Nardwuar appreciation

Nardwuar does some of the most entertaining, thoroughly researched, interesting interviews out there. Shout to Nation of Millions for posting this Canadian character's interviews. Here are a few conversations (interview excerpts) with artists you know, from across the world of popular and independent music:

Class In Session: Theo Parrish

Shout out to the homie Kicks 79 for bringing my attention to this must read interview from Moodmat, where Theo speaks on the ongoing effect of the "black roots, white fruits" concept on black music (especially dance) throughout history, now.

Greg Wilson Pulse Radio interview

(Courtesy of The Agency London)

Conducted by DJ Frenzie (Groove Therapy), this is a GREAT interview with the legendary UK based PIONEER, DJ and Producer.

Related Links: Wilson's Electro Funk Roots website

True Hip Hop Stories: Masta Ace

Ace speaks on his role in the making of the Juice Crew classic “The Symphony”. Directed by D-Nice

Wheels in motion

Four new interviews that a way to check out with DJ's, innovators Henri Belolo, Nicky Siano, Tom Moulton and Kenny Carpenter. Have a read here, here, here and, here

And for those with some time to spend take a gander at the nearly fifty past interview extensions

Large Pro interview

Queens legend, veteran producer, emcee Large Professor speaks briefly to Shani Kulture about Main Source's first record, their origins, his new album and Nas running with Main Source way back.

Hip Hop Official are working overtime, dishing out a lot of solid interviews as of late.

Related Links: Large Professor's space

Essential Listening for Hip Hop fiends

The Block radio with Capital P & OG Chino - September 26th, 2008 with Special Guests The Amen Ra of Hip Hop Culture Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmixer DXT, Kimba, Shahiem, Phase II, TC Islam, KD, Ken Swift, Burn One, Taste Crew, Moni & Mike, friendswelove.com, Dinco D (L.O.N.S)

As above, in case you missed over at Grand Good

Rebel Without A Pause

Serchlite TV: Chuck D Part 1 (Shoutout to Grand Good for the heads up)

David Banner and E-40 Hardknock TV interview

This is a really insightful, entertaining (two part) interview , there's a lot of ground covered here....





My writing here isn't the greatest as of late, so here's Hard Knock TV's description of everything discussed in this convo between E, Banner and D:

David Banner, E-40 and Davey D talk Barack Obama, being entrepreneurs, Mississippi and more. Check out www.hardknock.tv for part 1 where Banner and 40 talk about the South, Hyphy music and being in bands at Grambling and Southern (Bayou Classic).

DJ Mad Mats (Raw Fusion) interview

No brainer when I saw Lloyd of On Point's interview with the Swedish based eclectic groove record label boss, had to repost it (especially since there is very little press on the label), here it is.

Naomi Klein's McCommunism theory.

This REALnews network interview with Klein is timely given the Beijing Olympics are in full swing.

I think it's important to consider and acknowledge what's happeining around the globe, why? and the plurality of view points out there, but at the same time, it's equally as important making sure you don't get bogged down and stress too much about it all.

Guerilla Union Presents Rakim (Video)

M.I.A x KarmaloopTV

Insightful conversation, worth your time, in which M.I.A speaks on modern life, cultural influences on music, art, fashion across the globe and the making of "KALA".

Mistah F.A.B. Loves / Hates Oakland

More specifically, as evident in Stash Magazine "Air It Out" #18 video above, he expresses his frustration at people in O-Town remaining stagnant and content with doing the same thing as they did when they were growing up. He speaks on change, living and not taking your loved ones and every day for granted. The video moves slowly in some parts (you probably had to be there), don't let that deter you, stick with it.....

Related Links:
Mistah F.A.B. on My Space

On the rise

Have a read of this cool little q and a with the LA Boogie Funk ambassador, found over at Dazed Digital (Dazed and Confused magazine online).

Hip Hop Official speak to David Banner

Mississippi rapper, producer, actor, activist David Banner speaks on his new album, making beats and life after rap.

Sometimes you've just got to chuck up a link to a cool interview

(Yeah, you've seen this image of Cat Power's Chan Marshall a billion times already, check this feature though, well worth your time.)

Stevie Wonder interview

...Again from the BBC

Stevie on the eve of his upcoming European tour, speaks on Obama, his mother and performing.

Disrupt store feature

Step foot inside Shop 4, 450 Elizabeth Street, known from the store’s signage as the Disrupt boutique and you’re instantly greeted by an array of seriously cool, quirky, unique, high quality one off men’s and women’s garments, unisex jewellery, books and collectibles. An oasis, tucked away off one of the busiest streets of Sin City, this treasure trove of fresh gear has been a labor of love for owners Stu and Meg. There is no competition. Through word of mouth, Disrupt is carving out a reputation as the place to go for the finest threads around town. I caught up with the duo to pick their brains on their influences, the stores origins, their own projects and a whole lot more.


How has street culture, fashion, world events influenced you both?

The impact of all of these together is huge and the fact that they are constantly affecting each other always makes the changes interesting. With world events being what they are, it is nice to have the refuge of expression that art provides.

How did you both meet?

Inside a donkey suit, which accompanied the three wise men in the off Broadway hit 'From Jesus with Love'.

What was the motivation and inspiration behind the Disrupt concept?

To push different types of artistic expression that are unusual and separate to mainstream offerings and give local artists, including ourselves, a platform to show our wares.

In terms of planning the layout for the store, did it take longer to execute than originally envisioned?

The planning of the store occurred progressively. It has gone through several stages, since we have opened. To see the store evolve from it's minimal beginnings to it's Alice down the rabbit hole affect has been a fun ride and we look forward to still giving it the odd tweak here and there in the future.

Disrupt is located in a unique area, it is not surrounded by similar stores or in a mall. Was that an intentional decision?

We chose the shop space for its comfortable size that allows us almost a separate studio at the back, which has been a huge bonus. Obviously the more built up the area the harder it becomes to find a suitable environment.


What are the advantages / disadvantages of being located where you are?

Even though the store is removed from the main shopping areas which can be seen as a disadvantage, it still suits our personal ideal of being on the fringe of what is considered a conventional shopping experience. When people go out of their way to find something different and look for it off the beaten path it does tend to make the find that little bit more special.

What are some of the labels and artists whose clothing and artworks you stock?

The fashion we enjoy stocking the most are local artists with a strong graphic background. This also applies to original/print art works, books, and figurines covering the main trends of current street culture. These include Akina, Smitten, Lamstok, Rufus Green, People like Us, Ariel, N3FU, Tank Theory, Imaginary Foundation, Fourth World, Kid Robot, Strangeco, Last Gasp and many more.

How do you decide which product to stock?

We have designed a super computer that has-been programmed to evaluate items by giving readouts with a positive or negative conclusion. It also makes a mean coffee.

Which upcoming labels / designers / artists should we be on the lookout for?

Some great Aussie talents are Donna Sgro, for future inspired fashion design, Nathan Jurevicius for graphic and vinyl oddities, Jason Jacenko for super fly paint work, Spoonbill and Orange Dust for fresh music programming.

A lot of music, film, fashion – icons, their style has been, bitten time, time again.

Who do you believe has a real sense of style and originality in what they do and how they carry themselves?

Although no longer with us, Bill Hicks was the quintessential style master. He not only provided a voice for people disenfranchised with government, mass media and popular thought he made you have a good laugh while he did it.......god bless.

You are both separately working on your own clothing / design projects.

What are your influences? What is your vision for these?

Stu: Us vs Them is a t-shirt label that gives kids that Mentos fresh feeling without the carbon copy hang-ups. Controversial, comedic and culture crunching designs that-offer a wide variety of colorful alternatives to mainstream offerings. Influences are pop culture, Surrealism, comic books and the War on Terror.



Meg: Twiggy label vision is to bring a lash back at mass produced items to the irregular and the handmade, this involves pattern work created through raw illustration and translated onto other mediums with an immediacy that looks to reflect the love in which it was created, from. Influences are Aubrey Beardsley, Camille Rose Garcia and Junko Mizuno.




Related Links:

Disrupt store on My Space

Seldom seen often heard

There has been a serious lack of activity on this blog, as of late. However this is no time for apologies. I'm about to throw up a feature I did with Meg and Stu of "Disrupt" - a really cool clothing, jewellery, toy store in Sydney's Surry Hills. I'm also working on an hour mix for my homegirls radio show on FBI called "Sat Night Discotek", which i'm really excited about and honoured to be doing. Also working on a mix for DJ Nes's blog - "Dirty Waters" and one for DJ Blueprint's "This Is Tomorrow" page, both of whom were kind enough to invite me to do guest posts...