21st Nov2011

Interview – Sims

by tblifpress

 

Sims of Doomtree

Sims ( of Doomtree )


 

The track you submitted last year, “Introduce Myself” didn’t make your actual album, or follow up EP. Is there any back story to this exclusive track, or how it found its way to last years TBLIF2 compilation?

Beak and I made enough tracks over the past couple of years to be selective about what fit best together to create an album, with Bad Time Zoo and Wildlife we wanted to find songs that sonically meshed in order to create musically cohesive projects. “Introduce Myself” was hard to place, the track seemed to stand on it’s own with not a lot of other tracks complimenting it, so I figured I’d pass on the challenge of trying to find a place in a sequence to Botzy; screw up his project instead.

 
Having just gotten back from your first headlining tour, do you have plans to do it again any time soon? Your album, “Bad Time Zoo” was extremely well received- what’s next for Sims/Doomtree?

I’m going back on tour this winter with Doomtree. We are releasing a collaborative album entitled “NoKings” on November 22nd. To celebrate it’s release we made the Blowout (our annual showcase) 7 nights this year from December 4th through the the 10th. There will be 5 shows at the 7th st. entry headlined and curated by the 5 rappers in Doomtree followed by 2 night at the Mainroom featuring all 7 members of the collective.

 
You just got married earlier this summer; congratulations! What are your thoughts of love, and making it work?

My thought on love are basically the same as my thoughts on life: this is your own trip and likely the only one you get so take risks and work hard on the things you want; there are no second chances.

 
Tell us about your first kiss.

Still waiting for that first one, just want to make sure it’s right.

 

 
For more information on Sims, please visit: doomtree.net

 
Interview conducted by Mandy Karman for The Best Love is Free ( @mandyapolis )

 

 

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14th Nov2011

Interview – Mally

by tblifpress

 

Mally

Mally


 

On last year’s compilation, your submitted track “Cloud Culture” has a celebratory, good-time feel. As a finalist in this year’s City Pages “Picked to Click,” it seems as you have been successful in becoming a Twin Cities’ definite up-and-comer. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind “Cloud Culture,” and what we can expect from you in the near future?

Cloud Culture is a song that’s part of me and The Sundance Kid’s Free On The 15th free music series from September 2010-April 2011. This happened to be the song we were working on for December 2010 release and we all know New Years is the perfect time to celebrate. Originally we were going to drop the song on December 15th but thought it would be even better to drop it on New Years Eve. In addition, the inspiration behind the song was to give fans and listeners a different side to me as an artist as well as a person and that it’s not always about rapping your heart out” on every single song. The song definitely fits with the times of getting people’s minds away from the stresses of life and enjoying the little bit we do have and remaining positive. As far as the future goes, I am working on a new album titled “The Last Great…” and all tracks will be produced by The Sundance Kid slated to drop 2012. Lastly, be on the lookout for the Cloud Culture music video to drop 2nd or 3rdweek of November along with videos for Once We’re Kings and Lights Off.

 
It seems that your momentum in the local hip hop scene has gained quite a bit of impetus; with a new album coming out soon, what’s the secret behind your promotional tactics?

There is no secret to be honest except for to observe and watch how the best move and add your own spin on something. Timing is everything along with presentation and I observe people make mistakes or do things to hinder themselves vs. actually helping. Accessibility and relevance are key in this day and age especially when you have a huge network to soak up on the Internet. You also have to cover your up-close-and-personal network as well. Visibility is a huge promotional tactic but it has to be done with some pizzazz, class, and pride. Lastly, the people that I surround myself with understand my vision and I understand theirs as well and that we are in this for the long haul and not for 6 months.

 
Describe your ideal Valentine’s Day date.

Going on a simple date for Chinese food, Saturday night home movie watching, tasting Macallan 18 or 25, great conversation, and relaxation.

 
What was your first kiss like?

It was great and exciting because the girl and I were the same age (8 yrs old) and we liked each other. She taught me how to “make out”. I remember the first time we kissed her breath smelled like candy, but the second time it smelled like onions because she ate white castle that day. I honestly thought we might have sex after kissing because I was so used to seeing movies where adults would be kissing then they start screwing each other. Good times.

 
For more information on Mally, please visit: mally.bandcamp.com

 
Interview conducted by Mandy Karman for The Best Love is Free ( @mandyapolis )

 

 

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06th Nov2011

Interview – Guante

by tblifpress

 

Guante

Guante


 

The track “Just a Song,” submitted on last year’s compilation CD was created with Claire Taubenhaus. Could you give us more information on your upcoming album, “A Loud Heart?”

It’s an EP of all acoustic hip hop. Claire plays guitar and sings, and I rap. Big Cats! adds a few bass parts, and Renee Klitzke from Me and My Arrow plays cello on a few tracks. The album explores the places where the personal and political overlap, and it’s also just… pretty, I guess. Probably the prettiest music I’ve ever been associated with. It’s still very much hip hop in its attitude and directness, but has a pop edge to it that’s something special. We’re releasing it on 11/11/11 at Honey (7pm, 18+), along with Black Blondie and an acoustic set from Kristoff Krane. It’s very exciting.

 
Did you enjoy performing at TBLIF2 last year? How would you describe the overall experience?

It’s not necessarily the lineup that I’d have put together, but it was fun. Culture Cry Wolf always puts on a great show, and Kristoff Krane is one of the best live performers in indie hip hop. The album itself turned out great– the design work in particular was really nice, and though I definitely didn’t love every track, it turned me on to some artists I’d never heard before. I think we should be doing more compilations as indie artists– it makes a lot of sense. Next time, I’d like to see more women and more people of color involved as performers; it was kind of a white guy rapper party, haha, but I’m sure the organizers are working on that. More women on the CD too.

 
We saw that last years submission was played by 89.3 The Current. How do you feel about the response you received?

People really seem to like the song. I think aside from the novelty of it being an acoustic rap song, the substance of it has hit a nerve, at least with some people. Because it’s not just about “wack rappers getting on,” which is a topic that’s been done to death– it’s about more universal things like shallowness and having standards, about reaching beyond what is easy. And Claire has a great voice too.

 
What is your ideal Valentine’s Day date?

Staying the hell inside, just watching a movie or whatever, eating some really good takeout. Maybe some ice cream cake.

 
To you, what is love?

This: http://soundcloud.com/guante/love-in-the-time-of-zombies

 

Be sure you check out A Loud Heart ( Guante & Clair ) CD Release Show, on 11/11/11 at Honey (7pm, 18+), along with Black Blondie and an acoustic set from Kristoff Krane. ( FB Event )

 
For more information on Guante, please visit: www.guante.info

 
Interview conducted by Mandy Karman for The Best Love is Free ( @mandyapolis )

 

 

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