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MUSIC/ART/POLITICS/CULTURE MUSIC/ART/POLITICS/CULTURE 006 / THE PRODIGY dilated peoples - george clinton flight comics - METRIC - sasha & digweed

gram rabbit malkovich music dj muggs portugal. the man goapele tim fite

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+ TABLE OF CONTENTS DILATED PEOPLES 12 They’re almost prophetic, hooking up with Kanye and Alchemist before most of the world even knew those names...now they’re back, and with 20/20, their vision is better than ever. Baby, Rakaa, and Evidence get all loose with our one and only Simonita. THE PRODIGY 40 Let the madness ensue as Maxim, Keith, and Liam reload The Prodigy cannon for another go round. Safety and sanity be damned. The electronic music world has never been the same since the Firestarter grabbed hold of us in the 90s. In this issue we explore the trials and tribs of megastardom and the never ending struggle to retain the punk rock performance belt they’ve been brandishing for years. GEORGE CLINTON 48 “Think! It ain’t illegal yet!!” That’s about the only venture outside the halls of justice that the P Funk Master has been able to afford of late. Four score and seven lawyers later, the 08 WOLFMOTHER man who fostered the groove for a nation of hip “You ever heard of Wolfmother?” ‘No.’ hop protagonists gets his pay day and let’s his “WOLFMOTHER WOLFMOTHER WOLF- story be told here in this exclusive interview. MOTHER from down under!” Bow wow wow yippy yo yippy yeah. 11 gram rabbit There’s a lot of holes in the desert... and a lot of problems are buried in those pellets 06 holes. tim fite 16 22 bombay dub orchestra When I die 18 They’re electronic musicians...but with a malkovich music 24 28-string Indian string section in tow. portugal. the man 26 28 metric danny howells 30 Those Crazy Canucks. Our friends to the dj muggs 32 North reveal their brand of sensual rock goapele 34 to the masses. the lost angeles times 46 36 flight comics out of iraq 52 Kazu Kibuishi and Co. just wanted a place silversun pickups 54 for their artist friends to meet. Now two gallants 55 they’re publishing a hardcover comic ¡mucho gusto! - aereogramme 56 through Random House. Dammn!! andrew octopus 58 66 Sasha & Digweed mike the poet 59 Lords of the dance parlay their melee take action! tour 60 into the film world with the tour of the jason mascow - fast friends 62 same name inspired Delta Heavy DVD. garth trinidad 64 71 Ecolibrium 270˚ reviews 74 Global what’ing? Weirding weather, fun time 79 carbon dioxide, and a little dose of DIY. TM CONTRIBUTORS

Editor-In-Chief support. y’all is da shit!! Asha Azhar Wasim Muklashy micah would like to thank is an avid fan of most music but with a dire love [email protected] God, because he’s never been to church. bob would like for raga jungle. She has been freelance writing Managing Editor to thank sophie smith@big for the last 7 years, before that she sold Hong Micah Lashbrook hassle, the funktacular folks Kong heirlooms to dimestore hooligans. Her [email protected] at Funky Dumpling, Violet involvement in the electonice music publishing Fewes for all the remarkable, industry includes work featured in Eklipze, Selekta Associate Editors and clear channel for and Rinse Magazine. Asha’s magnificent aura exudes Bob Freville reminding us of the cause... a permanent halo 2.5 inches above the apex of her [email protected] F.C.C., and no, not the Federal cranium at all times. Jake McGee Communications Committee. [email protected] Xtra special thanks to my stuft Simone Grey dawg Brewster 4 sleeping w/ [email protected] me when the Mrs. won’t. jake would like to thank Humphrey Art Director & at Flying Dog Brewery. Webmaster Shadi Muklashy PLEASE SEND ALL [email protected] CORRESPONDENCE, SUBMISSIONS, & AshER RUMACK Marketing Director QUERIES TO Asher is the baby of the operation. A mere twenty Justin Smith KOTORI Magazine years old, he was rescued by a family of owls and [email protected] 3253 S. Beverly Dr. delivered to the mighty Wasim. As Wasim’s retainer, Los Angeles, CA 90034 he writes on black American music with an eye Events & Promotions to the mechanics of popular culture. When not Director or email studying at USC and dwelling on trivial things like his JT Taylor [email protected] future, he enjoys the finer things in life: sleeping on [email protected] benches in Florence, making original peanut-butter for advertising Marketing & [email protected] based snack recipes, feasting on rare funk records, Advertising Reps and fabricating 84-word autobiographies. Lainie Copicotto Published by [email protected] Kotori, LLC Christopher Lucy christopherassociates2002@ The views and opinions yahoo.com expressed within these pages Tisha Carter do not necessarily reflect [email protected] those of KOTORI Magazine, Matt Hanrahan and vica versa. This is simply DAVE [email protected] a forum for free expression. Rex of Eleusis lives in a magic realm of Northern Resident Artist All claims and statements California, where he stares at strange patterns Jason Mascow made herin are nothing but in the sky pondering queries unsettling to that...statements herein. most and beholden only to the majestic. He CONTRIBUTORS You can interpret them as can be found ranting, raving and dancing in David Brooks, Mike The Poet, facts, you can interpret the streets, along with his weird work with the Taylor Bro, Asher Rumack, them as faction, all we ask weather. A definitive example of genius cloaked Asha Azhar, Jennifer Cuevas, is that you interpret them. in insanity, Rex plans on bottling vapors from Domanik Nola, Marlin George, Barry Dingle, David Pyles, kotorimag.com Haley’s comets next tour of duty in 2061. Virginia Melin, Violet Fewes, © 2006 Kotori, LLC Ric Stults (sp?), JT, JR, Dave Obenour, Casanoduh, Kristi Curtis, Carlos Herrera, Molly Hahn, Scott Shapiro, Andrew Octopus

THANX Lainie @ Aurelia, Tisha @ PPCANJ, George Clinton & Rick Watkins and the whole bomb crew!!!, Lady K, the GU mike the poet crew, Skye Hanke and Creative When he’s not sinking his teeth into a double decker Consultants, Matt Hanrahizzy urban burrito, writing for 147 magazines, dropping & Kingsize USA, E-bird Esther, Sunshine Tours, Joel tracks on 73 cds, or spitting verse on 942 separate Shapiro, Mary with the Native stages you can find Mike manning the ship alongside Information Network, Dawa Besskepp, Stricke9, Megan Jacobs, and Dr.Gray at and the Hopi Indian Tribal his 3 monthly events: Council, John Pomonerav, Michael Cohen, Jeff Cheema, 1st Friday of the month: Blue Nile Cafe & Lounge in H20 and RobnSteel, Domanik Long Beach (myspace.com/bluenilecafe) and Why Records, Siddiq & 2nd Friday of the month: Blue Chips in Highland Park Rhymesayers (my bad!), Nica @ Music for America, Rosa, (bluechipshlp.com) Sierra and Axis of Justice, 3rd Friday of the month: 33 1/3 Books & Gallery in BaderTV, Mom, Dad, and Los Angeles (thirtythreeandathird.info) anyone and everyone we may have missed in the past 3 months of madness for your undying and dedicated

EDITOR’S NOTE

Greetings and Salu-frickin’-tations! with a feel, an emotion...not just a The owl can turn its head 270 barcode. You’ve made these things so degrees, enabling it to see all the Thank you sooooo much for all your obvious that we caught the attention way around itself, enabling it to see support and everything you guys have of a publication that is partnered with its entire surroundings. The owl pays been involved with us in the past 2 a huge media conglomerate (we won’t attention to its periphery...to the years of our existence. I know, can name any names, but we’re sure you bigger picture. The owl is...KOTORI. you believe it? 2 years!! This has been can guess it within 2 tries). You’ve f’n phenomenal. So many things have helped capture enough of its attention So join us now in this new and improved been happening it’s hard to keep up. to warrant what seemed like concern, quest for knowledge and quality. In those 2 years, you’ve helped us turn or better yet, a threat. What that Tune out to the b.s. and tune into into a free local newsprint magazine means is that we’re making a dent in the things that you want to focus into a full color glossy newsstand the stale corporate shlup thats been on. Our future depends on it... magazine. Of course, during those two stuffed down our throats for decades. years, you have known us as WAV. Plus...how sick is that logo!! It’s our turn. It’s our time. It’s our Well, what you hold in your hand now world. Let’s make this place the Hoot Hoot, is the updated reincarnation of that place we want to exist in. Let’s make Wasim Muklashy very magazine. With the blessing of things happen. Let’s change things. the Hopi Indian Tribal Council, we are Beginning, we figured, with our name. now KOTORI. I know, you’re thinking, how the hell did you get to KOTORI We spent months and months of from WAV? Well, surprisingly enough... downcast drudgery searching and because of you! You’ve made it seeking for the name we wanted abundantly clear that you desire quality to represent us and encompass the and will do what you got to do to find sense of consciousness that we want it. You’ve made it obvious that you’re to convey. The one theme that kept over what the mainstream is throwing poking at us was the owl. Why? The at you and you want what’s real, you owl is keen. The owl is wise. The owl want music art politics and culture is perceptive. The owl strategizes. subscribe to now... M a g a z i n e

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A new t-shirt line based Mike Patton’s starring role. The DVD is set to Saul Williams has on designs created by be released on May 23rd. unleashed his new book, modern artists like John Vice’s record label arm launches a new website The Dead Emcee Scrolls. van Hamersveld and and the world’s first record label mp3 blog Saul offers commentary Robert Crumb and worn (that they know of), Up Your Jaxxy. They plan on the personal and by John Lennon and to upload a new, unreleased, or rare recording cultural impact of hip-hop Frank Zappa at least every 2 weeks. as he weaves his way in launches. Get your ‘Crazy World Ain’t It’ and Check it at vice-recordings.com. and out of a story based ‘You are Here’ digs from wornfree.com. on his discovery of an ancient scroll found under an abandoned subway line. He will also On January 12, the California Public Utilities be touring in support of the book. If you Beatport’s success plays testament to the Commission (CPUC) approved the California haven’t felt his emotionally tinged performance fact that the music world is on its way to Solar Initiative (CSI), committing a combined before, you don’t want to miss it. The man’s becoming completely digital. Launched in $3.2 billion in incentive funds to drive quite profound! 2004, by a management team that includes consumers toward solar power over the next 11 saulwilliams.com Bad Boy Bill, John Acquaviva, and Richie years. The CSI is designed to provide rebates Hawtin, and service touted by Tiesto, Josh for homeowners, businesses, farmers and Wink, and John Digweed, among others, government projects investing in rooftop solar. The Hip-Hop Association partners with The they’ve already had over 2 million digital file environmentcalifornia.org Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to downloads. The site has even added .wav files present “Elevate!: Using Hip-Hop To to their already gigundous collection of mp3s Educate.” A powerful collaboration is born and mp4s. Final Scratch and CD DJs...get up in It’s that time again... that aims to help teachers bring Hip-Hop into here!!! Coachella is back...bigger, the classroom as a tool to educate, inform and and better than ever. The empower today’s youth. For more information, April 29-30 weekend will check out hiphopassociation.org. overtake the California desert with sounds from Tool, Massive Attack, Depeche Award winning Mode, Tosca, Daft Punk, “Divine Forces Slowboat Films has completed Voodoo Rhythm: Hybrid, Wolfmother, Digable Planets, Radio: The The Gospel Of Primitive Rock n Roll, a Franz Ferdinand, Jazzanova, and waaaaay Oracles of Hip- documentary about legendary primitive Rock n too many more to list here. Check coachella. Hop” celebrates Roll label Voodoo Rhythm Records. It includes com for all details regarding this frolicking 8 years of indepth interviews with Rev. Beat-Man, The fantastic annual weekend. conscious hip-hop Dead Brothers, The Monsters, King Khan, DM radio. Since it’s Bob, The Watzloves, Zeno Tornado & The memorable inception on Clear Boney Google Brothers, The Come ‘n Go, The Walkmen have finished work on their Channel’s 92.3 the Beat back in 1998, Dink Winkerton and a special appearance by third album, and it’s set to be released May DFR has been committed to utilizing The Velvet Hammer Burlesque. 23 via Record Collection. Additionally, the five the radio airwaves as a tool to teach Further information can be found at members of the band have written a novel and disseminate critical information slowboatfilms.com. called ‘John’s Journey’ that will be published regarding history, politics, hip-hop later this year. For more, hit up marcata.net/ culture and indigenous spirituality. walkmen Divine Forces Radio is hosted and Join Global Exchange from June 5th produced by Fidel Rodriguez through August 15th in a transcontinental featuring DJ’s Icy Ice, Counterstryke, bike ride for peace! Start in Seattle, end up The Vice President of a Superpower Breeze and the Orator and can be in Washington D.C. What better way to wean apparently mistook a lawyer for a quail before heard every Friday night on Pacifica America off our addiction to foreign oil than spraying him in the face and chest with Radio (kpfk.org) from 10pm to 1am by promoting the bicycle as a useful, practical shotgun pellets. on 90.7 FM in LA, 98.7 FM in Santa form of transportation? Contact bikeAid@ Barbara, CA, and world wide at globalexchange.org if you’re interested in divineforces.org taking part! THINKFilm will release “Awesome: I Fuckin’ Mike Judge and Don Hertzfeldt’s The Rooters reports that Los Shot That!” in select Animation Show - a collection of the Angeles based progressive markets on March 31st. The world’s greatest animated short films music art politic culture film was show by 50 - is now accepting submissions for its publication WAV magazine audience members at the all new third season DVD! Deadline for has been forced to change Beastie Boys October theatrical submissions is July 1, 2006. their name to as a result of a 2004 show at Madison More info at animationshow.com. cease and desist served them Square Garden. It was by a Northern California directed by Nathaniel publication of a similar name. Editor in Chief Hornblower (MCA of the Beastie Boys). Dinosaur Jr.’s original members are all back Wasim Muklashy had this to say: “South- together and will be touring the U.S. through ssiiiiide Wut Wut!!” the Spring. They’ll also be releasing their Massive Attack have been back in the studio first ever DVD in the Summer of this year. At and plan to release a new record some time the same time, Mascis is releasing Witch, the Firecracker, Writer/Director Steve this year. According to Robert “3D” Del Naja, eponymous debut of his retro-metal outfit for Balderson’s take on the true-life small town so far the record has taken a “gothic soul which he plays drums (his original instrument, murder drama in Wamego, Kansas opened to direction.” Guest vocalists so far include Beth having played ‘em in Deep Wound pre-Dino). rave reviews last year, due in no small part to Orton, Horace Andy, Liz Frazer, and Terry dinosaurjr.com Faith No More/Fantomas/Tomahawk frontman Callier.

 KOTORI MAGAZINE

C: We happened to be in LA when Dave whole thing with hip-hop & different WOLFMOTHER was there. I guess he’d kind of heard of things from England…but it’s the bY domanik nola us & someone said why don’t you guys common area where we all connect. meet up and see if you get along. We just K: There’s a dark, almost occult sense of really hit it off. Dave helped ‘get the best the psychic world with lyrics and song out of us’ – he forced us to think about titles like ‘Minds Eye’, ‘White Unicorn’, ‘structure’ - we really wanted someone They’re locked, loaded, and ‘Witchcraft’. Is this the intended who’d fit in & be the fourth member of and ready to invade. theme? the band…he had a team of people - it Their target? C: Yeah…it’s there. That heavy was so organized that everyone could The United States. psychedelic trip is one we go on keep focused. We just played & wrote. With their special breed of down-under, sometimes. Then there’s the ‘fuck, let’s gritty rock and roll, this Sydney 3 piece just have fun!’ thing. We like to mix it K: Your live set suggests an extremely seems poised to walk the path of their up & keep it interesting. Andrew writes ‘polished’ band with the professionalism Australian ‘high stepper’ predecessors AC/ the lyrics, and pretty much a lot of what one would expect from veterans. How? DC, leaving in their wake an altogether he does just comes out spontaneously, C: I attribute that totally to us hanging new & exciting chapter in rock history. which I love. We’re creating the music out & jamming for about five years. and he’s doing the vocals right there. Before we actually started playing Wolfmother bassist, Chris Ross, recently With a lot of singer/song writers, live, we knew how to play together. took a few moments to speak with KOTORI you don’t get that - his lyrics are a You see a lot of bands grow in front of in a last minute, Trans Pacific 3-way part of the creation of the music. conference call cacophony, spanning 7 their audience, whereas we already international time zones, tapped out knew how to play together and carry K: The secret to success? calling cards, and a speakerphone delay each other musically. When it finally C: Having a good time all the time! As out of L.A. (don’t ask). It played out came to playing live, we could just long as you’re looking after yourself and like an episode of the “Twilight Zone.” focus on a good performance. keeping yourself happy, I think that’s it! But with a smoking debut record on That then transfers to other people. U.S. shelves in May, appearances at K: You have had many comparisons Coachella and South By Southwest, as to vintage Psychedelic Rock bands… > Listen to soundbites at kotorimag.com well as a tour around North America, this C: Yeah, we get that a bit, and they’re episode is shaping up to have a clear and generally good bands so I’m cool with happy ending. For those who like their that. The three of us like a lot of Rock shaken, not stirred…let’s talk… different music. Andrew (Stockdale, vocalist/guitarist) listens to a lot of K: How did you hook up with folk stuff, so he brings a lot of that to producer David Sardy (Oasis, the table. I listen to a lot of Electronic Marilyn Manson, Slayer)? music. Myles (Heskett, drums) has this

 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com

SMOKING IN THE DESERT WITH GRAM RABBIT by jake mcgee

Hailing from Joshua Tree, CA, Gram can look Rabbit is a wonderfully strange beast. back and Their sound can hop from Nancy see the of a variety of styles and feelings. Sinatra to Cowboy Junkies to Lords problems in society a lot clearer,” This one kind of hits more on the of Acid to Pixies to the Beatles to the says Todd, “from not being actu- spookier, creepier, moody, dark.” Adams Family, all in one twitch of ally directly involved and sucked up a whisker. Jesika von Rabbit, front inside them. I think that allows us Yes, their new album has its moments lady of the outfit (along with vocals, to step outside the box, and look in the darkness, even haunting, such she provides guitar and keyboards), back at it and write about it. as “Angel Song.” But then there’s has a voice much like Gwen Stefani’s, stuff like “Bloody Bunnies only with more depth, range, and “There’s pressure in all “You really feel [Superficiality]” that are allure. And the music makes you these scenes that are fun, even if ironically. This feel like you’re in another world, going on, people wanting like you’re on harsh take on Pop Culture’s almost like…well, the desert. to make music that can some strange infection of Bohemia could fit into a certain scene. easily be blaring success- Apparently, living in the desert has Being out here in the planet!” fully at a dance club- and something to do with this; apparently, desert, you completely that seems to be a major the Desert Energy is inspirational. lose all that, and you just want to factor of Gram Rabbit: grooves that “A big part of it is just a feeling you make weird, crazy, creative music, move the soul, mind, and body. get when you come here,” says Todd and not worry about any of that.” Rutherford, who supplies vocals, bass, “We want to paint a picture with and guitar to the band. “It feels very “There are a lot of artists and our music,” Jesika notes, “and we ancient, very all-knowing and wise, musicians out here,” Jesika says. want people to be sucked in. We like and it’s stood the test of time. It’s “Lots of people left the city to to experiment with whatever crazy seems like there’s vibrations, too, come out to the desert. There’s stuff is laying around. We don’t like that seem to bring out things within a lot of fun weirdos and strange our songs to be just cut and dry.” yourself, spiritually and creatively.” musicians and artists.” Gram Rabbit’s new album, Cultiva- “It’s a really spiritual, cosmic place,” They seem to be on to something. tion, is expected to be available in adds Jesika. “You really feel like Their debut album, Music to Start April, and keep them eyes peeled for you’re on some strange planet. a Cult To, is filled with infectious the trip hopping round the country. And you see all the constellations jams, but they also have something at night, and you can see shoot- to say. And in their newest ef- ing stars. There’s so many things fort, Cultivation, their message is > Listen to soundbites that we take for granted or don’t even more provoking. “It just kind at kotorimag.com see living in the city, that you con- of dives deeper into the weirdness nect or reconnect with out here.” of our lives in the desert,” Jesika points out, “and it gets a lot moodier. “Being out in the desert puts you Our first record kind of gave you outside of the box in a way that you a taste of everything, with more

kotori magazine 11 PEEP THIS: DILATED PEOPLES by simone gray

Dilated Peoples dove headfirst, feet flailing, into the mainstream and somehow made it back to tell their story. Starting out 12 years ago, Dilated hustled and honed their skills in small L.A. makeshift studios set up in friends’ garages or the back rooms of their momma’s houses. “We made due with whatever was there and because of that a rawness came out of it – it was really a beautiful experience” contemplates Evidence. After Neighborhood Watch, a crossover success featuring talents such as The Alchemist and Kanye West, Dilated People’s third eye envisioned something a little closer to their underground roots this time around. “That last record put us in our mindset with this new record 20/20,” asserts Babu, “Me, Ev, and Rakaa are very focused right now – this is definitely, by far, the best music we’ve ever done. We just see the game so clearly now.” Prompted by heavy experiences with death, new babies, and ever-consuming music industry politics, this past year has proved to be truly mind expanding for the trio. rapper, but check out this verse that the album. To be dead up honest I What’s the philosophy behind Dilated I got in my head that I’m hearing,” couldn’t see myself in Fat Beats or Peoples as a name and a group? and we were like, “yeah man,” so in record stores doing signings with Babu: In a nutshell it means growing he ended up being on the song. Our that coming on the background and students – people who are continually album, in our label’s eyes, came out me just sitting there pretending trying to learn and just keeping your a great time – right when his shit was everything is all good. It’s just not eyes open – it’s just a common thread poppin’. On the other hand, for us, time for me to drop that. When Nas’ between all three of us – to keep it came out at an ill time because it mom passed, he dropped this amazing that third eye open in everything really gave the impression that we song about her and I always wondered we do and how we carry ourselves. jumped on this dude’s coattails. I just how he did that because he had to But half of it is, it’s a dope sounding wished the label followed through hear that. Maybe he doesn’t listen name and we were able to create a on our plan in releasing a song like to his own music or something, but logo and a brand out of that name. “Marathon” and then releasing the it’d just be hard to go about your day one with Kanye. You and hear that. I dropped Did you get any negative feedback know, doing it in a “We basically one line on the last song after you worked with Kanye West proper way so that our of 20/20, because I had on “Neighborhood Watch?” fans weren’t thrown did whatever we to say something, but Babu: We got a lot of negative off. As much as we wanted to do... it’s just not time yet. feedback from our “core” audience. try to hold onto our It must have been hard for them to core fans, we can’t be everybody was Did you guys have a hear, say a choir on a jam, when scared as artists to do feeling really raw, plan on this album? we usually have a stripped down what we feel as artists. Rakaa: 20/20 is just a really smooth back-sound, and this That song definitely really aggressive.” raw record. It’s very free was a pretty heavily produced thing pushed us into other form. We basically did – a school Kanye comes from. realms – it opened doors that have whatever we wanted to do. We had Rakaa: A lot is relative. We never been opened to us before. no general idea – everybody was appreciate the “purity” of original Rakaa: We weren’t under the illusion just kind of feeling really raw, really rap music, but we also appreciate that when we signed the record deal aggressive. It’s a progressive record, the incorporation of live instruments there would be a huge pot of gold but It’s a family record as far as in our music. We didn’t learn about at the end of the rainbow. We had production by Ev and Babu, Alchemist hip-hop and hip-hop culture through the opportunity to do bigger and and Joey Chavez. But then we have mainstream media. When Ev and I better things. Basically we do ok, we guest appearances by Defari, Talib started competing it wasn’t about handle our business whether or not Kweli, Capleton, Phil the Agony and being famous except in our circle. there is a record deal, and there are Krondon from Strong Arm Steady. Part of what we do still comes from a lot of good people at Capitol that Evidence: At this point we all felt the fact that we know we have to focused on making the project work. like we’ve tried a lot of things. earn respect in our circle. As far as Let’s just do what we do best and the song with Kanye, I love that song. Babu, you stated previously not try to second-guess ourselves. The only problem was the record that you guys were in a more That’s exactly what we did. label and the mainstream media focused mind frame during the Babu: A lot of it was just getting so excited about his record. production of 20/20. Why now? taking it back to the original Our project wasn’t set up properly. Babu: It relates to the reason why formula of banging the music we titled the album 20/20. All of us out and then treating it like Was any of this negativity due in on so many different fronts – from we were going to put it part to working with a major music the business, to our art, just our out on independent 12” versus trying label instead of an independent? everyday lives – we’ve all gotten on to feel the pressure of being on Babu: The only thing that I have the same page as friends and as band Capitol. We got halfway though qualms about during our last members. On another note, along the album before we even knew if campaign wasn’t even our music; it with not seeing eye to eye with the Capitol would follow though on our was how our record company pushed label on how the album was supposed contract. We just started doing it the project. We chose to work with to be promoted and perceived, I was like we used to, coming out of our Kanye and once they heard the Kanye having another baby and Evidence pockets, getting ourselves in the song they kind of put on blinders to lost his mom. So on top of the studio, hiring our own engineers. everything else on the album. We music we’ve just grown as people. did the record a good year before So you guys came full (Kanye’s) College Dropout really I’m truly sorry for your loss Evidence. circle on this album? blew. We all knew him as a producer. Is there anything on 20/20 about Evidence: Pretty much, but it’s not Him rapping on our song was that? back-tracking or regressing in any something he was pushing, he was Evidence: I had a song called “I shape or form it’s just...your first like “You guys don’t know me as a Still Love You,” but I took it off idea is usually the right one.

kotori magazine 13 or not you’re a product of your when I’m in New York and I’m in the Dilated has carried a kind of environment. Being from L.A where back seat and Prodigy is in the front throwback, B-boy sound on everybody is “somebody” or at driving I’ll really feel because I’m all of their albums. Do you least think they are, nothing really soaking up the whole environment hear that on this album? shocks us. I feel that being in such – it’s like a video to go with it. Evidence: I know that we’re a highly competitive area you have Rakaa: We didn’t start making music influenced by a lot of 80s artists, to step up your game. Out here together. L.A is so spread out – its but I would say we have more of an our competition is anybody and like me coming from Mid-city and early to mid-90s sound, if you’re everybody. We are always competing Ev coming from Venice. It’s two going to lump us into something. You with an Ashanti or a Chingy. different worlds, two different have an artist that has a “throwback Evidence: It’s funny, a lot of people styles. Babu comes from Oxnard style” and if his record pops then think we’re a New York group, but – the 805 area, basically we’re that’s the new shit. If it doesn’t we’ve just been influenced by a lot all different in the way we do then he’s just a throwback – there’s of New York artists such as the Gang things. Environment can’t change always people trying to put you in a Starr, EPMD, Mobb Deep. We might fundamentally who you are, but box. I don’t walk around every day be the exception to the rule, but my approach, my swagger…is L.A. saying “I’m a B-Boy” with a spray generally your environment really Evidence: I definitely have to say can in my hand, moon walking and influences you. If you’re looking nothing compares to California doing back flips. If someone else at palm trees and seeing sunshine pot – so that’s why our music is going to put me in that category everyday it’s really hard to focus on sounds the way it does – highly – fine. We just do what we do. some gritty, street shit. Every sound influenced by lots of marijuana. looks like something to me. So, New How has living in L.A influenced York music looks like bricks and your sound? Do you think your tall buildings. L.A. music looks like > Listen to soundbites environment has a huge impact palm trees and sunshine. Alchemist at kotorimag.com on your sound and your rhymes? will call me up with some shit he > 20/20 is now available on ABB Babu: Whether you can help it did with Mobb and I’ll like it, but Records/Capitol Records. Peep it…

14 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com

TIM FITE: GET BLOOD. GET GONE. by taylor bro

Tim Fite was one of a small number of babies born music. Well maybe not quite, Tim does claim to have between 1975 and 1983 without any blood. Mr. Fite, like played two bags of Kool-Aid and a folding chair on a the machine that pumped blood into his empty veins couple of the tracks. “I write songs like an MC, I want a for life, pumps life into his songs with his own moody, beat under it, I jam on syllable sounds, its complicated country twang buried in hip-hop style lyricism and voice. to find subject matter in that, but that’s the challenge I enjoy today.” Breathing new life and feeling into the Anything but your typical singer-songwriter, Tim works lost tracks with an array of vocal styles, Tim’s delivery like a hip-hop producer by taking samples of hard to ranges from all out rapping, to a southern twang, then find CDs in the bargain bin of your local record store, back around to a screeching yell, all with a seemingly snagging the parts without words and putting them meant to be quality and effect. Words like, “But I’ve together until it suits his songs desire. His only rule been busy baby I keep busy, quittin’ every job in New is that the CD must cost a dollar or less. Chances are York City” on “No Good Here” is a prime example. if your older brother had a garage band that put out an album, it’ll end up sampled on a Tim Fite track. Tim got serious about writing and performing music when all of his friends as he describes ghosted. “I was His lyrical style on his debut album “Gone Ain’t Gone” so used to making songs with other people I had to find for Anti- records is as unorthodox as his approach to the a way to make it myself” says the 20 something Brook- lynite “When I had other people around to make music who I thought were better, and probably were better, the times I made songs by myself I would say this is a joke, but when they all disappeared it couldn’t be a joke anymore cause when you are alone there isn’t anybody there to tell the jokes to.”

Well there are no jokes on this album, with the exception of “If I had a cop show” a witty hard rocking vignette in the middle of his expansive 17 track album. Tim gets back to being serious when he uses a sample on “I’ve Kept Singing” from one of his historical role models, Paul Robeson, a scholar, athlete and political activist of the early twentieth century. Tim counts this as one of the shining achievements on his album, and Robeson’s sample is defiantly one of the more powerful moments on it. The sample, which talks about not being able to “fight back “and having to use “music as a weapon” epitomizes Tim Fite and his music: A born bloodless child that had to learn how to fight back with the help of a machine, and his samples of long forgot- ten, discarded CDs to make his own brand of music. Music that the sum of is greater than its parts, like a heart without blood.

> Listen to soundbites at kotorimag.com

16 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com

“The peyote button started to radiate. We stared in awe before a sudden series of fireworks went off.” WHEN I DIE bY jake mcgee ART: ric stultz

On February 20, 2005, Dr. Hunter S. and into the ether. As the embers and tunes released under the title, ‘Where Thompson, one of the world’s most concussions faded into the night, a Were You When the Fun Stopped.’ The talented, insightful, and entertaining thick fog lingered around for what famous anthem of the early seventies by authors, ended his life as he had seemed an eternity, as if his spirit was Norman Greenbaum, ‘Spirit in the Sky,’ always lived it: on his own terms. Six hanging around for one last party. opens Breakfast with Hunter, and it’s so months later, on August 20, his funeral appropriate for the blast off in When I Die took place at his home - a.k.a. Owl that you might think it was written for the Farm - in Woody Creek, Colorado. The funeral was a private ceremony. Only occasion, just thirty years in advance.” a few hundred people were invited. One But this was no ordinary funeral. of these privileged was Wayne Ewing, “When editing the film, I often thought the groundbreaking filmmaker whose and felt that Hunter’s spirit could be Thompson had arranged to have his Breakfast with Hunter redefined cinema seen in the clouds that dance above ashes fired out of a massive tower that verite, and also gave the best inside look Owl Farm in the time-lapse sequences,” stood two feet taller than the Statue at Thompson to date. His new film, When says Ewing. “I believe they give us of Liberty, built to his specifications. I Die, chronicles the construction of the an extraordinary view into another It was his Gonzo logo: a two-thumbed Gonzo Memorial, culminating in extreme dimension of time and space.” fist, clenching a peyote button, atop a close-ups of the blast. “I preferred dagger. Thompson had spelled this out to leave the eulogies and party as a After all, isn’t that what Hunter rather explicitly in his will, and had private event,” Ewing says. “The end of would have wanted? planned it from at least as far back as the film is about Hunter’s blast-off and 1978, when he and the legendary artist the closure it provides…not a party.” Ralph Steadman walked into a funeral > When I Die and Breakfast With parlor (BBC cameraman in tow) and Ewing takes us to a meeting of the Hunter are available exclusively produced the first images of what has Woody Creek Caucus, where locals talk at breakfastwithhunter.com. become known as the Gonzo Monument. about Hunter as a cherished member of the community. While following I was one of the lucky folks who made the construction of the tower, from the journey out to Colorado that the metal being cut to being pieced beautiful, bright, Saturday afternoon. together, he always comes back to event On the way down SR82, we caught our producer Jon Equis, arranging things first glimpse of the Monument. Standing like dealing with paparazzo, asking 153 feet in the air, and shrouded that all the horses in Woody Creek in a red tarp, it resembled a large, are evacuated the night of the blast, throbbing penis, proudly erect in the and things of that nature. Thompson’s middle of the Rocky Mountains. widow Anita also seems to be there every step of the way, simultaneously As night fell, the spot-lit Monument making sure that Hunter’s wishes were began to glow. The peyote button started met accordingly, while ensuring the to radiate. We stared in awe before a permanence of her beloved’s legacy. sudden series of fireworks went off, the explosions pounding across the “Just as in Breakfast With Hunter,” Ewing Roaring Fork Valley, sending the Good points out, “all the songs in When I Die Doctor flying about the mountains, come from Hunter’s album of favorite

kotori magazine 19

BOMBAY DUB ORCHESTRA by wasim muklashy PHOTOS: Phil Conrad

Hey! Here’s an idea! Let’s get a were blessed with great players - really sitar, tabla, bansure, santoor, vio- passionate musicians,” reflects Mackay. lins, violas, and piano to play on our electronic music record. The result is a cinematic explosion of Screw that...let’s get an entire 28- some of the most beautifully color- piece Indian string section and vocalist! ful and lush arrangements these ears Wooooahhhh.... have ever laid headphones on. It truly is worldly imagination fodder, and While such a thought process may you can barely help but wonder how come as a surprise to most elec- two cats from the London electronic tronic music fans, not only did it music scene have gotten themselves come naturally to Garry Hughes and into something so much bigger than Andrew T Mackay, but they’ve been that. “I’ve trekked around Europe, planning it for over half a decade. Asia, Africa, North and Central America and the Antipodes a great Sure, Bombay Dub Orchestra may be deal over the years,” Garry tells their debut album, but the duo are us, “somewhere along the way a lot far from rookies in the music scene. of culture has rubbed off and that Hughes has worked with Bjork and Sly includes lots of music. We’ve both & Robbie, Garbage, and The Art of got wide and eclectic tastes and I’ve Noise, while Mackay’s resume top- always liked artists who mix dif- pers include VAST, ABC, and even ferent music heritages together or photographer Annie Leibovitz. About who search out different sounds.” 7 years ago, the two happened to be in India recording a project by London You can’t help but wonder if this is a based Indian duo Spellbound. On the solid example of technology lending plane ride home, they thought about itself to a future of communication “how great it would be to make an and progress on a larger scale. “What orchestral chill-out record with these most people want is ‘life, liberty and players,” explains Hughes. “When we the pursuit of happiness’ to quote thought about making our own record the Declaration of Independence. A the first thing we said was that we bit more live and let live and a fairer have to have the string orchestra as distribution of the world’s resources a key part,” Mackay emphasizes. would go a long way towards achiev- ing this,” states Hughes, “Just don’t The seed was planted. Over the past get me started on George Bush.” 6 years, they have patiently watered and nurtured that seed, and now, it has “I think that a quiet revolution is beautifully blossomed into a full-length already happening across the world. double-disc album, complete with In music, in art, in humanity itself,” remixes and nag champa (not really...). reflects Mackay. “It’s the people of the world who can unite and actually make Before showing up to the recording some difference to the population and sessions with the orchestra, Mackay to the planet…and they are gradually. and Hughes had prepared recorded Where I live in London is a wonder- samples of the melodies and phrasing ful melting pot…Croatians, Polish live to give the musicians an idea of what next to Somalians, Ethiopians, Indian, they were looking for. “When we had Pakistani, English and Australian. You those parts safely recorded we’d ask name it,” he continues. ”But under- the players to have another take and neath all of our flags and different do whatever they felt like! This was ways of life we are all the same.” always a surprise and we got some wonderful elements we could edit and play around with later. Hearing the tracks leap to life in full cinematic > bombaydub.com glory in Bombay was a hell of an uplift- > sixdegreesrecords.com ing thing,” glows Hughes. “Standing in > Listen to soundbites front of the orchestra and conducting at kotorimag.com these guys was truly wonderful. We

22 KOTORI MAGAZINE

BEING MALKOVICH bY mike the poet By the time he graduated high school it’s yes and it’s no, it’s in the mid ‘90s, he had planted the friend and it’s foe seeds of what would evolve into it’s my arms and my legs and Malkovich is a Los Angeles based the Gershwin B.L.X. crew. Gersh- my heart and my head MC with an incredible work ethic win B.L.X. included Molman, Omni, it’s the start and the end, the and progressive ideas. While just ABCDEFG, Cee Brown, Malkovich, darkness behind the bend released Skeletons, (Kajmere and Milx. They immediately started it’s the land and the trees, Sound) is his debut album, he’s no doing shows in the late 90s, ap- it’s the sand and the sea rookie to the game. After all, it’s pearing up and down the West it’s the hand on the key, it’s a record 4 years in the making. Coast and club circuit. They were the man you can’t see clearly influenced by their heroes. it’s love and it’s hate and it’s Originally born in Genoa, Italy in Malkovich notes, “The West Coast bumps and it’s scrapes 1979, Malkovich came to LA in legacy gave birth to our sound.” and it’s running a race with June 1992 shortly after the Rod- one foot in the grave...” ney King Riots. These were tur- Around 2003, the crew slowly dis- (from title track “Skeletons”) bulent times in the city of banded. His insight into what made Angels, and it was music by artists them split also says a lot about the Malkovich is working hard to move like NWA and Ice Cube that pro- demise of Pharcyde and Freestlye through all of these places. Besides vided the soundtrack. Malkovich Fellowship. “The crew thing be- being a full-time MC, he’s been a lived in West LA, attended Univer- comes claustrophobic. It seems to freelance journalist since ‘96, having sity High School, and was immedi- be an LA thing. Jurrasic 5 is the been published by magazines like XL, ately thrust into hip-hop culture. only one that has stuck together. Vibe, Source, URB, and Rime. Recent A few guys get a blown head and momentum and a truly poetic twist of “Uni High School is how I started start listening to what people whis- events has Malkovich rubbing elbows rhyming,” he shares. “It was per in their ear and next thing with his heroes. Over the last few around ‘94. All we did is cipher at you know, they’re going solo.” years, Malkovich’s close cohort Omni lunch time. We listened to Free- has been recording songs with Fatlip style Fellowship, Pharcyde, Death With the release of Skeletons, Mal- and Mikah 9. Simultaneosuly he has Row and Wu Tang. Those guys kovich has been touring and rock- toured with them all. With the drop were geniuses. We listened very ing shows as a solo performer. of Skeletons, Malkovich stands next close. Mikah 9 from Freestlye Fel- Still he admits, “I actually prefer in line in the West Coast legacy. lowship is one of the best rappers the crew thing. I like the fric- alive as far as I’m concerned,” he tion in the creative process.” says. “We also loved Fatlip.” > malkovichmusic.com “It’s ebb and it’s flow, it’s > Listen to soundbites the head, it’s the toes at kotorimag.com 338755imi.indd 1 1/31/06 5:33:36 PM THE PROMISE OF PERSEVERANCE: PORTUGAL. THE MAN by DAVID BROOKS

When I caught up with the pint-sized is based on the Chicago riots. The whole we were sitting in Portland, we didn’t lead singer and rhythm guitarist of ending, the buildup, is talking about have a place to go, so we kept our money Portugal. The Man outside the Key Club how much people change throughout all that we saved to do the record in our in Hollywood, John Gourley was busy that and how that affected the people accounts and slept on peoples couches… catching his breath from what looked like who had to deal with it firsthand.” pretty much being a burden to every an impromptu nervous energy lap around friend we had in Portland (laughs).” the venue. They’d just finished the third But would you please show of their breakout tour in support of speak up, I can’t hear with When asked how they stayed focused Waiter: “You Vultures!” their first album these clouds in my ears. and motivated musically as they tramped as a unit. A triumphant rock romp filled The systems down I through last year, Gourley’s voice with guitar bombast, soft keys and cryptic doubt we’ll get through, deadpanned, “To be honest, we were lyricism delivered in lilting fashion by the send your money for the right on the edge of calling it quits. It was man now standing before me, face beet Caterpillars to entertain. Zach, Wes and I and we’d talk about it red and sans the hoodie that kept him - Chicago all the time. You know it’s so hard to give covered and comfortably estranged from the stuff to someone who understands the gawking L.A. crowd during their set. All but one member hail from Wasila, it, because we couldn’t go in and do Alaska, prime real estate for a strange demos without a drummer. I just can’t The Portugal sound is akin to early At upbringing you might say, with winters work like that, Jason joined us during The Drive In with more emphasis on longer than the annual 674 mile Iditarod the recording of the album, but it was playing the songs instead of wailing them, dogsled race through the states arctic close, right before we did the record we hypnotic guitar lines bounce off of each wasteland. Gourley’s parents even ran were like, “If they don’t take it, we’re other building to frenzy before dropping the Iditarod, his father four times in all. gonna stop. But it all worked out.”’ out completely. The vocal melodies Except for Jason Sechrist (drums) from could have easily been dipped from the Portland, the lineup includes Wes Hubbard Portugal. The Man’s dedication paid off, serene singing of Blonde Redhead’s Kazu (keys), Zach Carothers (bass) and Jesse Fearless Records picked up the album, Makino, which can only be interpreted Cunningham (guitars) who combine with shoved them in a van and now their out as a compliment. Words delve in and out Gourley to complete the band Portugal. gallivanting around the country toting an of thoughts on religion, politics and the The Man. Which if you asked them if album wise beyond their years, find this ever-evolving human experience on songs they thought they’d cut a record and band when they come around and revel like “Chicago”, of which Gourley explains, be touring a year ago, they would have in the inspiration of music incarnate. “My dad grew up through all that Vietnam grinned longingly and promptly asked stuff, he had friends in The Weather you for a place to stay. “After we came Underground, lots of protest, that song down from Alaska, oh man, all of 2005 > Listen to soundbites at kotorimag.com

26 KOTORI MAGAZINE

The METRIC System bY bob freville

Mood is important to music in the same that they have garnered, they’ve seen After touring quite consistently over the way that it is important to a good piece their first CD go Gold in Canada, their past few years, the band took some time of noir or the atmosphere of a jazz club. sophomore CD “Live It Out” get emo- off to record the album before resuming You need to cling to the grey curtain of kids to dance again, all while shooting their tour in October. “We toured until smoke and feel some sort of buzz carrying a music video for “Poster of a Girl.” the end of December, had a couple of you along through the dark underneath. weeks off, then we had the most amazing Metric’s music possesses this mood. Like so many bands, Metric’s vocalist four days of our lives in New York.” is very much the focal point. Emily’s As a four-piece band, they have polished and oft-heartbreaking voice calls Emily was referring, of course, to performed 450 shows since 2002 and to mind a less passionate and volatile Metric’s two sold-out Madison Square set a standard in Canadian music Aimee Echo. Her profile calls to mind a Garden shows with the Rolling Stones. that spills over nicely into American snapshot of Harriet Andersson from an rock couture. Few bands from the old Ingmar Bergman film. Her workload “It seemed almost predestined,” I underground can boast that they have calls to mind the Energizer bunny. said. “Given the image of pursed lips both starred in French arthouse fare in the album jacket to Live It Out.” about junkies (Oliver Assayas’ “Clean”) Emily was busy when we got her on and played somber solo piano in churches the phone, hurrying around a condo “I know, it’s true,” Emily granted. “I (as lead singer Emily Haines has). at Sundance (in Park City, Utah) in thought about it too. And even when preparation of a show with fellow they were playing, their demeanor Slinging songs like “Dead Disco” and “The Toronto natives Broken Social Scene. with each other when we met them, it List” that ripped on consumerism and Having known them for some time, was real weird. We felt like we could Yuppie excess, the band broke through she writes, performs, and records with really relate to their energy. I was ballistically with their debut LP. 2003’s them whenever she can. “Sort of an old impressed that they have such a clear “Old World Underground, Where Are You friend collective,” Emily explained. “I love of the energy of Rock N Roll.” Now?” was a refreshing blast of old school try to be involved with them as much as sonic thrown into a swirl of new wave they need me. This is a moment when “That’s funny,” I replied. “Because hooks and sardonic spins on lyrical cliché. they called and said I should come.” I wanted to ask you about the Perhaps as a result of the popularity energy and ambience of the first place you ever played live in.” “I try not to be self-analytical about cropping up that reflect that too.” this,” she said. “There was a point where “There’s been so many different I realized that, ya know, it is only Rock “I have no idea if it’s the majority,” incarnations,” Emily said. “The first N Roll and I do like it. I’m not interested Emily added. “I just know that there’s real Metric show, with the band as in the fatal glamour and success and a significant number of people from it is now, was at a place called the pain and suicidal motel rooms…I’m whom music is broad. They’re not Silver Lake Lounge in Los Angeles. It’s really drawn to the romance of stardom looking to have it be reinforcing a a great classical bar, it used to be a or whatever this whole thing is, but I particular identity, like only action transvestite punk club…a great hole-in- do enjoying noting the underbelly.” movies, ya know? They’re looking the-wall joint. In the back of the club, for a certain genuine quality to the there was this sign that said ‘Paradise.’ “You’ve said that people don’t like compositions or they’re looking for For us, at that point, being able to music according to a type. So how do people in music who aren’t liars.” get a gig and house people we could you rationalize the great influx of TRL- relate to was just about as close to hooked poser kids who listen to all the “Are you a fan of happy endings,” I asked. Paradise as we were going to get.” same rap albums and dress exactly alike? Are these people not drones?” “Whenever possible…but it’s Paradise seemed like the proper jump-off hard to find until you’re dead. point for a flash forward to where the “I guess the world I live in is one were I don’t know what ends…” band is at now. “Many of your songs are they’re not like those people,” she about what seem like faded, washed-up replied. “The parties we dee-jay and characters. Are you repelled by pop stars the crowd that comes to our shows > Listen to soundbites at kotorimag.com or do you fear that you will become one can listen to Kanye in one ear and with the widespread popularity of late?” Death Cab [For Cutie] in the other. I think there’s certain radio stations DANNY HOWELLS HOWS! by ASHA AZHAR

Shaking dance floors across the globe… that influenced me while I was growing experienced the joy of record shopping. from Europe to the Americas…off to up such as The Temptations and Japan. Downloads…never feel the same to me Asia and Australia time and time again I initially made a list of my all time as owning a cherished piece of vinyl.” with his eclectically exciting DJ sets, he favorite tracks, a list which spanned has had no trouble in gaining quite the ambient, hip hop, drum and bass etc, Though he longingly reflects on the state loyal following. Every stop is packed and and it was about 100 tracks long.” of electronic music and the DJ, he still every human bouncing body anticipates doesn’t lose touch with what it’s all about the tension he builds with his every mix. After the selection was painstakingly in the end…the music. “The motivation As the intensity rises, his enthusiasm cut down to 27, the mix was layed comes from the clubs, the fact that I get follows suit, and everyone leaves down on two turntables, a mixer, and a to play and hear the music I adore on feeling like they just walked out of a Pioneer CDJ1000 CD Player. Then, “Pro- great sound systems around the world, 2-drink limit, 1000 capacity orgasm. Tools was used to polish the whole thing and hopefully others will enjoy it too.” up.” While some have tried to shun It was only natural for Azuli’s David the advance of the digital revolution Well, there’s no question that they Piccioni to approach veteran DJ Danny attributed to CD Players and systems do. Enough to allow him to regularly Howells’ to record Choice: A Collection like Final Scratch, others have embraced spin up to 10 hour long sets. How of Classics, a double disc that marks it and taken advantage of the creative he does it? We’ll never know…well, the tenth in the label’s signature series. opportunities they provide. Howells actually, all we had to do was ask… Since the series is “generally about the fits a bit into both. “It’s opening up all DJ going back to his roots, sharing the sorts of new and exciting avenues for “By sleeping as much as tracks and influences which helped pave DJs, especially for those who play a possible beforehand.” the way for them,” Howells tells us, he lot of their own productions, giving it took great care in how he wanted to a kind of live element.” He confesses, Ahhh…but of course! convey his innermost personal tastes. however, that “it also, unfortunately, “With my selection, the first disc is opens up many new avenues for those focused on the early nineties, tracks who download illegally, and takes away > dannyhowells.com that shook me during my first few years the need to learn to actually mix. I as a DJ,” he shares. “The second disc hate the fact that record shops are is somewhat broader, including tracks suffering also, as many people have never

photo: Ejen Chuang

“I was just lucky that my first shot to is that the lifespan of music is dwindling. be successful was on my own terms,” 2 weeks and people are tired of it. We’re DJ MUGGS he tells us. “I got a real punk rock ‘fuck born and bred to be consumers. That’s by wasim muklashy y’all’ attitude. That’s where I think the the capitalist fast food society. We want original basis of hip hop comes from. it now, we eat it, ingest it, digest it, Anti-establishment. Anti-what’s going on. shit it out, and move on to the next.” Fuck the trends. Do what you want.” “GZA...The Almighty DJ Muggs... His solution? Just keep moving. “If The time has come...” And he’s carried that mantra with him you want anything to grow and flour- throughout his career. His Soul Assas- ish, whether its love, family, business, Ok, that sounds big. Very big. Although sins series gained immediate notoriety, your music career...you got to put time the intro to last year’s “Grandmasters,” due in no small part to his ability to into it. You get what you put in.” While the collaboration between the two hip bring in players like KRS-One, WyClef, best known as the man behind Cypress hop heavyweights, rightfully professes Dr.Dre, and many more. It certainly Hill, the ‘side’ projects he’s kept busy something momentous, a conscious didn’t hurt that he was also working with outside of that are also significant decision was made to make the record with everyone from Snoop to House of enough to be milestone’s in any other something that people would discover Pain, Pearl Jam, and Zack De La Rocha. producer’s career. In addition to the on their own. “Going into the record “He’s a real artist artist,” Muggs says of Soul Assassins, there’s Angeles Records, I knew we weren’t going to get a lot Zack. “He’s not a mainstream bullshit- Muggs’ own label, and even a syndi- of mainstream radio play, MTV play, ter. When he feels like creating, it comes cated radio show called “Mash Up Radio” or BET play. It’s not a radio record, from a real place. When he was doing on Sirius Shade 45, Eminem’s station. it’s a real record from the heart.” all that shit on a major label and saw “I’m equally balanced left and right what it was all about, he just wanted to brain,” he reflects. “I’m very highly And that’s where it’s always come from. get back to what made him want to do creative and out of my fuckin’ mind, When he pulled in first place at the DMC this in the first place. I respect that.” but I’m also super logical with num- World Championships back in ‘89, even he bers, and to me, business is creative.” didn’t realize the significance of the road Something that seems to be a recurring he had already embarked on. Right away, theme in Muggs work and words is his con- With an undying passion and a non- a then unknown Cypress Hill enlisted him tinued plight to keep true and real hip- stop search & rescue for the soul to man the decks and production boards hop alive. “There’s some really good stuff of hip-hop, DJ Muggs has implanted for their first release...and every release out there in the underground. You just himself in the people’s history of the thereafter. Since then, “its been crazy!” got to go search for it, and the internet music. Not only can you not escape is really good for that. The only problem his work, you wouldn’t want to.

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GOAPELE bY simonita

“I like that song ‘Maps’” to categorize my sound. I want American, but I’ve had a slightly “Oh yeah?” people to listen to my music and different experience because “Yeah.” become familiar enough with my family isn’t from here.” “By The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s?” it where a label won’t matter “Yeah.” anymore.” Yeah, yeah, yeah Talk about unorthodox, she even – heard that before - everyone from started her own label, Skyblaze Believe me, we know what punkers to percussionists aspire to Recordings in 2002 with the help of we’re talking about. I began my create a musical utopia, but the her brother, and boyfriend to put conversation with the Bay Area sincerity in her voice heightened out her critically acclaimed debut beauty cool as a cuc, sprinkling my journalistic antennae. Closer. Proof that the DIY ethic is in nonchalant musical queries not reserved to indie rockers or amidst my modest admiration of On her new album Change It underground hip-hop, Change It All her flawless dreadlocks. Let it be All, Goapele supplants her R&B was recorded at Skyblaze studios clear that I made the call for the stereotype by gallivanting through but has been distributed by mega- music; the rest is negligible, albeit scat tracks and soul-searching music conglom Sony/BMG music. breathtaking, icing on the cake. anthems. “I was But that’ll hardly hoping people “As a female artist, keep Goapele from For some reason Goapele’s sound wouldn’t mind speeding down the has been lazily classified as “neo- being taken through we get put into corporate highway. soul” – that irritating term tossed different genres… around in music rags to pigeonhole but I did want a these boxes - Skyblaze Recordings new black artists. But does it classic sound that either we’re over- works with newfound bother her? “Kind of,” she began, would span through Bay Area artistes “I don’t know what label to use the 70s, 80s, all sexualized or we constantly, and her the way up to the aren’t. Most of us team has gone all the present.” Her stellar way with the theme band in tow, Goapele are a mixture.” and title of the new accomplished this album by launching by using vintage instruments like ChangeItAll.org; a philanthropic Moogs, Rhodes, layers of guitar, and website developed as a forum to distorted bass during the recording connect those who want to make a session. For example, on “Darker positive impact. Instead of focusing Side”, she drew influence from on one issue – the war, censorship Pink Floyd while working with – the site exposes a myriad of issues producer Linda Perry (Christina of political action, or lack thereof, Aguillera? Pink!), resulting in that are already out there. It’s a Roberta Flack-like delivery a way for those who aren’t in a over rousing instrumentation. political community to start taking small steps towards activism. Yet Goapele’s singing is an experience Goapele downplays her diplomacy, to be savored, not swallowed. It “I get put into this political sets her apart from the multitude category because it’s part of what of seductive songstresses vamping I do. It’s in no way all that I do.” and sassing their best assets all over stage every show for dough All that she does is impressive to say but without the pipes to hold up the least. All the variety of sounds, the facade. “In the industry it’s a all of the sensuality conveyed challenge. As a female artist we with the classy style and range of get put into these boxes - either an opera singer as it pleasantly we’re over-sexualized or we collides with the heartbreaking aren’t. Most of us are a mixture.” passion of Nina Simone for a new If Billy Holiday’s voice produced generation of neo-soul… come on offspring, Goapele would be her. people, I’m just messin’ with ya. As it were, she was born of a Jewish mother and a South African father. It is simply not natural > Goapele.com for her demeanor, or her music, > Changeitall.org to be anything but different. “I > Listen to soundbites identify mainly with being African- at kotorimag.com

kotorimag.com kotori magazine 35 ART: Kazu Kibuishi FLIGHT by molly hahn

In 2003, Chris Appelhans, Kazu friends wanted to write and draw. process initially, but Kibuishi definitely Kibuishi, Khang Le, and Catia Chien had a couple people in mind that he felt the urge to combine their super Behold, the creation of the wanted to include in the first anthology. writing and illustrating powers and Flight Forums - the epicenter for share their vision with the world. the production of FLIGHT. Kibuishi planned on funding the book FLIGHT is the comic anthology that himself and was ready to throw his life emerged when they decided they “Not much discussion went into the savings, but Image Comics stepped in wanted to tell really good stories. template or medium for FLIGHT. It just in time, “When we were setting was pretty much understood what up to pitch the book to publishers at With cool pictures. we were creating. I think for many the Alternative Press Expo, Erik Larsen, of us comic creators, it was a relief who had become the new publisher At the time, much of their illustrating since we had been waiting a very at Image, dropped by our booth and community was dispersed over long time to see something like it offered to print it,” recalls Kibuishi. various web forums. Kazu, graphic come together,” says Kibuishi. “They weren’t one of the prospective novelist and editor/art director publishers we were looking to go of FLIGHT, realized the need for Through their respective circles of with at the time, but they did clearly a virtual community that would friends, the FLIGHT movement and have the best deal in the comics centralize artists as well as provide contributor list grew quickly and world when it came to creators’ an outlet for the types of stories their organically. There wasn’t a set selection rights. So we went for it, and I think

ART: Phil Craven

kotori magazine 37 ART: Becky Cloonan battles boltships with his flying pig and created the epic fantasy comic whale friends. Additionally, Parker has Reman Mythology. You can get a comic called “Lucy Nova.” You can more fun fantasia at felaxx.com. find more of his stuff at agent44.com. FLIGHT Volume 3, which is being FLIGHT Volume Two, which increased published by Random House, will be substantially in contributors and stories available in bookstores at the end of (clocked in at 432 pages!!), houses June, just in time for the San Diego the likes of Don Hertzfeldt, Amy Kim Comic Con! You can get all the latest Ganter, and Khang Le. Don Hertzfeldt, news and reviews at the Flight Forums. an animator and former classmate of The bulk of the production of the Kazu’s, takes the reader on a post- anthologies still occurs behind closed it note journey through the painful doors on the forums, but it’s also a reality of life during humanity’s last great resource for aspiring comic artists month of existence in “Dance of the or illustrators. There are areas where Sugar Plums.” Don’s filmRejected was you can post your work and get nearly nominated for an Oscar in 2001 and is instantaneous feedback and critiques. wrapping up work on his latest short On the other hand, if you are just a fan film “Everything will be Okay”. Don of comics, art, and life in general, it’s is also co-creator (along with Mike a great place to hang out with really Judge) of the Animation Show. For all cool people. The forums embrace the things Don, check out bitterfilms.com. simple and inspiring pleasures of life by providing areas to discuss food, art, if it wasn’t for them stepping in, we Khang Le, who lives in the Los Angeles movies, and general miscellany. You’ll wouldn’t be where we are now.” area, is a free lance conceptual artist never want to leave: flightcomics.com. for video games. His story “Monster The FLIGHT planning isn’t as Slayers” is a fantastic voyage of two FLIGHT has become a movement that spontaneous as the stories and men with an affinity for pho and embraces integrity, perseverance, illustrations may appear. Kibuishi’s monster slaying. Le’s illustrations and the love for great storytelling. knowledge of the meticulous and are absolutely awe-inspiring. See The anthologies are a tangible gem administrative details that are for yourself at: khangle.net. that you can carry with you like a necessary to see a project to its faithful friend while the forums are the fruition came from years of experience, Amy Kim Ganter, a resident of factories hard at work day and night particularly from the work he did on Alhambra, California and Kazu’s – all over the world – proving that you his graphic novel Daisy Kutter. “It’s like fiancée, conjures up a breathtaking can truly make your dreams a reality. backing up a car very, very slowly, inch exploration of one boy’s conflict over by inch, until it fits right into place.” whether he should use his special Molly Hahn is a Los Angeles based powers to protect his village against artist who is currently working at FLIGHT Volume One is a 208 page an invasion of monsters in “A Test the Animation Show on top of her treasure chest containing accomplished For Cenri”. Ganter just completed own artistic exploits. You can check artists such as Enrico Casarosa and her graphic novel Sorcerers and her out at: mollycules.com. Jake Parker. Casarosa, currently Secretaries with Tokyopop and a San Francisco resident, works as a storyboard artist at Pixar. His comic entitled “Air and Water” blends poetic verse inspired by Antoine de Saint Exupery with soft images depicting a pilot’s euphoric experience taking off. A recent display of his work at the NUCLEUS gallery in Alhambra, California shows off his enchanting use of orange and red. For more on Casarosa, visit enricocasarosa.com.

Jake Parker currently resides in Texas, also makes his living as an artist. His action packed adventure “Hugo Earheart” is about a boy’s undercover life as an air-courier who ART:Kean Soo

THE PRODIGY What evil lurks in the hearts of man. by wasim muklashy

“For me, being on stage...that is my release...that first show The Prodigy ever did. I met everyone like 3 hours before the show. is my buzz...that is my drive...that is how I raise my We had a drink, we looked at each other and said, ‘OK, so how are we going to do adrenaline...how I get my blood flowing!”- Maxim this?’ I just got on stage and freestyled The Prodigy are on a mission. An expertly end of that era pretty much sucked ass! and the crowd loved it.” With Keith’s strategized and skillfully manipulated By that point, it really wuz the drugs. screeching prowess, Maxim spittin’ mission to resurrect the freak flag Now we…uh… they’ve had a chance verse, and Liam droppin’ bunker-bustin’ and catapult crowds into frenzy, it’s to refresh and remind themselves of break-beats, they left a far-reaching still their time, it’s Their Law. the joys of discerning quality in sound impression. The promoter wanted them over psychosomatic Qualudes. back right away, and soon after, huge Following the nauseating barrage of parties such as Raindance and Perception hip-shit bling-hop that finally began its People are rightfully searching for were asking them to play. “It was a buzz demise over the past couple of years, something new and fresh, and the just to play on stage at these events, and 2006 witnesses an overdue lull in our technologies from the old school analog we really haven’t looked back since.” diluted pop and mainstream music worlds. world and the new school digital plane In the midst of this atrocious period of are beginning to align into a comfortable Ever since that fateful day over 15 years the stale and easily forgettable, it’s duality of creative and unconstrained ago, The Prodigy have released 4 full- always safe to navigate the underground. evolution. While both sides have struggled length records, on top of too many singles The underground is where people are to understand where the other fits, to count, 12 of which consecutively broke not afraid to experiment. It’s where others have decided to simply seize the top 20. They had the #1 album in ‘safe’ is frowned upon and innovation the moment and show people why 27 different countries at the same time fields its essence. It’s where labels like and how we can all be one big happy with 1997’s Fat of the Land, and they’ve Definitive Jux, Quannum, Up Above, family. Well, maybe not everybody. toured the world more times than the and Rhymesayers, and acts such as space shuttle. “When you’re in it, you Danger Doom, Aesop Rock, Lyrics Born, With their aggressive punk rock regalia don’t really think about it, you’re just and Ohmegga Watts helped rejuvenate blanketed in thrashingly poetic synth-lines really enjoying it and doing it. Every year much needed credibility and the re- and gritty, dirty, rumbling low-ends, The is a bonus,” reminisces Liam. “That’s the emergence of hip-hop as a genuine Prodigy have taken it upon themselves mentality right when we first started.” reflection of culture, a true art form. to remind people what it’s like to freak the fuck out and be emotionally jarred The single most important factor It’s 2006 ya’ll, the timing couldn’t be by sonic aural frequency radiation... contributing to their success was their better for an electronic renaissance. yes...music. Fortunately for us, rowdy and rambunctious live show. “The It’s been years since the rave-bubble they’ve chosen this year to do it. trouble is a lot of electronic bands wanted popped, people have emerged from their to hide behind the equipment,” expresses haze, tossed the binkies, and they’re “It started when we all met on stage,” Liam. “A lot of it revolves around a couple realizing that everything towards the reminisces Maxim. “That was the of guys around keyboards.” “We wanted to represent our music and we wanted PHOTO: CHRIS DAVISON PHOTO: matt booy people to know who The Prodigy were,” included such classics as “Firestarter,” adds Maxim. “You can actually see and “Breathe,” and “Smack My Bitch Up.” “I feel the experience of The Prodigy rather think it hit at the right time,” explains than just listen. Without that energy Liam. “It was kind of a new thing, they and that focus of being a live band, were pushing the electronic movement there wouldn’t really be a Prodigy.” and MTV jumped on it.” With a perfect cocktail blend of electronica and hip-hop, “It’s also what the music stirs up in they did a remarkable job in uniquely us,” Maxim continues. “It’s not only complementing the era’s often unfounded representing the music, but the music infatuation with the rock/hip-hop hybrid. stirs something up in us and we perform that and people in the crowd watching Then, the inevitable began to rear its ugly us appreciate that. We’re doing what head. After Fat of the Land, the band the music tells us to do and we express began to feel the pressure of the fame ourselves and we’re not afraid to do and the sales from the label end. They that...we thrive on that. That’s what we felt that their creativity and the band’s love. Creating that energy and that vibe.” soul were at stake. “We were having to go into the studio because the record It’s an energy defined by intricately placed company wanted us to make a record,” live instrumental riffs lined over psychotic Liam tells us, “and I wasn’t really into the break-beats and bass bombs tipping the stuff I was doing. Nothing really gelled.” Richter. You can feel the very vibrations of the marrow in your bones rhythmically “It was a tough time for the band,” adds pulsating deep in your cerebral membrane Maxim. “We were playing a lot of shows like a jackhammer on speed. Samples and needed new material. We were and vocal spits so cunningly placed into on the verge of being burnt out. If I go frequencies that coat your eardrums onstage and I’m not performing 110%, I’m they send the nervous system into a not happy, and the others are the same state of temporary euphoric dementia. way. We weren’t really firing 100%, and if tracks aren’t really If you’ve ever firing, and the direction’s seen The Prodigy “I’m not really work for not right, we’re not live, you know going to do it. I think it I speak of self- hire. I’m really into my was summer of 2002 that evident truths. band, my thing, and I we decided to take a break...take a step back And their punk don’t want to give other and look at where we rock theatrics people our sounds.” can go in the future.” aren’t just a - Liam on turning down madonna, show. They u2 and david bowie “I wanted some time extend well into off,” admits Liam. their uniquely “Maybe my time off genuine off-stage personas as well. I mean was a bit too long for other people and really, how else can you turn down not maybe other people started to develop one, not two, but three of music’s biggest solo projects. Then when I was ready legends for remix work and somehow and wanted to get going, there was a big make it sound so reasonably justifiable? communication breakdown between me Madonna who? “I had a lot of respect for and Keith. That can breed paranoia, and her, but I didn’t think she should just be after months, that gets bigger and bigger able to use me to help her own music and sometimes you see a problem that when she didn’t really mean anything wasn’t even there. That was definitely to me,” Liam says of The Material Girl. the case with a few things.” After a “And the same with David Bowie and U2, ridiculously solid 12 year run, it seemed I made the decision not to do that stuff the world was on the verge of losing them. because I’m not really work for hire. I’m really into my band, my thing, and I don’t Liam tried to fill the voids with 1999’s want to give other people our sounds.” mostly uninspired The Dirtchamber Sessions, Volume 1 mix record, and Their quick rise during the glory days 2004’s lukewarmly received Always of the early electronic scene in Europe Outnumbered, Never Outgunned, in was infectious. It wasn’t long before which, despite even this tumultuous they were being pushed around the period in The Prodigy’s career, Madonna globe, and the States finally decided still couldn’t stay away and signed them to pick up on them. It was right around to her Maverick records. Vocal duties 1997’s Fat of the Land record, which were handled by various guests including

42 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com

PHOTO: CHRIS DAVISON

Kool Keith, Liam Gallagher, and Juliette After being inundated with regressive Lewis. “I think a lot of people were musical tangents, innumerable production Additionally, they tease us with confused by that record. Even though advancements, and the soul sucking world Their Law: The Singles 1990-2005 it had a couple songs that were classic of barcodes, The Prodigy has finally had (XL Recordings). “When we did this Prodigy, without Maxim and Keith’s vocals, a chance to sort things out and bring it album, it was the first time we really I think it felt like less of a band.” back to basics - making music that moves sat down and looked at what we’ve themselves as well as the masses. done,” expresses Liam, “and we’re This period of uninspired dissatisfaction proud.” In addition to a full color 50 spurred them to refocus on what they “When I did Fat of the Land, I had a page booklet, the double CD set includes were in this thing for in the first place. studio full of gear and could get my 31 tracks of their biggest singles, live “As soon as I got back into the swing of hands on anything. It just got too much. tracks, remixes, and 3 new songs. things and we started communicating I think I’ve come full circle by not again, everything was alright,” getting swallowed up in technology. “Their Law, for us…is how we conduct remembers Liam. “There was a lot of I just set up a new studio in London ourselves, how we go about doing talking in hotel rooms at 3 in the morning and tried to keep it really simple - a things…we stick by those rules and over the last year to discuss with each couple of keyboards, a guitar amp, and regulations and ethics. One thing we other different issues and talk about a computer. The approach now is that found was that there’s a newfound energy all the things that went on. That was these are the 3 members of the band. being on the road. Energy is created and healthy. It worked. And we came out of These are the people we’re going to vibes and ideas are born. There’re all it mates again. That’s what matters.” work with. The record will be basically these ideas starting to breed and flow written by these three members.” and we realized what we missed.” That’s also what led Prodigy to reflect upon what they have accomplished. It’s Consequently, 2006 sees The Prodigy’s “It’s what’s good about all of us,” also what led them to regroup with a most actively inspired year in over Maxim continues. “We’re quite diverse renewed vigor they haven’t felt since Fat half a decade. While the new record in the styles of music we like, but the of the Land. “We still feel like we have is currently being recorded, before its common ground is the energy it creates. a lot more to give. We’re not finished. release early next year, they will have That’s what brings us together. There’s The band’s not over,” an enthused scoured America from West to East Coast a good feeling just being back.” Maxim reiterates. “This band is going and all the go-betweens, including the for the rebirth and I tell you man, we’re cementing of their legendary status just fired up! We all ignite at the same with a rare live appearance headlining > theprodigy.com time and that’s what its all about.” the Ultra Music Festival at this years Winter Music Conference in Florida.

44 KOTORI MAGAZINE

The Los t^ Angeles Times VOL 1, ISSUE 6 Lost Angeles, Friday, February 31, 2006 BY SCOTT SHAPIRO BILL U.N. Panel O’REILLY: Puts Iran on OSCAR’S Notice, Again “And this time we really mean GAY! it!” says IAEA Chief Mohamed ElBaradei FOX News TV Host takes on the Academy Awards

by Cheesebeef MacGruder by Moktar Enjaye

What’s gold, bald, shines painted as good guys (Munich), to the liberals? Except of course After months of refusal from and is shaped like a phallus? some liberal rant about racism the Christians who have seen an the Iranian government to com- Apparently everything that is (Crash), and a biography attack on Christmas that would ply with a February 4th resolu- wrong with Hollywood and about a sexually deviant, self- make a gay, black, Arab blush tion approved by the board of liberal America in general promoting journalist who has a in comparison. But you don’t the International Atomic En- according to conservative problem with ethics (Capote). see Hollywood making movies ergy Agency asking to cease FOX News TV Show host and You really think any one in the about their plight do you?” all nuclear activities, the U.N. radio personality Bill O’Reilly. red states wants to watch any of When asked about the success decided enough was enough, “Hollywood continues to try that?” of Mel Gibson’s Passion of yesterday unveiling what they and pull the wool over our eyes the Christ, O’Reilly quickly hope will bring about a solution but after this year’s Academy No stranger to butting heads replied, “And how many Oscars to this crisis... an even stronger Award nominations, it’s pretty with Hollywood, O’Reilly was did that win? I thought so.” worded resolution. clear, Oscar is gay.” particularly irked by the two When asked if he was “That ought to do the “Let’s think about it nominations for his long-time at all surprised by who and trick”, ElBaradei started at his for a moment”, he continued. nemesis and actor/director what eventually took “Oscar” press conference upon the an- “Oscar is a text book case for George Clooney. “All I can say home O’Reilly replied he didn’t nouncement of the second the entire liberal race, flip- is “good luck” Mr. Clooney even know, having not watched resolution. “We really thought flopping without even knowing in getting a return on your the ceremony. “Why watch? putting Tehran on notice would it. I mean, is it a he… she… investment. You don’t get very They’re all going to go to some accomplish compliance, but ev- is it a post-op? Where’s his far in this country spinning your lefty who loves the gays, hates eryone knows that if at first you golden rod for pete’s sake? I liberal nonsense against a man America or wishes they were don’t succeed, try, try again. don’t know, but what I do know of Senator Joseph McCarthy’s Palestinian anyway, so what’s This resolution shows that this is that what it wants more than stature. Honestly, Mr. Clooney the difference?” time we really mean it! We anything else in the world is to makes Oliver Stone look like When reached for were even thinking of putting be tightly held in the palm of Teddy Kennedy.” response, Oscar declined some f-bombs into there but we predominantly male hands in But in particular, comment. didn’t want to come off as too front of a national audience. O’Reilly took aim at what “Doesn’t surprise me hostile.” I think that says it all right most critics believed to be the one bit. I’ve challenged him In response to the first there”. favorite going into the Academy to come on the show many a resolution, Tehran immediately And apparently, Awards, Brokeback Mountain. times to defend himself, but not announced that it would restart O’Reilly’s disdain for Oscar “Gay porn masquerading as a once did I hear anything back their efforts to enrich uranium, isn’t limited to his physical ‘love’ story. Look, they have a and let me tell you, the silence a procedure that could provide appearance. “Look at all the right do whatever they want in is deafening”, O’Reilly retorted fuel for nuclear weapons. Upon nominees without your Kerry- the privacy of their own homes, when he heard the news. hearing news of a second reso- colored glasses”, O’Reilly but do we really need to see it “Classic. Absolutely classic.” lution Iran has gone ten steps said, gaining steam. “You blown up to 40 feet? We get it. further, (continued on page 98) have movies in which the You’re persecuted – but who ‘Palestinian’ terrorists are isn’t in this country according

WELCOME TO MUSI-CART-CHI-POLYTIK-CHA-CULTCHA by marlin w. george photos: angela pierce

George “Dr. Funkenstein” Clinton uninformed judges. They’ve been tryin’ to and they say, you’re un-recouped…” begins the interview by picking up WAV duck us. There are so many cases out there #5 and says: “Music uuuuh, art, politics, that they contradicted themselves, and “It’s getting harder to do that now with the culture. I’m tryin’ to use that as one when that started to happen we decided bar-code, so you find a lot of millionaires word…” He repeats “music, art, politics, to go ahead and put the album out.” now in Hip-Hop and Rock. They don’t get culture” over and over, and after about nowhere near what they’re supposed to two minutes of this I decided to begin the In “George Clinton Wins Rights To Four get, they don’t get it all now; but they interview by chanting this with him for Landmark Albums”, reported last year by get a lot more than most of us got… “ about another 2 minutes, before breaking Nolan Strong on allhiphop.com, a court into the interview ‘VJ’ style…and Funkateer granted Clinton complete rights and control ”But for us, there was a thing of sampling Trey Lewds’ newest tracks are vibin’ in of four influential albums, Hardcore Jollies, the masters and the publishing. It’s been the listening den of The Mothership… One Nation Under A kept quiet for the Groove, Uncle Jam Wants “Communism, Crips, longest… Armen You and The Electric Boladian (Music Marlin: Dr. Funkenstein, tell us Spanking of War Babies. and Crack! See how Executive, President about your new album How Late Do Clinton received the they can make a phrase of Westbound Records) You Have 2 BB 4 U R Absent? rights after a 15 year and Bridgeport Music battle free and clear, stick, make you scared would sign my name George Clinton: “4:21!!! If you get there at with no obligations to and say he had the 4:21 you just blew it! George is goooone… any of the previous of it, and then sell you publishing (rights), Yeah, everybody thought that we was gonna owners. The judge protection from it!” and I got lawyers be gone forever, but I just told them that ruled that Clinton was who were as bad - George on The “C” Conspiracy we was LATE! We were late getting back defrauded of his masters as he was… and to the table - we had somethin’ stashed in a case of conspiracy there was millions with us under the table, we was just late involving former employees, his lawyers of dollars (at stake).” with the last joint! But we’re HERE! and a former manager. In various lawsuits, the former employees claimed Clinton had M: Now that’s’ the record business’ Musi- The funk doctors’ “new joint” is signed the rights to his masters away. Cart-Chi-Polytik-cha-Culta for ya, huh? his newly introduced independent record label The C Kunspyruhzy Dr. Funkenstein explains, “The former GC: “Hello! Convoluted Cases?!? (pronounced “The C Conspiracy”), employees, a lot of them are arrangers; Another C Kunspyruhzy!” they should have gotten millions of dollars GC: “Catch-phrases, ya know what I’m - the administrator of my publishing M: On ‘How Late Do You Have 2 B B 4 U sayin’? Communism, Crips, and Crack! should have been able to tell them that R Absent? ‘ It looks like you’ve made it See how they can make a phrase stick, “I gave George your money” if he was a family affair with your son Trey Lewd, make you scared of it, and then sell administering it right, but he couldn’t Prince, Bobby Womack, Joi, The P Funk All you protection from it?” “Communism, because he was administering it wrong… He Stars, Del the Funky Homosapien, Belita Crips, and Crack… The C Kunspyruhzy.” didn’t give me their money. We didn’t get Woods, and your grand-daughter, Sativa. a royalty check – ever- for Funkadelic.” M: “Oh…” GC: (About Trey Lewd and Sativa) “…they’ve been bad for a long time, on the road M: What advice could you give to GC: “Ha!! It’s been fun man. It took a long with us and writin’ for a while, and this up and coming bands from your time to put it out, but only because of the album - we all came together with it. The experiences about royalties, publishing, court cases; I had to give all my time to it. album is probably gonna be underground and the record business? But now it’s been leveling off since we won for a minute, ‘cuz I like it like that. We 4 of our masters back from these record don’t have flops on the record, and for GC: In a voice like my own Godfather or companies, and 100 and somethin’ million the underground - it’s not about flops, “Uncle Jam” giving it to me straight up. dollars from samplin’ and royalties back. just about songs that are gonna last for a long time. Really it’s about touring, and “For the record business, you don’t get “This particular company (Bridgeport we’re on tour together ALL the time.” royalties or your back-end, it’s been Music) has been scammin’ and forging the a slave business all the while, like papers, and admitted it, and because of M: After all of the exploitation you sharecroppin ’, You get loaned your own a technicality we couldn’t submit that in had to endure to gain control of your money, “in advances”; and for the most our cases’, but it came up in another case, music, what are your feelings on the part, you end up going to borrow some so…that one was close...they’ve been able “Cloning Dr. Funkenstien” with sampling, more, Until they get tired of you, and to keep us out of the court. It was sleazy file-sharing, free downloads etc?” then they tell you that you aren’t sellin’ managers, convoluted cases, lawyers and records anymore, cuz you’re on the road,

Hardcore Jollies

One Nation Under a Groove

GC: “You should pay for it, but I doubt paid me, they (The Industry) definitely took enough people will do (illegal downloads) it out of their royalties, they DEFINITELY to have the effect that people think it took it from the rapper’s - and told them will have. Record companies have always it was to pay George … but Armen Boladian The Electric Spanking of War Babies been givin’ away free records and free didn’t give me their money. We didn’t get goods for promotion. You can access the a royalty check ever for Funkadelic.” entire planet with the internet. Everybody ain’t gonna download it. Only the ones “If Armen and Bridgeport Music had any that are savvy will do it because it’s sense they would settle and pay these a hassle. Most people will still buy it. other arrangers and artists ‘big money’ There’s no sense scratchin’ your ass and now, and get it settled and out the way, tryin’ to fight it because they (the public) then we can do a movie on the entire can do it, it’s a reality. The percentage history of the shit together right now. He of people that’s gonna do it versus the could be a hero! He could enjoy life again. percentage of people who buy it… I don’t He used to dance to this shit, o.k.? Come care! Why lose money fightin’ it when we the hell on! The people who wrote this Uncle Jam Wants You should be more concerned with our music stuff are in their 50’s…. give them each at being available all around the world.” least $300,000 or $400,000 - it would be light stuff for him compared to what he M: P-Funk musicians and offshoot bands made and can stand to make, and we can The artists below represent 1% continue to tour and record, and according make the movie together. The story about of those who’ve sampled from to The Public Broadcasting Service, you are it now is worth 10 times what he got.” The Parliament Funkadelic: the world’s most sampled band. Will Hip- Hop artists now be sought out to pay up? “Give us all of the rights to all our music, EPMD, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Del that’s the biggest thing right now; that GC: Hip-Hop has paid for the longest, but Tha Funky Homosapien, Too $hort, would be the best investment he could Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, the money never got back to us. The P- make, and I will give him 20% for the movie. Funk story and Hip-Hop stories are sooo Slick Rick, Tone Loc, Jazzy Jeff To me it’s about the story. I’m still makin’ & The Fresh Prince, De La Soul, close… the life of it, the story of it. I’m records---I don’t need that money to live…” glad the artists sampled us. It kept us alive. Jungle Brothers, Ice Cube, Redman, Listen, to all the Hip–Hoppa’s out there RUN DMC, ATL, 2Pac, Beastie who had royalties deducted from their bank > georgeclinton.com Boys, Zapp, Slick Rick, Pharcyde statements to pay for our samples - send > newfunktimes.com and LL Cool J just for starters. me THAT statement, and we’ll ALL get money. Oh - the rapper’s we’re told they

50 KOTORI MAGAZINE

OUT OF IRAQ

A PATRIOTIC CRY bY VIRGINIA MELIN PHOTOS: MICAH LASHBROOK

Few can state their opinion on the cur- After a three year tour of duty in Iraq, Jane Bright in reference to her son, Evan, rent War in Iraq with more conviction Marine Corps infantryman and Progres- who was killed at age 23, “in some cases then Sean Huze, a war veteran, and Jane sive Democrat, Sean Huze came home everything that we may ever become, on Bright, the mother of a deceased soldier. from Iraq and realized that the current the line and then discard us like we’re These stoic figures came to share their political regime in America had forsaken nothing when they’re done with us. This stories at the Progressive Democrats of him. “When I got out” he said, choking to me is the most unpatriotic, the most America meeting on January 29th, 2006 up, “my wife, my son- my three year old anti-military thing that anyone could in Los Angeles. In front of a pro-ac- son- we didn’t have anywhere to stay, do.” Sean’s passion for exposing the sad tive crowd, they stood and described you know...I’m sorry...It took me awhile truths of military life extends into his their personal experiences in order to to realize that I wasn’t a failure, that the work as a playwright and as an advocate help an opposition party stop the Bush system was a failure.” Sean was injured for more funding for organizations like administration and end this war. in Nazaria. He was given the VA. He also wants to an Administration Separa- increase public awareness The Progressive Democrats of America tion for Physical Condition “It took me a while and aid for soldiers suffer- (PDA) was formed during the Democratic Not a Disability versus to realize that I ing from Post-Traumatic National Convention in 2004 to bring the a Medical Discharge. Stress Disorder. “One in five party back to the grassroots, fight for Sean says “this practice wasn’t a failure, to one in three veterans peace, universal health care, election is increasingly common. that see combat will suffer protection and global co-operation. It is They say two legs, two that the system from PTSD,” said Huze. an organization for people who can no arms, two eyes; not a dis- was a failure.” “We’re coming home and longer tolerate the current administra- ability.” In this way, the we’re going to be amongst tion but who may still call themselves government is not required you and you can’t just Republican. It is for Democrats demoral- to give a severance package or to pay look at a guy to know what he’s been ized by the perceived cowardice of their monthly disability. This, along with lack through or what’s going on internally.” once strong party. It is for Americans who of funding for veteran organizations like Huze urges all to join in his effort to are worried that the increasingly power- the Veterans Administration (the VA), bring our soldiers home as soon as pos- ful Bush Administration will continue is why Sean, his family, and countless sible and to help in their re-integration. to murder innocent people abroad and other soldiers in similar situations, are infringe on personal freedoms at home. in instant poverty upon returning home. Jane Bright’s son, Evan, was the third The people involved with this organiza- generation in his family to serve in the tion want all opposing voices to take the “Supporting our troops, from a right- military. “And we considered it service,” necessary risk to act together in true wing perspective, stops as soon as we she said stoically, “it was a way of giving opposition to the Bush administration come back. It’s just plain wrong for this back to this country.” Evan had only been and to speak up for a better alternative. administration to ask us to put everything in Iraq for four months when he died. that we are,” here Huze gestured towards He had contracted dysentery within one

52 KOTORI MAGAZINE month, lost 25 pounds and was trading his socks for food. He was killed by a rocket propelled grenade on July 24th, 2003. “Our kids are truly expendable items for the military,” said Jane sadly, “they’re not provided with what they need to sustain themselves when they leave and they’re certainly not provided with what they need to launch their lives when they return.”

Days before he died, Evan had told his mother that he had seen and done some terrible things and that when he comes home he only wants to help people. “You know,” Jane warned, “we go about our daily lives and we’re just not thinking about the 150,000 plus out there. We are unleashing huge social prob- lems, not to mention the personal loss to them, their destroyed families...it’s amazing...it’s just amazing to me.” For Jane this war, more than others, is unfounded is because President Bush lied to this country as to why we invaded Iraq to begin with. Sean Huze, a USMC, Iraq War Veteran, speaks from his heart about the ills of war propagated by David Swanson, a fellow speaker at the PDA meeting, has the illegal practices of the Bush Administration. dedicated his work towards exposing the injustice of this war. He wants all people who are against the war to personally call their congress member and ask them to co-sponsor Bill 4232 that would take away all funding for it. He is a major proponent of a organization called After Downing Street, that is dedicated to proving the illegality of Bush’s decision to go to war in Iraq.

According to Swanson, Bush’s formal statement to congress on March 18, 2003, as to why the war in Iraq was immediately necessary, was riddled with lies that are becoming more and more evident. Further evidence that Bush had every intention of going to war with Iraq prior to 9-11 includes former Trea- sury Secretary, Paul O’Neil’s statement that Bush was planning a war in Iraq for regime change as early as January 2001. In March 2002, Bush was recorded as saying, “f*%* Saddam, we are taking him out!” Hours after the airplanes hit the towers on September 11th, Donald Rumsfeld, the Secretary of War, was planning an attack on Iraq. On September 12th, Richard Clarke, a National Security Official, was told by Bush himself to find reasons to attack Iraq. “These statements” said Swan- son, referring to Bush’s address to congress in 2003, “were L-R: Jane Bright, David Swanson (Founder, intentional lies. It is a felony to lie to congress and taking the After DowningStreet, PDA Board Member), Sean nation to war on the basis of lies is the highest crime possible.” Huze, and Marcy Winograd (Co-chair of PDA), all took turns addressing the concerns and As members of this nation, PDA would like to remind the providing solutions to a vibrant anti-war crowd. public that we all have to take personal responsibility for what happens in our name and with our tax money. Blind patriotism can be dangerous and as Sean Hughs said, “the biggest weapon in the Right Wing’s arsenal is to tell all of you to shut up. But instead of saying shut up, they tell you to support the troops. As one of the troops that cer- tainly appreciates your support, the best way you can sup- port me and the best way you can support my comrades, is to get us home and to get us where we are safe.”

> pdamerica.org > democrats.com > afterdowningstreet.com > moveon.org > fair.org > cotam.org

The Los Angeles branch of Progressive Democrats of Jane Bright is the founding member of Gold America meet the second Saturday of every month at the Star Families for Peace. Jane lost her son Peace Center: 8121 West 3rd St. in Iraq from grenade fire in 2003, her shirt reads “2000 Dead. How Many More?”. THE SILVERSUN PICKUPS bY barry dingle

The East L.A. enclaves of Echo Park, almost removed any acoustic guitar up in various studios all over the Los Feliz and Silver Lake comprise from this record, it’s colder.” place, but we do run into everybody a cute, albeit cracked, petri dish of once in a while.” “Our studio is right bands all taking their turn at jarring Keyboardist Joe Lester throws next to Earlimart’s (fellow shipmates) the mainstream and divulging their out, “kind of broken.” rehearsal space, so we always see unique brand of sonic hedonism to them,” said drummer Chris Guanlao. anyone within earshot. One group has “The best way to describe it,” Brian gained significant praise of late, The began, “and I haven’t thought of The irony of sacrifice for your craft Silversun Pickups, a four-piece rockfit it until right now, but we’re taking revealed itself to Brian in an instant, hard at work on their first full-length all the organic stuff we’re using, “As much as we’re excited about release on the heels of last year’s EP fucking with it to make them not playing the Troubador with Dead release Pikul and recent west coast sound organic, and all the other Meadow soon, it’s on the same day tour in support of Brendan Benson. stuff we try to get to sound organic. that Seawolf is playing! Which is Even with Nikki singing a soft like a mix of all these bands around The Silversun Pickups certainly background vocal we turned it into here that rarely come together for have what it takes to dismantle the an instrument and made it a little shows, and we’re gonna miss it!” prevailing pop sound without adhering stranger, it just makes more sense Ahhh, the love. Best sack up Brian, to it. On Pikul, their sound was guitar for the way this record feels.” you keep writing songs like you have driven but not overbearing, think and the road, your bus, and a putrid Smashing Pumpkins Rhinoceros era SSPU, if you’re into the whole brevity duffel bag of month-old laundry will but awash with lead singer/guitarist thing, is a happenstance band born be the only familiarities afforded Brian Aubert’s unvarnished drawl and from a loose collective called The to you as this band learns to fly. sneering voice. Nikki Monninger plays Ship in East L.A. Comprised of bands solid bass, and soothes the soul with they all play with, live with, and Look for the new album in her whisper of a voice when she steps hang with, the mere mention of “sprummer,” The Silversun Pickups up to sing. “I sang the other night (in The Ship and the whole lot was a will also be playing this years the studio) and they turned it into an bubble and blabber of merriment. I SXSW Music Festival in Austin, TX, instrument, so that was pretty cool. wondered if given their increasingly if you’re ‘round check em out. We decided to call it the ‘Nikitron’” tight schedules, had The Ship run she said with a straight grin. aground? Brian thought a sec, “We don’t hang out as much, but it’s still > silversunpickups.com What would the new album be intact.” Joe chimed in, “It’s funny > Listen to soundbites like? Brian asserted, “Pikul had because everyone is recording an at kotorimag.com more acoustic kind of things, I’ve album right now, so we’re all holed

54 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com P HO T “Having some O : C h arlie Vill personal space to be a recluse and to be a destroyer y of our bodies at ar d times. Sometimes that’s a necessity.”

HUMANISTIC APPROACH: AN INTERVIEW WITH TWO GALLANTS’ TYSON VOGEL by bob freville

What is a frustrated wannabe had gotten to the burgeoning explained. “To not be able to artist to do when they are put alt-folk-rocker and now he “Yeah, the Bacon Brothers.” be truthful. That would prob- in the awkward position of really cared about how my day ably be the worst thing I could chatting up a complete strang- was going. His candor proved “I just knew him from what do, to music or in general.” er over the phone? It’s hard that I wasn’t just wasting my he’d done in the movies,” to say because each subject time. I was on the phone with Tyson said. “I didn’t know “So what do you do to is different. I had long since a genuine cat, someone down he could make music.” keep it together?” tired of the formal interview to spit some real honesty. act by the time I was given “From what I understand, “Music. In the end, being the opportunity to flap jaws “Uh, pretty good,” I replied, maybe he can’t,” I replied. able to play is like a nurtur- with Two Gallants about their now kind of taken aback “But…what’s your poi- ing food. Like even after new LP What The Toll Tells. It myself. “So the new album son? What are your weak- last night, we might practice was time to talk to somebody just dropped. Is there any nesses? Mine are Captain today and that will keep our as one human to another. particular part of it that Morgan’s and a stuffed heads straight. Having some you’re most excited about?” animal named Brewster.” personal space to be a recluse The phone rang three times and to be a destroyer of our and then a very ‘stony’ voice “I’m just excited to have Tyson laughed. “I guess it’s bodies at times. Sometimes came on the line. “Hello?” something new that represents Royal Gates vodka and a girl that’s a necessity too.” us a lot better. We’re pretty named Ashley, Danielle.” “Hello, is this Tyson?” satisfied with the way it came “Is Garth Brooks a man?” out. We were frustrated with “Right on! Okay! Worst move “Yeah, this is Tyson.” The Throes (their first album) in American history.” “He’s less of a man com- a little bit. We didn’t feel like pared to the country singer “Bob Freville, KOTORI the sound was natural, it was “Oh, God! Woh!” greats,” Tyson replied. Magazine. What are time to move on,” he ex- you doing?” I asked. plained. “But I think that the I laughed. “I try to ask “And what would you rather constant undercurrent in all of the challenging ques- see? A rhino having sex or The question seemed to take our songs is a humanism…deal- tions, ya know?” a dwarf taking a shit?” him aback, which is kind of ing with, I’m sorry to use the what I had expected. “Lay- expression, but ‘the throes’ “Well,” Tyson finally said. “Um, I think I’d rather see a ing with my girlfriend,” he of the human experience. “I think one bad move is, dwarf taking a shit. Or maybe replied. “Trying to wake The experience of feeling obviously, the War.” a dwarf taking a shit on top up a little bit…we played everything will be consistent of two rhinos having sex.” a show out in Sacramento throughout the album.” Nuff said. “Is there some- last night, didn’t get home thing that frightens until, like, Five. How “What do you think of Kevin you as a musician?” > Listen to soundbites are you doing, man?” Bacon as a musician,” I asked. at kotorimag.com “I think the only thing that I was surprised by his ques- There was a lengthy pause on would frighten me would be to tion. It appeared as though Tyson’s part. “I didn’t even be obscured from my own vi- my almost creepy friendliness know he was a musician.” sion and my own heart,” Tyson

kotori magazine 55 ¡MUCHO GUSTO!

AEREOGRAMME bY jake mcgee

It’s schizophrenic passion at its best; you are working with doesn’t re- we needed the feeling of a war movie equal parts romantic, poetic, pissed ally stretch to the Pink Floyd light or specifically Band of Brothers.” off, morbid, funny, and melodic. Ev- show we have always wanted. Hav- ery once in a while, a band comes ing said that, we have never had “We toured a lot after that album around that manages to tap into anyone telling us what to do, and came out,” Craig reflects of Sleep that nerve of reality, creating music so we have got to do whatever we and Release, “but that took us up that feels just as real as life itself. have wanted, in whatever way.” to a point where we ended up leav- ing Chemical Underground records in Unlike many musicians that stand the Though they formed in Glasgow, the UK to try out a new label, be- test of time, Craig B (vocals, guitar), Scotland, in 1998, it wasn’t until 2001 cause we felt the aggressive nature Campbell McNeil (bass, guitar, elec- that Aereogramme released their of certain parts of our songs needed tronic), Martin Scott (drums), and Ian first full-length album, A Story in a more rock-oriented label. We had Cook (guitar, electronic) don’t really White. It is a powerful journey, with enough songs for an album, but we come from wealth, but some might ferocious industrial chaos alongside decided to hold off on recording say that the struggle to survive makes beautiful symphonic compositions. those songs and concentrate on an their music even more authentic. A few years later in 2003 they came E.P. as a kind of stopgap between out with Sleep and Release, and albums. We just decided to make it “We have all had our share of made their strange and provocative as eclectic as possible and not worry crappy jobs over the years,” ad- concoction even more vigorous. about any kind of career move. This mits Craig B. “I did work in a fac- is how Seclusion came about.” tory once where my co-worker Both albums present the listener with had a nasty habit of scratching her one of those experiences that induce With the Seclusion record (due out ‘lady bits’ in front of me and stank strong visual imagery, and this is no April 4 on Sonic Unyon Records) “We of vodka. That was a laugh.” mistake. “We usually have films in the had a weird pop song, an eleven back of our minds when we approach minute prog workout and a song “I’m sure if we had made lots of our albums,” says Craig. “When we which inspired the idea for a short money at the start then things wrote the song ‘Post-Tour, Pre-Judg- film. We also had a meager budget would have been different but I’m ment’ [from A Story in White], Camp- so we recorded the songs ourselves not sure in what way. We would bell wanted the chorus to evoke the and spent the rest on the video/short have had the funds to be a lot feeling of seeing E.T. flying over the film. Actually, I think the actress took more creative, since being on inde- moon. Similarly, on the new album, up most of the budget but that’s pendent labels means the budget we have a song called ‘Trenches’ and ok since the only other option was

56 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com putting me in a wig and a dress.” done that. It’s just the same for food, always been most moved by listen- books, clothes etc…there is nothing ing to someone express some kind “The whole album was a reaction new under the sun, as they say.” of personal feeling more…and that to the fact that, as a band, we felt usually involves some sort of painful utterly separate and removed from Meanwhile, Aereogramme just fin- or mournful experience. It’s always the music industry and any kind of ished recording their next album, and the sadness that gets me. The voice ‘scene,’ unable to fit expect it to be avail- and lyrics of Mark Eitzel from Ameri- into any specific genre. “My co-worker able later in the year. can Music Club have really got to So we took the huff had a nasty habit Again, the tempo seems me over the years like many others and made Seclusion as to be switched a bit. but people like him HAVE to write difficult to pigeonhole of scratching “We decided to avoid and express and it feels so inspir- as possible. Maybe not her ‘lady bits’ in any screaming and the ing to hear them do it. I know many the smartest move, obvious use of distor- people can’t handle hearing this kind but hey, we intend to front of me and tion pedals and tried of music but I just don’t understand honor our mistakes as stank of vodka” to make something as that. I love the feeling of genuine hidden intention.” emotionally intense but emotion being poured into a song. without doing the same The sadness doesn’t scare me.” Indeed, Craig points out that the all over again. The structure of the music industry is just as destructive songs were wrangled with a bit more Aereogramme is the real deal - in- to music in Scotland as it is here in and a few songs were written in the credible music with true heart and the New World. “The music Industry studio without the four of us actually meaning. It could change the world, evolves and adapts around the gen- playing beside each other, which was or it could just make some genu- eral music buying public so it contin- great. I play guitar on only one track. ine sense; either way, their music ues to cater to their awful and banal If it didn’t need it, it didn’t need it.” comes from more than simply try- tastes. The mass general public is lazy ing to be the next Big Thing. and so will only buy into something Craig’s beautiful vocals have always that is safely marketed by the ma- set Aerogramme apart from the rest, jor companies and they have always just as their lyrical content. “I have > aereogramme.co.uk THE OCTOPUS FILES ART: Molly hahn & shadi

BEGIN TRANSMISSION

Some aliens came to this planet on vacation. Now they can’t leave--they got addicted to oxygen. So they’re making the best of a bad situation, starting to build their own civilization. They stay high all the time, but not quite junkies, living in cabins out in the country, paid for by government research money. They spend their days playing games with the brains of monkeys, to see if they can find a better design than the current model of the human mind. They finished the prototype just in time--but when we offered to buy it, our guests declined and instead decided to release the blueprints disguised as an album of bluegrass music. When they released it, it confirmed their thesis--most humans were immune, but a few were drawn to it. Many were confused, but a few were influenced. They listened to the tracks on repeat as they slept, and woke up to discover that they’d become mutants.

Of course, I believe this, but have no way to prove it. You’ll have to decide for yourself what the truth is.

Andrew Octopus

END TRANSMISSION “Ever since then, I’ve been an underground bY jennifer cuevas & wasim muklashy urban planner.”

Whether you see his work on the page Mike began attending UCLA that Fall. Magazine. “Being alive in Los Angeles or the stage, it radiates life. This Los “This is when my pen became my best means driving...it means having friends in Angeles-based spoken-word-poet is widely friend & poetry really began. Early days a hundred neighborhoods,” Mike pro- acclaimed for his live performances and there were lengthy driving missions to fesses. “Everyday I figure-8 my way thru writing contributions to national pub- every pocket of the metropolis, journal the blood & bones of the city - these lications. Performing everywhere from in hand.” The second time they met, journeys invigorate me. Connecting the bookstores, museums, nightclubs, art Mike and PhiLLharmoniC were holding dots is what I like to do, from the hilltop galleries, and churches, he has been whole conversations that were freestyles. parties to the Watts Towers, North Long published in the L.A. Times, L.A. Weekly, Friend and cohort Tone Tec happened Beach to Frogtown, there’s so much flavor and WAV, among others. He’s Jointz to witness it and was like “damn... – landscapes & characters. I love it all.” Magazine’s Music Editor and co-founder all you do is write! You’re Mike The of popular underground culture por- Poet.’ The name stuck ever since.” With a new book Mike has come a step tal and WAV Magazine’s online sister closer to his vision of a single entity that publication, Getunderground.com. He graduated in 1997 and applied for is I Am Alive In Los Angeles, encompassing Graduate School in UCLA’s Urban Planning his many talents from performing to writ- Mike The Poet, aka Mike Sonksen, is a Department. He was rejected and told to ing to everything in between. In the book, 3rd generation L.A. native. “My great get real work experience. “They did me available by Summer 2006, Mike further grandfather met my great-grand- a great favor,” he says. “Ever since then, stretches the boundaries of his hometown mother Julia Rivera in Mexico City. In I’ve been an underground urban planner.” suburban sprawl. “Over the years I’ve zig- March 1918 after Pancho Villa took the zagged the region with meticulous preci- Rivera family’s land, my great-grand- “I began tour-guiding up & down the sion & to this day I still find new pockets. parents moved to Los Angeles just in coast…from L.A. to the Sierra Nevadas, Los Angeles is a puzzle that I have spent time for the birth of grandpa Frank.” Vegas, Grand Canyon & San Francisco,” my life putting together. Somewhere a gig he still holds in an evolved form, along the journey I started writing it Sonksen spent his most formative years holding a part-time position as a tour down to remember.” Playing testament to in Cerritos, a suburb of Los Angeles, guide for Redline Tours on the famed the impact and respect his talents have and attended Artesia High School. “The Hollywood & Highland. If you want to righteously garnered, Los Angeles legend- friends I grew up with were truly a get the real unabated scoop about the ary graffiti artist Mear One has agreed diverse lot. A motley crew of Korean, city from its ancient speakeasies and to illustrate the cover of Mike’s book. Ecuadorean, African-American, Mexican strawberry fields to its modern the- & Filipino kids. I was damn near the atres and mega-malls, Mike is your man. With his prolific talents of navigating the only white boy. We knew we were a “It’s made me a better performer. It seemingly impenetrable murky waters of part of a new breed. Ironically we were influences how you talk to people. You a city historically muddled in smoke and the class of 1992, the year Rodney King learn how to make it comfortable.” mirrors, Mike The Poet is defining what asked, ‘can’t we all just get along?’” the town has lacked since its inception… Mike’s spoken word album, I Am Alive in Los Angeles, was given 4 stars by Urb True culture.

kotorimag.com kotori magazine 59 Paramore Matchbook Romance band singer/guitarist - Andrew Jordan

How important is it for your How important is it to be band to be part of this tour? part of this tour? It’s really important for us to be a It’s our first time and an honor, it’s a part of an association that funds chance to reach out to our fan’s in a The 2006 Take Action! Tour something that is so common and different way. In a way that a lot of sets out to combat teenage that we feel so strongly about; we’ve bands probably don’t get the chance all had experiences with suicide. to do. I’ve had friends that had to suicide, the third leading deal with the repercussions of suicide cause of death among youths What are you looking from people they knew and loved. I 15-24. Sponsored by Sub City forward to on the road? believe anything that is out there can Records and Hot Topic, this We expect to see alot of kids help. It just takes the person with year marks the 6th year of come out to support this cause. suicidal tendencies, or their friends to this thriving tour’s goal to alert someone of the need for help. “empower people, one voice Current listening pleasure? and one action at a time, to The Chariot, As I Lay Dying, Dredg, Mew, Current listening pleasure? make positive choices,” says Sparta, Feist, Mutemath, Days Away. Electric Light Orchestra, Sub City founder Louis Posen. Blonde Redhead, The Refused, Pre-show ritual? and maybe some Bach. We make sure that we huddle up Starting March 1st, the tour and pray, then we stretch try to runs through April criss-crossing get each other pumped - ha. America. This years headliner is Matchbook Romance, others include: Silverstein, Chiodos, The Early November, I Am Ghost, We Are The Fury, Amber Pacific, Man Alive, Paramore, Hit The Lights and Roses Are Red. The Take Action! Tour Vol. Chiodos singer - Craig Owens 5 compilation is also available photo - nickdmack now. Support the cause and Amber Pacific buy this CD if you can’t make bassist - Greg Strong First time on the Take Action! Tour? it to the show, a percentage It’s our first time and were excited of all proceeds are donated How important is it to be cause we’ve enjoyed the Take to the Kristin Brooks Hope a part of this tour? Action! Tours as fans in the past. Center – an organization that It’s very important. We are leaving works to give hope to people this secure “tour world” of Current listening pleasure? in crisis and raise awareness sorts and putting ourselves out there Anathallo. about mental illness. for a better cause other than “Hey go buy a t-shirt so we can eat”. Pre-show ritual? Stretch and get siked! How critical are places like the Kristin Brooks Hope Center? Plans after the tour? > takeactiontour.com Places like KBHC are vital, it’s We plan on touring the rest of the > The Youth America Hotline: an outlet for someone in need to year and ending the year with a 1-877-YOUTHLINE & be able to reach out for help. headlining run. In may we have plans 1-800-SUICIDE to tour with between the buried and Current listening pleasure? me and select warped tour dates. Paramore, The Lashes, Jacks Mannequin, Terminal and A LOT of older New Found Glory. Anyone and everyone should check all these bands out!!

60 KOTORI MAGAZINE We Are The Fury singer - Jeremy

How important is raising awareness about suicide? It’s crucial that we support this cause, and make a statement about suicide. It is a big problem among the people that go to our shows.

What are you looking forward to on this tour? We always look for the same things regardless of the tour; a great audience and a great time. We think this tour will bring both.

Current listening pleasure? I don’t listen to a lot of new bands. The last CD’s I’ve listened to were Squeeze and the Iggy Pop greatest hits album. As for new stuff, check out Rediscover. They will be big.

Roses Are Red vocals - Vincent Guy Minervino

How important is it to be part of this tour? This is our first time being on the tour, and actually our first time taking part in a tour that raises awareness about any type of social issue. We have always tried to relay a positive message in our music regarding life situations.

Any experiences with suicide personally? While I feel that the support and understanding of friends and family is important, places like the Kristin Brooks Hope Center offer a different type of support, which is non-biased and non judgmental. Sometimes it’s easier to open up to someone that is not a close friend or family member.

kotori magazine 61

PHOTO: Malakhi Simmons

niversary, having begun his respected “Music is the heartbeat of humanity.” It show, Chocolate City, 10 years ago. can be the glue that binds us, the knife CHOCOLATE CITY He testifies, “KCRW began as a place that divides us, or just that hot shit that A DISCUSSION WITH GARTH TRINIDAD you could hear good music that you makes us dance. The station prides itself bY ASHER RUMACK weren’t hearing anywhere else. We’re on its community importance, stressing over here doing this because it exists outright in every station sound byte that and we think it’s good. There’s been a it is a “community service.” Garth doesn’t Garth Trinidad and KCRW are quickly revolution since I’ve been there, and it’s see enough of those in our country, where becoming the Cinderella story of the beautiful to see KCRW be smart about we cherish individual achievement. Quite music industry. Daily they are undercut- their role in society as it’s grown.” ting what every dumbfounded music executive thinks he knows about the Chocolate City, entering as much a global industry. And they are doing so by using Trinidad’s Current Spins backyard as KCRW, focuses on black music a complex formula that puts an un- from around the world. He tracks the likely player first: the music, stupid. J-Davey - (No More) expressive results of the Diaspora be- cause, he says, “Everything is rooted in Erik Rico - (Peace of Mind) While the trembling Lucifers who control the motherland . . . that’s obviously not Res - (For Who You Are) 85% percent of the global music industry in the agenda of the media.” So every Seu Jorge - (My Dear) use stenciled methods to find their next Saturday evening Garth lets us in on his Rass Kass - (Write Where I left off) big pocket-fillers, the humble folk at the agenda, telling the story of the dis- Santa Monica College-owned broadcast- placed African people. “My ear is to the ing facility keep their focus on finding world. I go after music that is inspired the freshest, most unique music they can characteristically, he uses an African prov- by that which is based in Africa.” find. It’s an approach that KCRW has care- erb to explain: “it takes a village to raise fully kept loyal to, and that the people a child.” In traditional Africa, communi- In case you’ve been asleep for the past, of Los Angeles, and now America and the ties were responsible for the individual. oh, hundred and twenty-five years, world, have responded to tremendously. “A person represented the community that particular music—that which is and a community represented the person. based in Africa—has been the lifeblood Their personnel organization says it all. America post-World War II saw the eclips- of expressive culture as we know it. It’s sadly a rare practice in our “ad- ing of ‘we’ with ‘me.’” As unorthodox an As the twentieth century was just an vancing” society for DJs to have any approach as KCRW has taken, it has found excited fetus, that little thing called control at a radio station. But KCRW incredible success. A return to localized jazz came along and helped it grow. allows every one of its DJs to tell their media that doesn’t run off of corporate We also had blues, R&B, soul, funk, own story in the studio. They put the greed might herald in a glorious era of and—oh yeah—something called hip-hop. ‘person’ back into ‘radio personality.’ strong communities and happy people. But around the world Africa has found its shape in a variety of new homes, Garth Trinidad is one of those cap- “Who knew a public radio station most impressively Brazil and Cuba. tains that keep the KCRW ship afloat. could do something like that?” 2006 proudly celebrates his tin an-

64 KOTORI MAGAZINE

STARRING SASHA & DIGWEED by wasim muklashy

“You really felt like a part of busses on the road was a bit of an separate busses and all these kind something that hasn’t been done overkill,” confesses Sasha, “but I of things,” offers Turner. “But the on this scale before, and quite think the people that experienced it reality of it is that it didn’t turn into possibly may never be done again!” will testify that it was a memorable ‘Vinyl Tap.’” “We were really well night that will stay with them, behaved actually,” echoes Sasha, This is precisely the infectious and that makes it worth it.” before slyly admitting “though we enthusiasm that Director Ben Turner had 5 days off in Vegas and you carried with him from the outset. “Delta Heavy began in Jimmy Van can imagine what happened.” “It took years worth of planning and M’s head really,” says John Digweed. persuading and making everybody One of the main ideas behind the The DVD is filled with hilarious and feel comfortable that they could tour was to reach stressfully candid moments trust me,” he expresses. “I mean, people that may not “No one has including Sasha & Digweed most guys like this, the last thing be close enough the arriving to the wrong they want is someone following bigger cities Sasha and done this before location for the first date them around everywhere.” Digweed normally play or since and on the tour, John teasing in. “No one has done Sasha about his notorious The founder and former editor of this before or since that’s because reputation for always being premier UK dance music magazine and that’s because there’s a hell of late, and Digweed taking MUZIK, is speaking of “Sasha & John there’s a hell of a lot a stab at crowdsurfing. Digweed present Delta Heavy : A DVD that can go wrong. a lot that can And mind you, this isn’t Documentary,” his account of 1992’s When you’re used go wrong.” just for the candy kids groundbreaking Delta Heavy Tour, out to playing to a lot of of the 90s. After all, it now on System Recordings. “There’s people who know what they’re in was a groundbreaking and historic 85,000 people going to this event for, that’s one thing,” he elaborates. musical event for a genre that is over two months, this is going to be “Preaching to the un-converted blanketing the world the way it was a product that people were going to though was a scary prospect.” meant to…through the underground. want to keep as sort of a momento.” While already two of the most So he convinced Sasha and Digweed to beloved DJs in the electronic music > For a complete transcriptions of fund the project...and they were off! world, it was Turner’s goal to make our interviews with Sasha, Digweed, them the most beloved personalities and Ben Turner, click kotorimag.com. Produced by Warped Tour creator as well. “It wasn’t so much about Kevin Lyman, the 31 dates over 6 hanging out at the club,” he says. weeks covering all corners of the “It was really getting them in their U.S. proved to be the biggest tour more tired, introspective moments.” of its kind...technically produced like a rock concert, complete with “Sasha sort of has a reputation as a touring sound, lighting, staging and party boy and John is the complete laser and video production. “Maybe and utter opposite, so there having two juggernauts and two tour were jokes that they would need

ECOLIBRIUM

Weirding weather, cooling. People are sometimes all over the place. It is the most carbon dioxide, and a cautious and sometimes wack. potent greenhouse gas. It is also the most unevenly distributed little dose of DIY. The climate system, like anything, (major) gas2. Lots of air rises when author: Rex of Eleusis is made of energy. These energies water condenses: the deeper the are constantly changing and moving, cloud, the more violent the weather seeking to balance differences. becomes3. Some storm systems can The weather is getting weirder, the Heat and light go between Earth stretch between the ground and climate getting spazzy1. Say ‘global and space unevenly: warm air stratosphere. Condensation aloft warming’ and you harvest a tired moves up, cold air down, things are is the main reason why Europe phrase. Throw it into the recycling rotating. Most energy we receive is not covered by ice these days, bin containing dead memes, such from the sun gets absorbed at the water having risen out of a as ‘conservative,’ ‘pro-life’ and the Earth’s surface, underneath warm North Atlantic surface to other such nonsense. These words the atmosphere, before it flows the west (this might change DUE and phrases refer different things elsewhere, into the atmosphere. to ‘global warming’, no joke4). to different people, and are now confusing more than anything else. Water is key. It carries MONDO Like water vapor, CO makes the The globe is always warming and 2 heat, changing its form as it moves Earth’s glowing surface less naked

FIGURE 1. High-altitude tornado over the Sierra Nevada mountains, July 7, 2004. This funnel touched down minutes after the photo was taken. It was the highest ever recorded. We have all been taught that tornadoes like this never happen. Is this the shape of things to come? Photo by Scott Newton. to space (Earth’s surface glows weather. Things are becoming more kickin’ it or hatin’ life by how much

a slew of colors about 4 octaves variable, the water cycle more it grows each year, how much CO2 beneath red). It is well known that intense7. Important ocean currents in it eats. If the understory is choked

the extra CO2 is like having a few the North Atlantic Ocean appear to be with deadwood and you can’t walk trillion extra lizard heat lamps shifting due to melting ice in Arctica8. through it, if the trees are too close lying around5. This extra energy together, if the rains have been all will eventually return to space, From about three million years ago wack, if it gets hacked to pieces, if

moving through the oceans, ground, up until 1880-ish, CO2 concentrations it’s too warm, then the ecosystem atmosphere, you—anything that can ranged between a third and two- will be less efficient, will eat less 6 store and/or move it. Including and thirds of what they are now . CO2. If a forest gets too stressed, it

especially water: move water around Two hundred years ago, forests will release CO2 overall. In Australia, differently, and everything changes. covered about two-thirds of all the Europe, and western North America, landscapes. Now it’s about one third… 2003 was such a crash year9,10. There are two big things people have changed to cow pasture, logging done that are changing the nature wastelands, strip mines, buildings, What will happen to the biosphere’s 6 of the climate system: more carbon deserts . We’re on a different planet breathing of CO2 if things get even dioxide and altered water distribution with a different atmosphere than was more wack than they already are? patterns (vegetation mainly)6. here 200 years ago; and so different If the skies get more extreme, Maybe we’ll get lucky: Maybe the weather patterns are resulting. then more ecosystems will be climate will stay the same as we at risk, adding fuel to the fire11. scramble its components…yeeah. Everything in nature is connected, Things that gain energy generally Forest Economics for better or worse is up to us. do not keep to the same tune. And the sky be throwin’ down some Forests and other ecosystems funky-ass breakbeats these days. influence the nature of what Adapt or Die: Reduce Risk, happens between the earth and sky Increase Resilience Records from thousands of weather energetically, in ways that are known stations and a number of satellites to affect weather9. They are also We can get busy in the meantime. We suggest more severe and unusual affected by the weather. Loopy. can improve light and air circulation weather is going on. Droughts, floods, where there are trees, and make tornadoes, heat/cold spells, freakish One can tell whether a forest is things more resilient and adaptable to

FIGURE 2. Hurricane Rita (left), whose rapid (rabid) development was aided by a high- altitude cyclone (right) pulling excess cold, clear air off the top of Rita to the east, into its core. Hurricanes have doubled in strength and size over the past generation with 2005 being a freak record year for the Atlantic Ocean. Half of this can be explained by warming oceans. Satellite photo courtesy of NOAA.

72 KOTORI MAGAZINE kotorimag.com FIGURE 3. Large-scale deforestation patterns in Bolivia. Hacked vs. nonhacked areas seen here resemble the global math on forests. Satellite photo courtesy of NASA.

change. With our bare hands. Without much stranger the weather gets. stay loose, changeable, not married waiting for ‘the elite’ to catch up. Without scarring the trees, without to bogus ideas. And don’t despair. ripping up the soil. Gather and People have always had to listen to Disturbed forests are often choked in break down the dead branches into the wind. And when the wind gets the understory, a biometeorological bundles that are easy to pick up. loud, the tiny control-freak voice mess where walking is a non-option, talking from the box gets quieter. Blair Witch Project style. That Do this anywhere you can. You’ll forest looked forbidding because it know when you’ve made progress got hacked 2, 4 times over and was when you can walk around and allowed to grow back all unstable in-between the trees easily. and unhealthy. Where there are WWW.KOTORIMAG.COM Rex David Pyles teaches and does trees, particularly groups or areas of There’s much more that can be done, biometeorological research at the trees, one can remove the low, dead but clearing understory deadwood University of California. “A PhD is branches that are still attached to adds up: every acre of disturbed not a degree of distinction, it is a the trunks all the way up to where forest can sink (absorb CO naturally) 2 MAGAZINEResponsibility - to encounter live branches begin. You want to well more than an extra ton of 12 the mysteries with the shape things so that the forest can carbon each year if this is done . WWW.KOTORIMAG.COM love of wisdom and to go Lord of the Rings style and be communicate theirMAGAZINE wonders.” able to keep up no matter how Don’t go rigid. Whatever you do,

MUSIC/ART/POLITICS/CULTURE MUSIC/ART/POLITICS/CULTURE

Sources and places to feed the grape:

> cnn.com/2003/WEATHER/07/03/wmo.extremes/ > espere.net/Unitedkingdom/water/uk_watervapour.html > msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/education/severe_weather/page12_e.cfm > nature.com/nature/journal/v415/n6874/full/415863a.html > ecd.bnl.gov/steve/senate.html, ecd.bnl.gov/steve/watt.html, (lizard heat lamps run ~150 W each.) > en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_dioxide, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation > climate.eas.gatech.edu/wshem/project88031_2.doc > dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/Story/changingoceans_e.htm, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_west/4680680.stm > public.ornl.gov/ameriflux/ (ecosystem fluxes of heat, water, co2, momentum under all types of weather) > nature.com/nature/journal/v437/n7058/full/nature03972.html > iai.int/SI/Files/SI03/CD_Material/IPCC/Third_Assessment_Report/IPCC-TAR-WGI/WG1_TAR-FRONT.pdf > gcte.org/APN%20Kobe%20Report.pdf (and some math) GNARLES BARKLEY ° bY bob freville 270 REVIEWS ART: violet fewes

MUSIC “Only half the people are going to like you anyway; the half that don’t like you Himsa need a life.”—Charles Barkley, Hail Horror Basketball Personality Prosthetic Records I met Danger Mouse when he was trepidaciously promoting I always said that I liked a band that could The Mouse & The Mask with MF Doom. Recently the prospect grab a listener by the throat. Himsa is a of doing a follow-up with Danger arose and I damn near band that does just that and than kicks your teeth in. In the busted my stink bone in making haste to say, “Yes.” It vein of groups like Shadows Fall or Bleeding Through, this wasn’t just the prospect of chilling with the Mouse again; five-piece has carved a niche for themselves with their third I really loved the name of the project—Gnarls Barkley. It studio album. They come out hitting hard and do not falter, called to mind the ridiculous names I had encountered each song building in intensity. Some standout tracks include while working telemarketing (Blaze Lately, Uri Semen…). the opener, “Anathema”, “The Destroyer”, “Pestilence”, and “They Speak in Swarms.” Lead singer Johnny Pettibone’s Almost as soon as the idea came up I was informed that press vocals make a fierce counterpart to the primal scream of for the album was currently on the backburner. F!@#ing sound that emanates in their own frequency. Reminiscent disgruntled, I began digging online. The Gnarls Barkley website of the good old glory days of thrash and black metal, with a is blank, except for a logo of a gun spraying shrapnel in the taster of old school punk to boot, this is an album that can shape of a heart. What is available elsewhere are two untitled spearhead the new movement in metal. It is dark, angry, and tracks showcasing a side of both artists that we haven’t seen in unforgiving. In other words, everything great metal should be. the past. Cee-Lo, the Goodie Mob rapper who is vocalizin’ for (J.R.) the colab, is demonstrating range seldom seen in underground hip-hop and The Mouse is sampling funktacular material that William Orbit could almost induce the Hustle in my pale & pimply ass. Hello Waveforms Sanctuary Records Group “Man, there’s nothing in the world that makes me as nervous A very cinematically melodic fusion of sound as seeing white people dance.”—Charles Barkley and space. With sonic waveforms navigating their way through all the frequencies on the spectrum, William Cee-Lo laments on Untitled 2, “I’ve tried everything but Orbit has managed to capture an element of the human mind suicide, but it’s crossed my mind…when I was lost I found that transcends all basic tenements of actual belief and myself looking in the gun’s direction.” The song is a morbid, euphorically leads them into crevices of their cerebrum that atmospheric joint for a pair of wacky cats mixin’ Dirty accept it with the open arms of a being that has been lonely South with New York drum n’ bass. Also available and much for all too long. It hits you right where it matters most...right discussed is “Gone Daddy Gone” which finds The Mouse & The in the head, and you’re left being absolutely certain that any Lo covering Violent Femmes at a hell-for-leather bounce. and all who listen to this album have just embarked on the same journey you have. Take comfort. You are not alone. You From what I’ve heard, it is clear that as a team Danger Mouse are human. Hello Waveforms...you’ll get lost in them then and Cee-Lo are a true power forward for underground music. emerge to find yourself knowing more than you previously If you want to know what everybody else thinks, you can visit imagined possible. If a sacreligious sequel to “Baraka” was some message boards while I continue to chase down rodents. ever made, this is sure to provide a redeeming soundtrack to the genuinely arful anthropologic visuals composing the > gnarlsbarkley.com interaction of the human race with the rest of the natural, and sometimes unnatural, world around us. (wam)

Latrice Illuminate Ultra Records

These beats are not easy listening, but easy to listen to. 14 tracks of very smooth housey bounce with Latrice Barnett’s soulfully soft and sultry vocals marinating upon the balearic backdrop. You can’t help but think sunshine and beaches...bouncing rhythmic sweaty bodies dotting the sand. Ultra Records offers Illuminate, just in time for the ‘06 party season to begin, and don’t be surprised to hear a few of these tracks oft ushering in this year’s Ibiza sunset (or sunrise...). (c.h.)

74 KOTORI MAGAZINE Prefuse 73, Danger Mouse, and Four Tet, trumpets, truly a level of deftness that Cattywompus for Pedro’s stateside debut. Ranging the majority of so called hip hoppers can Wildfire from sprawling orchestral soundscapes to only aspire to obtain. The track “untitled”, constricted electronic experimentations, although less than 2 minutes in length, I don’t know what it the album feels as natural as a walk through touches upon relavant social conditions that is, but for some reason the forest. Serene and familiar, but at the are unfortunate truthes of our present state I can’t shake the fact same time filled with a wide range of unique of being. Tellin’ it like it is. (Justin Smith) that I’ve seen or heard these cats before. and bizarre things along the path. Organic It’s like they strike some intangible human textures of sparse instrumentation on tracks Herb Alpert’s Tijuana chord within us. Every musical influence “Intro,” “Dead Grass,” and “The Water Brass that played a part in the eventual formation Ran Back and Forth,” give way to splashes Whipped Cream & of Cattywompus manifests itself in each of of horns on “Fear and Resilience,” eastern Other Delights the tracks, including The Rolling Stones, Neil flourishes on “These Pixels Weave a Person” Rewhipped Young, among countless others. “Dog Town” and raucous percussion on “123.” For being Shout! Factory opens with the feeling of Santana letting the odds and ends of early wanderings, loose…while title track “Wildfire” proves Pedro the album and Pedro the man both We’ve all rocked out to “Whipped Cream” a melodic jam that makes you want frolic show a lot of promise. (Dave Obenour) before, better known as the theme from barefoot in the grass with the sun shinning The Dating Game, don’t hate, ain’t warmly upon your face and the tunes Halou nuthin wrong, but never like this. For the emanating from the stage. Additionally, Wholeness and remix of his ’64 classic of the same name this album has a special emotional tie to Seperation with a woman covered in whip cream the band members, and it clearly shows. Vertebrae Productions adorning the cover (racy shit for them The passing of bassist/vocalist James days, and he still nabbed 4 Grammy’s and drummer John’s father Kevin Webber Breathy and frail vocals, WHAT!), Herb Alpert joined up with 21st prior to the debut of Wildfire is not doubt intricate strings, trippy beats, and a faux- century tastemakers the likes of: Ozomatli a devastating lose to all of those who goth vibe, husband/wife fronted trip-hop (“Whipped Cream”), the Dust Brothers’ had the privilege of knowing him. Our trio, Halou come from the same murky vein John King (“A Taste of Honey”), Thievery prayers are with them. (Justin Smith) of electronica as Portishead. But that being Corporation (“Lemon Tree”) DJ Foosh said they are still far from being imitators. (“Tangerine”) and even jazz-funk masters Richie Hawtin Opting for a more undressed approach, Medeski, Martin and Wood (“El Garbanzo”). DE9 / Transitions Halou balances mixes and samples with Whipped Cream’s ebb and flow oozes sex, Novamute Records guitar, live drums and a cello. Unlike some swank, and sultry goodness - like your of the genre’s colder-sounding artists, this favorite dessert – you will be back for more. Not quite the head approach gives the band a more versatile (Casanoduh) pounding, bone jarring sound, allowing them to experiment bass one might expect. Still the deep, with jazz, dance and psychedelia. Stand Away From Now dark, ominous beat cannot be mistaken. out tracks include “Everything is OK,” Blackout Don’t be disappointed because as the an ominous take to alternative rock and Pee Records album progresses, the apocalyptic beats “Stone Fruit,” whose guitar and synth just keeps on getting stronger. It brings heavy chorus sound like a glammed out This is what’s missing me back to a chemically induced state of 80’s new-wave revival. Still the band’s from stateside punk euphoria one might feel at a ‘sunrise set’ main strength lies in lead singer Rebecca these days...pure gutteral and visceral in the middle of the desert. While mellow Coseboom’s ethereal vocals, which range raw emotion. These cats from Australia in comparison to some of the other works from an alluring call to a cutting sneer. For pour their hearts out in a way that most produced by Plastikman, this is still an all of it’s production and embellishments, punk rockers wish they could. Using XLRs album that keeps the body moving. “Weiter it’s the human elements that make to connect their souls to the outside Noch” pumps with a tribal beat blended Halou work so well. (Dave Obenour) world, Blackout is their most cohesive with all sorts of distortion. “The Tunnel” effort to date. From way down there, leads you into that mysteriously sinister Cadence they gotta be pretty loud to catch the beat that captivates your every move. Songs of Vice & Virtue attention of the rest of the world, but May not be loud and obnoxious, but still Paperweight Records hey...that’s how unadulterated art is nefarious in its own right. (Justin Smith) born to begin with isn’t it? (wam) “Guess who’s back, Pedro back again…” Nope, Devics Pedro not Skynard, but it’s the southern version Push The Heart Mush Records of Slim Shady vs Everlast… ‘EverSlim’ The Reincarnate Music man who hails from Nashville Tennessee, Manchester born James released his first indie album at the age As much as any guy Rutlidge, aka Pedro, of 18 and his social commentary speeks would hate to be around comes from the same techno-infused folk volumes. All joking aside, Cadence is for a girl that seems to have so much heavy scene as fellow Mancs Badly Drawn Boy, real. His progressive disposition brings us despondency swirling through her head, no Alfie and Andy Votel. Originally issued as back to some of that old skool hip-hop. guy would be able to resist falling for her a series of EPs in England, Mush Records Some sick beats and in some cases a touch based simply on her voice alone. Devics has compiled them into a complete single of blues is a very refreshing breath. The vocalist Sara Lov along with instrumentalist entity, along with a disc of remixes featuring track “So Alone” conjoins hip-hop and and sometimes singer Dustin O’Halloran

kotori magazine 75 seem like a match made in heaven. Push Corporation, Kenny Dope, Four Hero, Kid The Heart is a melancholic masterpiece. Filastine Loco,and DJ Premier, the album grapples a During tracks like “Lie to Me,” “Distant Burn It wide range of genres, all of which require Radio,” and “Moments” you can’t help Soot Records mean drum machine skills and dancefloor but conjure up images of a helpless friendly musical consciousness. There is beautiful soul dancing alone in the fog This is grit. THis is raw. something for everyone on this album and underneath a barren tree. (Carlos Herrera) This is...actually... one aspect that all of the tracks share; a bit spooky. Trip hop two-step jungle quality. Every song offers a new direction V/A break-beats infused with various ethnic and variation of tracks we love and know Idol Tryouts Two: Ghostly instrumental samples and a stripped down so well. Don’t be surprised if you’re blind- International Vol. 2 to fundamentals production style round sided by a house mix of “Sound System” or Ghostly International out producer Filastine’s debut Burn It, a D&B mix of “Innervisions”, just know that one of the more interesting releases to all of the contributors came correct. (JT) For their second land on our desks in quite a while. He’s compilation, Michigan based Ghostly studied with tabla superstars, played DJ Icey International have collected an eclectic with ‘coke-fueled’ samba bands in Rio, Presents Y4K mix of electonica-based pop, hip-hop, and absorbed often distrubing knowledge and alternative that is surprisingly in North Africa. With his debut, we’re I’m a sucker for cohesive. Split between two discs, the treated to midi triggers, laptop, percussion, breakbeats, so when sessions are entitled Avant-pop and SMM creepy politically twinged samples, and a DJ Icey Presents Y4K (an undeciphered acronym). The first smorgasbord of varied vocalists throwing landed on my desk, everything else took disc, true to its name, features a quirky down. With CD art that depicts a wartorn a backseat. This shit’s ill! King of the selection of leftfield pop tunes. With zone filled with missile shells and burning Miami bass breaks is definitely looking a songs by Matthew Dear, Skeletons & The tires coming from a guy who founded few millenia ahead as he throws down 14 Girl-Faced Boy, and two tracks from the the 20-piece anarchist marching band tracks of bootylicious club bumps. Cuts Mobius Band including a remix by The Infernal Noise Brigade, this thing is quite from the likes of Merka, Vlad, and General Junior Boys, Avant-pop combines the a uniquely thought evoking listen. (hm) Midi, along with 3 of Icey’s own, round up underground’s offbeat tendencies with the a timeless breaks compilation to be played more traditional and accessible structures Quasi at HIGH VOLUME ONLY. Just in time for of pop. The second disc, which might When The Going the emergence of winter hibernation... be true to its name although it’s hard to Gets Dark nothing comes quite near the vibrations in tell when you don’t know, is a blend of Touch and Go Records the beeeehind this makes you feel. (WAM) rolling ambient music. With stand out tracks by Greg Davis, Aeroc, and Twine, One of the first ANDREW OCTOPUS it’s a haunting yet relaxed collection thoughts that came to mind as I listened The Molecular Mixtape of textural music. Overall, Idol Tryouts to the opening track “Alice the Goon” proves recognizable yet unusual, minimal was Radiohead. The story of the divorced The fact alone that this yet full, an exciting look at the future of indie rocker duo gives some insight into one was submitted to underground electronica. (Dave Obenour) this almost chaotic, yet intriguing album. us on cassette taped To criticize the almost messy guitar rifts, warranted a listen right T Rock & Squashy Nice or even the crippled tone of Sam Coomes away...of course we had Rock & Squash voice, which has an overtone of sadness to find something to play techniques would take away from what this album it on. once we did, we were treated to a Why Records is. It is not a perfectly blended mix of cacophany of haunting psycho-cinematic chords. It’s about the feelings that come melodies and whispers, static and scratches, Now this is across. Feelings aren’t always flawless. maraccas and paper cuts, feedback soufle what hip-hop is all about. And the fact that these 2 rockers dared and carne apsycho, blippy blops and bliquey Breaking down the fundamentals and a to take risks is what makes this an adept beeps. This shit’s seriously twacked. mastery of communication with the sounds collection of there triumphs and their What does it mean, what planet does it of the soul. You can feel the various moods personal frustrations. “invisible Star” come from? We truly don’t know, but we that every human goes through in the is a unmarred blend of the harshness of would expect nothing less from another progression of the 14 tracks that make Sam and the sweetness of janet that Andrew Octopus transmission...(WAM) up Rock & Squash Techniques. From the collectively amounts to one bad ass. (js) DJ Numark reminiscent old school soulful Third Sight dance number “Simple Song” to the heavy- DJ Cam Symbionese hearted Moby-esque love proclamation Revisted By... Liberation Album “Pretty Girl” all the way to the party bass Recall Records Disgruntled Records banger “Hip Hop Body Rock,” this is a record that ought to sit up on the same Paying homage to These two lyrical bullies, modern producer hall of fame shelves as Laurent Daumail, AKA DJ emcee Jihad and DJ Durufunk, along the likes of DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist. CAM, by revisiting a collection of his most with their turntable maestro, none other With expert production and clever scratch successful works can only be attempted by than the Scratchpikl’s own D-Styles, serve techniques, T Rock & Squashy Nice have some of the best remixers in the business; up some splendid rawdog dirty shit with provided the world with a rare gem in and so we have DJ CAM Revisited by.... their release on Disgruntled records. With music today...a must have! (wam) Featuring producers like Thievery a calculous funk overtone and perfectly

76 KOTORI MAGAZINE KEEPIN’ IT REEL

Bling: Consequences Director Kareem Edouard takes us deep into Sierra Leone, exposing a and Repercussions dirty secret - the conflict diamond WGH Films trade - the deadly conditions behind the billion dollar global business. Bling tackles the issues behind Hip One who’s foundation rests in the Hop’s obsession with diamonds and violent loss of children’s limbs and the continued illegal diamond trade in areas controlled by forces opposed Africa. Narrated by Chuck D, the short to legitimate and internationally documentary shows you just how far recognized governments. Like Saul removed the music industry definition Williams once said...”Perhaps we of hip hop is from what it’s actually should not have encouraged them to all about. Every single one of rap’s use cordless microphones...for they mainstream artists is not only being have walked too far from the source.” exploited, but are exploiting the very See it at: wghfilms.com roots of their existence. Producer/ (wam)

The Refugee All Stars focuses on six diverse musicians as they collaborate in an All Stars effort to turn the human experience SODASOAP Films of suffering into forgiveness and a strength to heal a land and its Introducing a revolution through people. To view the trailer and music - an unedited journey through learn more about the film, check refugee camps as people flee to the website at refugeeallstars.org. escape the brutal genocide in Sierra (kristi curtis) Leone. Many refugees fled to Guinea where they were separated from their families and spent years waiting away from home. The Refugee

Sling Shot Hip Hop

SlingShot Hip Hop is a documentary film that focuses on the daily life of Palestinian rappers living in Gaza, the West Bank, and inside Israel. It aims to spotlight alternative voices, both male and female, of resistance within the Palestinian struggle and explore the role their music plays within their social, political, and personal lives. The film will be released later in 2006. Watch an intriguing trailer at slingshothiphop.com. WWW.KOTORIMAG.COM

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MUSIC/ART/POLITICS/CULTURE MUSIC/ART/POLITICS/CULTURE calculated vocal scratches, Third Sight Peter Przgodda’s insistence that there has brought back to hip hop its abstract BOOKS be no chapter divisions in the 53 minute independence and clearly defined their live concert included. If you want to go design of the freestyle with no hesitation FUZZ ONE : A Bronx from spot to spot, you have fast forward to convey what’s on their minds. Fans Childhood or rewind (as in VHS...), but you’re not of lyrical driven hip-hop and quality, By Vincent Fedorchak going to want to do either. The 2 DVD innovative beats are sure to make this a Testify Books set includes a full free concert filmed in permanent resident in their changer. (JT) Cologne, Germany in 1972 as well as two 80 The thing was almost minute documentaries, a short film tribute Paul Benoit written in code (names) by Brian Eno, notes, solo recordings, a 5.1 Combustible scattered throughout. surround sound mix of classic CAN tracks, Zebediah Records If you didn’t know a bit of OG NY Grafitti and countless other extras. (steve gig) history before delving into these pages, Listen. Relax. Repeat. It’s you’d be lost like a stylus in a cd player. Paul Mooney’s Analyzing really just that simple But this doesn’t pretend to be a history White America ya’ll. Or at least Monsieur Benoit makes lesson. This is an account into the roots (Shout Factory) it so on his latest release Combustible, a of the world of modern grafitti by one of smattering of folksy acoustic guitar driven its most famed characters and pioneers... His credits include tunes flavored with Paul’s smoky voice Fuzz One. He himself tells us the tale of writing for Richard Pryor, and pensive delivery. Smart pedal and lap an unsupervised childhood in the Bronx of Eddie Murphy, Saturday steel guitar playing, B3 organs, Wurlitzers the 70s. You can imagine where it goes... Night Live, Good Times, and Mellotrons all come into play on their from chasing down Satan worshippers to Sanford And Son, Good designated tracks (must hears: “Going for sneaking onto the trainyards of NYC to bomb Times, and In Living Color (he created Gone” & “Stevie Nicks”), adding warm audio complete trains to being the first white Homie the Clown). Most recently, he’s been eloquence to foot shuffling vibes throughout. boy accepted in the legendary Ebony Dukes ‘Negrodamus’ and ‘Ask a Black Dude’ on the street gang. With well over 100 pages of Dave Chappelle Show. Knowing that, it was When you’ve been bludgeoned to death pictures and illustrations accompanying hard to imagine not rolling out of your chair with walls of distortion and elephant Vincent Fedorchak’s (Fuzz One) own words, as he gives us an unapologetic glimpse into bass-beats, an album like this allows this beautifully produced hardcover is an his views regarding white America. Mooney one (yes, ME) to tend to your bleeding unabashed people’s history. Instant classic. covers everything from the ‘n’ word to 9-11 ears and your broken heart at the (Carlos Herrera) to ebonics and white people’s affinity for same time with whimsical melodies wild animals. Although he’s sitting down in deliberating life’s eternal reflection. FILM the same position throughout the hour long routine, his effectiveness is certainly not paulbenoit.com CAN DVD underplayed. His deadpanned demeanor Mute Records. and aggressive infatuation with emphasizing (MDL) the deep rooted anger behind the humor This shit is eeire... shows carefully honed veteran talent. but in a good way. The This is absolutely hilarious. (bill flaik) infamously notorious German music legends CAN are given a proper dilgence with the re- release of the CAN DVD. The cohesiveness is best displayed in the fact that Director

The stars overflow when we come Risk what you will. I’ll give you TO FLOCK, FROM FATHER to town with our briquettes and our something to hammer away at, rape bY bob freville petroleum, our Zippos and our extra-long bloody in the brown, some time in ART: VIOLET FEWES fuses dripping porous indignation. Must your Afterlife. Just get me ratings. accompany strong dissident statement Get me results. Get their attention. written on carbon paper in dark black Grab them by the balls and I will share ink. Sloppy untraceable chicken scratch with you the wealth of my passion. long-hand. They really blow up when they receive our vociferant message, We could stand righteous atop our carion call for the wild, ready and a mountain of bodies. willing to take up arms against high crime, as perpetrated by high society, All my Love in Mandalas, high-ranking officials, high up on their blood-stained pedestals. You’d have to The Proselytizer be high to suffer their shit for very long. FUN TIME COME OOON, IT’LL ONLY TAKE TWO MINUTES...

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Across Down 2. "I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't 1. "When the power of love overcomes the love of power have to." the world will know peace." 6. "I think we are welcomed. But it was not a peaceful 3. "Rock and roll is the hamburger that ate the world." welcome." 4. "Whenever people start saying God anointed them to do 8. "Most of the people I admire, they usually smell funny something, it's a turnoff, because I don't think anyone has and don't get out much. It's true. Most of them are either God's beeper number." dead or not feeling well." 5. "Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive 10. "I am not going to give you a number for it because it's women easier access to the mainstream of society." WWW.KOTORIMAG.COM not my business to do intelligent work." 7. "Rock stars ... is there anything they don't know?" 11. "No more name changing for me. I'm pooped of that 9. "A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and shit." gets to bed at night, and in between does what he wants 12. "We first fought ... in the name of religion, then to do." Communism, and now in the name of drugs and terrorism.

Our excuses for global domination always change."

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