Lady EVE @ WRAS:ALBUM 88.5 where she was the host of the show "Planet 8"
Tell us about your favorite childhood object...
I’ve always loved musical toys, from a miniature piano given to me by my Grandpa or my first cassette deck. When I received a Simon, I was intrigued with the combination of rhythm and memory games. It kept me busy for hours. Of course I didn’t realize that Simon would lead to my passion for abstract rhythms, and it just so happened to be shaped like a vinyl record!
When did you live in Atlanta and how did you end up here?
Born and raised in the ATL yo! Recently let my wanderlust lead me to venture out to the west coast.
At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?
Raised in a household with Bowie and Devo playing, my parents helped give me the lifelong love of music. It wasn’t until I started performing in middle school band that I felt the draw to do it for a living. At GSU I delved into the business of music, and have since explored everything from radio broadcasting and DJing, to artist booking and event promotion. As the saying goes “Music is my life!”
Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music?
My musical influences come from all over the spectrum, but I can say that it was the Housefaerie at WRAS 88.5FM that gave me the best advice through record shopping, “If you don't understand it, buy it.” And with that, my ethos on music and life was cemented. Admittedly, my favorite genre to DJ and listen to is Ambient, because of the multitude of sonic layers and emotions that can be conjured. A great example of my current Ambient excursions can be heard on the compilation Pan Ambient Bento on TKG Music (TKG 002). Not only does it feature the band I perform with on oboe, Gunshae, it showcases the event series I developed to promote all styles of global Ambient collaboration.
Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3?
First and foremost, vinyl. Maybe it’s the rich sound, maybe it’s the beautiful, big artwork…but really I just like putting my hands on it.
How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto?
Friends are the best influence. Especially my Art of Beatz (radio show) co-hosts! Motomasa reminds me that it all started with a groove called House, and Kuma (Captain of the Konspiracy Group dubship) knows about proper bassbin shakin.
Take us through your creative process.
Letting life soak into my soul is the start of any work of art for me (any so many others). I don’t try to force it, although sometimes I get too caught up in making it fit my personal vision. Through all the challenges that come from making art or producing an event, I find great peace and enjoyment in working with others. There’s a point where you have to just let it all go, and feel the magic happen.
How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work??
I wouldn’t have nearly the amount of soul I do if it weren’t for the dirty south! Going to school in the APS system was a wonderful thing, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Where would I be without southern marching bands, crunk hip hop, modern classical music, soulful electronic and breakbeats? This city has an amazing pool of talent, and I’m proud to be a part of it and know so many people who are transforming the musical landscape on a global level through the lens of the south.
Who/What are some of your inspirations?
Other artists and my friends…and my friends that are artists! Annually, I return to Seattle’s Decibel Festival to hear their Ambient showcases. Two days of the most abstract and leftfield artists from around the world, mixed with visuals and an intelligent crowd that soaks it in. I’m always floored with the ability to sit in a concert hall and feel this music for 6 hours at a time. Then, it’s off to experience body shattering bassbins with full on techno, dubstep, drum’n’bass, and funk. Aw yeah!
Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?
I could shout out a bunch…but the ones that are really doing something different and making a mark for Atlanta always come to mind right away. Richard Devine, Prefuse 73, Little Jen, Cee Lo, Outkast, Jody Grind, Man or Astroman?, and The Changelings…amongst MANY others.
Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?
Some of them are no longer around, but I used to hang at Café Diem, Intermezzo, El Myr, Fountainhead Lounge (Eastside Lounge), Flying Biscuit on McLendon, and occasionally the classic ATL greasy spoon, The Majestic. My favorite clubs however, were Velvet, Nomenclature, 1150 and Dotties for Beat Research.
What music/album are you currently listening to?
Lots of techno like Modeselektor, Apparat, anything on Kompakt and Pokerflat. Diggin on the sidereal dubstep producers like Burial, Kode 9, and Goth Trad. On the lush downtempo side, I’m loving The Orb’s latest “The Dream” and his newest project High Frequency Bandwidth.
What is one thing you love about your life?
I have a very supportive family and great network of creative and loving friends. My motto is taken from one of Bjork’s songs, “Enjoy!” And with that anything is possible…at least personal happiness isn’t so hard to reach with that in mind.
†Upcoming gigs and tours @ www.ladyeve.ca
†Current Releases: TKG Music 001 – Gunshae “Traveling Without Memory” (featuring LadyEve on oboe), TKG Music 002 – Pan Ambient Bento / Various Artists (featuring ladyeve’s solo work “Meiji Sunbeams”), and multiple mixes available online.
†Weekly radio show “Art of Beatz” (hosted by LadyEve, Motomasa, and Kuma): Thursday nights at Midnight on CFRO Vancouver 102.7FM and streaming/podcasting online @ www.artofbeatz.org