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

Lindsey Caldwell

Lindsey Caldwell packing up her Brooklyn studio

Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

This was my first record player ever. I drove my parents crazy with it. I had a Sesame Street alphabet record (my favorite song was the D song). I had a Strawberry Shortcake record (my favorite song was Strawberry Rap "say straaaw straaaw strawberry rap cuz you like it like that"). Then my first real record was a 45 of rapture by Blondie. I played it so much that I burned out the record and had to get a new copy!! I used it from time to time once I got older when I'd go digging for records at places that didn't have listening stations. It now mainly collects dust. I will most likely keep it forever.

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

I lived in Atlanta for 41/2 years. I ended up being there to be closer to my family.

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

I grew up listening to music (this was in St. Louis, MO) and I was a latch key kid so I came home and took care of myself and my little sister after school every day. We spent a lot of time watching MTV. When I was living in Atlanta and had started Frank with the Malbons. I got the chance to talk to some other DJs and I had always been very interested in music and DJing seemed like the perfect compliment to writing about music for Frank.

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

There's not really a neat way to sum up what I play. I guess you could say I play classics, but then I still play current music... Anything that is soulful and good.

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

I prefer the sound of vinyl, I like the convenience of playing Serato and only having to bring my laptop to gigs. Before I switched to Serato I was bringing about 3 bags of records to gigs and carrying them myself. I went to the doctor one day and she was like, "What are you carrying on your right shoulder?! Whatever it is stop because it's twisting your back." I switched to Serato the next day. You just have to be so versatile these days that just bringing a couple of bags of records isn't going to cut it. Especially since I've been doing a lot of residencies where I play 3-4 hour sets lately.

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

I go out and listen to other DJs play. I read a few blogs to keep me up to date on new music. I try to read books that cover the history of certain styles of music. I buy old albums and listen to them from start to finish

Take us through your creative process.

Right now I treat it like homework. I study music and other DJs and then create sets on what I think will work best for me and what people respond to out in the club.

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

Atlanta is just a slower more chill pace. It helped me prepare for living in New York because before that, in Arizona, I was younger and on top of that it wasn't the kind of city for a music career. I also was exposed to some amazing artists at a time where things were bubbling like crazy in Atlanta. Everybody was open to everything, you could go to a rave and see the Dungeon Family, Outkast and TLC in the drum and bass room all the way up in Gwinnett County, and then hear Donnie, India Arie, the Roots play at tiny little venues. You could hang out with the weirdos at MJQ before it moved when it was next door to the Phoenix on Ponce de Leon. It was just an amazing time and I had some amazing friends who I went everywhere with and I think having those years there really helped shape my point of view when it came to music.

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

I am constantly inspired by my friends, I feel really lucky to be able to have such talented people around me and then just walking around the city really inspires me sometimes. I try to walk around and remember what it was like the first time I visited New York. Madonna was doing a promo appearance for "Who's That Girl" in Times Square and I had family living in Jamaica, Queens and I just got to see a bunch of the boroughs, see people wilding out in the streets and feeling the energy of all the people and my nervous mom and her friend trying to keep up with me haha. The whole time I was just walking and looking up at the sky and I remember just thinking how different it was from anywhere I'd ever been. I was a little girl then and I knew from that trip on that I wanted to live there. And here I am.

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists??

Does everyone say Outkast? Outkast, Sleepy Brown, Goodie Mob, The B-52s, Monica, TI (swoon!), Otis Redding, Keith Sweat, Jermaine Dupri (in the late 90s), Gladys Knight & the Pips

Where is your favorite local hang out?

My house/stoop

What music/album are you currently listening to?

I listen to a ton of music all the time. My new project with The Twilite Tone is all I am listening to lately. Hopefully you'll hear about it.

What is one thing you love about your life?

I love that I can just pick up and go. My husband and I have set our lives up so that we have a lot of free days together (then work at night) and we aren't tied down to anything so if we want to travel we can. I love that and I love that despite all of the stress of being a freelancer, I get to do what I truly love for a living.

check out lindsey on www.djlindsey.com her new blog will be up soon

Taka Anai

Taka Anai in his Brooklyn studio

Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

Growing up in Japan, I used to watch this 1960's Japanese sci-fi / super hero television show called Ultraman. Ultraman has an extensive family and each family member is a super hero. Toys were made of these characters so I would collect them along with its Kaiju / Monster figures. Whenever Ultraman came on, I would record the show's theme song using my father's boombox. I would put it right in front of TV to record the music all the while telling my family to be quiet. This was a common practice because I would do the same for all my favorite shows. I was recording 70's Japanese Anime songs, sci-fi / super hero theme songs, and detective TV drama songs. I guess you can say that was my first mix tape. Collecting these figures eventually evolved into collecting vinyl records. 

How long did you spend in Atlanta? How did you end up there?

I lived in Atlanta from 1993 to 1999. I moved there to attend Georgia State University 

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

Although I was always interested in music, high school was when it all started. I was living by myself at the age of 15 as I attended a high school that was located in another city away from my home. Obtaining freedom from my parents' supervision, I started going out to clubs with my friends. I became friends with DJs, and that's when I realized that's something I wanted to do. It was like 1989.

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

Anything soulful, eclectic beats influenced by Jazz, Bossa Nova, Funk, Soul, to Hip Hop, Nu Jazz, House, Broken Beats and beyond.

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

I prefer vinyl because that's what I have been using. However, living in NYC without a car, I'd like to keep it light when I go to DJ. So, I've been using Serato lately.  But I am open to all options to be flexible. 

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

Internet radios, music blogs or my friends who run an online music store. I also get email newsletters from record labels that I keep an eye on.

Take us through your creative process.

It is very unexpected and accidental. I usually start with the rhythm portion. I loop it and experiment with it until I create beats I like. Then, looping the beats, I add other elements. I keep playing around with it until I get the melody or phrase I like. 
     
How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work??

While living in Atlanta, I met a lot of music enthusiasts. Since the city is relatively smaller compared to NYC, it was easier to stay connected with DJs and musicians and to create a scene that crossed over different music genres. I think the friendliness of the south gave me an appreciation and openness to the diversity of music.

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

Early mornings sipping on a cup of coffee in a neighborhood cafe.

Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?

I haven't been back to Atlanta in a while. But while I lived there, my favorites were Homage Cafe, Old/New MJQ, Ying Yang Cafe, Cafe Diem, Dotties, Tortillas, Eats. 

What music/album are you currently listening to?

Yusef Lateef's Detroit, Flora Purim/Butterfly Dreams

What is one thing you love about your life?

The fact that I am enjoying it.

Catch Taka at the www.thescoutmag.com anniversary party in September. 
He is finishing up a few tracks, and they should be out soon... check out his website for updates www.loudlydim.com/ 

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

Yusuke Hama

Yusuke Hama in his Brooklyn studio

Tell us about your favorite childhood object...
I can't remember the exact Christmas that Santa brought me the Millenium Falcon, but I do know that it was the most badass thing I owned up to that point in my life.  I was more of a collector and admirer of toys when I was a kid.  I even kept the original boxes to things.  I don't remember ever flying it around or playing with it like they did in the commercials.  "I got you now Darth Vader, prepare to meet your doom! pweew pweew!"    Also, for some reason, there are 2 identical Jedi Luke's sitting in it.  No Han or Chewie.

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

I was born and raised in ATL.  I had a brief stint in LA when I was in 2nd and 3rd grade, but my parents moved us all back back to the ATL suburbs in 4th grade.  

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

My parents made me play music since I was really young.  It probably wasn't until my early teens that I really started to enjoy it.  
And It wasn't till until my young adulthood that I realized that I didn't have to quit making music and get a 9-5 and play only on the weekends in a Jimmy Buffet cover band in Buckhead, and eventually end up like those guys jammin' out in the Viva Viagra commercials.

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

I don't know how to describe my sound.  I would say that technology has greatly influenced the way I approach music, and in turn, the way my music sounds.   It has allowed me to approach it in a way that is easier for me, like taking hours of film footage and editing it into a 4 minute short.  Rather than trying to record the one ultimate performance, I am more comfortable piecing together different elements of several great performances.  Sometimes all the different elements get really overwhelming in my brain, but somehow, I have to create some sort of structure out of it.  Some say it is my Japanese-ness that seeks structure. Ha ha.

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

All of them.  Of course vinyl sounds the best, but I use all of it.  Music is music right?

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

Friends

Take us through your creative process.

I think I may have covered this in the earlier question

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

The south is pretty laid back. As much as I like deadlines and working fast, my natural tendency is to take my time on things. Atlanta encouraged that.

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

Who:  When I was younger, Badass Asian dudes like Christian Hosoi and Ryuichi Sakamoto.  As I am getting older, I am really inspired by my peers and people who are making a living at what they love to do.

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

Not necessary in ATL right now, but: 
Chris Vereen,
R. Land,
Lori Scacco, 
Deerhunter

Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?

eats: Buford highway
drink: Bookstore Pub or anywhere that is not super loud or crowded.
just to hang out and do nothing:  Videodrome 

What music/album are you currently listening to?

Right this second? Adron - "Burdworld"

What is one thing you love about your life?

My new Haro Dave Mirra 540air bmx bike

Yusuke is finishing up work on a solo record under the name Hamacide check out the links.  

www.hamacide.com
www.leyode.com

Leb Laze

Leb Laze in his Brooklyn studio

Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

My green worm toy was bought in my Dad's hometown of Georgetown, South Carolina at Rose's Dime Store when I was about 2 or 3 years old. According to my Dad, he went into the store with me to buy a newspaper and in passing I grabbed this toy and would not let go. He had to buy it for me. I referred to this toy as "my wum".

Green was always my favorite color. Everything that I had as a kid had to be green.

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

I was born and raised in Atlanta and lived there until 2005.

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

Music has always been a major part of my life. I watched my older brother pursue music at a young age and anything that he did I wanted to do. I followed in his footsteps.

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

My sound is Ennio Morricone, New Order and DJ Toomp thrown in a blender....peppered with some Bomb Squad. This sound comes from watching too many horror movies as a kid, raiding my brother's record collection when he wasn't looking and, as a teenager, hanging with kids who measured cool by how much bass you had in your trunk (we're all partially deaf now).

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

As a DJ I use all three, depending on the situation that I am in. For example, if I'm traveling to another country to DJ I'm going to want to pack light, so I am most likely going to bring CD's or MP3's. If I'm DJ'ing in the neighborhood, I'll pack records and CD's and alternate between the two. Vinyl will always sound better to me...but there are a lot of songs that I will never have on CD that I have on vinyl--and vice versa. I've come to the conclusion that digitizing my records just takes too much accumulated time out of my life. If I were rich i would pay somebody to do it. If anyone just happens to want to do it for free...HOLLA!!!

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

I discover new music mostly through friends and family. Certain people have certain genres covered. My little brother, for instance, who lives in Mississippi, keeps me supplied with all the hot new Southern rap. My man Roberto keeps me supplied with all my Latin music. I'm not a huge internet person, but I do follow a few blogs. Awesome Tapes from Africa is a great blog and it's based off of tapes that this guy actually got from multiple trips to the continent. I definitely don't follow music press. I've always been able to find plenty of music through the amazing people that I'm surrounded by.

Take us through your creative process.

My creative process is based completely on experimentation. I basically try things until they sound pleasing to my ears. My songs will start as one thing and end up becoming something completely different. It might take a minute, but I do know when a song is done.

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

One thing that is definitely unique to the South is its pace. Things just move a bit slower. This is how I was raised and it is definitely reflected through my music. Even when my music is fast...it's still s l o w. Laid back. And I love bass that BOOMS!!

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

My main inspiration that is a "Who" would have to be all of my brothers and sisters (4 total). Just the thought of them instantly gives me purpose and direction. Another inspiration of mine that is a "What" is the Michael Jordan documentary Come Fly With Me.

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

To name just a few is tough. There are so many people really killing it in Atlanta at the moment. One band that really has my attention is All The Saints. They're loud and dreamy...and they're drummer is nasty. These are three qualities that I love in a band. My man Zano is pretty unstoppable. Ben Lawless is a lawless genius. The whole Noot D'Noot crew is the modern day Funkadelic. Also watch out for Noot D'Noot's offshoot group, Effectiv. Those girls are pure, seductive Southern heat.

Where is your favorite Atlanta hang out?

I would have to say Aurora Coffee in L5P. I can't escape that place. It's definitely a meeting place for some great minds.....and some eccentric minds as well. That's what you have to love about that place though.

What music/album are you currently listening to?

This Hawaiian Instrumental Music album. That's all that it's called. It's the most relaxing music I think I have ever heard (if you know me well then you know that I've probably said that about a thousand other albums...but this time I really mean it). I listened to this on repeat while standing in line at the DMV the other day and it turned into such a pleasurable experience.

current projects:
I have two albums in one package coming out on Hoss Records in October. One is called MUSIC FROM CAVE DWELLERS and the other is called TRACKS & ARTIFACTS. You can listen to my music at http://www.myspace.com/leblaze. Yeeeees!!!

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:

Roberto Lange

Roberto Lange in his Brooklyn studio
click image for larger view

Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

When i was born i was really sick with chicken pox and i was on the
verge of getting reye syndrome so i was in the hospital for a while
and that was the dude that took care of me.
When did you live in Atlanta? how did you end up there?

I ended up there after college I went to school in Savannah for 4 years and Atlanta was the closest thing  that seemed great. I started spending alot of time there in 1999. I actually lived in Atlanta 2004-2007: in Decatur for 2 years and Grant Park for a bit.

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

I can't think of one point, I think its been a long process of many points of realization.

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

Over the past couple of years of been focusing on me singing in my group Helado Negro. I write all the music on guitars, MPC, keyboards and whatever else I can get my hands on including my voice.

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

I think all of them are great, I collect alot of records but listen to music on all formats, all these things are are vehicles for these peoples ideas.

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

Friends

Take us through your creative process.

I think it's reactionary, its me strumming on a guitar, making a loop, banging on an object or humming to myself, it starts from there and everything else is unplanned.

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

My Family, My better half ( www.kristisword.com ) and David Ellis ( www.freshwatercatfish.org )

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

Guillermo Scott Herren
Ben Lawless
Chris Devoe
Leb Laze
Adron

Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?

Tara Theatre

What music/album are you currently listening to?

Victor Jara

What is one thing you love about your life?

Im alive today.

Roberto has a newly released album on Asthmatic Kitty for his group called Helado Negro, the album is called AWE OWE. check it out here:
http://asthmatickitty.com/helado-negro they will be performing at 529 in East Atlanta on Wed. 09/09/09

J Stroke

J "Stroke" Ivcevich in his Brooklyn studio
click image for larger view

Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

Couldn't find my first/favorite which was a ratty old beanbag frog with a busted eye. This one was a close second and a hand-me-down from my mother's childhood days. An antique Jerry Mahoney dummy. Never got the gist of ventriloquism but loved his creepy grin and beat up wooden head. It also turns out my grandma made the suit after the original got worn out. This quite possibly led to my affinity for custom tailored suits and bow ties.

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

1990 - 2004 I went to Emory University because I got accepted and it was a good enough school to please the folks. I appreciated the weather and music scene since I was coming from the relatively sleepy state of Indiana.

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

1983 Police Synchronisity Tour + 10 years at a summer camp playing music live every night for a captive audience of 7-15 year olds and my fellow counselors many of whom were cute young ladies.

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

Mega-eclectic-soulful-ambiance. I've played in hip-hop, post-rock, dub, Indian drum & bass bands, etc....Always striving for the next filtered through my personal taste.

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

A mix of all keeps it flexible and interesting and in NYC, very practical.

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

I have a freelance gig where I can check progressive internet radio stations, podcasts, etc while working. I also a have access to an exclusive site where members upload obscure and amazing music every day - Ethiopian Jazz, African Garage Rock, Cambodian street music, rare groove soul, 80's lost gems, contemporary hits, on and on and on. New York Noise: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycmg/nyctv/html/music/nynoise.shtml

Take us through your creative process.

I usually work in a modular way based on a riff, loop or sample. I just keep piling on sounds and then strip away to arrange. Reductive composition in a way.

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

From 1994 on, I hung out with a very active crew of musicians, DJ's and music enthusiasts. MJQ in both locations and permutations, Yin Yang and the early days of Nomenclature/Crescent Room were fertile and fun places where we all DJ'd, performed and talked endlessly about new music and old discoveries. There seemed to be a laid back and accepting attitude that allowed for a cross pollination of genres.

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

My old house on Marlbrook and the parties held there over the years were pretty inspirational. Gilles Peterson is a selector who has very similar tastes to mine. I've been listening to him for 16 years. Still solid. Many great live bands, outdoor concerts, etc...too many to mention.

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

Outkast, Prefuse and Cat Power are all great for carving out their own unique sound, sticking to their guns and being deservedly rewarded for it. Great to see Deerhunter and Atlas Sound succeed as well. I remember tolerating early Bradford experiments at Lenny's and was shocked and quite pleased to hear the evolution. Wonderful music.

Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?

Dunch at the E.A.R.L. is always nice. I only get to Atlanta once a year or so but always try to hit the Starlight, Highland Ballroom seems to be a nice addition, and of course, Youngblood.

What music/album are you currently listening to?

Mostly old things that somehow got by me. The Go-Betweens, Rotary Connection "Songs," Model 500 "Starlight," Gun Club "Fire of Love," some new stuff like the latest Animal Collective and Friendly Fires.

What is one thing you love about your life?

I have been extremely fortunate to live a very stress-free lifestyle for many years.

Not only does J have fun in the world of sound he is a talented artist: click here to view his work at David Lusk Gallery

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