BUZZZZZZZ & THANKS

To the media supporters who picked up the Second Coming Exhibition and buzzed about it, TCP THANKS YOU!

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 Catherine Maddox & Wyatt Williams of Creative Loafing

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RASTA ROOT

Rasta Root in his ATL studio

Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

Well i really started playin' soccer when we moved to Spain. Because of our visa status, we were not able to leave Spain for vacation etc...unless it was for a trip to England to renew our status. So, I spent a lot of weekends and summers kickin' my soccer ball against the wall in front of our apartment building. Literally hours and hours.. it's actually how I developed my ball control and my focus, I think of three noises: me kickin' the ball, the ball hittin' the wall, then my foot trappin' the ball. It was very rythmic..almost like a drum pattern over and over. My ball was my instrument at the time......but it kept me sane all those days and summers...  

How long have you lived in Atlanta and how did you end up here?

I have been here for 12 years. I moved here after spending three years in Japan. My family had moved form Maryland so I naturally followed..Plus the music scene was bubbling!

At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue? I think it was when I was about to graduate from college and realized that a 9-5 wasn't for me..I decided that no matter I did, it would have to be something I loved to do.......and music was it..

Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music? My sound is gritty...my dj style, although very finessed..is a very aggressive mix style.... I attack each mix progressively but the finesse of my mix, makes it easy on the ears.. I'm precise with everything when it comes to mixing or making beats...

Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3? In today's dj market, I prefer to use Mp3 via Serato (Scratchlive) because its cuttin' edge technology. I am, however, truly blessed to have learned to dj on Vinyl......

How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto? If i gave up my secrets they wouldn't be secrets anymore ;) ...let's just say I spend a lot of time on the web....music is everywhere, you just gotta know where to look...

Take us through your creative process. That's a tough question, my process is that I don't have a process. I do what I feel, when I feel it..It's all about a vibe for me...that means if I am not feeling music production., I may not make a beat for months...kinda picky about not forcing anything...

How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work?? It has helped me to understand what "southern" producers do. Music is so open and one can be so expressive through the sound. Even though I don't play a lot of southern sounding music...I still have respect for what is created..and how producers and musicians capture the voice of the hood while making it lucrative. Who/What are some of your inspirations? My family inspires me the most. For me, succeeding in life is based on the type of life I can provide for my parents, sister, and niece....It's built into my dna...being the best dj I can be inspires me. Taking my mix further... past people's expectation of my work does too.

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists? I am of course a Goodie Mob / Outkast fan. They define Atlanta music and creativity to me. I love the Stanza's, Señor Kaoses, Binkis, 4 Ize.....

Where is your favorite atlanta hang out? My fave local hangout is either Djangos or El Bar...MJQ is always fun...

What music/album are you currently listening to? I am listening to the Raekwon album, and my mix 'The Rest of Dilla Vol. 1'. I listen to it for critique and to figure out what I could have done better.

What is one thing you love about your life? I love the freedom to move and be creative without boundaries. I love that my hobby is a job that is a hobby.. I am very thankful for that.

CHECK OUT RASTA ROOT:

Face/Off Fridays every second Friday at MJQ

www.twitter.com/djrastaroot

Kevin O

Kevin O in his ATL studio

Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

It’s the Gi Joe Snow Cat – My brother and I played with that toy the most! You could not take that away from us back in the day.

How long have you lived in Atlanta and how did you end up here?

Born in the ATL. – My parents Gina & Wayne

At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?

When I heard my father sing to me when I was a kid. He had a great voice and a very talented guitarist.

Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music?

Basslines & Vocals – hopefully crowd pleasing. Many different influences, Soul – Funk – House – Hip Hop

Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3?

All the above! Its about the music – not the medium. If I had to pick it would be VINYL!

How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto?

I get new music from friends, labels, producers, & oh yea…….ME!  Secret’s------------- not at this time.

Take us through your creative process.

WOW! Big question. I mainly focus on the energy and flow of the music I'm playing, or producing at the moment. When I Dj, I like to focus on the crowd – its called “Dance Floor Science” – Keep them interested in the music and the music presentation – while maintaining your integrity of the mix.

How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work??

Embracing the Soul and Vibe of real people.

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

Music, Water, Willie Bobo, Doc Martin, Tribe Called Quest, Grand Puba, Mark Farina, Dubtribe, Dixion, Jeff Mills, LTJ Bookem, Derrick Carter, Dj Q-Bert, Dj Heather, Angela “Mixin” Nixion, Mr. Fingers, A Guy Called Gerald, Happy Mondays, Pixes, Outkast,

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

Kemticjust RRRump, SoCo Audio, Kai Alce, Chris Brann, Gaelle, Outkast, Lions Den, Dirty Soul Selectors, Dean Coleman, Kids w/ Codename’s, 8 Ball & MJG, Entrompohty, &  Dropsonic. There are much more – but you don’t have the space to list them.

Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?

P’cheen or The Local…or MJQ. Filter.

What music/album are you currently listening to?

Silversun Pickup’s – and Carl Craig

What is one thing you love about your life?

I'm a very proud uncle.

CHECK OUT KEVIN THIS WEEKEND:

09.18.09 Mark Farina @ Kevin O @ Filter night club http://www.filteratlanta.com/
09.19.09 Kevin O @ the W (midtown) @ Whisky Park
 
09.23.09 Kevin O & Kerian @ MJQ = Limited Edition
10.01.09 Kevin O @ P’cheen = Technical K.O.
 
www.virb.com/kevino

Lady Eve

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

Trauma

DJ TRAUMA in his ATL studio


Tell us about your favorite childhood object...
When I was a youngster, my birthday was approaching one year, I asked my grandfather for a base ball bat and ball. My day came and I was so excited to find the big red bat i had asked for. It became my toy of choice for days, weeks on end. Couldn't get enough of it.

How long have you lived in Atlanta and how did you end up here?

I have been in ATL for 18 years. I official lived here half my life. I came to CAU to attend college

At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?

I DJ’d as a hobby in high school. It wasn't until after I got out of college and was earning a good living that I really decided to pursue music.

Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music?

I play Hip Hop, R& B classics and a little Reggae & House. I grew up in New York, the Mecca of Hip Hop. I don't think I could have done anything else

Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3?

I prefer vinyl…but it’s not practical. As a professional DJ that travels and does clubs every day, carrying eight (8) 60lb crates is not fun!

How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto?

For the most part I am bombarded with new music all the time. I really find some of those secret gems in random places such as emerging artist My Space. I have found good music in stores playing background music…etc. I am always listening for the next new song.

Take us through your creative process.

I love to party, so I really try to get into a vibe of things I would love to hear…coupled with what I know works at clubs. I have always tried to bring my own flavor to my mix. I do not just play records.
     
How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work??

A great deal! I grew up in NYC during the time of hip hops first commercial success and then moved to Atlanta and was part of Atlanta being a major music city. The south and music from here directly influence my DJing. Atlanta has a long history of important DJs and a great DJ scene.

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

DJ Red Alert, Kid Capri, Jazzy Jeff, DJ Nabs, Sol Messiah, Funk Jazz Cafe, Mecca & Soul Kitchen (parties in NYC)

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

Outkast, Joi, Ludacris, and Hollywierd,

Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?

Straits on Tuesday Nights

What music/album are you currently listening to?

Drake So Far Gone, Santogold, Estelle

What is one thing you love about your life?

The Freedom to live with music as my Life ALSO the ability to help promote established and emerging artists…whether they have a upcoming event, album release, tours, links, plugs for work….whatever you can thing of…

check out DJ TRAUMA on www.djtrauma.com and www.twitter.com/djtrauma

you can hear his latest collaboration here: Verse Simmonds' - Sex Tape Chronicles, Pass the Rock Mix tape. Better yet go hear him live on the Verse Simmonds tour.

Trauma will also be dj'ing on October 9th for the B.E.T. Hip Hop Awards Preview Suite

Heather b

Heather b in her ATL studio

Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

mud pies... well as a child I grew up in the middle of nowhere TN. Besides playing with all of my fathers tools in his shop I started very young with my love for dirt. Good stuff comes in dirt. I started collecting stones and gems very young in life. My grandfather would take me to the gully and we would sift in the creak for garnets. My love for mud was found there, I learned that if you add water to dirt you can see all the minerals. I would make mud pies and place rocks in it and bring them inside for my mother. I never understood why she was not impressed. As an adult I still love the dirt and would never pass up the chance to dig in the dirt. When I get too old for the club gigs you guys just might find me in the TN hills digging for the big one. To the worlds largest garnet: I'm coming for ya!

How long have you lived in Atlanta? how did you end up here?

I've been in Atlanta for over 10 years. I moved here from Soddy Daisy TN.

At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?

Well I think I had my first trap set by age 5.

Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music?

I'm funky wonky sexy fun frisky and deep. House is the only music I rock. House Music is a staple here in the southern lands. I had the pleasure of working at club Kaya when Dj Kemit was a resident there and well need I say more....(thanks Kemit) I have to give up some love to the man that got me mixin.... Mr Alex King

Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3?

Vinyl, it's almost a lost art. I'm bringing it back. Hey could you guys call some peeps and get them to start pressing wax again?

How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto?

Tai Upgrade. He has all the fresh stuff.

Take us through your creative process.

6 out of 7 days I awake with music in my head. (Yes I spin in the astral plain as well) So I get up, put some wax on, and just move with it. When it's show time I just let the love flow and there you have it. The spirit just moves me. Ahh the Church of House.

How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work??

Well we all move a little slower down here, we all eat a little more, and we all dance a little longer. Note in the south we keep the BPM down just so we can keep up. lol

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

I like to think that when I am producing or mixing my mother can hear me all the way up in heaven. I just really do believe that music heals. Inspiration for me is more about the people I can positively effect. Young or old, purple or green, music invokes our souls to rise. I feel truly blessed to be gifted with rhythm and I hope long after I am gone my sound will still linger. If not, heavens gona be rockin!

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

My boy's in crime Dj's Madflip & Mynd, Huda Hudia, and my girl Beat Baby. Vodka Logik... Look us up.

Where is your favorite Atlanta hang out?

Motel T's off of Ponce

What music/album are you currently listening to?

Eric Kupper & Tai Rotan's new album (good luck at the Grammmy's Tai)!

What is one thing you love about your life?

I think everything every day is a blessing. We never know how much time we have and we never know when the person next to us is out. I live my life every day in LOVE. I love life I love my people I love music and I can't wait to spread my joy more and more. I look around and see the gift. I want to share with the world my happiness. So come on world get happy with me!

Every Tuesday you can find Heather spinning at Luckie Lounge, and Thursdays she's over at Halo. This fall she will be going on tour just hit'n a few cities...

stay tuned and check for updates here: www.myspace.com/atlheatherb and here: www.facebook.com/DjHeatherb

Chris Devoe

Chris Devoe in his ATL studio

Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

My toy is not actually from my childhood. I did however have lots of toys like this one when I was a child. When I was a kid I had my share of noise makers. I’m in my 30’s, my childhood toys are long gone. The toy in the photo is a kid’s toy that I use sometimes for sampling. It’s similar to the Speak and Spell, but without the computer chip.

How long have you lived in Atlanta? How did you end up here?

I moved here in 1999...needed work, plus all my friends lived here from art school. Most of my friends now live in NYC, who knows, maybe I will be next.

At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?

I started making electronic music because I became frustrated with being in bands.  At the time it wasn’t very common to make electronic music or to produce as a solo artist. These days it seems like everyone and their mother makes beats. Originally, I got in music to play guitar in metal/hardcore bands

Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music?

That is a hard question to answer.  I will just say that the guitar was my first entrance into making music. Most of the sounds that I use come from some kind of analog source..
I try to make my music sound as organic as I can. Which can be a challenge since I’m tracking and sequencing everything.

Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3?

Vinyl, I think it’s pretty obvious. It just sounds better. 

How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto?

Most of the best new music that I discover is through my friends or word of mouth.

Take us through your creative process.

I can't really reveal my secrets. I usually start with a really small idea, or sample and or melody. After that I just build pieces around it. It's kind of like a puzzle.
     
How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work??

I was raised in the south, originally from Florida (Jacksonville). It’s not something that I really think about. It’s just part of who I am.

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

For the most part its people who inspire me; friends, other musicians, artists, family etc.

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

Zano, R.Land, Ryan Rasheed, Steven Dixey, Deerhunter, Sam Parker, Dosa Kim, The Selmanaires, Jacob Escobedo  

Where is your favorite Atlanta hang out?

I spin records at a little hole in the wall spot called  El Myr and The Highland Inn lounge, I have had a lot of good times in those two places as well. 529 is also a great place to hang out and have a drink. It has the best sound system I’ve heard it this town. Great place to play and see a show.

What music/album are you currently listening to?

I listen to a lot of music, it’s impossible to list it all. Here are the last four records that I have purchased.
1 Oneida – Rated O
2 Ghana Soundz Vol.2: Afro-Beat, Funk & Fusion In 70s Ghana 2LP (so good)
3. Mono - Hymn to the Immortal Wind
4. Earth- "RADIO LIVE" 2007-2008

What is one thing you love about your life?

It feels good to live in a city, where I have a large community of artists and friends who are there for each. It's all love.

Check out Chris tomorrow night at EYEDRUM with The Selminaires on Saturday July 25 (10PM) with his experimental hip hop group Social Studies.

chris devoe on myspace

Zano Bathroom

Zano Bathroom in his ATL record room

Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

My toy is Godzilla. I always loved Godzilla growing up, and I had a toy version of him. The one

When did you live in Atlanta? how did you end up there?

I've been in Atlanta since 2003. I had an internship in Europe that ended, and I came here to stay with my dad until I could got my own place.

At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?

I've loved music my whole life. I enjoy presenting different genres side by side.

Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music?

The name I have for my set is "Afreqan Space Program". All the records I play come from my appreciation of Hip Hop, digging for new sounds and lesser known old sounds. Taking all these divergent dance genres and mashing them all back together via the turntables.

Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3?

I prefer vinyl, but if I have some creative plans in regards to the whole digital DJ emergence.

How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto?

I work at a record store. New music is around me everyday. I have some secret sources that I'd rather not reveal.

Take us through your creative process.

My creative process for DJing is weird. The actual performance is on the fly, as far as which records I will play. But, the records themselves I think about constantly. I usually bring about twice as much as I'll need, because I like to change genres a lot in my set.  
     
For beats, anything goes. I was in elementary school when I first started making up my own music.I got my first keyboards in the '80's, and then my first drum machine in 1990. Later I started working with samples. Whatever hits me at the time, I go with it.

How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work??

I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. It's better now, but the '90's, that meant I had to work extra hard to find certain albums, or find other folks interested in the same sounds I was. In some ways, that makes me feel like I have a deeper appreciation than someone who could just wake up and go outside and see park jams, etc. At the same time, I have always been interested in other southern emcees and pro- ducers and how they add to southern flavor to Hip hop.I love being from the south, it gives a different perspective.

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

I am inspired just by living, talking to other people,constantly performing, constantly thinking, and constantly digesting work from others, in any form.

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

Rather than name specific people, I'll say anyone who goes out of their way to be innovative. The kind of people who get accused of "trying to hard". The people who value concept as well as technique.

Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?

I strongly support Atlanta's dance clubs, art galleries, thrift stores, second hand establishments, pawn shops, record stores, book stores, libraries, and junk yards.

What music/album are you currently listening to?

see #10, insert any era/ genre of music....

What is one thing you love about your life?

Paying dues- Growth ensues....

check out his myspace page for updates on shows: http://www.myspace.com/zano88 and listen to some music here:

Dres tha Beatnik's Power Supply

Atlanta has long been a diverse music hub for aspiring musicians everywhere. Sure the city is known a bit more these amongst music circles for the catchy hip-hop coming from the city's studios but this city gives music lovers much more than that. We sat down with Dres the Beatnik recently to talk music.

Dres the Beatnik first met Atlanta in 1995. He came here to attend Clark Atlanta University but due to the ever so infamous financial aid woes, Dres spent two years at the University before transferring to Temple and returning to Philadelphia. But Atlanta wasn't quite ready to just let Dres go like that. After receiving his BA in Marketing from Temple, Dres was offered a job with a market research firm which he accepted. That same job brought Dres back to Atlanta shortly after, well Dunwoody, and he's been here ever since.

Dres the Beatnik is someone that many would consider to be an avid music fan. He really listens. And he should be listening closely as Dres the Beatnik is not only a hip-hop lyricist but a beatboxer as well. Not to mention, his current favorite toy (his iPod) has over 27,000 songs.

"Music has always been in my life. I grew up with it in my household. Jazz, Motown, TSOP, some gospel... that was in my home," says Dres, "It's always been there it's just [that] I grew up in one of those households where you couldn't really pursue what you wanted to do until you did what you had to do. Hence going to college, getting a degree."

But it wasn't until college that Dres realized he could probably really do something with his passion for music. Though he had a brief stint in Atlanta his first go round, when he came back to the city he really began to explore his passion more. Dres was quickly soaking up the music scene and making himself a staple amongst the local hip-hop crowd. Ten years later, Dres is still making music and increasingly becoming more involved with Atlanta and the Atlanta music scene. There's even a portrait of him hanging in the living room on Tyler Perry's "House of Payne".

"I like to think that I'm blessed in the fact that I'm able to walk into many different circles and I don't take it for granted. All of those experiences help me. There's a side to atlanta that i know everybody doesn't know about, I think atlanta has influenced me in the fact that this is a town that is comprised of immigrants and natives and there's a pretty decent marriage between the two. In regards to hip-hop, there's a whole different war but it has nothing to do with some of the artists, has to do with media and that's sad," said Dres.

When asked about his favorite artists in the city, Dres provides a long list of both veterans and new faces. His list includes: Noot D'noot, Jaspects, Proton, Bink Rec, Senor Kaos, Brittany Bosco, Algebra, Le Castlevania, Van Hunt, Anthony David, Hollyweerd and Sean Falyon.

"It's crazy, I've actually managed to play with all of my favorite artists in Atlanta. But really anyone who's doing it and doing seriously [is a favorite]," said Dres.

And of course Dres has his list of other Atlanta favorites. Like his favorite toy, Simon. Of course other favorites he wasn't so willing to give up.

"My favorite place to go get a drink is The Independent. My fortress of solitude is the patio of Caribou Coffee at Peachtree and Piedmont. My favorite place to look at the city is actually a rooftop of a business office on Means Street. My Favorite sandwich shop is Marcos Pita though no one can ever fuck with the chicken sandwich at The Local (a lot of my hang out spots involve food, forgive me). Favorite place for brunch is Gravity on Dekalb ave. Aside from that home," Dres said.

Neda was inspired for her portrait of Dres by one of his very own childhood photos taken by his mother. It's the infamous photo of a young Dres singing into an extension cord that can be found on his MySpace or Facebook.

"According to my mom, she wasn't feeling good that day and I wanted to cheer her up. So there was an Earth, Wind and Fire (EWF) song on and I started immitating EWF for my mom. I started lip synching 'Reasons' by EWF and she said it made her feel better. And my mom was the biggest shutterbug ever, she had to take pictures of everything," Dres said.

Dres finds his inspiration to continue through his 9-year-old daughter and describes his signature sound as love. His creative process is simple: just listening. These days you can currently find his listening to a few retro tunes.

"I'm in my 90s kick right now. [Laughs] Listening to "New Life" by Intro, "Searching for Tomorrow" by Switch and a few others," Dres said.

Now, Dres is getting ready to head to Shanghai, China with stops in Maccau and Hong Kong. He has residency at Club Bon Bon in Shanghai. He will be conducting beatboxing clinics and lectures while also emceeing and DJing. Visit thebeatnikchronicles.blogspot.com to learn more.

Interview by: Hadiyah Daché

GUESS WHO!?!

First of our dj producer series

MUSIC/DJS/ PRODUCERS

we will begin posting the music portion of the project over the next few months...
we are currently scheduling shoots for the djs/producers series...
if you have recommendations please send them our way...

these images were part of the "class of 2007" yearbook page: showcasing members of the following bands: black lips, selmanaires, snowden, and deerhunter. they can be viewed in their entirety at our next show

Tindel Baits...

click image to enlarge

John Tindel answers our questions

John Tindel's WORK
TINDELMICHI

How long have you been in Atlanta and how did you end up here?

I moved up here in 1999 after college and a hard night of partying in Mobile, Al.  A girl said I am moving to Atlanta, I said sure Ill go.   I moved to South Florida in 2003 for about  a year and a half.  Then we moved back up in 2005.

At what point did you realize art was something you wanted to pursue?

I was going to school to be an anethitis but then transfered to Design.  I guess after my first design job, I saw that I could make some cash in art.  So I hustled my stuff until I could stop working doing design.

Did you go to art school or are you self-taught?

I went to the University of South Alabama.  Graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design and minor in Marketing.  All the painting came naturally and I nurtured it myself without any education.  

Who/what do you feel influences your style?

Just about everything.  Other peoples work, conversations, architecture, cultures, a moment and my life.  I am always experimenting within my style and I let it go where it goes sometime.  I guess one of my main influences is simply the random nature of things.  The random nature of my process.

Take us through your creative process.

I start.  I add music.  then just experiment.  Lately I have been using razorblades to handcut out drawings and designs.  It seems to sharpen up my designs and elements that I use in my work.  I feel it is a new level.  
My studio has colors and paint and pens laying everywhere so what is present to work with, sometimes is what dictates the work.

What does the bird symbolize in your work?

I guess they symbolize to me what they have always symbolilzed universally...  A freedom.  Letting your mind just fly through your influences and creativity to come up with something solid visually.
Other times, I use it as an omen, or a marker for someone to figure out something I may be trying to convey.  I am usually not very obvious on the meanings of my work, I like people to figure out their own interpretation.  Sometimes too, it is simply a painting with no meaning, just more experimentation within my style.

How do you feel about Atlanta’s art scene?

The artists in the scene are great, strong and determined people.  The scene tries harder than any other scene in the world, but we are here... and those of us that want to stay here keep chugging to make it work.  But there is little support from any aspect of the city.  Only reviews you get are bloggers, the only shows you get are private galleries (not museums in the city).   I have seen some of the best artists ever leave and go to the staple cities of New York and LA.  Just easier there I guess.  People actually support and collect your work.  Some of us in the scene want to live here for the rest f our lifes, so you try to make it better and deal with what you have.  I guess I will just have to try more government art and have taxpayers pay for my art (ha).

How would you say Southern culture has influenced your work? 

It is my life.  It is my family... my grandparents. it is my childhood.  It is what I see.  I love the difference we have then other cities.  We are less politically correct.  We acknowledge the truths of the world and society and dont pretend things dont exist.  I think that it has only started its influence.  It will build more as I get older and wiser. Michi the other day saw a huge Escalade full of Black folk flying a huge confederate flag... where else.  We are the only culture in the US that is still developing under its own rules.  It is unique.

Who are some of your favorite local artists?

Michi, Dosa, Sam Parker,Maxwell Sebastian, Urban Medium and any one else that is pushing there styles.

What is your favorite local hang out?

Honestly, I am a rare person to site out on the town.  My favorite place is my backyard - from there it would be Michi's studio.

What music/album are you currently listening to?

I dig the pandora.com thing.  A little Young Dro... going back to Medeski, Martin and Wood again.

What is one thing you love about your life?

My sons.  Blaise is almost three and Reid is still in the belly making his entrance in Early December.  I cant wait to paint with their imaginations.

Rene Arriagada

click on image for a larger view

Rene Arriagada (AKA Transmit Device, Ne Ne Bling Bling), was raised in Atlanta, GA. As a teenager he developed his artistic style from his love for building things and defacing public property. He first gained recognition as a street artist and has branched into gallery settings. Utilizing methods he developed for painstaking pre planning and fast execution in stencil works, his mediums now vary in mirror etchings, wood stains and cutouts. Old fashioned methods are preferred to create modern iconography; finding inspiration in punk rock, Star Wars, "Foxy boxing," dive bars, etc. Arriagada has been active in the Atlanta underground art community for years, putting together art shows and events. Although easy to work with, he will occasionally threaten to cut you ("cheek to cheek.")

special thanks to:
thunderbox studios for providing studio space,
special projects for supplying all props,
rag-o-rama for supplying clothing,
ransom the makeup artist for providing us with her time

Kiki Blood's American Appeal

for the full effect click on image for larger view

kiki blood is an atlanta based performance artist, this image is also part of the american appeal campaign, a collaboration between kiki blood and neda abghari

favorite local artist?
kirstin mitchell

what album are you currently listening to?
gary wilson, brian eno "music for airports"

your favorite local hang out?  
amy cobden's house

one thing you love about your life? 
my boyfriend and my dog red, oh thats two things

www.kikiblood.com
www.americanappeal.us

all clothing and accessories in this shot were provided by our sponsor RAG-O-RAMA

Samuel Parker's Parker

favorite local artist?
Baxter Crane

what album are you currently listening to?
Sheik Yerbouti - Frank Zappa

your favorite local hang out?
Carroll Street Cafe

one thing you love about your life?
I can't say no

Sam's Myspace page

Karen Tauches

please click on the image for a larger view

favorite local artist?
I think it's divisive to call favorites. that said, atlanta has a fine group of avant-guardes, living at the edge of what on the surface is a very mainstream, commercial, corporate city. Atlanta can be like casablanca for creatives; it's a place you end up for various reasons other than for art, while waiting to go somewhere else. it's also a polarized, cultural battlefield. this makes those on the edge more eccentric, fierce & independent. hell, there's nothing to lose here, and a lot of opportunity to experiment. that's something that atlanta has to offer.

here are some names (no particular order) and apologies to anyone I left out: the late gretchen humpfel, nat slaughter, brian parks, andy ditzler, robert cheatham, eggtooth, kiki blood, shana robbins, cece kane, daniel osborne, matt proctor, bill taft, r.land, omar, hormuz minina, patrick holbrook, naz, shana wood, zano, alison rentz, alvaro avillar, linda armstrong, ruth laxson, marshall avett, ana balka, jody fausett, benita carr, the art taxi, craig dongoski, julie puttgen, krispin harker and mary mae, sara hornbacher, lisa kemp, kristopher lamey (in person), that homeless guy who ties capes around his chest in little 5 and is so damn stylish, albino mattioli's animations, jason johnson's black paintings, nicholas fraser, don cooper, silas reeves (I just know he's an artist), travis pack's scratched photos (where the hell are ya?), stan woodard's transparency piece, chea prince, katie ridley, caroline smith, martha stiles, carlos tardio, evan levi, john otte, joe peragine's phallic, inflatable tank, benjamin solomon (words). . . . . . . .

what album/music are you currently listening to?
congotronics

favorite local hang out?
ballroomm lounge, carlos's treehouse, the oakland cemetery, amy's house in c'town, pal's lounge, carroll st, northside tavern, aurora on weekdays.

one thing you love about your life?
my personal freedom. . ."

for updates on karen's work please check out her website : www.ktauches.com

Whole Latta Love

Josh Latta loves his land.

favorite local artist?
Brad McGinty

what album are you currently listening to?
Animal Collective Strawberry Jam

favorite local hang out?
Trader Vic's

one thing you love about your life?
I only have to live it once!

JOSH LATTA: the interview

Though it isn’t obvious from his demeanor and dialect, Josh Latta was born in Nashville and grew up in the Atlanta suburb of Stone Mountain. And while he makes a living creating Flash animation for kids games and conservative clients, he is most proud of his confessional comic books starring a down-on-his-luck rabbit in search of something more meaningful in his life than bong hits and strip clubs.
While working on the fourth issue of his Rashy Rabbit series, he took some time to talk about Rashy Rabbit, the local comics scene and what led him to cartooning.

For those who haven’t seen it, what’s your comic book about?

It’s about a character named Rashy Rabbit and they’re semiautobiographical stories about me and other people I knew growing up. They’re usually about sex and drugs and other various debaucheries. It stars a rabbit, who’s basically my stand-in.

Is it an online comic or in print?

I would like to probably put more online. I have them on places like MySpace and Blogger, but not a specific Web site where you can just read the comics. A lot of people like to read comics online, but I just could never get into it. I think comics are always going to be a printed medium. That’s how I enjoy reading them and I assume a lot of other people do to. Then again, what do I know? There’s a lot of online comics that seem to be real popular nowadays.

Magazines and newspapers are moving towards that, too. But to me comic books and magazines are things I want to read when I’m not in front of a computer.

Yeah, exactly. I like to lay down when I read, or sit in a comfortable chair. Sitting in front of a computer just feels like work to me and I can’t really relax in front of a computer. I guess that’s also because a lot of the art I do nowadays is going to be done on a computer some way or another. It’s going to be in Vector or Flash animation or Photoshop. Everyone wants files, not raw art. I don’t really have original art anymore since I piece together so much of it on my computer.

At what point did you realize art was something you wanted to pursue?

According to my mom, I’ve been drawing since I was 2. I’ve always wanted to do exactly what I’m doing, which is cartoons. For whatever reason, that particular medium just spoke to me, there’s something really special and magical about it and I always wanted to do it. Animation always just felt so far away from me, though, because growing up in the pre-Internet days there wasn’t really that much information on how animation was done. I just didn’t know how people did it. That’s one thing about Flash animation is it puts the tool in anybody’s hands.

Did you go to art school or are you self-taught?

I’m self-taught. In some ways I wish I went to art school, probably more for the social aspect of it. It might have sped up the process a lot more. But when I got out of high school you couldn’t have convinced me that college was the thing to do after being in school for that long.

Who are some of your favorite cartoonists that have influenced your style?

My earliest influence would be Disney. I was a big Disney fan and that stuff always stood out. Looney Tunes cartoons, Cheap Hanna-Barbera cartoons – I loved that stuff and still do. I read Disney comics growing up and a lot of Mad magazine and humor books. I didn’t get as much into the superheros. Further on in my life I guess more quintessential influences would be Robert Crumb, Dave Cooper, Pete Bagge – a lot of the alternative guys. But Robert Crumb in particular opened my eyes and showed me that you can tell personal, unflattering, un-politically correct stories through the medium of comics. And I love that, I love when people are honest in art and I think most people aren’t, people are afraid to show their dark side.

Take us through your creative process.

It still always starts off the same way, which is pencil and paper. I still sketch everything out and try and get it right in the pencil stages. With comics I still do it by hand and with the computer I scan in everything and ink it in Illustrator and Flash. It still starts off the old fashioned way with pencil and paper. I think nothing can beat that.

Where did you get the idea to do Lattaland.com?

That came from my father, actually. He would jokingly refer to our house as Lattaland and he put that in the cement in our driveway. I always thought that was funny and obviously there’s the Disney influence. I thought about getting a new Web site because I don’t know if it’s too hard to find me with Lattaland instead of Josh Latta. But I like the sound of it.

Do you ever do gallery shows or just the comics and online stuff?

I’ve done a few art shows, but I always end up feeling misplaced in something like that because my art really doesn’t look that great when you see it because I do piece together things in Photoshop like putting word balloons in and whiting out stuff. A lot of my stuff is drawn on tracing paper, so it looks kind of rough when you see it up close. Like I said, I think comics are a printed medium and that’s how I like my work to be presented.

How do you feel about Atlanta’s art scene?

There are a lot of good artists here. To me the comics scene is something entirely different and what I do is even an offshoot from what most people in Atlanta do. I self publish and put out mini-comics that are personal stories and humor based. I don’t think a lot of people are doing that.
It’s hard to get a comic book in people’s hands. It’s hard to get people to read just about anything, so it’s an uphill battle. I don’t do well at Atlanta comics shows, I seem to do better in other cities. There’s a good small press expo in Baltimore and in Charlotte I do really well. And I usually get a better response from people who aren’t already into comic books than comic book fans.
I do have a lot of good friends who are cartoonists. One good thing about being in Atlanta is we have Turner, so there’s a lot of opportunity for cartoonists. I have a good friend who’s also my mentor in cartooning named Stephanie Gladden and she’s been a lot of help. Another good friend who was actually the best man at my wedding is Brad McGinty, who’s a self-publisher, and he’s amazing. He puts out so many books, he’s a machine.

Who are some of your favorite local artists?

I like Stephanie Gladden, of course. And I like Bethany Marchman as far as fine art goes. Brad McGinty’s not only a good friend of mine, but he’s also a great artist and I’m a big fan of his work.

How would you say Southern culture has influenced your work?

Oh, it definitely has. When I draw my comics I draw a lot of real things from the South. The one I’m working on now, Rashy Rabbit No. 4, there’s a scene inside the Pink Pony and I didn’t even call it some goofy name. It’s just the Pink Pony, so I’ll call it the Pink Pony. Rashy Rabbit’s world is pretty much an animal version of Atlanta. It’s kind of like Song of the South with animals that are clearly meant to be of different races. I don’t shy away from stuff like that because I think it’s honest and sincere and it’s coming from a place where I’m like, “Hey, we are different and this is the South and this is what I personally deal with.”

Why are you Rashy Rabbit and how do you decide which animal characteristics are going to apply to certain characters?

I don’t know exactly. Rabbits are kind of a quintessential cartoon animal. Rabbits are at the bottom of the food chain, everybody will eat them and they really don’t have much purpose except to be food and fodder for other animals. And since a lot of my comics revolve around sex, I thought the rabbit’s sex drive would be apt, too. I use other animals, too, but pretty much everybody’s a rabbit or a weird dog kind of creature.

Where can people find your comics?

You can find them online at Cutegirldemographics.com. If you’re here in Atlanta I’d recommend looking at Criminal Records and on my Web site and at comics shows.

interesting email... food for thought

about a month ago i posted a link to this site on a local list serve.

as usual, there were many words of encouragement and helpful words of advise/feedback. i did however receive this email that i found quite interesting...

----- Original Message ----
From: NEDA ABGHARI
To: XXXXX
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 4:10:27 PM
Subject: The Atlanta Creatives Project

Hello Everyone,
My name is Neda Abghari. I recently started a photo documentary that will be showcasing a wide range of Atlanta's creative scene.

Please take a look and enjoy...

www.atlantacreatives.org

Thanks,
Neda

On Nov 13, 2007, at 11:48 PM, XXXXX wrote:

Neda,

I've seen your documentary stuff and posted it to XXXXX some time ago. I assume it is in it's infantile stage but the folks you photographed so far I would not consider staples in the creative class here. Just curious, how do you go about choosing the subjects?

From: neda@nedaabghari.com
Subject: Re: The Atlanta Creatives Project
Date: November 14, 2007 10:32:27 AM EST
To: XXXXX

Hello , XXXXX

Thank you for expressing an interest in the project.

Yes this documentary is in it's begining phases, and I am aware that the recent talent I have chosen as subjects may not be known or recognized by the mainstream. One of my goals is to open people's eyes to all aspects of creative culture here in Atlanta, much of which has not been revealed or deemed creative by Atlanta's powers that be.

The project, although not limited to, maintains a focus on Atlanta's "creative underground". As I am aware that these particular individuals may not be considered "staples", in what I am assuming you are referring to as the "fine art" creative class, they are established individuals in their own right.

Every creative chosen for the project is currently exhibiting as an artist, musician, or performer. Many of the creatives I will be including in the documentary, I have found through art openings, publications, performances, and some through word of mouth.

I began this project in hopes of witnessing and personally experiencing a cultural re-education; from mainstream to underground, underground to mainstream. As eyes fall upon the project, my goal comes to fruition. For this is the reason I have chosen to share the blog with the community.

May you enjoy it.

Kindest Regards,
Neda Abghari

i was under the impression that creativity is an area of subjectivity...
hmm maybe i'm wrong.

so...
dear readers/viewers...
i pose a question:

who chooses or should choose "staples in the creative class"?

kt: makes an interesting point:

On Dec 3, 2007, at 1:42 PM, K.T wrote:

on saturday night I went to a couple of low-brow art shows with a friend. . .(she grew up in california. . .she's not an artist, but an art appreciator, a cultural eccentric. . .she's studying to be an anthropologist, goes to africa to study bonobos).

she said (perhaps as an outsider comment to the art we were seeing) : when there's no criticism, popularity rules. . .

and we continued: . . .when popularity becomes art criticism, then. . . more and more. . .gimicks take the cake . . . anti-intellectualism. . .speed and spectacle. . .but also innocence, and freedom. . .

we are in an age of celebrity, of bling-bling, we are aware of the tools for gathering crowds, everyone is empowered to play. . .of course artistic practices are affected by this. . .but I'm not sure which is worse, dictatorships from art authorities, (investing power in officially trained gatekeepers). . .or opening up to another kind of arbitrary power: populace tastes and reactions.

I do not prefer either. but I do like, perhaps, that these two ends are, kind of, competing with each other at the moment. . .at an interesting point of equality, these polarities distract and inform each other, create a sense of urgency, sometimes have warfare. . .provide a very wide, good, confusing vista to work in between.

on sunday, I was talking to another friend, (a sub-culture connoisseur). . .he impressed me with a fine list of florida dives to visit. . .(last time he hooked me up with connections in london). . .I said to him, knowing he's looking to switch professions, "you know you could publish a sub-culture guide . . ." his response: "never! I want these places to continue to exist. . .I only give this information out by word of mouth."

after visiting venice this fall, I realized something about the nature of secret travel routes and protected information, it's to be shared carefully . . . .

this is not elitism so much as protectionism, doesn't have to be about money. . .big crowds & average tourists devour what they are directed to love.

it's not a new thing. . . there's a price to pay for adoration from large crowds. but . . .there's also a price to pay for the guarding of gates, the controlling of aesthetics.

if you have a minute...comments are welcome.

i'm shooting josh latta this week... post again soon

xoxo
n