Artist: Devon Lawrence

The following feature was conducted by k@t and compiled by Gabe. Please do not copy+paste this feature...instead, direct link to it!

...and now, for your viewing pleasure, Mr. Devon Lawrence.



.Interview.

How long have you been creating?

I've been creating art since I could handle a pencil. I won my first art contest in the third grade, and I knew I wanted to become a professional artist after that. I've basically been working professionally since High School. I started off by designing a series of images for a local clothing line and their clients. My most memorable job around that point was for the Hampton Coalition for Youth. I received a $4000.00 grant to produce a comic book on community issues that affect youth. I organized some local teen artists to work with me, and the project was printed by a professional comic book printer. The grant also opened the door for more work with the Hampton Coalition for Youth. I assisted on a project to paint their logo as a mural at the now demolished Coliseum Mall in Hampton, Virginia.

How would you describe your work?

I would describe my work as pop culture meets realism. I'm really into working with more than one style of art or combining different styles. What doesn't change in my work though is the control that I have of each piece. I'm probably too obsessed with being in control, and I would like to be loose some. I know I would like to work darker as well. My images tend to be too soft.

What are you motivations for creating?

I create art because I can't see myself doing anything else. I know I would never be happy doing anything else. There was a period of time where I wasn't creating, and I was miserable. I just can't live without art. I've always enjoyed the attention that my art attracts to me anyways. I was just an average kid in school, but my art always made me stand out though.



What is a moment that you had a violent clarity and saw something completely different? (saw a movie, news, family event) How did that shape your art?

The way I see the world changed drastically when I became sick 4 yrs ago. I developed a rare muscle disease called Dermatomyositis. Basically, my white blood cells started attacking my muscles. At my lowest point, I couldn't lift my arms over my head, rise out of bed on my own, and I could barely walk up steps. Even the medication to treat my illness has been a major issue to deal with at times. Using a steroid called Prednisone caused bones in my body to decay. So, I've had two bone graft surgeries in the last two years to correct the damaged areas. Under those circumstances, you realize that life is too short to waste. Although I was planning to attend graduate school for art when I first got sick, I still wasn't creating art like I should have been at that time. Now I try to create as much as I can now. A lot of projects and opportunities have actually developed during this period. I'm still not in remission, but I'm not going to let that hold me back from creating. Or hold me back from just enjoying life.

A number of my current projects seem to be influenced by my struggles with my illness. I have an art book that I'm trying to develop that's about my illness. Words and art that outline my struggles with my illness and the side-effects of my medications. My infamous "Crack Babies" are also reappearing in my art. Images of broken, and cracked looking creatures. They could really represent me. Despite the fact that I look normal, I still feel broken at times. At the moment, I still deal with a lot pain, and my strength level isn't 100% yet.

I'm back to the idea of starting a Crack Babies clothing line, and they will continue to appear in my work as well.



What do you find visually stimulating right now? Any local artists that we need to keep an eye on?

Anime/Manga and pop culture from Asia has always been visually stimulating to me over everything else. I am looking at graffiti art again since my Crack Babies were partially influenced by that genre of art.

The only local artists that I really have my eye on attend the Norfolk Drawing Group. Local artists Mark Miltz and Bernard Conda always amaze me with their figure studies. I attend the figure study group as much as I can, and there is so much talent in that one group alone in the area. We need local artists to unite more like this, and more art shows for upcoming local artists. There's so much talent in this area, but many artists don't know how to find each other. There's no reason why this area can't compete against Richmond's art scene. MySpace has been a great tool to connect with other local talent.

What other artists or movements inform your work/aesthetics/sensibilities?

Manga artists continue to influence me a lot. Artists like James Jean
and Audrey Kawasaki definitely have inspired and influenced my work lately.



Do you think that the notion of an artist's "style" is fabricated toboost sales and marketability? Are artists then forced to limit theirbody of work to specific content or media in an effort to facilitate easy recognization?

As a artist who was trained to work commercially, a style is essential to get hired by an art director. Your style can grow, but an art director usually doesn't want to see a sporadic body of work. As for galleries, they obviously try to boost sales with what they think that the market should take notice of. When dealing with the
gallery scene, it's all about who you know it seems. So, artists in this day and age do limit themselves unfortunately at times. As artists though, we should market ourselves more and start our own companies. You should be able to have a successful career if you paint, design furniture, and work with photography. Why would you want to limit your creativity if you're a true artist?

What were your favorite cartoons as a kid??

I grew up on Anime before the US knew what Anime was. Shows like Voltron, Robotech, and Starblazers were a few of my favorites. I also never missed an episode of Transformers and GI. Joe. I'm an 80's kid. The Aeon Flux MTV Liquid television shorts and the show has to be my favorite overall cartoon. There hasn't been an American cartoon to match the creativity of that show in awhile in my opinion.

What do you imagine is the role of your work in the lives of those who
see it? What evidence do you see of your work achieving the goals you have for it?

My work is usually meant to entertain or impress people. If my piece you're viewing can hold your attention for more than a glance, I believe I've done my job. Positive feedback always lets me know for sure if my work is good. I have a popular presence on MySpace somewhat, and when other artists give me positive feedback, I know that I'm doing something right. As of late, I have a growing European fan base. I've recieved a lot of friend requests from France and Italy, and I've discovered a lot of talent that Europe has to offer due to that fact.



If there were no financial limits whatsoever for you, what constraints
would you most like to overstep? Are there other mediums you would
explore?

I would love to open a venue for local artists if I didn't have any financial limits. You would have a gallery space to exhibit, a open studio space, and my own private studio space in the building. I'm happy when I'm surrounded by creative individuals, and I couldn't find any artists in the area until I discovered the Norfolk Drawing Group. This area needs a space like this. Especially on the Peninsula. The art scene seems to be dead for young artists like myself.


Did you grow up in Virginia? (If not, when / why did you move here?)

I was born and raised in Virginia. I was born in Hampton, and I spent some time back and forth between Hampton and Newport News. I graduated from Hampton High School, and now I'm living in Newport News again. I spent my college years in Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I moved to Miami, FL for a short period of time after I graduated from college.

Do you do gallery shows?

I'm definitely interested in doing gallery shows. I actually haven't been apart of a show in awhile, but that may change this Spring. I've discussed having a show with another local artist, so it's a serious possibility. The Norfolk Drawing group has also brainstormed on the idea of exhibiting. I will certainly be a part of that show if that happens.



Please finish the following statements...

"You know you've made it when..."

... when your work sells well, and is recognized world wide.

"It'll be time to pack up the gear for good when..."

... it's always cold in the area.

"I'll never forget the first time I..."

... heard about the terrorist attacks on 9/11. I was in my apartment in Miami at the time.

Let's have some fun with word association. Give me your immediate
feelings on the following (if you've got no discernable feelings, make
something up that won't embarrass you in the morning)

Military Ships

Norfolk Naval base

Constant Road Construction

Road construction will probably be finished by the time my 7 yr old neice has grandkids at this rate.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Greekfest 1989. I still remember watching young black college kids being hosed down on the news as a kid.

Blogs

Blogs are a modern day journal/diary, and the common man's forum for thoughts, opinions, and news. I don't blog as much as I use to.

The Norva

Damian Marley and X-Clan. That was the last concert that I attended at the Norva.

The Boathouse

The Boathouse? How about The Beach house... I've never been to the
Boathouse, but I had some interesting moments at the Beach house.

Ghent

I spend a lot of time in Ghent with the Norfolk Drawing Group. Ghent has a lot of potential, but the cost of living there is too high.

Festivals

What festivals?

The Block

East End. Downtown Newport News. The last place I want to spend the
rest of my life at.

Granby Street

Confused. Crime, over priced stores and condos occupy the street. Once home to the Norfolk Drawing Group. I had a lot of adventures on Granby St. over the last year.



What's the most played song on your iPod (or an equivalent music playing device) in the past week?

I'm really playing a particular album at the moment. Beat Konducta: India produced by Madlib. Madlib produced a hip-hop instrumental album with samples from Indian music and film.

What was the first/last album you bought on the day it was released?
(What did you think of it?)

It has been awhile since I bought an album on the day that it was released. The last album that I purchased under such circumstances was probably Food and Liquor by Lupe Fiasco. A breath of fresh air from the 50 Cent rhymes that dominate the air waves. It's a fact that the real hip-hop artists with substance usually don't get played like they should. Like Lupe, you have artists that aren't
promoting ignorance and violence. Artists like The Roots, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Common. The industry pushes acts like Soulja Boy Tell 'Em who's talking about "Superman that Ho" though. The problem starts with corporate America, but that's a discussion for another day.



The business side of being an artist: how do you market/promote yourself, and does it work? How do you cope?

At the moment, I'm only promoting my art through word of mouth and the internet. MySpace has actually been a great tool to use. If I decide to return to the commercial industry, I would send out mailers featuring my art and website info. My website is still in the conceptual stage, and I really would like to have an actual site promote my work over a MySpace page. The Crack Babies clothing line will probably have a seperate website as well. I'm content with this scenario for now. Once my true plans are in place though, it's time to get serious and conquer the world.

What local musicians should we keep an eye on?

I'm a huge fan of the Neptunes and N.E.R.D. I wish Pharrell's album with Questlove would be released.

What local artists should we check out?

The artists from the Norfolk Drawing Group should be on everyone's list. You can find links to a number of members here.Photos from each week's sessions are posted here.

And finally...What came first, the art or the misery? (explain)

I would like to believe that the misery came first. Art was a way to express the misery. A form of early therapy.

.Links.
official myspace page

Band: The Pawnshoplifters

The following feature was conducted by k@t and compiled by Gabe. Please do not copy+paste this; direct link to this feature! Give us credit for our work!

Now...it's cowboy hat time, with the Pawnshoplifters.



.Bio.

The Pawnshoplifters arrived on the scene in 2006. Roots Rock, Country, Americana, call it what you will. We just play what comes natural, and what most of us were brought up on as kids (wether we wanted to or not!) Having a great appreciation of real country and honkeytonk, the PSL's take from those genres the art of story telling. A hard edged approach to country, and a blue collar mentality, the PSL's deliver passionate, colorful tunes that go hand in hand with the stereo in your f-150.

.INTERVIEW.

(Questions answered by Wendell Johnson)

Did you grow up in Hampton Roads? If so, what cities? What high schools?

We all 3 grew up in Tidewater. Jeff and I went to Great Bridge. Alan went to Booker T washington

Describe your music to someone who has never heard it.

Hard edged Hillbilly Hoedowns!

What is your most crazy show story? (Any naked women running around? Drunk bar fights?)

Wow, crazy story.....we're all vets of the scene. We try to rock as hard as we can, and have a few beers and go home to our wives.



How would you like to see the local music scene change? (venues, fans, other bands)How do you think we can solve the problems we are having with venues doing little to NO promoting of shows, not paying the bands much, lack of good sound systems, and other issues?

Well, i've battled this since i was 16. I think it starts with the bands. Good, quality bands doing shows together and creating a cool place to see a show. There are a couple of places that have great shows regularly. And attendance is quite good. So, I think it starts there. We don't have real venues that just concentrate on having music. VA law requires a venue to sell a certain amount of food with alcohol, so they have that to worry about. So in that case, the Venue really has no time or money to promote shows. I think myspace has done a tremendous amount for getting the word out on bands. And having accurate websites that give updates is also crucial. It's space age baby!

What's up for the band in 2008? ( a tour, album?)

Our record comes out in JAn, with a release show @ the Taphouse on Feb 9th. Touring will be as far as we want to drive..

What local bands and artists do you recommend?

Recommend? thats a strange choice of words...like a dr. recommending pennicilin for vd. LOL I recommend the PSL's for your rash ma'm. All kidding aside, locally we like 1888 a lot. Brad recorded our record at his Clay garden Studio. They are doing some interesting stuff as a band. Rylo, Action Habit, Jason Manfreddi..the list goes on. I think when we can sense passion in a bands set, it always gets attention. Well, passion and songwriting ability...



What are your favorite venues to play at? How would you like to see the available venues to change when booking shows?
(better sound / lights/ pay/ promotions)

Any place that people come to see original music. The Taphouse, Hells Kitchen, Jew Mo's.

Who primarily writes the songs? Is there a certain process or does it come out during practice?

I write the songs, and I make demos to give the guys, and we get together and hash em out!

How do you market your music to the public? What seems to work best for you for letting people know about your shows?
(Myspace/ the paper / word of mouth)

All three are very practical in getting your music out. Myspace, like I said is a huge tool in getting music out there.



Finish these statements:

"You know you've made it when..."

cows fly out of my arse. we get to play our songs that we write in front of alot of people, and they have a great time, and sing them back to us.. I think that's "making it" in the music industry.

"It'll be time to pack up the gear for good when..."

never. We all enjoy it too much . You can always play music on some level, as long as yer standing.

"I'll never forget the first time I..."

heard some of the music genre descriptions these days... they get more and more ridiculous. It's freakin rock baby!



Let's have some fun with word association. Give me your immediate feelings on the following
(if you've got no discernable feelings, make something up that won't embarrass you in the morning)

Pembroke Area aka Downtown Virginia Beach-Downtown Virginia Beach?

No such thing.

The Oceanfront-

No such thing. Used to be a Haven for music...now it's just sad.

Granby Street- (in Cajun man tone)

Solution....revitalization!

Portfolio Weekly-

sure, what 's the alternative...

Independent Music Stores / Businesses / Restaurants-

Persistant

Mount Trashmore-

Tidewater's hillside.

Best Venue-

The Taphouse, it gets rawkus!

Worst Venue-

street corner

Best Kept Secret-

fluffer nutter. marshmellow creme and peanut butter.

Pungo-

backwoods. love it.

Favorite Dive Bar-

I don't have the time..used to be the ghent inn.

What's the most played song on your iPod (or an equivalent music playing device) in the past week?

our new record, listening to different mixes and mastering.



Who would be in your ultimate music supergroup, your all-star Olympic team of rock?

oh god....all the dead ones.

What came first, the music or the misery? Explain.

Well music changed after the misery, so music. But music that's miserable just because it's trendy, is just miserable.




.Links.

Official myspace page
Official web home

Artist: Sarah Spalsbury

The following feature was conducted by k@t and compiled by Gabe. Please do not copy+paste this feature; instead, direct link to it!

...and now, the art of Sarah Spalsbury.

:INTERVIEW:




How long have you been creating?

I have been creating artwork since before I could read. Yes, I was one of those Art Club, Lit Club, Drama Club kids. After high school, though, I kind of fell out of any creative outlets for quite awhile. I've really only picked it up again in the past couple of years.

How would you describe your work?

My work is simply what I felt like doing at that moment.
I don't work within just one style or with just one medium.

What are you motivations for creating?

I got back into art to make a gift for someone a few years ago. For awhile thereafter i worked mainly on commissions. Now I mainly just do whatever I think will be fun to do for me.

What is a moment that you had a violent clarity and saw something completely different? (saw a movie, news, family event) How did that shape your art?

I have no clarity. For a long time a tried to be a writer. I was deeply inspired by nearly everything. Nothing was original, so i gave it up. Painting is a little different, though. A striking photograph can be painted into one's own interpretation without being plagierism.

What do you find visually stimulating right now? Any local artists that we need to keep an eye on?

Honestly, lately I've been quite out of the loop. I've been too absorbed in my day job to even focus on my own work.

What other artists or movements inform your work/aesthetics/sensibilities?

Funny, I was never really a fan of pop art growing up, but now I love working in it. To enjoy as an outsider, though, I'm a huge fan of Arthur Rackham and turn of the century illustration.

Do you think that the notion of an artist's "style" is fabricated to boost sales and marketability? Are artists then forced to limit their body of work to specific content or media in an effort to facilitate easy recognization?

If an artist feels forced to limit anything, then they are not a true artist. Art is in the freedom.

What were your favorite cartoons as a kid??

He-Man and She-Ra were never missed, or Smurfs and anything on the USA cartoon express rotation. I still use my Shirt Tails candy dish!

What do you imagine is the role of your work in the lives of those who see it? What evidence do you see of your work achieving the goals you have for it?

What really made me take my own artwork seriously is when people were awed by the fact that they could attain it- for themselves and as gifts. It being mostly personal, and the fact that it is a serious peice of art, has made those it was meant for feel that much more special for having it.

If there were no financial limits whatsoever for you, what constraints would you most like to overstep? Are there other mediums you would explore?

I would do some obnoxiously large sculpture maybe. I've always wanted to recreate the Swiss Family Robinson tree house. Landscape art and architecture are also big interests of mine.

Did you grow up in Virginia? (If not, when / why did you move here?)

I grew up in Michiganand moved around alot there. Spent a few months in San Diego. I moved here about five years ago when I was sick of Michigan again.

Do you do gallery shows?

I've never really had enough peices done at one time for a show. I do have a show in the works for next year. I'll be doing a charity show at Kirn Memorial Library. We're still looking for artists to join in if anyone is interested!

Please finish the following statements...


"You know you've made it when..." I'll know it when I get there.


"It'll be time to pack up the gear for good when..." never.


"I'll never forget the first time I..." felt proud of myself.

Let's have some fun with word association. Give me your immediate feelings on the following (if you've got no discernable feelings, make something up that won't embarrass you in the morning)

Military Ships: gray

Constant Road Construction: commute to work sucks

Virginia Beach Oceanfront: overrated

Blogs: I never update mine.

The Norva- it's been awhile since I was there :(

The Boathouse- never been

Ghent- Starbucks in the morning!

Festivals- don't have time

The Block- huh?

Granby Street- getting better

What's the most played song on your iPod (or an equivalent music playing device) in the past week?

Dark Come Soon- Tegan and Sara

The business side of being an artist: how do you market/promote yourself, and does it work? How do you cope?

I've done the Ebay thing. It has it's ups and downs. I don't worry about it much.

:WEBLINKS:
Deviant Art
official myspace
artwanted.com profile

Artist: Christopher Bautista

Featured Artist:

Chris Bautista

(Written by the artist himself)

Hello, my name is Chris Bautista and 22 years young. I'm a video game addict and used to play professionally as a nerd. For the past 4 years, I had the opportunity to tour the country in the band Fall of Transition, which was the greatest thing I had ever been a part of. I'm a full time student at ODU studying Database Administration and currently work for the enemy known as Canon(jk!). When I am not doing those two things im either taking pictures/owning noobs(videogames) or hanging out with my girlfriend Candace.

Interview:

How long have you been creating?

I've been into photography since I was in middle school but really started to get "serious" maybe even "obsessed" about 3 years ago. I like to sketch a bunch of stuff too but we'll not worry about that =).



How would you describe your work?

I try to stay as creative and original as possible. My work you could describe as "going with the flow", I don't plan anything as far as subjects go with my photography. I just shoot whatever interests me. A lot of my stuff is landscape/macro shots.

What are you motivations for creating?

Other amature photographers locally and abroad. Flickr surprisingly motivates me a lot, you get to interact with a lot of photographers with various backgrounds in the field. Also, my girlfriend as well.





What do you find visually stimulating right now? Any local artists that we need to keep an eye on?

I like to look at fashion/photography magazines a lot to see what creative ideas people are coming up with. You probably already have an eye on him but Michael Scott Younger III is a beast.



What do you imagine is the role of your work in the lives of those who see it? What evidence do you see of your work achieving the goals you have for it?

I like to show people pictures in perspectives that are out of the norm. Kind of like "Hey, I never really looked at "that" in that way before." I may be just confusing you right now. I give up.



Do you think that the notion of an artist's "style" is fabricated to boost sales and marketability? Are artists then forced to limit their body of work to specific content or media in an effort to facilitate easy recognization?

If thats the case, to each his own. They can do whatever they want. Hopefully they do what they want to do, forcing yourself to change your style because of income is lame.
But you gotta do what you gotta do i guess.

What were your favorite cartoons as a kid??

Not gonna lie but I still watch cartoons. Mainly anime(nerd).
But when I was a kid i loved Dragon Ball Z. Bobbys World was sweet too. His feet were HUGEEEEE. WWWWOOOOO!




If there were no financial limits whatsoever for you, what constraints would you most like to overstep? Are there other mediums you would explore?

I'd buy a lot of studio equipment. Hell, even my own studio. I've already invested quite a bit on my equipment so far and it hurts! Really...



Did you grow up in Virginia? (If not, when / why did you move here?)

Born and raised. BOOOOO!

Do you do gallery shows?

Not yet, I still have a lot of things I want to accomplish in photography before I do a gallery show.



Please finish the following statements...


"You know you've made it when..." answer omitted. lol


"It'll be time to pack up the gear for good when..." im a millionaire.

"I'll never forget the first time I..." (censored)

Let's have some fun with word association. Give me your immediate feelings on the following (if you've got no discernable feelings, make something up that won't embarrass you in the morning)

Military Ships: im allergic to sterling silver.

Constant Road Construction: stick shift in traffic is torture

Virginia Beach Oceanfront: they have signs that say (@!@!) which i guess means no profanity?

Blogs: ummm.

The Norva: best venue on the east coast

The Boathouse: miss it

Ghent: awesome houses

Festivals: pinatas

The Block: stay away from there

Granby Street: alcohol

And finally...What came first, the art or the misery?

You can't make art unless you're sad first. This makes sense to a lot of people. I refuse to elaborate! HA



What local musicians should we keep an eye on?

I honestly dont know. You guys got it covered.

What local artists should we check out?

alexis angeles



For More Visual Happiness:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/bautistaphotos/
http://www.myspace.com/bautistaa

Band: The Tripps

Featured Local Rockstars of The Week:

The Tripps formed in 2005 and infused a New Orlean's inspired Blues sound into the Hampton Road's music scene. A versatile blend of dixieland music and rhythms derived from Caribbean music, it's an upbeat evolution of traditional Blues. The Tripps recently entered the studio to record their first full length album, tentatively titled "A Sidereal Day," to be released in the near future. The current line-up includes David Cuffee III, Greg Meekins, Sam Barrett, and Cameron King.

Interview:

What is your music background? Did you play instruments growing up?

Greg: We all began playing back in grade school, and our parents were always supportive of our musical pursuits, as well as big music fans themselves: funk, blues, gospel, bluegrass, rock 'n' roll, etc. We all were given a good foundation to build upon creatively, and are very grateful for that.



Where did the name of the band come from? How did the band get together?

Greg: I would like to say the band formed by accident, but we've all known each other for years, and just happened to get together a few times to jam, and we started to mold those improv sessions into more structured compositions that we were pleased with, so we pursued it. This started in January of 2005. The name "The Tripps" comes from Tripp McNeeley from the film "Can't Hardly Wait", the gentlemen with only wisdom to pass along to his fellow man.

What other activities / things do you enjoy doing when not playing music?

Cameron: pilliaging villages, knitting, video games, wax sculpting.



Who are your favorite musicians?

Cameron: I really just respect talent. It doesn't matter all too much what type of music it is.

How did the band start? Who had the idea and why?

Cameron & Greg: We honestly came from the future to protect John Connor, and to get sun tans on our days off. We failed at both.



How would you describe your music to people?

Greg: One of those Moonwalk carnival inflatable jammies.



Please finish the following statements...

"You know you've made it when..." You have others to carry your equipment.

"It'll be time to pack up the gear for good when..." Catering forgets to de-shell the M&M's before our performance

"I'll never forget the first time I..." Had to wear headgear.

Let's have some fun with word association. Give me your immediate feelings on the following (if you've got no discernable feelings, make something up that won't embarrass you in the morning)

Military Ships: AMERICA! FREEDOM! George Bush! MISSILES!

Constant Road Construction: The view from my apartment.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront: crack heads and taxes, and my home

Blogs: day-time waster

The Norva: wooden

The Boathouse: ahh man!

Ghent: rich, white people

Festivals: What kind of festivals?

The Block: money and hookers

Granby Street: No Parking, fun weekends

What's the most played song on your iPod (or an equivalent music playing device) in the past week?

"Blue Hotel" Ryan Adams and the Cardinals

Who would be in your ultimate music supergroup, your all-star Olympic team of rock?

Cameron: Hendrix, Flea, John Theodore.



What was the first/last album you bought on the day it was released? (What did you think of it?)

Greg: Ryan Adams and the Cardinals : "Follow The Lights E.P." and it's sonically and lyrically perfect.

And finally...What came first, the music or the misery?(explain)

Cameron: Watch High Fidelity and John Cusack will divulge the answer.

Are you happy with the direction the band is going right now? What is the current goal of the band?

Greg: I couldn't be happier. The current "goal" if you will, would be to play music that makes us sincerely happy, thus making the audience happy, and having the opportunity to perform at a variety of different places around the world; to meet people from different walks of life, religions, and planets.


How do you balance your music with your other parts of life (job, family)?

Cameron: I'm a loner Dottie: a rebel. - Pee Wee Herman.
(sidenote: ha! I love Pee Wee's Big Adventure.-k@t)



What causes artistic blocks? What do you do to solve them?

Greg: Everyday life causes mental blocks, but that same life is also the solution to the block. That is why life will always be a vicious circle that, if you live it right, you will be able to provide immediate solutions to those occasional mental blocks, if there are any significant ones at all.

Where do you see the band in the next few years?

Cameron: NOT dead from cocaine overdoses.



How would you like to see the local music scene change? Do we need to have better venues? Better ways of booking shows? Which way do you find best to get fans to come out to shows?

Greg: I would like to see the entire thing change. Actually, to be perfectly honest, if you want the whole scoop on how to book, promote, and set-up a concert right, see Granby North. And use word of mouth to promote shows. The internet is the devil.

Links to These FOOLS:

www.myspace.com/thetripps

Band: Still Pink

The following feature was conducted by the MC7C duo and is here for your viewing pleasure. Please do not copy+paste this feature...direct link to it! Give us credit for our hard work!

And now, the pop/rock genious of STILL PINK...



INTERVIEW

What is your music background? Did you play instruments growing up?

Mike and Eric have been performing together for the past 10 years, and Chris started playing 7 years ago. Mike and Eric took up their instruments together, and Mike and Chris played in school for a number of different school ensembles.

Where did the name Still Pink come from? How did the band get together?

Eric and Mike grew up together starting in kindergarten, and Chris moved here from Seattle and attended high school with Eric. The rest is history in that department. Still Pink was officially a band on September 27th, 2005 (our first radio interview, on the local rock station 96X), and the name Still Pink was generated to hint at our youth - this band started young, and the objective is to keep it that way.



Growing up, how did music play a role in your childhood/adolescence?

Mike and Eric were out on school nights playing gigs in Norfolk's dark little watering holes dating back as far as middle school, playing standard rock & roll tunes. It really is the foundation of our playing today. Chris has a slightly less colorful adolescence as far as the music goes, but he spent a lot of time at shows on 2nd Avenue in Seattle ranging from punk to jazz during those crucial formative years.

What other activities / things do you enjoy doing when not playing music?(hobbies, crafts, events, eating, family)

Like all American people we love cooking out and carrying on. We spend a lot of time playing music, and we spend a lot of time out on the road. We're all fans of touring and life on the road, and really enjoy travel in general. New places and people make all of it really worthwhile. A good drink with friends is always enjoyable. We're all fans of walking, and spend a lot of time out and about listening to music and taking a break from the crazy schedules. Whenever possible, we head out to watch our friends play shows, and try and check out a lot of the other art happenings in the area. Don't miss Mookapalooza if you know what's up.



Who are your favorite musicians?

Bono and The Edge.

How did the band start? Who had the idea and why?

This band started as a reaction to all of us sitting down and looking at our influences, and what really got us motivated to play music. When we all realized the rock & roll was the common thread, we decided to take that and run with it. Eric came up with the name, and really the foundation for what we're trying to accomplish. Applying pop influence as of late is really just a continuation of our trying to stay dedicated to our influences. It's got to be from the heart, and that's really why we started this band.

How would you describe your music to people?

Pop music that rocks…sometimes.

Are you happy with the direction the band is going right now? What is the current goal of the band?

Absolutely. We have a lot of things in the works right not, including a new single release for our song "Crushed", a new clothing/apparel collection we're working on with Dumskeme (some of the hottest designers on the planet), and a lot of touring opportunities for 2008. Our goal is essentially to make this our life. We're working hard to earn support and make this a full time thing, and be able to tour and keep making music for a long time. We'd love to work with a driven label who wants to work us as hard as we want to work at this. As long as people take time out of their day to come see our shows, or money out of their paycheck to buy our music, we want to keep up our end.



How do you balance your music with your other parts of life (job, family)?

We don't. Fortunately our loved ones understand that this is what we do and we do our best to balance everything. Things tend to get a bit crazy with us.

What is the greatest compliment anyone has ever paid to you regarding your art work? What about the greatest insult? How should an artist respond to such compliments and insults? Is it easier to talk about the compliment or the insult?

A fan of ours who just stumbled across us on Myspace recently used our song "Airing" as her wedding song – that's a pretty big complement. And a newspaper in Georgia compared us to Queen in a CD review. As for insults, there really haven't been many to our face. I'm sure we get railed behind our back, but who doesn't. You have to take things like that in stride – art isn't really art until you offend somebody (I think Picasso said that, right?). It's obviously easier to talk about the compliments, but I'm sure we'll be pretty enthusiastic to talk about a really original or particularly vicious insult when we get one.

What causes artistic blocks? What do you do to solve them?

Johnny Rheznik. Turning on the radio tends to help straighten out artistic blocks.

If you could play a show with any band, past or present, who would it be? What music would you want them to perform?

Our friends from Invo. We miss playing with those guys, and when the finish up recording and get back on the horse, we're first in line to play with them. We would want them to perform stuff from their new album because we haven't seen it live yet.

What are trying to do to people with your art? Inspire them? Move them? Educate them?

We are just trying to be an excuse for people to let their guard down and have some fun.

Where do you see the band in the next few years?

Having just as much fun with a lot more friends.



How would you like to see the local music scene change? (venues, fans, other bands) Do we need to have better venues? Better ways of booking shows? Which way do you find best to get fans to come out to shows? (word of mouth / internet / flyers)

This scene is a bit lacking in the venue department. It'd be great to see a mid-size music venue pop up around here to bridge the gap for the local music scene between the NorVA and the smaller bars/clubs that sometimes feature live music. This scene can support a seven-day-a-week music venue, and we certainly have the bands to get the ball rolling. To take words out of Dennis Spence's (of Jackmove) mouth, "Someone bring back the fucking Boathouse". Our fans are fantastic, but it will always be great to have more of them come say hello out at our shows. It's a privilege to do this, and we love to meet the people who help make it possible. Word of mouth definitely gets the most people out, but you can't discount the affect of the Internet on that note. That's a huge reason why we try to make our shows events, and leave people talking about them the next day.

LINKS
Still Pink @ myspace
Still Pink's official webpage

Band: Action Habit

(the following feature was written by MC7C. Please give us the proper credit we deserve and copy the link location and not copy and paste.
THANKS!)
BACKGROUND

Norfolk based, Action Habit, is a combination of garage rock and punk. They are by no means a typical "garage rock" band. If you're a fan of the Rolling Stones, The Pixies, The Who, or The Stooges, then you will be a fan of Action Habit. Anthony Torres, fronts the band with his tasty lyrics and mesmerizing guitar riffs. Dave Voightritter and Dany Magee round out the trio with their solid drum and bass lines, which create a unique sound. Playing at almost every venue in the Hampton Roads area, they have pounded out their influence in the local music scene. If you see their shows listed on a calendar, it's in your best interest to write a huge reminder on your fridge and attend!

INTERVIEW

What is your music background? Did you play instruments growing up?

All three members of the band are self taught. I myself have been obsessed with music since my occupancy in the womb. It is the only thing that has always been there for me, and quite frankly the only thing I trust. I picked up the guitar in the 80's and have been sleeping with it ever since.



Where did the name The Action Habit come from? How did the band get together?

The name came from a 1950's flyer about being a successful salesman using the "Action Habit" method. The flyer was found in the storage room of an old downtown business in Norfolk. It still hangs in my living room. I think people need to take more action in this world and stop being so content and complacent.
All of us had been in other bands, but were seeking new avenues to travel down. I am the only original member left, but Dany and Dave have been the Action Habit rhythm section for six years now.

Growing up, how did music play a role in your childhood/adolescence?

I could always depend on music my whole life. I could always put the needle on any number of records and that magic would always be there. I always had music by my side but never dreamed of actually playing it until punk/post punk happened in my world.

What other activities / things do you enjoy doing when not playing music?

I like reading and photography and seeking out great bands. Dave and Dany are both married. Yes, I am the single one. Dave handles IT duties for a local media station, and Dany is a teacher.



Who are your favorite musicians?

I can't bear the thought of leaving anyone out by answering this. There are too many important artists for me to pick a handful. I love great songwriters.the Beatles, Stones, Dylan, Pj Harvey, the Who, Guided by Voices, Echo and the Bunnymen, Neil Young, Velvet Underground, Big Star and so on…



How would you describe your music to people?

I always say it's kind of noisy pop mixed with a hint of prog rock.

Are you happy with the direction the band is going right now? What is the current goal of the band?

We are all pretty happy with the band. The current goal is to just finish mixing the record we have been working on and hopefully have it out by the end of the year. Then we can do more East Coast touring.



How do you balance your music with your other parts of life (job, family)?

It gets real hard sometimes. Lucky for me, I am playing with two of the most dedicated people I have ever been in a band with. If it's in your soul, you make time for the band.

What is the greatest compliment anyone has ever paid to you regarding your art work? What about the greatest insult? How should an artist respond to such compliments and insults? Is it easier to talk about the compliment or the insult?

The greatest compliment I can think of is the people who come to almost every show. The repeat supporters really make it worthwhile. I can think of no certain insults. Most people keep that to themselves anyway. Music is so subjective. You are always going to have people that are at a club and are not digging your sound. That kind of makes you want to play harder and put it in their face.
I can't tell other people how to handle opinions. Everyone has them, and everyone thinks they have the right one. Instinct is still best.



What causes artistic blocks? What do you do to solve them?

Life. I think any stress causes writers block. Relationships, jobs, health. The thing to do is to take that energy and make a song out of it. Don't let the negative emotion get the best of you. Use your art as a reflection of yourself.

If you could play a show with any band, past or present, who would it be? What music would you want them to perform?

The Who with Keith Moon on drums. I would want them to play the whole catalog.

What are trying to do to people with your art? Inspire them? Move them? Educate them?

I do this for me. If people want to come along for the ride, that's great. If I somehow inspire someone to start something positive and creative, then that's way more than I ever could have imagined when I picked up that guitar the first time. There is no secret message to this. I believe you should do your art with intensity. I don't mean volume, but with real emotion. If you are in it for other reasons, you need to question your validity.

Where do you see the band in the next few years?

All I could ask for is that we are constantly moving forward with new ideas and thoughts. I want to always be pushing the envelope of our capabilities.



How would you like to see the local music scene change? (venues, fans, other bands) Do we need to have better venues? Better ways of booking shows? Which way do you find best to get fans to come out to shows? (word of mouth / internet / flyers)

The problem that this area has always had is support of local music. The clubs don't want to pay the bands well. The clubs rarely do promotion. No flyers or radio spots. Local radio needs to support this more as well. We need more local music shows on radio. We need local record stores to push the regional bands more. Go to any major city and they will have and spotlight regional talent. Clubs should invest in a PA system. That is a great incentive for bands to play in their clubs. Once a band has to pay a PA rental, and a support band, they are left with very little money. When a band plays for the door money, that's all they get. They are totally at the mercy of the consumer. It really makes me angry when fellow musicians ask to be on the guest list. They should know that the only income we get comes from the cover charge. It's hard work maintaining
a band and loading in equipment, and giving it your all for 2 hours, only to have to break down everything , pack it up and hopefully be in bed by 3am. No matter how broke I am I will always pay to see a local band. If I can't afford it, I stay home.
We need to have more clubs booking original music. It's real pathetic that clubs pay a cover band so much more than an original band. I understand that most consumers just want to go out and get drunk and dance to the latest sounds, but the clubs have a responsibility to the local art community as well. Give the people some variety. Make something happen.
Sorry for the rant.
I cannot say enough great things about the MC7C organization. This is a major step in this area. I would love for more people to get involved with you to really bring positive results to this area. Artists need to protect their rights. They need someone like you to help them form a community. This area has always worked against each other instead of everyone taking it to the streets for the good of all. With the MC7C, we now have a forum to bring ideas and change to this area. I find that exciting. Get involved people! Every little bit helps.

LINKS:
Action Habit Myspace
Action Habit Dot Com

Check out this video: Deal With It



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