Purse Thursday - Kelsey

I am interviewing the purses of women again and again. These women do not know they are going to be interviewed, so catching them and their purse in their utmost natural presence is very important. I'm excited to learn more about the fashions and styles of women, see how much stuff they carry around, and just how clean or nasty they are. Shall we?

The other night Kelsey needed a place to hang for a few hours before heading over to a show at The Comet. She came over to meet my lady for some pre funk drinks, turkey meatballs, and girl talk. I was stuck sitting very quietly at the dinner table while these two ranted and raved through their daily gossips. Luckily for me, I had a tightly rolled joint and a new box full of records to keep me occupied. Hours later, Kelsey realized she was way too high to make it to the show and I took this opportunity to dump her purse belongings onto the table.



Radjaw: Can I see what's in your purse?
Kelsey: Sure, it's not like I'm in a rush anymore!
Radjaw: Where did you get the purse?
Kelsey: Port Angeles Vintage Mall. It was overpriced ($25) but I didn't care, I really liked it.
Radjaw: Is it your everyday bag?
Kelsey: Yeah. I've used it since the day I got it two months ago.
Radjaw: What kind of bag?
Kelsey: It's Aqua Madonna and as you can see all the hair is gone. It used to be covered in fur!! But now it's sad and kinda ghetto.
Radjaw: That is sad. That is really sad. But what is inside?!
- Fingerless glove
- Revlon lipstick
- 3 pronged outlet converter
- 2 EmergenC raspberry lemonade packets
- Cellphone
- Obama matchbook
- Dog leash & collar
Radjaw: Do you have a dog?
Kelsey: No, I don't. Sometimes I am with my best friend's dog, Coby. I have that just in case I need it.
Radjaw: Do you like dogs that wear dresses?
Kelsey: Dogs in dresses are great. Dogs in anything are pretty much fucking great. Put some rain boots on them, whatever!
Radjaw: I recently bought a dog a football jersey with his name on it.
Kelsey: I recently watched two dogs hump each other while wearing dresses. Mark was humping Seabass, he was asking for it. If you dress like a slut, you get treated like one, right?
- Headphones
- Keys
- Other fingerless glove
- Single car key
Kelsey: That's the van key from my work that I will never return.
- More lipstick
- Django movie ticket stub
- 5 bobby pins
- Sealed locket
Radjaw: What's in the locket?
Kelsey: Nothing. It is glued shut! My friend fixed it and sealed it forever before I could put something inside of it. It's like a sad tomb.
- Chapstick
- Coin purse
- A bunch of change
Kelsey: There's change all over the place!
Radjaw: How much?
Kelsey: There's a bunch all on the bottom of the purse just swishing around.
Radjaw: Why not use the coin purse?
Kelsey: It's vintage, used to be my grandmother's. It has a ripped hole in the side so none of the change stays in it.
Radjaw: Maybe you should use the change to buy a new one?
Kelsey: This was my grandmother's.
Radjaw: Get it repaired?
- Andrew Johnson matchbook
- Glasses cloth
- Starbucks holiday stamp card
Kelsey: I only go there because it's near my work! I also got this receipt from Ross for this stupid thing that I'm hoping to return. I'm afraid they won't take it back because this receipt looks like it was raped or something.
- Camel Lights
- Ring
- SAM gift card
- Lollia shea butter lotion
Kelsey: I really didn't think my purse was that interesting until I pulled everything out.
Radjaw: Is that everything?
Kelsey: Just some more change. It'd be awesome if I still had my loaded gun in there!
Radjaw: Can I have a cigarette?
Kelsey: Yes.

Purse Thursday - Reghann

I am interviewing the purses of women again and again. These women do not know they are going to be interviewed, so catching them and their purse in their utmost natural presence is very important. I'm excited to learn more about the fashions and styles of women, see how much stuff they carry around, and just how clean or nasty they are. Shall we?

Recently, I got to meet some very great people while working and touring with Crypts. One of them is not only the wife of the lead singer, but also my new personal hair stylist. This woman is filled with class and a whole lotta sassafras. She carries a purse bigger than most suitcases. A few weeks ago we drank with a group of friends all over The Hill. I give to you, Reghann and her purse.



Reghann, 34. Black leather bag. 12:02am - Unicorn.

Radjaw: What kind of purse is that?
Reghann: Marc Jacobs
Radjaw: How long have you had it?
Reghann: I don't know, like five years. It's my everything purse. I love it!
Radjaw: What do you love about it?
Reghann: I love the shape of it and after all this time it still smells the fucking same.
Radjaw: Can I see what's in it?
Reghann: Why?
Radjaw: Because it's fucking huge!
Reghann: OK, but Steve (her husband) needs a Jager shot first.
Steve: Woooo!!!
Reghann: Jesus, I have so much shit in here.
Radjaw: Let's see!
Downy spray
Small water bottle, empty
Big water bottle, half full
Nail polish
Dog shit bags
*Just then everything on the table falls onto the ground.
Reghann: This is like the one time I went to a psychiatrist.
Radjaw: ?...
Crumpled up heart napkin
Wallet
Embassy Suites hotel card
Reghann: Portland!
Steve: Portlaaaaaannndddd!!!
Lipstick
Small water bottle, full
Medium water bottle, almost empty
Radjaw: You sure do have a lot of water bottles in there.
Reghann: I like to stay hydrated, plus I get them at my job.
Radjaw: It's like a personal recycling bin.
Empty pack of gum
Chloe lotion
Band-aids, empty
Victoria's Secret gift card
Reghann: I don't wanna put that! I want to keep that.
*Puts card into pocket
Nail file
Hand lotion
Face lotion
Lip gloss
Reghann: (Yelling to bar) Someone left Yves Saint Lauren lip gloss on the table! It's mine now!
Radjaw: Is that everything?
Reghann: Yes.. time to photobooth!
Radjaw: YIKES.

Purse Thursday - Kate

Purse Thursday is back! I am interviewing the purses of women again and again. These women do not know they are going to be interviewed, so catching them and their purse in their utmost natural presence is very important. I'm excited to learn more about the fashions and styles of women, see how much stuff they carry around, and just how clean or nasty they are. Shall we?

Sadly, one my friends and coworkers has taken a little hiatus from Neumos to go live in West Virginia or somewhere for six weeks. I do hope she returns and finds a job that suits her and all of her dreams. Before she left, I had to take a peak inside her new favorite satchel. Everyone... meet Kate and her purse.



Kate, 26. Brown leather satchel. 10:30pm - Moe Bar

Kate: Do you have any gum?
Radjaw: I have two pieces left, you can have one for a dollar.
Kate: It's in my purse let me get it for you.
Radjaw: What kind of purse is that?
Kate: It's a Coach leather satchel and it is my new favorite!
Radjaw: How long have you had it?
Kate: Someone left it here about a month ago.
Radjaw: So you took someone else's purse from lost & found?
Kate: Well, not exactly.. It was a gear bag for someone and they left it behind. After a while, nobody claimed it and I figured it was some band travelling on tour. It looked so good on me, I snatched it up!
Radjaw: Can we take a look inside?
Kate: Uhh.. okay!?
Voter registration card
Driver test notes
Radjaw: You don't have a license?
Kate: I do, it's from a while ago.
A package of AAA batteries with no batteries inside
2 single dollar bills
Lip balm
Headphones
Health insurance card
Kate: That's my old roommate's card.
Radjaw: Why do you have that?
Kate: I.. don't.. know..
A few pens
Decibel staff all access pass
Wallet
Box of to go food, probably Poquito's
Cell phone
Glow bracelet without any glow
Radjaw: There sure is a lot of garbage in here!
Kate: I know, it's my work bag! Hush!
Red glitter nail polish
A bunch of random keys
A mirror
Gum
Kate: Oh! I didn't know I had any gum in here until I got to the bottom.
Macbook Pro
9 more single dollar bills
Mood ring, blue
Bottle of water
Radjaw: You should probably empty the purse out and throw some of the garbage away.
Kate: But, I might need some of it!
Radjaw: Riiiight.

Zuzuka Poderosa Knocksteady Interview

I love my girl! A likkle interview and some music for ya. If ya'll missed her two shows here in Seattle.. Get involved!



Zuzuka Poderosa takes some time off from the Zuzuka "Power Tour" to talk to us about how her mixed upbringing in Brazil, the West Indes, and Brooklyn led to the creation of her unique style of music called Carioca Bass. Make sure you follow her on twitter @ZuzukaPoderosa

Podcast #69: KS Presents - Zuzuka Poderosa by Knocksteady

Purse Thursday - Sierra

Purse Thursday is here! This is the second week I am interviewing the purses of women. These women do not know they are going to be interviewed, so catching them and their purse in their utmost natural presence is most important. I'm excited to learn more about the fashions and styles of women, see how much stuff they carry around, and just how clean or nasty they are. Shall we?



Sierra, age 31. Black shoulder bag. 10:45pm Elysian Brewing.

Terry Radjaw: What kind of bag is this?
Sierra: LeSportsac
TR: How long have you had it?
S: I just got it 2 days ago.
TR: A new purse? How fancy, too bad there won't be any dirt dirt in there.
S: I am very organized, my purses are always like this.
TR: Well, let's see what you got inside!
Makeup bag that says "Looking For Trouble"
S: It's not just a makeup bag! It's way more than that!
Inside the make up bag are:
Business cards
Tampons
Dental picks
Perfume
Pen
Nicotine patch
Matches
TR: There's not any makeup at all in there, crazy!
Coin purse
Haiku brand wallet
S: I got this for Australia to keep all my money, cards, and IDs in good organized fashion.
TR: So this was like your own kangaroo pouch?
S: Yes!
TR: Can you tell me a haiku about your purse?
S: A haiku?
TR: Yes. It goes 5,7,5 syllable structure.
S: I know what a haiku is, I just don't have one.
TR: C'mon..
S: Black and Rainbow Fun.
San Francisco, I Love You!
Crossroads Has Good Shit.
TR: Score!
Paul Frank glasses case
Apple
Orange
A bag of salted nuts
TR: Are these items sort of a metaphor for life? You know, apples and oranges. Nuts!?
S: Uhh... sure.
Keys on a carabiner on a bungie cord
S: That's a really cool feature, huh?
TR: Huh?
iPhone
Pens
Lighters
Gum
Sunglasses
Another lighter
TR: Would you trade your purse for a Klondike bar?
S: No.
TR: How would you best describe the contents of your purse?
S: After seeing them all, I'd say I'm like a boy scout. I am prepared and ready to go on an overnight trip.
TR: I thank you for your time.

Purse Thursday - Gillian

Purse Thursday is here! Every week I am going to be interviewing the purses of women. These women do not know they are going to be interviewed and we are catching them and their purse in their utmost natural presence. I'm excited to learn more about fashions and styles of women. I'm also excited to see how much shit can women really carry around?



Gillian, age 31. Leather carryall. 1:25am Lava Lounge.

Terry Radjaw: What kind of purse is this?
Gillian: Not sure.
TR: Where did you get it?
G: Got it from a friend in NYC.
TR: Most important item in the purse?
G: This Sweet Jesus CD
Already I think to myself, this woman knows how to rock. She continues to pull out various items that we throw on the table.
Knitted hat. Which she didn't knit
Makeup case thingy
Headphones
Gloves
1 1/2" Paint brush
Film
G: This is film! Actual film! It's not just a case for weed. This is actual film.
Lip liner
Sunglasses
Lip gloss
Eye liner
This is where I hope it's not a huge make up bag.
Alka seltzer
G: Antacid is really good for anxiety!!
Tampon
TR: That's a tampon? That's some really good packaging.
G: Yeah it is really cool packaging for a tampon.
TR: I can't believe that's a tampon.
G: It's a tampon!
Big Mario's receipt for $15
Hairtie
Cave Singers ticket from Tacoma
Duracell batteries. I hesitate, but don't ask what those are for.
Ear plugs
$0.32 = 1 quarter, 1 nickel, 2 pennies
G: Wait! Wait! There's a hole! There's more stuff in there! There is a corkscrew and a camera battery stuck behind the lining of the bag! Ah well.
TR: Can we get to it?
G: No it's stuck there, but I found that camera battery.
TR: I thank you for your time.

Adam Swan Interview

It's been over a year since I've done an interview and felt it was time to start them up again. They seem to be fun for everyone involved.

Adam Swan aka Grippo of Truckasauras was gracious enough to talk to me about their new album "Quarters" coming out in September.



TR: How long you guys work on the new album?
AS: Took forever. Way too long, but we've been playing alot of it live, so Seattle has heard it. We really jumped in and finished in early in 2010.

TR: How many quarters are in your pocket?
AS: Ha! Probably none.. Oh wait, there's 3.

TR: Do you think there is a good balance between the visuals & beats that Truck displays?
AS: From the get electro acts are boring to watch. We're hunched over gear and its not that exciting. We consider the video as our frontman. I catch myself watching them a lot of the time. We wanted Dan to be apart of it with Ryan's idea of Americana. What Dan does, really fits in with our sense of humor and the crowd seems to enjoy it.

TR: Thinking of remaking the Star Spangled Banner?
AS: No, we remixed Auld Lang Syne for New Year's once. We are making fun of and embracing America, and to be able to make fun of something you have to become it. Our bigger shows we break out the flags and whatnot, but after Obama became president it made it harder to make fun of. George Bush made our life a lot easier.

TR: What was your favorite collaboration from "The Truck" show?
AS: I liked the Spaceman/SK beat a lot and the energy they brought. Canary Sing really went out and they can actually sing, I have so much respect for that. Up until soundcheck i wasn't sure it the night was going to work, but then I felt confident. The whole night was a huge huge undertaking.

TR: Worst collaboration?
AS: Mash Hall.

TR: Are you considered hip hop?
AS: Always have been a little bit, one thing about us you cant lump us into a genre. We've been called the future of techno, but we don't think we are even techno. We have an 808 not a 909. Rappers always hit us up for beats.

TR: Was Head Like An Espresso Truck better?
AS: This one more cause it was my birthday, but there were more people at the Espresso Truck. I can't believe we were able to pull either of them off. It says a lot about our music scene thats for sure.

TR: What does Out For Stardom mean to you?
AS: Your hustle, your grind without mincing any words. We are going to keep doing it until we are famous or dead. When you first start making music you think you are going to be famous, yet all of us still work day jobs.

TR: Like FourthCity?
AS: Whether you call it Fourthcity or OFS, it's the same idea. You work with like minded individuals and support each other. You guys have haters, but you don't cater to them. But, as long as you have haters it's good cause you are still moving people. It adds legitimacy. Once you get to a certain point in seattle you get to know everybody. Same parties. That's the beauty of it, everyone is a big family. People are doing their thing, even if you hate it. If they are grinding you can't hate on that grind.

TR: Top 3 bands in Seattle?
AS: Past Lives, Shabazz Palaces, & Flexions. Eventhough my brother is in it, I'll be biased.

TR: Who don't you like?
AS: In Seattle? I don't know.. I probably don't even know what it is. If I dont like something it's probably something that didn't even catch my eye.

TR: Who's ass do you want to kick?
AS: There's just too many. But because of yesterday, the mail carrier that threatened to mace my dog through the front door. That pissed me off!

TR: Who is the future of techno?
AS: Probably Richie Hawtin, I don't know. I don't know, I don't listen to techno. I listen to hip hop.

TR: Favorite pro wrestler?
AS: Randy Macho Man Savage cause of the Slim Jim commercials.

TR: Not because of the rap cd?
AS: The rap cd is incredibly horrible, so bad it's good. It has a beef cut and a dead homie cut, which is essential to a rap album, right? I love thinking about the producers and engineers behind it BEcause they must only be thinking about a paycheck while keeping a straight face.

TR: Who gets the most pussy in Truckasauras?
AS: The married guy, Ryan.

TR: Favorite sandwich?
AS: French Dip with au jus.

TR: Better Segal? Dave or Beanie Sigel?
AS: Dave Segal cause I'm a music nerd and he is the biggest music nerd I know.

TR: Better Freeway? Freeway or I-5?
AS: Freeway.

TR: You good at video games?
AS: I'm not at all, but I get to watch people have some good Skate 3 battles.

TR: Favorite piece of equipment?
AS: My favorite synth is the 303, and my favorite piece of gear in studio is my tape deck.

TR: When was Truckasauras' last tea party?
AS: I don't think we've had one. Last time I drank tea was when I got home from hiking. Tea parties sound dirty.

TR: What kind of truck would you be?
AS: Toyota 4x4 cause I owned one and it was the shit.

TR: What's up with a Mad Rad/Truckasauras show?
AS: Well what's up with one??!? Are you guys playing any? We are booked through October, but we are down.

TR: How was your burger?
AS: Was really good, spicy. Lets yelp this! It was really good, I would eat at Elysian again. I think I need another beer and a shot.

Thank you for your time, Adam. Congrats on the new record, can't wait to bump that shit.

RABID CHILD INTERVIEW

Today we put it in the hands of Jonathan Cunningham to interview Tyler Soverns aka Squintz aka Squincy Jones aka Rabid Child Images. See more of his work HERE.



With everyone talking about how good Seattle’s hip-hop scene is this year, it’s a wonder that less attention is being paid to one of the city’s most visible hip-hop photographer’s who is out on a weekly basis capturing it all. Tyler Soverns, who shoots photos under the moniker Rabid Child Images, has spent the past year and a half bringing attention to Seattle rappers and documenting the late night mayhem that makes the scene here so great. He built a name for himself not only by shooting party rappers like Mad Rad and Champagne Champagne but the crowds and wild energy of their shows.

This month, he’s got an impressive photo exhibit called “SNAPS” at the Greenwood Collective that runs until the second Friday of November. It’s his first solo show and features some future classic images of Seattle rappers like, Dyme Def, Macklmore, Fatal Lucciauno, and plenty more. I’ve always been a fan of his work and recently got the chance to pick his brain.

How long have you been shooting professionally?
I started shooting Seattle based bands under the name Rabid Child Images in April of 2008 at the McLeod residence. I shot Champagne Champagne's second show ever and they were the first band to really give me a positive response...so I'd say that's when it all started for me.

What type of cameras do you use? And do you plan to switch to something else in the near future?
I shoot with a Nikon d80. When I shoot live shows I usually use a Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8g ED-IF DX Autofocus Fisheye lens as I have found it to work out best for small clubs/spaces and creates an energy that I really love. When I shoot portraits and other things I use a Nikon 28-105 f3.5-4.5D AF Zoom, but that is only because I can't afford a better lens with a smaller aperture. I would like to get a Nikon d300 or something that is full frame. I do wish I could afford to shoot film because the chemical process of developing and printing is what drew me to photography initially, but these days it's just not practical.

A lot of your work focuses on Seattle hip-hop--and party rappers like Mad Rad/They Live!/Champagne Champagne etc. especially. What drew you to that genre the most as you started shooting?
I had just bought my d80 and wanted to try and shoot some local underground Seattle music. My friend Dave Marquis told me about this new hip-hop group called Champagne Champagne and I went to check out their show and shoot some photos. I had shot other bands before but Champagne Champagne as I said, were the first band to really like the pics I took of them and they were super supportive. The next show I shot was another Champagne show at the McLeod residence and this new group called Mad Rad played. I instantly was a fan of their music and tried super hard to impress them with my live photos of them...and I guess I did. One of the photos of that show is in the inside cover of "White Gold". I just really hit it off with those guys and they have always been homies and have looked out for me and made sure I got photo credit, etc. I feel that I got lucky by being in the right place at the right time as two of Seattle’s most fun and most talented groups were starting out. I met most of the other hip hop bands I've shot by shooting at the monthly hip hop show "PHIZZ" that Champagne Champagne was putting on at the time and I really liked the strong sense of family that I witnessed and felt in the Seattle hip-hop community... and it's the most relevant music in Seattle right now.

Do you think Seattle's hip-hop scene lacked a consistent photographer that could capture it accurately before you started lending your eye to it?
Honestly I don't know. I wasn't really in the hip hop scene until I started documenting it. I've definitely helped give it a visual context.

Do you actively try to capture Seattle's hip-hop scene as a whole or just core pockets of it?
Usually I just shoot bands that catch my ear or are referred to me somehow. I don't fancy my self a journalist, I'm learning as I go. I would like to capture all of it, but there is so much! I will continue to explore the Seattle music scene because it's always expanding. Hip-hop shows seem to be the most fun and I've got a lot of friends in hip-hop groups. Also for my style of live band photography I need a high energy group that gets the crowd going and are always in motion. I can't capture energy that isn't there.

What other types of concert photography are you drawn to in Seattle's music scene aside from hip-hop?
I like a few of the rock bands that I've heard around town, like Neon Nights and the Valkyries, but the hip-hop community seems to appreciate my work more. I'm a punk rock kid at heart. Before i moved to Seattle from Indiana i was in a punk rock band for 7 years. I love all kinds of music, but I really wish that Seattle had an awesome thrash punk scene but I realize that it is not 1982 and it never will be again. I feel that small underground hip-hop shows by bands like Champagne Champagne, Mad Rad, Fresh Espresso, They Live! and also the Beats, Man are the closest thing to that grimy punk rock experience that I have found in Seattle.
I'm not real into concert pit photography, shooting national acts at Key Arena and such. I haven't done it a lot, but I've never been satisfied with my results. I like to stay in the trenches of the smaller venues because it is much more intimate.

What was it like for you to shoot the Glamour CD cover art for Fresh Espresso? Was it natural because you're all apart of the Out For Stardom team, or was their separate pressure?
P Smoov has always been one of the biggest supporters of Rabid Child Images and he asked me if I wanted to shoot the cover. I was really nervous because it was some of my first serious portrait work and I didn't have any studio lights. We had problems renting lights as none of us had the $2,000 line of credit required to rent equipment from Glazier's so I just did the best I could with what I had... a flash, a wall and two very talented musicians. My portrait style developed from that shoot and it was the inspiration for "SNAPS".

I saw the potential of Fresh Espresso and am a huge fan of all things P Smoov. When P started playing me tracks that would make up the Glamour album I knew that they were a solid project that I could be proud to have my name attached to. They probably could have had almost any photographer in Seattle shoot the album art and I was surprised and flattered that P Smoov left it in my hands. Terry Radjaw did an amazing job with the layout and that really helps.

Of all the local rappers that you've shot over the years, who would you say is the most naturally photogenic?
All of the guys in Mad Rad that aren't DJ Darwin and Terry Radjaw. Just kidding! Buffalo Madonna and P Smoov are the easiest to shoot. It helps when you have a close personal relationship with your subjects. Mad Rad have made my job easier. The camera loves them.

Is there a local musician that no matter how many times you try to shoot them, it just never comes out right?
Some are definitely uglier than others! I find that it is a lot harder for me to get good expressions from people that I don't know very well personally... and that aren't drunk. Sometimes it's a challenge to make people feel comfortable in front of the lens. I'm very casual and I just keep shooting until I get something that I am satisfied with. I never could get a good portrait of Mark from Champagne Champagne for "SNAPS" as he's just not really into being in front of a camera.

A lot of your shots capture the chaos of the crowd and the show. Have things ever gotten too crazy when you're shooting?
Since I shoot with a wide angle lens I have to be right up front in the crowd to get good shots of the band. So I'm right there in it and it's a very fun experience for me to shoot live music. The craziest show I've ever shot was Mad Rad at the Comet after they had returned from Sasquatch and had been banned from most of the clubs on Capitol Hill. The place was over capacity for sure and the crowd was insane! At one point I was pushed down and fell directly on stage, camera first. It broke the lens hood off of my lens, but it's still functional.

What type of photos can people expect to see in your "Snaps" exhibit?
I am primarily known for live band photography and party pics with a fisheye lens. I wanted to experiment with portrait work and prove to myself and others that i could be successful in other photographic arenas. For "SNAPS," I put away the fisheye and tried my best to produce portraits of Seattle hip-hop artists that are stripped down, honest and say something about the artist's personality.

Finally, what does it mean to you on a personal level to be putting on a photo exhibit? And what do you want people to walk away with after viewing it?
"SNAPS" is my first photo show and it is a huge deal to me. I've learned a lot and it's been quite stressful. It was a challenge to round up this group of artists and get them to come to my apartment for photo shoots. All of the prints arrived damaged two times and I didn't get the undamaged prints until a day before the show. Also the gallery caught on fire a week before the show was supposed to happen. There were a lot of challenges but everything turned out great and I feel that it is a success.

I want people to walk away from "SNAPS" feeling that Seattle has a great underground hip-hop scene that is worth documenting. I want them to see that my main goal is to support these artists because if I didn't believe in their music they wouldn't be in the show. Hopefully they like the aesthetic of the show and feel that I have captured the artist's personalities in these portraits. The prints are available for sale on my flickr page and will also be available on the Out For Stardom blog soon.


Thank you, gentleman.

Interviewer Interview x Larry Mizell, Jr.

Last week sometime I got to sit down and pick the brain of one of Seattle's finest music contributors. Larry recently just took over KEXP Street Sounds, he also has a column in The Stranger, and he is a rapper turned hipster in the up and coming legendary They Live! He is also in Cancer Rising, Nite Owls, and probably 4 other rap groups we don't even know about. Gatsby is doing his thing right now, and it involves doing the running man at 4am dance parties.



I join Larry at The Redwood for drinks, and before even getting into the place there's music happening down the street in an alley and he says "Let's check this out, could be cool." I'm telling you this guy always has his ear to the street and it was fun to chop it up with him.

TR: So who are the infamous Mizell Brothers?
LM: The Mizells are my father Larry, Sr. and my uncle Fonce Mizell. They are legendary jazz/funk/disco producers with their major claims to fame coming in the 70s. They are orginally from New Jersey (stand up!) and produced hits like "Boogie Oogie Oogie" and "I Want You Back". They worked with Blue Note, Donald Byrd and Motown. They are legends and the family itself extends to Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay), and Ronnie Spektor and The Ronnettes. The Mizells go hard!
TR: Did they play a part in your success?
LM: Yes and no. I've been very mindful of not using that to get ahead almost to a fault. But at the same time, being around it and meeting heavy music people gave me a perspective, love, and groundedness for the music. I have been blessed to be able to be around it my whole life.
TR: What is your most exciting project right now?
LM: Man, I love everything that I'm doing right now but I'd say KEXP is most exciting because its the newest. I've been at The Stranger for 5 years and working on music for 8 years, and now I am able to play music for the people. It's a new challenge
for myself. I just have to work on my radio voice and swagger..
TR: Do you think that Street Sounds was falling off in the past year?
LM: I wouldn't say it was falling off, I'd say the interest of promoting shows, doing interviews, and talking in the town precluded the music. It was dope that that iss what it was, but I am a music guy. I like music to do the talking. I always wanted to hear more and I am going to play more. Its a big deal and big shoes to fill, and its an honor to be included in the legacy. I want to stamp my own legacy on it. It's my turn.
TR: So with all your projects, does one hinder the other?
LM: Definitely does. I cant just write myself up every week, and I cannot use it for my own interest. It's not credible to others, and it's not credible to myself. Favoritism seems to be something stranger writers and weekly worry about. I am self concious and dont want to abuse the power that I have. I wanna big up the town more than myself.
TR: So you don't feel yourself?
LM: I do feel myself don't get me wrong. I am humble. My humble game is impregnated. I am the king of humility. I have the same birthday as Harrison Ford, Bill Cosby, Cheech Marin. I am the combo of all 3.
TR: What does Out For Stardom mean to you?
LM: Glory. Ambition. Grimey. It's not like on the road to the stardom, its OUT FOR. It's do anything for. Whatever it takes type shit. I like that.
TR: Who are your top 3 Seattle musicians right now?
LM: Shabazz Palaces - Would love to see it live, its great to see him home and repping Seattle.
Velella Velella - not much new shit, but i bang their older EPs pretty frequently. It's funky but not corny. they are all about the Mizell Brothers.
Fresh Espresso - It made me pull out Cigar Rockstar, the joint with Smoov he did on that was crazy. I remember hearing that and knowing it was the start of something great.
TR: Remember when Mad Rad dropped and you were hating..
(He cuts me off, I didn't even get to ask a question and then he rants.)
LM: I was not a supporter, cats didn't know what to make out of it. Where did it come from and is it for real? I'm not going to front that I love "White Gold" but theres stuff I like a lot on it. After seeing how hard you work, watching the energy you brought to the scene was great and I'm glad you are in this city. Opinions can change. I am excited to hear the next shit thats for sure, from what I've heard I'm stoked.
TR: Do you feel a come up with They Live!?
LM: The main thing that I value to all these groups is that I'm feeling a real connection. It's like a fraternity, a family. It's not giving a fuck musicly. It's unbridled energy. It's fun. It's a non traditional period. It wasn't cool to be excited about rap. Everyone is over it, "We are cool. We are doing it. Blah blah." There's a new excitement in the town and I don't know what it is. Obama? Mad Rad? Mindstates? Don't matter, I'm having the time of my life right now.
TR: Who don't you feel that is doing it out here?
LM: Team Gina. The raps ain't there and it feels like mockery. I don't know them, but I'm guessing they dont have "Dare Iz A Darkside." It's the equivalent of a grandma rapping in a furniture commercial, and I don't have any time for it.
TR: How do you feel about Thee Sat?
LM: I love them! Once Thee Sat came along they were getting love from everyone, not just the gay community. They bridge the gap between all the people because they make dope music. It's not about being lesbian. It's about being dope.
TR: Are you down to join me in the campaign to keep them here? Maybe a fund raiser show of sorts?
LM: Absolutely.. I'm waving the white flag. I think they can go anywhere and kill it, but people are nomadic and want game from different places. Personally i would say give it another six and bang out music with Taysean. Go crazy! Make music with everyone. We are on the cusp of a new vision in this town and they need to be apart of it. I'm selfish. They are going to go to another town and get filthier? I'm not feeling that.
TR: Is Joanathan Cunningham stealing your thunder?
LM: Cunningham is someone I have waited for to come on the scene out here. There's been a scarecity of knowledgeable hip hop writers. It's not a hip hop town, they don't know it and they don't care. JC dives right in and we are in this together. The fact that the Weekly gave a black cat the music editor job with a hip hop background is huuuuge for the city.
TR: Better segal, Beanie Sigel or Dave Segal?
LM: Beanie. Sorry, Dave. Mack Mittens all day. Broad Street Bully lights up the room. Dave Segal is in the cut. He's a writer, he looks like hes been in a cavern listening to obscure records. He's a music guy, I got respect.
TR: Is BlesOne the best DJ in Seattle?
LM: I don't know if he's the best, but my favorite? Yes, hands down. He is the most underrated cat I know and thats going to change. It already is changing.
TR: How do you feel about beat battles? You know my boy got robbed over politics.
LM: Big Tunes is awesome and what Jake, Vita, and J Moore are doing is great. The battle format? Meh. It gets away from making songs. If youre making music and you are dope, fuck that shit! Stay out of it! I'd much rather have someone make an enduring piece of music.
TR: Favorite album all time?
LM: Marvin Gaye "I Want You" or "Death Certificate". I think I could get away with the sample in "Steady Mobbin'" which is an "I Want You" sample. ice cube is the greatest rapper of all time and "Death Certificate" is his best work.
TR: Who's ass to you want to kick?
LM: Darryl Gates. Moved to spokane. He's the old police chief in LA. I've thought about popping through the window and getting him in his rocking chair. And everybody that Rides The Duck.
TR: But, would you whip that?
LM: Yes.
TR: Would you do a show on it?
LM: Yes!
TR: Can we make that happen?
LM: Let's get it!


Let's get it! Words to live by. Larry then proceeded to interview me and he wanted me to put that up on here as well.. But you know what, Larry? You are on the radio! You are in the newspaper! You want my interview use your avenues cause I want those!!!
They Live! plays Tacoma tonight and rumor has it they are on the radio tomorrow!

Interview Liquor Control

Hello everyone! Today is Kev's birthday and we are celebrating. Kevin Hulett is a liquor rep for 42Below Vodka and Cazadores Tequila and basically all around grand person, I felt it my duty to interview him to find out what his day is like.



Kevin and I head to Smith, he rolls up to the bartender shakes some hands, gives away a business card, orders 2 Modelos and 2 Cazadores neat. We sit at a booth.
TR: What do you want to eat?
KH: Lets go big and get the big poutine.
TR: Shit, the kitchen is closed.
KH: Don't you worry, I know some people here.
TR: Ok. Which is better Cazadores or 42Below?
KH: I'm at a split decision, Cazadores is sipped and shot, 42 is for cocktails. It's a matter of mood.
TR: What are your top 3 bars?
KH: War Room, Liberty, and King's.
TR: What is the nastiest drink you ever had?
KH: Hornitos. See, there are some tequilas that are 51% Agave and 100% Agave with no added sugar, Hornitos is just living by their name and its popular because lame people that don't have taste drink it. It's shitty. It's shit. Terrible.
TR: So you meet a lot of lame people doing what you do?
KH: Let's just say if I didn't have this job, I'd find out who my real friends were.
TR: So people use you for free drinks?
KH: Of course they try, but I know which ones to hook up and which ones to not hook up.
TR: How many bottles a month do you give away?
KH: 5 cases, 12 to a case.
TR: Damn! That's 60 bottles a month, shit, 2 bottles a day.
KH: Like I said, I love my job.
TR: How many days a week do you drink?
KH: Six.
TR: Are you an alcoholic?
KH: No.
TR: Would you say you have power in this city?
KH: I definitely have my slice of the pie. The guys that have to tell you that they are running the city really aren't.
(The poutine arrives and it is just giant potato chips.)
TR: How many bartenders have you fucked?
KH: I'd say none. I like to keep it strictly business. Plus, by the time they are off work I am usually tanked.
TR: Is there anyone's ass you want to kick?
KH: I'm a chill dude, but if you fuck with my friends then I'll deal with it. I'm not a huge guy, but I'm not a small guy either. People don't fuck with me.
TR: Who do you think will win the 1 on 1 game between myself and Sir Thomas Gray?
KH: I'm going Radjaw. Thomas won't show me his game and he's got chicken legs.
TR: What if you and I play? Would you a grow a beard if you lost?
KH: If I knew I'd have to grow a beard, I wouldn't lose. I'd play so hard.
TR: What does Out For Stardom mean to you?
KH: Out work and out hustle everyone in the city.
TR: Favorite band in the city?
KH: Elephant Rider.

Thank you, Kevin. Your time is much appreciated. I cannot wait to come celebrate your birthday with you tonight at Chapel. Everyone else come show your love to this man and buy him a drink for once.

Bag Painter Interview

Now I know Chris Crites (aka The Bag Painter) isn't a writer for any periodicals, but I love the guy so much I had to interview him for the OFS blog. I love his work, which mainly consists of vibrant portraits on brown paper bags and wanted to share it with the community that I fucks with. He currently has a show up until July 11th at Roq la Rue entitled "About: Face." So get down there and see a great Seattle talent.

TR: So, I must ask, why bags?
CC: In 1999, I was drunk off my ass on a bottle of tequila and painted on a bag. I liked it and kept doing it.
TR: I see for your current show you have started to use different paper, why so?
CC: I wanted to work way looser than usual and make my arm have a little fun. It allowed me to stay fresh without working so tight.
TR: Who are your favorite 3 artists in Seattle?
CC: Robert Hardgrave, SuttonBeresCuller, & Dan Webb.
TR: What's your favorite 3 local bands?
CC: At The Spine, Akimbo, Mad Rad.
TR: You don't have to say Mad Rad.
CC: You guys bring it, man! By far my favorite live show in a while.
TR: What did you eat for lunch today?
CC: Top Ramen Oriental with lettuce and spinach that I grew from my own garden.
TR: Do you like sandwiches?
CC: Love them, Hillside Quickies for me.
TR: Nike or Reebok?
CC: Neither. Simple.
TR: Who's your favorite graffiti writer?
CC: I'm not that up on my graf, but I'd say I like the old stuff. That NYC raw look in the 70's and 80's.
TR: Do you like graffiti?
CC: For me, it has to have a message not just a name on the wall. I want something that is thought provoking and creative. Names are beautiful, but the average person can't read that. Break out, hit a bigger audience with it.
TR: Who would you be most honored to paint if they approached you?
CC: Noam Chomsky. He's one of the greatest intellectuals of our time. He is like a scalpel that cuts with insight. He is so spot on and nothing passes him.
TR: Do you feel there's anything you can do to hit different markets in this city?
CC: I'd love to open up a gallery and put out a book. Hitting other crowds besides the art world would be great.
TR: Are you down for a Bag Painter wheat paste campaign?
CC: Fuck yeah! Show me how to make it and I'll hit the ground running.
TR: What does Out For Stardom mean to you?
CC: That you want to be famous. I haven't ever heard it put like that before..**burrrrrrrpppp!!**
TR: How's that ramen treating you?
CC: Good but needed some cheese.
TR: Anyone ever tell you that you look like Chandler from Friends?
CC: I have heard that once before, but I don't know what he looks like.
TR: Do you want to kick anyone's ass?
CC: Scott Lawrimore at The Lawrimore Project. He ripped my boy Hardgrave off for $10,000! I just can't let that fly.
TR: Who wins in a fight? Bag lady or Bilbo Baggins?
CC: Baggins. Even without "Sting" he has big ass kickin feet.
TR: Best appearance by a bag in a movie? American Beauty or Run Lola Run?
CC: Even though the bag was full of cash in Run Lola Run, I gotta give it to American Beauty bag. Besides, that film guy thought it was beautiful because he was stoned.
TR: Hand bag or tote bag?
CC: Tote. Easier for the bike action.
TR: Funbags or airbags?
CC: Funbags!! What good are airbags??
TR: Do you like baguette?
CC: Yes, especially with brie.
TR: Any chance of painting the Baghdad all stars?
CC: You never know. Are they paying?
TR: If you had to pick one. Are you a dirtbag, sleazebag, or scumbag?
CC: Scumbag has a nice ring to it.
TR: If I gave you a baggie what would you want it filled with?
CC: A plane ticket to Amsterdam and cash for a Europass.

Thanks Chris for your time! Enjoy your shows coming up in Omaha and Chicago. OFS has your back.

Interviewer Interview x Jonathan Cunningham

Recently on a mini road trip to Portland, Seattle Weekly writer Jonathan Cunningham decided to hop in the van and come with us. He was working on a story and needed up close and personal time with the boys. I took this time to flip the script and interview him. It was a long day and night of drinking for this man, and I have definitely seen him in rare form. He earned a few nicknames over this time: Jonathan Snoozingham, Sly Pork, and Malcom-Jamal Warner. I truly like making fun of him and will continue to do so.

TR: How does it feel being an african-american writer in a predominantly white city like Seattle?
JC: I feel like the token writer at my paper. I really do enjoy Seattle but I love Detroit, I feel its my destiny to die there.
TR: Do you have a close relationship with family back there?
JC: I am the youngest in ten so you definitely know that its a big family. Every mother's day I buy my mother flowers.
TR: How about your father?
JC: My father has never read anything that I have written. I don't get him anything for father's day.
TR: Sad. Well, Seattle is happy to have you!
JC: Thanks, I love my job with the paper but the editor job at The Stranger is really what i want. Plus I haven't had sex with anyone in the editorial department at the Weekly but do know that some of them are fucking people at The Stranger.
TR: Would you fight Eric Grandy?
JC: It would be no contest.
(Jonathan Cunningham then decides to litter empty beer cans out the van like its nothing and shrugs it off when confronted.)
TR: Who are three music acts in Seattle that you are really feeling right now?
JC: Born Anchors, Khingz, and Fresh Espresso.
TR: What act do you think is most overrated?
JC: Hallways? Yeah, I don't get it.
TR: Do you like MSHVB?
JC: I like the drummer because he's black not because he's 14. He is the new Questlove.
TR: Do you prefer Nike or Reeboks?
JC: I like Nike but have never owned a pair. I'm wearing Reeboks.
TR: What size shoe do you wear?
JC: 8. Same as Bryce Brown.
TR: Better Segal? Dave Segal or Beanie Sigel?
JC: Dave.
TR: Better Freeway? Freeway or I-5?
JC: I-5.
TR: Beanie Sigel or Freeway?
JC: Freeway for his voice.
TR: Michael Jackson or R. Kelly?
JC: R. Kelly. He's done more for R&B music.
TR: What are your hangout spots?
JC: I go to a lot of really whack clubs frequently and hit on every woman.
TR: Who's your favorite dreaded person dead or alive?
JC: Johnny One-Dread from Rockers.
TR: Do you smoke weed?
JC: Yes.
TR: Favorite munchie?
JC: Asian food in the ID.
TR: Do you want to write a novel?
JC: One day, yes, but I wouldn't get a house like Chevy Chase did in Funny Farm.
TR: How was your experience with Mad Rad this weekend?
JC: Ya'll are the whitest motherfuckers in Seattle. No, not really, but you are the first white people at my house.

Thanks Jonathan for your time. I think you're a stand up guy and I am now glad to call you my friend.