Slice Harvester Issue 2

Blurb from YAMS:

As Book Thug Nation became my latest literary fatal attraction, I saw an ad for a zine release and decided to contact Slice Harvester for an interview.

The ad read: The Slice Harvester has eaten a slice of pizza in every pizzeria in Manhattan north of 42nd street and lived to tell about it! Join him, and free pizza from his favorite pizzeria, Thursday night as he reads from the highly anticipated release of Vol. 2 of Slice Harvester, The Zine.

Not knowing much about his mysteriousness, I prepared myself for a video interview. Wrong! Though, we weren’t able to take photographs of him or show you what he looks like via video, we were allowed to extract the audio from the video we recorded. He held the camera and pointed it at me whilst he spoke into the microphone.

Who is Slice Harvester? Why in Pete’s name is he such a f*cking big deal?

This guy is eating a slice of pizza from every pizzeria in New York City and writing about it on his website and quarterly zine! I am sure many have thought about something similar and frowned upon this idea for health reasons, yet I find him very intriguing, daring, creative, crazy, and fun!

To leap into Slice Harvester’s cheesy world, support his zine, and follow him on his quest, kindly click here! I absolutely love his style of writing and I think Denis Sheehan will get a kick out of Slice Harvester. Enjoy!

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Special Interview with Slice Harvester

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Stills from 'Pillows'

A few days ago, Accidental Seabirds was in my office and I had the pleasure of picking his brains. Kindly watch Accidental Seabird’s music video below and leave a comment of critique.

Words by Accidental Seabirds: The video for “Pillows” was made by VAMP group from Philadelphia. They’re new, but they’re really good at what they do and they’re fun to work with. They wanted me to choose the location for the shoot. I chose a desolate boardwalk for the set, because [to me] it metaphorically represents what the song is about. Sort of.

The song has a few ideas within, but the central theme is substance abuse and addiction. It’s based on a dear friend of mine who nearly destroyed himself. Too many people, especially young people, very carelessly use drugs these days because they’re unaware of the dangers or they don’t realize how serious drug abuse can become. Shit is real, kids are dying, and we need to address these issues because young folks obviously don’t listen to their parents or any figure of authority for that matter. It’s not cool to be hooked on pills or whatever and it’s not cool for parents to bury their children.

Anyway, the boardwalk is supposed to be this place of entertainment and escape from daily life but when no one else is there the fun seems really phony and you’re left with stray cats, seagulls, and the bottom of the ocean calling your name.

MP3: “Audio Interview” with Accidental Seabirds

Accidental Seabirds is the moniker of the Brooklyn based musician Jesse Herdman. Jesse has composed three unofficially released albums since 2002. His fourth album “The Snow and the Full Moon” will be officially released August 2010.

Photo: The Signtologist

Blurb from YAMS:

Often, the power of meaningful social networking underestimates. Nearly a month ago, I shared a conversation with Plastic God and through that relationship, Signtologist became “the homie.” Sharing a relationship of friendship and respect with Colorado Emcee Whygee, when Whygee came to my home a few days ago, quickly he spotted The Signtologist stickers on my desktop computer and immediately took a picture. I say that to say the love that most Denver artists show to each other is enchanting. You should practice it. For more information about The Signtologist, kindly click here. For a high-resolution of this video, visit our Vimeo profile. Thanks.

About the Signtologist:

DUNN, aka ‘The Signtologist’ recycles discarded street signs as a canvas for his unique art.
Dunn’s work has appeared in dozens of national outlets including XXL and he has created art for hundreds of athletes, artists and musicians such as Ludacris, Spike Lee, Pharrell Williams and Slick Rick to name a few.

Blurb from YAMS:

Planet Soap? What’s cleaner than that?

Fede “dsm”‘s Bio:

Fede ”dsm” born as a Hip-Hop beatmaker in 1998, then many years of Funk, Soul and Experimental research drove him through the “undergroundest” Hip-Hop producing a lot of beats for his city’s many crews. In 2008, he met Filippo Papetti and there were born Planet Soap. From the original imprint in classic beat-making, Planet Soap developed itself in grooving beats and wobble basses, with a never extinguished care to the soul. In 2009, Fede ”dsm”, through Bamalovesoul.blogspot.com, release an EP of 21 beats, one minute lenght each one. Now, with the Snooze’s collaboration, Planet Soap prepares to explore nu genres. Recently, he played before Neil Landsrumm and James Pants in their Italian venues. His music is in endless evolution.

GrungeCake: I can hear the Jay Dee (J Dilla influence). Which artists heavily inspire your sound and process?

Fede “dsm”: Obviously, Jay Dee mainly inspired me, but many others like Madlib, Rza, 9th Wonder, Danger Mouse, Sa-Ra, Flying Lotus, Hudson Mohawke, Slugabed and all “wonky” scene took me from Hip-Hop to the wonky-dirty-electronic beats in a very smooth way. However I love all the good music like funk, soul and dirty 80’s (whom I love the giant reverbs) and various artists of those years like Prince and George Clinton. Obviously, I love and support the Italian electronic scene like Crookers and Bloody Beetroots.

GrungeCake: Does your city have a signature sound? Is it anything like the music you create?

Fede “dsm”: Well, there are really few of us doin’ this genre in our Milan, I don’t know why but our city is not so “fresh” as you might think about electronic music. I really believe to be one of the first here. Anyway, UK Grime and Dubstep really inspired me, more than any other city could do. For the drums groove, I took the Detroit attitude.

GrungeCake: Tell us about NosajLazerDilla and any upcoming projects you are developing.

Fede “dsm”: Oh, yes.. I enjoy making’ mini-mixes of songs that have a common sound and feeling, and Nosaj Thing, Lazer Sword and J Dilla gave me so much with their last albums, that I’ve listened them massively in the last times and also I’m waiting the next releases of Stones Throw for Dilla (Donut Shop LP). Lately, I’m more than a solo producer, I collaborate with Filippo Papetti in our project Planet Soap. He helps me in producing’ my songs and for the live sets. He’s from Ravenna, so we fill together the gaps by playing all over the northern Italy. Planet Soap recently involved another guy from Milan, Snooze!Snooze!Snooze!, he’s an Electronic producer.

Me and Snooze! are working on some new remixes like the last one “Momma’s Place” by Roisin Murphy. As Planet Soap I’m finishing’ my new release, it will be a 6 or 8 tracks Grime/HipHop EP. I’m waiting data confirm to host some Dubstep events in Milano’s clubs like Rocket, Honky Tonky and Bologna’s Locomotiv. I received many requests of Podcasts by Ragnampiza.blogspot.com, 3isacrowd.net and Rockit.it and I’m working on them.

GrungeCake: Are you open to vocalists: rappers and singers speaking on your tracks? How and who should they contact?

Fede “dsm”: I’m definitely open to any kind of collaboration. I have contacts in every social networks, from myspace to soundcloud.

GrungeCake: Who would you like to collaborate with?

Fede “dsm”: Mayer Hawthorne, Dam Funk, Oliver DaySoul, Onra, Fulgeance and Slugabed are my favorite artists, but if you want impossible names, well Rza, Cee-Lo, Mos Def, Jay Electronica and Erykah Badu.

GrungeCake: Are you on a label? Do you perform live?

Fede “dsm”: At the moment I’m hosted by no-one, and I’m searching for a label, especially for my work-in-progress EP. Now I’m focusing on Dj sets with PlanetSoap tracks, soon we’ll build a live-set to get higher and higher! Recently, we opened the party to Neil Landstrumm and James Pants.

GrungeCake: Do you think aspiring producers need a lot of money to be a successful entertainer? What advice do you have for people who want to produce their music?

Fede “dsm”: I always thought that good equipment helps a lot, but nothing can replace your own taste, skills and how-to in producing cool stuff. This is real, any software or hardware you choose, you have to own that instrument. Many of my favorite artists produce with no more than one software, but with a lot of know-how. My only advice, first of all to me, is: ”Be yourself, and music will speak itself. ”
I think music is in endless evolution, so you never finished with HER..

GrungeCake: How far is Milano from Udine? How did you meet Railster?

Fede “dsm”: I met Railster on social networks cause I liked his stuff and now we support each other a lot. We never met in real life but we hope doin’it soon, maybe for a featuring or a live-set. I don’t really know how many Kms (neither Yards) are we far away, but we keep always in touch.

GrungeCake: What do you like about GrungeCake?

Fede “dsm”: I sincerely knew you by the Railster’s podcast on your pages, now I’m following you day-by-day and I wouldn’t be without your interviews and your music proposal. Keeping on pushing new artists is the best thing that could be done nowadays, and you’re so good in that.

GrungeCake: How far would you like your music to go? Are you prepared to take the necessary steps to make sure it gets there?

Fede “dsm”: Making music is the only real fun for me, so I don’t put limits in doing it, neither in where it will be. I’m ready for everything!

GrungeCake: Would you like to thank anyone?

Fede “dsm”: First of all, thanks to you for the interview. My cheers to Elis, Filippo, Snooze, Railster, Kappah, Populous, Ether, Dj Blue, Andrea Mi, Ragnampiza, Fugu, RKaard, A-Gain (and Suspect Devices Rec.), Slugabed and dj Rahdu from Bamalovesoul.

Photos: George Lee III for GrungeCake Magazine

Blurb from YAMS:

Phony Bastards, recording artists Jade Ross and Noni Limar are quite the characters. Though, contrary, Ross and Limar make a beautiful blend. Their voices are dreamy, and soothing. Above all else, I really enjoyed their conversation. I hope you will, too. Press play for the experience.

MP3: “Audio Interview” with Recording Artist Phony Bastards

[showtime]

Photos: Richardine Bartee

Blurb from YAMS:

I could easily say, Saturday, the 13th of March was the worst day of my life — but it’d be a lie. Trekking through the rain storm, and working my legs to the max —finally, I made it to the island where my first memories take place. It was all worth it. The cold and all. Hahah. We are happy to be supporters of Project Spark, and we encourage you to support and help make this project come to life. Large thanks to CD Skateshop.

Project Spark’s Mission:

Project Spark is a community based project originating from Staten Island, New York. The intention of the project is to bring New York City its first public indoor skatepark. This skatepark would provide indoor practicing grounds to the 3,000+ action sports participants in the five boroughs.

Fellow New Yorkers, please take a moment to fill out the form by clicking here to voice this concern to your local politicians and the National Parks Service.

[showtime]

Blurb from YAMS:

We’re at it again! If you missed our first interview, kindly click here. This time around, we are talking about love! Scroll below to listen to the interview, edited by K-Offbeat. To listen and download, The Akoma, click here.

K-Off Beat’s Bio:

Art has always played a major part in my musical journey. After my father passed away leaving me with his collection. I realized how therapeutic music is and how it helps me deal with the loss. Shortly after his death, I became a producer to reinvent music and use it as an instrument to help others and myself. Keeping listeners tuned in with offbeat rhythms and new ways to hear things has opened some doors for me, but I’m not in it to sell my soul, just to deliver something different.

MP3: “Audio Interview for The Akoma” with Producer K-Offbeat

Photos: Jessica Miller

Blurb from YAMS:

I had the privilege of seeing Thavius Beck perform — around this time — last year along with Gaslamp Killer and Nocando. I am not sure why it has taken this long to reveal my interest in these guys, but I figure now is the time. Consider this your headstart. For more Thavius Beck, click here. For the record, “Money” is my favourite T. Beck track so far.

Thavius Beck’s Bio:

Composer of mercurial soundtracks for uncertain times, Thavius Beck conjoins various strains of electronic music to arrive at a daringly ambitious sound. He has received recognition in The Wire, Spin, and Urb for his solo releases under the moniker Adlib, the Labwaste project with fellow LA artist Subtitle, his recent production for fellow Mush artist K-The-I???, his early work with Global Phlowtations, numerous guest appearances, and producing alongside Trent Reznor for and touring in support of and accompanying Saul Williams. An exceptional programmer, engineer and multi-instrumentalist, Thavius Beck’s many talents allow him to take a song from idea to completion without ever having to leave his cluttered studio. Uncompromising vision and an ear for the unusual are staples of this writer/producer’s work.

MP3: “Go” by Thavius Beck

MP3: “To Make Manifest” by Thavius Beck

MP3: “98″ by Thavius Beck

Photo: 'Shortbus' Movie Poster

Blurb from YAMS:

For the readers who have gotten their cute, warm paws on GrungeCake Magazine’s “The Dance In My Belly Episode” can identify what Mr. John Cameron Mitchell is talking about. Two years ago, I had the pleasure of being introduced to this film when researching for the magazine. GrungeCakers, if you are can muster sexual graphics and comfortable with your sexuality, you will enjoy ‘Short Bus’ without a doubt. It is a film like no other. If I had the opportunity and revenue to promote and spread ‘Short Bus’ around to new audiences, I would. I hope that this trial works.

Shortbus’ Plot:

Numerous New York City-dwellers come to the exclusive club Shortbus to work out problems in their sexual relationships. Rob and Sophia are a happily married couple, except for the fact that she has never experienced sexual climax. This irony follows her to work, because she is a couples counselor who frequently has to deal with the sexual issues other couples have. Two of her patients are Jamie and James, a gay couple who have been monogamous for five years and counting. James wants to bring other men in to the relationship, and his own history with depression may hint at an ulterior motive. Ceth (pronounced like Seth) may be the perfect addition to their family, but Caleb, a voyeur from across the street, may have his own ideas about that. Sophia visits Severin, a dominatrix with secrets of her own to reveal.

To order, ‘Shortbus,’ kindly click here.

To order GrungeCake Magazine’s ‘The Dance In My Belly Episode,’ kindly click here.

Photos: Sorana Lang

Blurb from YAMS:

I had the privilege of interviewing Brussels Producer Dr Kwest via telephone a few weeks ago. Though I echo like Marc, it was a great experience and lesson like the others. Kids, promise me to never keep both of your recording devices or you’d sound like me in this interview. Haha. Above all else, listen and enjoy the free-bee by Dr Kwest below and leave comments to let him know what you think. Thanks in advance, GrungeCakers!

Dr Kwest’s Bio:

Dr Kwest is a mysterious character created by Kalonji. Influenced by Prefuse 73, Sun Ra, Stereolab and many others, he started sampling in 2006. Two years later, he released the Black Demo. End of 2008, he released a second mixtape entitled “A Starr Called Quest”.

MP3: “Audio Interview” with Producer Dr Kwest