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Danger Doom the suicide girls rÖyksopp mear one current tv lmno vaux steve lawler USA $3.99 CANADA $4.99 ISSUE 5 Max Cavalera 0 5 0 74470 04910 4 the (international) noise conspiracy WWW.WAVMAG.COM WAV FPPDF0-

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“A lot of the hip-hop nowadays, a lot of the rhymes that you hear, it’s just typical, you can almost predict what it’s about. We wanted Swim Presents... DangerDoom to be the total antithesis of that.” - MF DOOM 18 “We’re not shooting for their minds, we’re shooting for their hearts... when you change the perception of how someone looks at something, that’s what you’re aiming for.” - 40 mear one Originally known as one of the most notorious graff writers on the west coast, Mear One now paints with oil, acrylics, and anything else you can think of while simultaneously showing his work internationally and coast-to-coast. 46 WAVFORMS Atmosphere WAV Slugs it out with the emotionally ravaged MC. His shit’s VAUX 10 gettin’ hotter and hotter...and it ain’t because of global warming. 06 Nine Black Alps 24 The (International) Noise Conspiracy Colossus 26 The Swedes are coming! The Swedes are coming! And they’re Opus Dai 33 brandishing axes! 14 Nillaz 64 The Suicide Girls Young freaky girls...need we say more? 21 Ask Steezo 25 KIA 36 Rise Against Why Wax is So Hot 38 Pound the pavement! Pummel the masses! Rise Rise Rise Against! 28 Spin Off 51 Clothing of the American Mind 52 LMNO Beat the Press - Bayou Nation 54 A true Visionary re-writes the alphabet all hip-hop like. 34 Lost Angeles Times 56 The Girl Show 58 Current TV 62 Mad Max Cavalera’s relentless pursuit of musical mayhem. 60 Fast Friends II 68 Get the Goods 70 Press Pass: Röyksopp ¡Mucho Gusto! - Power Pill Fist 72 Hangin’ on the tour bus with the Norwegian nisfits...hey, thats Spin This! REVIEWS 74 not a word! Fun Time 80 66 MUSICARTPOLITICSCULTURE~ // editor’s note Publishers The Natural History Museum. amongst endangered species frozen behind The Muklashy Bros. Micah Lashbrook of glass and time...Zack looked looser and James A. Sullos I hadn’t stepped into this hall since my grammar more comfortable than he ever did. And it was Editor-In-Chief school field trip. My brother and I were there refreshing. He stepped back from the smoke and Wasim Muklashy for the first in a series of First Friday events, the mirrors and the haze of stardom in order to [email protected] festivities designed to complement Jared find himself, and judging by his demeanor, the Managing Editor Diamond’s COLLAPSE?, an exhibit that explores search was a success. Micah Lashbrook [email protected] the collapse of various civilizations. Ironically, tonight seemed more like a celebration of the Seeing him up there in the state he was in Associate Editor Simone Grey re-birth of a civilization. helped shed some light on why so many people [email protected] have responded so well to what we’re doing In addition to discussions with ‘green architects’ with WAV. Though everyone only admits it to Art Director & Webmaster Shadi Muklashy and an ‘eco-friendly’ fashion show, the words on themselves at varying levels, we’re all searching [email protected] the flyer that ultimately grabbed my undivided for the same thing...for ourselves…who and what Marketing Director attention were: “former Rage Against the we really are. We want to find a way to strip the Justin “Ditry Jersey” Smith Machine vocalist Zack De La Rocha emerges layers of who society wants us to be and free [email protected] for a one-of-a-kind performance with Son De ourselves from those limiting confines...we want Marketing & Advertising Associate Madera, the acclaimed son jarocho ensemble to dance...we want to sing…we want to play. We Tisha Carter [email protected] from Veracruz, .” For the first time since want to celebrate the most important event in hearing “Killing In The Name” 14 years ago, a the history of mankind...life itself. Marketing Consultant Matt Hanrahan / Kingsize USA musician’s voice and presence got me all choked [email protected] up. The circumstances and conditions may have www.kingsize-usa.com been drastically different…Rage Against the Publicity While some may have bitched and moaned Machine to Mexican ‘folk’ music…but the more Joy Donnell / Hypathereal PR [email protected] and wrote Zack off as a has-been (yes, myself I look at, the more it makes sense. Zack De La www.hypathereal.com included…though there was always that twinge Rocha reminded me, once again, why an attack of hope…), tonight proved the complete on injustice is the same as a celebration of life. Staff Writers Bob Freville, Jake McGee, Scott Shapiro, opposite...he has finally fallen into his own. He Both are our duty. Mike The Poet, James A. Sullos sang, he danced, he smiled, he played an 8-string Resident Artist jarana, he looked over at the other musicians, Salutations, Jason Mascow they looked back, this was a party, and while Distribution everyone was clapping their hands and dancing Disticor Direct, Ubiquity, Ingram, Kent News, Armadillo

Contributors Asher Rumack, Kristi Curtis, Dr.Ghil, Steezo fo sheezo!, Ric Stultz, Arielle Kilroy, Ordell // contributors Cordova, KIA our beloved landlord, Rosa & Sierra from , Ben Zhu, Patricia DeLuca, Carly Miller Bob Freville Gracias is a freelancer, a gutter poet and a foot fetishist. His work has Anastasia Goodman, Alex Dolan, George @ appeared in magazines, on websites and on walls of public lavatories. Serjical Strike, Joey “The Loooooooong Arm With a penchant for hair whistling, his right arm tends to get caught Of The Law” Shapiro, Lainie Copicoto, Mike in overexposed light sockets. Catch up with Bob’s infamous fedora Leventhal & Nancy Bader, all at biz3, Rob @ Chrome, Nica Joe and Mark @ Music for in action as he chases down Danger Doom (p.18). Bob likes Cream of America, Rosa Sierra and the AOJ family, Wheat. Devin, Corrado and all at G4, Cool Hunting, Ola & Chadi, Mama and Papa, Gunnar & OM, Aaron & Ubiquity, Shon Ramsey and The Goods crew, David deLaski, John Kelley & The Ball of Waxx Simonita boyz, Devin, Tanya Stephens, Danny Savage and Kirby’s Avalanche, Allie & Matt @ Formula PR, hates her current loser job as a secretary and hopes writing will pan Mear One, Jessica Cooper @ISC, Missy Suicide out as a lucrative career. She does look dashing in clear heels though, and all the lovely ladies of SG. so it could be back to the pole again. She’s a psychotic gemini, loves Please Send All Correspondence, sailboating and detests when people burp and actually say the word in Submissions & Queries To the act, but WAV Mag and free drinks courtesy of OM Records (p.26) WAV Magazine are helping her get past this. 3253 S. Beverly Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90034 OR EMAIL Jake McGee [email protected] is not well. Word has it he’s a schizophrenic Jewish Leprechaun whose Email For Advertising delusions have warped his fragile mind severely beyond the crudest [email protected] level of human sanity. He welcomes scorn and ridicule, and enjoys when he is proven wrong, for that’s just one more dose of Knowledge the views and opinions expressed within these pages do not necessarily reflect those of WAV to help ease the Pain of Ignorance (read his interview with Soulfly’s Mag, and vice versa. This is simply a forum for Max Cavalera on p.60). expression.

all claims and statements herein are nothing but that... statements herein. you can interpret them as facts, you can interpret them as fiction, Marlin Winston George all we ask is that you interpret them. can be found combing the streets of Hollywood in search of a www.wavmag.com drummerless rock to blow their minds, while waiting to collect on ©2004-2005 WAV Magazine his pending “You stole my Moonwalk!” lawsuit from his second favorite idol ( #1). In the meantime, check out Opus Dai (p.31). Marlin exudes , love, and Soul Glow.

Q|u|i|c|k|b|i|t|e|s

This year’s VooDoo Music Experience will go on as planned, but instead of its traditional New Orleans grounds, this years festivities have been moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Artists such as Billy Idol, , , of the Stone Age, Handsome The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles Boy Modelling School, Carl Cox, the Digable has quite an ace shoved up their prehistoric Planets, as well as New Orleans greats the sleeves. Following the success of COLLAPSE, the Neville Brothers, Dr. John, and Bonerama, will recent exhibit that explores the end of various congregate on October 29 & 30 to raise money societies, they’ve put together First Fridays, a for the New Orleans Restoration Fund. DJ Shadow and of OBEY glory series that elaborates on those themes. Various have joined forces to release a limited edition segments include discussions with Lawrence i voodoomusicfest.com clothing and music box set entitled PUBLIC Scarpa, Terrence McNally, COLLAPSE author WORKS. On Sept. 1st both artists endured a Jared Diamond himself, Peter Sellers, and Andy marathon signing session at Kid Robot store in Lipkis, complemented by performances from Oh yayer!! Tha Santa Monica, providing proof that Andre still has ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) and The are a Posse and the Organ Donor keeps it moving. Rebirth. The events run from October through gonna make yo’ Consisting of five t-shirts, a brand new, full- December and was kicked off when Zack De La stompin’ grounds length mix CD by DJ Shadow, a copy of Shepard Rocha resurfaced to perform with L.A.’s Quetzal their dessert!! Fairey’s book “Post No Bills,” stickers, buttons - leave it to the Natural History Museum to bring Huh? The and other surprises, it’s limited to 450 pieces so Zack back from the dead. you best hurry. Designed by Fairey himself, each animated hip-hopsters are breakin’ out of their cages again and taking their exhibit on the road in box is hand assembled and numbered. i www.nhm.org/firstfridays/ 2007. The animated misfits 2D, Murdoc, i obeydjshadow.com and Russel will appear in 3D holographic format across the globe, so if you think you see them, i kidrobot.com but aren’t sure, don’t think a double take’ll change have just things...yes...you ARE crazy! cemented their position as the i gorrilaz.com TRASHed, the geniuses greatest channel behind last years ever. Beginning Recycling Bin Art November 6th, This year’s Concert will be released on Demonstration that will be airing original animated a 4 DVD set November 7th. Live sets include featured works by Bob television series The Boondocks based on and , Muse, Robbie Williams, and the ridiculously Burnquist, John Carr, produced by the popular politically charged anticipated reunion in its entirety. A and Hunter S. Thompson, comic strip artist Aaron McGruder. Among those large portion of the royalites from the sales of are at it again. This who have enthusiastically signed on to voice the DVD set will be going to the Band Aid Trust time they’ve developed guest characters are , Ed Asner, and for the relief of hunger and poverty in Africa. a CD Jewel Case Exchange program. Rather Charlie Murphy. than tossing the clunky things, take them to a local TRASHed location and trade them for i adultswim.com merchandise from Kid Robot, Sigur Ros, Globe Undisputed director of the best shoes, and more. movies of all time, Martin Scorsese, is giving us quite a lil’ Moving beyond the great late treat this year. Just released i globalinheritance.org Bruce Lee kung fu flick Enter this September, Scorsese TheDragon, & returns to his post-The Last Friends make a striking debut Waltz musical muse with No with on Direction Home : , a Serjical StrikeRecords, the two part film that focuses on Dylan’s life and label spearheaded by System Ok, maybe we’ve just been out of the loop and music that includes never seen before footage of a Down’s Serj Tankian - the loopy for a while, but how come no one told from the Bob Dylan archives as well as interviews release date is October 25. us about this one before? CoolHunting.com. with Allen Ginsberg, Pete Seeger, Joan Baaz and What started as a simple blog of what one Josh others who’s life paths have intertwined with Joining BUCKETHEAD is a wide spectrum of Rubin thought was cool, has morphed into one Dylan’s. of the most respected sites on the for vocalists and playersincluding Tankian, Efrem scourers of underground and below the radar Schulz of , , Ejigayehu”Gigi” Shibabaw, Maura Davis formerly chic. Considering WAV Magazine was recently Because we can’t get enough of 30 minute epic of Denali, and Azam Ali of Vas, to featured, you know they’re onto something. , Spring 2005 WAV cover band the Mars name a few. When all was said and done, a total Volta are releasing their first ever live CD, of 11 different singers specializing in musical entitled Scabdates, on November 8. They’ve styles ranging from opera, metal, rap, , SPIN, a clever lil’ film brought to us by writer/ managed to cram 12 live tracks from various tour , world and everything in between director Jamin Winans showcases a nomadic DJ dates from both their 2003 De-Loused In The found their way onto ENTER THE CHICKEN. who’s superpowers enable him to fix the world’s Comatorium tour as well as from dates following everyday problems simply by dropping a needle this years release. and mixing the fragile continuum between time i serjicalstrike.com and space, reversing the outcome of disastrous i themarsvolta.com events.

i SPIN it back @ www.jaminwinans.com/spin/player2.html

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blanding a y www.landingbay.com Atmosphere By Asher Rumack

I got the message…I was assigned to Atmosphere. Immediately, my imagination bombarded my nescient psyche with every curiosity I’ve ever had about the man and his music. I felt like an unsullied child, with a thirst for a complete understanding of one of the lyricists that helped define my teenage identity; the poet whose lyrics have inspired many-a-thought- ramble in notepads; the performer whose charisma has inspired hundreds of on-edge young females to want to copulate lewdly with him in a small-town bar; the man whose band of compatriots known as Rhymesayers Entertainment have dominated underground hip-hop the last few years. In the end, I squeezed all the info out of him that I wanted, ate it, puked it up, and prepared it with low-carb cilantro. I hope you like what I made.

Contrary to an annoyingly belief, isn’t the only dude in Atmosphere. Complementing Slug’s vocal presence is his reticent producer , who is known for simple but infectious snappy drum loops and a talent for finding perfectly dope soul and blues samples. The duo is releasing its fifth studio full-length on October 4th, You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having.

“It’s not sarcasm,” Slug swears, referring to the title. An ongoing theme of his career, and a prevalent topic in his music, is his emotional state. One of the things that makes his style so compelling is his ability to express his feelings on record without taking away from the concretely rugged precedence of hip-hop that has culturally seized the world. He’s said that recording Seven’s Travels, Atmosphere’s prior release, was a unique experience for him and Ant because they had never been so happy. Their optimism manifested itself on record; that is generally considered (and cosigned by Slug) as their “ record.”

In the process of producing and releasing these last two , Atmosphere has seen surreal success. Most of their attention is gained on the road, touring rabidly around the Midwest, while hitting at least annually major spots on the coasts, and even several European destinations last year. “I’m not supposed to be as big as I am,” he confesses, “it’s gotta be because of touring.” Album sales have generated shocking Billboard charting, despite selling only on tour and through independent distribution companies.

A touring schedule as hectic as Atmosphere’s can be hard on a thirty-three year old rapper, especially when he’s got an 11-year old son at home. Slug doesn’t shy away from expressing his feelings about Jacob, whether on record or my tape recorder. The new album includes a ballad for him called “Little Man.” He told me, “I believe in setting strong examples… I have to make sure that what I’m doing is positive enough and potent enough to be a good example for him to follow. I’m gonna be the best friend and give him backing wherever he wants to go.” Despite the PHOTOS: Dan Monick obvious longing, Slug finds a way to manage the ‘have-nots.’ Everyone in the ‘burbs has got Angeles—act like ya know! Several majors the chaos and constructively channel his a computer you know, everybody’s got time, have proposed deals to Slug and friends, but concentration into his music. because they don’t have to work a fuckin’ job they saw nothing in it but flattery. “Oh, sweet, necessarily, to go and find themselves. Like a million dollars? I was like ‘well, wait, we can I asked him to reflect on how he has developed going to shows and films, and finding whoever make a million dollars in three years our own since Seven’s Travels. “I kind of embrace it their favorite photographer is. I don’t wanna way and not owe anybody shit.’” Novel idea, all now. I use to spend a lot of time worrying blanket statement everyone, but in America eh? It’s not as if anybody ever sells out in this about the perception… I was kind of the typical your non-whites don’t really have as much industry. artist.” But Slug has matured tremendously of an opportunity to find themselves before over the course of his promising career, they’re twenty years old as the white kids. Rhymesayers has such a good thing going, finding his own unique voice and running with There’s a lot less room for art. You have more there’s really no reason to ever give it up to it. In finding privileged white a major. Slug humbly explains, “everybody his voice, he kids getting into accidentally did all the right things to get to has turned hip-hop because this point. Atmosphere is a vehicle to enable away many they got the chance me as well as other friends of mine to be of his early “I’m a topic to go and find shit.” positive influences on rap music as much as fans. The term we possibly can, as much as they’ll let us be.” In “-hop” has He does believe that, the last few years Rhymesayers Entertainment been coined given the chance, has put out stellar releases from acts like Soul by snobby hip- of love or inner-city music Position, Brother Ali, and the Micranots, and hop journalists fans would find his they even signed underground legend MF in his honor, more emotional Doom last year. Slug also teams up with preferring to breed of hip-hop periodically for a tribute to a female C-list acknowledge hate... the appealing, a stance celebrity, in the hopes of hooking up. Felt 2, his ‘use’ of that many would their second tribute, to Lisa Bonet, hit stores hip-hop rather dispute. “We gotta this summer. With all the well-earned success than his hate is just as show young black Slug has been experiencing lately, the road contributions. kids that they don’t ahead is paved for Atmosphere. All they have gotta be thugs or to do is cruise down it. And even I can’t begin With his basketball players.” to imagine how much fun they’ll have doing it. evolving style important.” People in the circles has come a - Slug of independent change in music – mostly audience for obsessive, grizzly X Listen to soundWAVs from Atmosphere’s Atmosphere. college radio music new release You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun What used to be a small buzz amongst the directors who take one class per semester so We’re Having @ wavmag.com typical hip-hop cats – namely, blacks and they can keep the gig well into their middle Hispanics keen on the underground hip-hop ages, and online album reviewers who dictate scene – has flourished into a mass of long- musical perspectives to equally nerdy readers haired, anorexic white kids. This shaggy bunch – all of them seem to have an opinion on of indie children now pack Atmosphere shows, Atmosphere. causing some to question if Atmosphere is still hip-hop. “To watch it change from one extreme “I’m a topic of love or hate,” he says, to another,” Slug ponders, “it’s been a very addressing the issue. “The hate is just as interesting road. But at the same time… some important. Yeah, I rap right now, but in ten of my friends who rap are black, and they’re years who fucking wondering, you know, ‘where are the black kids cares? You hate my shit at these shows?’” right now but that’s important because I One of those said friends is most likely Living got you and six friends Legends’ Murs, who last year on his album 3:16, who can talk at your with producer , addressed the issue. lunch table, shitting on On the track “And This Is For,” Murs speaks me. Maybe you’ll start out to his white fans “At first the money was a fuckin’ rap group, the only thing shuttin’ me up / But now I don’t and make some music care, stop supporting me / Go ahead, get mad that’s incredible, that / Why wouldn’t you abort me? / My own people changes the world.” Or have.” Although Slug doesn’t go to the extent maybe not. Who knows, of alienating his white fans – he is himself really? “And as for the perceived as a white rapper (though in truth journalists… writers he has black and native American blood in him; gotta get laid too.” Hear we’ll save the racial politics of rap for another that ladies? We need time) – Slug does agree with the importance love too. of attracting the inner-city crowd back to his shows. In the end, though, Slug is a topic of love. “We know it’s a much bigger picture than Atmosphere consistently just a matter of ‘well, there’s just more white sells out venues in small kids, and that’s just how it is.’ It’s more about, towns across America, ‘how do you market this underground shit and even fills up the to the black kids so they know it’s available?’ Henry Fonda when Essentially it comes down to the ‘haves’ and they come through Los

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which involved a much more complex and ambitious take than anything they’ve been used to. “We actually blocked out a period of time in our lives to write this music, which was a new thing for us,” tells us singer Quentin Smith. “We were definitely more isolated. We were all up By Wasim Muklashy in Seattle and kind of removed ourselves from what we would typically do, which was stay in Denver, get a practice space, that kind of thing. Most of the time it was we’d finish a new They met in college, they became friends, they then we’d all go back to work then we’d finish a graduated, and like responsible well-rounded citizens, new song a couple months later. But with this one, it they immediately put their higher educations to work. was really sitting down to create a body of music all at They made a rock record. once.”

With Beyond Virtue, Beyond Vice, VAUX “Most of the time After the songs had all been (rhymes with box) have positioned themselves written, the label sent them off to as one of the most exciting and promising we’d finish a song Farnham, to record in the bands in too many years. With the Thom York- isolated countryside just outside esque vocal melodies perfectly complementing and go back . Robison revels in the blood-curdling screams and the soft-ballad to work... with fact that “there was no influence touches surrounding relentlessly invigorating on it from the label whatsoever. Dillinger Escape-esque instrumental attacks, Beyond Virtue, We wrote like 14 songs, and didn’t VAUX has found a way to meld together play the demos for the label until everything that everyone wants to hear in a Beyond Vice, it was the last minute. We ended up surprisingly successful cohesive fashion. really sitting down recording 11 of them. Basically from March until Christmas last The evident maturity has the six-piece pushing to create a body year, all of us were away from their creative boundaries well beyond the 90s anything familiar...I think a lot of Denver three-pronged guitar punk scene that of music all at it came through personally with gave birth to the group. According to bassist the lyrics,” offers Smith. “You’re Ryder Robison, “as we got older, those bands once” - Ryder Robison not really worrying about what that were in those genres...we didn’t like someone is going to think of anymore. There weren’t a whole lot of new it. That is what was cool,” adds and interesting things, so we all started broadening Robison. our views. When you’re a musician, you listen to things a bit differently. You try to find things “What we were able to do was take these songs and that are challenging and interesting to really overanalyze everyone of them,” he continues. keep your attention going.” “We’ve got this chalkboard that we’ve been using for the past however many years, and we’ll take a song Hence, their and name each section of it and lay it out, formulate approach to the way the songs should go, and then we’ll glue pieces Beyond Virtue, together. All 6 of us would go over everything as much Beyond Vice, as we can together so we can get the song structured properly.” Let it be known that “we’re serious about it,” adds

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3[OWZcaObW\T].R`bObb]TTQ][ =\bVSESPObeee2@B/BB=44Q][ ?cSabW]\aO\aeS`SRW\abO\bZgeWbV]\ZW\SQVOb( GOV]];SaaS\US`(R`MbObb]TT :OaS`BObb]]@S[]dOZA^SQWOZWaba /7;(2@B/BB=44 Smith. “It wasn’t just slapping together some we want to make and just do something embarrassed or self-conscious about it. You songs. We spent a lot of time and put a lot fuckin’ different that can stand out,” Smith just get to a comfort level with people after of work into them, and that goes throughout adds. living in a van with them for 270 days a year. the whole thing. I mean, there were hours I think that’s really important for artistic and hours of phone calls just about who was Their continued dedication and constant creativity.” going to produce it and we finally settled evolution is what holds the 6 piece together. on the right guy. We wanted someone that Think of the difficulties involved in And it certainly takes quite a dose of would be a big part of it. Basically, for this maintaing a marriage of two..now multiply creativity to fuse everything from process, we have another member of the that by 3 times, and instead of living in a screaming like a banshee to serenading band whose opinion we value just as much house together, make that a van. Ironically, you to sleep, melancholic fury to restless as our own.” Those extra ears turned out to it’s turned out to be that exact proximity sedation, and making it work...very very well. belong to Garret ‘Jackknife’ Lee, an Irishman that has helped them realize the mutual When an almost uncanny resemblance to best known for his work with Patrol dependency necessary to progress and was mentioned, Smith responds and some band called U2. “I think the way move past the self-defeating pretention. simply: “If we’re going to be compared to that everybody felt was that this is a very Ryder admits that “with us all growing a band, it might as well be a good one.” He very good chance to make the record that up together and growing together, we’ve adds “although it’s all been sort of under the fought about everything imaginable, radar, we’ve been around for a while.” but we made it through everything. Communication is one of the best Robison chimes in half-heartedly “yah, as things we have. Sometimes it goes we’ve all been able to tell.” downhill, but with anything…in any relationship, we always talk about Well boys, I believe it’s safe to say, all that’s things, there’s nothing we’re really about to change. afraid to say to someone else.”

Recognizing the importance and value of friendship and X Listen to soundWAVs from VAUX @ camaraderie, Smith confesses wavmag.com “it’s definitely one of those things where I wouldn’t want to have been thrown into touring full time with a bunch of people I didn’t know that well. It’s important to be able to creatively share ideas without being

“The key to Revolution in America is getting Elvis Presley to make music with the political leanings of Che Guevara.” -- 60’s protest singer Phil Ochs

The (International) Noise Conspiracy: Pissing off all the Right people.

by James Anastos Sullos

“Oh c’mon! We didn’t come here to listen “It’s sad to see a country that has had so be something enjoyable, something sexy, to this shit!” The protests of the seemingly much counter culture and so much happen something sweaty, fascinating, amazing… irate woman behind me are quickly drowned for itself as far as 50s, 60s, 70s culture, the [like] the black power music movement of out by the roar of the capacity crowd at the civil rights movement, the movement, the 70s, the funk movement that came out Echo in Silverlake, whooping and hollering the rock movement, the punk movement, was overtly political and at the same time in the type of unbridled enthusiasm that so much protest music, and it fizzled out in it was enjoyable and danceable and I think only comes accompanied with mass alcohol some sort of bullshit crap…the 90’s that’s a good combination to have…our whole consumption. The cause of the uproar is the became the 10 years of individualism. You’re idea is to talk about politics in a sense that (International) Noise Conspiracy’s frontman, not supposed to talk about the big issues, people leave the show all sweaty thinking Dennis Lyxzen, a man more than used to you’re not supposed to talk about global ‘that fucking socialism seems awesome.’” being the center of attention. The Swedish justice, you’re supposed to talk about your singer is mouthing off again about the evils own life…grunge was definitely a part of The (International) Noise Conspiracy define of America’s capitalist system. “We are a that.” Socialism: Communist , here to spread the “To put it out really simply, [socialism] is a joys of socialism!” More screams of approval The funny thing about the (I)NC is that if you world based on human needs, not profit. It’s ensue as the (I)NC burst into the opening weren’t really paying attention to the lyrics, a world based on a proper sense of equality chords of ‘Armed Love,’ the title track off you’d never know that they were a political and democracy, which we don’t have their newest album while the lone protester band. Their music is often so poppy and today…it’s a fundamentally different mindset goes back to sipping her Vodka Cranberry. enjoyable that, save for Lyxzen’s between- from everything we have today, I would say. song rants, it’s easy to forget the fact People here are kind of lost on that whole This is not Moscow, it’s Los Angeles, CA, that they’re singing about resistance and issue. I mean, to each according to their and the majority of the teens and twenty- revolution. Unlike the vitriol of other socially needs you know? To try to live in a more just something hipsters in attendance are conscious groups like Rage Against the and equal world.” probably not entirely anti-capitalist. In fact, Machine, , or Black Flag, or the many will probably head down to the Hot spirituality of , or the wistfulness So, getting back to why America might need Topic tomorrow to buy some more “punk” of Bob Dylan, the (I)NC are here to throw a The (International) Noise Conspiracy? attire. But this doesn’t discourage the party. There’s no mistaking their child-like (International) Noise Conspiracy. They know joy as they jump about the confines of “There are many, many, many instances that the social change they are seeking to the Echo stage playing songs with such in our life where we see that democracy bring about takes time, and seven years into tongue-in-cheek titles as ‘Capitalism Stole is just sort of a mirage,” Dennis explains. their existence, the pop-punk band seems as My Virginity.’ They are serious about “Look at America. Every four years people vibrant and relevant as ever. The question their message, yet they tend not to take get to vote for two candidates that are the is, on the eve of Armed Love’s U.S. release, themselves too seriously, a rather refreshing exact same sex, the exact same age, exact is America ready for them? Lyxzen certainly change from the self-righteous inclinations same background, exact same religious seems to think so. of other politically minded artists. orientation. They support the same system -- economical, cultural, social -- and that is “America, more than any other country, “I always thought that politics is the essence supposed to be a choice. Like every fourth might need a band like us right now,” Dennis of life…[it] affects us so deeply everyday year…now we have to choose our future…. speculates several hours before the show. that it shouldn’t be a chore…politics should We live in a world that’s kind of based on a leader mentality…we elect them and then they will tell us what to do which is kind of a backwards way of thinking of democracy. And also democracy is the right for everyone to kind of express themselves and now…there are like three conglomerates that own all the media and… ordinary people don’t really ever get a formal “In times like these you place to express their ideas because everything is owned by Fox, and they kind of control what only need to say one thing people are supposed to think and how they’re wrong and you’re out of supposed to act, certain aspects of it.”

the game and I think a lot Dennis smiles, probably well aware that he’s of people, they’d rather preaching to the choir. If anyone’s going to agree with him, it’s old skool punks and a become escapists because new generation of globalized kids that have eschewed their public (i.e. government) high they don’t want to risk school textbooks for a more rounded point of losing whatever crowd they view – one that is only a few mouse-clicks away. A new generation that has watched in dismay have...” as their government has been caught lying to them while the mainstream press simply looks the other way. A new generation that shakes its head in disappointment as its elders, oblivious to the long-term damage we’ve inflicted upon our planet, continue to make excuses for our leaders. On the other hand, the older kids in the audience are the ones brought up on some of the same music as Lyxzen. Bands like the , , and that had so much to say about the state of the world in the ‘80s. So why aren’t there more bands out there today with a socially conscious agenda?

“I blame it a lot on the career mindset of America that people [think] that’s the most important factor of playing in a band -- to MAKE IT. TO SUCCEED… In times like these you only need to say one thing wrong and you’re out of the game and I think a lot of people, they’d rather become escapists because they don’t want to risk losing whatever crowd they have and they want it to appeal to as many people as possible. And I think it’s…almost an understandable reaction to the social climate we live in. It is weird to get up on stage and people are screaming at you ‘You don’t love America, get the fuck outta here!’ just because you’re voicing a different opinion than everyone else…Of course, it’d be weird if we were talking about the political issues we talk about and people were not reacting -- then we’re definitely doing something wrong…Communism as an image is not a very good image to have when you want to sell some records -- especially in America.”

Having played , several Coachellas, and the , the (I)NC have probably seen more of America than most of their fans, and just recently they’ve surpassed the latest golden benchmark of success for modern rock bands: they’ve recorded an album with uber-producer .

“In a lot of ways we have made it…we toured the world, we meet people everyday who are excited about our band, we did a record with Rick Rubin…I made it out of my working class community in the north of Sweden which I never thought I would do …as far as the commercial success we haven’t REALLY made it but we played in China, we played the Oslo Festival, we’ve done cool stuff that you know people only dream about doing.”

The (I)NC first played China back in ’99. According to Lyxzen, they were the first foreign band to ever play there, back when there was no real music scene to speak of. “It was funny because the promoter said ‘[] won’t arrest you tonight, there’s too many people here.’ I mean they could’ve arrested people and thrown them in jail...because they were organizing a , basically. We went back there this new year and it’s changed so much it’s unbelievable! How in PHOTOS: Jim Sullos tune the kids are, they know everything about the new cool bands. It’s awesome to disintegration, it has guys from Sweden playing “People that say music and see all these kids that are become something of music.” playing in bands there today a legend. At politics don’t mix, first of - to be one of the bands that the time, Lyxzen liked to As the (I)NC finish their actually inspired people to criticize fellow political set that night, the crowd all they don’t understand start playing music…that’s rockers Rage Against the erupts, screaming for more. social structures and second pretty amazing.” Machine for signing to a I get the feeling that no major label, something that one has manhandled the of all they obviously never Lyxzen himself didn’t get he has now done with the Echo stage like that in quite listen to music. Everything turned onto politics until (I)NC. Apparently, his ideas some time, and I wonder he was about 16 or 17. In about “selling out” have how many of the kids in the from Bob Dylan to the MC5 fact, he wasn’t really turned since matured. crowd are actually going to onto anything until he be influenced by the band to the punk rock movement found music. “You grow ”It’s sad that Rage Against to do something positive - even the reactions towards up alienated feeling like an The Machine was the only versus how many are just outsider. Punk rock sort of [mainstream] band of the dancing along because they it - everything has been fused gave that alienation a sense 90’s that was political. Rage like the music. My guess of purpose. It felt like ‘I am came out and talked about is more of the latter. But, by politics. I mean the fact that an outsider but I choose politics and everyone was if the (International) Noise 99 percent of bands today are to be.’ There’s some pride like ‘yeah they’re supposed Conspiracy can turn just one and there’s some strength to change the world’…the booty-shaker into a world- escapist bullshit is because of in that. And a lot of these point is that [the music] is changer it will definitely the political climate that we live bands were actually talking inspirational, it’s fuel to feed be worth it. As cheers for about why you felt like an the fire. You’re not gonna an encore surround me, I in. And the political climate outsider and what you could change the world by playing search behind me for the do about it and why the chords and singing melodies formerly irate woman, and affects bands and it affects world feels fucked up.” over them. People expected when I finally find her, sure music and art and culture too much from [RATM]. enough, she’s cheering right Dennis’ previous band, the Probably the guys in Rage along. everyday and people who , was also heavily expected too much from political, appearing on themselves too…Honestly, I don’t see that, yeah, they’re not Swedish TV as spokesmen can tell you right now, (I)NC X listen to soundWAVs very smart.” for and is not going to change the from (I)NC’s new album - Dennis Lyxzen other causes. Since its world - we’re a bunch of Armed Love @ wavmag.com subscribe to ~ now and get VAUX’s Beyond Virtue, Beyond Vice for free and be entered to win a 100% organic t-shirt from Clothing Of The American Mind or a Big Lebowski Special Edition DVD.

On DVD October 18th

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name Make check payable to Point your Web WAV Magazine. Mail this address apt. # form with full payment to: browser to wavmag.com city state WAV Magazine 3253 S. Beverly Dr. to secure a zip phone/email Los Angeles, CA 90034 subscription or send 6 ISSUES 12 ISSUES ($14.95) ($24.95) an email to [email protected]. STRIKESDANGER NEW YORK DOOM WORDS Bob Freville ART Ric Stultz “I’m a fan as much as I am There’s gridlock around every 2004’s infused Madvillian corner and the sun is sore success…he was trading lyrical a collaborator. That’s what about something. Its rays are barbs with MF Grimm…he was particularly fierce on this early Viktor Vaughn…he was MF motivates me and gets my August afternoon…90 degrees Food…and now, once again, he and rising like a gleaming calls himself MF Doom. lance about to slice through stock up.” helplessly docile flesh. Very My faithful girlfriend and humble - DJ thinly. Very subtly. Beads of servant Louise and I were sweat gathering before you supposed to meet the duo at even realize what’s happening. the Soho Grand at 1:45 pm for a bike courier, car pool of kids, and claustrophobic compared to On the sidewalks you zig-zag fifteen minute commentary on jappy training bra Harpy from the lobby and other areas of through people to consume, to their new album (their first as here to Greenwich. And they the building. In fact, with the worship at the altar that is the a team), the aptly-titled Adult all had a voracious hankering exception of the mini-bar, the bazaar. Tables of jewelry. A Swim Presents…DangerDoom. for rubbery pseudo-meat. They diminutive room actually had the million undistinguishable Asians Our instructions told us wanted flesh. The main floor appearance of a three star motel. pandering fake Chanel and to convene with the press was a feeding frenzy as was the Not seedy like the lower-rent Tiffanys. Hookahs and bongos coordinator at the bar in the second floor, the main dining ones, but nothing too glorious. A and little green elephants spilling hotel lobby, but when we got area. So we took the only two humble abode, at best. over into the streets where there nobody, not the bartender, remaining seats on the third the metal machines spit out not the patrons, and not even level and sat down to chew the The window looked out on an processed pork sticks dripping the front desk knew anything fat about Danger Doom over urban skyscape obscured by with brown water. about a press meet and greet. fries and carbonated caffeine. industrial rooftops. And sitting So we settled into a gloriously before it at a small table with Just another day in NYC. comfy floral-print couch in the “You think he’s gonna show his bushy hair underscoring his Remember what Ford Prefect spacious Lounge and marveled up in the mouse suit,” Louise slightly jittery demeanor was the said—Don’t panic. at our surroundings for a while. asked. She was referring to the man himself—DJ Danger Mouse. The gargantuan plant on a costume that DJ Danger Mouse The interview was on, finally… But the City is in peril. It is in table beside me, and the lamp donned on his official website. Danger. It is in Doom. So who will adjacent to the floor windows, MF Doom starts by filling me in come forward to bring us some reflected the overall enormity of “I hope to God he doesn’t,” I on how the pair were brought joy? the place. intoned. “I don’t think I could together for the Danger handle that.” Doom project. “Danger Mouse Two hip-hop adepts have “I feel like we’re in that board in contacted me through one of my teamed up to bring you some Super Mario where you eat the Just then she drew my attention peoples, a mutual friend of ours, funk that you haven’t heard mushroom and everything gets to a sign posted on the wall about doing a verse on a record. before…funk inspired by the all big,” Louise exclaimed. behind me. It read, “Patrons We met each other, got along Cartoon Network’s notorious Must Consume All Food within good. So we started working Adult Swim block, a group of “Funny you should say that,” I a Maximum of 30 Minutes.” on a project, but nothing was rowdy and wildly unorthodox replied. “I was just about to tell The sign itself had struck us specified.” animated programs that run you, we’re Through the fucking dumbfounded, even just the use after children are supposed Looking Glass.” of the word “consume.” But the Danger Mouse jumps in like a to be in bed. The purveyors real kicker seemed to be the caped crusader…except this of this funk are New York’s The press coordinator eventually underlying message—We have guy is noticeably reserved, own DJ Danger Mouse (whose convened with us and explained more time to eat at a cluster fuck possibly even intimidated by magnificent bout with the that MF Doom’s flight was of a fast food joint than we do the presence of journalists. His copywright police after laying cancelled and that he would to conduct a proper interview head is in his hands for most of ‘White Album’ over have to do the interview on with a couple of underground the interview and I wonder how Jay-Z’s ‘The Black Album’ landed speakerphone from . legends. much of that has to do with the him a recent co-producing stint There would be an hour wait as a fact that I am wearing a black on the second installment of the result of the situation. Fedora down over bloodshot cartoon concept-aided Gorillaz blues. “Yeah,” he says. “We album ‘,’) and the No time to waste. We get back started working together. We “James Thurber of the rap to the Grand and Damon, the knew once we met and passed game” (-Rico Cleffi, The Village We found ourselves killing time press guy, ushers us down to stuff back and forth that we Voice). He was cult hero ex- at McDonald’s off Canal Street. the end of a posh hall and leads were going to do something Bl_ck B_st_rds and KMD cohort The fast food franchise was us into…The Danger Suite, which large together. Zev Love X…he was half of packed to the brim with every actually turns out to be rather

18 www.wavmag.com wav magazine 19 “When the idea came for the Adult Swim Ghost, a whole cast of them. There were thing that was where the rest of the album some that we didn’t get a chance to fit in. Doom’s allusion to taking out of took off to where it is now.” There were so many and we only had one hip-hop and injecting it with humor definitely album. So you never know in the future…for appealed to the part of me who grew up “The album is a ,” I said. “So this album we got what we got.” on , Biz Markie and . I what is the structure with that? How do you embraced the idea of a hip-hop renaissance, tie it all together and what role do the Adult Then he added balefully, “Shake didn’t make something, anything that could give us a taste Swim characters play in it?” the record, but we tried.” of of rap where a bunch of people were just kickin’ it, having a good time, and “It kind of happened because we were really I am proud to report that all you Aqua Teen talking about all aspects of life on Planet big fans of specific shows on Adult Swim,” Hunger Force fans clutching your bongs like Earth. Danger Mouse explained. “We kind of got with they’re your dicks can loosen up those wrists the producers from the shows and we were and prepare for the best. Danger and Doom When probed about what drives them as gonna do a record that loosely had something are coming real with some Meatwad for y’all. artists, DJ Danger Mouse said, “I guess, for to do with some of the stuff here and there. “He’s on the Aqua Teen joint and he rhymes me, it’s other artists. I want to work with a But it was very much a loose thing.” the beef rap at the end.” lot of artists. I gotta get my game up so that I’m good enough. I’m a fan as much as I am a As elitist as some networks who run Which lead me to my next question: “Any collaborator. That’s what motivates me and alternative programming can sometimes be, greased up deaf guys or psychotic babies gets my stock up.” I was told by Danger that they received more with English accents on this LP?” Danger support than skepticism. Perhaps, in part, for Mouse was at a loss for words, a big question There came a time when the Inevitable had the rare chance to do some cross-promotion. mark tattooed across his grill, while MF Doom to be broached. What’s the best super power “They were really down with it. They just could only offer up unintelligible static on the one can possess? maybe wanted to play some of the music on ham. It was clear like translucent tape—these some of their shows because they were fans cats were not aware of the Griffins. Danger Mouse: Probably…uh…patience. of ours and we were fans of theirs. “So there’s no affiliation with Family Guy?” MF Doom: It would have to be mind control. “As time went on, specific things came up… I asked. “Did that come about because of a references…Doom would make references discrepancy with Seth McFarlane and his For rappers, Danger Mouse and Doom were here and there…it all happened naturally in people? Did you approach them?” incredibly affable, even passive. And modest about the last year or so. We never sat down to boot! To wit: to make music for the show or anything like Danger Mouse shook his head. “No, it wasn’t that.” necessarily that. It just didn’t really happen. It Bob Freville: You were named Eccentric of the didn’t really fit in. I think the shows we picked Year by Spin Magazine. How did that feel? Warning: DJ Pee Pants will not be appearing were a little bit more culty, a little bit more on this CD! Carry on… for people in the know. Whereas Family Guy Danger Mouse: Who, me? Oh, I thought you is pretty big.” were talking to Doom. I’m not that eccentric, “We got a lot of characters,” Danger Mouse I’m pretty normal…I think…Doom, I’m kind of continued. “Like Aqua Teen, Sea Lab, Space MF Doom stated it more frankly. “The shit normal, right?” that I like, that’s what I put in the rhymes.” I shook hands with the fidgety DJ Danger and sprinted out of the room. As Louise and A lot of the hip-hop I made our way down the corridor, a pimply adolescent boy rushed past us dripping with nowadays, a lot of the perspiration and enthusiasm, his notebook rhymes that you hear, held high. Like a moth to a flame or a mouse it’s just typical, you to cheese, the Youth of America stormed the can almost predict suite we had just been in. what it’s about. We “Wow! I thought I was gonna seem young to wanted this to be them,” I said. “But fucked if a pubeless junior the total antithesis high kid didn’t just enter the suite to get the of that. A lot of cats scoop. I guess he’s one of those fanzine kids.” talk about shooting. If you got the rhymes “Just think,” Louise said. “If they [Danger & Doom] were alarmed before, imagine how and the beats and much they’re missing us right now.” the music, then it doesn’t matter what And so it was that we left the Big Apple in the topic you talk about. capable hands of rap’s finest anti-heroes and So let’s kick the most Danger Mouse left us with these final words. “I would have never thought that it would be retardedest one you this way last year so who knows what it will can think about. Let’s be like this time next year…I’ll be surprised.” make a song that’s phat and still do that. I consciously took the X Listen to soundWAVs from DangerDoom @ violence, the violent wavmag.com aspect, out of the joint. —MF DOOM by SAUCEYSACK

If you haven’t heard of, or more importantly seen the Suicide Girls yet, SUICIDE GIRLS get a grip on your manhandle and prepare to revel in your sorely neglected carnal nature. As Missy Suicide, founder and premiere photographer for SG explains, they are “the punk rock, pierced, feared, goth, glam, hip-hop girls that wouldn’t be featured in mainstream media”, she need not mention they’re hot as hell. They’re also continuing to branch out Exposed from their enormous online community (“We have girls now on every continent, including Antarctica”) to bring their bevy of beauties to your attention with a slew of taboo treats including “Suicide Girls Radio”, a relationship advice show on Indie 103.1 FM in Los Angeles, a CD compilation of Goth Club hits to shake their pasties to entitled The Suicide Girls - Black Heart Retrospective, and a new touring Burlesque Act in support of their recently released DVD, Suicide Girls: The First Tour. That’s a lot of hype and hoopla for some tough chicks who take off their clothes for strangers, but being the spirited good Samaritans we are at WAV Magazine, we’ve decided to take it a step further and delve into the minds and MO of some of Suicide Girls more popular personnel. Leave your pinup girl assumptions at the end of this paragraph and prepare to be pleasantly aroused. ‹ // suicide girls

BEE HOW’S THE SUICIDE GIRL TALK SHOW @ INDIE CURRENT HOME: City of Angels 103.1 FM GOING? OCCUPATION: Jellyfish I love the radio! Missy and I do the show each week together, we love to give advice to HAS ANYONE EVER FULFILLED YOUR SUICIDE people and help them feel a connection. We did GIRL “WISHLIST”? a Katrina fundraiser a couple weeks back and I A member once found a jellyfish toy at his sold a date with myself for $2000 dats - cool. work that he wanted to buy for me, I told him I I am just happy some one fronted $2G to help would accept it under one circumstance...if he out. stole it. He did. OR PEACHES? IS YOUR ONLINE CORRESPONDENCE WITH ... both, in bed with me. FANS ALWAYS FULL OF SEXUAL INNUENDOS? Na, it’s always about music, fashion, hair and CURRENT LISTENING PLEASURE? relationship advice. If a member tries to email , Extraordinary Machine. me with sexual stuff I never respond. That is not why I am here. FAVORITE ALL-TIME PINUP GIRL? Ru Paul!

AL stereotype, or be degrading and CURRENT HOME: North Carolina disrespectful - and the woman that do OCCUPATION: Mathematician in it have not been brainwashed by the waiting, tech support. patriarchy that it’s to please just men.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A YOUR IDEAL BODY TYPE FOR A SUICIDE GIRL? WOMAN? I discovered the site when I was looking Tall girls with long legs, big boobs, for porno that wasn’t just girls who small waist. However, woman come in looked good, I wanted smart girls who all shapes and sizes, I think diversity is did other stuff too. SG was like nothing beautiful, they’re all wonderful. I’d ever seen before so I decided the best way to help was to become one. WEED OR ALCOHOL? I’m hoping that my participation will Irish Whiskey please. help get rid of a lot of bad stigma surrounding pornography and educate people that it doesn’t have to display woman who fit a specific beauty

TWWLY I’ve sustained myself completely from SG. I CURRENT HOME: Ontario, Canada started my own business after meeting girls OCCUPATION: SG Photographer. Freelance through SG.com as a graphic and portfolio graphic designer. Puppy wrangler. designer, if anything the photo sets are kinda secondary. I think SG is feminism in action, I THE CRAZIEST THING ANYBODY HAS ASKED think that’s cultural revolution, and I think that’s YOU? cool. I’m missing my ring finger on one hand, and an SG member asked me if he could have ANY DESIRE TO JOIN THE BURLESQUE SHOW? someone trace my hand onto his thigh so he No. I’m not interested in sucking rock stars could get a tattoo of it cuz he thought it was dicks. I’m very solitary and I live in a 12 person interesting and artful... I still have the end of town, I just got done doing construction demo that finger. outside.

WHAT’S BEEN MOST REWARDING ABOUT FAVORITE ALL-TIME PINUP GIRL? BEING AN SG PINUP? Marilyn Monroe (sigh).

22 www.wavmag.com suicide girls \\

SAWA Maybeline beauties - and they’re ALL beautiful, ATMOSPHERE OR ROB ZOMBIE? OCCUPATION: Camera Girl confident and powerful. Suicide Girls is Atmosphere. CURRENT HOME: La-La Land, Hollyweird something I do for a creative outlet and for fun. OR THE MOVIES? I SAW THAT YOU SING IN A Both. BAND CALLED WATCH ME BURN. ANY PERKS FROM SUICIDE GIRL MODELING? We’ve been together for 5 years, it’s a lot of It’s lead to some great opportunities, for SEX WITH STRANGERS, SEX IN STRANGE fun. We play all over, from crappy dives to nice example I went on an SG trip to Italy and PLACES, OR SEX WITH STRANGE FRIENDS? venues like The Knitting Factory. I’m usually brought along my 16MM and digi-cam and Sex in strange places. kinda shy and sweet in-person so when people shot footage of 5 European girls, it was a see me growling and eyes rolling back in my once in a lifetime opportunity I’ll never forget head it’s an interesting reaction. - just hanging with like-minded girls shooting i YOU CAN TALK AND VIEW ALL THESE beautiful things all day. Since I already do GIRLS AND 1,000 MORE BY JOINING THE WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO BECOME A camera assistant work in the biz, I do see a SUICIDE GIRL PHENOMENON @ SUICIDE GIRL? future in that stuff. SUICIDEGIRLS.COM I loved how the girls weren’t mainstream

wav magazine 23 // wavform PHOTO: Kevin Westenberg

Climbing the by James Anastos Sullos Nine Black Alps

“The whole fucking thing was just heroes, and they stress the importance of we put a night on, do you want to play it?’ and gross. ‘Everyone get shit-faced drunk and have keeping everything simple especially in the we were like ‘uhhh….’. We never really thought a party because there are people starving in studio where they recorded their first album about it, we just got rushed into it and it just Africa.’ I can’t see the correlation there. You’re with Rob Schnapf, who has recorded , the happened…I’m glad we did it that way because so far removed.” Uh-oh. Looks like we’ve gone , and Elliot Smith among others. I think we were just being a bit artsy by not and touched a nerve here. Sam Forrest, the wanting to play a gig.” otherwise jovial frontman for ’s David maintains that songs written in the Nine Black Alps, all of a sudden has a bone studio are “the worst songs in the world” and “Yeah we probably never would’ve played a gig to pick. Guitarist David Jones is a bit more boasts that most of the parts to their songs otherwise, cowering in our own little private diplomatic about it. “I prefer they just give haven’t changed since their very first gig. space,” adds Sam, brushing the greasy blond some money, donate something. You don’t “We’re not involving keyboards or anything hair from his face. Good thing they did. They have to spout off about it.” are now fairly well known around the U.K. having supported the 22-20s, , the This sudden outburst is uncharacteristic of “We didn’t want to start Secret Machines and . the young musicians. Up until this point the gigging for another four or duo has mostly been speaking of bands that “We’ve just been starting to get crowd surfers they think are much better than them, recent five months cause we just and stuff like that,” says David with obvious nightmare gigs (“pretty much every other enthusiasm. “It’s not just one person anymore one”), and the occasional lackluster audience didn’t think we were ready.” who goes up and then immediately BOOM response. To hear them talk, you’d think they - David Jones what happened? There’s enough to actually were just like any other struggling young rock surf a crowd now, so that’s good.” band, rather than the group recently dubbed like that,” drawls Sam in his thick cockneyed “the most likely to save rock and roll forever.” accent, emphasizing their desire to keep it In some cases, there’s more than enough, such (Hey guys, no fucking pressure or anything). no-frills, balls out rock and roll. No back-up as their recent gig in Japan opening a festival But in fact, the only thing more incredible than singers and bloated Vegas style show a la Axl that included the likes of and the almost immediate praise Nine Black Alps Rose? “Not yet,” he laughs. “But give me the . Says Sam with a grin, “I was have gotten is their unwillingness to buy into chance. I’ll soon be wearing the white cycling doing data input before, typing numbers all any of it. “We’ll see how long it lasts,” cautions shorts and a kilt!” day for five pounds an hour so it was a bit Sam as he takes another drag off his cigarette, weird to be playing in front of 12000 Japanese sounding like an old road warrior. The early success of Nine Black Alps is the people a year later. It was highly strange -- it stuff of bad made-for-TV-movies – it just was cool though.” One can only imagine where Unlike other Brit-Rockers prancing about on doesn’t happen in real life, but alas, it did. A they’ll be a year from now. a stage near you, Nine Black Alps play gritty mere three shows into their existence, they hard rock with a pop edge that echoes that started getting calls from “the machine,” as not-so-long-ago era of Flannel and Angst. they call it. Nine shows later they were signed. And like their Seattle forebears, they are And it all started long before any of them had i The Nine Black Alps EP is out now on Tiny rather reluctant to embrace the spotlight. wanted it to. “We didn’t want to start gigging Evil Records, while their full-length debut, But, up on stage they attack their songs with for another four or five months cause we Everything Is, will be available in the U.S this a refreshing youthful ferocity borne more out just didn’t think we were ready,” explains Fall. of excitement than expectation. They cite Neil David. “And then this band called Loose Young, , Elliot Smith Cannon…heard us through the walls [of our X To climb the Alps yourself, check out some and Guns N’ Roses as some of their musical practice room] and went ‘oh that’s really good, soundWAVs at www.wavmag.com

24 www.wavmag.com ASKSTEEZO

why wasn’t i born rich? the genie. (your second wish - eric natal, los angeles, ca should include a kajillion dollars for me). because you are either black or latino or from the peasant what are you talking population of southeast asia. about? if you are neither of those - jeremiah zazueta, los it’s cuz your parents didn’t angeles, ca hear your whine before your birth about wanting to be rich. you make it difficult to fate’s a bitch. answer your question because you are very vague why do we drive on a and i guess intentionally parkway and park on a avoiding the topic you would +#273/5.$3%#,%#4)#/ driveway? like to address. therefore, i %XCLUSIVEPERFORMANCESBY - jane doe, hollywood, ca must assess from where your 4HIEVERY#ORPORATION "RAZILIAN'IRLS +INKY 0LASTILINA-OSH question could possibly arise ,OS!MIGOS)NVISIBLES #AFE4ACUBA /ZOMATLI *ULIETA6ENEGASANDMORE speak for yourself jane. i from and assume that you do the opposite because i mean something having to do oppose the laws set up by the with what i am talking about. man to make us think we are well, i’m talking about good clever for the finite nature vibrations. good, good, good... of language that restricts good vibrations. its ultimate insight by overlapping words that have are you really who you several different connotations say you are? inducing an irony so pure to - jilly hammer, los angeles, ca those who find humor in a paradox. but anyway, isn’t it no. I am who you say I am. and funny how ‘dick’ is a dude’s I hope you say that I am Well name? Hung, Jilly.

What do I need to be doing to make things better? õ Email - kim putman, los angeles, ca [email protected] with all of life’s questions. first you have to find a lamp, a very old one and rub it real !$EFINITIVE#OLLECTIONOF,IVE,ATIN%LECTRONIC!RTIST hard until the genie pops 0ERFORMANCESFROM!MERICAS)NFLUENTIAL0UBLIC2ADIO3HOW out. upon his grand entrance +#27Sh-ORNING"ECOMES%CLECTICv the genie will grant you three wishes. first wish for 0RODUCEDBY.IC(ARCOURT ). !RTWORKBY"ECK a kajillion dollars and use 34/2%3 the next two very wisely for WWWMYSPACECOMSOUNDSECLECTICO they will expire the week ./7 after your encounter with WWWNACIONALRECORDSCOM // wavform

“If I’m a bit shook and it’s a Sunday morning and the kettle’s on and Johnny (Hathaway) and Roberta (Flack) are doing it, i’ll be wiping away a tear.” - Charlie Tate

COLOSSUSBy Simonita “Hip-hop is dead,” the The U.K., Colossus frontman Charlie How does the sound of Big by an outfit.” Fucker blasphemed. Tate toured the world with Big Cheese All-Stars or King Kooba Cheese All-Stars and then went differ from Colossus? Are you going to continue Driving down Lombard one on to collaborate on King Kooba “In some respects it’s not a making music under King night, my friend and I argued with DJ Shuff. King Kooba’s million miles away from where Kooba? back & forth about the future third record, “Nufound Funk,” Colossus is. It’s almost come “King Kooba kind of came to of the most recent creation in caught the ear of full circle. I started out with an end for me creatively. I just music. based Om records and Tate all those influences that still wanted to do something else. was immediately signed inspire me now, the kind of I’m still doing King Kooba, but at “Remember at 2002’s thereafter. Finding himself in linear ends of funk like Roy the moment I feel Colossus is Audiotistic, when Andre Benz Oakland, essentially within the Ayers and even Parliament, what I want to do creatively and said ‘fuck Hip-Hop, lets get on core of the Bay Area jazz and or the jazzier, groovier stuff artistically.” to the next shit,’” The Fucker hip-hop scene, Tate took up like Johnny Hammond. Johnny ranted on. residence at a weekly lounge Hathaway and Roberta Flack Did Slow Gin come before spot called Slow Gin. Out of the just kill me...they just cut me in Colossus or did Colossus come At that point I screeched to a heart of Oakland, Colossus was half. If I’m a bit shook and it’s a before Slow Gin? halt and shoved my friend out born. Sunday morning or something “I think the seed that is of the passenger side door. and the kettle’s on and Johnny Colossus had been in place. I’d Watching his flailing frame I listened to Colossus over and and Roberta are doing it I’ll be been hanging out in Oakland grow smaller in the rear-view over again becoming more wiping away a tear.” and I thought it’s got such an mirror, I wondered...has hip- enchanted with the idea that amazing history particularly hop reached its demise? the new indie sound infiltrating We laugh. We drink. for musicians, MCs, & Hip Hop. hip-hop will ultimately be what Gunnar, Oms press agent, & I Hell NO! I’ll prove it. Folks, let saves it. Colossus has come What did you do different in the were hanging out drinking in me introduce...Colossus. Disc out of the proverbial wood- production of Colossus? this bar & we thought, hey, we 1 of Colossus’ West Oaktown work with talented U.K. artists “I think I’d always really sampled could have a little night down double-disc transports you such as M.I.A, The Streets, and heavy and really sampled bass here and play the music that we straight outta your dirty little Dizzee Rascal...spawning an as far as where it came from... really like as opposed to playing apartment into the blue hazy indie trend that may be integral sampled the initial idea. So in for other people. I suppose I’m jazz clubs of New York Cit-ay. in elevating Hip-Hop out of its the past I always found there selfish like that,” he chuckles Disc Two, for the hip-hop glitzy-glamour-Paris-Hilton- was the situation when you between sips of beer. heads, rounds out this soon- is-in-my-Benz slump. I met up wanted to take these things to-be-released classic with with Tate in one of those down- live you really relied heavily on We laugh. We drink more. funky upbeat of the the-alley bars in the Soma, samples and trying to replicate tracks presented on Disc One. pleasantly surprised to discover them and you’re very very “Some DJs, people are happy The album features Oakland that the jazz behind the stuck in that kind of sound. You listening to . I dig it, based performers such as tough sound of Colossus was a can’t take it anywhere. So with I get it and its there for dancing, Capitol A, Azeem, Regi B, and fucking jolly chap who enjoys Colossus I really thought that but if I’m sitting in a bar I’d Delphi along with London’s delicious wheat beers. Many I’m going to write this record sooner listen to Charlie Parker own Hilton Smythe, a.k.a. Roots delicious wheat beers. with the whole pretense that it in the start of the evening and Manuva. Originally from the could be genuinely be replayed any kind of hip-hop towards

26 www.wavmag.com the end...have that transition with it. Like the pirating issue without fucking going into - I’m afraid it’s an inescapable house music.” evil, but ultimately what’s happening with the technology What do you see in Hip-Hop - downloading and such - it’s right now that strikes you the just a format change much the most? way CDs replaced the majority “Old school underground hip- of music on vinyl. We’re in the hop like Tribe Called Quest & same place, it’s just another such, or contemporaries like format & that’s all it is.” , Digable Planets, Funkdoobiest...the more Do you think all music serves a organic sound. I actually started purpose or should we take, say to produce the Colossus album Nelly, out to the back of the club like that and at some point or and shoot him? another decided that it needs “Mainstream hip-hop has to be live, so I got into writing undoubtedly lost its way. It’s all the grooves from scratch. I just a formula now. It’s all thought that was a much more about rims, it’s all about girls. genuine way of doing it. That’s Nobody’s saying anything and where a lot of the MCs came the beats aren’t even that from in the first place - from interesting. But, I don’t think the Slow Gin. We’d play for 4 hours, artists are to blame. I think it’s start up with Latin & jazz and the industry and the way that then there’d be funk and then hip-hop, generally mainstream, by the end of the evening has decided that’s the way there would be hip-hop and it’s going to be. There’s huge instrumental breaks. The next budgets that go into making thing you know people would be these stupid fucking short saying ‘gimme the mic‚‘ and that videos and it’s generally non- was it. That’s how it started.” interesting music. And they flood the airways with it! I see “Simone, would you like another it a lot more here in the US with drink? I‚m really thirsty. Gunnar the way the TV networks that will get us a drink.” are controlled by these huge conglomerates like Viacom We drink. We laugh. and Clear Channel. The people that don’t really know much Do you think the U.K. has beyond hip-hop or have the developed a definitive sound opportunity to really dig for it in the area of Hip-Hop or has constantly get Nelly or G-Unit this style been there for years stuffed down their throats - without being revealed until that’s the nature of mass media. now? Unfortunately it’s become a “I think a lot of artists in the UK massive monopoly. At least for have been feeling they’ve been the UK and a lot of the European under the shadow of the hip- networks they are still giving hop heritage which has been a general consensus view of very American and it’s been in music.” existence in the UK for a long time, but I think now they’ve After a couple more rounds gotten to a point where they’re of Dirty Martinis and delicious developing their own style. I wheat beers, Charlie Tate runs think it’s just come of age. It’s off to try out a new drummer kind of got its own place. It’s not for the future live version of trying to replicate the sounds Colossus. As I stumble out being created by American of John Collins Bar, I feel producers anymore. The artists redeemed in my quest to prove aren’t doing things like affecting to the world that an American drawl and the like.” *hiccup* Hip- hop is ALIVE! Do you see any negative aspects *hiccup* in the way music is being Or, maybe I’m just drunk. produced now? Do you think *hiccup* way too much music is being produced? “I kind of always held that opinion, but I also think it’s a X Listen to soundWAVs from by-product of technology, it’s Colossus @ wavmag.com evil-ution, if you know what I mean, it’s just the way it is, don’t be sore about it just get on

JUST THAT DO by Arielle Kilroy

There’s a lot of crap on the radio. While I may bear a lot of it for its momentary amusement, few of the bands that have made it mainstream are worth becoming part of my permanent collection. However, there is one band that has recently earned this status. With their song “We ” granted serious rotation on mainstream stations (I even heard it at my gym the other day), Rise Against has rightfully, successfully, and most importantly, honorably, landed the jump from indie to major. As any de- voted follower of an ever changing and sometimes mythical underground music scene can tell you, this leap is always a dangerous one, especially for bands with blatant political and social agendas.

Rise Against were in that age-old catch-22 of having a Major Label Deal on the table, singing the sirens song of fame and fortune at the cost of relinquishing artistic control and flexibility. This, understandably, left many fans concerned when Rise Against left Fat Wreck for Dreamworks/ , worried that their punk values might get left behind in the move. In addition, this year the band parlayed their rockstar dayjobs into moviestar cameos by playing an old skool Cali-punk band in the skateboard- On a recent leg of ing movie Lords Of Dogtown. Could this be the beginning of the end for their current tour Rise Against as we know them? Well, punks, breathe a sigh of relief, because the band had to after meeting the guys at LA’s fabulous drive from Phoenix Wiltern one late July evening, I can confidently say it doesn’t matter, indie to Las Vegas with or major, no one was going to stop them.

the heater on When I’m finally able to catch up with because their van lead singer/unofficial spokesman Tim Mcllrath, I tell him I just wanted to shoot was overheating, the shit, not ask a bunch of questions that are already answered on their it was 122 degrees website. Before I can go any further, that day. Tim launches into this story about how guitarist “Chris (Chasse) got locked in a porta-potty in Orlando on the Warped Tour. We were working the merch tent. He left to go to the bathroom, and I guess somebody from the crew thought a kid snuck back there and zip-tied the door shut. He was trying to call my cell phone but it’s so loud there I couldn’t hear it. He finally comes back to the tent like 10 minutes later, a ball of sweat.”

Apparently, it is not uncommon for these boys to slap reading materials out of each other’s hands, choke people with seat belts, or knock each others hats off. One time on a plane, Wildcard (the band’s guitar tech), grabbed a magazine out of Tim’s hand and took it to his seat. When Tim finally got it back he found every page folded in such a fashion that when he finally got them all unfolded, he couldn’t even read it. Wildcard’s response? “I was marking pages I thought he’d want to read!” Later that flight, a little girl threw up on his shoe.

On a recent leg of their current tour the band had to drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas with the heater on because their van was overheating, it was 122 degrees that day. To add fuel to the (literal) fire, winning proved to be a nonexistent part of Chris’ casino weekend. Ahhh..the luxurious “I think a successful transition to mainstream is something where you don’t just bring along the music and the image, you bring along the message behind it.” - Tim McIlroth, RISE AGAINST PHOTO: Arielle Kilroy

life of rockstars on the road. , and The Story been made more commercial in Comparatively, their day off in Of The Year. Most punk rock kids the last 5 years…but I think that I started to tell Tim about how I Los Angeles allowed them to cool know that playing Europe is much will eventually fade. I think to get upset when a band down and ground themselves as different then playing the States. real punk scene is out there you I had been listening to for years well as you can in LA. Because the Overseas, people tend to find a just have to dig a little deeper would show up in band is from , they only band they like and then stick with to find it.” So what about the or on MTV (yes, there was a day get to meet with their booking them for years. They’re more mainstream acceptance of punk when they played music videos). agent and label once, maybe loyal to bands than Americans. In and it’s off-shoots? “I think its cool As a much younger kid in the twice, a year. So if it’s business America, “We are so inundated that people are introduced to this already fairly large scene that in LA, does that make it play in with bands,” Tim explains. “This culture who didn’t have access to had grown out of 70s punk rock, Chicago? A little yeah. is the next big thing, now this it. I think a successful transition to I felt like my culture was being is the next big thing, no forget mainstream is something where stolen and packaged to sell to the While the venues have changed, that one because this is now the you don’t just bring along the masses. It has only been in the last the band still loves to perform in next big thing.” For veterans like music and the image, you bring few years that I realized that my their stomping grounds. Rise Against, this means tour along the message behind it. friends are playing music and they Although all the members are cur- and travel with many of these When you can bring along all that, love it and if they can make money rently living (when not in the van) youngsters, which proves to be and your showing that to kids, doing it, then why not? Even if it’s in Chicago, drummer Brandon “either extremely inspiring to be not just mohawks and guitars and barely living wages, which it is, Barnes is originally from Denver around their youthful energy - you screaming, when you can bring all at least it’s better than working and Chris from Boston. “You’re kind of forget about it because those ideals to what your doing, at Kinko’s. Tim laughed and said, gone more than you’re there,” Tim you get so jaded…you sort of see that’s a success ‘cause then your “You know what? We’ll probably all says of home. “It’s hard to keep yourself when you were like that, putting all those ideals into a lot of be working at Kinko’s one day but up your relationship with your but at the same time, it can get people’s radios and TVs and I think at least we’ve had a little exten- friends because you’re just totally annoying. They are so ecstatic that’s awesome. It’s the bands that sion on our adolescence, even if it absent from their lives. You sort about everything, and you’re like, ditch that, almost as a way to lose just gives you a break from what of trade that for life on the road. chill out we have 30 more days the dead weight. Like I’ll make it to may or may not be the inevitable. I We have friends in LA, we have left on this tour.” the top faster. As in “If we choose mean I don’t think we’re gonna be friends in San Francisco, we have a side we’re gonna rule out half , so obviously friends everywhere, so it’s like we Since we were sort of on the our fans.” Well then your not punk this is just one chapter of many get to hang out every night but it’s subject anyway, I had to ask Tim rock, your Poison or Motley Crue in our livesj…the fact that we are not the same as a stable con- how he felt about these “new to or one of those bands and that’s lucky enough to be able to do this sistency. You wish you could go the scene kids” making it right fine, be that band, but don’t try to right now is totally rad.” bowling with your friends every away with their first bands. “Well pretend that your something your Tuesday night but you can’t.” those bands seem to attract not because, hell, I’ve got Motley Wow, he said ‘rad.’ That is so punk the wrong kind of people to the Crue records too you know what rock! After this tour ends in September, scene. Like these 19 year-old kids I mean? But I would never have Rise Against heads for Australia sold 100,000 records on their bought a Motley Crue record if and then to Europe with the debut release so I can do it too. they were trying to say they were Taste of Chaos tour alongside People try to join the scene just punk rock. Just be honest about i riseagainst.com The Used, , to cash in…punk has obviously what your doing.”

steve lawler “...The kind of venue that I Ibiza, to Home, Cream, and Nights at to make music now is all on my computer. the End in London, and all the way through I’ve written more tracks now than I’ve ever thrive off, the kind of venue his “Lights Out” tours across the Americas, done. I can write it up, burn it up, and play that excites me, the kind Africa, Asia, and Australia. it that night. The (Pioneer) CDJ-1000 is the best thing the industry has seen since of venue where the music “People just want to dance man. You should the Technics deck. You can manipulate and that I play is supposed to just come in and dance and get lost in the on the fly, it’s amazing. But the one music. It’s not about standing around trying thing about digital sound is, it’s really easy be received...is the very old to show off your Armani T-shirt, that’s not to lose its soul. I don’t know what it is about school dirty warehouse, what I got involved in it for. It’s always been that analog sound, but it has a ring to it that deep down and dirty let’s get into the music.” digital just cannot create.” raw bricks, very simple lighting, and a big fat sound Coming from a guy whose first record Although “I only use CDs now - I lost my was a Depeche Mode LP, it was clear from records once more in Ibiza last year and system...” an early age what direction his psyche that was it for me - I still collect vinyl, I can’t was headed. “When I was in school, all my let go of that. I mean, vinyl...it looks good, “That’s the kind of venue I feel most mates were collecting action men and toys, it smells good, it feels good. I’ve collected comfortable in. I feel I can actually create an and I was going out and spending all my records since I was 10 years old, so for me, I amazing atmosphere in a room like that. But money on records, so I was kind of viewed can’t stop. What I do is burn them to CD, then those kinds of clubs are frequently being as the ‘different’ kid.” And as a young file away the vinyl. Then I have a vinyl copy, a knocked down in favor of these sort of super impressionable child, that may have proved digital copy on a hard-drive, and the CD with posh VIP clubs...that’s just not where I feel a bit difficult to deal with, but adolescence me, so I’m covered. It’s a bit excessive but... my music belongs.” aside, he’s still the ‘different’ kid...he’s the you know.” one that’s rockin’ the house for tens of Then he must spend much of his life feeling thousands of other kids around the world. With the third and final installment of his very uncomfortable considering the amount “Lights Out” series now on shelves, Lawler of time this man spends in VIP rooms across This is all in addition to his various original is already looking ahead and across the the globe. In the dance music scene, he has productions, remixes, and running three horizon. “When I first started the Lights Out proven himself an international superstar, of his own labels, Harlem Records, Harlem series, I only planned on doing 3. I want to traveling from country to country, club to Trax, and Harlem Electric, managing to keep stick to that, I want to see it through. But it’s club, infecting the human population with himself quite busy in a passion that seems become such a big brand, it’d be a shame not his “deep, dirty, sexy, driving house music.” to evolve with the methods. “Music goes full to let the up and comers, new talent, gain off The VIP thing? Just an unrequested perk of circle, but the main difference now is that it. I was thinking, maybe I should continue the job. music is digital as opposed to analog, which the Lights Out series but for the up-and- is a huge difference in the sound.” comers, the new guys. It’ll give them a huge “My main purpose as a DJ is not just to play help to get their music out there.” records, my main purpose is to create a Has he had trouble embracing that? “Well, vibe on the dancefloor.” And that vibe has it has its advantages and disadvantages. i been contagious enough to spawn almost The advantage is that it gives you more For more Lawler, visit 2 decades of residencies and tours facing freedom. You can make music on the fly. I DJSteveLawler.com every major dancefloor known to man, from travel by laptop and most of the stuff I use legendary Pacha, Space, and Mambo’s in

32 www.wavmag.com wavform \\

Out with the O.H.M, in with the new: “ T h i s i s d r i v i n g, O p u s DB y M a ä r l i n G e o i r g e m e l o d i c , Dig this: the mysterious and ashes of O.H.M. and much of the Blind Music. They went with the e c l e c t i c , somewhat cryptic name Opus Däi material was developed during label because “it’s intimate and translates in Latin to “movement O.H.M. sessions, so when they people there are genuinely into the e x o t i c of God.” Though they wouldn’t decided to change the name, they music. Things move more quickly consider themselves a religious already had almost a whole new and with a freedom that other m u s i c . . . b o t h band, if you look out into the set to work with. As far as why the labels may have bogged down audience at their faithful fans, beautiful and charismatic Mahina with politics. When we signed we s o o t h i n g a n d you‘d see a multi-cultural crowd of Yuki Terauchi (Vocals & Percussion had already finished recording those seeking aural enlightenment for O.H.M.) did not continue on with half of the LP and we really liked explosive.” through hearing what they’ve been Opus Däi: ”It was a mutual decision the idea of working with Double is Double Blind’s {un}known Vol.2 hungering for. Originality. that felt right for us all… We are Blind because they shared the Comp CD, which will hit stores In still close friends and support each same vision we had for the music Oct as well. Along with some other WAV recently caught up to Opus other 100%.” and where it could go. Also the great bands, it features a rare mix Däi at Hollywood’s legendary fact that it wasn’t a huge pyramid of “Nightingale” that didn’t make Whiskey to watch the Phoenix rise. What’s extraordinary to of corporate execs making the LP.” consider is that as O.H.M, the decisions for us was something we I received my first “Opus Däi“ band independently published, welcomed.” As for the future, “I think we like when I saw them in San Diego manufactured, and produced to challenge our selves to grow as O.H.M. in 2002, an event themselves, including their In addition to the now available and try new things. We have been that compelled me to relocate incredible enhanced CD Wide Open first release from Double Blind focusing on writing and recording closer to Los Angeles where Sky. When asked about the secret Music, {un}known Vol. 1, make for sometime now, so the most this music originates. Their to their longevity, Jagger offers sure to mark your calendars for immediate vision is to get the music is sometimes powerful up, “I guess we are just passionate “a special limited print, LIVE EP music out there. Following the and aggressive, graceful, and about what we do. We get excited recorded at the Roxy that will be release of the recordings we plan intelligent. It feels familiar because about making music and it keeps available online in November as to tour as much as possible. But we it seems to come from and all- us going…” Going almost ‘big time.’ well as iTunes and various other are always writing and throwing encompassing ageless culture “Well, (MTV2’s) AMP sponsored a sites for download Oct 24th. It around ideas. At a live show there in which all of the members, college radio promotion for O.H.M., was a very spontaneous thing. is a good chance you will hear a Chris-Paul Basso (vocals), Atsushi which lead to this video contest We realized that the LP wouldn’t new song or two slipped into the Miyamoto (guitar), Jagger that we won. We competed against be ready to release till ’06, so we set from time to time.” Gonzalez (drums), and David Alva other bands like Taking Back booked a show, recorded it live, (bass), display their ethnical/ Sunday and the Starting Line, got and a week later we sent off the cultural roots. “It’s probably my to work with an amazing Director masters. We were really excited i For more information, check favorite part of living in LA and Tony Petrossian, and it got us to do something raw and live after opusdai.com playing out in this town… I couldn’t some exposure on MTV (with out recording in the studio for so long. imagine it any other way… and I’m even being signed to a label or It felt good to strip everything X Listen to soundWAVs from Opus sure this feeds the music. We all having an album in stores).” back to its live essence. The EP is Dai @ wavmag.com are from different backgrounds titled Actum Procul and will only and living in LA, that’s really quite On March 17, 2005 the newly be available at our shows or thru (**Dedicated to Jeff Mundy who the norm.” formed Opus Dai announced that retailers online. But in Jan 06 bought me an O.H.M. CD at a show they found a home on System the full length LP will hit stores after I ran out of loot!) Opus Dai basically rose out of the Recordings’ new label – Double everywhere. Also on the horizon

wav magazine 33 “All these cheesy rats running for cheddar…when they get it does it make it better?...”

Let the words above from the song “Better,” serve as an introduction to Long Beach native LMNO. The song is from his new album P’s & Q’s that just dropped on Up Above Records.

LMNO is the hip-hop messenger born as James Kelly. LMNO stands for Leave My Name Out. He doesn’t want the credit, he just wants to spread the word. He’s one of the most honest, positive lyricists in all of hip-hop. LMNO is an emissary, on a mission to represent or advance the interests of others…in this case, us. In person he is a quiet, humble guy, but when a microphone is placed in his hands…fuggedabadit. He spits with courage and great conviction about what’s really .

LMNO has a knack for writing uplifting anthems, like 2001’s “Grin & Bear It,” and his latest album, P’s & Q’s provides him the platform to do it over and over again, 17 times. The production team of LD, Polyhedron, Key Kool, DJ Khalil, J Thrill, and Life Rexall, provide a soulfully satisfying sound-scape for LMNO to get ballistic. LD shares, “We only met 6 months ago and before you know it LMNO was over everyday at 9AM with a cup of coffee ready to work. I’ve learned a lot of about life from him…especially discipline.” He’s joined by guests 2Mex, Key Kool, Self Lion, Supernatu- ral, Ariano, and Chali2NA. LMNO expresses, “Working with cats like SuperNatural and Chali2NA was an emcee dream come true.”

After so many years of perfecting his craft, LMNO’s voice is firing on all cylinders. He’s been doing his thing for a good minute. He’s made joint after joint with folks like Beat Junkie Sound, , OHNO, J Rocc, Mums the Word, and even a slept-on banger with Madlib called “Headlock’d.” LMNO’s paid his dues.

Marcus Gray of Jointz Magazine writes, “LMNO is one of the only artists with the courage and sincere strength to spit what supports him thoroughly. And angels do bite. In fact LMNO proves that in these times love has no choice but to bite in order to get our attention. If intention is the soul of all gestures then this album is a love like a womb giving life, light, truth, freedom and death. LMNO has set a heart of gold on wax.”

LMNO is a Caucasian kid from Long Beach, where Iowa meets Cambodia and “Cadillacs have surf racks.” Growing up near Signal Hill and Bixby Knolls exposed LMNO to all walks of life, and he’s always walked amongst them all. He is truly a product of his hometown, bringing all of Long Beach together in his persona. He combines everything that is Strong Beach: he’s highly skilled in surfing, skating, and soccer. “I’ve always thought skating is the unan- nounced culture of hip-hop,” he shares.

At the same time he’s a b-boy that’s been writing rhymes since elementary school and grade school, the very days he would roll east down PCH with his mom to VIP Records, “when the sign had a white dude with the record. She used to buy soul records. My mom taught me about music early.” LMNO was also highly skilled in writing. His song “Aerosol Migrants,” celebrates the many brilliant artists from crews like KBH & NASA that he grew up with.

LMNO met Key Kool, founder of the Visionaries, in 1989 when they were both drafted by Ice-T to be members of a hip-hop group called United Nations. Though the group RE-WRITING THE ALPHABET by MikeThePoet fizzled, the two remained friends and col- New York with Sinatra, communicating their great sense of humor in a subtle sort of way. laborators through the early ‘90s. The locale’s essence for the world to taste, hear, You hear it in songs like “G.O.D.,” a message Visionaries legacy began in 1995 with Key Kool smell, see and feel. His song “1888” gives an A to his critics that he doesn’t take himself too & DJ Rhettmatic’s Kozmonauts. In addition to Z break down of everything from Tony Gw- seriously. He feels “really at peace with this to being Up Above Records debut release, it ynn to the Queen Mary, Snoop Dogg, Sublime, album. There’s no pressure to please or the was the first hip-hop album made by Asian- Cameron Diaz, the , and the Long fear of failing.” Americans. Soon Key Kool & Rhettmatic were Beach Grand Prix. Oh, and of course, Poly touring cities and college campuses coast- High School…which not only has produced “LMNO is the real deal, he speaks what he to-coast and Japan. The line-up that would more NFL players than any other high school feels, shows his growth, and admits his soon become the Visionaries did a song on in the nation, but it’s also Snoop’s alma mater mistakes with clear-cut honesty and an Kozmonauts. By late 1997, they had their first and where LMNO immersed himself in hip- unmistakably original style,” comments Key album, Galleries. hop culture. By the time he was a freshman, Kool. “Since I met him in 1989 (in our first he was already rolling in N.W.A.’s entourage, group together), LMNO has always had a “I love being in the Visionaries. It’s way bigger and even appeared in D.O.C’s video before he comfortable and natural, non-contrived deliv- than us,” says LMNO. The Visionaries consist even graduated. That event alone gave him ery. It takes an advanced ear to recognize the of 6 integral members including LMNO, 2Mex, street cred around Long Beach, long before genius of his wordplay and metaphors, and Writers Block (Zen & Dannu), Key-Koo, and, of he had even released his own music. When he non-developed ears often have non-substan- course, DJ Rhettmatic of the World Famous began rhyming over 15 years ago, everyone in tial criticisms of him; I think that explains why Beat Junkies. LMNO adds, “If you ask me what Long Beach was on the gangsta hip-hop vibe. LMNO gets the utmost respect and praise my favorite Visionaries album is I’d say we Like many during those times he straddled from fellow artists and peers; it will just take haven’t made it yet. In many ways Pangaea the line. “A bad kid that turned right when time for the rest of the was the first cohesive album even though it nothing was left.” LMNO is OG but he’s never world to catch up.” Like jazz legend Charlie was our third.” With members of every race claimed to be a gangster. Mingus used to say, all geniuses are 10 years represented in the group, the Visionaries are ahead of their time. a microcosm for Southern and our Reflecting on his early days he laughs, “In world’s multicultural future. “We’ve evolved high school my emcee name was Juvenile. Right out of the gate, P’s & Q’s has been mak- into a family,” emphasizes Key Kool. “The My grandmother would just look at me when ing noise. The night after LMNO appeared on friendship is why we enjoy what we do. The she didn’t like my rhymes. It was her way SoCal’s Pacifica Radio’s (KPFK) Divine Forces music is so therapeutic. Though every day is of saying she knew I could do better.” Even Radio show, host Fidel Rodriguez told me, “In a struggle, when we get together and make in the early days though, his talent led his a time where the pillars of Western Babylon music, everything is released. Together we people to call him “The natural.” He’s come a seems to be reigning victory in the occupa- hope to make a difference.” long way since. tion of Iraq and our minds, the Resistance in Hip Hop is showing the true nature of what it LMNO and I took a drive around Long Beach. LMNO is a spiritual warrior. Unlike so many means to be dignified and human. L.M.N.O., Driving through the LBC with LMNO is like folks in this secular age, LMNO isn’t afraid to a rebel soldier for the Creator and Hip Hop, rolling through Chicago with Common or speak about God. There have been some that has left us yet another manual in the form couldn’t get around his mere mention of stories to uplift and inspire us all. To the of God and have been critical of him renegades of this movement, L.M.N.O’s saying he is proselytizing. He’s actually new album ‘P’s & Q’s’ is nourishment for the “Though every day just talking about what has worked for spiritual warrior seeking their next dose of him and he offers a non-denomina- reality!” tional spirituality. His brand of hip-hop is a struggle, when is clearly “message music,” but the On the eve of P’s & Q’s release, his midnight message is about soul-searching. He in-store appearance at Fat Beats in Hollywood we get together walks the walk and this is why his work was packed. LMNO performed half a dozen connects with his audience. songs and spoke to everyone til damn near and make music, 2AM. One of his latest singles, “Industry Revival,” reveals that “some say I’m “Humble is what the style is.” everything is not Christian enough / others say I say God too much.” While setting the LMNO is a man of action and he knows his released. Together record straight and giving his listeners message is far bigger than him, so once a window into his motivations, more again, “Leave My Name Out.” than anything he is communicating the we hope to make a importance of having a pure heart. “I’ll keep fighting the good fight…I’m not difference.” rocking for the magazine sheets /what X Listen to soundWAVs from LMNO @ we need is more light on these dark wavmag.com - James Kelly a.k.a. LMNO streets.” Though LMNO may be known for his very conscious lyrics, he’s got a

wav magazine 35 HIS FIRST RIDE, IT WILL CHANGE HIS LIFE

The Boarding House Mentors introduces at-risk and disadvantaged youth to the exhiliration of snowboarding, surfing, and skateboarding in order to broaden their life experiences with a positive, healthy, non-competitve activity that has a significant inpact on their self-image and self-confidence.

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why wax is so

WORDS Ordell Cordova HotART Ric Stultz Think for a second…after its own ill-fated Zon-A-Phone It’s becoming quite easy to ‘father of the DVD,’ helped the climb and demise of . see how the ‘music monopoly ‘digital’ become the major buzz cassettes and 8tracks, circle’ could, and would, with word of the 80s. With the first The record’s first real the help of everything from half of that decade came the and the current slow but competition came with the manufacturing to advertising ultimate turntable for listening steady decline of the CD tape. Originally created in on radio and TV, keep the to records…the Laser Turntable. market, the record, the 1928 by Dr. Fritz in Germany, squeeze on the cassette tape, This revolutionary product oldest form of recorded the cassette tape was not which, with the help of Ray decided to change the method media, continues to really used until the first live Dolby’s system that cleaned rather than the medium, and show was recorded in Berlin the background hiss on early focused on playing actual vinyl strive today. in 1936. It would still be almost cassette tapes, finally reached records with laser beams another decade before the the recorded music market in instead of needles. But before Not only that, but consider that tape reached American shores 1977. Damn…now that’s control. the Laser Turntable had a turntables have been outselling Even so, how chance to get off the ground, guitars since the mid-90s. many cassette the compact digital disc hit tapes have you the market and pretty much While we’ve already discussed The record continues run across in silenced the vinyl record in the the history of the turntable your past 10 mainstream, but where the (WAV Issue 3), it only makes to be the basis for years? mainstream goes wrong, the sense to talk about what makes underground sets straight. the turntable so dope…the much of the new music While we tend record it plays. The truth that to think that Hip-Hop is the real seal in only hardcore audiophiles being sold on CDs and we are in the keeping this original music disc tend to recognize is that the midst of the alive. Despite all its hype, the record single handedly made other types of digital technologically compact disc was still unable the multi-billion dollar music superior ‘digital to knock out vinyl. As a matter industry what we know it to be music formats today. age,’ it is well of fact, the record continues today. Not only that, but vinyl worth noting to be the basis for much of the continues to set the standard of that the digital new music being sold on CDs what we listen for in our music. in 1945, and even another 9 revolution actually began way and other types of digital music years passed before it finally back in the 1920s with Pulse formats today. Walk into your The record first hit the scene went into production. Then, the Coded Modulation. PCM is a local music store, and chances in the 1890s. Proving a much forces that be, what I like to form of electronic coding that are, you’ll still see vinyl releases welcomed improvement to it’s call the ‘music monopoly circle’, converts analog signals into donning the walls. While the predecessor, Edison & Bell’s stopped it all for 2 more solid digital form by taking samples digital music world continues to awkward spherical cylinders, decades. of the waveforms from 8 to 192 grip and grasp our imaginations Emile Berliner’s flat round thousand times per second (8 with encoded possibilities, it is disc offered superior sound In 1966, Lear Jet creates the 8- to 192kHz) and recording each worth remembering that we and a steadier speed during track player. Motorola produces sample as a digital number talk and listen in analog with our playback. Since those early it, the Ford Motor Company from 8 to 24 bits long. PCM human bodies. years, a nice chunk of human adds it to their assembly line, data can best be understood as history has been documented and the Radio Corporation of raw digital audio samples. The So we can see that not only on those discs…the only form America (RCA) puts music method was used and improved was wax the first standard in of recorded media to have onto the 8-track tape. Now, on well into the 1950s. the music industry, but it’s the survived well over a century. keeping in mind that a year form to stand up against Effectively relegating the after RCA was born (1919), the In the decade following, Japan all methods of audible media cylinder to nothing more than first commercial radio station would find itself spearheading a thus far. a novelty, the record began the came into existence. In 1926, technological frenzy, including spawn of an industry. RCA bought out Victor Talking serious advances on digitally Look how far we’ve come…or Machine Company and became coding music. By 1964, Phillips have we? Even when Frank Seaman’s RCA/Victor, the same year they had an experimental laser disc. National Gramaphone Company, start the National Broadcasting Remember those things? Those Play it again Sam… who exclusively handled Company, better known as huge record shaped discs the marketing and sales of NBC. Pretty sweet deal right? some of us were unfortunate Berliner’s product, decided to But wait…there’s more. A enough to see in the late 70s drop Berliner, they saw the year later Victor records and early 80s (and eventually product’s unhindered potential, sprouts up in Japan, dubbing disappeared not too far after) registered some key patents, themselves Japanese Victor that housed motion pictures reproduced Berliner’s catalog, Company…yup…you got it…JVC. and encoded video? Well, this and released the records for

wav magazine 39 system of a down: an axis of genocidal tendencies By Rosa Romero, Sierra Lovitz, and Wasim Muklashy “It’s a violent pornography… choking chicks and sodomy… the kind of shit you get on your TV.”

Over the years, Major Music Labels and A&R bigwigs have turned what was originally an art of rebellion into a billion-dollar records and ‘artists’ cloning facility, frantically spurning out sounds and personas we’ve seen and heard a million times over. But every generation someone has to break that mold, someone has to ruffle some feathers in order to resuscitate a beleaguered industry. It is from these creative ashes that legends are born…to remind fans, artisans, society, that there really is a reason behind their distorted sonic mayhem. Reasons that go beyond what are typically typecast as nothing more than excuses to get drunk, get rowdy, get stupid, toss your hair violently, and slam into each other like rabid animals.

Now is then is here and now is System of a Down.

By some stroke of executive oversight, or, hell, maybe it was just luck, System of a Down have managed to slip through the cracks of mainstream rock n’ roll by providing the music community with a sound that truly adheres to what the style itself was all about.

“You and me will all go down in history… with a sad Statue of Liberty… and a generation that didn’t agree!”

Originating in the mid-90s with a 3-song demo that immediately blew away a vomitous post-grunge scene, vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist , bassist , and drummer soon found themselves opening for and the annual travelling rock spectacle that is . Their sophomore record, 2001’s Toxicity, was released the week of 9-11, went multi-platinum, and is usually referred to as their ‘breakout’ album, but Malakian continues to make it a point to note that their self titled debut record was far from ignored, selling more than 500,000 copies thanks mostly to an Ironman touring schedule and word of mouth.

Less than a decade later, they’re sitting pretty as platinum selling artists 5 albums deep into a career that has seemingly just begun. This year has already seen the explosive release of Mesmerize and a full fledged country-wide sold out headlining tour with the Mars Volta. “They’ve been friends of ours for a while and I appreciate their music personally,” explains Serj. System’s second (yes, second) album of the year, Hypnotize, as of press time, has yet to even drop and has been one of the most anticipated record of the year since Mesmerize, released a paltry 6 months prior.

But there’s more to these particular ‘rock stars’ than cocaine crazy groupies, monster metal drums and riffage, kabuki mushroom people, schizoid screams, and unbridled adolescent lyricism at play. They’ve got some shit goin’ on, shit that’s deeper than a porta-potty on a McDonald’s construction site. These 4 individuals share a common bond that goes well beyond the substance- abuse fueled thread most would imagine…

Genocide.

year. System of a Down have continually evolved to include numerous benefit shows, In 1915, Turkish Armenia played host to the organized and headlined the event, which grassroots activism, and even a radio show first mass genocide of the 20th century. 1.5 benefits organizations that work to eradicate hosted by, yup, alter-ego DJs Tom and Serj. million people were ‘exterminated.’ All the genocides across the globe. Needless to You figure when two of the world’s biggest members of SOAD are of Armenian descent, say, it came easy to say ‘yes,’ when he was rockstars come together to form one of the and all of them lost family and history to the approached with an idea by former Rage most progressive organizations in the country, all-too-often ignored gruesome event. So in Against the Machinist you’d hear about it. But good health and under the capable guidance of and current that’s not the way our opportunity, they’re not afraid to get involved, axeman : “I still believe that we mainstream media funnel stay involved, and not only that, but it’s can visualize the world works is it. Push the fluff… become a crux of the band’s existence. Axis of Justice. ignore the substance. we want to live in and “Our efforts have made an enormous dent in Axis of Justice if everyone would That’s where we come in. the education of the public on the conceptually originated existence of the and during Ozzfest when believe it, we would In August of 2005, WAV Turkey’s denial in the U.S. and Morello noticed the have enough power Magazine teamed up abroad,” explains Serj. “We’ve had many abundance of ‘White with Axis of Justice students present their thesis or book reports power,’ ‘SS,’ and ‘Klan’ to actually create that (AOJ) on the first leg of on the Armenian Genocide. Many journalists, tattoos and thought, “this world.” their North American friends, and government bodies have notified is my music too…every tour with the Mars Volta. us of their learning of the Genocide through band on the main stage - Serj AOJ LA’s Sierra Lovitz, us. It’s an amazing phenomena.” had some minority Kiki-(Kristina Infante), and member as a player of the band, I thought, Rosa Romero drove well over 8000 miles that Capitalizing on the throes of such ‘this is so insane. There definitely has to be a month, looking to spread awareness to fans overwhelming encouragement, Serj Tankian counter-voice.’” So it only seemed natural for and inform them on ways of getting involved. began to think there was more that could be the two to team up and provide a “different Sierra recalls, ”Seeing Gila monsters, over 897 done, more avenues that could be explored presence at Ozzfest for anti-racist and pro- McDonalds, gas prices inflate, our tires deflate, and developed that could have a very real environment groups…basically for people that gas stations that smelled like Subway or was it and serious impact on the way people view like this music and play this music and aren’t Subway that smell like gas stations? You ever and acquire their information. He also figured down for Hitler.” drive cross-country with a skull banner on your his rock-star persona gave him quite an truck? Some people call you ‘cursed’ or ask if advantageous platform in these regards. A What began as an information tent housing you’re a bounty hunter.” (No, she’s not joking) position that laid the ground for the band’s various socio-political causes and a website annual “Souls” benefit show, now in it’s 4th offering alternative media sources quickly “At each show we set up 3 large tables

the quiet of the storm” while Serj expresses, for protection of their country. However, the “we want to sell activism along with our wars at present are not defensive initiatives merchandise and musical inspirations.” but elitist games of persuasion that abuse people’s love for their country. I believe that “All these organizations address injustices if you’re trying to sell recruitment to people that need to be rectified. It’s important to rather than depend on nationalism coupled fight injustice and restore the natural balance with just defensive situations for people to join of life in humanitarian, ecological, social, and the armed services, you’re running the risk of economic terms. has a misguided force. They were not invited to been very instrumental in bringing attention the show, that’s for sure!” to the plight of political prisoners around the globe, and in some cases creating the The underlying purpose behind Axis of conditions of their release. In the age of the Justice’s presence was to meet with these Globalist agenda, Amnesty is an invaluable fans and individuals to explore the possibilities cause of action,” offers Tankian. Additionally, of starting local chapters around the nation. ANCA was gathering petitions directed to Serj hopes that local chapters can “dive into the Speaker of the House to “recognize the the rivers of activism and build coalitions.” He Armenian genocide and take action to end the acknowledges, “We didn’t start Axis of Justice genocide in the Darfur Region of Sudan.” so Tom and I will be active people for the rest of our life by ourselves, that’s not what Axis When you travel with such ideals throughout of Justice is about. It’s all about getting other the , it’s safe to assume that people involved. It’s about our numbers and you’ll run across situations where your our unity.” progressive ideals are far from welcome, but the members of Axis of Justice were And leave your doubts , they not surprised to find minimal opposition…a only talk the talk, but walk the walk. Morello very encouraging sign. One instance that and Tankian are not merely advocates. They with information not usually presented in did manage to catch them off guard was in personally engage in grassroots activities mainstream media and provided concrete Houston, where they were forced to make relative to the issues they feel so strongly ways for fans to participate in direct action to space for an Army Hummer. System Of A about. In Santa Monica, in 2003, they broke city affect change,” Lovitz continues. “We tabled Down fans humming “B.Y.O.B” were a bit ordinances by feeding the homeless. “I’m not along side the Armenian National Committee confused by the presence of the Army’s worried police are going to show up and arrest of America (ANCA) and Amnesty International recruiting efforts mere inches away from Axis’ us, I’m worried homeless people are going to (AI), who have long been supported by peace & protest tabling. Serj explains, “I think be hungry tonight,” Morello expressed as he System.” Amnesty’s Angie Hougas feels they were just looking for a place where lots marched along side food providers and the strongly that “music can be a rallying cry, it of young people congregated. I personally am National Lawyers Guild. On Sept. 27th, Serj, can be the voice of social consciousness in not against someone joining the armed forces along with leaders of the Armenian National Committee of America The underlying And does he think that being other organizations to fight for just causes.” (ANCA) and the Armenian overtly political, almost to Youth Federation, headed a purpose behind Axis the point of what some may In the meantime, Bring Your Own Beer and rally in front of Speaker of of Justice’s presence consider preachy, may end rock the fuck out, cuz camp SOAD has got a the House Dennis Hastert’s was to meet with up alienating the band from slew of new material coming our way. First, district office in Batavia, the fans? “We’re not shooting look for Buckethead’s new record, Enter The IL, urging him to “do the these fans and for their minds, we’re Chicken, on Serj’s Serjikal Strike Records, on right thing” and schedule a individuals to explore shooting for their hearts,” shelves October 24. “Buckethead’s been a vote on Armenian Genocide Serj responds. “Whether friend of mine for a while and we’ve jammed legislation currently the possibilities of their minds get into the together on numerous occasions. I decided to before the House of starting local chapters process now, 5 years from produce his record,” explains Serj. “I brought Representatives. around the nation. now, 10 years from now, or together 11 other singer friends of mine and never, when you change the Bucket’s and created a really dynamic array of And lest we forget, there’s perception of how someone rock songs with very diverse genre-bending the Axis of Justice Radio Network, hosted by looks at something, that’s what you’re aiming influences. It features Dan Monti, myself, Tom and Serj, and broadcasted bimonthly on for.” Saul Williams, Efram from Death By Stereo, Los Angeles’ listener sponsored Pacifica Radio and many more.” Then, of course, there’s the (KPFK), also available on satellite radio and at “I still believe that we can visualize the world release of Hypnotize on November 22. “To www.axisofjustice.org. Since Spring 2003, they we want to live in and if everyone would me, everything happens organically. We’re have managed to “weave together 60 minutes believe it, we would have enough power to changing as people and our music reflects it. of ‘rebel music’ with discussion and interviews actually create that world,” Serj philosophizes. Hypnotize is definitely an exciting album with about our world and the struggle for social “One thing I’ve noticed, as much as September lots of interesting progressive songs.” justice,” tells us Jake, a producer of the show. 11 has affected us, we’re still an isolated “I think (Jake) may have just said, ‘hey KPFK continent…an isolated nation in some ways, Art imitates life. Art and music, reflection and might have a spot on the radio, you want to do although our foreign policy or military action, are what will bind any movement by a show?,’” recalls Tankian, “so we walked in, did certainly isn’t. We always think in terms of and for the people. The cycle continues with our first show, and just kept on doing it.” ‘us’ and the ‘world’, but it doesn’t exist. Nature System Of A Down creating art that reflects doesn’t discriminate between borders and you because they’re paying attention to all of Each program features passionate dissident foreign policies and contracts.” us... hopefully you are too. songs from artists like KRS-One, Bob Marley, , and The Clash, while Tom and “Ultimately, the whole purpose is to have Serj discuss the political messages behind the people involved at the street level to make i For more information check out: music and their take on issues we face today. change,” he continues. “It’s important to systemofadown.com Topics like racism, genocide, homelessness, inspire others to act on a matter regarding an axisofjustice.org and war are discussed with guests like Michael injustice that needs to be addressed. There anca.org Moore, Janeane Garofalo, and Public Enemy’s is so much work to do and so little time. I amnesty.org . think that we need to drop into the rivers of kpfk.org activism, join, and inspire others including mear one By Mike The Poet “I feel my represents Wong’s in Chinatown in the late 70s. She knew what was really goin on and she passed it along. a symbolic mirror into our Punk rock was in his Wheaties. subconsciousness.” As early as 1980 Mear was doing bookcovers Born Kalen Ockerman, Mear One is an LA for Barnsdall Park’s Annual Art Program. For 8 legend in his prime, more Los Angeles than the years he took art courses in an environment he Lakers. With more than 15 years of experience describes as “very utopian. We learned a little as a working artist, there are only a select bit of everything. Painting, drawing, sculpting, few that enjoy Mear’s credibility in so many how to write poetry.” Soon enough, by choosing circles. In addition to the underground graffiti to bypass the prevalent 80s LA gangster scene, scene, he’s worked with organizations like he found himself chasing the outlet that fit him PBS and the New York Jets. He’s also done 40+ best. album covers...A to Z... Blackbird Daddy Kev, a few punk acts, and The city was crawling with graffiti crews and the Visionaries. He even did the cover of “the” ‘writers’ from every race, every background, Limp Bizkit album before he really knew who they were. A year later the album sold well over 10 Million copies. At the same time, Mear Mear One is an has earned credibility in the fine art gallery setting after successful exhibits at spots like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and LA legend in his The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As hip-hop star Longevity says, “Mear sweats ink.” prime, more Los “Somewhere along the line, I got bored of spray paint.” Angeles than Originally known as one of the most notorious graff writers on the west coast, the man now the Lakers. paints with oils, acrylics, and anything else you can think of while simultaneously showing every neighborhood...Hancock Park, Venice, his work both internationally and coast-to- East Hollywood, the Valley, Long Beach. Crews coast...work imbued with layers and layers of like KGB (Kids Gone Bad) and CBS (Can’t Be meaning. Stopped) were notorious countrywide. Founded in 1985, CBS quickly became legendary. Mear MEAR is an acronym. Manifest Energy And defines the zeitgeist of their crew. He became Radiate. He came up with it in 1987 just as he an aerosol Hendrix. As big as LA is, kids know began his reign of all city bombing. He was a each other from east to west, downtown to member of the revered CBS graffiti crew and a Venice. Young graff writers knew about their disciple of the late Skate One (Sk8). His natural peers. Everybody knows who was putting it gifts in the realm of art give him a ubiquitous down biggest. Legends were made. Packs of style easily recognized. Right out of the gate roving writers roamed the city making their he tore the town up. All City - Echo Park - Eagle mark. Rock - Sunset Junction - Van Nuys - Hollywood - Frog Town - Sawtelle. “Not just in LA,” he From his earliest teen days he was deciphering adds “I hit San Bernardino County Riverside San the urban hieroglyphics...perfecting his own Diego Oakland San Fransisco Orange County.” signature. He had a few favorite local writers, including Chali2na of Jurassic 5. “Chali2na was Mear is a magnet. He attracts people like one of the best. His tag was Chicagoism. I went velcro. Artists, local writers, fly-by-nighters, to Junior High School with him. His style was poets, actors, and nomadic taggers. One late sick from day one,” says Mear with a laugh. “He night in front of LA’s Zen Sushi, a nomadic use to kill it in the Belmont Tunnel.” Another artist was strolling by as Mear and a group one was Raymond Roker, founder of Urb of folks stood around looking at posters and Magazine. “He use to do these monster prints. The wandering cat took one look at off La Brea.” Mear never would have imagined the print and said, “That looks like the work of Roker to return the respect, but he earned it. Mear.” Mear looked at him...”it is. This is me.” “MEAR is one of the truest cats in the game. Though homey didn’t know he was standing He is first an artist and secondly a graffiti right in front of the artist, Mear’s work was artist. I’ve watched him mature from a scrawny so omnipresent that the dude recognized it writer, wet behind the ears, to a self-made instantly. They proceeded to talk on the street maverick on both walls and canvas,” says Roker. for damn near an hour. Mear started writing in 1986. He learned the Mear is a prodigy. He was already doodling by ropes from the late Skate One (Sk8). “SK8 age 3, and by 7 he was drawing in little black One was a great leader. He had a vision with books. He used to draw on the floor with his graffiti. He was a street gangster white boy mom, a painter, for hours on end. She passed punk rocker. He took responsibility for his the magic to her son and nurtured it daily. She art.” Like Rob One, another CBS writer, SK8 groomed him to be an artist. She used to hang was everywhere. During the 1992 LA riots, a out at progressive art punk spot the Soapplant few Melrose store owners had Mear and SK8 in Sunset Junction and the legendary Madame protect their space. Mear recalls codes on overpasses people the issues that are going This uncomfortability I bring “SK8 One always talked about and building walls. “We used to on in our time, as well as exposing to a public forum is part of graffiti as a vehicle for change. bomb the Valley, spots like the the truth about the past. It is my purpose as an artist, along This became one of the guiding Sepulveda Dam. We drove my 4 by freedom of speech used to its with destroying normality and ideas in my life.” 4 over the swampy marshlands to fullest. For that reason he is one questioning authority. Graffiti has ,” Mear laughs. of most respected writers in the evolved into a political purpose His first tag was Menace. His history of the art form. I consider for me, and I have no interest natural artistic bent made him SK8 died in 1993 while bombing him the Michael Jordan of graff.” in painting a pretty picture for a bad ass right out the gate. It out in the Valley. Allegedly Some have said it was Mear’s some bourgeoisie. If there is no was only natural for him to begin under the influence of psilocybn work that put CONART on the dialogue, then the painting has writing. Many older veteran graff mushrooms, he was hit by a map. As the 90s went on Mear’s lost it’s purpose and only serves kings took notice and started train. This event transformed consciousness and intentions those who can afford to mix art asking about the kid. Fellow writer Mear. SK8’s death made him take evolved. and leisure. Instead, I create art and close cohort YEM says, “Mear a breath and comprehend the that serves the people.” was the most hated bomber right heaviness of the art form. He “I had painted illegal murals from the start”...clearly a term of became even more focused and from LA to the Bay. Somewhere “Some people are having a endearment. purposeful with his work. Up-and- in the mid 90s, tagging my problem with my art lately. They coming young artist from Long name and crew was losing my expect me to only do graffiti,” he He grew up in the grit of Beach, Motion, says, “MEAR has interest. I got very political and says. His work is transcending Hollywood but could be found the ability to paint anything and began checking myself out and specific mediums. One of his own anywhere from Laurel Canyon to instantly yells out graff...but he expressing very obvious realities favorite is titled Higher Compton. Mear and his homies shows it for what it was meant to through my art, which often made Ground. It may be the closest thing like Yem risked their lives to write be...a way of communicating to my audience uncomfortable. Mear has to a self portrait. He

48 www.wavmag.com FROM UNDER THE CORK TREE THE NEW ALBUM FEATURING “SUGAR, WE’RE GOIN DOWN” & “DANCE, DANCE”

APPEARING AT:

FROM UNDER THE CORK TREE

www.falloutboyrock.com www.fueledbyramen.com www.islandrecords.com shares, “it’s about change. Letting and act of ‘Live Art.’ These days he go of luggage, sunlight coming performance paints several times in, reborn. A new version. All the a month. Give him a canvas and snakes, centipedes, belly crawlers it’s done. Spots like Zen Sushi, Las & tarantulas have poured out of his Vegas, Portland, SFC afterhour pant legs.” There’s a tiger’s head on parties. Kinetic rhythm is how he this man. The painting is about the lives, it moves him around the city. different faces we wear. He’s also just launched a line of When looking at Echo Park hillsides clothing called Re-Form. “Re-Form he notes, “There’s the future of clothing is turning clothing into fine the country.” He’s talking about art and creating that art articulated the urban rural patchwork of to the body. It’s putting art in more cobblestone fences, old bungalows, unique placements, not to just put and century old shrubs that cascade boxes on the body. I’m trying to sloping hills in pockets like Cypress find a way to place art on the body Park, Glassell Park, Mt. Washington, where it’s not this advertisement. Silverlake, Echo Park, and El Sereno. It works in co-ordinance with your body.” Look for his designs in On his balcony he watches hawks Autumn. land in the towering Eucalyptus. Ask him about the hawks that Yem reflects, “Mear is a vast ocean inhabit the manmade canyons of of creativity. Within that water, downtown skyscrapers. every molecule executes master Nature and animals are two of his pieces.” biggest muses. He’s climbed many of the mountains Mear is a poet: in California. “You see it on the nightly news “I only hit the clubs when I can’t Crazed humans paint.” These days that means he’s running from the light painting 4 or 5 nights a week. of the ghettobird His influences include Robert Searching for a way out the norm... Williams, Chaz, Rick Griffin, freeway They keep coming with no clue, overpasses, Jello Biafra, Saul searching ranting Williams, Angelo Moore of Fishbone, raving for a better life J Swift, Luke , and Gil Scott and no ones listening, Heron. so I re-iterate; there is a message He can often be found even on painted on a wall in a a Saturday night on his studio’s neighborhood near you rooftop painting on canvasses And nearly twice as tall as his 6 foot it states “GRAFFITI IS frame. His dog runs around the THE VOICE OF large roof and characters like the THE magnanimous Yem are busy being DISSATISFIED SOUL!” artists. Anything from filming to collages to MEAR lives by the code digital portfolios. of Everyday His studio is in East Hollywood. there’s more art to make... He works on multiple canvasses at Manifest the same time. Energy He’s a chef...a gardner...a carpenter... And a painter. Radiate!

Poetpainter Phillharmonic calls him, “The Salvador Dali of our generation.” Mear brings all the i mearone.com styles together. He does surreal urban expressionism. On his painting How the West was Lost: “My anger and frustration in living in this country are best expressed on this piece. It is an obvious and painful reality that we endure daily in this country. The history of this country and it’s progression are all thanks to the back-broken slaves that carried the upper-class from one coast to another.”

Back in 1996 at LA’s weekly RootDown, Mear coined the phrase

50 www.wavmag.com It started with over 3000 DJs battling around the country. It’s down to: 8 masta sratchas, Diplo, Madlib, DMC, Common, and at LA’s Wiltern Theatre. Welcome to Guitar Center’s 7th annual DJ Spin-Off Grand Finals. Soon after Madlib kicked off the mid-September evening with some Quasimosounds, the evening moved on

with DMC and Mr Choc introducing the 8 DJ finalists, who took their turns one by one behind a pair of Technics propped on cinder blocks. After emerging as the last man standing, Iemerge duked it out with defending Spin Off Champion and

s i t r

u c

i t s i r k

N IG S DMC Champion Illtrax, whose unfazed comfort behind the decks just killed E D it. The dramatically tense set ended with Illtrax smashing his closing record & and the full capacity crowd eating it all up. IX P | y sh la uk m m asi S w WORD

WIth proceeds benefitting The Jam Master Jay Foundation, it was only appropriate for a little higher level hip-hop edumacation, and guest professors included a first ever

collaborative performance by Common and Talib Kweli. At one point, Talib called out for the bboys and bgirls in the house and pulled a select few on stage, while Common busted a pop a lock a windmill and a backspin himself. Once the crowds’ undivided

attention was secured, special guest instructor walked out to join his two colleagues in a profound closing lesson.

This is real ‘hip hop hip hop hip hop’

wav magazine 51 the time is now – THE PLACE IS EVERYWHERE Clothing of the American Mind Words by Carly Miller

After attending the massive peace New Orleans, and citizens from every state in as getting dressed. So here we go, changing demonstrations around the world on the nation. We cannot be written off as peace the world one t-shirt at a time. September 24th calling for an end to the freaks anymore, we represent mainstream wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and to the America and we are now officially the As committed political activists, we at Clothing unjust, corruptive majority. Right now, it’s of the American Mind campaign tirelessly, practices of the Bush our responsibility to recently taking us to Cindy Sheehan’s Administration, I can’t rise up, take back our Camp Casey in Crawford, as well as help but wonder if the “This was country and re-install a Washington, DC in our attempts to affect tide is finally turning. legitimate democracy the political landscape with our unique brand Upwards of 250,000 Washington’s at home before of fashion savvy. COTAM has also donated people swelled the championing it to the several hundred new t-shirts to people streets of Washington, largest anti-war rest of the world. affected by and is currently DC while thousands of rally since the assisting several Los Angeles-based evacuees others demonstrated in This summer, I turned with direct aid. Copenhagen, Damascus, Vietnam era; 27. Often I wake up Helsinki, London, frightened, assured the COTAM’s latest form of protest manifests Los Angeles, Paris, three decades times in which we’re in its first ever organic, eco-friendly t-shirt, Rome, San Francisco, living are the most emblazoned with the clever and timely “Stop Seattle, Seoul, Toronto later, we’re still volatile in our nation’s, Wars” slogan. This new shirt, like all of our and countless other fighting the same and perhaps our world’s, others, is sweatshop-free and American-made; communities around the history. Therefore, I it’s also made with certified 100% organic globe. fight.” view my activism and cotton. We all know we vote with our dollars as that of my colleagues members of a capitalistic society, and buying The half-million as more of a necessity organic can be an effective form of activism strong crowd in DC than a choice. For for environmentalists and politicians alike. was an eclectic display of humanity. People my fellow Americans still playing armchair Many people don’t realize that cotton is one of of all shapes, sizes and colors attended the protester, there’s never been a more crucial the most ecologically destructive crops grown rally including parents with their children, time to get up, go out and make change. As in the world due to the spraying of a heavier generations of family members, World War Gandhi said, “We must become the change cocktail of poisons than other agricultural II, Vietnam and Iraq War veterans, military we want to see.” Recent polls show President crops, resulting in widespread water pollution, families, Hurricane Katrina evacuees from Bush’s approval rating below 50 percent while degradation of wildlife and chronic illness support for the war among farm workers. In industrial countries continues to plummet. like the United States, cancer rates in cotton I repeat we are the producing states are significantly higher than majority. neighboring areas.

I joined forces with the On the other hand, organically grown crops are stylish grassroots apparel more sustainable as they take less of a toll on company Clothing of the the earth’s air, water, soil and living creatures. American Mind (COTAM) With this foray into the organic realm, which over a year ago. Since its we hope to keep on expanding, Clothing of the inception in March 2004, American Mind is making a concerted attempt COTAM has evolved to leave a lighter footprint on the earth, while into much more a way continuing our efforts to change the world for of life than just another the better… one t-shirt at a time. Bush-bashing t-shirt line. Deeply committed to social responsibility and political consciousness, the company walks the walk when it comes to production practices, and sharing profits with progressive organizations. COTAM knows that there’s never been a more vital time for people to voice their dissent, and sometimes activism can be as simple

George the

Conservationist by jim sullos

When the energy when Katrina devastated George Bush “doesn’t care that face our planet, industry’s #1 spokesman the Gulf Coast, much of about black people”, as because really there is tells us to curb our the country went into Kanye West stammered nothing more important, energy consumption, it’s a state of shock. We all on national television, and increasingly, nothing a pretty good indication saw an image of America but I do know that this more urgent. that things aren’t that looked and felt Administration doesn’t going too well. After completely foreign -- tens give a shit about poor One thing that Katrina receiving a briefing at of thousands stranded, people. A recent Los taught us was that we the Energy Department hungry and homeless with Angeles Times article should be grateful for in Washington, our no relief in sight. Is this delved into the issue that what we have. Another commander-in-chief really America? many of New Orleans’ thing it taught us is that became the first displaced residents may we can’t rely on the army president probably since I don’t want to get into not be able to afford to of incompetents in our Jimmy Carter to urge who was at fault for live there once it’s rebuilt. government to solve our the American population the response – the Surprised? problems. A good friend told me how sick she When we think about was of hearing people In a way, Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans we think complain about Bush and Mardi Gras, old gothic company. “Quit wasting its aftermath changed the way architecture, and Cajun your breath and go do food. Much of middle something about it! My a lot of us view our own country class America wasn’t even friend went down to New aware that poverty was a Orleans with a car full of problem in New Orleans. bottled water and canned and even ourselves. It’s ironic that on the food, and delivered it same day that the levees herself. And you know to think about energy mayor, the governor, broke the U.S. Census what? That speaks louder conservation. “We can all the federal government, Bureau in Washington than any complaint ever PHOTO: Liz Roll/FEMA pitch in…by being better the people themselves issued a report stating could.” conservers of energy… – they probably all were. that roughly 37 million people just need to I don’t want to harp on Americans are now It’s really hard to argue recognize that the storms the fact that the head living in poverty -- a full with that. have caused disruption of FEMA was a political 12% increase since the and that if they’re able hire, astoundingly beginning of Dubya. to, maybe, not drive…that under-qualified for the would be helpful.” position, or the fact If we had a mainstream that the guy who hired media that did anything It’s hard for most of us to him -- Bush’s former other than serve as imagine that there was campaign manager a mouthpiece for the a time not so long ago -- is also a lobbyist for White House, they that people were only big energy companies would be reporting allowed to fill up their including Halliburton’s about the conservation cars on certain days and Kellogg Brown & efforts going on around often found themselves Root. And that Kellogg the world, about the waiting in line for hours. Brown & Root, along efforts of all the world’s Such a scarcity in America with Bechtel and other countries to force the U.S. is something that many Administration-linked to commit to reducing our of us are far too young companies, immediately carbon emissions, about to recognize or fully received no-bid contracts the horrifying predictions appreciate. Since World for reconstructing New of the world’s scientists War II our supermarket Orleans despite their regarding the downward shelves have always been long history of grossly spiral of our ecosystem. fully stocked, and mass mishandling (read: If we had anything that poverty, unemployment, stealing) taxpayer money, resembled a real leader and disease are things while local businesses in White House we would we associate with people are left to fight over the all be well-versed in the from far away lands. So scraps. I don’t know if environmental hazards

PHOTO: Jim Sullos New Orleans… finally a white town! By Ordell Cordova

the Reconstruction, New doing in the wake of the those poor people back.” Orleans had one of the disaster: largest populations of “They have already blacks in America, thus the “When this (Hurricane subsidized oil drilling rigs conditions were set for Katrina) happened, we found and the casinos, and this the creation of the first ourselves scattered…all over city intends to go forward American black ghetto…the the country, so we began to without the people’s input first free blacks to get the try to gather ourselves and to build (them). If the people finger from Uncle Sam. talk about what we needed. demand oversight of all New Orleans, pre-Katrina, One consensus emerged. funds collected and make was 67% black, almost 30% We could not depend on priority the reintegration of whom lived well below our local, state, or national and the construction of poverty line. government…here we are places to live…the people will watching this thing happen, come back.” The major networks have hearing the reporters talk shown the world a place about ambulances picking devastated by nature and up people from the mostly human neglect, a place predominantly white and The organizations involved where nobody could get upper middle class hospital have set up a People’s help for days, not even by at Tulane University, and Hurricane Fund that will be organizations dedicated to going right past the Charity directed and administered disaster relief, including Hospital where most of by New Orleans evacuees. RED CROSS and the Federal the blacks were. That The Young People’s Project, Emergency Management convinced us that we had no a 501(c)3 organization Agency (FEMA). While caretakers. formed by graduates of FEMA, the White House, and the Algebra Project, has Governor Blanco attempt “The whole town is under agreed to accept donations to regain the public’s trust, water and people are on behalf of this fund. “While some politicians and while evading the question starving and nobody has Donations can be mailed to: organizations might skirt of who’s to blame, a short been to see them for six around the issue of race, and long-term plan for New days. Somebody breaks into The People’s Hurricane Fund we in New Orleans are not Orleans hurricane survivors a place and gets water and c/o The Young People’s afraid to call it what it is. has remained in a political food, and they call it looting. Project The moral values of our vault of silence. Bush finally shows up six 99 Bishop Allen Drive government are to ‘shoot days later, and he says ‘zero Cambridge, MA 02139 to kill’ hungry, thirsty, black Community Labor United tolerance’ for those people. hurricane survivors for (CLU), an 8-year old They are being criminalized If you have comments or trying to live through the coalition of progressive and thrown in jail as we questions, please email aftermath. This is not just organizations throughout speak.” Curtis Muhammad at immoral; this has turned a New Orleans, has brought muhammadcurtis@bellsouth. natural disaster into a man- community members “We began to travel through net or Becky Belcore made disaster fueled by together to confront socio- the shelters so we could [email protected] racism.” economic issues. CLU has locate the displaced. They put out a call to activists were like prisons. There --Curtis Muhammad, and organizations across was a lot of criteria (to) Organizing Director the country to work on get in to see the people…it Community Labor United a “people’s campaign” of was tremendously hard community redevelopment. work. By the time we got to The city is one of the oldest Houston, we had learned a in the south. It resides in The following are excerpts lesson. If we took our white one of the Confederate taken from community volunteers as our leaders… States whose main purpose supported radio station we could enter without any was to keep chattel slavery KPFK (Pacifica Radio, www. problem, without any red (the absolute ownership kpfk.org), in which Curtis tape…we watched blatant of a person including the Muhammad, Organizing racism…I don’t think the right to buy and sell) alive Director of the CLU, explains leaders of Project New & prosperous. During what his organization is Orleans intend to bring The Lost^ Angeles Times VOL 1, ISSUE 5 Lost Angeles, Friday, February 31, 2005 BY SCOTT SHAPIRO

the theaters. FOX President Tom Deal With Rothman thinks he knows why. “There’s a lot of theories out there and red herrings as to why we’ve seen such a dip this The Devil? year, such as the DVD explosion with Netflix and lack of originality Latest leak shows the White on the silver screen due to a glut House was prepared to of sequels and remakes”, Rothman offer Satan Supreme Court started. “But in reality, none of Nomination those are to blame for the overall poor performance of the industry. By Chickenstacks Calhoun Especially the remakes and sequels. Bottom line, it’s not the remakes As shock waves we’re making that have killed us, rippled throughout Washington but the remakes and sequels we’re on September 4th with news of not making that have.” Chief Justice William Rehnquist’s no way any African American is Believing steadfast in the untimely death, anonymous ever gonna vote Republican after sequel/remake business, Rothman reports from White House insiders I completely blew that Katherine REMAKE discussed how Hollywood can now suggest that President Bush (apparently referring to Hurricane bridge the gap between itself and was already busy working the Katrina) situation, so what the America. “Let’s take a look at phones to find his replacement, hell? The Democrats want an anti- THIS! next summer’s slate, shall we? dialing the area code 666. Christ to battle over, I’ll give them FOX will be proud to adapt one Reports say that Satan, THE Anti-Christ”. As audiences flip of America’s most beloved series from the small screen to the silver also known as Beelzebub, Karl Thankfully, cooler Hollywood their collective Rove or, simply, the Devil, was heads prevailed and in the next screen, as Bronson Pinchot will offered the nomination to replace few hours, President Bush was finger, Hollywood flips it be making his triumphant return the Chief Justice and warmed convinced to elevate then nominee right back to the screen, teaming with The to the idea immediately. Upon Judge John Robert’s to Rehnquist’s Rock in our tentpole rollout of Satan’s acceptance, President spot as Chief Justice. Even then, By Cheesebeef McGrooder Perfect Strangers”, he said. “We Bush immediately turned to his there was serious discussion as to believe it’s all about reconnecting crack team of political operatives name Satan to ascend to Sandra with the 80’s. The 60’s and 70’s are to head off any partisan battles Day O’Connor’s seat on the Court a bygone era, but the characters that lay ahead in the ensuing before the idea was ultimately from the 80’s will never die. confirmation process. dismissed. However, word And it’s pretty apparent from According to , around the White House is that pt.47 Bronson’s stint on the Surreal Life citing Satan’s long-standing tenure he apparently remains a back-up that America is ready and willing as the ultimate adjudicator of evil, candidate for her seat depending for Balki Bartokomous to enter Bush delineated the varied reasons on the confirmation process. our lives again and who better to to his advisers as to why the Devil Meanwhile, as word has bridge that gap from the 80’s to the would make a worthy candidate. leaked of the alleged call between next Millenium than the Rock as Chief among those was the notion the Dark Lord and Satan, the Cousin Larry?” that Bush could not only pick a White House has gone into their Also in the works at FOX candidate who would impact the now seemingly weekly ritual is a film adaptation of Alf, starring country on social, governmental of spin. At this morning’s press Gary Busey as the adorable, wise- and economic issues for a conference, Press Secretary Scott cracking alien and Billy Bob generation, but he could actually McClellan declined to discuss Thorton as Willie Tanner and go one step further and with Satan the nature of the call between coming next Christmas, Breakin’ ruling over the Court, he could the President and Satan, but went 3: The Boogaloo is Back, with Adolpho Quinones back in the shape the rest of eternity. on to say, “You know, Satan’s an In a year where box office seminal role of Ozone along side When pressed by interesting individual. He’s tough, receipts lagged 10% behind last Scarlett Johanssen and in an advisers about such a controversial but genial and has the ultimate year and studios have been blasted interesting casting decision... candidate, Bush apparently was respect for authority. Some say for being out of touch with the (Continued on Page A4) very forthcoming explaining he’s got a fiery temperament, but American public, studio executives “that the reality of the situation the White House and President all over Hollywood are scratching in the country right now is that I Bush has always seen him rather their heads trying to reverse the am down in the polls. I’ve made as a warm individual who is simply trend and bring audiences back to a total mess of Iraq and there’s misunderstood.” TERRY HINES TERRY HINES CMYK CMYK

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Client FOCUS Job # 8371 Trim 8-1/2" x 11" Pub. Date Bleed 8-3/4" x 11-1/4" Pub. Screen Output WAV MAG Ruling Safety 1/4" FROM TRIM To Output by: Date: TERRY HINES TERRY HINES CMYK KEVIN 9/28/05 CMYK 1ST PROOF PANTONE COLOR PMS X Yumiko Kayukawa Be My Baby Female Artists at Work for Play photos Shadi Muklashy and Nucleus

Los Angeles has no shortage of places portion. Full of unique t-shirts, toys, and its attraction, only to find yourself star- to go and things to see. A few weeks books. “It has a slight home spun feel ing repeatedly. The work was diverse to ago it was brought to our attention of that has a character all its own.” says say the least, their styles ranging from a gallery show that showcased over 40 Catia Chien from The Girl Show. After playful, innocent, and sensual. Fittingly, female artists at a large gallery and pop browsing around a bit, you eventually it reflects the many unique visions of culture shop in Alhambra, California. come towards the back entrance way not just “females artists” but obviously Add a female DJ, free drinks, bra and that seperates the gallery and the store. artists in their own right creating the panty shaped cookies, 10% off all store The space is well seperated and the default theme for the show, “the female Mari Araki items for ladies, two stories of eye contrast from the abundant variety in contemporary art and illustration.” Einstein’s Hairpiece candy, free admission and you have of merchandise to the capacious and an event enticing enough to drag out minimal room prepares you for the art The show seems to attempt at a crowd that packs tightly into 3,500 viewing experience ahead. revealing some elusive insight. It is square feet of space. The gallery itself as if trying to find a common thread is quite large and impressive. Unas- We found that many of the artists in the between different facets of femininity suming from the outside, walking into show were in attendance as well as sev- among these amazing artists. Whatever Nucleus, you would first see the store eral other industry professionals, many the case, the Curator’s intention does of them from the animation not seem so much to be one of social and illustration community, commentary, but a good display of Anna Chambers local and abroad. what happens when a group of talented Lucy Owl female artists are given the opportunity A show of all female to showcase their work. artists is not an uncommon thing. However, there is From paint to sculpture and even plush, something attractive about this show was enjoyable because of this show as a whole that is its atmosphere. One gets a sense of different from others like a light-hearted gathering of female it. Besides the fact these artists at work for play. images are created with a feminine touch, these works force the viewers attention like stolen glances at some igallerynucleus.com distant beauty to figure out

The Song Remains Insane ( Interview with Max Cavalera ) BY: Jake McGee

PHOTO: Nick Stevers Anybody with an darkness of Dark Ages is a main factor I believe in God, but he’s not broke, and that holds it apart from Soulfly’s other he’s not going on TV and asking me to appreciation for Metal is albums. “There is an overall tone on the go get some money and he doesn’t give likely familiar with Max entire record, from the music to the a shit what race I am, or what I wear. All lyrics to the album cover,” he explains. these things are so important for some Cavalera. “Soulfly is always connected with green of these religious organizations. What and yellow and the Brazil colors - and you look like, your status, your money, During his tenure in the groundbreaking Dark Ages doesn’t have any of that. It all which I think has nothing really to do with , Cavalera played a major role has a more dark, black, and gray tone. God.” in defining where the genre was headed, There’s no color, there’s no band picture. especially with albums such as the On Dark Ages, even that tribal stuff I’m Even with all the murky undertones of legendary Chaos A.D. and Roots. famous for, it’s dark tribal stuff, nothing Dark Ages, Cavalera remains a rather is happy about it. The instruments are positive cat. “There’s good people and In the late 90s, Max left Sepultura and Eastern European, they’re used more in bad people everywhere. I also think that started Soulfly. While the past may dark kinds of songs. It’s like, I really went the shit that you do, if you do something belong to the likes of for a dark record, and this is what a dark bad and fuck some people over, it will and Slayer, the future belongs to Max Soulfly record is like, and I stayed like catch up to you somehow. Maybe not Cavalera and Soulfly. In many ways, that through the whole process. I didn’t now, but later. As for the government Cavalera instigated the experimental buckle at all. It’s a different concept all and the police, my experience with them Metal we hear so much of today the way.” has been both worlds. I was in jail in (brilliantly dubbed ‘’ by a deaf Brazil, and the police were the biggest chimpanzee). The last album he recorded Indeed, the vibe of Dark Ages is very fuckin’ assholes I ever met. But then I with Sepultura (Roots) was filled with all foreboding, like Cavalera sees humanity have fans that are S.W.A.T. team people, sorts of elements generally foreign to on the crest of . “I think and they’re great people. I’ve met one Metal at that point. By the time Soulfly’s the signs are all there,” he says. “As far as guy, and he brought five or six of his first album came out, that hearty and how long it will last, I don’t know. For me, friends, and they were all cops - and ferocious mixture was already making its that’s very wild to think about, how my we had a great time. They’re big fans mark, with the , , and Limp grandfather and my great-grandfather of Soulfly. Within life, you become less Bizcut among the many acts to employ never saw anything like September 11 naïve, and more aware of who you’re the style. and hurricanes and tsunamis and Iraq. dealing with. People can be really cool, They saw World War II, but what we are but they can also be very fucked up, so Even so, Soulfly set a precedent. Since going through right now, I do really think you need to be on the guard all the time.” then, they’ve released four more albums, is apocalyptic…Armageddon…it’s biblical,

“I also think that the shit that you do, if you do something bad and fuck some people over, it will catch up to you somehow.”

each taking Metal on a new and exciting and fucked up. And it’s going on right But he would kick Dick Cheney in the journey. It is fitting, then, that their now.” balls, if given the opportunity. Until newest record - Dark Ages - takes Metal Armageddon finally does come, Max down the Metal path, turning Metal on Another thing that sets Cavalera apart Cavalera will continue to explore as many itself. “I think the overall feeling of Dark from the rest is his steadfast and vocal different musical realms as he can, and Ages - from the name to the cover to faith in God. It requires incredible guts in doing so, he will keep leading Metal on the songs - it’s very much similar to to take such a stance, and in the world new journeys. “That’s what I like about the feeling when I did things like Rise of Metal (and any secular music, for that making music the way I do…it’s like a or Chaos A.D.,” Cavalera says. “Half of matter), it can often ostracize an artist never-ending search and quest, and I Dark Ages is very Metal, very much my from their peers. However, Cavalera don’t go back. My state of mind in music own traditional Metal. And the funny says he has not experienced any such is forward, forward, forward, all the time. thing is for me to actually do that. After repercussions. I’m already planning the next album, and all these years, to go back and redo, it’s “I really believe in God,” he affirms, “but Dark Ages isn’t even out yet. I’m so into fun man. Bashing your instrument and it’s a different God than Christian or the future, just going and searching. It’s screaming - what (my drummer) Joe Catholic or whatever. But I like also the like an obsession; I’m an obsessed person calls ‘Apocalyptic shit.’ The feeling of fact that, because you thank God in a with music, never really looking back.” Dark Ages is a feeling of making a classic record like Soulfly or Sepultura, that is so Metal record, which I’m very happy about off the wall, it actually irritates, kind of because I really haven’t done that since pisses some people off, and that’s kind of Sepultura. It’s really a great feeling. It’s exciting because all these religious pricks X listen to soundWAVs from Soulfly’s really cool.” will be looking at this, and it’s going to Dark Ages @ wavmag.com disturb them. And that’s good. So, I do it On top of that, Cavalera says the overall for the right reason, myself in my heart. TV What’s NEWS in your life? By Micah Lashbrook

“We are about empowering this generation of young people in their 20s to engage in a dialogue of democracy and to tell their stories about what’s going on in their lives in the dominant media of our time.”

- Al Gore, Chairman of Current TV

Born August 1st of this year, Current TV took know how much is left in each piece, so if content studio. “We are looking for 1-5 minute, to the air to take on conventional mainstream you’re not feeling it you know exactly how long non-fiction, documentary style pods. You can news coverage for all it’s worth, about a buck it’ll be until something different takes its place. go to our online studio, and check out our VC2 o’ five. With Current’s inception into the 24 survival guide which details how to get the hour cable news arena they are not beholden The daily podcasts are a smorgasbord of most out of your videos, how to compress to the likes of CNN, MSNBC, or Fox News, Current themed topics like Current Core, about your footage, etc” explains Anastasia. “Then rather they are adamant in turning all that urban and middle-of-nowhere subcultures, upload your segment to our site where it can tired talking head journalism on top of itself. Current Protests, where demonstrations are be voted on and critiqued by your peers.” Any By encouraging their twenty-something demo going on around the world, Current Quote of submissions worthy of pursuit will then be to tell their own story, cut up some footage, the Day, Current Parent, Gigs, Flicks, Travel, attached to an in-house producer, who will and upload their segment to the stations V2 Pet and anything else you can slap the “C” then suggest edits or ideas necessary to fulfill online studio for potential airplay, Current has word in front of. There’s also an exclusive the vision of the original piece and ready it for embraced viewer-created content as their partnership with Web juggernaut Google broadcast. unique broadcasting component. They’ll even who relay their most searched topics to show you how. Currents’ professional production staff, who Clearing video footage is the crux of VC2 in turn air Google Current every half hour, studios problems so far. Those guerrilla-digi- Current television is the brainchild of former it’s really the only time the channel uses cam shoots in college may have produced VP Al Gore, the channels chairman and a traditional anchorman format, or in this some undeniably genius cinema, but getting boisterous proponent of avant-media who’s case anchorwoman, to deliver the goods. that stuff cleared for TV can be cumbersome taken his prognostication of our sullied media The resulting newscast is a melting pot of to say the least. “People need to cover and instead of bitching about it, offered a pop culture concerns from Martha Stewart themselves legally,” exclaimed Anastasia, consumer-oriented alternative (if only he had to World Music Awards to Carmen Electra “It’s hard because a lot of amateur video the same pep and vigor in 2000…). In addition stripping again - consider it a snapshot of our producers, especially with this new movement to the VC2 studio, Current’s programming favorite browsers omnipotent eye. Whether towards citizen journalism, don’t know they consists of short, A.D.D.-friendly segments Current sinks or swims depends on how have to have releases for the people they that run anywhere from 30 seconds to 7 well their TV adaptation of the interview. If somebody uses music, even if its minutes called “pods”– an unabashed nod customizable features and personalized media from their friends bands, we have to get the to our nations collective iPod obsession and parlays into the cable news world. master and sync license for those pieces and preference for quick, boundless snippets of get them on file…it’s definitely a big learning entertainment. A real-time meter discreetly I spoke with Anastasia Goodman, VC2 Manager, curve for a lot of people.” All the info regarding placed on the bottom of the screen lets you to discuss the logistics of the viewer-created legal hindrance when producing your own

62 www.wavmag.com segment can be found in the online VC2 survival guide under Legal Section. To date no submission has been shelved indefinitely, and the VC2 studio accounts for 25% of a given days broadcast. Anastasia made it clear that if they like it, they’ll find a way to help you get it on air.

Just two months in, and the VC2 studio has already produced an array of vivid and informative segments from topics as diverse as surf life at Santa Cruz’ point breaks to worldly pieces like “Coming Out – The Youth Of Iran.” One of the most gut wrenching pods was “Citizen Rescue” filmed in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina’s devastation, it documented the search and rescue missions led by local skip boaters wading through their inundated hometowns at stop sign level, praying to find live bodies instead of floaters. Rather than an overacting network correspondent destined for the getaway chopper, this story was told through the eyes and sorrows of a Louisiana native grappling with the absurdity of peering through second story archetypal THINKING MAN - Gathom Chopra, son of renowned mind windows from his boat and the reality that things cannot and body M.D. Deepak Chopra, serves as producer, reporter, and host and will not ever be the same in the Bayou State again. for a wide array of programming including “Current Soul”. It was everything reality TV wants to be – true human experience, unscripted, uncensored and unabated by any notions of celebrity – authentic and moving.

Emotions run high in the majority of Current’s telecast. Political stories dealing with the occupation in Gaza, the environment, and safety at home have shown tempers flare from both sides of the issue, with the cameraman’s view often coming off as the righteous party. The question then becomes, how can Current’s VC2 studio remain non-partisan in keeping with the journalistic credo of unbiased commentary, especially while being joined at the hip with Al Gore and Co.? “It’s more about people admitting their biases, and saying upfront where they’re coming from,” said Anastasia. “For example, the reporting from Gaza strip was from a former producer for CNN who couldn’t go international with them so he came to Current, and did these Gaza stories in a more personal way, which makes it a lot more real.”

Suffice it to say, if the new channel is a smashing hit, the VC2 studio will have been a major part of it and potentially result in copycat broadcasts all over GOOGLE COMES ALIVE - Twice an hour, Google Current tells us what other news stations, but Anastasia insists this is not we’re all searching on the Web. the studio’s intent. “It’s really about partnering with our audience to create television that they want to see, that’s reflective of their world, and nurturing these young producers by providing them access to a platform that’s pretty closed off to most people by the other networks. We’re opening up the black box of TV to a whole new generation of producers.”

Debating the Napster controversy with ’s Lars Ulrich on The Show on PBS in May 2000, said, “This is industry versus the people, and the people got technology on their side and we got to adapt.” In our current day and age of corporate media saturating our TV sets, juxtaposed with a truth-hungry youth, affordable digital video cameras, professional editing software, and the Internet, perhaps Chuck was foretelling a revolution that reaches well past the music industry.

i current.tv i awaitinginput.com WORLD NEWS FROM THE STREET - most of Current’s international stories draw their impact from dramatic dialogues with real people embedded in crises or rejoicing in celebration.

wav magazine 63 // wavform

Fresh-BreweDby Patricia DeLuca Nillaz

Sometimes there’s no more motivation necessary than being an underdog. The While the album is doing unexpectedly ‘69 Mets, The ‘04 Pistons, Happy Gilmore, well, it’s the live show that made The Nillaz Seabiscuit, The Nillaz. The what? The “something different,” offers Cohen. Nillaz. “People will have to see it for themselves.” The current lineup originally started out as As one of the bands on this year’s Warped a two piece, Cohen and Conway, who met Tour, their endurance level, as well as 15 years ago when Cohen was program- their skill level, has risen tenfold. Never ming beats. “Our musical influences mind the fact that they had to muscle are everything from the huge sound of blazing-hot temperatures and play on Jimmy Page’s production work with Led some rather less-than-luscious lands Zeppelin’s to the way that N.E.R.D. mixed (Randall’s Island in New York was a dust hip-hop influence with a live band on their pit, coating concertgoers with several first record,” says JaVa. “And everything layers of dirt within an hour of arrival). in between from Bach to Hendrix and On top of it all, their set time usually .” It was when the two of them coincided with ticket-selling fan favorites started collaborating on their own music such as and Fall that they decided the duo should expand. Out Boy. Still, while the greater portion “We incorporated a live band,” remembers of the crowd were getting their emo on, Cohen,”and as time went one, some some managed their way to the smaller, members came and went. It streamlined but equally rocking second stage. Those the band and got the pieces together.” fortunate enough to wander from the nest were treated to The Nillaz in an In between gigs and during the standard- unabashed, in-your-face mode. issue downtime of a band on the road, the group has plenty of time to work on new While one could trace their influences material, even while promoting an album to such hip-hop acts as the that’s barely a few months old. While And if you were so punk rock, you were pointed out and shamed into taking a few steps closer... if just to shut them up.

(circa License to Ill) or House of Pain, there there’s always a 16-track in tow for when are more hair-metal hooks and thug in inspiration strikes on the move, Cohen their rhymes than frat boy. Even when MC confides that he’d have no problem travel- Ryah ‘JaVa’ Conway suggests to a rather ing lighter. “I don’t need electricity,” he large man in the audience, “We even got a says. “My ideas come to my mind. I’ll do it shirt that’ll fit you…extra small!” it comes [well as] in the studio. It doesn’t off more punk rock than rush week. As matter.” for the poor souls who admired from a safe distance…well, MCs Conway and Lian Now that the band is off the big summer ‘Ill-On’ Cohen figured there was nothing tour, they’ll “sleep for a week,” Cohen exag- to lose by berating them over loudspeak- gerates. Then they’ll be right back out on ers. And if you were so punk rock that the road. “Life post-Warped Tour sucks,” you didn’t listen, you were pointed out jokes JaVa. “We want to be out playing and eventually shamed into taking a few across the country, making new fans and steps closer, even if just to shut them up. reconnecting with everyone we met this Those who subjected were rewarded with summer.” So while their Spinal Tap-esque a swift set of hip-hop/heavy metal jams billing could have daunted lesser bands, by the Connecticut quintet who are like The Nillaz not only stuck around, but made a party on stage. Along with Cohen and believers out of the skeptical. “We got a lot Conway, there’s Brian Forbes on guitar, of people who said ‘You’re the best band Rafael Carruthers on bass, Mike Nappi and on the tour,’ “ Cohen says, as a coy smile Kevin Saunders on drums, Jano Rix on creeps onto his face. keys, and Fatz Founzlow helping out with some vocals, played some cuts from their If that’s not a sign indicating an underdog debut album, Homewrecker, which entered on the rise, then Al Czervik was only a CMJ’s hip-hop charts at #3. Not bad for a fluke…’lets daaance!’ band practically hidden from the Warped Tour crowd. After the set, Cohen wrings out his baseball cap, just in case there was any doubt on how much energy these X Listen to soundWAVs from NILLAZ @ guys expend for your entertainment. wavmag.com

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röyksopp is sitting in a tour bus sound and have moved more processors/software do you just outside of Amsterdam. He and towards a poppy, euphoric use to achieve these sounds? Sometimes we come up with the Torbjorn Brundtland are preparing techno sound. In the future, do Thunder Stumpgis, Nashville, TN ideas beforehand and we try to to play the Lowlands Festival later you plan on sticking with your recreate it in the studio, and other in the day. Why should you care? current style, or will you get It’s a long list, and partially also a times the music comes to you There’s a reason these two cats back to some of the unique laid trade secret, but here’s a few usual while you’re playing around with sold over 1 million copies of their back styles we heard in Melody suspects. We are very fond of the instruments and sounds. When you first record, Melody A.M. Because A.M.? Korg MS-20 , the Roland work with lyrics, the words can come it was good. Damn good. Yes, these Shailesh Trivedi, Phoenix, AZ Juno 106, the Mellotron MK2, and a before the music, and also the other two fine young Norwegian lads are few other keyboards. We also use way around. So we have one intuitive in a band together. A band that has Well, because Melody A.M. achieved the Roland Space Echo and we have way, which is more improvised, and toured with the likes of Basement what it did, we knew that we had an old Danish tube compressor that another way in which we have an idea Jaxx and . A band that is just as made something that people enjoyed. doesn’t really have a name, it only that we try to get out of our head and revered in Europe as it is Stateside We knew that some people would says ‘made in Denmark’ on the back make music out of. and worldwide. A band that goes miss this, but since we’ve already of it. As far as software, one program by the name made Melody we use is Sequencer Plus Gold, by I’m particularly interested Röyksopp. A.M., we Voyetra. It’s an old PC sequencer. The in your musical influences thought that’d last update for it was in 1991, but it’s throughout your career. They’re back be a bit wrong been with us ever since the start, and - Clare Brown, Newcastle, U.K with The to make it all we know it so well. As far as audio Understanding, over again. editing, we use Steinberg’s WaveLab Torbjorn was born in 1975 and I their almost We wanted to and every now and then, Cubase. We was born in 1976 in a small town in frighteningly do something even sometimes use Acid... northern Norway called Tronso. It anticipated different. We Well…the program Acid... was in the 80s and there weren’t sophomore will never leave many ways for us to get hold of effort. It’s our origins Do you prefer CDs or the apart from the big difficult not in terms traditional vinyl sound? ones - Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, to be seduced of making - John Glista, , PA . As we grew a bit older, we by the lush instrumental got to know a few people that were soundscape nice little Obviously the CD quality is sharper older and were DJing in London. Röyksopp things, they and doesn’t leave the ground noise They would bring back vinyl of what creates, will always - the popping and crackling - of the was going on in the UK and mainland and they’re have a place vinyl record, but whether that’s a Europe club scene in the early 90s. currently testing out their musical in our hearts, and I’m pretty positive good or a bad thing is obviously up to So when we were about 14 or 15, we lure on us, bringing their new album that we’ll come back to that to some the listener. When I’m out in a club, I were very much into and tour to a venue near you. So as extent, but we are still making prefer to play from record, because on one side - like the Orb, early Aphex they sit and wait for their turn on Röyksopp music. The making of it has a bit more truth. We don’t like Twin - and on the other side we were stage, we figured who better than The Understanding was more an to be hi-fi, but still, we don’t want to very much inspired by the energetic you to help them pass the time. exploration. We wanted to see if we be completely low-fi either. We like to breakbeat/jungle music, and to some Here are your questions…and Svein’s could write more popular songs and be mixed between the analog warmth extent the rave scene, that was answers. Welcome to another edition if we could sing. Who knows what will and the digital sharpness. going on in Europe, and even Detroit of…Press Pass: happen in the future. Techno and Chicago House. How do you guys come up with Both albums feature a the music? Do you think of it When you’re 13 or 14, and you’re a wonderful range of tone first or does it come to you boy, there’s a lot of chemistry and With The Understanding, it’s colors. What type of when starting to play the hormones and crap going on in your evident that you’ve moved instruments/keyboards/ instruments? system. You start exploring things away from the “chillout” - Ole Andreas, Sandnes, Norway within you and you take an interest

66 www.wavmag.com “So we just make music that we like and whoever else likes it is very free to join in.” - Svein Berge, Democratic Practitioner

in girls and you have all this energy Editor’s note: Umm…Okaaaay… music that we want to make and about 98 or 99% of what we’ve been which you don’t know where to moving on… What happened to want to hear, and hopefully others asked to do. dispose of, so the music at 140, 150 Leno? can enjoy it. If we try to make music BPM (beats per minute) was very that we thought somebody out there Your songs have an almost appealing. At the same time, you At the end of the “Poor Leno” video, would like, but we didn’t like as much, ‘nostalgic’ feel to them. Is this wanted music that was a bit more for there is a female character that that could fail miserably. You would intentional in any way? the head, ambient music. And as we helped him escape from entrapment, have lied to yourself and made a fool - Zamzir, Pasadena, CA grow older, we’re sort of broadening and Leno, well, it’s sort of an open of yourself. So we just make music our horizons into any music we like, ending, but the two of them are living that we like and whoever else likes it We like to say that there’s a bit of from country to R&B to house…all happily ever after. We like to think is very free to join in. ‘longing’ in some of the songs, which over the place. It doesn’t matter if it’s that’s what happened. can be what’s meant by nostalgic. We Dolly Parton or Beethoven or Dr.Dre, Have you ever been approached grew up in the 80s so you’ll find parts as long as it’s music with identity. Are there any artists that about commercializing any of of the 70s and the 80s in our music, That’s what we seek. you’d really like to work with your music? How do you feel and that can be nostalgic, but we’re in the future? about that? not the judges of how people should Why did you change the titles - Viq, Amsterdam, Netherlands - Ben Zhu, Alhambra, CA respond to our music. If some people of some songs from Norwegian find our music to be nostalgic, this to English (i.e. “Om Raevpulling” The Greek keyboard magician There has been quite a lot of asking person is probably completely right is now “Clean Sweep”)? Did the Vangelis because he must be very old to use the music for ads, film, and because music is such a personal record company want that or now and we are drawn to old people games. Our music is not really what thing. did you want that yourselves? that play keyboards. people would jump to play on radio, Gustavo Lopez, San Diego, CA apart from student radio and so on, What are the last thoughts Where do you see yourselves so having a good solid commercial that go through your head In all honesty, the Norwegian meaning fitting into the realm of that can be justified in terms of before you fall asleep? of the word is quite dirty, and the electronic music. For example, being a good piece of art or film, the - Carlos Herrera, Los Angeles, CA track itself was made in sort of have you ever wanted to imagery combined with the music can a haze, if you know what I mean. create a dance record? do something good. Obviously, we I’ve been told that what you dream Sometimes we make something and Snow Foster, Glendale, CA wouldn’t try as hard to do something is just a summary of what goes thru just as a reference for for, like, General Motors - that would your head and your experiences from us to remember it and we gave it that It might be something we’ll do just be a bit dodgy - so we do a case by the day. Your mind is just processing name because of the low end on the because it would be fun, more than case in terms of what the product all these impressions while you’re bass and the bass drum. We felt there anything. We find it intriguing to try is, and if the commercial itself is dreaming. So it’s very wise to think was a resemblance, but we felt it to and puzzle and bewilder people and justifiable art. If all these things are of a beautiful woman that you be too offensive to have on a proper journalists and music critics and also in place, we see that as a keen way really fancy because you might be release. But it’s endured and a lot of ourselves. It’s a good way for us to of promoting our music. As long as dreaming of her. people out there know about it. We keep going. Obviously that can all it doesn’t go too far...we don’t want think that’s kind of funny. blow up in your face, but that’s the to shove our music down people’s kind of game we like. throat. We want people to find the Editor’s question: So what music themselves. We’ve done a i royksopp.com does the name ‘Om Raevpulling’ When you make your albums, commercial in the UK for a mobile mean? how do you envision people telecommunications company, and X Listen to soundWAVs from listening to them? we have some music on the computer Röyksopp @ wavmag.com Well the reason we thought it was Cherry Mary, Goleta, Santa Barbara game ‘Wipe Out.’ That’s something a bit crude and not good to put on a we did because, well, we’re fond of release is because it means ‘tender We don’t really take that much into computer games and that one has ass fucking.’ That’s quite a handful. consideration. We’ve come to the been quite significant in computer conclusion that the best thing is just game history. We wanted to have stay true to ourselves and make the a part in it. But we’ve turned down

wav magazine 67

There is too much raw talent getting overlooked and too many artists not getting the exposure they deserve!

That is the problem that a major label will pick them had that many in attendance?”, of music via their site, www. Valkyrie Entertainment’s up and help promote them. sez CEO Shon Miller. getthegoodsonline.com. From executives saw when they Some intrepid bands do all of -- those submissions they choose looked at all the different their PR and promotional work In addition to the television two artists per week and artists while browsing through themselves, and have organized broadcast, The Goods CTV is broadcast them nationally. They their local Atlanta weekly. They street teams or have some building the largest, searchable realize that not all submissions realized that a person could indie label help. But jumping database for bands, venues, will appear on the show, pick up a weekly paper or check from indie or regional band to and indie labels. Why? So that however, all submissions will be their cities show schedules, national touring act can be hard these same artists can logon on the site and they will feature but without hearing an artist or because many of these artists anywhere and find a venue different artists other than getting some word of mouth don’t have any connections that caters to their music and those appearing on the show. from a trusted source, going to outside of their city or state, book a gig, or a venue can Further, they will be releasing a good show is like winning the and without those connections, see which acts will be touring CDs and DVDs of many artists lottery. How are they evening booking your tour can be next close to their city and book to increase their exposure. the odds? In little over a year to impossible,” explains Ramsey them in between gigs. This These additional releases will they’ve created The Goods Yount. synergistic approach to touring be for the acts that couldn’t Concert Television, a weekly and music promotion is new to make it down to Atlanta for the television forum aimed at The Goods Concert Television the scene. Right now in order taping but are still great. showcasing and broadcasting (or CTV) will be the jump off to successfully make a living hard working, touring, kick point for artists to broaden as a musician it’s more of who ass artists from all over the their fan base, help their you know rather than how good country. merchandise and ticket sales, your music is. That approach i getthegoodsonline.com and drive more traffic to their screws the musician, the venue, “Right now, every artist is own website. “When we begin and the fans. “It’s crap”, sez working their butts off touring, broadcasting in January 2006 Shon. or crafting more music, and we’ll have a viewer ship of over waiting for an A&R rep to find 37 million here in the U.S. When The Goods CTV accepts them, and then hoping that is the last time a regional band submissions for all genres

// ¡mucho gusto! Power Pill Fist

BY: Jake McGee

Ken Fec plays bass for the sensational Black added, “some of the 70’s Gymnastics Team most noise, is to move asses. Some of his Moth Super Rainbow, based out of Pittsburgh, dudes have helped at live shows.” beats…you can feel them in your pubes!” PA. He has started another project called Power Pill Fist, a strange and wild sound that, As far as instruments, Tom concurs that When asked if he thought Clear Channel is much like , is like “it’s been an Atari 2600,” but he says that a haven for the minions of Satan, Tom said, nothing else on this earth. It’s wild and catchy Ken incorporated a reel-to-reel deck and an “Satan is alive and well in WAV magazine and to make love to your old lady acoustic guitar at a recent show. and that’s pretty awesome, so let’s say Clear by…and it’s all done by en manipulating an Atari Channel is aligned with the other side… 2600. He makes the Atari sound like guitar, Now, for the music. It’s crazy, yet compelling, because they are, and that’s much worse.” drums, and everything else, providing a unique one of those odd mixtures that is instantly and super rad experience. endearing at some deep, core level. “It’s really Scary thoughts for these times of dread. But beautiful,” Tom says. “It’s noise, but it’s like at least we have the sounds of Power Pill Fist Of course, when I contacted Ken to interview fucking beautiful wonderful tastes and sounds. to guide us through the fray. Extra Life is him about this miraculous project, my timing He has the ability to play to folks who I bet now available, and Kongmanivong is almost was rotten as always. “I will be in the Outter wouldn’t normally listen to anything like this, completed. Banks all week picking sand out of my ass and and convert them.” giving Ophelia the bird,” he said. “Feel free to interview Tom about me though. He may be Being Ken was on the beach, a true insight into the only one who understands.” whatever message may behind Power Pill Fist i For more information, check out : couldn’t be had at press time, but Tom gave powerpillfist.com. Tom Fec is the legendary mastermind behind us his best interpretation. “Noise, as a genre, Black Moth Super Rainbow, as well as Ken’s has become like every other genre. There is X Take in Power Pill Fist soundWAVs at cousin. He is a crafty lad, with a genius sense a look and sound associated with it. A lot of wavmag.com of music and a penchant for pulling large the noise artists, in some way, have all the pieces of furniture from his ass. So, I was same tools. And they all know how they are glad to trust him to fill me in on this new supposed to sound. From what I know, Power phenomenon. Pill doesn’t listen to any of that music, or really know or care about the genre. He’s coming at “Power Pill Fist is just Ken,” Tom said, but it from a fresh view, and his message, unlike

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// spin this!

MORNING BECOMES ECLECTICO with KCRWs Nic Harcourt

WAV spoke with Nic Harcourt, Music Director and host of and I’m like, “Well, Rob (Garza) is.” And I think their track gone from that band. They’re still very connected to their KCRW’s influential daily freeform music program Morning adds something to the collection that wouldn’t have been community and they’ve got something to say, they’re Becomes Eclectic (89.9FM and KCRW.com), about his there otherwise. activists. shows ninth live in-studio CD compilation, the first to flaunt a Latin-theme. Titled Sounds Eclectico, the album features “Baretta 89” Kinky “Sol (Batucada)” original artwork by Beck and is contemporary and varied N: They mix it up don’t they? Hmm… this mix sort of defies N: First time I saw them I was blown away, they’re kind of in its artist selection, exalting traditional Latin songwriting category, there’s just so many influences going on.T here’s a mix between Air and Ozomatli, or Kraftwerk and Ozo. and voice with today’s dance fused rhythms and raps. no Shakiras or Jaguares, but I think it’s a reasonable cross- Again, there’s another band I first heard of from demos and Here’s what the coolest and most influential in section. we were able to help get signed. the world recalls from his experiences with the artists and scenarios surrounding the making of this album. Aterciopelados “Baracunatana” El Gran Silencio “Sound System Municipial” N: Andrea Echeverri (singer) was here recently, she’s got N: A band that’s actually an awful lot louder when they’re SOUNDS ECLECTICO – NACIONAL RECORDS a solo album out on Nacional Records, this is just a really plugged in. It was a weird thing cuz their label didn’t give good track we got back in 2001. them any support to come in, so they came in with just Café Tacuba – La Muerte Chiquita guitars and boxes, it was a really stripped down session. It’s NIC: It was the first time I met Rubin (Albarran, vocalist), he Los Amigos Invisibles “Gorditas de Mario” the perfect song to end the record with cuz at the end they insisted on interviewing in Spanish, which I don’t speak, N: They’ve been in a number of times; I think there’s 6 say “Bye-Bye.” fortunately my producer is Argentinean so she was able to guys altogether. A really cool bunch of guys, I think they’re help me through it. actually in LA next week!” Nic just released a book “Music Lust – Recommended Julieta Venegas “Lo Que Pidas” Manu Chao “Clandestino” Listening For Every Mood, Moment, and Reason” (see review N: Every time she comes she’s different; she has a different N: Well a lot of his songs are about smoking dope, you in SPIN THIS!) take on what’s going on. I’d ask her, “What do you have to know, smoking pot. As he was leaving the studio after his do to become a star over here?” and now I’m happy to say session, a couple fans showed up just to give him some X listen to soundWAVs from Sounds Eclectico @ she has – her last album went gold in the US. pot. He’s a totally cool guy, pretty much a gypsy. wavmag.com

Sidestepper “Deja” Omara Portuondo “No Me Vayas a Enganar” i kcrw.org N: You know there’s an English guy behind Sidestepper N: She’s like 75 or something, Cuban, one of the Buena Vista (Richard Blair) who lives in Columbia, I just loved the Social Club. She actually hit on me, which is kinda flattering combination of his electronic sensibility along with really. If I hadn’t had a girlfriend I probably would have traditional sounds. gone with her.

Juana Molina “Insensible” Brazilian Girls “Homme” N: When I first moved to LA, Juana was living here, then N: Didi (Gutman), the programmer is from Argentina, the she moved back to Argentina.. A couple years later, things singer is Italian, the rest of ‘em are from New York. I’ve been started happening for her over here after years of trying, loving these guys for a couple years, I got a demo and which is pretty cool. And she sings in French, which was our airplay actually helped them get a deal – it’s a great really something different for the collection. seductive track.

Jorge Drexler “El Pianista del Gueto de Varsovia” Los Lobos “Carabina 30-30” N: He’s the guy who won the Academy Award for best N: We have them on every time they release a new album, ­original song from “Motorcycle Diaries”. He was in town a because they’re legends, they’re an LA treasure. Truth is couple weeks after and just came in with a guitar and did a they’re one of the reasons why bands like Ozomatli exist. session with us that was beautiful. Ozomatli “Saturday Night” Thievery Corporation “Shadows of Ourselves” N: The quintessential LA band. I think it’s been intriguing N: People say “Thievery Corporation? They’re not Latin!” to watch them develop, there’re a lot of people come and

74 www.wavmag.com spin this! \\

The lyrics are apocalyptic, almost inspired by the end screams and feedback to relay their angst, but these of the world. But just when you think Dark Ages is guys want you to listen, they beg you. going to stick to the aural barrage, Cavalera continues SPIN THIS! to surprise with his creativity, blending in some of Themes of Indian spirituality, ancestry and drums Soulfly’s most beautifully melodic sounds to date. run deep in the music and artwork. The cover art and (-JLM) album namesake being borrowed from a Kiowa Indian music named Wohaw. And lyrically in stand out tracks like “Tecumseh” and “God is Red”, a tribute to Leonard David Allan Coe Peltier where they sing, “Just like his ancestors PENITENTIARY BLUES Sound Tribe Sector 9 before him, his destiny was sealed by thieves and Shout! Factory Artifact: Perspectives liars.” 1320 Records (-Fruzen Geister) Even though Coe is known more for the niche he carved Jam band? Not quite. as “’s All Electro-fusion rock? Uhh...not American Redneck”, he offers us a glimpse into his really. The future of music? John Arnold boundless natatorium of talent as he unravels his Quite possibly. Known as much for their Phish-like Style & Pattern best collection of hardened tunes, Penitentiary Blues. following as they are for their majestic fusion of Ubiquity Records Coe turned 66 years young in September, he had his traditional and electronic instruments, Sound Tribe first #1 song n 74’, yet his passionate porous voice Sector 9’s sound is hard to pin down primarily Alrighty then! I didn’t feel like blend combined with Coes’ staggering inventiveness because they are whatever they want to be at any a complete 20-something to tell a story still shine on Blues. Coe has spent more given moment in time. The lead off track to their lounge kook when I listened time in prison than in a classroom; homies got some latest release, for instance, has this nasty fuzzed out to this CD. Judging from the cover John Arnold is shit to say. Undeniably one of country music’s prolific electronic bassline that locks in step perfectly with one of those dickheads that wears sunglasses in , with a resume that boasts Willie Nelson, the booming, rolling kick drum -- the kind of shit the goddamn “bubble lounge” or wherever you’re Neil Young and the late great . Truly a that makes you go “aw hell yeah.” Laid over this are drinking your martini. Nevertheless, this Vikter redneck for the ages, highlights include “Age 21”, some beautiful female vocal samples aimed straight Duplaix-esque CD will have you searching the racks “Cell”, “Funeral Parlor Blues” and of course the title at your gut that dissipate as the song morphs into for Neighborhood Science, Arnold’s first installment. track “Penitentiary Blues”. its delicate, ethereal outro. Then there’s the hip-hop Beats and Patterns is a fitting title for the mathematic (-JMS) cuts like the “Possibilities” remixes (one with Mr. Lif, funkiness created on this new album. Carefully one with Collective Efforts) that are driven as much patterned bass beats virtually make love to Cuban by their sparse loop as by the skills of the MCs. bata drums, African vocalists, jazzy horns, and pimp Each instrument comes in slowly throughout the strutting guitar melodies. Break beats have given Lightning Bolt song until you’re halfway through and you suddenly way to futuristic “broken beats” as a lead in from HYPERMAGIC MOUNTAIN realize you’re listening to the whole band, subtlely traditional samba to disco, from dancehall to house. Load Records and skillfully playing off of each other. The bottom With the exception of the gay black man embellishing line is that STS9’s Artifact: Perspectives (which, by on his harmonies for an annoying eternity on the last Dense riffage coupled with the way, is a collection of songs from their previous 5 minutes of the album – this CD is a DJ’s orgasm is supernatural sweatbox album remixed by some of the band’s favorite artists what it is! Simonita says: serve me up another dirty! precision adorns this highly including Richard Devine, Slicker and Eliot Lipp) (martini, not sanchez) woo woo anticipated follow-up to Lightning Bolt’s 2003 showcases a band as self-assured as any that has (-Simone Gray) splinter fest . Been waiting a come around in the last ten years, and it’s sure to helluva long time for this, and it does NOT disappoint. make you move. “Only two musicians allowed!” (-Jimmy A.) and Brian = Throbbing low-end played on a The Five Corners Quintet 300 foot long bass and kick drums the size of Exxon Chasin’ the Jazz Gone By supertankers, hyperkinetic snare snaps, all stretched Milan Records into a triumphant war stomp that all can love. The USA is a Monster WOHAW Lucky for us, this Helsinki- Mostly instrumental, with scattered distorted verses Load Records based group is having a tossed in for the flava, Hypermagic Mountain’s 57 seriously difficult time letting minutes of eye-gauging joy. Standouts include the Wohaw breaks the mold for go of Jazz music’s glory days. One of their main aims first two songs “2 Morro Morro Land” and “Captain how a noise band should is to also show the world that jazz is still something Caveman” (the greatest cartoon superhero of all sound. Sure, there’s the math- that is actively sought out by music fans from every times). Chops abound on “Bizarro Zarro Land”, metal riffs, with squeaks and squeals crying out from discipline. With a recent infusion of jazz licks and features bass-fingertapping akin to Claypool on acid, battered pedalboards, but tangible song structures timing in every genre and cross-genre of music alive and the starts and stops to “Riffwraith” are enough coupled with tempered verses sung Indian chant today - house, electronic, dance, hip-hop, rock - The to cause a conniption. Don’t sleep thru this one, as if style put this album, and this band light years ahead Five Corners Quintet focus on reminding everyone you could. of the “noise” scene conundrum. Colin and Tom make that’s diggin’ on that stuff of where it all came from. (-Randy Keginhand) all the music for the USA is a MONster. With a name So not only did they decide to record Chasin’ the like that, you’d figure this crazy band would rely on Jazz Gone By in jazz’s classic spirit...the way jazz was

Soulfly DARK AGES Roadrunner Records

On this, Soulfly’s fifth album, Max Cavalera and Company take their untouchable powerhouse Metal into yet another realm- this time turning Metal on itself. There is nothing “nu” about Dark Ages, but there is a lot of new explorations of raw, Heavy Metal. Filled with those wailing guitars reminiscent of the days when Megadeth and Sepultura reigned supreme, Dark Ages is a loud, aggressive, and ferocious primal roar, and it would be a fantastic soundtrack for Armageddon.

wav magazine 75 // spin this!

originally meant to be heard. Omega One the world with his music, and following the insane The Lo-Fi Chronicles success of The Politics of Music, the man many call Featuring world class guest vocalist Mark Murphy, Nature Sounds the best DJ in the world, Paul Van Dyk, has come at the record consists of 13 fluidly reflective pieces, us with The Politics of Dancing 2. Driving pounding which often employ the talents of a 12 piece string If you’ve ever wondered progressive trance beats and melodic breakdowns and French horn ensemble as well as the experience, about the intricate precision and buildups have been his signature sound for know-how, and soul of cross-generational jazz behind creating those catchy longer than most of us can remember, and though players including everyone from Blue Note recording hip-hop beats that make your booty shake with such the same formula is presented in this double disc artist Severi Pyysalo to young trumpet prodigy Jukka unabashed ease, The Lo-Fi Chronicles is a good place set, with tracks by Alex Gold, Filo, Yellow Blackbird, Eskola. to find out more. Omega One, who has worked with and Van Dyk himself, it still works. Paul Van Dyk is and produced tracks for such fabled characters as a man with alot on his mind, and his choice of sonic If you don’t feel anything while listening to this , , and ’s Vordul representation reflects that. record, you’re a stone. Mega, comes at us with some lyrically untouched (-Captain Caveman) This is truly the future of real jazz. pristine hip-hop soundscapes (save for I Self Divine’s (-WAM) ferocious flow on “I Want It All” and LoDeck’s social assault on closing track “Coup d’Etat”), employing an organic tone in everything from jazzy smooth to Little Brother ghetto boom and all up in dis room! This shit’s sexy. The Minstrel Show House of OM This shit’s real. Atlantic Groove Junkies OM Records A.G., Grip Grand, Marck Stretch, DJ Design Little Brother, the progressive Look Records Sampler hip-hop trio from North “Step into the world where Carolina, has been turning music is life...and life is all Ok, I know it’s strange to include a review of a label heads the last few years, even outside the realms about the music” sampler CD, but this is somethin’ else. Look records of underground rap. Their producer, 9th Wonder, is threw us 7 tracks from 4 various albums the label will one of the more acclaimed producers in the game 10pm - 1am. You’ve waited in the line. You’ve walked be soon releasing. We got 2 tracks from A.G., one of right now, getting picked up for such projects as in. You’re scopin’ out the digs. Your radar’s checkin’ which, “Take a Ride,” employs the production saavy Jay-Z and Destiny’s Child albums. Little Brother’s out the prospects. Your dry mouth is aching for a of Madlib...enough said. 2 more tracks, including far first album was an underground classic, and with libation. You walk to the bar. You take back a few with eastern melody infused break-funk number “Paper MC ’s tremendous show of development on your mates. You look around and realize that the place Cups,” come from relatively new artist Grip Grand, Foreign Exchange’s Connected, this is probably one of is starting to pack up. The lights have dimmed. ’s got a flow that rolls off his tongue...look out for the more anticipated albums of the year for people in grooves are starting to make you rock back and forth. this guy. Then we’ve got “Higher,” a sex synth deep the hip-hop know. And I think most will agree that it Your legs are wiggling your head is bobbing. You turn kick groove by Foreign Legion MC Marc Stretch. And does not disappoint. The concept of the album title is and look at the dancefloor. You take down one more last, but certainly not least, Look Records founder as compelling as the album’s sound: soulful samples drink and you’re off. The luscious bealaric beats have DJ Design throws down on “Better Days” and “Get complemented by drilling drum loops and flavorful, seduced your soul. On The Floor,” tracks whose production finesse are impressive lyricism. Definitely some primo kickback adequately complimented by , Declaime, and music. 1am - 4am. You’re no longer concerned about whether Part Arty gracing the mics. LOOK out...these cats are (-Asher Rumack) your shirt looks ok or if your hair is in place. You’re on the up and up. not worrying about who or what is checking you (-WAM) out. Because no one is. You’re on the dancefloor. You’re groovin. You couldn’t stop if you wanted to. Smif N Wess So you don’t. You’re sweating. The girl in front of you Reloaded is sweating. The guy next to you is sweating. Most Breakestra Duck Down Records importantly, everyone is smiling. Hit The Floor Ubiquity The lesson of the day here is The Groove Junkies have just dropped 2 hours worth that these dudes love guns. of boogie for your bouncing pleasure. Dance dance 4 years, shit I was in college The duo named after a gun dance the night away... longer than that, then they company, comprised of rappers Tek of Steele, made (-Skeezer) drop Hit The Floor. Well an album clearly referring to a gat. Maybe it’s better that’s proof you can’t rush perfection. This album that way though – there’s no tricks about what is prodigious in it’s own right. The Funkafied feel you’re getting when you buy a Smif N Wess album. just exudes from the speakers. It is like having an You’re getting some fuckin hardcore, urban, cold Tom Vek soulchestra at your gangster ass rap. And when I say gangster rap, don’t We Have Sound disposal. With a mix of percussive bliss infused with underestimate this team – they do it the way it’s Tummy Touch Recordings jazz, creative mastermind Miles Tackett shows off meant to be done, on the page of Dead Prez and old his musical dexterity in this long awaited album. To . This album boasts raw beats and some He’s nothing at all talk about one track would not be veracious, each complex MC’ing that paint an attractive portrait of extraordinary, there’s just one reinforcing it’s own soulful presence. Hit The genuine capitalist gangstaism – artistic expression something charming about Floor emphatically proves Breakestra’s long overdue of the oppressed urban black man. It’s not all gun him. But then again, I guess in this day and age, musical value. talk either; they’re also fans of weed and money. genuine charm is a commodity. Certainly explains (-dirty jers) Sometimes it can be a little too overbearing, militant, the hype behind this one. One day I have no idea and ebrasive, but if that’s your thing, I strongly who this guy is, 4 days later, I’m pounded with his recommend you bump this shit as you polish your name, live broadcasts, interviews, opening track “C-C Baretta and contemplate your interpretation of the (You Set The Fire In Me)” all over both internet and Paul Van Dyk 2nd amendment. broadcast airwaves...the whole shabang. We Have The Politics of Dancing 2 (-Asher Rumack) Sound is comprised of very simple, almost purposely Mute unchallenging rhythms, melodies, basslines, and drum patterns...it’s like one guy separately playing As a small child living on the each instrument in his garage and and manually east side of the Berlin Wall, he mixing them on a yard sale 4-track, yet something got his first taste of electronic about it all, including his scratchy alluring voice, music from someone on the west side who would makes for something like you’ve never heard before, play Depeche Mode records over ham radio. He could and want to hear again. We Have Sound is a very have gotten in very very big trouble, but instead used earthy, very catchy, guilty pleasure. It to save his soul...his life. In return, he’s dedicated (-Carlos Herrera) his very being to that very saving grace...music. He’s managed to touch hearts and minds and souls around

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books avant-video animatics on “Exotic Talk”. Truth be told, passionate desire to save the natural world around I’d rather poke my liver with a pickle stick before him. Truly inspirational. MUSIC LUST – having to endure any of C-Rayz’ vids again. But the (-D.P.) RECOMMENDED LISTENING artistry kicks up another notch with Aesop’s “Fast FOR EVERY MOOD, MOMENT, Cars” masterpiece, and Mr. Lif provides balanced AND REASON comic relief with “” fo rizzy. As far as the Author: Nic Harcourt bonus disc featuring the groundbreaking UMIXIT The Black Keys Live software for closet producers to play with, it’s Fat Possum Records As musical tastemaker unfortunately PC compatible only. Sorry Def Jux, for KCRW’s indispensable once you go Mac you never go back. For one night in Sydney, Morning Becomes Eclectic, (-Phor Hensic) Australia The Black Keys put Nic Harcourt’s the only thing on a clinic for how to play soul keeping me from lining the pockets of Sirius and fueled thunder blues with only XFM. Music Lust offers up his personal must-haves, two people. rarities and forgotten gems old and new with a wails like an old blues hound fluid layout that reads easier than the last Harry sporting a deceptively uncomfortable guitar stance Potter book. From Billie Holiday to Afrika Bambataa, for every bend of the strings. I marveled as Pat swam and Radiohead to Groove Armada, it’s all here, a and ran through his bottomless barrel of beats and showcase of Nic’s comprehensive passion and rigor shuffles. When he grabbed a hand cymbal for the for chronicling music. first encore’s “Everywhere I Go” and started bashing his hi-hat with it I was hooked for good. Bare bone Silly sections and names like “O’ Canada” and “What DIRECTORS LABEL DVD SERIES VOLUMES 4-7 stage ups to boot - with these guys were talking bout Were They Thinking? Ten Albums The World Anton Corbijn, Jonathan Glazer, Mark Romanek and one telecaster and a drum kit with a couple symbols Could Have Lived Without” offer some comic relief Stéphane Sednaoui for fucks sake. BARE BONES! throughout. Although the “Naughty Girls” section was Palm Pictures disappointing to be certain, no way Alanis Morrisette Being the most testosterone filled duo among the beats out Peaches. Alas, the content is similar to After the massive success of the Directors Label many other half-fem couplet rock bands out there, what you might find on Nic’s radio show, eclectic and Series Volumes 1-3 showcasing gurus ahh-White Stripes-choo ahh-Raveonettes-phlew!! entertaining to be certain. , Michel Gondry and Chris Cunningham, – s’cuse me... they play hard and “for a real long (-Bert Sullivan) Palm Pictures continues to honor the genres most time”, as Dan proclaims. The Black Keys drew from all gifted and prolific helmers with the release of three of their albums, and just when you think your Volumes 4-7 featuring Anton Corbijn, Jonathan question of “how long can I watch these two guys Glazer, Mark Romanek and Stéphane Sednaoui. Top- rock the house before I’m bored to tears?” begins The Scorpion’s Tale dollar productions and boundless striking imagery to answer itself, they bust up the joint with a rowdy by Sylvia Torti adorn this newest collection of culture defining rendition of The Sonics’ “Have Love Will Travel”. Curbstone Press videos including NIN’s “Closer”, I never really liked that song, but Dan’s version “Give It Away”, U2’s “One”, UNKLE’s “Rabbit In Your smolders with his fuzz guitar version of that famous Science can only prove so Headlights”, and Johnny Cash’s “Hurt”. riff, heavy as all hell. The Key’s sound is full, two is much...and ironically enough, more than enough, I guess Robert Palmer’s dream of it’s not enough to solve any Extra features abound with director’s cuts, video playing bass for them is gonna have to stay that way. of the mysteries that truly commentaries from the bands, and a 52 page book (-Carly Swizzle) befuddle human existence... in each case comprised of drawings, storyboards, survival. A novel based on and photographs detailing each directors creative the events consisting of process, which serve as time capsules for 90s music and leading up to the Zapatista uprising in Chiapas, videos and their progression into the new millennium. Mexico on January 1, 1994, “The Scorpion’s Tail” follows a U.S. Biologist who finds herself caught in the midst of the rebellion and thrown into the social realities of poverty stricken Mexico. Characters that Monumental: David play a huge role in bursting her tidy scientifc bubble Brower’s Fight for Wild are an insurgent woman guerilla, an ornithologist, America and a soldier. A very emotional take on the crux of First Run Features human survival...the forces of right and wrong...the uncompromising lengths people will go to in order to 1. Establish a Redwood National claim the justice they deserve. If it makes you shed a Park tear, “The Scorpion’s Tail” has done it’s job. 2. Pass a Wilderness Bill (-L. Mallardo) 3. Establish North Cascades National Park 4. Stop two dams from being built in the Grand Canyon movies 5. Establish Point Reyes National Sea Shore LITTLE MOVIES BIG NOISES This was a to-do list that David Brower wrote for Def Jux Label himself back in 1960 -- a tad more ambitious than my own (take out the trash, do my laundry, stop LMBN is “the complete procrastinating -- I’ll get to that one later...). By the Definitive Jux music videos end of the decade Brower had accomplished every DVD collection” as the casing single one of them and more. Monumental, the new details, cataloging the video documentary on the incredibly focused executive works of El-P, Aesop Rock, Mr. Lif, C-Rayz Walz director of the Sierra Club, recounts how Brower and Murs to the delight of diehard jukie fans the rose from a hobbyist mountain climber to the single world over. The most poignant, and controversial most important conservationist in the history of video heads up the disc in El-P’s “Deep Space 9mm” our country. Told through gorgeously grainy 16mm directed by Brian Beletic showcasing haunting footage of America’s most majestic natural wonders imagery of a glowing red glock shadowing El- and historical news footage that includes Brower in Producto’s every move. a room with President Kennedy as he signs one of his bills into law, the film is a testament to what one DJ RJD2 smooths out the camera vamping and person can do when he sets his mind to it. Brower signature ebb and flow of Def Jux lyricists’ with had no special education or training. Just a burning,

78 www.wavmag.com who said it? Kings, Queens, Court Jesters, and Guillotines. Everyone’s got a philosophy on life. Here’s a few from some of the greatest minds of the twentieth century. Can you guess who said what? Check out the bottom of the page if you need help.

1. We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. a. George Carlin 2. I haven’t spoken to my wife in years. I didn’t want to interrupt her. b. Bob Dylan 3. In Iraq…the bombs destroyed the area and left behind a 60-foot crater, or as coalition forces prefer to call it: a freedom hole.

4. Kenny G has a Christmas album out this year. Hey, happy birthday, c. Dwight D. Jesus! Hope you like crap! Eisenhower

5. Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an d. Albert Einstein idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?.

What’s money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and 6. Rodney goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do. e. Dangerfield 7. PI don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everybody. f. Connie Chung

8. Success is relative. It is what we make of the mess we have made of things. g. 9. I like to play saxophone because you don’t inhale. h. William 10. The man who views the world at 50 the same way he did at 20 has Jefferson Clinton wasted 30 years of his life. Norm McDonald 11. You can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make i. you want to live to be a hundred.

12. We are often at the mercy of the White House for the news we j. Oscar Wilde report. Frequently, we simply repeat verbatim what the White House tells us. k. Muhammad Ali 13. In some ways, the fear is that you will be neck-laced here, you

will have a flaming tyre of lack of patriotism put around your neck. It’s l. Bill Cosby that fear that keeps journalists from asking the toughest of the tough questions. m. T.S. Eliot 14. I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones. n. Dan Rather 15. I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments. Indeed, I think that people want

peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out o. Jon Stewart

of the way and let them have it. nwr e: j 2, o 4, a 6, l 8, h 1k 1g 1f 1n 1d 15c 14d, 13n, 12f, 11g, 10k, 9h, 8m, 7l, 6b, 5a, 4i, 3o, 2e, 1j, Key: Answer