Interview with My Pet Dragon

My Pet Dragon, consisting of Todd Michaelsen and Reena Shah are just a small part of a new wave of music that is taking over the undergrounds of music. Blending the sounds of indie pop, electronica, and various folk and rock incarnations, MPD is sure to conceive raw emotion and power to the listening ear. A band not only known for its unique name, but also its revolutionary music, is trying to break into a music world as diverse as their sound.

Here is the interview-

(For Todd) Why did you quit college for music? What was the plan?

Well I left school because I pretty much knew I was wasting my time. I was writing and recording music when I should have been in class. When everyone was studying, I was in the laundry room where the acoustics were good, strumming away, writing songs. I had major tunnel vision. Music totally consumed me and most of my friends at school were musicians. At that time the basic plan was to get to New York City and soak it all in without fear. I had no real clue what I was doing but New York was always calling from the time I was a kid visiting my uncle in the East Village in the 80's. Luckily my uncle still lived there and told me "to come on down" and gave me his couch for awhile. I just knew I had to be there.

After taking a life changing trip to India, how did the culture shape you as a musician? What was the experience like?

My trip with Reena to India opened me up as a person in ways I cannot fully explain. I guess it ultimately affects the music you create. I was astounded to see how happy certain people were with no material possessions or wealth. The incredible beauty and diversity of India's people, religions, and cultures is something you must see to believe. India is "Life Concentrated" I wrote "The Painter", the second day I was there, (song off of MPD's First Born record). It just flowed in about 10 minutes.

But what I truly learned in India is that people are people everywhere. We are all the same in the end, no matter where we are from. It’s just nice to see how people live in different parts of the world. I don't think we appreciate the little things enough sometimes. The simple beauty of an Indian-Garland vendor in the middle of chaotic city is something quite remarkable. A Jain temple on a mountain top with thousand-Year old artwork carved into every corner will always be etched into my memory. Getting engaged on the black sand beach of the Arabian Sea is a sacred moment. A child without a limb begging in Mumbai is also something you will not forget. The world is terrifying, confusing, yet gorgeous and inspiring at the same time. That is India.

What's funny about my musical style is that I was actually playing "Indian" sounding music before my trip to India and well before I met anyone in New York that was playing that kind of "OM" sound. I was into bands like The Beatles, Tool, The Deftones, and The Smashing Pumpkins. All those bands at some point blended east and west.

How does the music and dance duo work? How does this work live and what is a live show like?

I would say that Reena's role in the band is to be herself. If she wants to dance while she sings along with me, great, if she wants to play percussion, then great. Whatever works best for the music is my only rule. My Pet Dragon is not about doing what everyone else does. I don't want to make anyone in my band express themselves in ways that are disingenuous. My Pet Dragon is about being yourself and being one with the music. If you want to dance, dance. If you want to sing along with us, sing. If you want to scream, scream!!! We are not posing. We are not going for that "brass ring". All the pain and joy we feel, you will see it come out at our show. We want to create a moment where the music moves us and maybe we lose ourselves in that moment... and we hope you feel that too.

Where'd the name come from?

The name My Pet Dragon came from an imaginary friend I had as a child. I would fight this giant creature every night before I went to bed. I'd line up all my stuffed animals and GI Joe's on my bed and we'd battle this laser eyed monster to the death. The next night he was somehow resurrected and we'd go at it again. It helped me sleep. That was the original "my pet dragon". Although some of our fans suggest it is some phallic reference or something....it is in fact, not.

(For Reena) What's your background in the arts of dancing and acting, and where did this interest come from?

I have always been interested in the Arts as I was exposed to it at a very early age. My parents are true supporters of artists. They would host and attend music parties where they would listen to professional musicians from India. They would stay up into the late hours of the night with their friends and sing Indian devotional songs as well as songs from Bollywood movies.

At the age of 4, my mother took me to Classical Indian Dance Classes for Bharatha Natyam, taught by the Late Indian Film Actress & Dancer, Padmini Ramachandran, where she started the Padmini Institute of Fine Arts in New Jersey in the 1980's. I was one of her 1st students. I graduated from the Institute in 1991 with my Arengetram at the age of 13 and became a Professional Classical Indian Dancer. I was also involved with Indian Dance Troupes, traveling throughout the United States and Canada. I am also a Traditional Indian Folk Dancer in the dance styles of Garba plus Raas (Gujarat) and Bhangra (Punjab).

Acting was always a part of my dancing as Bharatha Natyam is also about storytelling through facial expression, body movement, and rhythmic dance steps. I acted in every school play in Middle School and High School in my hometown in New Jersey and sang and danced in the musical productions as well. My senior year of high school, I was a part of an Advanced Acting Class with only 5 students at Newark Academy. My teacher Mr. Scott Jacoby really gave me an opportunity to explore all aspects of the art of acting. When I graduated from Newark Academy, I received the McGraw-Hill Arts Award for contributing to multiple arts disciplines and the National Choral Award from Mrs. Julie Jacoby, my amazing Choral Instructor.

I enjoy being able to play a wide variety of characters and telling stories that will resonate with the audience. I have been fortunate to be a part of many different film, dance, theater, art, and music projects that tell profound stories of the experiences of our lives from many different cultures. It’s through these projects that I have been able to create a dialogue about the world we live in and how we can make it a better place for all of us. We are One.

Being a part of My Pet Dragon is quite incredible as I have the opportunity to explore Todd's music through my own interpretive dance movement loosely based on the Classical Dance style of Bharata Natyam. I enjoy singing with this band as well. Todd's music lyrically explores many different themes that I love to visually translate. It’s a spiritual experience for me when I perform with My Pet Dragon... whether I am singing or dancing, I know that being in the moment with his music, both the live sound and his words, gives me hope for the future.

How would describe your music? What do you want it to be?

My Pet Dragon music to me is a combination of everything I've ever listened to. I hear classic rock, post rock, electronic, folk, pop, psychedelic, 80's dance, 90's rock etc, etc. It covers many emotions but ultimately that tension/release melodic kind of rock music perfected by bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, U2, and David Bowie... that is where my heart is. I can't deny it. I dig what I dig, soaring vocals and guitars.

What I want it to be is pure energy. I am learning everyday new ways to express myself and expand my music. Sometimes that means making it simpler too. Look at Neutral Milk Hotel. Most of those songs have 3 or 4 chords but it’s the way they sung and how much heart is put into the lyrics. Neil Young too is another hero. That guy can break your heart with one note on his guitar. That’s what I aim for... total expression in the moment.

How'd you get involved with, "Gimme that Sound Productions"?

I got involved with Stephen George of Gimme That Sounds through a mutual friend in Chicago. Hillel Frankel of Novo Arts brought us out to Chicago a few years ago for a series of shows. He loved my music but thought I needed a better mix on my recordings. He introduced me to Stephen George in New York, who had an extensive resume and experience with just about every genre of music there is. Stevo, as we call him, is an amazing engineer and studio wiz. We did a demo together of "Lover in Hiding" at his new studio in the Catskills and it sounded so good we decided to finish a record and put it out on his new label - Gimme That Sound Productions.

What's the response to your music like?

The response to our music so far, has been very exciting to us. Most of the blog reviews of our songs released so far have been very positive and compare us to a variety of bands... most of which I agree with. Our live shows are very intense and if we have an audience ready for that energy then it’s going to be a magical night. Most shows, people sing along with us during our choruses... especially in songs like "Moonshine". We have certain fans that are keeping track of our set lists and traveling to see us in different cities. So that is when you know you are connecting. It’s exciting to us after all the work we put in to see that response.

Sita Sings the Blues, tell me about this.

"Sita Sings the Blues" is an award-winning animated film by Nina Paley that blends an Indian folk tale with an American break up story. The film uses classic 1920's Jazz recordings by Annette Hanshaw to tell the heart-breaking tale. It’s trippy, funny, and heartfelt. I composed the film's score and composed original songs. Reena played the voice of Sita and sang one of the songs. Matt Groening from the Simpson’s actually named "Sita Sings the Blues" one of his favorite films. Nina Paley is a total genius and created something you can't quite categorize. She actually put out the film for free; Radiohead style. The result of that was it gave fans direct access to all things "Sita Sings the Blues". People have hosted their own screenings around the world in their living rooms. It was incredibly fun to be a part of that film and I hope to do more of them in the future in between MPD albums.

My Pet Dragon plans to release a full length in early 2011.

Web Site: http://www.mypetdragon.net/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mypetdragon

Best Band Ever, Chronic Future- More Stories Soon

 Chronic future - time & time again by Bertz

Interview With New Artist Noah and Wu Tang "Killa Beez" Shyheim and Prodigal Sunn

In most likely the best interview I've ever done, I learned much on what it's like to be a humble star. Although these three aren't the most famous artists in the world, they carried an aura of accomplishment and confidence all while being totally open and honest. Throughout the handful of artists I have met, these guys were the most genuine and real, and it was nice to see that they remember their roots as well. This was truly a great experience and it was an honor to do this interview. Thank you: Noah, Shyheim, and Prodigal.

Surrounded by the desks of the BigMachineMedia office, Noah, Shyheim, and Prodigal Sunn sat down to be interviewed about life, music, and their current project and song "Immortal" off of upcoming album to be released in summer 2011, Five Decades Below. "Immortal" will be released as a single on December 7th.

NOAH

To say that Noah has led a simple life is an understatement. Growing up in Whales having a black father of African decent and a white Welsh mother, different culture was always around him. Described by many as the "Urban Rocker" it's Noah's roots that give him the unique style of soulful rock and R&B that has rarely been chartered. "My father listened to a lot of Quincy Jones and Motown music, while my mom listened to Bob Dylan and Patti Smith." Over the years of listening to many different styles himself, Noah had to evolve into his style of music by "Adapting what I was into. Rock was a steady frequency to me, I like to sing folk, and I listen to rap in the car."

One of the more interesting aspects of Noah's life is the varying amount of career paths he could have chosen. Starting as a child performer with his father at a young age, Noah was use to being on stage and the limelight. Then Noah began training to become a boxer. Over the next few years he became an amateur Middleweight boxing champion. After tasting the successes of boxing, Noah switched gears to freestyle dancing. He won the World Freestyle Break-Dance Championships. He attributes this as one of his most vivid memories saying "I was 17 years old, I walked through the curtain and everything was in slow motion."

From here, record labels were all over him to be packaged as a dance pop act, but this wasn't what Noah had in mind. The next years proved to be frustrating for Noah as he bounced around from band to band, and label to label. Suddenly Noah felt it was time for a change, and began studying to be a priest. "The first priest I was with, Father Chris, told me being a priest wasn't for me. The second priest I was with also named Father Chris, told me not to be a priest. He said, c'mon look at you. Do you know the temptation of women you are going to have? So I listened, I figured Chris is like Christ, so after Christ told me twice I felt it was time." From then on, he fully dedicated his life to music.

Touring with many famous acts such as: Puddle of Mudd, Slipknot, Slayer, and Lenny Kravitz to name a few, Noah never let their fame intimidate him. "It's all about being real. I am just like you, a person. There is no smoke and mirrors, and a lot of people don't want that anymore. It might take me longer to catch on, but it will build on my word."

As of now, Noah is traveling back and fourth between Paris, London, New York, and L.A. in hopes of further branching out and making connections. He has met many people in the industry who have led him in the right direction. He believes in "blessings and the path being laid out for him" which is what he attributes in his encounter with 36 Chambers Studios in meeting Shyheim and Prodigal Sunn.

It was upon meeting these two that Noah could complete one of visions. The idea behind the "Immortal" song and video came from "Life, and everything you do should come from yourself. It is spiritual and answers questions." The song is a complimentary blend of essential Wu-Tang gritty raps with Noah's unique booming yet grungy voice. The song is sure to be a splash hit which is evident by the leaked preview which was viewed over 40,000 times in its first 48 hours.

 

PRODIGAL SUNN

From left to right- Prodigal Sunn, Damon Marks, Shyheim, and Noah

Prodigal Sunn, a Wu-Tang affiliate and true mastermind lyricist has teamed up with Noah on "Immortal" laying down the first verse of the song along with ad-libs.

Prodigal's first claim to fame was with his early 90's rap group, the Sunz of Man. Then known as, the Sun of Man, it was Prodigal's group mate, Killah Priest that urged him to change his name after reading Luke 15:32 from the Bible. The well known passage speaks about "the prodigal son" who comes back to his father after leaving the family. This name stood more prominent to him because it reflected his own life, "I left home as a child, I didn't rely on my father. I've been on my own since 14, yet when I come home, the most important thing for me is family."

RZA, seeing the talent in Prodigal and the rest of Sunz of Man, signed them to Wu-Tang Records. They were the first branches added on to the Wu family. After a shelved album, SOM sought after a priority deal and got one from Red Ant Entertainment. Prodigal says they were still cool with everyone on Wu-Tang, and frequently collaborated with different members through production work or on songs.

Prodigal Sunn describes his style as "Containing substance. It's filled with science and Bible references." That was the kind of sound he was going for both as an emcee alone and within his group. "You can't make anything up. It's from the heart and the mind, all real and not fake. We were ahead of our time, and we were so young," he says.

With a list containing hip-hop heavy weights of: Rakim, Cool G Rap, Public Enemy, and Curtis Mayfield as his inspirations, it is no wonder Prodigal is so grounded in his rhyme skills.

Aside from rapping, Prodigal has dabbled in other ends of the entertainment industry- movies and television. With the prompting of friends, Prodigal began to take acting lessons. His first role was in Sex in the City, where he basically played himself. Next he went on to finance and produce Grindz, a sports show. He also co-produces a long running hip-hop documentary called American Rapstars.

Even after working with some of the greatest rappers and producers of all time, Prodigal attributes his shining moment as an artist to be when he collaborated on a Earth, Wind, and Fire song. He pitched the idea and then watched it come to fruition. That was a different change of pace for the gritty rapper, and now he's at it joining forces with Noah and Shyheim.

Seated in back Noah. Seated in middle left to right- Prodigal Sunn and Shyheim

SHYHEIM

Shyheim got his start by being introduced to RZA, who was his neighbor in the Stapleton Projects of Staten Island. It was from there that this 14 year old kid became part of the Wu-Tang family. Signing to Wu-Tang records as a Killa Bee, he was the youngest member at the time.

Shyheim was always treated like an adult, even though the outside world didn't feel the same way. "Sometimes we would go to clubs to perform, and the bouncers didn't let me in. At the time I didn't care, I got paid for showing up I did my part," he said with a chuckle.

On one of these trips to the club, an associate of Big Daddy Kane approached him. "He was like, "yo Kane wants to talk to you." So I walked over and Kane said "Do you rap" and I said yes. "Oh, because I was going to say, that if you don't, I'll teach you" he told me. Then he gave me his jewels. That was one of the coolest moments of my life, and since then he has been a mentor for me," Shyheim explained.

Releasing his debut album, AKA the Rugged Child, Shyheim managed a smash hit in "On and On". On this record he was able to show off his street smarts and knack for describing his life.

In talking about the experience of being so young in such a major group he said, "It was very weird; I came from the Stapleton projects. My fridge had baking soda and water in it. I was on a promotional tour in 9th grade traveling with a tutor. When I came home, there were actually people waiting for me at the air port. I couldn't fathom why anyone would want my autograph, I was just a kid. My friends would say, "Shy, we hear you on the radio everyday, you are on MTV too" and I would just laugh because I couldn't believe it."

Shyheim, like Prodigal describes his sound as real and raw. "I've never lied in a rhyme," he says. "I was influenced by the story tellers of rap: Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, and Slick Rick.

In addition to music, Shyheim also transitioned into film, reluctantly at first. "I received a call from Gary Gray, he wanted me for the movie Fridays. I'm a hip-hop baby, I told him no because I didn't want to sell out. Then I was offered a music video by TLC. Of course I said yes, I love TLC. Later on I got another phone call asking me to be in a movie, I said no, and then he gave me the figures. I changed my mind," he said laughing. From Shyheim went on to be in: Original Gangstas, the Preachers Wife, and In Too Deep as well as appearances on the Parenthood.

Concerning the whole project of "Immortal" Shyheim says "It's weird, because I feel like I'm back when I was a kid. You go through life's ups and downs and now I'm back. Can I impact the world twice? I don't know, but this is my first time with a band and I'm high off the freshness."




So be on the lookout for Noah, Shyheim, and Prodigal Sunn as they prepare to release "Immortal" which will undoubtedly help shape and change the rap game by finally bringing something new and fresh to a starving industry.


Video interview and performance of "Immortal".

Using Audio to Enhance a Story

In today's age journalism is easier than ever before. With that being said, it's also why it is harder than ever to break in. A person with a normal cell phone could become a reporter instantly even if they have no prior experience. For example: if you are at a crime scene- pull out your phone and record some video, or record the audio of someone speaking. Now that you have it, upload it to the web and anyone can see it. There you have it, you just became a "reporter".

And while that story does seem to hold truth in it, it's a little skewed. Obviously everyone knows a real reporter when they see one. Also if you took people in plain clothes, and secretly had some journalists mixed in, at the end of an interview you'd know the professional. But is that necessarily true? I'd say so for the most part, but on the other hand, technology allows us to do some amazing things.

A journalist has to be prepared at all costs for the simple fact that anyone can now do his job. With cell phones, iPhones, iPods, iPads, cameras, etc. there are so many ways to nab a story. Of course you can always distinguish the writer of the bunch, but even that is not necessary because many interviews are done live on camera.

So what is it that will make your written story more complete? The answer is anything! Anything that you put aside from the written work online is a bonus. Story enhancers can be anything from a cool snapshot, to an audio clip or video, or even a Tweet. These are the things that will distinguish the "men from the boys" (hate that term).

Last Tuesday I had an opportunity to interview UK pop/indie band Graffiti6. They performed live at Black Shack Burger in Manhattan, and I was there to record some video and record my interview. Unfortunately because of my lack of technology and a little confused preparation the interview on film did not come out so well. However the song came out well, so here it is-

This was a cool experience that could have been even better had I captured the interview on some good audio. I guess I've learned my lesson, and now know what I have to do. Funny thing is two days later, I had a chance to interview artists Noah, and Wu Tangs Killa Bees- Shyheim and Prodigal Sunn. This interview was amazing and I was able to capture it on audio and video mainly because the room was quiet.(This will be up later today).

So that's it for now, enjoy the video.

Interview with Jamie Scott of Graffiti6

Lead singer Jamie Scott of Graffiti6.
Photo Credit: Myspace.com/graffiti6

UK pop/indie band Graffiti6 took a trip overseas to promote their new single "Stare into the Sun" off of their upcoming album COLOURS, set to hit shelves in America the latter half of 2011.

Already featured in Grey's Anatomy's season premiere on September 23rd, "Stare into the Sun" is promising to be a smash single. Another track from COLOURS, "Annie You Save Me" was played on the show Covert Affairs September 14th. "Stare into the Sun" has also been featured in ad campaigns for Heineken Beer and UK newspaper, the Sun.

"Stare into the Sun" single, album cover.
Photo Credit: Myspace.com/graffiti6

Gaining critical acclaim by England's famed newspaper, the Guardian, calling them "New band of the day," the band looks to spread that acclaim to the States and wherever else their music can be heard.

Graffiti6 consists of: Jamie Scott, a singer/songwriter/actor who has opened up with Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys, and TommyD, a producer and DJ who has worked with countless acts in the industry like Kanye West and Jay-Z.




TommyD and Jamie Scott.
Photo Credit: Myspace.com/graffiti6

The two of them initially paired together for collaborative purposes after a recommendation. After a period of fun experimentation they realized there was something more. Having a love for more folksy music, classic pop, and funk; the two combined their talents for a hybrid of sound not reached by many. Scott described the music as "Psychadelical northern folk with rock influence." So save your comparisons because the album ranges from the soft tones of Maroon 5 to a hip-hop techno infused beats with more aggressive vocals over it.

Scott tells about getting the name Graffiti6 by simply opening a book and picking the first two words his fingers touched. "It worked out great because now we have all of this artwork to go with the name."

When asked about G6's reception differences between America and the UK Scott says, "The U.S. surprisingly embraced it, and in Europe everywhere we went was packed." Scott says Graffiti6 will do well in America because of the success of older folk artists like James Taylor and Neil Young. He also goes on to say that the difference between the music scenes in the two countries is "the UK is very clique." He says, "The United States is more free for a small channel of music. There is so much diversity, I love being out here."

First American show for Graffiti6.

Scott responds to accolades like the Guardian and Grey's Anatomy with "It's really wicked. We have a good synch team. We put our heart into this record, and people loved it. It shows that we were right about our music."

So what lies next in the immediate future for Graffiti6? We are going to be starting our European tour, and then we are coming back in January to conquer America!" he exclaimed. "But seriously, we have a passion to come to America and play," he said. Another goal of theirs is to headline a tour in America. Out here they have only been an opening act, while in Europe and Asia, they are selling out on a headlining tour.

So be on the lookout for Graffiti6, as they try to "conquer" America and become the next big thing.

Video for "Stare into the Sun"

Check them out at

www.graffiti6.com

www.myspace.com/graffiti6

www.twitter.com/graffiti6

KT Tunstall Rocks Out with the P.S. 22 Chorus

(Story as it appeared in the Staten Island Advance on October 11th. All photos by Scott Vollweiler of Broken Records Magazine)

KT Tunstall

Through the aging corridors of P.S. 22 lies one of Staten Island's best kept secrets, the Chorus of P.S. 22.

At 4 P.M. on Friday October 8, singer/songwriter KT Tunstall arrived at P.S. 22, Graniteville. Walking into the auditorium there was a loud roar from the students leading Tunstall to raise her guitar in celebration.

Led by music teacher Gregg Breinberg, the choir of fifth graders are one of the most talented spectacles one can find on the Island. Their dedication and hard work create an aura of excitement as their angelic voices reverberate across the room.

Breinberg, or Mr. B, as they call him, sits behind a piano and pans out the tunes as he passionately conducts and sings along. After every song, he stops to tell the children what they need to work on, and who is doing outstanding. As a teacher he is sure to constantly encourage the kids and treat them as equals to one another.

Greg Breinberg, music teacher.

The 5th graders of 22 have gotten to work with some of music's top acts such as: Common, Tori Amos, Queen Latifah, Celtic Women, Matisyahu, and countless others. Today was KT Tunstall's turn to witness the sensation.

In seemingly flawless pitch and harmony the students dug into "Imagine" by John Lennon, with as much gusto and joy as Lennon had intended it to have. The children then joined together in unison dancing on rhythm, and doing hand motions.

Tunstall, looking quite impressed, was now ready to play two of her songs off her new album Tiger Suit. The kids had rehearsed the two tracks ahead of time, and were now playing them along side of Tunstall.

The singer moved into the aisle so she can have the children surround her. Then rather beautifully she started to belt out in a booming, yet delicate voice, the beginning of her song "Still a Weirdo".

On certain phrases of the verse and on the chorus the choir chimed in and added a layer of harmony taking the song to the next level. Tunstall and the children went through the song about five times with each time getting better. Mr. B kept pointing out weak spots in the song after each take until it was perfect. All the while he remained smiling and the kids remained eager to excel.

After seeing how the kids operated as a group, Tunstall knew how to work with them. For the next song, she improvised a little, added suggestion, and helped the students get it right. This song was her new single "Fade like a Shadow".

Mr. B was a little unsure of how the song would come about because they hadn't practiced it too much. Never-the-less, they nailed it after much trial and error. During some of the more frustrating parts of going over the song, Tunstall made sure to joke and laugh with the kids. She genuinely looked like she was having fun, and seemed to bond with the kids.

At around 5:30 p.m. it was time for the parents to pick up their kids. But before each student left, Tunstall made sure to give every student a signed CD and poster, as well as meet and take pictures with the kids. Tunstall answered all of the fifth graders' questions, and was sure to have a smile on her face.

Overall the experience of this day was only open to that class. There wasn't a flood of paparazzi and press there to distract form the mission. She was able to be a regular person doing a good deed. The practice performance was very intimate and sure to leave an impression on those youngsters’ lives.

Tunstall walked in humble and left even more humble.

"The kids sounded amazing, not one out of tune, this was an awesome experience."

Reporting Plan for Journalism Project

Yes here we go again, back to my journalism project. I promise there are new stories coming, and I'll most likely put one up tonight.

Again, my project idea for my journalism class is to do a big investigative report about what bands are doing now that the Cup is gone. I want to find out which bands will still be there when the smoke clears... who wants it bad enough. It would be very easy to lay and die, or not venture out, But I believe you have to give everything a valid shot while you can.

My actual plan, is to interview and ask bands of different scenes, genres, and ages- what they do to help further themselves. Do they get shows off the island? Do they heavily promote their work? Do they care? I hope to answer these questions, and get a general sense on the how the Island feels about their music.

Another option I have is to talk to some of the fans and frequenters of the Cup and Staten Island bands. I can also rally the complaints of those who feel there is no places to play on the Island, and how everything is really dingy.

I plan on having actual sit down interviews, video commentary, pictures, and music. If it is very I can also show part of the Documentary that was made about the last show at the Cup. My main hope for this project is to invoke change and promote awareness. 

How Crowd Sourcing and Data Basing Can Help Your Projects

Crowd Sourcing is when a journalist or whoever gets the opinion of a large group by having them do the work. It's almost like a focus group. The example used in class today was related to music. For example, say Linkin Park was playing the Garden. A reporter who wants to crowd source would ask everyone who went to that show to send him pictures, or videos, or comments, etc. The reporter will then take all of these differing items and archive them in a database thus completely a story with many different views or angles.

Data basing is important because it allows you to store all of this information proficiently and efficiently. Take every source of manager, band, labels, studios, whatever, and put them in a spread sheet. have all the numbers, emails, names all set out. Keep yourself organized and it will take you a mile.

Link to journalism class

http://jsarachik.blogspot.com/2010/10/staten-island-ferry-procedures.html

Rapper CiG Drops New Mixtape "Back Against the Wall"

Album Cover

Staten Island emcee Chris "CiG" (click Advance story), released his newest CD Back Against the Wall digitally on Datpiff.com in September. After 4 years of waiting, CiG is most proud of this new release and says "It's my best work to date. It's very versatile and everyone has a favorite. It's the story of my life broken down in an hour. Back Against the Wall is sure to have music fans of all styles bouncing and feeling the fun loving word play and head nodding beats.

The CD has something for all with songs reminiscing the past like "I Wanna Go Back" which talks about growing up in the 90's, and "What Are You Waiting For" talking about how he came into hip-hop. Songs like "Cigathin" and "Superfly" features the braggadocio that all rappers possess. The club bangers of the album include "The Greatest" which features the hottest hip-hop beat on the mixtape, and "The Anthem" with Mike Metaphor. However, the real focal point and driving force of Back Against the Wall are the songs that deal with the tough life of rapper CiG. Songs like "My Mother", "Milky Way", and "When You Come Home" convey the desperate sense of longing and emotion after the lose of someone you love. On these songs CiG leaves nothing hidden, and really digs deep into personal matters to provide a sense of healing for the lyricist.

Back Against the Wall is the therapy and release for a truly inspirational friend, brother, son, and artist. CiG gives you a complete picture of life starting from his past, entering into his good times, and finally ending with the trials of life.

So if you're looking for hip-hop with a twist of life mixed in with some feel good party tunes, Back Against the Wall surely won't disappoint.

This is CiG's third mixtape previously releasing Suburban Stories and Next in Line. He also released three CD's with former group Ghosttown.

For additional info on CiG read this interview from July...

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