07th Feb2012

by tblifpress

With our event drawing close ( this Saturday! ), we wanted to give you all the details, and re-hash all our videos:

 

The Best Love is Free 3

The Best Love is Free 3


The Best Love is Free 3

Culture Cry Wolf
Toki Wright
Crunchy Kids
K. Flay
Wesley Opus
Ceewhy
SlipMats Ent.

…and Special Guest Appearances!

 
The Fine Line Music Cafe
Saturday Feb. 11th, 2012
FREE CD W/ ENTRY
8pm, 18+
$10 Pre-Sale, $12 Door

 
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE: http://tinyurl.com/tblif3presale

Tickets are also available at Fifth Element, Electric Fetus and The Fine Line

Limited Couples Packages are Available Online: http://tinyurl.com/tblif3pkg

 

There will be a Best Dressed Couple Competition and Photo Booth w/ prizes from:

Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA)
Pat’s Tap
Bryant Lake Bowl
Barbette
Rinata
Honey
Chino Latino
The Melting Pot
The Corner Balloon
Fine Line Music Cafe

 

Videos

Working with our sponsor mpls.tv and Adam J. Dunn, we are proud to have the following videos:

 

Culture Cry Wolf’s live performance of “All That I’ve Come to Believe”

 

Sara Estrada’s live performance of “Bartender”

 

Kristoff Krane’s live performance of “Sirens”

 

Katie Kroeck’s Live Art Interpretation of Jellyfish Brigade’s “Sunflowers”

 

I, Colossus’s live performance of “Radio Silence”

 

The Cypher w/ Toki Wright, Mally, St Paul Slim, CeeWHY, Lizzo, Botzy, Wize Guyz, Phillip Morris, Sean Anonymous

 

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09th Jan2012

Live Performance: “Bartender” by Sara Estrada

by tblifpress

This week’s video is by independent folk artist Sara Estrada, performing her original song “Bartender”.

 

This video was filmed by Adam J. Dunn at Unique Techniques, and mixed by Wesley Opus.

 

Sara Estrada

Sara Estrada

Sara Estrada

Sara Estrada

Sara Estrada

Sara Estrada

Photos by Drew Carlson Photography

 


Don’t forget to check out the details for our third annual “The Best Love is Free Event”, with Culture Cry Wolf, Toki Wright and many others!

 

TBLIF3

Tickets are going fast, so get yours today!

 

This event and videos are only possible thanks to our sponsors: Vita.MN, CopyCats Media and MPLS.TV.

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02nd Jan2012

The Best Love is Free 3 w/ Culture Cry Wolf & Toki Wright

by tblifpress

Hello everyone!

We are proud to announce that our third annual event will be headlined by Culture Cry Wolf and Toki Wright!

 


The Best Love is Free 3

The Best Love is Free 3




 
The Best Love is Free 3 w/ Culture Cry Wolf & Toki Wright

Proudly Sponsored by Vita.MN, CopyCats Media and MPLS.TV

Performances by:

Culture Cry Wolf
Toki Wright
Crunchy Kids
K. Flay
Wesley Opus
Ceewhy
SlipMats Ent.

…and Special Guest Appearances!

 
Saturday Feb. 11th, 2012
FREE CD W/ ENTRY
8pm, 18+
$10 Pre-Sale, $12 Door
Facebook Event: Here

 
Order Tickets Online: http://tinyurl.com/tblif3presale

 
Tickets are currently available at Fifth Element, Electric Fetus and The Fine Line

Also, there are a limited amount of Couples Packages available online: http://tinyurl.com/tblif3pkg

 

 


In order to celebrate Culture Cry Wolf’s third year headlining our event, we shot the following video :

 

Huge thanks to Adam J. Dunn, MPLS.TV and Patrick Pegg at Unique Techniques.

 

 
Following tradition, there will be a Best Dressed Couple Competition and Photo Booth at the event, with prizes from:

Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA)
Pat’s Tap
Bryant Lake Bowl
Barbette
Rinata
Honey
Chino Latino
The Melting Pot
The Corner Balloon
Fine Line Music Cafe

 

 
Stay tuned in over the next few weeks as we release the artists selected for the compilation cd, more videos and other goodies!

 

 
- TBLIF3 Committee

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21st Dec2011

Submissions now closed!

by tblifpress

 
 
    We would like to thank every artist who submitted their music for our Compilation CD. We received an overwhelming 778 tracks, submitted by artists in 48 states!

Due to the large amount of submissions, we have decided to add a download card with 1 gig of extra bonus material! This download card will be inside the Compilation CD and distributed at the event.

 

    We are also proud to announce our partnership with Minneapolis Fucking Rocks ( MFR ) . We will be combining creative efforts to provide a live stream of the event. If you are not familiar with MFR, they run an amazing Music Blog and host MFR Nights here in the cities. Check them out!


MFR

 


    In the coming weeks we will be announcing artists who were selected for the Compilation CD, as well who will be performing at the event. We will also be releasing a series of videos thanks to MPLS.TV, so please stay tuned, and tell your friends about TBLIF3!


The Best Love is Free 3

The Best Love is Free 3


- TBLIF3 Committee

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12th Dec2011

Interview – Dice

by tblifpress

 


 

You were one of the few female artists to submit a track to TBLIF’s compilation last year, and your song was used as the backing track for one of our promo videos. What are your thoughts on being a female in the industry, and do you have any advice for female artists looking to further themselves in the game? Any particular challenges or obstacles you’ve had to face?

Being female in the industry is in many ways irrelevant to me and advice is relative to the giver as it is. My personal “advice” would be to let your art speak for itself, don’t fall victim to selling the sex first or to keep it all the way real, don’t depend on the sex to try to sell your work if your work can’t hold its own weight.

You don’t get respect that way, and you’re just allowed to hang around as something to look at and be objectified. Progress in your career happens by improving your craft, knowing your business and having a solid package to present as you expand your network. Network is everything. In regards to challenges, both presented by the industry and those created by myself, pick one, what hasn’t there been?

 

What was the inspiration behind “Love Games?”

The everyday hoops that people jump through in the pursuit of love and getting laid, to put it plainly. It’s kind of a clowning portrayal of social expectations. Very generalized. No specific influence from my life, though I’ve jumped through many of the same hoops as the rest. Sol was perfect for this joint and he killed it.

 

The local Minneapolis music scene has seen a recent influx of out-of-state artists. Seeing as you’re from Seattle, how did you get introduced to submitting a track on The Best Love is Free? Any plans on traveling or touring soon?

 

My eyes have been on Minneapolis since I was 14 and discovered the Rhymesayers roster. As for how I got introduced to The Best Love is Free, Twitter is a great tool. Botzy from Culture Cry Wolf hit me up about it last year and I’m looking forward to submitting this year! No tours set up yet for 2012, but Kendra (my manager) and I are definitely open to that. For the moment, my immediate concerns are this show in Honolulu on December 1st, and finishing my first album, “Reflections In Broken Glass”.

 

You’re extremely versatile in your craft, being able to both sing and rap. Do you prefer one over the other?

People ask me all the time if I had to choose one which would it be. If it came to that, I would sing. I think both have their moments equally, I just do what I feel in the moment.

 

To you, what is your ideal Valentine’s Day date?

Not big on the concept of Valentines Day, but a perfect date to me will always include an amazing meal, preferably near the water. Great conversation, great music, at ease & oh yes, candles.

 

What was your first kiss like?

I remember my first french kiss. 3rd grade hiding under a big sink at our after school program. Puffy & Mace Mo Money Mo Problems was in the background. Comedy.

 

 
For more information on Dice, please visit: www.thanorthwest.net/dice

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

 

 

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06th Dec2011

Interview – Soulcrate Music

by tblifpress

 


 

The track you submitted to last year’s mixtape, “Sleep Awake,” ended up getting video treatment later on. How was the process / outcome?

We had a great time making that video. We were lucky enough to work with Passenger Productions which is a local company that shot the video. They were very good about allowing us to give input and direction through out the process.

 

You performed at last year’s event, practically at the peak of the night. Did you guys enjoy yourself? Any thoughts on your performance, and the overall event?

Last years event was a blast. We had a great spot in the line up and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. By the time we went on the crowd was thick and everyone was nice and loose. It was wonderful.

 

Soulcrate came to Minneapolis recently to play Prof’s CD release show. He also submitted a track last year- do you feel very connected to Minneapolis’s music scene seeing as Sioux Falls is only a few hours away?

Being on the bill for the Prof release show was an honor. It was our first time playing the main stage at First Avenue and playing to a sold out crowd felt incredible. We’ve had close ties a lot of minneapolis groups over the years. I always say that Sioux Falls is like the red headed step child of Minneapolis.

 

Any releases coming out soon from you guys? Tours? Future plans?

We’ve got a lot of things in the works as always. We’re working on new music constantly. We’re currently putting together a ten year anniversary celebration that will be 2 consecutive shows at the Orpheum Theatre in our hometown of Sioux Falls. We’re pretty excited to celebrate 10 years of making music together.

 

Wes, you’re expecting a baby very, very soon. What are your thoughts on love and the married life?

Yes. I will be a father any day now. For me it’s great. I really enjoy being married to my lovely wife. Chasing girls is a full time job.

 

Can you each describe what your ideal Valentine’s Day date would be?

My ideal valentines day would be cooking a meal at home with my wife. I can’t say I buy into the whole Hallmark card version of valentines day. My wife and I say instead of celebarating Valentines day, we’ll just be decent to each other on a daily basis instead.

 

 
For more information on Soulcrate Music, please visit: soulcratemusic.com

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

 

 

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21st Nov2011

Interview – Sims

by tblifpress

 


 

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

 


 

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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07th Nov2011

The Best Love is Free 3

by tblifpress


We are now accepting submissions for next years compilation CD.

 
As TBLIF’s third year approaches, we are happy to announce Vita.MN, CopyCats Media, and MPLS.TV as sponsors!

The Best Love is Free 3 Compilation will be pressed on a 4 panel digipak, and submissions are now open!

In the coming months we will be interviewing future and past TBLIF artists, special featured artists videos, and much more!

 
Thank you for your continued support!

- The Best Love is Free Committee

 

 

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06th Nov2011

Interview – Guante

by tblifpress

 


 

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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