Aspire, Inspire, Expire- the Last Show at the Cup and What it Means

The moment of clarity is upon me...

It is now that I realize...

I am awake

Where lies my fate...

- Moment of Clarity (Process of Fusion)

Sweaty, hot, humid, claustrophobic, a capacity crowd in too small of a room- emotions, love, tears, memories of some of the best days past.

It's where some got their start, and a place where some came to listen.

While still others dreamed of bigger things, and some to not be taken so serious.... This is the Cup.

Ten amazing, talented, frequenters of the Cup, set to close out the Cup in style with one more jolt of passion:

Misery Loves Company, Backslashes and Bad Ideas, Rise With the Fallen, Spread the Rumor, the Threads, Julius C, Process of Fusion, Every Night Drive, It's Not Over, and Through the Year.

This isn't a blog post necessarily about the show. I can honestly say that if you weren't there, the scene can not be described to you. This is more of my personal reaction to the night and a rallying call to my fellow bands or music lovers.

Every Night Drive's huge Crowd.
Photo Credit Alexa DeMaio

(Dedicated to everyone in a band that has ever played the Cup, and any fan who has paid money to see a few non-professionals play.) Thank You

This is the place that my band (and countless others) have called home. POF has only been playing the Cup for a little over two years, but in that time lasting friendships, bonds, and countless moments have been engraved in my memory.

I remember my first show at the Cup as I'm sure you do. I remember seeing the Corrao Q, Julius C, and another friend's band, Mophead. I was still drumming in my basement with Pat, and making crappy cassette recordings of terrible songs. "The Cup man, if we could just play the Cup, we'd be so legit." I remember feeling that way. It's not possible to be a band and not play the Cup, it's what you have to do. It's a funny thought, because many people couldn't stand it and are glad that it closed.

To me, that's irrational thinking. Where else could you get on a show so easily? You didn't have to sell tickets, you didn't have to travel to the city, and there was no pressure to perform. Have you ever been booed out of the Cup? Have you ever been told that you can not play your music there? No. The Cup was that perfect place to just show up and play. Anybody could do it, whether most talented or talentless. It gave you that shot, it gave you that chance to build a local fan base, and most importantly it gave us starving musicians a place to play.

I've played shows in many different places and I have fun looking back, but there is nothing that hits me quite like POF's Cd release show, or the power and emotion that was left on the stage by everyone the 31st.

Ten bands played on August 31st, and they left it all on stage. It was an actual opportunity to play like it was the last show of your life, and for some, maybe it was.

Yes, I understand the Cup closing could be a blessing in disguise, but at the same time you can never have it to fall back on. With the Cup being gone, the bands that "want it bad" will move on and find shows elsewhere. But it's very hard to get all your fans to travel to Jersey or Manhattan etc. That's the way music works though, go somewhere else and make new fans... it sounds so simple. Be prepared to start all over again. The last show at the Cup had about 200 people there (give or take). How's it going to feel going into some club and playing in front of five people?

Here comes the adjustment period, and the "good" bands will make it. The ones who are passionate enough to do whatever it takes, will make it, and that's awesome. Just don't forget where you came from. Don't forget the seemingly lazy promoting of a cup show that still insured about 40 to 50 people. Bands, it's time to work. Everyone thinks music is dead on Staten Island, the Cup being gone is another shot in the arm. But let's roll with the punches, let's do it together. Let's show Staten Island, we are here!

Me crowd surfing, it was awesome.
Photo Credit: Scott Vollweiler

Josh Cronopulos of Backslashes and Bad Ideas, smashed his guitar at the end of his set.

Photo Credit: Alexa DeMaio

ASPIRE

We all have aspirations and dreams. We all want to achieve something great with our lives. For me personally, I want to leave my fingerprint on this world. I want to touch lives through music and give those same experiences back that I've felt listening to a favorite CD. Some aspire to be rich and famous, and that's fine. Just be sure to have a goal. Two of my musical dreams were to play the Cup, (got to do about 30 times or so) and put on a great show like Every Night Drive after I played with them for the first time. (Thanks E.N.D. for some motivation!)

INSPIRE

Inspiration is a two way street. You can either be inspired or inspire something. Both of these things happened on the 31st. I was actually inspired by the amazing crowd. I felt the raw energy, I felt the need to step up, I felt important. I was so overwhelmed with happiness from the time "Misery Loves Company" played up until the end of "Every Night Drive" when I realized my "band heroes" where playing their last song. E.N.D. you guys have inspired almost every band and fan you've played in front of. Spread the Rumor, you ladies inspire other girls you play in front of and let them know it's okay to rock with the boys. Rose from my band and Kate from Rise with the Fallen, you girls too! Be a person of influence. When we finished our set someone told Dylan, that he inspired them to be a better guitar player. That's so cool.

EXPIRE

All good things come to an end. The Cup is closed, deal with it, move on, but never forget all the good times. Be proud of everything you have ever accomplished in it. Someone at the show told me that we could be the next Every Night Drive. At first I was flattered, but now as I think about it I will disagree. I don't want to be Every Night Drive, I want to be Process of Fusion. I don't want to see another Through the Year, another It's Not Over, another Backslashes and Bad Ideas, I want everyone to be who they are as I'm sure they feel. The only thing I wish to take from Every Night Drive is the ability to inspire and humbly take people under their wings. The Cup has expired, E.N.D. has expired, what will you do?

I put the "Moment of Clarity" quote up top because it rang true for me last night. When I said "I got inspired by the crowd", it really happened. I had a moment where I knew that music is something I will do for the rest of my life. I have to, I must do it, and I won't stop until something happens. As I became choked up at the end of the night (I must admit, I cried) in thinking about all the wonderful people I have met because of the Cup. I thought about all the love that was in the room, and the sweaty hugs and handshakes. I thought about how we may never all be in the same room together again. I began to think that no matter how bad I want music to be my life, my life may not be music. That's life, and we'll see where it takes us all. So to the Cup, RIP. If you do open up again in a few months it won't be the same.

Thank you to everyone who came out on the 31st, thank you to Manny for putting together such a wonderful show and being a big brother to me. Thank you to every band I have ever had the privilege to share the stage with. And thank you to the countless friends and fans for their continued support of local music and for always making us musicians feel needed.

Manny of Every Night Drive, mastermind behind the whole night. Music won't be the same without you.

Photo Credit: Alexa DeMaio

If you share any different views on the night or would just like to share any memories you've had at the Cup please comment the blog. I may take a handful of the comments and make another story out of them. All of the bands mentioned above have Myspace and Facebook so look them up, you won't be disappointed. If you have any other thoughts, questions, blog ideas- email me at JSarachik@gmail.com

Nick Cardona of Through the Year... only because he's banana's. Photo Credit: Alexa DeMaio

Rap Group Analog Dive

Hey everyone, sorry for the long delay but lots of good things have been happening in my world lately. I promise to update more frequently. This feature will be the second group I cover from L.A., so keep spreading the word.

Analog Dive

Analog Dive (Left to Right)
EddieSeven, Kelii, CrazyEight

Analog Dive is a three piece rap group consisting of:

CrazyEight- Rapper

Kelii- Beat Producer

EddieSeven- Live DJ and Back Up Vocals

Originally formed in Hawaii, rapper CrazyEight moved to L.A. to pursue his aspirations of spreading his music nationally. DJ Kelii and CrazyEight's relationship is now through the Internet, whenever Kelii sends over a beat.

CrazyEight started rapping with some friends in the 6th grade when he realized the passion he had for it. He started listening to Eminem, Redman, and DMX. The sparks of an emcee's intellect was starting to form. After battle rapping and securing a local fan base, it was out to L.A. Now instead of emulating rappers, he gets to be one. Since moving to L.A. CrazyEight draws inspiration from life and the culture change between Hawaii and California. "Taking the bus, the different attitudes in people, traffic, the homeless people, and the list goes on and on."

Analog Dive doesn't have an elaborate story as to where the name came from. It really was just a last minute fix,

"We actually had another name, and right when we were about to put out our debut album we found out someone else had the name... Honestly the name just sounds catchy. Analog is pretty much the beginning of most technology, it was fresh, raw, and straight forward. We want the listeners to dive into our sound, the beginning, something fresh."

So where does the name CrazyEight from? It actually comes from the opening line of all his old rap battles, "Yo my name is CrazyEight, Crazy for the way I spit eight for the 808, born in Hilo 1988, that ain't too late." (808 is the area code for Hawaii).

CrazyEight describes the hip-hop scene on the "Big Island" as "pretty much dry." However on the island of Oahu it's a lot bigger. He credits the success of his rapper friend "Creed Chameleon" and the growing popularity of hip-hop through a company called "Flip the Bird" (ran by Tasho Pierce). Although Analog Dive had a growing fan base, it would not be near the numbers possible in L.A.

Analog Dive has played to around 150-200 people on two separate occasions. The first time was at "the Dragon Fly" when they embarked on a Cali tour with Creed Chameleon. The 2nd was at their album release party at "Daydream Republic". Expect tons of energy and a good time with crowd interaction at a Analog Dive show. If you get the crowd behind you, then it doesn't really matter what happens on stage.

Analog Dive has worked with the likes of Mac Lethal of Rhymesayers/Black Clover Records. Mac is one of the best mid-west emcees out there. While not huge in the mainstream world, Mac has a large underground following and it's certainly an accomplishment to have worked with him. For the next album coming out August 2011, Analog Dive will collaborate with Abstract Rude, Nocando, and Creed Chameleon. They've also opened up for: Aceyalone, Riffle Man, Dumbfoundead, Sunspot Jonz, Percee P, and countless other independent rappers.

Hip-Hop is an ever changing genre of music with it being reinvented time after time. CrazyEight seems to feel the same way,

"I really don't know where hip-hop is going. I mean I know it's culture and I'm down with the Graffe Heads, the B-Boys, the emcee's, and the DJ's but I'm not too picky about where or how hip-hop should be. Although it does irritate me when people make rap just to become rock stars and make millions, as opposed to doing your best to make the most amazing piece of art that you can possibly conjure up. It seems to be very universal at this point with so many different styles of rappers out there. I'm pretty easy going with it and I'd like to continue to see original and creative work being put out there."




You can purchase Analog Dive's first album "Fineprint" off of iTunes or accesshiphop.com, featuring many local artists and Mac Lethal.


Facebook.com/analogdive
Myspace.com/analogdive
Twitter.com/analogdive
Free ep- www.Analogdive.bandcamp.com

Also check out "RisingSons Independent" which will be releasing "Hi Times" by Southern Cumiford

Older Advance Article on Broken Records Magazine

July 21 2010
http://www.silive.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2010/07/on_the_record-_with_broken_rec.html

On the Record With- Broken Records Magazine, founder Scott Vollweiler

Scott Vollweiler, fouder of Broken Records.

Four years ago, Scott Vollweiler decided to dream big.

The 26-year-old, a music teacher at Richmond Town’s Rustic Music Center for four years and the St. Mary’s School in Rosebank for a year and half, wanted to expand the borders of his music career. Vollweiler graduated from the College of Staten Island with a BA in music in 2008, but wanted to do more than teach.

After playing in a number of bands since his teens, the Oakwood resident began to make small but steady connections in the music industry. With his growing knowledge of the business and passion for all things musical, Vollweiler started his own company, Broken Records, in June 2006.


Initially it was a traveling recording studio
.

"Studios on the Island are all way too over priced. I wanted to start a studio that you could be comfortable recording in and be able to afford it," said Vollweiler.


From there, Vollweiler and a former partner decided they would like to grow from a recording company into an online magazine as well. Soon, he was dealing with some of the biggest publicists in the entire United States — simply because he made a few phone calls and e-mails.


"I used to lie and say I was with a magazine just to get a press pass for photography," Vollweiler said. "I learned who to talk to."


After building up a resume and stacking up stories, BrokenRecordsOnline.com launched in the spring of 2009, with then up and coming band Dragonforce featured on the cover.


"We’ve interviewed some of the newest bands, and then watched them blow up...like Pop Evil, Saving Abel and Dragonforce," said Vollweiler.


Vollweiler is the mag’s jack of all trades: Editor-in-chief, graphic layout designer, photographer, and press release junkie. He also works with his staff of freelance writers and photographers to make the publication come together. The end result is printed in house (literally, in his house), and can be purchased at BrokenRecordsOnline.com.


"I just want to make the best magazine possible," he says. "While Rolling Stone has big features with a lot of ads, I want a lot of features with fewer ads."

Some of the artists featured — to name a few, so far in Broken Records Magazine: Adam Lambert, David Cook, U2, the All American Rejects, Aerosmith, Staind, 3 Doors Down, and the late Les Paul, with the latter being his most memorable.

Vollweiler with group Staind.

"He was the father of the modern guitar, and created a new way to record," Vollweiler says. "Just listening to him tell me the story of how he created the electric guitar was the greatest moment of my life."

Paul died a few months after the interview, making it one of his last.


In addition to household names, Broken Records also has a place for Staten Island bands such as Dead Men Dreaming, Riot Control and Process of Fusion.


"I’ve pretty much accomplished everything I want to do," he said. "Although it would be nice to be popular in my hometown."

Older Article for the Advance- A Trio of Bands Get a Shot at Winning Big

June 28 2010

http://www.silive.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2010/06/a_trio_of_staten_island_bands.html

Staten Island is anything but close to a raging music capital in New York City. However, just because you haven't heard of any of the music, doesn't mean it's not there. Here are three local bands trying to take the next step and further themselves as musicians. Each one of these is involved in a different Battle of the Bands, and is trying to put Staten Island on the map as a serious contender for good music.


Not From Concentrate (Ska/Punk) — GorillaMusic.com Battle of the Bands online talent search.

Photo: Stefanie Candelario

Not From Concentrate is: James Feltcher, Alan Aurelia, Mike James, Joseph Giunto, Margaret Hampton, Jenna Calderon

Local Staten Island band, Not From Concentrate, is serving up a healthy dose of ska to any open ears willing to give a listen. So now that they provide the music, what can we do for them? NFC is asking for our help and support as a Staten Island community. In a steadily changing music industry and with the reign of top 40 stations, Not From Concentrate is asking you to vote for them.

After a booking gig, a promoter prompted NFC to enter a Battle of the Bands competition for Gorillamusic.com. The voting is done in monthly rounds, with the deadline being at the end of the month. "Every 1st and 2nd place Battle of the Bands Finals winner will qualify for our website talent search. Online voting will determine the 10 ten bands, out of 200 1st and 2nd place battle winners. Each month, the top ten voted bands will move on to the online FINALS..." - Gorillamusic.com

Not From Concentrate consists of six College of Staten Island music majors:
Margaret Hampton- Lead Vocals/Guitar
Jenna Calderon- Guitar/Vocals
Alan Aurelia- Bass
Joseph Giunto- Drums
Miles James- Trombone
James Fletcher- Saxophone.
Each one of these members has their own personal styles and musical influences to play ranging from punk, country, and soul. It is with this clash of sounds that NFC gets its truly unique music.

When asked, why should Not From Concentrate be voted for, Alan Aurelia, bass, said it best, "One of the main motivating factors for being in this band is that we want to blend what we know as music majors and apply it to rock music. Most of the music heard on the radio consists of just a singer with chords being played underneath them. Not From Concentrate adds counterpoint, chromaticism, as well as other musical techniques. On top of this, each member has different musical backgrounds, but we manage to use these differing interests to produce a truly unique sound, with each song sounding different from the previous song in a set. We ask people to vote for us because we know many people dont like what's on the radio. Many high school and college students listen to Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Offspring and other classic rock and 90s bands."

Not From Concentrate would very much like to see this type of music make a comeback. The future of Not From Concentrate is to continue this mission and play for people who love live music. "If we win this contest we move on to a final voting round with the top 10 bands being interviewed for a $25,000 record deal and a US tour. Only two bands are chosen so we are working extremely hard to promote the online voting. As we continue as a band, we hope the venues and audiences will continue to get bigger and bigger."- NFC

Not From Concentrate has played at events and venues all over the NYC area such as the JCC's Rockfest, the Cup, CSI's Battle of the Bands, to name a few. They have been featured on multiple podcasts and have received airtime on WSIA 88.9. They are currently working on a full length album, but have previously released The Anything Goes EP. You can check out Not From Concentrates music at http://www.myspace.com/notfromconcentratesskaband, or follow them on Twitter at Twitter.com/nfcska. Be sure to VOTE for NFC at http://www.gorillamusic.com/25000-record-deal-contest-voting/.




Junkyard Luxury (Rock/Grunge/Folk) — JerseyShows.com Battle of the Bands, Starland Ballroom show and recording contract.

Photo: Anthony DePrimo

Junkyard Luxury is: Daniel Santapaga, James Queally, Miguel Commissiong, Rob Pillans

"We are four dudes who like loud guitars, catchy hooks, and somewhat clever lyrics…" – Junkyard Luxury

Next time you're out at your favorite bar, be sure to listen to the live band, because chances are, Junkyard Luxury is playing that night.

This grunge infused blues band, describes their music as a bar fly sound playing to a bar fly crowd. In other words, its music to drink to. Influences include the gritty almost southern rock style of the Clutch, with the softer sides comparing to the mellowness of the Smithereens. Vocally however, you can definitely hear the grunge influence of the Stone Temple Pilots.

Junkyard Luxury doesn't have an elaborate story about where or how the name came to be, but what matters is that it consists of four Staten Islanders with different goals who are striving for the same thing. Starting with the vocals, James Queally, also self proclaimed lyricist and promotions guy, is a Newark cop reporter for the Star Ledger. Guitarist, Miguel Commissiong, works part time at Staples, and attends the College of Staten Island in pursuit of a degree in Music Education. Rob Pillans, the bassist, is a part-time employee of Roadrunner Records and is an aspiring writer. Lastly, Daniel Santapega is behind the drums laying down the beats as a full time musician.

Junkyard Luxury became involved with JerseyShows.com Battle of the Bands after looking for gigs in Jersey. They played a show at the Court Tavern in New Brunswick (N.J.) and joined the battle after urging from a promoter.

"This battle is actually cool because it's not the pay-to-play madness that ruins a lot of the NYC contests [that Ive played before]" singer Queally said. Selling tickets is only about 25% of your score with judges accounting for the rest of it. There were 200 bands at the start of the competition playing at various venues around the tri-state area. The top bands move on from each round, and Junkyard Luxury won both the rounds they were in.

As the competition gets tighter, the 200 bands are widdled down to 39, with 5 of them being from the Island. Along with Junkyard Luxury, fellow rockers in bands: Sanitarius, Beyond All Reason, Unleash the Beast, and Forgetting Midnight have qualified.

The remaining top 4 or 5 bands will play semi-final shows July 23-25 at Starland Ballroom, with one final show also there on August 28. The top 2 bands at the finals will be signed for a 1 year deal at New Jersey based indie label, Danimal Records.
So why should you buy tickets and cheer on Junkyard Luxury? Perhaps singer James Queally says it best, "Umm people should obviously support us because we are the raddest (expletive) dudes alive… no seriously, it shouldn't be about supporting us, it should be about backing Staten Island bands off the Island, us and the four other bands in this contest [from Staten Island]." Queally goes on to explain for a band that has only been together for about a year, Junkyard Luxury sure has found a way to establish themselves in the Staten Island music scene. Competing against hundreds of bands to get a once in a life time recording gig, and a chance to play at Starland Ballroom is no small task regardless if you're a Staten Island band or not.
Opportunities like this dont usually come knocking more than once, and can really make or break a bands career. He says, "…Everyone's delighted to see their friends play at the Cup or Dockstreet or Killmeyers or wherever, but when a band goes out to Manhattan or New Jersey people get all xenophobic and stay at home."

"The band hasn't really set any goals, but I'd venture to say its the same pipe dream as everyone else- get some momentum, get some touring dates, get some attention, and ride the wave until it crashes." said Queally.

Junkyard Luxury just finished recording "Dead on Revival" a 5 track EP, out of Soundwaves Academy in Union, New Jersey. The album was produced by Kevin Bryan and Tommy Stratton from the band, Socratic.

Be sure to give Junkyard Luxury a listen at Myspace.com/junkyardluxury or look up their fan page on Facebook for details about the show and other upcoming events.



Carnival of Souls (Hard Rock/ Metal) — Guitar Center competition to open for KISS, and win $10,000.

Photo: Danny Sanchez

Carnival of Souls is: Gene Hunter, Lee cancela, Rob "the Machine" DeForge, Dee (Damien) Hunter

Carnival of Souls is more than just an upcoming Staten Island band. They are one of the premiere bands performing out of New York City, and now they have a chance to strengthen their choke hold of the local metal scene by storm.

Performing throughout various venues and packed bike rallies of up to 10,000 people all over the coasts and throughout the central United States, Carnival of Souls is a band too big for Staten Island.

Carnival of Souls was founded in the early 2000's by bassist, Gene Hunter and vocalist, Dee (Damien) Hunter. They then added guitarist Rob "the Machine" DeForge who they knew from other bands, and lead vocalist, Lee Cancela. Closing out the circuit on drums was Ron Hunter.

The chemistry from the start was immediate, and the five clicked on many levels. They promoted heavily, handing out demos and never failing to mention the band to anyone who would listen. COS went big from the start and began playing packed out shows in local theaters and clubs on the Island and around the tri-state area.
Pretty soon Carnival of Souls found themselves touring and opening up for such well known bands as: Twisted Sister, Queensryche, Motorhead, and Anthrax. Vocalist, Dee recalls her fondest memory being at a special jam show in California. At this event many different members of bands came together just to rock out. Carnival of Souls opened the show, and some of the more famous musicians watched them and complimented on how much they enjoyed the show.

And what's not to like about a Carnival of Souls show? In a band named after a cult classic horror movie, they are no strangers to having a flare for the dramatic. They have custom made and elaborate sets to go along with their songs. You get more than just a concert, you get an experience. "What do you like to see? We want the, wow what a show." said Dee. One look at COS's video for the song We All Fall Down and you can see the gothic and cryptic scenery that's inspired by the music. Now Carnival of Souls gets a chance to take their act up with another group of well known big show musicians, KISS.

Dee Hunter describes the whole experience of finding the KISS battle of the bands online as almost an accident. "I saw it on the Internet… I love KISS, so I entered it." she said half jokingly. From there on out however, all the other band members were on board, and the fan response was adamant.

It works like this. KISS is playing a nationwide tour with a different local band opening in every city. Qualifying bands get the city show based on how many votes they get. As of right now, Carnival of Souls is in first place by over 2000 votes and is set to play in Holmdel, New Jersey. In addition to the show, winning bands, get a meet and greet with KISS and get to take pictures. At the end of the tour, KISS then picks one band out of the 22 show winners, and gives them a $10,000 gift card for Guitar Center.

Carnival of Souls, win or lose, intends to continue to play and make music while doing small tours. They are also trying to have a CD released by September, and hopefully will have garnered enough hype from the KISS press to do well.

COS has a benefit show for SMART University (which is a support organization for women with HIV) coming up October 9..

Check out Carnival of Souls website for all up to date news at Carnivalofsoulsband.com or at Myspace.com/carnivalofsouls. Be sure to click DEMAND IT for Carnival of Souls at http://eventful.com/competions/kiss2010/holdel.

Interview with S.I. MC, Chris "CiG"

Music Interview with Staten Island MC, Chris “CiG” 

With over 13 years of rapping experience under his belt, Cig is finally looking to break through.

After almost getting signed to Warner Brother/Sony in the mid 2000’s with then group “Ghost Town”, CiG went on a brief hiatus, where he occasionally wrote songs, but never performed and sparingly recorded. Now that he is back; he’s gearing up for the 3 years in the making release of his new album “Back against the Wall”.

Band Guy- Where and how did you get your name?
CiG- “When I was younger I had a beard and looked older, so I would buy cigarettes for my friends who weren’t old enough. Another more personal name is “Cigathin”.”

BG- What sparked Hip-Hop in you, and what shaped your skills as an artist?
CiG- “I started in 97 making rap parodies of all my favorite songs. I wasn’t into music until Biggie died. My friends told me I was getting good, so I got more serious. In 2003 I formed Ghost Town with Yosh, Ceza, and J Forms. We started performing and recording and that’s when things took off.”

“My father passing away worked as an outlet to make me focus on music. I lost the feeling for a little while, and then when my mom passed I got re-inspired. I make music to be happy. We live in this iTunes society where we need music just to get through the day.”

BG- What’s the writing process like for “CiG”?
CiG- “Sometimes the beat speaks to me, so I write it down. I’m ready all day. I’m constantly writing, I keep a pen and a notebook at all times. It’s almost like a freestyle process; I go letter by letter and write words down. It also depends on what kind of mood I’m in. If I’m in a party mood I write a party song. If I’m in a serious mood, I write a serious song. I also tend to write in bunches where I’ll write 7 songs in a day. It all just depends.”

BG- How did you record some of your early music and what was the reception like?
CiG- “I recorded my earliest stuff on a PC with a mic, the quality was terrible. Since then I’ve traveled around different studios on the Island and in Jersey.”

“The response was great. I used to battle kids at school for lunch. They all wanted copies of my early demos. At the end of my senior year of High School, my grade wanted me to get up in front of the whole school and freestyle. It was my rock-star moment.”

BG- At what age was CiG at his best, has your style changed with age, and what’s your reputation?
CiG- “I'm better now because I’ve grown up, I have more life experience. My style now is more listener friendly. As I’ve grown, so have my listeners. I guess I have a “good” reputation. On “DatPiff.com I had over 25,000 plays. My friend the other day said “You can tell when it’s a CiG song,” whether that’s good or bad I don’t know, but it’s my style.”

BG- Did you enjoy rap battling and does it make you better or worse?
CiG- “It definitely makes you better. You always have to come bring it or go home.”

BG- Can you tell me a little about Ghost Town and 5th Boro?
CiG- “Ghost Town was what really got me started. We made 3 official albums hosted by some famous DJ’s. We put out a new CD every 4 months or so. We won a talent contest for Wayne Enterprise at the Pyramid near Harlem, and were featured on DVD’s and magazines. We were the only white kids in the whole competition, but we still got our props. Then we were being checked out by Warner Brothers/Sony, but that never fell through. We kind of went our own ways after that.”

“5th Boro was a group I was in with Black Caeza and Tony KZ. We did shows and recorded some stuff, but nothing too big happened.”

BG- What was your favorite and biggest show, and what was your worst moment?
CiG- “My favorite show was when we won the showcase. The biggest was Ghost Town with “the Dead End Kids” at X-Factor. We played in front of 600 people. This was at our peak in Staten Island, and an overall good time for local Hip-Hop.”

“My worst moment was when I choked during a freestyle competition at my first show when I was 14.”

BG- Who are your favorite rappers and what’s your favorite song you have written?
CiG- “Biggie, Pac, Jay-Z, Jadakiss, Fabolous, Joe Budden, and my favorite is Eminem. He raps real life situations. My favorite song I wrote has to be “Take a Look” which is about my father dying of cancer.”

BG- Here’s an important question: Pac or Biggie, Jay-Z or Nas, Eminem or Wayne?
CiG- “Pac but Biggie when I’m in a party. Jay-Z over Nas. Eminem of course wins, but Wayne has being holding it down lately.”

BG- Who are your fans and what can they expect from seeing CiG live?
CiG- “Anyone can be a fan. I make it universal: kids, adults, whatever. As far as performing you’ll enjoy the show and have a good time. There will be something for everyone, and hopefully I’ll beat your expectations.”

BG- Why is CiG different from every other rapper, and what’s the sickest rhyme you ever wrote?
CiG- “I’m versatile. I’m not afraid to talk about my flaws and strengths. I live what I say. I don’t know what my sickest rhyme is, so I guess it hasn’t been written yet.”

BG- Realistically, what are your goals in music and what do you hope to do with it?
CiG- “I want to make it. I want to touch people as well. Unfortunately record labels won’t take a chance on someone like me because I’m not like what’s out there. For now I hope everyone enjoys my music as much as me.”

CiG is truly an awesome dude with a passion for many things. He excels and strives for the best at everything he does. If you spent a few minutes with him you’d see how humble and helping of a person he is. CiG has had a tough life but makes the best out of everything and never gives up. Make sure you go out and support him when his CD “Back against the Wall” drops at the end of this month.

Listen to CiG at http://www.myspace.com/cigsiny

(Sucker Free Freestyle)

(Take a Look)

Finally Whole Again, A SPREAD THE RUMOR Interview

(Photo Credit: Alexa DiMaio)

Spread the Rumor is one of Staten Island's best and brightest upcoming bands in the scene, although it has taken them awhile to get there.

Consisting of five passionate and hardworking girls, STR is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. The lineup goes as follows:

Sabrina Fracchiolla- lead guitar/vocals
Katie Fasulo- Rhythm guitar/vocals
Valerie Bond- Bass/vocals
Hilary Davies- Keyboard/vocals
Terri Caputo- Drums/vocals

The band started in early 2005, when Valerie and Hilary realized that music is what they wanted to do. They started jamming out, eventually adding members along the way. After about three years of shows and hard work, they have reached the place they want be. "It's a coincidence that we are all girls...We want to change everyone's perception on who can play music," says Valerie.

The name "Spread the Rumor" came from the mutual liking of the band "Socratic" who had a song and album titled Spread the Rumors. The band, liking the name, dropped the "s" and the rest is history. And speaking of liking, the band gets its influences from the same sources. Rarely is there ever a band that is so closely knit together. With this being said, STR draws their similar styles from bands like: Greenday, Relient K, Motion City Soundtrack, Paramore, Ben Folds, Evanescense, and even the Beatles.

As far as the song writing process goes, they ususally independently bring ideas to the table and work off each other. Lately however, they've been getting better results jamming as a band. "The newer stuff is more mature," said Hilary. Using their constant self motivation and persevering attitude, STR pushes themselves to the creative limit of their liking.

Although Spread the Rumor considers the fact they are all girls coincidence, there's no doubt that this effects them as a band. "It's like we always have to prove ourselves because people expect us to suck," said Terri. Valerie explains, "Guys with muscles always want to help carry our equipment. We make sure to do it ourselves like everyone else." Often times STR finds themselves blowing away a new audience and far exceeding expectations. They know what they have to offer as musicians, and at the end of the day "We want to please ourselves," as Valerie said. They combat any pressure by going out there and doing their thing.

So far the "exceeding expectations" part is paying off because they have caught the attention of two record producers: J.J. Appleton and Matt Powell. Appleton is a freelancer who has wrote songs for Kei$ha, and was signed in the UK. Powell is an independent producer who has recorded Ingrid Michaelson. In addition to this, Terri just became endorsed by Bess Heads Drums.

It's clear to see why Spread the Rumor would stand out among a crowd. For starters, they are girls doing a "boy" thing by being in a band. Two, well... they're just so good! With so many bands doing the "power pop/pop punk" thing, it's easy to get tired of the same thing. All the bands sound alike, and to be honest, most do not do it well. STR goes above and beyond the standard. "We are more vocally driven," said Katie. If you notice on top where the band is intro'd, you'll see all five members sing. This makes for some amazing harmonies, and an influx of different voices from song to song. Each vocalist adds their own flair to a song, and it's easy to tell how hard they work together to make it sound tight.

So what's on the horizon for this very driven quintet? "We want to finish recording an EP... We now have the lineup we want, and we're heading in the right direction," said Sabrina. In addition to playing more shores, they would love to get off the Island and make this their livelyhood. "In the future, I hope we're not on Staten Island," said Valerie. "I want to be signed by somebody. Any label that helps [its artists]," said Sabrina. Hilary wants to "see the country." While Katie wants "our music to continue to grow." Of course Terri, in all her rockstar glory wants to be "On an air conditioned bus with a hot tub filled with biddies."

Spread the Rumor has come a long way since their self-described "worst show ever" at the Art Cypher. But what else can you expect for a first show with an incomplete band? Now two years later they've got a number of big shows under their belts. They won the Battle of the Bands at Sullivan Hall in November of 2009 playing in front of over 2oo people. STR also made it through the first round of "the Break" contest at the Stony Pony, also playing in front of over 200 people. They've been interviewed for Bamboozle TV, and were also involved in a photoshoot and interview for "What's Good Magazine". Spread the Rumor has a number of shows coming up over the next few months so stop by their page and find out when!

Be sure to stay on the look out for this group of rising and talented individuals. Be sure to check their music out on (Myspace.com/spreadtherumormusic) and check out STR videos on SpreadtheRumorTV on Youtube.

Look them up on Facebook and Twitter, and for any questions email them at Spreadtherumormusic@gmail.com

Hip-Hop???

What can I say, I love Hip-Hop. Back in my teens (cause I'm so old now) I was what you would call a "punk" or "rocker". In my circle of friends rap was forbidden and frowned upon as it was not even considered music. Well the thing I never told my friends was that I secretly liked it and I could do a bit of it myself. Fast forward a few years to when I'm entering college, and my musical style along with clothing style, began to change. I wanted to experience more, and absorb all genres of music like a sponge. In my quest for doing so, I discovered my outward true love for hip-hop.

I actually started writing raps when I was a little kid, but gave that up once I began playing the drums and being in bands when I was thirteen. The first couple songs I wrote where kind of like raps because I knew nothing of song writing except "you have to rhyme" which of course is not true. I gave it up once I learned how to write songs within the punk rock/grunge style of music I was playing.

It wasn't until a friend of mine bought me the "Fort Minor" CD " the Rising Tied" that I really had a passion again. I grew up on early 90's rap, and that was sure outdated. I sounded like a member of the Beastie Boys every time I tried. But it was Fort Minor's Mike Shinoda (also rapper of Linkin Park) that really taught me about story telling and meaningful rap. I have that CD memorized and it's what began "Justin as the artist" I am today.

From Fort Minor I branched out to underground mid-west legends like the white boys holding it down on "Rhymesayers"- Mac Lethal, Brother Ali, and Atmosphere to name a few. These guys are among the best lyricists of all time.

Now what do I mean by "lyricist"? What's the difference between a "rapper" and a "lyricist"?

A rapper, really is anyone who can and to quote Pat Wakie, "Someone rapping rhythmically to a beat". You can be absolute garbage, but you throw some words over a beat and you're a "rapper" in the sense of it. Now-a-days there is so much trash on MTV and Hot97 and the like, that people are almost brainwashed into thinking what real hip-hop is. Rap is more than "Money, cars, clothes, and the hoes". It's more that just throwing money up, and popping bottles. This whole movement was started in the late 90's after Tupac and Biggie died. P.Diddy can really be called the Godfather of this kind of rap because he capitalized on what Biggie was about. Diddy was a producer not rapper. All he knew about was being rich, and that's what he did.

I know I'm going to catch beef for this, but hip-hop was ruined by Lil Wayne. He himself invented the phrase "bling-bling". He was eleven when he started rapping. What does an eleven year old dream about: fame, fortune, girls, money, etc. Now he's like twenty-five and still rapping about the same thing. Step your game up! Maybe when Wayne gets out of jail he can rap about, how drugs, money, and fame have ruined his life. But then again, he loves it, and most of you look up to him anyway...

I know it sounds like I'm being a hater but I have strong opinions on music. I'm not by any means an amazing rapper, but when someone can become a millionaire with a chorus that exclaims "Superman that hoe" I rest my case. I give "Soulja Boy" credit for capitalizing on the Internet and the masses for making him famous, go get it kid.

So anyway...

What's a lyricist?

A lyricist is a rapper with a conscience. A lyricist looks at the world around him, and thinks "what can I say about it, how can I change it, and what will it look like?" A philosopher of words and a thinker in rhythm, a lyricist is an atom bomb waiting to explode. These are the kind of rappers I aspired to learn from when I picked up the pen. These guys showed me how to turn poetry into a story, and a story in a poem. No matter the beat, fast a slow, none or low, a masters of the craft can get it done.

Common (Sense) is a Chicago born rapper, who is known for his commentaries on life while rapping. Him along with fellow "Blackstar" associates Talib Kweli and Mos Def, can take any topic and make it relavent and preach a message. To me these three are geniuses and never get the credit they deserve.

Mainstream artists are far and few when it comes to rapping like a "thinker", but a few manage to get away with it. Jay-Z and Eminem are probably the two greatest rappers who ever lived. I know people are yelling at me and saying they are ashamed of me, but hear me out as I break it down.

Jay-Z, aside from some of the corny stuff he does now, has a reputation that far exceeds anyone else. What other mainstream artist is as big and relevant at the age of forty as him. While "Hova" doesn't boast the sex appeal and fantasy rap of a Wayne, or the aggressive chops of a Nas, Jay does something quite different. He attacks every verse with a smooth flow, and a calm voice. Jay's problem is he's too good. When you listen to his raps, they seem to be lacking those "Ooooooo" moments that a lot of other great rappers have. In actuality they're there, and you missed it. His intelligence allows him to hide secret meanings and rhymes in every line. He builds on metaphors and clever word play to convey what he's meaning even if you don't notice. See for yourself. Go pick out a classic jigga song and pay attention.

Eminem, undoubtedly the most confused and tortured mind of them all, Em's insanity makes him a genius. Never in my life have I heard someone string along groups of words in patterns that actually have meaning like he does. Not counting his weird or offensive songs, Eminem can melt a dictionary with the way he raps on a song. He changes from serious to funny, from loving to hateful, from fast to slow, and normal voice to a thrown voice. To me, he is the greatest no doubt, and now that he's back and off the drugs and trying to get his life together, he can accomplish more.

The next generation of rappers are kind of scary. They are all carbon clones of whoever they role with. The "Cash Money Millionaires" of Lil Wayne, Drake, Nikki Minaj, and company, all have the same style. I remember getting Drake's first mixtape when he was seventeen and still on Degrassi. It was absolutely amazing. He had his own voice, he had the craft of storytelling and speaking the truth on every verse. Then something happened to him. He was discovered by Lil Wayne and became part of his crew (a great career choice). It appears Wayne has the Midas touch and everything he does turn to gold. Now what happened? Drake blew up, and is taking Wayne's place while he's in jail. But it appears while Drake is still good, he sold out a bit. He no longer has that raw and fresh voice. He no longer takes deep trips down memory lane and reflects on what life was like for him. He is slowly becoming like his peers around him. First the flow changed, then the voice, then the topics, and now the lifestyle. Come on Drake, come back!

Check out this song off of Drake's first Mixtape called "S.T.R.E.S.S." and see how he sounded.



Now listen to him "Over"


Even on the comments for "STRESS" people are saying what I'm saying.

Back in the 80's and early 90's it was all about being an individual. Back then an Emcee was about being a specialist in your kind of style. The pioneers like Grandmaster Flash, the Beastie Boys, Run DMC, knew how to captivate an audience by being unique. While Hip-Hop saw its groundbreaking revolution in the 90's with De La Soul, the Roots, WU-Tang, Nas, Common, Big L and the list goes on, it is now becoming very amateurish and the "in" thing to do. I wish rap would go back to the days of being great and having talent, but for now we'll just keep seeing the same things over and over. A good song to explain the evolution of Hip-Hop is Common's "I Used to Love H.E.R." And while dated to 94, the same thing was happening back then.




Here's my personal top ten just for fun. What are yours?
1. Eminem
2. Big L
3. Jay-Z
4. NAS
5. Lupe Fiasco
6. Mos Def
7. Atmosphere
8. Brother Ali
9. Mac Lethal
10. Kid Cudi

Check out my raps at Myspace.com/mcsikboi
Check out my band at Myspace.com/processoffusion

For info on any of these artists check them out on youtube.

Preview for Hip-Hop Show

Check the "Forever Remix" by CiG, Redeemed, SiK Boi, and Frisch, and get a taste of what you'll be seeing at June 22nd's Rap show at the Cup.
Myspace.com/mcsikboi

What's Coming...

Coming soon,
1. An article for the Advance about 3 local bands in 3 different Battle of the Bands.
2. Spread the Rumor Review
3. Annie Eve Preview
4. POF news
5. Hip-Hop show
6. Rapper CiG

1st Article for the Advance -WSIA Radio Station

1st reporting/article I did for the Advance. Mark Stein was the writer and I helped along with the interview, notes, and I got him the interview. Check it out!

http://www.silive.com/westshore/index.ssf/2010/06/hear_something_new_at_889_fm_c.html