Cover photo: The Riot Before's bassist Cory Manning. Photo by Megan Wagner. Cover design by Heather Dance.
Cover!
Local Music Rocks!
Cover photo: The Riot Before's bassist Cory Manning. Photo by Megan Wagner. Cover design by Heather Dance.
Hip-Hop
Intalek
As a former resident of Williamsburg, Virginia, I was excited to take the hour drive to the College of William and Mary to hang out with Blair and her lovely sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., as well as the Student Hip-Hop Organization for the High Fidelity Tour. I was even happier to see a fellow past schoolmate Intalek on the roster to perform as well. The show was amazing and included people such as J.ust b.cause, fellow 33'er Millz, and even Kooley High. Intalek and I weren't super close in those days, we kind of knew each other by face, but after that amazing performance and this interview, I realized I did not know Intalek at all.
33: Define hip-hop.
Intalek: It's an expression of urban life, whether it's music, clothing, or lifestyle. It's basically a movement.
33: Where do you feel your place is in the world of hip-hop?
Intalek: In the center. I dress the part so if someone was on the outside looking in, they would see that I have ties in hip-hop. I'm doing the music, I speak it, and I speak of it, so it's like I'm more into the culture. That's where I feel I am, right in the center.
33: How did you get started rapping?
Intalek: I was always into music. When I was overseas I would more often write lyrics down to music that I would listen to on the radio. That kind of generated into poetry and stuff. I didn't really get into it until I began to battle people on online rap boards. It was cool - I went undefeated. It wasn't until I came back that I began to record music.
33: How many mixtapes do you have?
Intalek: Five stemming from '07 til now.
33: Who are your influences?
Intalek: I don't necessarily have a list of people that influenced me. I base my music off the world as I see it. It's anything that I get involved with, see or hear. I listen to everyone so I can't just pinpoint a person or style - I like them all - from Jay-Z to Lupe to Taylor Swift. Yeah, Taylor goes hard. Those are some musical influences but it's mostly the people around me.
33: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Intalek: If the world doesn't end in 2012, hopefully I will be traveling it, buying a bunch of sneakers and clothes while still making music. I'll probably end up hanging in Europe eating crepes with the locals.
33: What are you currently studying at Old Dominion University?
Intalek: Music [laughs]. How cliché is that? Well, in 2004 I was studying math, but I was having a hard time focusing. It wasn't stimulating my mind enough so I just switched my major. IDS music, which is the business composition and the history of music, I even have a minor in history. It's easier to stay focused when you're driven by your dreams.
33: So does that make rap more of a business or a hobby to you?
Intalek: It's more like a hobby soon to be business. When you say business, it seems that I'm in it for only the money. I mean, I see it as a hobby first then business second. I don't see anything wrong with making money by doing something that you love.
33: Describe a typical day at the studio.
Intalek: The process depends on the day. Mainly they're planned out - I wake up in the morning, shower, gather my belongings. It's always like a rehearsal. I always go over the songs before I get to the studio because there is money involved. You have to be smart about all things, even money, so I don't want to go into the studio and play around. I want to get there, knock it out, make it good and be on my way. I usually have a drink of something dark or a wine like merlot or shiraz. It's not necessarily a strict environment. We goof off a little bit, but it's an even juggle.
33: What's your first memory of hip-hop?
Intalek: It would be begging my mom to buy me the Fugees' The Score album back when the "Parental Advisory" stickers weren't on every label. The Fugees were on Columbia at the time, and I was a determined to have it. She made it clear if it had the parental advisory sticker, it wasn't going to happen and luckily it didn't. When I got home I threw it in, and it had cursing everywhere, but I had to have that album. So that would have to be the biggest memory.
The important thing in Intalek's life today is to continue to chase his goals and dreams. "I am music, and I have to stay true to me. It's my identity." - Intalek
Ska
The Backstage Café with Bimini Rd
In the early 20th century, Edgar Cayce predicted that Atlantis would rise again in 1969. During this foreseen time frame, the Bimini Road was discovered in the Atlantic Ocean. I discovered Bimini Rd. at the NorVa on a Saturday night this month, a band that described itself as alternative rock with a "fusion of reggae." I had seen them before at a previous NorVa appearance about a year ago, and met them this time at the Backstage Café, now known as Kelly's Tavern. What struck me first about this meeting was how friendly and likeable these guys were! Adam Watts (drums), Aaron Kuklika (guitar), Tyler Slawson (keyboard), Travis Mansell (guitar), Mike Fischetti (bass/vocals), and their onstage guest, Max Fischetti (percussion), exuded a collective charisma that was magnified on stage.
Bimini Rd., whose first album, "Walkabouts" was released in late November last year, began with Travis and Mike, who in high school set up a "band booth" for a field day activity. These two had what they called a "freelance" band back then, and have since been joined more recently by Tyler and Adam. They began as an alternative rock band, noting that with the addition of 
Aaron came the "white boy reggae." The music, they say, is a group effort that deals with romance, life experiences, and an overall desire to change the world. In fact, all of the proceeds from their show that night were to be donated to Haiti relief. Again, nice guys.
After hearing that a band's influences include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Sublime, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton, who wouldn't be anxious to hear their sound? When I walked into the NorVa before Bimini Rd. went on, the standing space of the first floor was already half full and every inch of the rail on the second was taken. Of course, most of these people were anticipating Badfish, but what I didn't expect was that a good portion of the crowd was here for Bimini Rd. When they came on the stage, the house lights went down and the crowd gave them a welcome not often allotted to a local band.
The first word that comes to mind when you see Bimini Rd. live is ENERGY. Front man Mike Fischetti radiated it as he delivered powerful vocals, as did guitarists Travis and Aaron, who were somehow able to jump around the stage and incite the audience while playing complex numbers. All of them meshed well together and made the already upbeat music fun. Everyone in my vicinity seemed to know the words, and those who didn't further back were still swaying and waving their arms to the group's contagious rhythm.
The performance left no doubt in my mind that these guys love what they are doing. They are excited about their new album (which can be accessed on iTunes or at cdbaby.com) as well as their upcoming shows. They tour a lot of college events and venues primarily in Virginia, but occasionally travel to North Carolina, D.C., and New Jersey, so chances are you'll be able to catch a show wherever you are! I am not what you would call the biggest fan of reggae or rock-reggae. In fact, I seldom venture much farther than Damian Marley. But I'm a sucker for happy music with a positive feel and crowds of people that somehow seem to feel like a big family. If you're a fan of that sort of thing, these guys are worth catching live!
Jam
Woodwork: Buying In, Not Selling Out
Rarely does a situation occur in my travels around Hampton Roads where the opening act catches your ear and makes you wonder why in the hell these guys are opening? In December, I had the pleasure of attending a show for the Influence where I was blown away by their little known opening act, Woodwork. The band was a breath of fresh air after all the musical monotony I had been subjected to throughout the month. Kim (my awesome photographer) and I made eye contact, and I knew were thinking the same thing...these guys are pretty damn good. With the Influence having more of a progressive rock origin the last thing I was expecting was a jam band to open for them and actually be decent. Within the first few chords, the crowd that was obviously geared to rock the night away was suddenly swept into the trance of a true jam session.
Naming their band after an Elon field party where girls were using the woods as the restroom (hence "wood work"), these guys began making a name for themselves around the Southside throughout the next few months. With their casual style and a fun, easy-going stage presence, these guys easily appeal to both a male and female fan base, making them highly marketable to the college crowds as well as the laid back Virginia Beach summer crowds.
The vast range of musical influences can be heard throughout their upbeat originals, and their musical talents shine through their modified covers of classics. They refuse to sell out, which is easier said than down in a tourist town, but instead allow the music to speak for itself and their talents. With so many crowds wanting to hear Sublime covers or even a jam band version of "Redemption Song," it becomes very hard to sell an original to a crowd that may only be there one night and possibly come back next year. Woodwork has gotten around this obstacle by hitting their base - colleges. They are, in my opinion, the epitome of a kick-ass house party band, and with so many venues closing throughout Virginia Beach and Norfolk, it seems that the college crowd may be the folks that supply the environment for a budding band.
I have seen Woodwork on several occasions and have been impressed time after time. They are jovial guys determined to have a good time whether there are two fans or two hundred, and you can see it every time they play. If you ever have a chance to see these guys make sure you take it - I guarantee it'll be a good time.
Hip-Hop
Lloyd
Well, I got to Blakely's pretty early for once. As soon as I got in the club doors, I was blessed with the sounds of the Notorious B.I.G.'s "One More Chance." Ah yes, how refreshing it is to be in the presence of a DJ who still plays true hip-hop in his mixes. DJ Green, the successful DJ from Chesapeake by way of Long Island, spun a perfect blend of music to complement the drinks the bar had flowing; a genuine hip-hop atmosphere indeed.
I had time to vibe with the people before Lloyd arrived so I began to walk around and make friends. During my mingle moments, I chatted it up with the hilarious hosts of the night, Angus Black from 103Jamz radio and Jersey from Hot91. It was great putting faces to the voices that I hear on the regular throughout my day. Around midnight I am lost in a hard groove; Lil Ru is blazing the speakers, and I am having a great conversation with upcoming artist Lue Justus. This is going to be a great night.
The first opening act was a group named the Goonies, a trio originally from Miami. The first single "All Eyes On Me" definitely had me awake. After that, Shy-Money, Solo, and Money Bags went in on the Wacka Flacka Flames "Oh Let's Do It" beat with their remix entitled "Where Dey Do Dat At." All I could say about that one was CLUB BANGER! They had the crowd, and I was wide open with delight. They have certainly earned their place in the club scene with their hit "Everybody Knows My Name." They are definitely a group I plan to keep an eye on.
Next up was the Gun Gang performing their single "Fully Auto Semi." This group is more of a hardcore rap group. The group consists of five men: Flame Bonds, Killah, Horse, Future, and Rip. Based in Norfolk and Chesapeake, these guys didn't stop there. They came to show their versatility, and they succeeded with their second song performance entitled "Get High" on the "Say Ah" beat of Virginia's own Trey Songz. Now, everyone who listens to music knows that the beat alone will get you excited. I'd have to say, their version of the chorus was extremely catchy. To cap off their performance, Gun Gang finished up with a song I heard on the radio not too long ago entitled "I Love Me a Park Girl." This song had ladies running from all corners of the club to the dance floor. It's a dedication to all of the ladies that live in the many "Parks" (lower class neighborhoods based in Norfolk, Virginia), giving them praise for holding down their man without smothering them in the process. This song is worthy enough to be put in a category with Webbie's "Independent" and "5-Star Chick" by Yo Gotti. Yes, it's that good. It fits right in.
Now on to the headliner, Lloyd from Young Money. First off, let me say that his natural voice is CD quality. I mean he can sing! He also looks exactly like he does on television. Now that that's out of the way, (sorry, us girls always wondered if he looked that handsome for real) he hops on the stage and immediately went into the "You" remix. I was already on the stage so I didn't get run over by the stiletto heels of the stampeding women. Brace yourselves. Here comes the twist. As he goes into the song 
"Bedrock" his microphone begins to scream! I mean scream!!! A second track begins to play over the song he is already performing and now everyone is getting confused and looking around trying to figure out what is going on. Management signals someone to cut the music. This doesn't faze Lloyd at all; he begins to serenade us a capella.
The management signaled Lloyd off the stage, and he was rushed into the kitchen of the club which was the closest door to get away from the crowd. Most of the people stayed on the dance floor in wonder. My golden press pass and I proceeded toward the kitchen. "This is gonna be good" was all I could say! There's nothing like a live drama. When I arrived at the door of the kitchen there is a lady, obviously the party coordinator, screaming at the top of her lungs with her arms flailing wildly on the other side of security. There is also a man being contained by security in fury about the sound system. The longer I stood there I soon found out the party coordinator and the man contained by security are brother and sister. He's upset with the sound, and she upset because he's upset. I couldn't get into the kitchen, but a good friend of mine did so I texted him and asked him to send me the details of what I couldn't hear through the door. Come to find out, Lloyd wanted to wait until they fixed the sound so he could finish the show, but his management forced him out of the door and into a SUV that swiftly escorted him back to the hotel. I don't know what was more entertaining, the one-and-a-half songs that Lloyd performed or the drama with the sound system.
In my opinion, Lloyd is still all that you could ever imagine and is obviously way more down to earth than you would expect.
Jazz
Jazz and Good Juju
Downtown Norfolk's Chrysler Museum of Art hosted an evening of wine, cheese, and zestful music featuring jazz group Juju and the After Hours as the live entertainment, whose members include Gary L. Garlic (Juju), Brian Sullivan, and Faheem. The band performed songs such as "Stella by Starlight" and Anita Baker's "Sweet Love" as the audience nibbled on brie and crackers and sipped on assorted wines. With such an exquisite ambiance, there wasn't an empty table in room. Surrounded by all avenues of the arts, the luxurious evening progressed into a break for an art riff where I was able to meet the drumming talent himself - Juju.
33: How long has the band been together?
Juju: We have been together about sixteen years - we started in 1997. Faheem has been with us since 1999, and Brian...since '01.
33: What variety of instruments will we see with the group?
Juju: Oh everything, drums, steel drums, vibes...
33: As a fan of jazz myself, I have found it difficult to pinpoint the jazz scene here in Norfolk. Do you have any advice for those of us that are looking for different styles of jazz in the area?
Juju: Actually, I wish you had seen me earlier. I played at Uno's and it was a much different vibe. I also play the Selden Arcade on East Main.
33: What struggles and accomplishments have you and the band gone through? Are we looking forward to records labels?
Juju: Not looking for a record deal as a band, but single...yes. I actually toured with Donna Summer [pulls out camera phone to show pictures of him with Donna Summer]. I also teach at the YMV [Young Musicians of Virginia], HSP [Homeschool Plus], and Norfolk State.
33: Who would you say have been your biggest musical influences?
Juju: I wanted to drum since age three, but I listen to Chick, Bobby McFerrin, Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams...
33: As a musician, how would you describe the word "success"?
Juju: Well-respected and well-versed in the area.
Juju was an absolute delight to speak with, and he has a lot to offer to the Hampton Roads jazz scene. After the art riff break, Juju and the After Hours brought the evening to a close with the cool sounds of acoustics and percussion that had the gallery of listeners tapping their feet and swaying their heads.
Heavy
SiNN, the Interview
33: How did you guys come up with your names? SiNN, Stranded in Newport News, Wreckreation...that's some creative stuff.
Chad Bailey: Well, to be honest with you man, it was like, I think we were looking for a band that we thought everybody in the world could relate to. As simple and complex it can be, and regardless of religion or who you're with or whatever, you know, sin is something everybody can relate to in general, and I think we were kinda just sitting in the garage one day, and we're looking at the letters, we're like, you know we put an extra "N" on this, get a little Newport News going on...Stranded in Newport News, that's what happened, man. A word that everybody can relate to.
33: I could definitely feel that from your lyrics, the "It's something everybody can relate to," kind of but uhm...you know, three guys, you know what I'm saying, producing all that sound, do you ever think, like, maybe if you had a dedicated rhythm guitarist or something you'd go a little crazier or a straight singer or something, you know what I mean?
CB: See, we've, I think we've contemplated that -
Trent Johnson: I think it's probably a bad idea.
CB: in the past, but I think just the personalities...
TJ: We've actually been together for so long, and we are with such good friends, you know, Chad is my best friend.
CB: Yeah, man, we've been going at it.
TJ: You know, he is my best friend. Chris, I picked him up, and he is now my best friend.
CS: I've known these guys for six years, and they are my brothers.
CB: And I've known you for about, how many, eleven? I've known you for thirteen years now, thirteen years. So just the good personality thing, just like, we all get along, we got the kind of writing style, we've got really good chemistry. We're all very good individually at our instruments, and it's good to find a group of people that are good with their instruments, but can relate to music and can talk on a different level. So it's kinda hard to bring someone new in when you've already got in your mind what you really want.
CS: But, uhhh, say like the perfect rhythm guitarist fell out of the sky... [Everyone laughs]
CB: Well, we'll try ya out.
33: On that note, how did you guys end up forming in the first place? I know you guys have been together for over ten years.
CB: How'd we get formed in the first place? [looks at Trent] Uhhm, that'd be me and you, really.
TJ: Yeah, we met at school, and actually I already played drums.
CB: Yeah.
TJ: I already played drums, I played hand drums and stuff, and he was talking about picking up guitar so I got a drum set, and we've been playing ever since.
CB: Yeah man, never stopped - 1998 I think is when we really started putting it together, '98 - yeah, so it's been eleven years going strong now.
CS: Yeah, basically, my band Boot to the Head had just broken up, and uh...
CB: [laughs] He was in like a nine-piece band.
CS: Hah, I was in a nine-piece band, we almost were Slipknot...plus one.
CB: You had like two bass players!
CS: Yeah, we had two bass players. We broke up, and I was looking for a band and a buddy of mine, he uhh, he was like, "Hey man, I got this band, they're looking for a bassist, you should try out for 'em." And I showed up...and I guess they liked me.
TJ: At this point we could never find a good bass player, and then a black guy walked in so it was like...something crazy's going on here!
CB: The thing that was cool about Chris, this white guy and this black guy walk into the room, and it's not even about white and black, don't get us wrong, we're an equal opportunity employer, but uh, Chris walks in and I'm just expecting the other guy to pull a bass out, and then Chris just pulls the bass out and I'm like...Oh! A little bit of soul in this thing, ya know? So we just start rolling through the songs, whether it was heavy, soft, or whatever, he just put the funk on it man and added that extra thickness. We knew he was hired after he walked out.
Lauren Nicolaus: It was love at first sight.
CB: It was, man, we knew he was the bass, but we didn't want to tell him. We we're like, "We'll give you a call back."
TJ: But he could play our songs when he walked in the door. It was great.
CB: He's got an ear for it man, so it was just chemistry, like back in the beginning.
33: That's cool, that's cool. What would you say inspires and influences your music?
CB: You know, uhh, I don't know what to think.
TJ: Our music, it just comes from all the inspirations we've run across in life. "Wreckreation" was actually written about a good friend of ours, a crazy party girl, [Chad laughs] and we were throwing her a big birthday party, and we wanted to write something about her and it's turned into this CD/album.
33: Yeah, I remember when you were playing the song you said it was a song about drinking.
TJ: Yeah, crazy, always had fun, driving fast all the time.
CB: [laughs] Driving 95 with no cruise control, I think really the inspiration for us is definitely everyday life. You know what I mean? Like, you can never lose material when you take lessons you've learned. People always ask me how can you be such a happy person but sing bitterly, you know? I think it all kind of burns inside us, a lot of things that you want to get out, so therefore we can't play blues, 'cause you know what I mean, we're a flustered heap, you know, thrash. But everyday life, man, just living, learning, making mistakes, 'cause experience is the word for the day. Experience comes, you know, uh, I'm messing this up. A lack of experience comes from a lack of mistakes, you know what I mean? The more mistakes you make the more you'll learn about life. If you're not out there, you're not learning nothing.
TJ: That's true, very true.
33: Would you say that's what you bring to the metal scene, well, what do you-
TJ: We also like to throw in a bit of fun, you know? We like to have a fun factor, a lot of these other metal bands take themselves too serious, we like to have a fun side. Fun, thrashy, rock...
CB: A little funk in there, a little solo in there...
TJ: We like to change it up. Bring a different sound.
CB: Try to do something fresh. Everybody's doing so much, they're out in other bands. So we're just trying to do our own thing.
CS: I mean, uh, you don't want to hear too many bands that sound just alike...
33: Definitely not. All those metal bands that sound exactly the same...
CS: Yeah.
CB: Exactly.
TJ: That's another normal thing we do. In every song we walk and write. If it sounds like another song, we don't even play it.
CB: We just keep working on the fresh material. Whatever we decided, that's it, man - the magic.
33: Ok, so, when you're in the studio, I know you put a lot of effort into this new CD, Wreckreation. What sort of writing process do you go through to produce that?
CB: Well, I think most of the material was written, it was written when we went into the studio, we had a couple tweaks to do. Um, but we kinda had planned what we really wanted to put on the CD like every song has its own place and purpose on the CD. I think that we kinda went in there prepared this time, we've been in so many studio situations where it was hectic, we were trying to play shows, we were trying to go to the studio, you're trying to do this, you're trying to do that, and I think we took a break from shows in the first time in years, you know, and really set it up, focused on this thing. We actually did it to the metronome, we had a lot of practice, we really wanna tighten our game up. So we came into the studio full of preparedness this time.
33: Well, what would you say, since you were fully prepared, what is this CD? What can we expect from it when it comes out next Wednesday?
CB: Whew...man, I mean, there's so many things I could say, I mean it's, ahh, you know, I feel like that the CD's got a vibe of, it's life. If you read the lyrics, a lot about it...it's about having fun and about learning about life, there's a lot of sad things, sometimes the easiest thing for me to write about lyrically is anger and depression, 'cause it's the two emotions I cannot control. Anything else in my life, I have control over, physically and emotionally. But anger, and depression, and that's not what our music's about or anything, but it's just a form of expression, if I got something on my mind. It's not what it's about, but it's like, it's something you've gotta release, you know what I'm saying - it's something you've got to get out. Yeah, we know we're a three piece, we're used to having five, so we actually throw parts in the song, like Trent will do different things, so when it's live...it gives you a feel of a bigger band. There's different things we try to add and incorporate, so... [long pause] Yeah!
CS: Yeah. [Everyone laughs]
33: So you guys have been together for over ten years. That's a long time to be stranded, you know what I'm saying? [Laughter] Are there any times where you just felt like...fuck it, give up?
CB: No.
CS: No. No.
TJ: Newwwp. It's just a part of your life, once you start playing it. It doesn't matter how big you are, or how good you are, you just do it.
CB: It's a big part of your life, man.
TJ: Yeeaah, it's just great to have an opportunity to be able to have it with friends.
CB: I think sometimes once we're really angry and hung over, I enjoy loading equipment and relax, man, because I know we're about to do something that I enjoy doing, so you know I don't mind that, and it'd be great to have roadies around giving us water, like all these rich little bastards, but you know we're at that point where even though I'm running equipment I thoroughly enjoy it.
CS: Right, I mean, there've been times where we've all been pissed at each other. [Chad laughs] We show up the next week, you know, ready to play again.
CB: I remember [starts laughing] Chris gave... [keeps laughing] Man, sorry I'm laughing. I've gotta say this, okay? It's a good story. Okay, one time we were playing a show, and, uh, Chris broke strings on both of his basses, his backup and his main like three songs in the set, and I was harping on him before the show, like man you need to change your strings. He's like, "They'll make it through one more show." [Slaps his knee, laughing more] So on stage, man, I have to keep the show going, I've got to keep people entertained. So I'm joking on Chris pretty bad, it was pretty brutal, alright? Well, the next day at band practice [laughs] Christ goes, "I should punch you in the face!" But then, I don't know, two or three songs later everything was all good.
CS: It was cool.
CB: And he got to get his emotions out, we apologized to each other, you know, and it was back to normal.
CS: Right. Nah nah, they're gonna keep it civil, I mean like, we are going to express our feelings, you know, but...I couldn't harm these two. They're my brothers, you know? Without them, you know, I'm kinda like a lonely bassist.
CB: You can't see him, people, whoever you're listening to, this guy right here is big, you know what I'm saying? So if I ever get...if he ever swings on me I've already planned what I'm going to do. I'm not telling him, but if it ever has to happen, I have a plan. [laughter]
CS: I have a pretty good idea, so I'm just gonna kinda counter balance.
CB: He's gonna try to counter balance, but you know I'm planned for that day.
Rusty: Kick him in the balls! [laughter]
CB: Yeah, whatever I have to do, he's going down. Ha ha ha...no, I can't guarantee that.
33: I guess this one will be easy then. Was there ever a time where it made you feel like everything was worth it, no matter what?
CB: You know, I think... I think many a show has made me feel like that. Sometimes, like, you know, you play so many shows and it just kinda keeps going on, but I think every time after a good show, especially when we're personally happy with our performance, man, it's the greatest high in the world. You just get off stage, you're just so happy nothing can touch you in the world man, it just makes me...So I don't know man, I think anytime we play a good show I think we always think it's always worth it. Meeting new people, people who love listening to music.
TJ: And just the opportunity to play music in front of people.
CB: That's what we're all about.
33: A lot of people would kill for that.
TJ: Yeah, and a lot of people want it, and I'm grateful for it every moment of my entire life.
CB: And that's for sure, man.
CS: Yeah, if I lost a hand I'd figure out a way to play bass. [Chad laughs] If I had to play with stumps, you know, I would.
CB: We'd call him stubby! [laughter]
CS: If I had to learn to play bass with my feet, I would do that, too.
33: If Def Leppard can go without an arm...
CB: That's what I'm saying, a drummer with no arms, we can have a bass player with no hand.
33: Just slap that thing!
CB: That's what I'm saying, beat it down! [makes bass noises]
33: Do you have any advice for other aspiring young musicians out there?
SiNN: Practice.
CS: Yes.
CB: Practice, practice, practice. And uhm...
CS: Just keep at it, you know, don't give up.
CB: Don't give up, play what you enjoy, and just have fun with the band and do your own thing. And don't try to be someone else because you think that's what people are gonna like, when in reality I think that's completely opposite. There's a lot of people that follow trends, but in my opinion if you do your own thing you can't go wrong, it's a part of yourself, so if people don't like it then they don't have to like you, and it's no big deal, you walk away. To all the people out there - practice, practice, practice, you know what I mean? Love music, love people.
CS: Be true to yourself.
CB: Nixon, baby, Nixon. All right. [laughter]
33: All right, I got one more. Is there anything you want to say to all the SiNNers out there, while you have the chance?
CB: Mmm, what would you say?
TJ: I would have to say check out our MySpace. Uh, and I just appreciate everybody that comes out and supports our band and all of our beliefs, and all of the bars that give us a place to play. It's great.
CB: Yeah, man. And prepare for Wreckreation, because when it drops it's going to be a nuke that melts everybody's faces. Let them know that, spread the word - Wreckreation is coming. It'll be all over the place, we're just reaching over, trying to spread out locally, doing it internationally, hope to do this one day, but you know what I mean. We're coming, dude. Full force. You got it, man? That's what I'm saying, ride in your white steed, man.
CS: Right.
CB: What would you say on your white steed? If you were Chris Smith right now and you were like "I'm on a white steed," what would you say?
CS: Why am I on a horse? [laughter]
CB: Yeah, see, Chris says to all the SiNNers: Don't ride horses. Especially not on saddles that cause chafing.
CS: Yeah.
CB: Okay? That cool?
CS: That's what I said.
CB: Beautiful.
If you think the "nu"-metal you hear today is lacking, then be sure to check out this talented band. You will be quickly greeted by the kind of sound that gave heavy metal a strong backbone to grow on, and see that the inspiration those times provided are carried on, even if it's harder to notice. No one can bring it back alone. Take a deep look into the twisted minds of SiNN.
Hip-Hop
Jet Noise Cardi
Name: Jet Noise Cardi
Hailing from: Suffolk, Virginia
Mission: To let people know that he's not your average, run-of-the-mill rapper, he refuses to follow the same mold. His content is so much more than the average sex, drugs, and money burned upon a heavy bass medley and a couple quick snares. With his recently released mixtape entitled Snappage Volume I, Cardi is making a lot of noise.
33: How'd you get the name Jet Noise Cardi?
JNC: It kind of evolved. I used to just go by Cardi, which is my nickname. Jet Noise was originally a project I was working on. The Jet represents the 757, from the 757 (seven fifty-seven) jet plane, and noise is what I make as far as my rapping is concerned. Over time it all came together.
33: How did you get caught up in the Boardroom Music Group?
JNC: Ah man, Boardroom, that's a long story. I've been with Boardroom before it was even Boardroom. Well, when I was 16, I used to go up to New York and record all the time. In time I got tired of the travel and spending that money. Dre, who is actually the CEO of Boardroom Music Group, had a studio in his crib. My cousin, who was big on the scene at the time, introduced me to Dre. I started going through his crib to record consistently for like a year. After seeing my dedication he offered to be my manager so we linked up. Sho, who is actually the other CEO of Boardroom Lived downstairs from him and he used to come in and record, and when they decided to be business partners they bought a studio and Boardroom took off from there.
33: When did you realize that you were a rapper? When did it hit you that you were hip-hop?
JNC: To be honest, I don't think it hit me full circle till about a year ago. I mean, I've been doing music for a long time. I started out as a producer, and I've been making beats since I was like 14. I always could rap and put songs together. I would definitely say in the past year everything came together, from the paper to the booth, realizing that I'm a representation of what hip-hop really means, you know, being yourself and being unique.
33: If you could collaborate with anyone from early hip-hop, who would it be and why?
JNC: A lot of people go back to the 80s, and I respect the 80s, I'm from the 80s, but I'd have to pick the 90s. Linking up with Big would be incredible. It amazes me that even now, years after he's been gone, his music is still relevant. I like how you can take old Biggie verses and put them on new tracks and you would think that he just laid them. Other than that, A Tribe Called Quest is big, too, for me. They were trend setters; they were really original just being themselves.
33: What "straddle rappers" have your attention? I mean straddle as in big on the local scene and also in the mainstream but not as much as others?
JNC: Well this dude Wale is just recently leaking into mainstream, but I have had Wale pumping hard in my iPod these days. A lot of my friends from northern Virginia had been on what he was doing as far as the go-go thing. He's original and you have to respect originality.
33: What is hip-hop?
JNC: Art.
33: Why'd you say that?
JNC: Because art can take a lot of forms, you know shapes. Hip-hop can be visual like the brand of gear; you can even take it as far as not just what they're wearing but how they're wearing it. It covers every base of life; it fits you in one way or another.
33: Is hip-hop more of a hobby or a business to you?
JNC: Well, for me, hip-hop is my life, but I carry it equally. The odds of making it, just looking at a number is very slim but with every record, I do my best to stand out. It is a business and because of that fact a lot of talent is held back. If I'm not out here networking and meeting people and trying to understand the business side of it and getting my song on the radio and getting credit for it, then I feel like I have done nothing to achieve my dreams except play my music to my friends. So in turn, I'm constantly education myself on hip-hop as a business.
I must say, Jet Noise Cardi is one of the most dedicated rappers that I have ever met. He tends to have a genuine balance on the things he loves most. Packing an overnight bag and a few sandwiches to spend the weekend in the studio is a normal thing with him, as it is with every great rapper. Keep your eyes on the sky and your ears open for Jet Noise Cardi - that'd be some real flavor for your ears.
Catch Jet Noise Cardi at BoardroomMusicGroup.com