adam's newest album Banquet For A Starving Dog, in stores on September 13th, 2011. As Taki mentioned in the interview, for those of you that may have given up on rock or may have never really gotten into it, this is a great place to start. Good music is simply good music no matter the genre, and these kings of Queens are making their music accessible as well as enjoyable to all different ages, races, and classes. They truly are resurrecting rock & roll.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Sebastian Bach Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
We here at Static Multimedia continue to bring you the most exclusive interviews and the one we're presenting today is no different. I have done a number of interviews in the past and talked to guys like Kol Khaviar, Ryan Rocket, Zoltán Báthory, Young Deuce, Jesse Abraham, and the list goes on. However, out of all the interviews that I have done so far I would have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with Sebastian Bach, the ex-front man of the legendary 1980's band Skid Row, the most. He was just genuinely a nice guy who was extremely down to earth. As I conducted the interview I couldn't help but feel like we were old friends catching up over a cold beer; he is someone whom you would want to hangout with even if he wasn't as iconic as he is.
Over the course of about twenty minutes or so, we discussed a number of different things including his hesitation to appear on additional television shows, how beautiful women can "drag you to hell", and his current living situation after Hurricane Irene claimed his New Jersey home. All topics of much interest but you'll have to listen to the interview below to get the full scoop.
However, the other topic that we delved into, with much detail I might add, was Sebastian's upcoming solo studio album entitled Kicking & Screaming. This is the forthcoming forth album by the former Skid Row singer and will be released on September 27, 2011 in North America, September 23, 2011 in Europe, and September 21, 2011 in Japan. The Deluxe Edition of the album will contain bonus DVD, but both versions will include the spectacular original album cover art made by Richard Villa. With Bobby Jarzombek on the drums and percussion while Nick Sterling handles guitar duties, Kicking & Screaming will be released through Frontier Records in cooperation with Get Off My Bach! Productions and Avalon Records.
Bach is back with a collection of hard-rock anthems, blistering riffs and solos, and a few rock ballads. The title track, "Kicking & Screaming" is a mid-tempo hard-rock anthem with chunky riffs, thick bass and fun drums. Bach himself sounds strained at times here, and maybe years of living the rock 'n' roll lifestyle are beginning to take their tool, but the song works on every level. "TunnelVision", with a guest appearance from guitarist John 5, continues the unrelenting assault of Kicking & Screaming with some hints of modern rock radio while "Caught In A Dream" and "As Long As I Got The Music" have hit single written all over them.
The ballad "I'm Alive" changes the pace of the album and easily rivals Angel Down's "By Your Side", but the accelerator is pushed through the floor again on one of the album's stand-out tracks "Dirty Power". The album's second ballad "Dream Forever" is by far the best and would have been a Top 10 hit in the Skid Row era while the '80s throwback "Wishin'" wraps the entire album up perfectly.
The album is incredibly consistent in that it doesn't try to enter new territories. What you have here is a hard-rock album, nothing more, nothing less. This makes it, in a way, very comforting, as there are no unexpected or unwanted surprises. What you've got are several hard rocking tracks and a few rock ballads.
Considering the recent loss of his home in New Jersey due to Hurricane Irene, it's eerily ironic how much more impact these songs have now for Sebastian Bach. Songs such as "As Long As I've Got The Music" and "I'm Alive" resonate even more deeply and are startlingly poignant.
So check out the full interview and leave your comments letting us know what you think.
On behalf of all Static Multimedia, I would just like to once more thank Sebastian Bach for his time. Thank You, Sebastian. That was real cool of you, and it is most certainly greatly appreciated. I consider it not only a privilege to talk to a rock god like yourself, but also an honor as well. I hope we can do it again another time.
We here at Static Multimedia continue to bring you the most exclusive interviews and the one we're presenting today is no different. I have done a number of interviews in the past and talked to guys like Kol Khaviar, Ryan Rocket, Zoltán Báthory, Young Deuce, Jesse Abraham, and the list goes on. However, out of all the interviews that I have done so far I would have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with Sebastian Bach, the ex-front man of the legendary 1980's band Skid Row, the most. He was just genuinely a nice guy who was extremely down to earth. As I conducted the interview I couldn't help but feel like we were old friends catching up over a cold beer; he is someone whom you would want to hangout with even if he wasn't as iconic as he is.
Over the course of about twenty minutes or so, we discussed a number of different things including his hesitation to appear on additional television shows, how beautiful women can "drag you to hell", and his current living situation after Hurricane Irene claimed his New Jersey home. All topics of much interest but you'll have to listen to the interview below to get the full scoop.
However, the other topic that we delved into, with much detail I might add, was Sebastian's upcoming solo studio album entitled Kicking & Screaming. This is the forthcoming forth album by the former Skid Row singer and will be released on September 27, 2011 in North America, September 23, 2011 in Europe, and September 21, 2011 in Japan. The Deluxe Edition of the album will contain bonus DVD, but both versions will include the spectacular original album cover art made by Richard Villa. With Bobby Jarzombek on the drums and percussion while Nick Sterling handles guitar duties, Kicking & Screaming will be released through Frontier Records in cooperation with Get Off My Bach! Productions and Avalon Records.
Bach is back with a collection of hard-rock anthems, blistering riffs and solos, and a few rock ballads. The title track, "Kicking & Screaming" is a mid-tempo hard-rock anthem with chunky riffs, thick bass and fun drums. Bach himself sounds strained at times here, and maybe years of living the rock 'n' roll lifestyle are beginning to take their tool, but the song works on every level. "TunnelVision", with a guest appearance from guitarist John 5, continues the unrelenting assault of Kicking & Screaming with some hints of modern rock radio while "Caught In A Dream" and "As Long As I Got The Music" have hit single written all over them.
The ballad "I'm Alive" changes the pace of the album and easily rivals Angel Down's "By Your Side", but the accelerator is pushed through the floor again on one of the album's stand-out tracks "Dirty Power". The album's second ballad "Dream Forever" is by far the best and would have been a Top 10 hit in the Skid Row era while the '80s throwback "Wishin'" wraps the entire album up perfectly.
The album is incredibly consistent in that it doesn't try to enter new territories. What you have here is a hard-rock album, nothing more, nothing less. This makes it, in a way, very comforting, as there are no unexpected or unwanted surprises. What you've got are several hard rocking tracks and a few rock ballads.
Considering the recent loss of his home in New Jersey due to Hurricane Irene, it's eerily ironic how much more impact these songs have now for Sebastian Bach. Songs such as "As Long As I've Got The Music" and "I'm Alive" resonate even more deeply and are startlingly poignant.
So check out the full interview and leave your comments letting us know what you think.
On behalf of all Static Multimedia, I would just like to once more thank Sebastian Bach for his time. Thank You, Sebastian. That was real cool of you, and it is most certainly greatly appreciated. I consider it not only a privilege to talk to a rock god like yourself, but also an honor as well. I hope we can do it again another time.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Kol Khaviar Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
We here at Static Multimedia strive to expose our readers to a broad array of talented artists, from lyrical legends all the way down to hungry novices, we believe that everyone deserves to be heard. We have brought to you a variety of world exclusive interviews such as the ones with Ryan Rocket, Young Deuce, Jesse Abraham, Zoltán Báthory, and the list goes on. Today, we add to the collection with a world exclusive interview with up-and-coming Chicago rapper, Kol Khaviar. This is privileged content, and I guarantee you that Static is the only place you'll be able to listen to this interview and get this information.
I met Kol awhile back at a bar in Chandler, Arizona; as soon as I talked to the man I could tell that he had hunger in his eyes and fire in his belly. After only briefly conversing with him during our initial congregation, I knew that I had to sit down with him for a more in-depth interview and do my best to introduce him to the rest of the hip-hop community; this is someone whom I firmly believe needs to be heard. He just spoke about his music with such passion and such dedication that I recognized not to capitalize on this opportunity would be a giant mistake. If I didn't do it now I probably would not get another chance once he blew up. How stupid would I feel if I passed on the Kol Khaviar interview and then saw him a year later in XXL magazine? I wasn't going to let that happen, not on my watch.
I feel that a lot of rappers trying to break into the game have "tunnel vision" and either are not aware of it or simply refuse to acknowledge the bigger picture. The majority of these young bucks coming out are blinded by delusional fantasies and false bravado; this is not a luxury that Kol Khaviar can afford, and he's intelligent enough to acknowledge this and at the same time keep things in perspective. Making his debut at such a relatively late age Kol Khaviar knows that time is precious and "throw-away" raps are not an option, so he settles for nothing less than perfection and ensures that every bar is hot enough to scorch your ear drums.
As raw as Kol is you would expect him to be arrogant, nothing could be further from the truth. You can tell how humble the dude is by simply referring to the title of his latest mixtape, Revenge Of The Regular N!99@. The key word there being "regular" a title that Kol has given himself. He would have you think that he is just a hip-hop connoisseur with a side hustle working at a barber shop that just so happens to spit hot fire like he was Dylan. However, after one listen to the Revenge Of The Regular N!99@ mixtape you'll see that Kol Khaviar is anything but "regular". The windy city native seamlessly shifts from club bangers to street poems which makes his latest mixtape a must listen to. Revenge Of The Regular N!99@ is one that you will definitely regret not checking out.
So listen to the full in-depth interview and leave your comments and let us know what you think. I honestly have to say that this was one of the most intriguing as well as entertaining interviews that I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of. Kol is a funny guy whom also speaks with a sense of wisdom and clarity that is refreshing in a hip-hop world plagued by ignorance, arrogance, haters, and fakers.
We here at Static Multimedia strive to expose our readers to a broad array of talented artists, from lyrical legends all the way down to hungry novices, we believe that everyone deserves to be heard. We have brought to you a variety of world exclusive interviews such as the ones with Ryan Rocket, Young Deuce, Jesse Abraham, Zoltán Báthory, and the list goes on. Today, we add to the collection with a world exclusive interview with up-and-coming Chicago rapper, Kol Khaviar. This is privileged content, and I guarantee you that Static is the only place you'll be able to listen to this interview and get this information.
I met Kol awhile back at a bar in Chandler, Arizona; as soon as I talked to the man I could tell that he had hunger in his eyes and fire in his belly. After only briefly conversing with him during our initial congregation, I knew that I had to sit down with him for a more in-depth interview and do my best to introduce him to the rest of the hip-hop community; this is someone whom I firmly believe needs to be heard. He just spoke about his music with such passion and such dedication that I recognized not to capitalize on this opportunity would be a giant mistake. If I didn't do it now I probably would not get another chance once he blew up. How stupid would I feel if I passed on the Kol Khaviar interview and then saw him a year later in XXL magazine? I wasn't going to let that happen, not on my watch.
I feel that a lot of rappers trying to break into the game have "tunnel vision" and either are not aware of it or simply refuse to acknowledge the bigger picture. The majority of these young bucks coming out are blinded by delusional fantasies and false bravado; this is not a luxury that Kol Khaviar can afford, and he's intelligent enough to acknowledge this and at the same time keep things in perspective. Making his debut at such a relatively late age Kol Khaviar knows that time is precious and "throw-away" raps are not an option, so he settles for nothing less than perfection and ensures that every bar is hot enough to scorch your ear drums.
As raw as Kol is you would expect him to be arrogant, nothing could be further from the truth. You can tell how humble the dude is by simply referring to the title of his latest mixtape, Revenge Of The Regular N!99@. The key word there being "regular" a title that Kol has given himself. He would have you think that he is just a hip-hop connoisseur with a side hustle working at a barber shop that just so happens to spit hot fire like he was Dylan. However, after one listen to the Revenge Of The Regular N!99@ mixtape you'll see that Kol Khaviar is anything but "regular". The windy city native seamlessly shifts from club bangers to street poems which makes his latest mixtape a must listen to. Revenge Of The Regular N!99@ is one that you will definitely regret not checking out.
So listen to the full in-depth interview and leave your comments and let us know what you think. I honestly have to say that this was one of the most intriguing as well as entertaining interviews that I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of. Kol is a funny guy whom also speaks with a sense of wisdom and clarity that is refreshing in a hip-hop world plagued by ignorance, arrogance, haters, and fakers.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Ryan Rocket Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
Continuing our interview rampage, we here at Static Multimedia are bringing you another world exclusive. This time we have up and coming hip-hop artist Ryan Rocket, and he's here with content you won't find anywhere else on the web. He granted us a few minutes to talk about the brand-new music video for his "Dopest Dope" track. This was the first "single" off Rocket's debut mixtape entitled Skippin' Class N Flickin' Ash and is receiving substantial attention within both the underground and mixtape circuits.
The twenty-one-year-old Detroit native attended Dakota High School in Macomb, Michigan, and currently resides in Tempe as a student at Arizona State University. Rocket dropped his debut mixtape Skippin' Class N Flickin' Ash recently, which includes such underground bangers as "Dopest Dope" and "What We Smoke To". Rocket's deceptively witty rhymes, cool kid flow, and carefree attitude make him the hottest thing you've never heard. A17 and Planet Rock composed all beats on the new mixtape along with John Weil's contributions in mixing and mastering.
Rocket cites rappers like Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Jay-Z as sources of inspiration but says ultimately that he has always enjoyed writing, reading, and rapping.
His Facebook profile simply states in the "About Ryan" section: "Real Real Blunted. Puttin' in work for a while now. Pretty much just do crazy shit all the time. It’s a lifestyle." A lifestyle which includes hard work that seems to be paying off. Rocket is still only an amateur in the rap game but after hearing his debut mixtape, it's clear that he is going to be around for awhile. I think that unlike many hopefuls, Rocket actually possesses the talent as well as the determination that it takes in order to make it to the top. His name alone ensures his star-bound future.
We here at Static Multimedia would like to thank Ryan Rocket for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to us, we genuinely appreciate it.
Continuing our interview rampage, we here at Static Multimedia are bringing you another world exclusive. This time we have up and coming hip-hop artist Ryan Rocket, and he's here with content you won't find anywhere else on the web. He granted us a few minutes to talk about the brand-new music video for his "Dopest Dope" track. This was the first "single" off Rocket's debut mixtape entitled Skippin' Class N Flickin' Ash and is receiving substantial attention within both the underground and mixtape circuits.
The twenty-one-year-old Detroit native attended Dakota High School in Macomb, Michigan, and currently resides in Tempe as a student at Arizona State University. Rocket dropped his debut mixtape Skippin' Class N Flickin' Ash recently, which includes such underground bangers as "Dopest Dope" and "What We Smoke To". Rocket's deceptively witty rhymes, cool kid flow, and carefree attitude make him the hottest thing you've never heard. A17 and Planet Rock composed all beats on the new mixtape along with John Weil's contributions in mixing and mastering.
Rocket cites rappers like Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Jay-Z as sources of inspiration but says ultimately that he has always enjoyed writing, reading, and rapping.
His Facebook profile simply states in the "About Ryan" section: "Real Real Blunted. Puttin' in work for a while now. Pretty much just do crazy shit all the time. It’s a lifestyle." A lifestyle which includes hard work that seems to be paying off. Rocket is still only an amateur in the rap game but after hearing his debut mixtape, it's clear that he is going to be around for awhile. I think that unlike many hopefuls, Rocket actually possesses the talent as well as the determination that it takes in order to make it to the top. His name alone ensures his star-bound future.
We here at Static Multimedia would like to thank Ryan Rocket for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to us, we genuinely appreciate it.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Jesse Abraham Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
Lately, we here at Static Multimedia have been bringing you a slew of one-on-one in-depth interviews, and today we are adding another to the collection. I just got off the phone with New York Indie hip-hop artist Jesse Abraham, and we discussed his "debut" album, humor in hip-hop, and some of his extracurricular activities.
If you don't know who Jesse Abraham is, he is definitely going to be someone whom you want to check out. Two-time UMA nominee Jesse Abraham was born in Manhattan as the first child to two public school teachers.
He grew up in the downtown neighborhood of Tribeca, raised on the city's hip-hop culture and the eight-track tapes his parents introduced him to as a kid. At five years old, Jesse was writing and by the time he was nine, recording demos on cassette tapes. The authenticity of his music now reflects his growing up in New York in the '80s, right alongside the groundbreaking hip-hop of Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys. He quickly developed an affinity for rhyming, wordplay and rhythm, walking the halls of his Hebrew school reciting lyrics by KRS-1 or A Tribe Called Quest. Between the ages of ten-fourteen Jesse lost his father, an uncle and two of his best friends in unrelated incidents, turning towards writing to cope with the tragedies.
A published poet at the age of fifteen, Jesse suddenly realized his true passion was for hip-hop, inspired by such artists as Kool G. Rap and OutKast. However, it wasn't until he went to college at Atlanta's Emory University as a philosophy major that he began to realize that he wasn't just writing lyrics, he was composing songs.
While at school, Jesse formed the group BTU with a pair of friends. They recorded a demo that resulted in a series of performances, including opening for Public Enemy at B.B. King's in Times Square. After transferring to Emerson College in Boston, Jesse joined Preacherfunk, a hip-hop band with a following throughout New England. Upon graduating and moving to Brooklyn, Jesse founded a tutoring company of which he is still the managing director. By the summer of 2009, Jesse Abraham began to attract considerable attention on the open-mic circuit and in the online world of hip-hop, winning numerous freestyle competitions and establishing his reputation. Mixtapes he released such as Alphabutter in January 2010 and XS in February of the same year only increased his buzz.
His 2010 "debut" album, Bars & NoBull released in October 2010 spent weeks on DJBooth.net's Top 10 Charts, and the singles "Yoga" and "Little Bit Of Everything" were major hits in the underground, and their respective videos were YouTube successes. Jesse spent much of 2010 promoting these projects on countless blogs and radio shows, until he was ready to record and release One Day in 2011. The project's lead single, "Spiderman On Vitamins", made major waves throughout the online world of music, peaking at number three on DJBooth.net's reputable Top 10 Singles chart. The album features the single "Always & Forever" featuring Homeboy Sandman, which premiered on XXLMag.com and the follow-up single "Words Past The Margin" featuring Blu which premiered on NahRight.com. Debuting at number five on DJBooth's Top 10 Charts, the album was recently nominated for Indie Album Of The Year at the Underground Music Awards, along with Abraham's nomination for Lyricist Of The Year.
More than just an emcee, Jesse also contributes to the hip-hop culture as a producer, marketing consultant and concert organizer. He has produced shows in multiple cities through his Skill Or Be Skilled production company, has performed in over fifty venues on the east coast, including sold-out shows at Joe's Public Theater and Southpaw, and has participated actively at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas and the CMJ Music Festival in New York City year after year. He continues to reinvent the responsibilities a hip-hop artist holds, and his potential is only surpassed by his passion for the genuine essence of his genre. However, if you ask him, he simply aspires to inspire.
And I think that this is totally true about the guy. Although Jesse only had a limited time to talk with us, I could just tell when interviewing him that he was a strong and confident rapper who knew himself as a person and was extremely passionate about hip-hop. That's something you can't teach, you either have the drive, or you don't, and Jesse Abraham most certainly posses the drive that will ensure he goes the distance.
Check out the exclusive interview with Static Multimedia below and also check out the "Spiderman On Vitamins" music video. If you like what you hear, then you can listen to the album on his official site and purchase it off iTunes.
We would like to thank Jesse Abraham for taking the time out of his hectic schedule to sit down and talk with us for a few moments. Thank You very much Jesse, we really appreciate it.
Look out for the BRAND-NEW Jesse Abraham album coming out sometime next year.
Lately, we here at Static Multimedia have been bringing you a slew of one-on-one in-depth interviews, and today we are adding another to the collection. I just got off the phone with New York Indie hip-hop artist Jesse Abraham, and we discussed his "debut" album, humor in hip-hop, and some of his extracurricular activities.
If you don't know who Jesse Abraham is, he is definitely going to be someone whom you want to check out. Two-time UMA nominee Jesse Abraham was born in Manhattan as the first child to two public school teachers.
He grew up in the downtown neighborhood of Tribeca, raised on the city's hip-hop culture and the eight-track tapes his parents introduced him to as a kid. At five years old, Jesse was writing and by the time he was nine, recording demos on cassette tapes. The authenticity of his music now reflects his growing up in New York in the '80s, right alongside the groundbreaking hip-hop of Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys. He quickly developed an affinity for rhyming, wordplay and rhythm, walking the halls of his Hebrew school reciting lyrics by KRS-1 or A Tribe Called Quest. Between the ages of ten-fourteen Jesse lost his father, an uncle and two of his best friends in unrelated incidents, turning towards writing to cope with the tragedies.
A published poet at the age of fifteen, Jesse suddenly realized his true passion was for hip-hop, inspired by such artists as Kool G. Rap and OutKast. However, it wasn't until he went to college at Atlanta's Emory University as a philosophy major that he began to realize that he wasn't just writing lyrics, he was composing songs.
While at school, Jesse formed the group BTU with a pair of friends. They recorded a demo that resulted in a series of performances, including opening for Public Enemy at B.B. King's in Times Square. After transferring to Emerson College in Boston, Jesse joined Preacherfunk, a hip-hop band with a following throughout New England. Upon graduating and moving to Brooklyn, Jesse founded a tutoring company of which he is still the managing director. By the summer of 2009, Jesse Abraham began to attract considerable attention on the open-mic circuit and in the online world of hip-hop, winning numerous freestyle competitions and establishing his reputation. Mixtapes he released such as Alphabutter in January 2010 and XS in February of the same year only increased his buzz.
His 2010 "debut" album, Bars & NoBull released in October 2010 spent weeks on DJBooth.net's Top 10 Charts, and the singles "Yoga" and "Little Bit Of Everything" were major hits in the underground, and their respective videos were YouTube successes. Jesse spent much of 2010 promoting these projects on countless blogs and radio shows, until he was ready to record and release One Day in 2011. The project's lead single, "Spiderman On Vitamins", made major waves throughout the online world of music, peaking at number three on DJBooth.net's reputable Top 10 Singles chart. The album features the single "Always & Forever" featuring Homeboy Sandman, which premiered on XXLMag.com and the follow-up single "Words Past The Margin" featuring Blu which premiered on NahRight.com. Debuting at number five on DJBooth's Top 10 Charts, the album was recently nominated for Indie Album Of The Year at the Underground Music Awards, along with Abraham's nomination for Lyricist Of The Year.
More than just an emcee, Jesse also contributes to the hip-hop culture as a producer, marketing consultant and concert organizer. He has produced shows in multiple cities through his Skill Or Be Skilled production company, has performed in over fifty venues on the east coast, including sold-out shows at Joe's Public Theater and Southpaw, and has participated actively at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas and the CMJ Music Festival in New York City year after year. He continues to reinvent the responsibilities a hip-hop artist holds, and his potential is only surpassed by his passion for the genuine essence of his genre. However, if you ask him, he simply aspires to inspire.
And I think that this is totally true about the guy. Although Jesse only had a limited time to talk with us, I could just tell when interviewing him that he was a strong and confident rapper who knew himself as a person and was extremely passionate about hip-hop. That's something you can't teach, you either have the drive, or you don't, and Jesse Abraham most certainly posses the drive that will ensure he goes the distance.
Check out the exclusive interview with Static Multimedia below and also check out the "Spiderman On Vitamins" music video. If you like what you hear, then you can listen to the album on his official site and purchase it off iTunes.
We would like to thank Jesse Abraham for taking the time out of his hectic schedule to sit down and talk with us for a few moments. Thank You very much Jesse, we really appreciate it.
Look out for the BRAND-NEW Jesse Abraham album coming out sometime next year.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Zoltán Báthory (of 5 Finger Death Punch) Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
I recently sat down with Zoltán Báthory the lead guitarist and founder of the heavy-metal band 5 Finger Death Punch to talk to him about the band's latest projects and brand new single.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the artist, let me give you a little background information. The Hungarian-born musician joined the post-grunge band U.P.O. in 2004 replacing Ben Shirley (on Bass). He left the band in 2005 switched back to guitar and went on to form the heavy-metal band Five Finger Death Punch. The band recorded their debut album in 2006 with engineers Steve Bruno and Mike Sarkisyan. It was mixed by Soulfly/Machine Head guitarist Logan Mader. Soon after finishing the album, 5 Finger Death Punch was signed by a major management company The Firm and The Way Of The Fist was released on July 31st, 2007. This self produced record sold over 500,000 copies in the United States alone and spawned three top ten singles. Their even more successful follow-up album, War Is The Answer was released on September 22nd, 2009 through Prospect Park Records. The record debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 and all four singles off War Is The Answer made it to the top ten mainstream rock charts making 5 Finger Death Punch one of the breakthrough rock bands of the decade. War Is The Answer proved itself to be a rock solid album staying on Billboards Top 100 for over a record breaking ninety-two weeks and selling over 500,000 copies. Zoltán was nominated, and won the “Best Shredder” award at the 2010 Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. The award was the third Golden God trophy the band collected along with 2009 Best New Artist and 2010 Breakthrough Artist.
In 2009 B.C. Rich launched three Zoltán Báthory Artist Signature Guitars: Báthory ASM (Artist Signature Model). Zoltán runs this through TC Electronic effects and Diamond Amplifiers which he endorses. Zoltán is known for his heavy string gauge of .13 to .64 made by Dunlop. And in his private life, Zoltán is a Martial Artist Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner often appearing in Martial Art Magazines. He is affiliated with Professor Don Charley and Professor Amilcar Cipili of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu lineage and possibly studies under Royler Gracie and Royce Gracie. According to the band’s Facebook page, Zoltán won the silver medal at the Abu-Dhabi Pro Jiu-Jitsu World Trials in his division. He is also a co-owner of Alphadog Combat Gear, a high end Fight Gear Manufacturer working closely with star Athletes, UFC fighters, and MMA Fight Leagues.
Well, the interview could not have gone any smoother. Zoltán Báthory is one of the nicest and most interesting people that I have ever talked to in my life. Once our interview was underway, and the conversation got more and more in-depth, it was obvious that I was talking to a modern-day artist/genius. A true renaissance man. There are certain artists who when interviewed make you nervous about asking questions that might have to do with a "sensitive topic". In the case of this interview specifically, I was pretty nervous about asking Zoltánabout bass player, Matt Snell, "leaving" the band. However, Zoltán could have not been more accommodating. There were no subjects that were off limits, and he opened up to me like I was Barbara Walters.
I recently sat down with Zoltán Báthory the lead guitarist and founder of the heavy-metal band 5 Finger Death Punch to talk to him about the band's latest projects and brand new single.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the artist, let me give you a little background information. The Hungarian-born musician joined the post-grunge band U.P.O. in 2004 replacing Ben Shirley (on Bass). He left the band in 2005 switched back to guitar and went on to form the heavy-metal band Five Finger Death Punch. The band recorded their debut album in 2006 with engineers Steve Bruno and Mike Sarkisyan. It was mixed by Soulfly/Machine Head guitarist Logan Mader. Soon after finishing the album, 5 Finger Death Punch was signed by a major management company The Firm and The Way Of The Fist was released on July 31st, 2007. This self produced record sold over 500,000 copies in the United States alone and spawned three top ten singles. Their even more successful follow-up album, War Is The Answer was released on September 22nd, 2009 through Prospect Park Records. The record debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 and all four singles off War Is The Answer made it to the top ten mainstream rock charts making 5 Finger Death Punch one of the breakthrough rock bands of the decade. War Is The Answer proved itself to be a rock solid album staying on Billboards Top 100 for over a record breaking ninety-two weeks and selling over 500,000 copies. Zoltán was nominated, and won the “Best Shredder” award at the 2010 Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. The award was the third Golden God trophy the band collected along with 2009 Best New Artist and 2010 Breakthrough Artist.
In 2009 B.C. Rich launched three Zoltán Báthory Artist Signature Guitars: Báthory ASM (Artist Signature Model). Zoltán runs this through TC Electronic effects and Diamond Amplifiers which he endorses. Zoltán is known for his heavy string gauge of .13 to .64 made by Dunlop. And in his private life, Zoltán is a Martial Artist Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner often appearing in Martial Art Magazines. He is affiliated with Professor Don Charley and Professor Amilcar Cipili of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu lineage and possibly studies under Royler Gracie and Royce Gracie. According to the band’s Facebook page, Zoltán won the silver medal at the Abu-Dhabi Pro Jiu-Jitsu World Trials in his division. He is also a co-owner of Alphadog Combat Gear, a high end Fight Gear Manufacturer working closely with star Athletes, UFC fighters, and MMA Fight Leagues.
Well, the interview could not have gone any smoother. Zoltán Báthory is one of the nicest and most interesting people that I have ever talked to in my life. Once our interview was underway, and the conversation got more and more in-depth, it was obvious that I was talking to a modern-day artist/genius. A true renaissance man. There are certain artists who when interviewed make you nervous about asking questions that might have to do with a "sensitive topic". In the case of this interview specifically, I was pretty nervous about asking Zoltánabout bass player, Matt Snell, "leaving" the band. However, Zoltán could have not been more accommodating. There were no subjects that were off limits, and he opened up to me like I was Barbara Walters.
Static Multimedia Exclusive - Young Deuce Interview
Interview Written & Conducted By Grant David
At the age of 20, most teenagers have made the decision to attend a university or seek out full-time employment. However, Tyler L. Kohrs, also known as Young Deuce, has decided to take an alternative route in order to pursue his dream as going down in music history as one of hip-hop's most notorious.
Deuce is on a relentless mission to take over the hip-hop industry and shut down all rumors that the game is dead. Working day and night in the studio, never taking a break, Deuce is gaining a big buzz around the North West. With the recent release of three mixtapes, Child Of The Corn, Da YungStarr, and Smoke Session, he has garnered the attention of all crowds in the area. And with a recent location change, to Hollywood, California, the young upstart hopes to broaden his fan base and further his budding rap career. This is most certainly an attainable goal considering that in only a seven year period Deuce was able to start writing music, polish his craft, establish himself, build a following, and forward his brand by making his mixtapes and new clothing line available to the masses.
About a month ago we featured on article on Deuce concerning his song "Michael Jordan" (his most successful song to-date). Shortly after hitting the site, the article blew up and eventually received more hits than any other hip-hop article in StaticMultiMedia.com history. Accomplishing a feat like this made it quite apparent that Deuce's following surpassed strictly local numbers. A lot of phone calls and e-mails in order to get an actual interview was naturally my first reaction. He humbly agreed.
Today, we here at Static Multimedia have a world exclusive interview with the up-and-coming rapper. I personally, sat down with Deuce and we discussed everything from his rap origins, to his thoughts and feelings on some of today's hottest rappers, to his plans for the future. I could tell you everything that we talked about in the interview but what better way to get the information than from the man himself? So check out the interview below and remember that this is a world exclusive, and it is only Static Multimedia that is able to bring you this content.
Leave your comments and let us know what you think about one of the newest and fastest rising stars in all of hip-hop. Furthermore, make sure to check out the Kush Lords, Hollywood Livin', L.A. Livin', Ambitions, and Welcome To The Cloud mixtapes all set to be released within the next few months. And finally, look for both Purple Plane clothing and Highest Cloud Apparel in stores and online by the end of July 2011.
Be ready to see a lot more of Young Deuce in late 2011 and 2012.
At the age of 20, most teenagers have made the decision to attend a university or seek out full-time employment. However, Tyler L. Kohrs, also known as Young Deuce, has decided to take an alternative route in order to pursue his dream as going down in music history as one of hip-hop's most notorious.
Deuce is on a relentless mission to take over the hip-hop industry and shut down all rumors that the game is dead. Working day and night in the studio, never taking a break, Deuce is gaining a big buzz around the North West. With the recent release of three mixtapes, Child Of The Corn, Da YungStarr, and Smoke Session, he has garnered the attention of all crowds in the area. And with a recent location change, to Hollywood, California, the young upstart hopes to broaden his fan base and further his budding rap career. This is most certainly an attainable goal considering that in only a seven year period Deuce was able to start writing music, polish his craft, establish himself, build a following, and forward his brand by making his mixtapes and new clothing line available to the masses.
About a month ago we featured on article on Deuce concerning his song "Michael Jordan" (his most successful song to-date). Shortly after hitting the site, the article blew up and eventually received more hits than any other hip-hop article in StaticMultiMedia.com history. Accomplishing a feat like this made it quite apparent that Deuce's following surpassed strictly local numbers. A lot of phone calls and e-mails in order to get an actual interview was naturally my first reaction. He humbly agreed.
Today, we here at Static Multimedia have a world exclusive interview with the up-and-coming rapper. I personally, sat down with Deuce and we discussed everything from his rap origins, to his thoughts and feelings on some of today's hottest rappers, to his plans for the future. I could tell you everything that we talked about in the interview but what better way to get the information than from the man himself? So check out the interview below and remember that this is a world exclusive, and it is only Static Multimedia that is able to bring you this content.
Leave your comments and let us know what you think about one of the newest and fastest rising stars in all of hip-hop. Furthermore, make sure to check out the Kush Lords, Hollywood Livin', L.A. Livin', Ambitions, and Welcome To The Cloud mixtapes all set to be released within the next few months. And finally, look for both Purple Plane clothing and Highest Cloud Apparel in stores and online by the end of July 2011.
Be ready to see a lot more of Young Deuce in late 2011 and 2012.