For the past six years, Pinkberry has been leading the frozen yogurt market with its fresh motto, a bold sense of design, and great customer service.

“Back in 2005, there was nothing else like Pinkberry,” Ron Graves, CEO of Pinkberry told SDEntertainer.  “It was really one of a kind when Pinkberry launched and it just really reignited the frozen yogurt category.”

And this is because Pinkberry doesn’t just focus on giving their customers “authentic and high-quality treats that their customers can resonate to.”  When someone enters a Pinkberry store for the first time, they know they are in a Pinkberry.  And Graves makes the point that one of the values that his company upholds is social connections.

He states that one thing Pinkberry team members like to do most is engage over the topping bar, share what they like, and ask new visitors what they’d like to try.  With over 30 toppings and 6 flavors that you can mix and change around, there’s definitely an abundance of potential combinations to try.

Pinkberry’s interactive spirit gets easily carried onto the company’s growing sense of community.  To Pinkberry, whose profits come from a niche product, connecting with people fosters not only a sense of community, but when the yogurt company decided to take over the formerly D’Lush beverage joint inside Fashion Valley Mall,  location also factored a great deal into the planning of the facility.

And it wasn’t just the physical attributes of the facility that affected the progress of opening a Pinkberry inside the mall.  A lot of attention was galvanized towards how Pinkberry could connect locally.

That was solved when Pinkberry decided to donate a dollar to the USO with every purchase of the newest Pinkberry flavor, the Peanut Butter + Jelly, which has been getting equally rave reviews from avid fans of the older flavors.

Graves reinforces that Pinkberry, who is known for their “fresh, high-quality ingredients, with a taste profile that balances sweet, and tart, light, refreshing, and clean,” spends a lot of time and effort into each new Pinkberry creation.

Graves gives the latest Pinkberry recipe as an example:  “We don’t just launch a flavor. We go through a lot of work to get it out there.  [For the PJ & J,] it’s the organic jelly.  And we make sure it’s paired well together.  The toasted bread crumbs—they’re unique and it all works well together.”

Even when a flavor that is launched does not work out, Pinkberry doesn’t see it as a setback.  The people behind the tasty frozen treat factor in customer feedback and use all the information they can gather, not excluding global trends, to provide Pinkberry customers the best possibly product.

Because at the end of the day, Pinkberry is presenting to you more than just an ordinary frozen yogurt treat; they are extending a culinary offering.

Switched at Birth” revolves around two teens, Daphne Vasquez (Katie Leclerc) and Bay Kennish (Vanessa Marano), who discover that they were accidentely switched at birth at the hospital. Each teen grew up with a completely different environment and upbringing, and each feeling different.

When the two teens discover the change and meet their real biological parents they come together. Due to Daphne’s adoptive mother/Bay’s biological mother’s, financial struggles, Daphne and Regina are invited to live in the Kennishs’ home with Bay’s wealthy family. The girls learn and start developing relationships with both their biological parents as well as each other.

SD Entertainer had the wonderful privilege of interviewing one of the main stars of the series, Katie Leclerc. Katie has been fluent in American Sign Language since she was in high school and was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease at the age of 20. While she is not deaf, she is hard of hearing due to one of the symptoms of Meniere’s disease, which causes a disorder of the inner ear that affects her hearing and balance.

Katie has a real heart of gold, a real love for her fans, and really enjoys the role she has on the show. She feels that the show has made a real difference in people’s lives on their views of those who are deaf and the deaf culture itself, as well as how people view things different from their own perspective.

During the interview, she talked to us about herself, her character, the show, and her enthusiasm about the show’s impact. The interview was fantastic and very eye opening. Katie not only represented the voice of “Switched At Birth,” but also represented her own voice within the deaf culture.

We give you her insight and voice:

Entertainer: How do you like your character? What’s your opinion of her?

KL: I like her a lot. I feel like I’ve got a lot of similarities with the character Daphne. She was sort of bullied as a kid. She grew up with a mother who made her work for all the good that she’s received. She worked hard at school. She’s got a good head on her shoulders and she’s pretty grounded. I think that its really nice to be ale to play someone that people can identity with and people really root for. And not only that as I read the script, and as I go along, I’m rooting for her. And that it’s cool to see the relationship sort of blossom and its really fun to see the two families are coming together to form a family. It might not be the most conventional family, but it’s definitely a group of people that really support each other. That’s the great thing about the show. At the end of the day its just about family and loving people that you’re with no matter what the circumstances are.

Entertainer: Your character is such an inspiration not just for those in the deaf community and hearing world, but also for others with other types of disability.

KL: I think that the nice thing is that I think that people are afraid of what they don’t know and having a deaf character, having multiple deaf characters, come into your life and into your television. Being able to familiarize with that will only help build a bridge between the two worlds. This show and other shows like Glee where they have people in wheelchairs and they have cerebral palsy. And I think this is a great time for television where they’re sort of expanding their horizons a little bit.  I think producers and writers are not afraid to show people who, by everyday conventional terms might be considered disabled, but you can see them as fully able to communicate. As is in the deaf culture’s case to get by. Not only get by but to thrive. Daphne, One of my favorite parts about the show, Lizzy Weiss, the creator, she made sure that Daphne was never the victim. She’s very strong and she makes it work no matter what the situation is. It’s very cool to see that.

Entertainer: What strengths and weaknesses do you think your character had to face with that? Since I know it’s different for everyone.

KL: I think that she was made of fun, like I said, as a kid. And I think that kids are very mean. Or at least they can be. She was made fun as a kid. And she had to find her past. When she found her sign language, she lost her hearing at the age of age, and when she found sign language, she sort of found this culture and this community that is so supportive of each other that she was sort of able to rise above. And she, you know, plays basketball and nobody can take that away from her. She’s the best girl on our team I think. (Laughing).

Entertainer: How do you relate to the character? Were you involved in any sports as a teenager like her?

KL: I was. I played basketball actually coincidentally enough.  I was in Basketball when I was in junior high and growing up and all of that. I cooked as well. Daphne really likes to be in the kitchen. That’s something I can relate to her with. I LOVE to be in the kitchen. Haha. If I wasn’t an actor, I would probably try to be a chef.

Entertainer: That’s great too that they have the equal opportunity to hire those who are deaf or partially deaf to play the deaf roles.

KL: Yeah. Absolutely. And I’m so very lucky. I feel like I’ve been preparing for this role for a very long time. I learned sign language when I was 17. I took as an elective in high school. I actually grew up in San Diego. So it’s nice to speak to a local. Haha. I went to Valley Center High School. I was involved in their drama program. So I sort of needed a foreign language to graduate. So I took sign language since my sister was my teacher. I figured that I could speak with her and that would cool. Then, when I was 20 I found out that I was diagnosed with something called Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s Disease has four main symptoms: you get pressure in the ear, ringing in the ear, fluctuating hearing loss, and attacks of vertigo. I’m very fortunate because my sister also has Meniere’s disease and I can see what her struggle is and learn from that. And also, to know what her strengths are and try to capitalize on those as well. I feel like it’s been a long road to get here and that after about 10 years it’s finally all paid off and I couldn’t be happier. The role of lifetime. And like you said, I identity with the character so much and I sort of feel like things happen for a reason. I’m very grateful that they chose me.

Entertainer: What’s it like to be an actress with the hearing impairment? Have you gotten other roles besides this one?

KL: I have. Been acting for about 10 years. Most people I think are unaware of my disability, my hearing loss. It’s been challenging at times, but I’m very lucky because I work with a wonderful group of people. They are all very aware of my Meniere’s. There’ve been times when I have attacks of vertigo, which for me is the most challenging symptom. But there was the time on set, where I’ve gotten dizzy and had the vertigo thing happen and D.W Moffett ran over to me. He can tell I was spinning. He ran over to me and it was like, “Are you ok?” “I’m ok.” And he took me down in a chair and he asks for one of the PAs to get me a bottle of water. And he had to check in with me every so often to make sure I was feeling good. But everybody is just so kind and everybody is so considerate with everyone else and so supportive of everyone else.

Entertainer: Right. And then you never learn.

KL: Exactly. I’ve gotten to meet some really cool people and have so much on set. I’ve gotten to wear some very pretty clothing and some gorgeous shoes. And I get to be on the back of MX motorcycles and go really fast. That’s really fun. I think that’s opened so many doors for me and I’ve become friends with some of the crewmembers on set. If nothing else I’ve just thankful for the people involved in our show. From the cast to the bottom.

Entertainer: What impact are you hoping that the show will have for the viewers besides that unique perspective?

KL: I think that the impact is really starting to show up. One of the little girls that came to my parents’ restaurant today, she looked up at me and she said and signed “Thank You” when I signed their autograph for them and took a picture with them. She then signed “Thank You.” I think that it’s great that a four-year-old little girl that would otherwise have never known sign language is sitting there signing “Thank You.” The first girl that ever “recognized me” was at Lucas Grabeel’s launch. He just launched his EP while filming.  So Lucas has this launch show at the restaurant I was there, Sean Brady was there, Vanessa Marano, and a lot of people from the crew showed up to support. This little girl maybe 11 or 12 came up and she signed, “Hi. My name is Piper.” To Sean Berdy and I. This is just so cool to see that these kids who would never be exposed to this world are all of a sudden picking up on signs and picking up on this culture. I think that it’s really cool. I think that there’s no way to go but keep doing that and helping people realize that we’re not so different. Opening minds and just creating color. So whatever anyone’s differences are, as long as we’re creating color I think it’s great.

Entertainer: That’s fantastic.

KL: And to go on Twitter. I tweet. To go on Twitter and see people’s posts of thanks like: “Thank you for making me feel comfortable in my own skin because I’m deaf.” “Thank you for showing me that it’s ok to be deaf.” “Thank you for inspiring me to become an interpreter.” All of these different things I think that we really can do some good. Even if we only do good for that one deaf kid who all of a sudden feels like maybe he is not so strange in school. I think that’s amazing. I think that it’s great.

Entertainer: What do you like best about San Diego? Figured it be a fun way to end this off.

KL: That is a good one to end off. Well I grew up there. I don’t get down there as much as I wish I did. I grew up in North County. The beaches in San Diego are about a million times better than in Los Angeles in my humble opinion. I just think that the San Diego culture is really laid back and there’s so much less traffic in San Diego than there is in LA. I like to go down there just for the weekend and kind of just veg, and hanging out with friends, and go check out the beaches. And I don’t know. I love the San Diego culture. I’m really excited for Comic Con. I’m really looking forward to that. Just looking forward to the food down there. I just love food in general. There’s a couple of restaurants that I can’t help but go to. Yeah. I like San Diego a whole lot.

Photos courtesy of ABC Family Site

Black Resume stands above many other hip hop artists swarming the San Diego scene. The name itself speaks volumes as to the deeper meaning behind their music and the type of harvested talent that makes our city proud. With their debut album Bar-Barian Music inspiring fans to make their own copies, t-shirts and travel up the Cali coast to support their shows, its become a captivating movement. But what is Black Resume?

Black Resume meets…

Terence and Tavares were brothers who shared a liking for music, and met Guilla. LC would ditch lunch at his high school to watch Guilla’s battle with a fellow classmate, Flip, who Guilla clobbered lyrically. Impressed by the each others flow, the group connected and began to collaborate, in 2009 they joined forces to create Black Resume.

Why do they call themselves Black Resume?

Guilla had a vision of creating a group or concept called Black Resume. But, as you gaze over their first album background, a man wearing a suit, you know that there must be a deeper meaning. When we asked them, “What exactly does Black Resume” mean, they explain that your Black Resume is essentially the talents that wouldn’t go on a normal corporate resume. They throw out examples like picking a lock, a great three-point shot in basketball or even hustling, but it’s more than that.

Black Resume
Whatever you wouldn’t put on your actual resume. Your special talents or skills.
- Guilla of Black Resume

And what is the meaning behind the title of the debut CD, Bar-Barian Music?

I’ve heard about Black Resume a lot for the last six months, whether they were opening for an artist coming to town or my friends were listening to their CD, Bar-Barian Music.

Bar-Barian Music, their debut album, has a two fold play on words meaning. First, in hip hop the standard moniker for the writing structure to add a rap to a song is 16 bars. Then, Barbarian linked with being old, prehistoric, connects to the true roots of music; when songs weren’t excessively produced and the only artists selling records were authentic musicians.

What influences and drives the style of your music?

Guilla: The style is like 90′s West Coast.

LC: We are all influenced by different rappers and different things individually, but we could all agree that we are influenced by West Coast music.

Tavares: Music in general influences us, whether bad music or good music it makes us want to do better. For example, ‘this music is garbage let’s do better than that, or this music is good let’s try to be as good as that.’

Exclusive Drop:

A music video for their single “Animal” is coming out soon. The video is filled with energy, excitement and was professionally filmed in a gorgeous home in Santa Barbara with a full tilt crew.

The group see’s their cultivation of music as an investment for their future. They mix living daily life, working, relationships and recording music to allow time for their group and creative work. But they already see it paying off, while walking in the streets of Santa Barbara they have been stopped before, even when wearing plain clothes getting approached by fans clamoring for Black Resume.

For 2010 you can look forward to a new album, and a few mix tapes the guys assure. While the guys are hopeful that their hard work, talent and experience will give them a contract they aren’t holding out for one. In the mean time you can catch them live, they have already performed with many of the popular acts of today such as E-40, New Boyz and Crooked I.

THIS WEEKEND: You can catch Black Resume this Saturday at 4 & B opening up for Lloyd Banks of G-Unit. Make sure to wear your favorite Black Resume t-shirt or make one, this is going to be a set to remember as they debut a brand new track for you!

To get more information and stay up to date with Black Resume “Fan” them on FaceBook visit their website blackresume.com or follow them on Twitter @blackresume

The MTV TJ ‘Twitter Jockey’ competition tests 20 individuals’ skills and knowledge about social networking. The search for these 20 candidates was a little less than conventional. MTV searched the social media networks, such as Twitter and Facebook to find the best of the best. These top 20 individuals were selected from thousands across the country for their unique perspective of pop-culture and music.

Now, it gets even better. The competition is compromised of challenges that the contestants must complete. During the challenges there is live-voting via Facebook, where anyone can vote for who they want to be the first MTV TJ.

If you follow the local hip hop scene, or have friends that do, you have probably heard of Twelve, previously known as 12 Gauge Shotie. Twelve is arguably one of the neighborhood’s most revered rappers. Whether the love for Twelve is for his swagger, hooks, beats or raw lyriscm- we’re not sure, but he’s definitely got the city’s support.

Since 2004 Twelve has been making serious waves in the San Diego scene.  Twelve was part of the Mary Jane Junkeez, a trio hailing from San Diego that put out their first album called Operation Gain Green. The CD did exceptionally well, was enjoyed by the community and began to put Twelve on the map.  Still, people refer to Twelve as the “solo bolo with a lot to say,” from track number six on the album. The project with his group was nearly six years ago, and since then Twelve has maintained a very active career and growing fan base.

Twelve has worked with everyone from DJ Fingaz from San Diego to The Jacka from the Bay. In 2007, Twelve released The Price of Money album with The Jacka which was a collaboration and featured 12 slappin’ hits, presented by Yze Guyz Entertainment.

The digital distribution and online capabilities that Twelve has provided to his fans, allowing them to connect with his music, has most definitely been something worth noticing. Many local artists lack the ability to properly organize their musical distribution. With his label, Yze Guyz Entertainment, Twelve has really stepped up his professional game — and it’s working.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Twelve, as 2010 stands to be a landmark year and probably his most active yet. With internet searches for music by Twelve surging, and his response with more videos, music and a fresh new website, there’s lots to know about.

Why did you start making music – how did you find out that you could rap?

I’ve been making music since I was 10 years old. I was writing raps, not really recording then but having songs in the arsenal basically. By people’s response I could tell they liked it,  I had more people saying ‘yes’ than ‘no’ and it got me started.

Having been in the local scene for several years, what do you think has kept you relevant and arguably one of the most followed local hip hop/rap artists?

I stay relevant because I am in the streets and I really connect with the people by them seeing me and interacting. You know I’m always around and they can see me really making moves. And I’m not afraid to really work with people and help to put on other people in the scene.  Just by staying in the community I stay relevant.

On that note, recently D.O.M. was released which you are featured on. As we understand this was an initiative from The Batkave, how did you get involved?

D.O.M had 60 artists, and was created at the Batkave and with my main producers. It is a project for the city, just an effort to get as many artists to work together as possible; with different songs, hooks, DJ’s and producers — basically to all work together on one project.

Twitter buzz in the community surged when people began asking “What is D.O.M,” so can you break the silence?

Yes, it stands for Death of the Mix tapes. We made our own re-mixtape, taking the beats and re-doing them along with the lyrics with different songs that you’ve heard before.  We put our own twist with it. Everyone does mix tapes with the beats that sound the same, but we changed the beat a bit so it sounds different. It’s free, you can get it on thechannel12.com.

“Winner”-  Twelve ft. Tommy Redding from the Re-mix tapes

For the local artists that look up to you, what advice would you give them?

It’s hard work and dedication. You may have heard it before, but you need to hear it again. Nothing came overnight and everyday you need to keep working towards your goals. If you have a dream, it’s not going to come to you. Reality, you gotta make it happen. You got to get up and keep working towards that goal. Determination.

You will be featured and headlining on the Local Music Alliance hip hop play list for the Entertainer Magazine debuting shortly. Despite a big scene in San Diego what do you think has kept it from blowing up?

It’s the market, we don’t have a big hip hop scene.  Because it’s a melting pot of a lot of different races and people, like the Navy and the retired, a lot of people look over us because they don’t know we have talent in our city. San Diego Zoo; there’s a lot of talent out here. Somebody’s going to discover us and it’s going to be soon, or we’re going to make it our own way, like we’ve been doing.

Your new website was just launched, what can people expect from thechannel12.com

Thechannel12.com is a site for underground music only. It’s for everybody that’s trying to get their music out to other people or use it as a source for people to find them, other than YouTube. A place to find hot underground music, I’m just trying to keep helping everyone out that is on the same chase I’m on.

2010 stands to be an exciting year, can you tell us about your upcoming projects?

Click the album to get the free download!

Well I have my own version of D.O.M, which is M.I.D - which stands for  Mix tapes Is Dead, which is Part II. It’s mine but featuring a lot of SD artists as well, and DJ’s. It will be produced by DJ Jam, which is Snoop Dogg’s DJ. A lot of people don’t know that he’s actually from San Diego. And he will be bringing it all night, that’s next month.

As well, I have my upcoming solo project, I haven’t dropped one of those yet.  And it’s called That’s how I’m living; we just got work, so there is a lot of music ready.
Will these projects be different from your others? And when will they be released?

I’m always different, that’s what makes me Twelve.  So yes, they will be different. Your really are going to see a new side of me, because I will have my solo projects — so it will be all me. Rocking’ by myself , ‘the solo bolo with a lot to say.’

Also, this will be my first solo album, I’ve never put one out before– so look for that.

Who will you be working with on these projects, any specific collaborators you’d like to mention?

I’ve been working with DJ Quik, Too Short, Aaron Hal; these are more experienced music figures.  I’ve been getting a lot of game, mentor type thing. They are on my projects and helping me, Passport Music is also coming up. Yze Guyz in demand right now!

Everyone knows that getting signed is only becoming more challenging; are you choosing to keep it completely independent?

I’m going to keep it independent. When I get a deal, and the money’s right – a deal is a deal. As long as you got goals, and with the music industry you can’t expect anything overnight. As long as you’re doing better than you have been doing and seeing progress, you can’t complain. I’ll keep doing me until the deal is presented, and if not, then I’ll just keep going. One day at a time, that’s just how I live my life.

And with the struggle, what keeps you going and motivated?

You gotta have a love for it. There’s a lot of artists that are trying to get it for the money. I just love music, so I’ll do it regardless. Music keeps me going no matter what. It’s all good.

Do you still keep in contact with your band mates from the Mary Jane Junkeez days? May there ever be a reunion in the future?

Yeah. My brother is in the feds, Mickey Defense and has about a year and half left. So time will take itself and you never know what happens. We’re all close still and it could happen [a reunion], more than likely. Look forward to it, I can’t make no promises I can’t keep. But more than likely.

Is there anything you would like to add; and can we let the public announcement run, that it’s no longer 12 Gauge Shotie, it’s just Twelve?

Twelve is more wholesome, household. I got a lot of younger fans, they tell their mom ‘I wanna buy 12 Gauge Shotie’. So now, Twelve, that’s me. I may be something else next month. Call me what you want.

I just want everyone to know that Yze Guyz is a real label. Fly and I are coming out soon!  San Diego keep working and I’ll keep repping for it and holding it down. SD Live wire.

Follow @12gaugeshotie on Twitter and check out the free M.I.D. download listed above! You can vote for Twelve or one of your other favorite San Diego artists by clicking here and also get the free play list download.

Catch the play list live in the mix on Jelly Radio (jellyradio.com) Monday at 8p with DJ Play and Miss K hosting the LMA Hip Hop Countdown. Stay tuned for more San Diego coverage with sdentertainer.com

The crew’s journey to Las Vegas started when organizers at the MGM approached them because some of their kids were fans of the crew. The folks at MGM wanted a preview of what they could offer, so after a short 20 minute performance the Jabbawokeez were offered a test run of twenty dates for their very own 90 minute show. Crew member Rainen explains that putting together a cohesive show is difficult for a dance crew, but “we’re glad we were able to make the impossible possible, and it ended up becoming great. So that’s why they brought us back for these dates in June.”

In order to put together the show, the Jabbawokeez collaborated with some other well-known names in the dance industry. They called upon long time friends and fellow ABDC champions, SuperCr3w to hone their moves and bring the show together. In addition, Tabitha and Napolean (known for their choreography on So You Think You Can Dance and ABDC) help direct the show from behind the scenes, ensuring the audience gets the best experience possible from the Jabbawockeez.

Their Vegas show in May was tremendously successful, prompting an extended performance schedule. Performances have been added through June 17-23. The crew’s goal is to “keep pushing it, and hopefully we can stick around and take up a permanent residence.”

The “Jabbawockeez Present MUS.I.C.” show is one-of-a-kind, just like the crew that inspires it. The show, called “Mus.i.c” (muse-I-see), is billed as a visualization of sound as experienced by the troupe. “You’ll see 90 minutes of pure Jabbawockeez art. It’s not like ABDC; there are no challenges. We’re not dancing behind artists, we are the artists,” says Rainen.

Whether or not you’ve seen the crew on TV or at one of their shows, Mus.i.c. offers something for everyone. “We wanted to make sure that it’s not just for the hop hop audience. We wanted it to reflect all genres of music as far as rock, alternative, and even something for the older crowd, not just for the kids. It pretty much reaches everybody. People expect to see what they saw on ABDC, but they get something different. There’s a story line to it and there’s a lot of stuff people are going to be wowed by.”

Dressing in expressionless white masks and white gloves, the crew guides the audience’s attention away from individual identities and towards a unified and synchronized group. The Jabbawockeez create a canvas for the audience to visualize the music as they paint beautiful and artistic imagery through precise, intricate movements.

The Jabbawockeez put a lot of their own artistic creativity into the show, and you can tell they really love what they do. Before heading to Las Vegas, the crew traveled a lot, spreading their love of dance. They went to the Australia, the Philippines and performed here at home. When asked about how international fans receive them, they say “it was unexpected.” In Austrailia, they just finished airing the first season of ABDC, and a lot of people knew them from the show. In the Philippines, they are icons. “We had no idea. We were doing shows for 15,000 to 25,000 people. It was amazing. There’s so much love out there.”

In addition to traveling on their own, the crew joined forces with artists like Ne-yo, Leona Lewis, Missy Elliot, Daddy Yankee, and even opened for the New Kids on the Block. Needless to say, it’s been a wild ride for the Jabbawockeez since America’s Best Dance Crew. “Ever since we got done with the show it’s been such a roller coaster ride. We’ve been super busy and blessed. And through that, Vegas just kind of fell into our laps. We were doing all these other gigs and all of a sudden we were approached about Vegas, and said ‘Great. Let’s try it out.’”

Having a show in Las Vegas has allowed the Jabbawockeez to develop their craft. “Entertaining is what we love to do. And we know if you have a show in Vegas, people travel to you. You can build your show and progress with what you do as artists. It’s just been great.”

What’s really great about the Jabbawockeez, is not their show in Vegas, or even the success they’ve seen as a crew. The really great thing about the Jabbawockeez is their ability to remember their roots. “International fans all speak different languages, but they all understand what we do behind this mask. It’s all the same in that sense – in terms of their reactions to what we do as Jabbawockeez. The fact that we’re able to inspire the world through dance is a great experience.”

“The fact that we’re also able to inspire the younger generations is a great feeling and a great accomplishment and we hope we can keep doing that – spreading positivity through dance. It’s all about being positive. You know, there’re a million crews out there that do what we do in their own way. We’re just blessed to be one of those crews to be able to inspire the world. I’m just glad that we can do what we do as Jabbawockeez.”

Established in 2003, this unforgettable crew has a one-of-a-kind style and culture, setting new standards in the industry. Known for creativity, unique choreography, athleticism and intricate synchronization, the Jabbawockeez have changed the way we see dance. Awarded the championship on MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew,” the Jabbawockeez have campaigned for Gatorade with their “G” campaign spawning TV ad’s with Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan. Additionally the group opened for the nationally televised NBA All-Star Game and performed with Shaquille O’Neal making national headlines. They have garnered millions of fans and been featured on numerous television shows including Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Regis & Kelly, The TODAY Show 2009 Summer Concert Series, E! News, America’s Next Top Model and MTV.

All of this success, and out of a crew from San Diego! Starting as a garage crew in 2003, they now live in LA and travel to Las Vegas for their show. A few members have spent a great deal of time in San Diego, including Rainen who grew up here for 15 years. When he comes back, he likes to hang out at some of the “typical” spots. So, if you’re wondering where you can run into one of the Jabbawockeez, here you go:

“Every time I go to San Diego, I make sure I hit the Mission for breakfast, then I go to Ichiban Sushi, Ono Sushi, Sushi Deli 1, 2 or 3, a lot of food spots. I like to hit up the Mexican spots, Cotixas, almost any Mexican spot and get some super nachos.

Balboa park is great to hang out with family and friends. I always go to the beach out in La Jolla, Pacific Beach on Grand and Garnet. I like to go shopping at the Buffalo Exchange or American Apparel, and all the places over there.”

You can catch the Jabbawockeez for a few more dates this month at the MGM in Las Vegas. Shows run June 17 – 23 at 9:30pm. Additional evening shows were added on June 18-20 at 7:30pm as well. Visit www.jbwkz.com/vegas for more information. For tickets, head to the MGM website.

You can also follow the Jabbawockeez on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Jabbawockeez) and Twitter (@THE_WOCKEEZ)

Masekela, 38, has emerged as a popular voice for entertainment and action sports networks. The clever host has captured the attention of youthful generations as he manages to connect all aspects of music, sports, and cutting-edge events together. He began his career as a 21-year-old answering phones for the haven of action sports, Transworld Media.

“North County is the hot bed of action sports. You are second place to be on the basketball team or the football team. What makes you the cool kid is: do you surf, snowboard, skateboard?”

He found a home within the world of action sports and although he competed at a young age in local surf competitions, Masekela found his niche in the industry as an emcee. He stumbled upon his talent to engage audiences with his voice and personality taking turns on a microphone while working events for Board Aid, a music and action sports AIDS education youth program.

During the mid 90s the media caught hold of the action sports lifestyle that would soon grow into an enormous industry.

“Action sports celebrate the individual and the collective at the same time,” Masekela said. “It’s an artistic form. Your adding to the pot…it’s never stale.”

After being spotted and heard by Planet X representatives, the young emcee got the chance to do his first big interview with a fellow San Diegan, Tony Hawk. Soon after, he was offered a job at Planet X and his career relished.

In 2004, Masekela was approached by Steve Larosiliere to create the organization Stoked Mentoring. The vision of Stoked emerged as a way to give back to “at-risk” youth that didn’t have the opportunities to be exposed to the lifestyle of sports. Stoked has an array of different partners and sponsors such as: Zoo York, ESPN, Fuel TV, DC Shoes and Snow Summit.

Stoked is a collective effort to provide a way for the youth to become successful, gain knowledge and experience for the world through action sports. As co-founder Masekela has been able to use his connections and relationships within the industry to help provide products for the kids to enjoy the sports.

Stoked is about “exposing this lifestyle to kids. To effect change in their lives,” Masekela said.

Being apart of the media industry has thrown Masekela inevitably into the public eye, so what does he find rewarding about being in the spotlight?

“I love what I do,” Masekela explained. “I love when people, especially people of color, say they never would have payed attention to the X-Games before. It makes me very humbled.”

Although this San Diegan has moved to Los Angeles for his career, he’s intent on moving back to North County someday to start his own family. “I still consider myself a part-time resident,” Masekela said as he frequently visits when the waves are good.

He claims to be the ultimate Chargers fan as he said, “I eat, sleep and drink the blue and gold- I am a Chargers fan. Every Sunday I wake up and say, ‘today it’s time to ride the lightning.’”

Far from fulfilling the superficial, self-important DJ stereotypes, 24 year-old TJ Kirchoff is the archetypal boy next door, if such a thing exists. He arrives at our interview in a turquoise LA Dodgers cap—I’m not sure what the rivalry is, but I’ll let the sports readers duke it out—and black Starry Eyed Music shirt, representing the DJ collective and record label he’s a part of.

Snacking on chips and guacamole, we begin to talk about his career, what led him to it, and what he strives to accomplish in the future—with a few fun tidbits in between, of course.

In addition to his weekly shows at various venues including Stingaree and Hard Rock in San Diego, he’s played in Miami, Vegas, as well as San Francisco. DJ Kurch has shared the stage with a wide range of DJs and artists including Benny Benassi, David Guetta, Steve Angello, Dirty South, ATB, Donald Glaude, the Alkaholiks, Living Legends, the Pack, Will.I.Am, Ying Yang Twins, Xzibit, DJ Vice, DJ Class, DJ Mad, Paradiso Girls, LMFAO, Hyper Crush, Cobra Starship, Far East Movement, 3OH!3, and many many more. He gets really excited when I mention his gig at Spin with David Guetta—the highlight of his career as a young DJ.

“I got a really cool picture with him—he’s really smart because he had the whole house thing going on and now he’s stepping into mainstream,” he says. “Now even the ghetto guy at the club will ask me if I can play that one house song with Akon and David Guetta, and I’m like, for sure, man.”

During his time at San Diego State, DJ Kurch began spinning at the house parties of his fraternity, Kappa Sigma. He would get out his records and keep on spinning until the last person left the dance floor in the early morning.

“I was horrible, I could barely mix two records together,” Kurch says. “All my friends would yell at me to shut my window while I was practicing.”

But spinning was his passion, and after graduating in 2005 with a marketing degree, he took on a job at Wave House and continued to pursue his favorite pastime during his free hours. He grew restless interviewing for jobs in the marketing field, jobs he did not want, and considered his boss’s suggestion that he DJ full time. From this conversation, stemmed the evolution of the DJ Kurch we now know.

“I didn’t want to have a 9 to 5 job—I’m still young so I decided it wouldn’t hurt to take my hobby to the next level,” he said. After four and a half years of DJ-ing for pleasure, he took that passion and turned it into a fulltime income.

His first real gig was at Red Circle in downtown San Diego and after that night, he steadily began to grow his network and calendar. Through various club promoters he met and marketing via various internet sites, he was able to expand the number of venues and times he played. He eventually scored residencies at the Hard Rock, The W Hotel, On Broadway and the Keating.

He can go on and on about house music—unlike some of today’s amateurs, he started listening to “real” house in 8th grade and started his spinning career with this multifaceted genre. I was recommended a few artists and songs to add to my limited collection of Guetta and five million versions of Sandstorm. Right now, he’s loving a bootleg house remix of old-school Marvin Gaye’s “Heard it Through the Grapevine.”

With the job, however, mainstream hip-hop has become part of his listening repertoire despite his distaste of the large amount of “garbage rap” out there today. Remember the annoying DJ you heard when you last went out who played random songs you never heard of? That wasn’t Kurch—he plays for the crowd no matter how much he may dislike the music on the radio nowadays.

“You think you’re sick of “Bad Romance”? Try listening to it 40 times a week,” he says, telling me about his daily routine of checking the Top 40 lists and other songs the crowds are listening to lately to prepare himself for his job. On his personal iPod, Kurch’s tastes vary from Miles Davis to Frank Sinatra to Jay Z—one he especially admires.

In his downtime, Kurch tries to stay away from the scene—makes sense when your fulltime job is being in the scene. He mentions an underground speak-easy club he recently went to where attendees need a password in order to get in—the theme was 20′s and the place featured a live jazz band with a retro, red-lit ambiance.

“I want to take my dad there when he visits,” Kurch said, mentioning how supportive his father has been of his career. “I used to practice on his old drum set and he went out and bought me a new one—anything involving music, he’s always been behind me.”

The more Kurch tells me about his job, the more I realize that he’s made an art out of crowd watching—he really is all about the crowd and if they don’t seem to be enjoying the music, that’s his cue to try something different. He observes the audience throughout the set, making sure everyone’s having a good time.

“If I see a 50-year-old woman in the crowd, I’ll make sure to play for her too,” Kurch says, showing his versatility in playing anything from house to hip-hop to jazz to rock. His sets put a hip-hop twist on house and a house spin on hip-hop.

“Kurch is a very versatile ‘Open Format’ DJ. He can DJ with Xzibit one night, and Steve Angello the next. His understanding and love of music allows him to excel and play shows that most dream of. On top of all that, Kurch remains down to earth and extremely humble,” says owner of Encore Entertainment, Dan Krieg.

Kurch will often arrive a few minutes early just to say “what’s up” to the venue’s staff—you know, the people behind the scenes.

“The bartenders are the ones who are sober and will remember how you play. Even the security, bouncers—especially nowadays, every little thing you do can add up,” he says.

Our “DJ next door” hopes to travel more in the near future and DJ in other areas of the country—and possibly, even the world will get to experience the versatility of Kurch’s performances and the modest demeanor that makes him stand out.

“I don’t know what I’ll be doing 10 years from now, but I’ll always look back and love these times and the journey. I am extremely blessed and appreciate all the positive people in my life that have helped me get to where I am.”

Catch Kurch at his weekly residencies Wednesdays at Confidential, Thursdays at Hard Rock, Saturdays at Stingaree, and Sundays at Bar West.

Follow DJ Kurch on Twitter @DJKurch

Fergal Murray

Guinness lovers know that Guinness, the most popular Irish dry stout, is good all year long–not just on Saint Patrick’s Day. But with this Irish holiday fast approaching, we at the Entertainer believe it’s necessary to grasp the tradition and taste that is one of the world’s most loved dark beers. And what better way to embrace the authenticity of Guinness than to learn from the Brew Master himself?

Fergal Murray, the Guinness Brew Master, is in the midst of his busiest month of the year. As Brew Master, Murray is responsible for making all the great beer and manufacturing the recipes.

The job requires a great deal of communicating, traveling, interviews and involvement in Dublin, but when he’s elsewhere he’s constantly talking to people about Guinness.

On Saint Patrick’s Day, Murray will be busy in New York, with several appointments during the day and then the stock exchange at 4 pm. “I might get to have a beer in the evening; it’s a very busy day for me. If there’s time, I might get to enjoy some of the festivals but I’ll be working away,” Murray said.

When I asked if he was going to have any time for fun, he added, “even if I’m working, being the Master Brewer is always fun.”

He likens Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland to 4^th of July here in the United States. He explains that in Dublin, people don’t go to the pubs on St. Patrick’s Day; they spend time with their family and friends. There are plenty of music festivals and parades, but it’s more of a family day than a party day. In the US, “everyone wants to be Irish on this day, so they go to the pubs to be Irish. But on 4^th of July, [Americans] get together with family and friends. That’s what we do in Dublin,” Murray said.

His favorite St. Patrick’s Day tradition in Ireland is “all the greenery and enjoying a great pint of Guinness.”

Although Guinness is highly celebrated by many, like all great things, Guinness too has its criticisms. The Master Brewer shared with us the common misconceptions about Guinness. Because it’s such a dark beer, people often think it’s too heavy, when it’s actually low in calories. In addition, according to BBC News, Guinness can in fact be beneficial to the heart, with antioxidant compounds similar to those found in certain fruits and vegetables that slow down the deposit of harmful cholesterol on the artery walls.

Another misunderstanding is the impatience with the perfect pour. Murray explained, “We have a two part pour and people often don’t want to wait for the 2^nd part of the pour.” As you can see below, the process of the two part pour, although a bit longer than most serving of beers, is absolutely necessary to achieve the perfection of Guinness.

The emerging technologies of today help people stay in touch with old friends in new places—especially pubs! With the Guinness iPhone app—the pint-sized pint finder, users can locate a pint of Guinness almost anywhere in the US and invite friends to join them in the process. This mobile app will be handy for beer lovers in a lively city like this…

Enjoy a Guinness!

Murray’s been all over the world, including here in San Diego. He admits that he travels so much that he tends to not remember the places he’s been. But he does recall his favorite place in San Diego–the Gaslamp District. “It’s a great town, I love the energy. The people there are great and I wish I could enjoy the beautiful weather there!” Murray said.

With all the festivities and Guinness drinking that await on St. Patrick’s Day, Master Brewer Fergal Murray reminds everyone to celebrate responsibly. He advises everyone to drink water and eat food in between beers, and of course, to never drink and drive.

Murray adds, “Have a beer, but don’t do anything silly like chug it. Enjoy the flavor.”

John Leguizamo has done a lot in his entertainment career. He’s shot Al Pacino in Carlito’s Way, was a demonic clown in the revolutionary comic-turned-movie Spawn, and played an artist in Moulin Rouge. He’s donned high heals as a drag queen in Too Wong Foo Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar, and voiced a dim-witted sloth in the popular Ice Age animated movies. In addition to his acting, he’s been a writer, producer and stand-up comedian. He’s been awarded, rejected, even beaten.

Yes, John Leguizamo has done a lot on the big screen. And on television. And on stage. Now, he’s telling his version of that career – the good, the bad and everything in between – in his latest one-man show, Diary of a Madman, opening tonight at the La Jolla Playhouse.

Like Freak and Sexaholic, two of his earlier one-man productions, Leguizamo gets up close and personal in this raw, uninhibited tour-de-force show. In his trademark performance style, he explodes with energy, taking everyone on a non-stop, fever-pitch adventure and heating up the stage with vivid accounts of where he’s been and the colorful characters who’ve shaped different facets of his professional life. There will be stories about his outrageous avant-garde theater scene and anecdotes from major movie sets and personal tales of his encounters opposite some of Hollywood’s biggest film stars.

Diary of a Madman is part of the La Jolla Playhouse’s Page To Stage program. So even though Leguizamo has staged it several times across the country over the past year, he is constantly modifying the show with each performance. Just days before Leguizamo steps onto the San Diego stage, he took some time to talk to the San Diego Entertainer for a personal and uncensored preview of the show’s current incarnation.

In your own words, what is Diary of a Madman about?

John Leguizamo

Freak was about my teenage years and coming of age. Sexaholic was about all my sexual failures, up to meeting the love of my life. This one is about my career – what made me an artist, my good choices, my bad choices and the office politics of Hollywood that no one really talks about. When you are in Hollywood, office politics are on steroids. They are bigger and crazier with artists’ egos and the amount of money that’s involved.

What is the show’s format? Is it a one-man play or stand-up comedy?

My stuff has always been a crazy hybrid. It’s been a hybrid of a play, one-man show, at times there are characters talking to each other in little vignettes. At the same time, there is a lot of humor.

Any musical numbers?

It’s got a little dancing, and some singing off key.

You don’t sing that bad, do you?

No, not that bad. I have a great voice, but I just can’t carry a melody.

What kind of plot line can we expect from Diary of a Madman?

There is a linear story. It’s about what made me want to be an artist. What made me want to act and kept me acting after all the rejections.

You know, it’s difficult to become an actor. I try to present that whole struggle of an artist, a portrait of an artist. What does it take to make it? Why do you want to even bother acting?

What made you interested in telling this story, this part of your life?

I was always fascinated by the career stories, the movie set stories. I was always fascinated by the fact this shit happens. It’s actually a crazy soap opera behind every movie and I wanted to show that aspect of it.

There are so many people doing one-man stories of their lives now, but I don’t feel like they are telling the whole truth. I am trying to be as honest as I can. That’s why I have to keep working on it, because some of it gets me in trouble.

Like I wrote something about Patrick Swayze (Leguizamo first performed Diary of a Madman prior to Swayze’s death last year), and he wrote something back in his autobiography.

About what you said?

Yeah, yeah. What he wrote about was great. His point of view was even better than mine. But he answered me back. He had such a great twist on it, and gave it a happy ending. I thought, ‘Oh wow. I like the way he thinks.’

John Leguizamo and Patrick Swayze in Too Wong Foo Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar

I interviewed Patrick many years ago, and he mentioned he enjoyed working with everyone in To Wong Foo.

He did. I got to say he is a lovely dude, but he wasn’t the easiest person to work with. I’m just being honest. He was trippy. I wasn’t easy to work with either, so that was part of it.

Your show is titled Diary of a Madman. Are you a mad man?

I’m a mad man when I am trying to be creative. When I am being creative, I am totally a mad man.

A diva on the set?

It’s not about my comfort. It’s not about my excesses or my eccentricities. It’s not that bullshit. I want to be channeling. I want to be experiencing something amazing. I want to be playing fucking games. I just want to explore shit. And I really expect it out of people, too. I’m there to explore and to explode, and not everyone is on that tip. But I’m not going to back down either.

Are there some things that are going to shock people in the show?

There is some raw nasty stuff, perhaps sometime to my own detriment. Hopefully there is a beauty to what I am doing – an artistry – so it’s not just confessions and self-exploitations.

What is the audience going to get out of this? Besides being a snapshot into your life, what is your goal?

A lot of people say, ‘I’m not an actor or anything, but I was really inspired by your show.’ That’s what a lot of people are saying across the country to me.

I think ultimately, I am trying to inspire people. The joy in life is not the result but the process of trying to get there and trying to keep doing it. That’s where life’s true joy is. It’s not the stupid limousines and first-rate accommodations. That’s not what makes you happy.

And how are your accommodations in San Diego right now?

Oh, they are really nice. La Jolla Playhouse is treating me well. This is pretty fancy.

John Leguizamo in Carlito's Way, just as he shoots Al Pacino's character.

Is there a story you can entice our readers with, as a little hint of your performance?

You know, I did Carlito’s Way with Al Pacino. I’m the only man in cinema history to shoot Al Pacino dean in a movie, which is my sad claim to fame.

At the time I was a crazy ad-libber. I was always making up my own dialog. Pacino kind of taught to just sit with it, just be comfortable with it, just ride with it. I enjoy telling that story. It’s a little bit more animated and aggressive in the play, but that’s the gist of it.

A little bit of advice from Al Pacino.

Yeah. Do less.

Talking about your ad-libbing, how much of your show is ad-libbed and how much of it is scripted?

It’s a process. At the beginning of the process, it’s much more ad-libbed. I definitely write it first. But when I get on my feet, it starts to be ad-libbed and improvised. At this point, it’s still mad improvised. I am changing things every day, cutting out scenes and adding scenes until I find it. Then when I find it, the improvisation slows down a little bit.

What’s it like working with director Fisher Stevens?

This is the first time me and him have worked together in this capacity. We did Super Mario Brothers together, and we did A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This is our first collaboration together. He’s pretty amazing.

I knew he was the right person for this piece because he knows me; he’s a producer, director, actor and he just understands the business; and because he’s an incredibly funny dude, too. I knew he would get the tone I was trying to do. Plus, he would keep me honest, too.

John Leguizamo: Diary of a Madman
Part of the La Jolla Playhouses Page to Stage series
March 4-14
Tickets: $30

Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive
(Located on the UCSD Campus via the Revelle Entrance)
Box Office: (858) 550-1010
Online: www.lajollaplayhouse.org

Sacha Boutros

The golden age of Hollywood has long since passed, but jazz musician Sacha Boutros is determined to bring it back, and with her talent she may very well have you convinced. The San Diego native grew up singing in a church setting where she would sing harmonies with her grandfather whom, aside from Nancy Wilson, she remains most inspired by.

Sacha’s love for music was innate, as her mother reminiscently recalled “she has been singing from the time she was two years old.” With a very traditional upbringing, school was of the highest priority and singing was viewed as a hobby not an obtainable or viable career.

Attending the University of San Diego on both academic and athletic scholarships, Sacha excelled not only in Tennis and Soccer but academia as well. It wasn’t until her late teens that she even realized her own voice. Shortly thereafter, and with her families support she had decided to take her life in the direction of her passion.”I left and flipped over to music…I always felt like I was born in the wrong time, growing up, I loved Sinatra, the 30′s and 40′s, and that whole golden age of Hollywood. I always fantasized about the music and living in that time.” Needless to say she began singing, and was doing so professionally by the age of 20.

Not afraid or opposed to take the business side of things into her own hands, Sacha not only has the title singer, composer and producer, but handles the negotiations, budgeting and advertising for all of her shows. “I enjoy doing it all. I continue to wear the hat backstage as well, but the best thing is just making music.”

With fluency in 5 languages and the ability to sing in 7, the goal of appealing to all audiences with her ‘pop/jazz’ style seems quite obtainable. She wanted to be sure “there’s a song for everybody” and there definitely is – “Estate” is mine.

Sacha’s music career, while definitely on the continual rise, has been quite successful thus far and the list of accomplishments quite long. From currently ranking 7th in japan for the top 10 jazz albums of the year to sold out shows in Hawaii, and being one of only two selected candidates to represent the United States for the world’s youngest jazz musicians is quite significant.

Yet despite the list of achievements she remains humble and very thankful. “You see this path that the universe is pointing you towards. I followed it and realized this is what I’m supposed to do…I feel so blessed.”

I feel confident saying Sacha Boutros could sing the phonebook and her energy, charisma and talent would without a doubt envelop the crowd. Although inspired by an era past, she is able to bring it back to life in her very own unique and beautiful way.

For an evening filled with fine music, log on to www.sacha-boutros.com. You can also catch her live hosting “Sacha Sundays” every Sunday evening from 6-9pm at Bing Crosby’s in San Diego (my personal favorite, the setting is intimate and the seating is great!).

“The Steve and Eydie” set includes duets with Daniel Feldman at the Bing Crosby’s in the desert every other Saturday. And for those of you traveling, you can catch her playing the Rrazz room March 2 in San Francisco. Wishing you an evening of musical bliss!

Bucky has been busy since he first exploded onto the scene on American Idol, where he made it to the top 8. Since then, he’s done everything from releasing a record setting album, going on tour, and appearing on TV and in the movies.

Coming off a whirl wind debut, Bucky got into the Christmas spirit earlier this month at the annual Carols by Candlelight concert at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido.

We were met by a surprisingly tall long-haired North Carolinian with true down-home southern charm. His charisma and approachability are undeniable. Over the past two years he’s been honing his skills and growing as a singer, song writer and performer. There’s no denying that he is a busy man with a bright future in the spotlight.

After leaving San Diego, he’ll be heading to Albuquerque, then back to Nashville where he will get back into the studio to finish up his second album, “I’m Alright” to be released spring of 2010. Despite the busy schedule, he sat down with us to chat about where he’s been and what where he’s going.

With the holidays coming up, what’s your schedule like, are you going to be taking a break for the holidays?

I thought I was and I just got a phone call that I’m going to be going back into the studio next week. Then I’ve got a show to do in Nashville on Dec. 29th and then we’re playing on New Years Eve in North Carolina, my home state, so that should be a rockin’ good time.

What are your plans for tonight’s show? Are you going to play your old songs or some songs off the new album?

You know, I’ve had three top tens, so it’s hard to choose. I think I’m going to play some of my top tens and one new song. I was actually in my truck the other day, and I was thinking that I need to write a new song. So I called my buddy and we hammered this song out. You know, it doesn’t really have a name yet. I’m going to say “Lamp Post” or something like that. Let’s hope it’s a hit!

Are you still working on songs for the new album?

I thought I was done with the album but the longer I had to sit on it the more I started to think, “maybe I’ll do this, maybe I’ll do that.” When we go back into the studio I think we’ll have a few more, which is a good problem to have. We’re going to soup up the album a little more.

There were a couple of songs that I wasn’t real excited about so I’m very happy to go back into the studio and sort it out. I wrote a couple of songs and I know one is definitely going to be on the album.

So we’re not quite done with the album yet. We’re getting very close; but of course we’ve still got to do the pictures and everything else. The thank yous…you know how hard it is to write thank yous for an album? It’s very easy to thank a lot of folks but by the time you get done you will forget somebody, I promise. Every time I do it, it’s like I forgot this and this and this. I’m always forgetting someone. There are a lot of people who help.

Now, do you usually write your own music? Because the top 10s you had are all so different.

I did not write those. I don’t write a whole bunch, I’m not a big song writer. I do enjoy writing and everything but I’ve got the attention span of a mouse, so sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t.

My first album I think I had one song on it that I wrote. But you know, in Nashville there are a lot of great song writers. And I’m proud of the songs I write and everything but if I hear a song that’s just better than mine, I’m not going to cut that song, I’m going to cut mine.  I just want to do a good album however that may happen.

What was your favorite song off the last album?

My favorite song never went to radio. It’s a song called “Back When We Were Gods.” I absolutely love the song. I still have it in my show. Of course, now that I’ve got a new album coming out I’ve got to make room for new songs. But this song I’ve yet to get rid of.

There’s that one and another one called “I’m Good.” Both are in the set list and I won’t be surprised if I go back and re-cut either one of them, like on the 5^th album or something because those are two songs I would really love to hit radio and let people hear it.

Do you have favorite song to perform?

You know I love performing those songs and everything, but when it comes to performing, that switches around. A lot of times it’s the new song. Whatever song is the newest in the set list is probably the most fun for me because it’s the newest. But mainly when you sing, for instance, the three top tens, when I sing one of those and the crowd starts singing along it’s kind of tough to beat. When the crowd starts singing with you, that’s always a favorite. And when trying to pick between “I’ll Walk,” “It’s Good to Be Us,” and “A Different World,” I can’t pick between the three. If the crowd sings, I’m having a ball.

It’s good to be a part of the crowd when that happens, but I can’t imagine how it would feel to hear your own songs being sung back.

You have no idea, that’s the best.

You know, I did the Hannah Montana movie which was very cool but the main difference between doing a movie and doing music is when you’re onstage it’s instant gratification. When you sing a song, if people hate it they boo you, if they love it they cheer right away. But when you do a movie you do all the work and it’s a year, year and a half later before it comes out.

Do you have any future plans for more movies?

You know, it was very cool. It was a neat thing. I would definitely like to do some more TV later on, whatever it may be. I love comedy and love street channel type stuff – love dirt bikes, street bikes, fast cars, old cars, you know I worked at a body shop for about ten years. But I would definitely like to do more stuff like that.

But music is what I love doing. I just love to the tour, I love just getting on my bus, playing shows at night; I like waking up in a different city the next day. I dig that, I really dig that. But later on down the road it would be very neat to do some more TV.

And you’ve already had some experience, with the Hannah Montana movie, and you were on Are You Smarter Than a 5^th grader.

Honestly, when you were looking at me, you did not think I would make it all the way to the end did you? If you know anything about me you did not think I could win all of that, did you?

I’ve never seen anyone make it to the end.

Honestly, they did a lot of editing. But I talked my way through all of them. You just use logic. It’s the one thing I have. It was a lot of luck. You know, street smarts. And it worked! And you know, I’m a big fan of comedy and I love Jeff Foxworthy so it was neat to hang out with him a bit; that was fun.

The show in San Diego benefits the Rady Childen’s Hospital. Do you do a lot of benefit concerts? Or charity work?

I love giving to those in need, especially children. I think anyone who can help likes to help. But it gets very tough to pick which one. When it comes to children and children’s hospitals, I do a lot of work with St. Jude’s. And today, survival rates for diseases like Leukemia are so high. So when you’re picking something to help with, it’s a no-brainer. They’re raising money, and using it wisely.

I love doing stuff to help charity. I actually was just at home…and you know I’ve got a video out…I think it just went to #15 on GAC’s countdown…You know, I went back and shot a video for “Gonna Be Somebody” in my hometown of Rockingham, North Carolina. We had close to 10,000 people show up and we benefited Back Pack Pals, which is a really good organization. They noticed children that were getting discount lunches at school were eating at school, but on the weekends were going hungry – which is absolutely horrible. It’s terrible. So this was a great organization to help with. It’s an amazing organization; I’d love to help it grow.

Now, what are some things we can expect on this new album that maybe weren’t on the old one?

Well, I am very proud of my first album, I love that album. But you know, it did have more of a rush on it.  I came off of American Idol and we wanted to hit that window.

How long did you have to do that first album after you were done with Idol?

I came off of Idol, then we did the tour…but I think it was all in that first year. Maybe 5 or 6 months. But you know, with this album I have been able to grow a little bit. In the 3 years since I was on American Idol, being in country music, being upfront with it everyday, going out, seeing other peoples’ shows, listening…I think I’ve grown a lot.

Vocally I’ve grown a good bit and this album has got songs on it that I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have attempted on my first album. It’s got some more catchy, grab your balls and go for it kind of a thing, you know what I mean? There’s this one song on there called “I Want My Life Back” and it’s a great vocal song and I absolutely love it.

We did keep a variety going. One thing I love about country music is the variety. Some songs have a pop edge, so have a rock edge, and that’s what I love. I listen to about everything from Eminem to George Straight, whatever it may be. I love Johny Lange; I’m a big blues fan.

With different musical influences, and from being on Idol, do you find that having that variety helps to draw fans from outside country music?

I’ve got mostly country fans, of course. But I have met some folks that got to know me from American Idol and they weren’t country fans at all. Once they follow me a little bit they became country music fans. You’re always proud to hear that. You know I’ve had wives that have dragged their husbands to my shows and they come up to me afterward and say, “Man, I hated country, but you’re okay. I’m going to get your album.”

One thing I’ve always loved about country music is the fans. You know, if they like you, they like you. They like you, everything about you. That’s a very cool thing.

But you know, it’s a tough business. There’s always someone else, someone looking up to you, and someone trying to take your place. So without a doubt you have to stay keyed in on things. It’s a lot of work.  There’s a lot of the backend that you have to remember to do.

If you weren’t on American Idol, what would you be doing?

You know, I used to work in my dad’s body shop, but I don’t think I would have been there very long. I would have probably done the bar circuit. I was thinking about moving to Nashville, Tennessee to try the old fashioned way. I didn’t know what I would do once I got there, but I was going to go walk into bars and start singing and see what happened.

But I did know that staying in Rockingham, North Carolina, no producer was going to walk into a club and say, “This kid’s got it” so I knew I had to get out of town and go to where the music was. So I would like to think I’d be in Nashville with a record deal, maybe just 2 years behind.

That was my whole plan, but out of the blue my sister in law told me about American Idol and said, give it a shot. She got me to the audition and she made sure it happened. And of course, my sister in law is on tour with me, along with my identical twin brother and my best friend Ducky. So it’s Bucky, Rocky, and Ducky.

It’s been a very cool ride and it’s really great to be here to help out a good cause. And maybe while I’m here I’ll check out Sea World.

Is there any last thing you want to tell San Diego?

A big Thank you to the fans and everyone that has supported me through American Idol and all the success we have had with the three top tens and the videos. You have no idea what it means. I’ve very proud to be able to do this, hopefully for the next 30 years. And everybody buy the new album!

Keep an eye out for his sophomore album, “I’m Alright,” coming out this Spring. And follow Bucky Covington on Myspace and Twitter. You can also find out more information about upcoming tour dates on www.buckycovington.com or check the latest videos, songs, and pictures from Bucky on iLike.

Wearing a comfy but fresh beanie, white K-Swiss and sitting with his beautiful wife, it did seem pretty simple back stage at the San Diego edition of How The Grouch Stole Christmas at Belly Up Tavern.  DJ Fresh, the producer of recently released Grouch album Three Eyes off The Time was headphone equipped, playing on the keys nearby. I felt so relaxed, and in the few moments that had transpired I knew that it was going to be a great interview.

I started by asking The Grouch about his excitement being in San Diego, and whether the city shows as much love as up North.  The Grouch confirmed that San Diego was a hot spot, and we proceeded onto the more burning questions.

This year’s edition of the annual How The Grouch Stole Christmas tour doubled as a Toys For Tots drive. The Grouch says that getting involved with the charity just came about this year, but that it’s something he’d like to continue. With fans Toys For Tots donations at the show, you received a special gift from The Grouch: a complimentary copy of his freshest CD, Three Eyes Off The Time plus a limited edition vinyl!

Living Legend fans may also have been surprised that this year’s tour didn’t include the usual cast of “legendary” characters. Instead, other remarkable artists such as Mistah F.A.B., Fashawn and Exile opened up. The Grouch wanted full control over the opener’s on his tour, and that’s one reason he explains why these West Coast up and comers were enlisted. According to The Grouch, past tour openers haven’t all properly reflected what he believed in, or wanted to be associated with. Undoubtedly this show was different.

The first openers were local artists Fetty Slaps and OH10x who kicked off the show representing for SD with their new single “Drop.” Following was MC Fashawn with Exile who fed his insanity into the turn-tables and blew our minds.

Then Mistah F.A.B. got on stage to our “stupid” surprise and the crowd’s delight. Mistah F.A.B. showed us why being “cool, fresh and different” makes you elite. Mistah F.A.B. closed his set with a freestyle like I had never seen before, it was just like the energizer bunny. He kept going and going, but with a lot more style.

Three Eyes Off The Time was available for purchase at the merch booth, a day before its official release. I had to understand what that title meant to The Grouch; it’s pretty unique. As I asked the question, The Grouch explained that he hadn’t prepared a good answer for “that one yet.” As he delved into his own mind for the answer, he reasoned with me and said it was “very deep.” Not to our surprise, The Grouch confirmed that if you listen to the new album, the title should make a lot more sense as the concept is very complex.

This album is produced in its entirely by DJ Fresh, who is also on this tour with The Grouch. The Grouch explained that in the past he had beats ready to match words with, or kept them around in the “vault” for years only to be resurrected at the right time.

This time he collaborated with DJ Fresh on the Three Eyes Off The Time project and seemed very proud of it. Understandably so, as just this week it has risen to the number 2 spot on the iTunes Store’s Top 10 Hip Hop Albums, beating Snoop Dogg’s Malice N Wonderland(#4) and Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3(#10).

Underground and independent have become synonyms in the industry. The Grouch, with indie labels Legendary Music and Simple Man, has been doing music without the system since day one. The Grouch is a representation of an artist that has built an empire without any corporate sell-out. He has become an internationally recognized and appreciated hip hop artist.

Artists always have their reasons for going the independent route. The Grouch chalked it up to control, the ability that independence gives you the right to have full control of your music.

From the interview I definitely felt that The Grouch’s spiritual connections, which are ever-present in his music, play into every aspect of his life – another reason I am sure that he’s gone independent.

I remarked about how I understand the difficulty in maintaining a close family relationship while working. This goes for everyone, not just artists on the road, but parents working 40+ hours a week. The Grouch said the only way for him to maintain sanity was to have his wife and daughter with him on the road. I had to bring up his daughter, who has been photographed on his album covers, including Show You The World in 2008.

There was definitely a sense of tenderness when speaking on family subjects that can be appreciated in a world of disrespectful hip hop artists.

It’s well known that there are tons of kids trying to break into the rap industry, talented or not. I wanted to know what The Grouch thought of all these kids, and his recommendation for those aspiring to his type of success and personally controlled empire.

The Grouch confirmed not to give up or loose hope and keep working hard. Obviously this is a statement he can attest to, since he’s been putting out records since 1995 and working towards his goals. The Grouch has been in the underground scene and is overflowing into mainstream success.

Our Entertainer interview contained a lot of great chit chat about The Grouch, and I finished by asking him what was next. The Grouch has records, merchandise and fans galore; will we see him on the big screen? The Grouch laughed, and said he didn’t have any plans for that. But maybe he’d start writing something someday.

You can get more information and buy the new Three Eyes Off The Time on www.therealgrouch.com.

For up to the minute updates on The Grouch follow him on Twitter @therealgrouch and add him on MySpace.

Check out this recent video from the tour, performing “Whatever I Say” in Santa Barbara on December 8th.

Your thoughts?

Play with The Grouch’s music online here

Comprised of Cisco Adler and Aaron Smith (a.k.a Shwayze) the duo first made waves with the single off their debut self titled album Shwayze with “Buzzin’” in 2008. With melodic guitar and voice styling’s from Cisco and Shwayze’s flow, it’s not surprising to see their popularity grow. Thousands of internet plays and downloads followed, obviously the pair stumbled onto something and have continued going strong.

After a stop in San Diego for their “Get U Home” tour at the House of Blues a few months ago, we were amazed! The show’s energy started with several songs by Shwayze, whose mom was in the crowd and got a special shout out. How sweet!

Cold Flamez and Beardo, Shwayze’s tour mates also gave an electric performance treating attendee’s. Shwayze came back on stage with Cisco to finish the night and keep us humming Malibu tunes all the way home. Three simple words to summarize: the show rocked!

We checked in with the artists on their continued tour and recently released second album Let It Beat, available now. Check out what the boys had to say to the Entertainer:

So, what’s being on tour been like recently?

Incredible. Every night’s been sold out. And we’re touring with LMFAO who are our good friends. Couldn’t be better.

We saw you at the House of Blues here in San Diego and you totally killed it.  You mentioned that you went to school here in San Diego?

I actually went to Grossmont Jr. College. I lived by State, close to El Cajon.

How did it come about that you met Cisco and started making music?

After 8 months of JC in SD with no credits to show for it, I moved back to Malibu. Shortly after I ran into Cisco at a party at his crib. I was like yo, I’m a fan of your music and other artists you’ve produced, I’m 21 and want to work with you! I came over the next day.

We’re excited to hear more of your new stuff when “Let It Beat” comes out. What can fans expect on this album? Will it have differences from your last album?

This record has the same ingredients as the last with a few more spices. We didn’t want to go too far from the sound our fans have come to love, but at the same time we wanted to show the world that we are not just a one trick pony. We’ve stepped this record up production wise and lyrically. And similar to the last record, every song is someone’s favorite.

Any unexpected collabs on the new album?  Are there any particular artists you’d be interested in collaborating with?

Snoop Dogg blesses us on a track called “Livin it Up” which is a dream come true for both Cisco and me. Rick Ocasek co-produced “Crazy 4 U,” a classic rock anthem. Roy Bitten from the E-street Band played piano on “Heart and Soul,” which closes the record and is some of the most beautiful piano playing ever! We really set out to make a classic record all around and that’s what we did. We also have features from The Knux and Tabbi Bonney.

And the infamous question “What does Shwayze listen to? What’s in your I-Pod?”

Everything from The Cars, Tom Petty, The Red Hot Chili Peppers to Outkast, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash, Jay-Z. I love music.

Any big plans for when you have a break in your tour? Will you go back to relax in your hometown, Malibu for awhile?

Yea, def just Chill in the Bu for a bit, but not too long. We’re always doing something, but that’s why I love it!

Anything else you’d like to tell fans?

Go get Let it Beat! You won’t be disappointed. Follow us on twitter @shwayze @mrciscoadler. Also go to Iamrogue.com to see live footage from us on tour. Myspace.com/shwayze

Check out this behind the scenes video from the road with Shwayze and tour mates Beardo, Cold Flamez, B.O.B., Anjulie and Jason Smith.

Press photo for Beggars

Founded in Orange County, Thrice has been a hard rock band with notoriety in music and amongst fans world wide. Their mixture of soft melodic progression, diluted with a hard powerful sensibility has allowed them to put out many hit albums. Artist in the Ambulance, Identity Crisis, Vheissu, Illusion of Safety, and now Beggars are just a few of the hard-rockers’ masterful works of art.

Beggars, their most recent album, has been a long awaited project by many Thrice fans and many in the music community. The digital version of Beggars has already been released due to an unfortunate leak of the album in the states. However, the hard copy version of Beggars is set to release on September 15, and is looking to be yet another addition to the eclectic rockers repertoire.

The Entertainer had a chance to catch up with Dustin Kensrue (lead singer from Thrice) to discuss the album in full detail and get the low down on the inspiration that helped make the album known as “Beggars”.

AC: Can you give us a little information on your new album Beggars, and how you came up with the title and music that is in the album?

DK: The last song on the album is called “Beggars.” I had the idea for a while, based on this idea of Martin Luther’s last words. It says, “we are beggars,” which is true. I thought that those were some pretty heavy last words, and a heavy statement. I chewed on that for a while – what it means if we are all “beggars” in a sense.

For me it came down to just how much we take for granted, how much we take credit for the things we have been blessed with, and how much we don’t appreciate the things we have. No one can know if they are going to wake up tomorrow. Every breath is a gift on some level. I feel like if you can really dig into that idea, it can have a pretty profound impact on the way that you live and the way that you think of yourself and others.

AC: When you guys first heard that your album had been leaked, how did you react to it?

DK: Umm…I was surprised that it happened that early, but you have to kind of expect these things to happen to us. We weren’t too surprised and there is nothing you can really do except try to do damage control as best as you can.

We recorded another song for the five bonus tracks that are coming out with the physical release right now, got the remixes done, B-sides mastered and ready, we released on I-Tunes earlier than the physical album, tried to be nimble as possible with it and stay on our feet.

AC: Your first albums are substantially harder then your most recent albums you put out. Is this the reason for a more upbeat tempo in “Beggars”?

DK: I wouldn’t say that those albums are harder or heavier, I think “Vheissu” is definitely not the heaviest stuff we’ve done. The early stuff is definitely faster, but I think we are trying to find a new form of energy with this record to fuse in with the music.

I look at it as something that has the ability to move something else, and I feel like this record physically wants to make you move more than anything we’ve done. It’s not a fast or a super heavy record, for me playing it is the most fun.

Music we have written translates into the record, and once people get established with the movement of the record I think it is something people are going to enjoy for a while.

For people who were expecting it to be another “Artist in the Ambulance,” it’s not going to hit you in the first listen.  For one thing, the sound is not blasting in your face. There are no layered guitars or gigantic drum sounds.  It sounds like a real band playing music in a room together and that’s what we really like about it.

People are so saturated with fake and almost steroid-ish music. When something is real, I think at first people feel underwhelmed. But there is a lot more payoff if you are willing to get where it is coming from.

AC: Can you give you us a little information on one of your singles, “All the World is Mad” and why it has that title?

DK: It’s about the human condition. Whether it is from a psychological standpoint, or a religious standpoint and sin, people can define the problem in different ways. However you phrase it, it’s basically that there is something wrong with everything, there’s something wrong in everyone’s heart and there is some darkness there.

Even acknowledging that brings up some huge questions. Something is wrong and we need to find something that is right. There is a contrast to that, an ideal that stands separately from us. Otherwise we would just have things that we like or don’t like; we wouldn’t have this sense of right or wrong. The sense of right and wrong, I think, is something we intuitively find within ourselves and understand to be true. The song is coming from this kind of dark place that is saying, “there is something wrong with you, with everybody, and a lot of the ways that you are trying to look at things aren’t going to get to the root of the problem.”

AC: Why did you guys decide not to record the band all at once like you originally wanted to do?

DK: We tried to make it feel as live and real as possible. The problem is that the studio was really small.  We were unable to track live in there in order for it to sound good. We couldn’t get any separation for the drums due to the size. There were a bunch of issues.

The whole vibe in which we approached it was very loose. We tried to catch a feeling rather than perfecting everything. There is kind of a death that happens in the music when you try to get everything done perfectly. Trying to get every single thing in perfect tune just feels really robotic and staged.

People would be like, “I really like your band live but it feels really different on records,” and we felt the same way. We’re learning how to capture that in this record, and when you hear it live it won’t sound any different in the sense of the vibe and energy.

AC: Is that why you guys decided to self-produce the album, so you could put out that feeling of continuity from your live shows to the CD?

DK: That’s one aspect, there is a lot of reasons. Money being one, and just a lot of control from another level. You know what your art is and if you have a vision for something, sometimes that vision can be frustrated by someone who is not on the same page. There are benefits to doing it both ways, but right now this is working for us.

AC: How many days did you guys tour on Warped Tour?

DK: We did the beginning and the end. Our guitarist had a second kid during the tour.

AC: When you guys were on tour, and in San Diego, how receptive were the fans to your new music?

DK: It seemed pretty good, it’s hard to judge before people really have the record and the lyrics. It’s hard to tell because people are listening, taking it in, and experiencing it in a different way than when you’re first seeing it. People are a little more passive in that stage. It’s hard to weigh it when you haven’t had it out there for a while, but it seems that a lot of people are really digging the record. Probably the most positive, off-the-bat response we’ve had since Artist of the Ambulance hit the air.

AC: What’s your favorite song to play so far from your new album, “Beggars”?

DK: We’ve only played three live at this point, “All the World is Mad,” “The Weight,” and “At the Last.” I like “At the Last” most, its got a good energy. Kind of like a grunge type energy, this mean kind of thing going on. I like that one.

AC: What are you looking forward to the most that is going to come out of this album?

DK: I don’t know man. We’re not very self-analytical with our stuff, we kind of just do our thing, put it out there, and hope for the best.

AC: Any last things you want to add?

DK: We will be in San Diego in November…and just do music because you love it. The only way someone is going to corrupt your art is if your priorities are out of whack. The only way you are going to be really happy with your music is if you are satisfied with what you are doing, not if your doing well or whatever. With the way the industry is, don’t give in to music to make money, unless your some pop act. Keep your music as the art and that should always be the priority.

Zee Avi photo courtesy of Autumn de Wilde

Zee Avi is one of those artist’s that comes along and you can not deny her unique difference, and approach to music. Born in Borneo, Avi has become one of the musicians whose songs are deeply reverent and soulful. Playing at last weeks Street Scene for the first time, we caught up with Avi to talk about many things. From her excitement on being booked for the event, and how she has made friends in the music industry.

We also discussed the use of the internet medium Avi used in order to make her musical career blossom into the one she has now.

AC: Hey how’s it going?

Avi: It’s going good…I’m in Portland right now enjoying a cup of coffee.

AC: This is the first Street Scene you are going to play right?

Avi: Yeah, and I am super excited for it.

AC:Are you excited to come to San Diego and see the great city?

Avi: For sure! I’ve been told that that the city is beautiful. I’ve never been to the city before on my tour, but I’ve been told by my friends that I would love it.

AC: How did you get hooked up with Street Scene?

Avi: I’m not to sure…I hope someone on Street Scene wanted me to play for them. (Laughter came from Avi after the statement)

AC: In your early years you posted videos on YouTube, how did that help your career?

Avi: It was all completely out of boredom. I posted the videos on YouTube while I was in Kuala Lumpur.

AC: I noticed you play the ukulele along with the guitar, which one do you prefer more?

Avi: I think they are both equally excellent. Even though I play the songs on my guitar, I write them on the ukulele.

AC: How do you get the inspiration for the music you play?

Avi: I get it from everything. I get it from anything that moves me, everything from books, to art, to paintings, from other songs, to other artists, and many different things that I have been exposed to, like when I am on the road, or my past experiences, or my imagination.

AC: What made you go back from London where you studied, to your hometown in Kuala Lumpur?

Avi: Well you know..I was in London for four years, I think its a chunk of time for you to love it and hate it. But, I definitely spent of significant part of my life in London and I think it was about time were I was like “I don’t think I can take the cold anymore”. So I packed my bags and went home to figure out what I want to do.

AC: It also said you studied fashion there right?

Avi: Yeah.

AC: What made you choose music over fashion?

Avi: I think music has always been my passion and my hobby, it wasn’t something I didn’t want to stop or give up. I never thought, let alone expected it to be my career at all, and I am pretty grateful that I am able to do that.

AC: It says here that you are 23, how does it feel to be so young and successful?

Avi: I don’t think I’m that young babe! Look at the Jonas brothers compared to my life, look at Miley Cyrus.

AC: That’s Disney, you cant fight Disney ya know?

Avi: It’s so funny, I was watching a documentary today on all the Disney kids and how at some point they take on the Disney Image. I was like, dude come on.

AC: How did it feel when you got offered to actually do your first studio album from Brushfire Records, and Monotone label?

Avi: I rolled out the bed. I had just come back from a party actually. What happened was my video got featured on Youtube.com and then Patrick Keeler saw my video and passed  it to Ian Montone who manages The Raconteurs and The White Stripes, and they collaborated with Brushfire Records to release my record. There is many, many wonderful people that I am working with right now, I’m pretty happy.

AC: Which people in the music community are your most memorable, and which one’s made a lasting impression?

Avi: Well…meeting Jack White was pretty wild. I went to a Dead Weather concert last night and meeting Jack White was probably the most memorable one.

AC: Why would you say that?

Avi: I mean, how would you feel if you met Jack White?

AC: Pretty Cool

Avi: Yeah, exactly. You’re Jack White! Do you know that your Jack White?

We both enjoyed a chuckle on that one and continued the interview.

AC: What would be you advice to people on making it, and how to utilize the internet like you did?

Avi: Well, I never expected any of this to be a marketing tool, when you don’t  expect much from something you just dive in with both feet and hope it lands some place good. I took that risk, and I took that chance and I landed somewhere good, but if I had any advice I would say don’t change, and don’t be afraid to be misunderstood.

AC: I read that you were bred to be a lawyer, how was that?

Avi: Miserable!

AC: Did your Grandfather teach you any music, or did you learn on your own?

Avi: Unfortunately he passed away when I was very young, so I had to teach myself. I learned on my on, I am a really bad teacher and student.

AC: What is one of your most memorable events on you tour?

Avi: We played a couple of places recently with Pete Bjorn and there were so many places that we had a great response and it was awesome. If I were to say from one of my old shows it would be… wow, thats a toughy. I’v been loving all the places I’ve played so far.

AC: When you come to San Diego what is the first thing you plan on doing?

Avi: Go explore.  We all have time to do that…haha

AC: Any last words you want to add for people who want to hear your music?

Avi: I just want people to have an enjoybale time, especially for first time listeners. I just want it to be an enjoyable experience and I am looking forward to meeting them.

Anya posing for the camera at Street Scene

It’s 4:30 on a Friday in August, and all the pores in my body are secreting the Propel I had just ingested over 20 minutes ago. The heat wave that is striking San Diego is taking its toll on all who are attending Street Scene. The faces have half-wittingly smiles that are covering for the tortured soul that is screaming inside of them.

Passing through the heat filled air I made my way to the Green Stage and got acquainted with a man who goes by the name “O”. I’m not sure if it’s “O” like the letter, or oh, like she’s going to get the “oh face”, whatever it was, it mattered not. For the man who calls himself “O” was the gateway to the interview I was about to conduct.

Anya Marina, oh sweet Anya, where do I begin, first off let me start with this. Every reporter or journalist has to go through a process I’m deeming as the “suckle your ego” process. Which is a series of interviews or write ups that are so far from your actual perspective or true beliefs, that you get lost in your own bullshit. However, with Anya I didn’t have to do that. She was an amazing girl, who seemed humble and truly genuine in everything she talked about and did.

Once the interview got started, Anya only furthered my resolve in making this article one I truly mean.

Hailing from L.A., Anya Marina is becoming one of the up-and-coming stars in the music industry. With her unique blend of soft and powerful vocals, coupled with her passionate and heartwarming chord progressions, Anya has caught the attention of the public.

Grabbing many spots on hit television shows, her music is making her a shining star in the business. Included in the line-up for this year’s Street Scene I was given the chance of talking to Anya, who is such a beautiful soul.

Quietly tucked behind the Green Stage at Street Scene, Anya was seeking refuge from the heat. Previously finishing up with a recent interview Anya and I met. Cordially introducing myself, we shook hands, sat down, and the interview was on its way.

AC: How was it working for 94.9 and living in San Diego?

Anya: Oh, it was amazing; there is no other radio station like it in the US. I mean who gets to have John Reese from “Rocket from the Crypt” have a specialty show, and have live music all the time. Have everybody from Pete Bjorn, The White Stripes, to Interpol in studio, coming by to say hey, it’s such a great station. Not to mention they have the best DJ’s, some of the most real sounding DJ’s around.

After that rousing response Anya elegantly adjusted her boot and accidentally kicked me. I assumed this was a gesture of some sort giving me the go ahead, and that I was accepted by her in this interview. So like a little school boy I humorously replied with “You trying to kick me or something?”

Anya: No, I’m trying to keep the zipper on my pants straight.

We both enjoyed a chuckle and continued on.

AC: You’ve worked for other radio stations right?

Anya: Yes I have, but my run with 94.9 was the longest one. I’ve also worked with 92.1 for awhile, like a year and a half until it went under. Then I worked for another one in San Diego which was 92.5.

AC: Would you say that the radio stations helped you with your career, or was it just a limbo thing for you before you made it in music?

Anya: I actually did both at the same time. I was always doing radio and music simultaneously. However, I didn’t quit my job until I started touring full-time and working on music full-time. Playing gigs on the weekend like at the Casbah and Lestats, or up in LA. I would schedule little tours for two weeks around my work, but after this record came out Slow and Steady Seduction: Phase II.

AC: Wow, that’s a long one.

Anya: Hey! I’m with it. When that came out though, I knew had to quit. The album was such a solid album I really wanted to support it, and tour on it. I’m so glad because it’s full-blown right now.

AC: Can you give me a little background on your new album?

Anya: It was produced by Brian Karscig from Louis the XIV, he’s now in a band called “Nervous Wreckchords”, w-r-e-c-k, records, and they are opening up for The Killers. He produced ten tracks and Brit Daniels from “Spoon” produced two tracks. I just had a great time playing, went to the theater, then went to the studio, it was fun. It sounds so good! I have strings on there, and Brian Karscig plays piano and bass, it’s just a really fun album. Rock songs like “After Party at Jimmy’s” I wrote with Louis the XIV, there’s cover songs on there, an old sixties Bossa Nova “Waters of March”, it’s a good little record I’m proud of it.

AC: Why did you title you new album with that specific name?

Anya: There is a thread of seduction and romance throughout every song, like a thematic sort of common thread. I’ve always liked any title that sounds like a term paper. Both my parents are professors and it’s sort of like a ridiculous title and I liked it. It sounded sort of official in a way, so I went with it.

AC: You say that you have weird songs pop in your head all the time, what’s the weirdest song that has ever popped in your head?

Anya: By saying that I meant that I get melodies stuck in my head, not actual songs. That’s how I write, I just hear melodies and I write them down.

AC: You’ve gotten some of your songs on some hit television shows like “Gossip Girl” and “Grey’s Anatomy“, how did that feel?

Anya: I’ve really only seen one, I think, I’ve seen it on “Grey’s Anatomy” twice and this show…I can’t believe I’m forgetting the name of it. Oh yeah, the one about your mother, “How I met your Mother”, but I’ve really only seen Grey’s Anatomy, it was weird and a little strange. Of course it’s flattering and exciting and it’s is kind of like a new angle to your art. I would have never thought of doing that, and you have no control over how your song is used. You just know it is going to be used on the show in some scene, so it’s always a little scary. As long as you stand behind your work and you like the song, and you hopefully like the show then it’s a new way of looking at something and hearing it. Also it is a great way of reaching fans.

AC: Did you see a big boost in the number of fans you had after it aired on the shows?

Anya: People ask me that a lot, and the true answer, the more accurate answer is, A: I don’t know because I don’t check my album sales every second. B: I think there is never a big boost in anything. You’re working consistently hard and keeping your nose to the grindstone; which I try to do. You do see over the long term at shows, people will come to you at shows and say “I’ve heard of you, I’ve never heard of you before, but I was watching this commercial and I heard this song,” or “I was watching this T.V. show and I googled you and I found you.” I notice that happening, like I would have never reached this certain demographic if it wasn’t for the show.

AC: How was your first mic performance in San Diego and where was it at? How receptive were the people at the performance to your music?

Anya: Java Joe’s in OB (Ocean Beach). Dude, I wouldn’t know how the people were feeling it. I was so nervous and all I could think about was not fainting and collapsing on stage. My fingers were shaking, my voice was quivering; I think the crowd kind of tolerated me and they were nice, and they clapped. It certainly wasn’t a rousing applause, I must have played for like twenty people my first time…thank god! I just barely got through the song; it really was a night that I will never ever forget. A lot of gigs come and go, but I will never forget that first open mic. Just the terror, fear, and the excitement and all of those feelings, hormones and juices combined in your body. So often your body is saying “this is amazing!” Then right after that, “this is the most incredible feeling I’ve ever felt!” Then you get hit by “this is the scariest thing,” like right before you go on stage your body is saying (she lowers her voice)”why the fuck would you choose this as a profession! Why did you decide to do this? This is the dumbest…why can’t you be home watching TiVo, and ya know, watching Izzy Sleeps with George, or I see dead people, or whatever it is!”

AC: Do you still find yourself getting those jitters?

Anya: No, I don’t have them right now. I certainly do get them, I’ll probably get them right before I play, sometimes during, but I don’t anymore so much. I did have them the other day for something… oh what was it… I was on KCRW two days ago. That’s a radio station in the L.A. that I would listen to when I was growing up in the Bay area, I would listen to their online podcasts and stuff, I was terrified but it was really fun. Doing Jimmy Kimmel was so scary. I get nervous when I’m doing a duet with people on stage, because I am singing their lyrics. I was touring with this kid, kid, I mean guy, Eric Hutchinson. He is so awesome check him out!

AC: Any last things you want to add?

Anya: Rock on San Diego! Thanks so much for the support and it’s so nice to hear somebody say you’re from San Diego, because I feel proud of that.

Closing out the interview I took a final picture for the article. I was left in complete awe by Anya. She was so down to earth, easy to talk to, and overall a real fun individual. The ease I had with her in the interview rivaled that of the greatest bar conversations. I for one am an Anya fan and I hope she makes it to wherever she is going. Check out her new Album, and show her your love and support she is one that deserves it.

Provided by 'Confront Magazine' via Flickr

Recently attending this year’s Warped Tour, the Entertainer was lucky to catch up with the band Saosin and get an exclusive interview with some of the members of the band.

Saosin had just attended the last four days of Warped Tour and loved every minute of it. Just coming off the recent recording of their new album, In Search of Solid Ground, (set to release on Sept. 8, 2009) Saosin was in high spirits.

John Feldman and Butch Walker, who’ve worked with Pink, Good Charlotte, The Used, Story of the Year, Seven Dust, and Fall out Boy collaborated with Saosin on their new album.

Saosin’s album has been praised in Rolling Stone, LA Times and Alternative press and is making noise with its powerful artistry.

Catching up with Saosin, we popped some questions that many fans may want to know about them and their music. Saosin also talks about their trials and tribulations on the Warped Tour, including faulty equipment and bad transportation. They also share an overall sense of what it is like to be on tour.

They talk about the creation of their new album, what it means to them, and how it got its name. How it was to work with such large producers, and how they love San Diego, saying, “that this has been their best stop on Warped Tour thus far.”

The guys were very laid back and seemed eager to answer questions. Even when some of the questions went a little deeper, the boys from Saosin did not disappoint.

Below is the video from the boys of Saosin and some of their insight on Warped Tour, their album, and music in general.

From the moment she took her first breath Kristinia DeBarge had music flowing in her veins. Born from a father who was in a successful 70′s and 80′s band known as Debarge, Kristinia was blessed with the gift of music from James her father. Taking from all she had learned,  it was only a matter of time before she got out into the music world. You may have caught an earful of her song “Goodbye”, as it was buzzing on the radio. The song was a personal shout by Kristinia about her recent emotional experience, where she explains her release from a relationship. The song itself, embodies the pain and frustration many women go through, and is almost an anthem to the ladies.

“Goodbye” is among other hits on her debut album Exposed, which includes a number of songs that have deep correlation with many young women and their trials and tribulations. Despite her sweet composure, Kristinia is a sharp business woman who knows what she is doing. At the young age of 19 she has a lot of know-how, and is only going to rise in the profession.

After successfully spreading her name and publicizing herself. Kristinia is on her way with her hit song “Goodbye” and recent acquisition of a spot on Britney Spear’s The Circus tour.

The Entertainer had an opportunity to speak personally with Kristinia, where she divulges on what has made her grow, and also all the knowledge she has attained while enjoying the roller coaster that is fame.

From what we have heard, your songs are all so relatable to one growing up and finding their own path. But, are there any particular songs on your album Exposed that hold a special place to your heart?

I wrote two songs on the album, they both are very special to me. Every day it changes, but right now my favorite song is “Died In Your Eyes”. That song is definitely special to my heart, I mean all of my songs are special to my heart. It really just depends on my mood.

We’ve read the introductions, “Kristinia the next DeBarge”. Do you feel a lot of pressure from your family who has such a strong musical background?

Oh not at all, my family is very supportive. They have never put any pressure on me, and they make me feel very comfortable.

So, do they scrutinize your work since they have been in your shoes or offer tricks of the trade?

They’ve been giving me advice since I was 12.  Because I’ve been wanting to be a singer since I came out of the womb. They  gave me advice since I said this is what I want my career to be, and I have been working on that for the past seven or eight years now. They know that I know what I am doing, and they don’t have any doubt that I won’t be okay.

And even though you are a DeBarge, a last name in the competitive music business only means so much. What kept you going?

Patience really, my family and my friends being so supportive. I’ve always been so dedicated to my career and I’ve put it first. I still do. Pretty much what kept me going was God and my family. They just were always so supportive, if you don’t have a supportive family it makes it harder because you feel like your alone. I definitely don’t have that problem.

Would you have any advice for others that are trying to pursue their dream to become a successful artist?

Yes, my advice this far, as to my career, is to be prepared, to be happy sometimes, and be sad sometimes. You’re not always going to be happy. There’s going to be days when you’re working really hard and your going to be exhausted, but you have to keep going.

Have a lot of patience, know that there is going to be times when you feel like your being taken advantage of, and most likely you are. You know…you just have to be prepared for anything, and there’s going to be times when you’re going to be unhappy. You have to work through it anyway, and if this is something you really love and want to do; be prepared for the worst and be prepared for the best.

Congratulations on The Circus tour, alongside Britney Spears and Ciara. What has it been like interacting with them, were they ladies you looked up to?

I mean…I definitely love Ciara as an artist, she really can put on a show. Unfortunately, she’s not on the tour anymore.

I just did my first date in Hamilton, outside of the U.S. in Canada. We had Girlicious, me, and Britney Spears, and its going to be Jordin Sparks starting in New York once we get out there on Monday. Yep, that’s going to be our new show set. I am excited for that, because Jordin is a very talented young lady. I think we’re about the same age so hopefully we’ll become friends on tour.

I did finally meet Britney yesterday. She’s super sweet. She told me that her kids love my music and my song. She gave me a hug; you know it was a brief short moment, but I had my moment with Britney Spears.

On this tour you will be playing very large venues, do you ever get nervous before going on stage in front of a huge crowd?

I always get a bit nervous before any show, but what keeps me focused and just going out there and having fun is, remembering that this is what I love to do. So, when I go out there, I just have fun, I’m free, and I am who I am. I just hope that people accept it

Do you do any rituals to prepare yourself before you go on stage?

I just pray. That’s what I do, I pray with my dancers and my manager. We put our hands in the middle and say what we have to say, and lift our hands up and we go on that stage and do our best.

So, what is it like now when fans come up to you and know all of your songs?

It’s cool. It’s really cool I mean they are the ones that keep me going. I love my fans. There are days when I am really not in a good mood and I don’t feel like talking to anyone, and I will go on Twitter and ‘go live’, and me and my fans will talk.

Kristinia DeBarge's debut album - Exposed

They’ll make me feel better like completely make my day. I will be like “you know you guys, I was sad today, it was not a good day.” They’ll uplift my spirit.

Its amazing because these people genuinely love you and care about you. They’re not getting paid to say all these great things to you. They are paying to go see you, or just to go get your album. They’re supporting you and will always be your fans no matter what, loyal, loyal fans, and that’s what is just amazing to me, they do that without even knowing who I am as a person. They’re so loyal and I never want to let them down.

Speaking of Twitter, what do you do on the road to keep in touch with your loved ones?

I talk on the phone with my family a lot. I am going to have a few people come on the tour and visit me because I get really homesick and I don’t like being alone for too long. So, my cousins going to come out, my best friend, my other friends and hopefully my mom and dad will come out and see me. I am going to have as many people as I can come see me on this tour.

I am sure your fans would like to know, besides listening to your records what is in your I-Pod?

Well, I do have to say that right now. I am listening to an I-Pod, and the only reason why I am listening to this I-Pod is because its one of my old ones I’ve had for a really long time, but I am a strong believer in CD‘s. I always have my CD’s with me, but I packed them and they’re underneath the bus right now.

I was just listening to: Aretha Franklin, Jamie Foxx, Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin, Queens of the Stone Age, Bob Dylan, Santana, Marvin Gaye, Janis Joplin, Steely Dan, I listen to everything.

We are following your tours, and have heard you on the radio but what is next for Kristinia DeBarge?

I really don’t know what is next. I mean I would love to do movies, TV shows. I’d love to open up my own restaurant or my own magazine. I’m an entrepreneur. I love to be successful and get my name out there as much as I can to show people that I am a team player, and up for the job. Any way that I can be a strong business woman.

Is there anything else you would like to include, maybe an answer to a question that I didn’t ask?

I definitely want my fans to follow me on Twitter.com/kristinia. I want people to know that I am just like every other 19 year old girl out there. I am not perfect and there are days when I am sad, there’s days when I am happy and days when I am confused.

I am still trying to figure out who I am as a person. I just want everyone to know that,  because I know people have a lot of expectations of artists, they expect us to be perfect, and they forget we’re human. I just want people to know that I am still figuring it out as I go.

We look forward to catching your Circus tour date in L.A. in September.

Yes, that will be towards the end of the tour. Hopefully, by then, I will have it down pact. I will go out there and rock the show! I rocked the show last night.

Kristinia’s album Exposed is available now online and in stores, visit Kristiniadebarge.com for the latest information.

Delta Spirit

Delta Spirit is one of the fastest growing bands in the music industry today. Eclectic and unique, they are rapidly becoming one of Southern California’s bands on the must see list.

Set to play at this upcoming Street Scene, and looking to release a new album in 2010 titled, Natalie Portman Says This Album will Change Your Life. Delta Spirit are storming onto the music scene, and making a lasting impact with their passionate and powerful artistry.

Jonathan Jameson(no relation to Jenna Jameson), one of the founders of Delta Spirit gave the Entertainer a little insight on the bands success and ideas on music.

AC: Hey, how’s it going?

Jonathan: Doing good, doing good.

AC: Where are all the other cohorts of Delta Spirit.

Jonathan: I just saw Matt… Matt, Kelly, and I live together at a house in Long Beach now. Kelly’s recording one of our friends right now, and Matt just took off to do some laundry.

AC: Just got a couple of questions for you here, so here it goes. You and Brandon, were in a punk band together before, what made you guys transition from punk-music to the music you play now?

Jonathan: Brandon and I played together for a long time and we always wanted to play with Matt. I guess it’s kind of what we agreed upon. We were trying to find something that felt like we all could honestly be who we wanted to be, without totally pretending to be someone else. We didn’t totally identify with the Southern California vibe. So I think the next thing was, ya know, the fact that we were American, and we identified with folk-music that came out of America, the soul music and all that kind of stuff. At the same point, we didn’t want to be a throw back band so we kind of did whatever we wanted to.

Wanting to embrace all the music that came out of here (meaning America), we didn’t want to lock ourselves into any type of specific thing, so we are open to everything.

AC: What made you decide to record Ode to Sunshine on your own, rather than going with a record label?

Ode to Sunshine album cover

Jonathan: There was a couple of offers and none of them really made sense at that point. We wanted the freedom of being able to do it our way, so we went that route, and it went well. However, with this next album we  aren’t going to do it the same way we did the last one. We’re taking our time, doing it in an actual studio, it’s different, but I’m really happy we did the first one that way. Recording ourselves, and putting it out ourselves was what made sense, because none of the labels felt right to us.

AC: When your making songs for your albums, how do you guys know a song is going in the direction you want it to?

Jonathan: The beginning of the songs usually start from Matt or Kelly. Matt being the singer and Kelly playing the keys; amongst other things. They are the two that can actually sing really well. So they write the melodies and some chords, then they bring it in and we try it as a whole band.

Trying it as a band we will usually do it a couple different ways. Try it as a quiet song, or try it as a  punk song, or a loud rock song, who knows. It’s really just a matter if all five of us are feeling it, and all five of us have pretty strong opinions, so… for all of us to be enjoying a song we know it. If people aren’t enjoying it, it’s pretty obvious, if its not coming together, and doesn’t make sense, it falls pretty flat. When a song does come together, feels right, we are all excited to be playing something we know is there.

AC: What message would you say you are trying to send with the songs you make? What are you trying to tell people?

Jonathan: I don’t really think there is a specific message. The only message that would be cohesive between all our messages would be that life is really a gift, and is important. The time we have, we can’t waste with pointless stuff.

The ironic thing of a band is, a lot of people consider that pointless, but we feel as a band we can’t see the product of what we are doing. We get home from touring and we are like, “what am I doing with my life”. At the same point there is something beautiful about music, and something beautiful in being able to do it as a way of life, travel around and see the people that are affected by it.

I don’t know if there is a specific message, but we are at a stand point on the importance of making music.

AC: Can you explain the diversity of tools you guys use in some of your songs, such as garbage can tops and boards?

Jonathan: It wasn’t really a definitive decision, but in a band with four or five people some of the songs don’t need three guitars and stuff like that. People would get bored and start hitting stuff and bringing other instruments into it, and whatever was around at the moment. It wasn’t intentional production, it kind of was haphazardly added.

AC: Coming from San Diego, how has it inspired your music?

Jonathan: I’m glad that there was a music scene when I was growing up. That I could go to weird little shows at all kinds of places, at warehouses, and churches when I was a kid. Then finding places like The Che Cafe and The Casbah once it finally got going. There’s always good music around….but it’s not like Los Angeles and New York. Its not an epicenter of music, but it still always had interesting things happening. I don’t know culturally if I’m very influenced by San Diego, but I’d say that I am grateful for the fact that it was a place where the arts are appreciated. It also helped in making it easier to meet new people, and expand in the music scene. Allowing us to start playing descent shows and get out there more. It’s been good, I still love San Diego.

AC: How was it being on Conan O’ Brien and Carson Daly?

Jonathan: It was a cool experience, Conan was the most exciting for me because it was the first Television thing we had, and Conan is the best.

AC: Is he really as big as he looks?

Jonathan: Yeah man, he is gigantic. We had a lot of fun, and he really liked us a lot and said of lot of cool things to us, it was great! All the other ones were as fun and exciting too.

AC: Did you guys have a sense of success when you got on the shows?

Jonathan: I don’t know if we felt like we had made it, like this was it, ya know? We were really honored to be on the show, and plus it was really exciting and fun.

AC: Whats new with you guys, and what can your fans look forward too?

Jonathan: We are starting on the next album right now, it’s going to be a slow process, it’s not going to come out until early next year or something…. but  its in the works. We built a practice space in the back of our house here, and we’ve been working on our songs. Recorded a few songs up in the studio at Sonoma County, above San Francisco, kind of out in the woods in this little barn. Its a real cool studio, Tom Waits made some records there…another fellow San Diegan.  It should be good we are working on it.

Originally there to support his younger brother Andrew, David was then encouraged to try-out as well. Thanks to his rich, raw vocals and devotedly powerful performances, millions of fans watched as rocker David Cook took the title as “American Idol” for Season 7, winning with 56 percent of the votes.

The week following his win, Cook made history on Billboard’s Hot 100 list, placing eleven songs on the charts. This gave him the highest number of new singles in a week, the most since the Beatles placed fourteen songs in 1964. Continuing on with his success, he debuted his album in November 2008, which was certified Platinum; and by January

Cook performing on American Idol

2009, exceeded over one million copies in sales.

When I first heard that David was coming to San Diego’s Spreckels Theater, I knew I had to get tickets. However, I knew I had to find out more about this down to earth, humble, gorgeous man. Is he really who he seems to be when we see him on television?

I set out on a mission and was ecstatic when word came to me that I landed a phone interview with the “Idol” winner.

It’s 3:30 p.m. eastern time, and David Cook is eating Frosted Mini Wheats – the first thing he has eaten all day, actually. We are chatting via phone while he is in Columbus, Ohio on his way to perform in Newark, Ohio. His voice is just as deep and melodic over the phone as is it on TV.

Talking with him makes me all giddy inside, but I don’t want to come across as a crazed fan either. However, the minute I start talking to him, it’s like we’re old friends. He is one of the most laid back, genuine guys I have ever met. I know right away that he is the real deal: truly an American Idol.

Are you excited to be coming out to San Diego?

Absolutely. I got a chance to get out to San Diego when we came through on the Idol tour and it seemed like a beautiful city. I think we walked around and you guys had like an Urban Outfitters somewhere and we walked around there. Carly (Smithson) tried to give me the big ole’ dime tour as best as she could.

What has life been like since American Idol?

Best word I can use is non-stop. We’ve literally been go, go, go for about a year and a half now. I’m very excited. Actually after this week I get a two week break before we come to San Diego, so very excited. I should be well rested for San Diego.

How do you think your life will change now since passing on the American Idol torch?

Hopefully it doesn’t. I’ve enjoyed being as busy as I have been. We’ve been able to play a lot of great shows and hopefully we keep putting out good music and playing good shows and everything else will continue to fall into place the way it has.

What is it that surprised you most of the fame from winning, either negatively or positively?

Really just that so many people seem to care, I guess, about everything: What songs were playing at a particular show, what color our hair is, what shirt were wearing … it’s neither good or bad, but it’s just kind of like — really??!

What is your favorite or the most gratifying aspect of what you do?

I think that’s two-fold … That we get to create something. I love creating things. And secondly, that we perform a special service, you know what I mean. I think our job is to go on stage every night and try and entertain people and when we get to pull it off that’s one of the most gratifying aspects.

Coming from the simple life as a bartender, to now being thrown into this fame… Has it had any changes on you as a person?

Well I’ve forgotten how to make a lot of drinks which is a problem, but I guess past that … It’s opened my eyes up. I’ve become a lot more observant just to everything, I think … learned to appreciate everything around me.

What motivates or drives you as a person and as a performer?

I think like for all of us … is making my family proud.

Now for the fun questions…Who has been the coolest/most fun celebrity you’ve met?

David Archuletta.

Oh please no…

What?? That dude’s famous, man. You wanted a fun question, I gave you a fun answer.

Are you guys still friends?

Yeah, absolutely. We actually just finished up a show in the Philippines a couple weeks back, and we got a chance to catch up. He’s a good guy.

Favorite Food?

Right now, Frosted Mini Wheats…

I knew you were going to say that!

Hey it’s the first thing I’ve had to eat all day … I will say Chicken Taquitos from a place called Quick Trip. I don’t think they have them in San Diego.

Favorite movie?

The Jerk … I love The Jerk.

Do you still do crossword puzzles to unwind?

Crossword Puzzles, Sudoku … Yeah pretty much all those nice USA Today Games.

Have you had any crazy experiences with over-excited fans?

(laughs) We actually had our first bra thrown on our stage not too long ago. It landed on our bass player Joey’s bass. I feel like we hit a milestone.

Have you had the panties yet?

We’ve had the panties…We’ve had the panties in mass. But that was our first bra.

Making it big now!

Yeah, it was a special moment for the band, I felt like we bonded.

Where would you like to be with your music in five or ten years?

Hopefully employed, that would be nice. I think the whole goal for me and for this band is that we want to make good music and play good shows, and hopefully, hopefully, you know, everything will continue.

Who has influenced you musically?

Everybody. I think that’s part of what I’ve really learned from this whole process is just to kind of be observant of everything … Family, friends, strangers, everything in between.

What is it that you would want people to know about you that they don’t see superficially?

Nothing, man. I kind of pride this whole thing on being a little bit transparent … I’m hoping people see me accurately.

If you could give one message to performers trying to “make it big,” what would you tell them?

That sometimes it’s a good thing to hear “No” ninety-nine times before you hear “Yes” once.

Be honest, do these interviews get old… I know you are doing them like 24/7?

Um, they can. This one is actually kind of refreshing. I don’t get these questions asked a whole lot.

And last question. All the girls in San Diego will want to know…Is David Cook single?

I’ll never tell … I will never tell.

There you have it; what you see is what you get! A legitimately nice guy – and funny too – with dominant vocals and bold heartfelt songs, he is here to share his talent with his fans. Don’t miss your opportunity to see him live at the San Diego Spreckels Theater on September 10, 7:30 p.m.

You may also visit Davidcookofficial.com for the latest news on the idol star.

Exclusive interview provided to the Entertainer courtesy of Pink*Chique – Stephanie Rae

from left to right: Binder, Riley, Leader and Visnyak

During the opening lines of “All Those Dancing Stars,” one of many stellar tracks on City Boy Lemon, the debut LP from San Diego-based Hotel St. George, one could not be blamed for wondering openly at lead singer Matt Binder’s origins.

His grandiose inflection hints at Bowie or Davies and a dramatic, frantic delivery recalls the tamer moments of Spencer Krug, but the effect is all his own. The surprise catch comes when actually speaking with him — he’s not the foreigner his vocals make him out to be. On the topic of accents, it comes down to this for the band: Binder’s got the fake singing one (he’s from Colorado originally) and drummer Simon Leader’s is legit as the resident Englishman of the four-piece.

However, for this interview, it’s mine—mumbly and Southern Californian—that causes the first confusion, while asking about the band’s origins.

“How did you all form to create — ”

“Fornicate?” Simon attempts to clarify.

Granted, a lousy-worded sentence on my part, but the procreative metaphor works well, and will come up many times in the conversation to follow.

Hotel St. George was born when Binder (formerly of Vinyl Radio) and bass player Erik Visnyak (formerly of A Week’s Worth) met at the T. rex exhibit in Balboa Park’s Natural History Museum just weeks after their respective bands had called it quits. Visnyak, who works at the Mingei Museum, had similarly (and serendipitously) struck up a conversation with drummer Leader (who also works in the park) during an audition for a friend’s band.

“Erik ended up e-mailing me, asking if I remembered him. And, of course, it was only like a week ago, of course I remembered him.” Guitarist Brian Riley, a recent  transplant from the East Coast, would eventually join the project at the persistent urging of his girlfriend.

“Really, she said to him, ‘Get your ass in gear.’” Leader offers. “So that’s how all of us fornicated, basically.”

Now entering its terrible (or terrific) twos, Hotel St. George’s musical output has been wholly representative of the four individual, creative forces behind it. After two EPs, Yippee!!! and Hundreds and Thousands, the band has prepared its first full-length, the excellent City Boy Lemon, which had its formal debut at the Casbah last Thursday to a packed and enthusiastic audience.

But before the recent SDMA-nominees graced the stage at Kettner and Laurel, I sat down with Matt Binder, Simon Leader and Brian Riley at the street side patio of the Bluefoot Bar and Lounge in North Park to wax nostalgic on the formation of the band, argue the problems of proliferation (they’ve already got more material ready for a pressing), and exactly where your money goes when you drop ten bucks for that gorgeous piece of vinyl goodness.

Simon Leader: There’s a wicked green car just going by. We don’t get them in England, do you know what I mean?

Leader, Binder and Riley perform at The Casbah

Brian Riley: What’s that?

Simon: The green car!

Matt Binder: You’re going to have to try an American accent, Simon, or else she’s not going to understand a word you’re saying…

Brian: That’s all right, we couldn’t understand his accent for a little while. We’d misunderstand what he would say, that’s how we’d come up with all the album titles.

Matt: In person, I can talk to you, but on the phone … no idea. It’s because I can read your lips.

Simon: I thought I spoke quite clearly and concisely …

So, starting from the beginning: How did you all find yourselves in San Diego?

Matt: I moved here from Colorado. I graduated college and was on a road trip and I stopped at a friend’s house in Ocean Beach, and never left. That was it; no rhyme or reason.

Simon: I got picked up by an American tourist in England and she said, “I can take you to America.” I thought, “All right. Let’s go.”

Brian: I was living in New York, and I didn’t have anything musically going. I mentioned to some people that I was going to leave New York and they said, “Sure, right, when?” I said, “I dunno, I guess I’ll leave now.” And they said, “But it’s Christmas!” So on December 26th, at 3 in the morning, I left. I drove out here, and it’s been a year.

After the band formed, how did you all approach songwriting? Is it collaborative or does a single person write the lyrics, or music?

Simon: I have no clue. I just wake up and go with the flow.

Matt: On the first EP we did, Yippee!!!, Brian and Erik wrote all the music, and I wrote the vocals. On Hundreds and Thousands, I wrote most of the songs and the band added their flavor. For City Boy Lemon, Brian, Erik and I all brought in different songs. That’s why there are totally different sounds on the record.

Brian: I think that really lends to the versatility of the songs; the fact that they’re not all stamped out in one way, there’s a myriad of ways that they seem to be put together.

Matt: And now, after City Boy Lemon, we’ve started writing another album. We’ve got another EP’s-worth. And we decided to all switch instruments to make it different. So Brian, our guitar player, has moved to keys and bass and our bass player, Erik, has moved to guitar, just to give the band a new dynamic.

Simon: But, really, it’s all about the drums. Just ignore them.

So everyone in band knows the other’s instruments. But no one can play drums like Simon.

Simon: Brian can play good drums, actually. I dunno why I’m here.

Brian: I can’t play like him, though; he’s fancy.

Simon: Simplicity’s where it’s at, man.

Brian: That’s the funny thing about Simon’s drums; at first listen, they seem very… willing to accommodate, just going along with it. Then you listen to them again and you hear these intricate little bits that spring up after a few listens.

Simon: Just cut to the chase: They make you want to fornicate. Like an aphrodisiac.

The sounds on City Boy Lemon are quite diverse, how do you reconcile that with one another? How do you keep everything cohesive?

Simon: I think it’s very interesting. Collectively, the four of us have come from different backgrounds.

Brian: You take four different people who, essentially, listen to four different shades of music and add them all together … I’ve had people tell me that we sound like how the British Invasion would sound like if it had carried on 45 years later. But, it’s adapted modernity; loud amps, synthesizers and all that sort of stuff.

Simon: When we get together and play, everyone’s pretty open. We roll with the punches.

Matt: That’s why, right now, we’re really psyched to do the instrument switch because we can tap into totally different things. It’s a natural shift into getting new sounds.

Hotel St. George performs at the North Park Music Thing

Though the band’s just nearly two years old, you’ve pressed a decent amount of material. After three EPs, what triggered the need for an LP? What was the method behind the madness?

Simon: I think the songs just developed a little bit better to our liking.

Matt: We wanted to record earlier, but we didn’t have any money. We were going to record another EP, when we only had five or six songs, but we had to put it off another month because our buddy who records us, Mike Kamoo, didn’t have the studio time available. So, in the meantime, we wrote four more songs. It just turned out to be a full-length.

Simon: That’s the thing I’ve found quite amazing, really. I’ve been in a few bands over the years and [in Hotel St. George], we’re chewing out songs quicker than we can record them. It’s kind of fun. We’re putting City Boy Lemon out and we already have half a brand new set that hasn’t been recorded yet.

When most bands release a lot of EPs, there’s some overlap of songs between albums. But for you guys, there’s something new on every release.

Brian: It’s kind of cheap to have somebody buy another CD off of you when you’re pawning off another three or four songs on there that they’ve heard in one incarnation or another. It’s more fun to try something new.

Matt: We’ve recorded and released 25 songs in the past year and a half. And now we have four new ones that are ready to go.

Do you have any reservations about being that prolific?

Simon: That it’s quantity rather than quality? Really, it’s getting more and more quality anyway, so …

Matt: I have one buddy that always gives us shit because he says that you’ve got to give your fans enough time to absorb your songs and move on. I figure the way we’re doing it now, we’re playing to such a small group of people that it’s not really about them, the fans. [laughs] Because there’s not enough of them! At this point, we’re doing it for ourselves, we’re not going to be stagnant because there are 100 people that like us. When we go to practice, it’s way more fun to write new shit than to rehash old stuff. If you want to give us some money to go record right now, we’ll go do it.

Simon: Straight to the point: “Give me some money.”

Brian: But, we’re great at just giving stuff away.

Matt: We’ve given away probably 1500 CDs in the past year. We’re terrible…

Simon: But once they’re out, it’s like, “Ah, just take one!”

Matt: Why not? All the people who go to shows, though, are fucking poor, you know?

But not as poor as the bands are.

Matt: I’d rather them just have the music. That being said, you should buy our record.

Simon: It’s financing literally everything we do.

Brian: If you’d like to hear more Hotel St. George, you should give them money. [laughs]

—–

City Boy Lemon is out now on a limited vinyl pressing of 500 copies through This is Tightrope Records. For more information on Hotel St. George including show dates, news, and (more) music, head over to their MySpace.

Lead photo by David McHank.

East has played in every genre of music from Motown to rock-n-roll, jazz and even pop. A star of shining success coming out of San Diego, Nathan East was the keynote speaker for last week’s North Park Music Thing. His extensive work with a multitude of musicians and know-how of the music industry made his presence at the event a perfect fit.

Although East was born in Philadelphia, he was raised in San Diego for the majority of his younger years where he was an aspiring musician trying to make it in the business. Earning his B.A. in Music Performance at UCSD, East’s intimate knowledge of San Diego and the music scene made him a must see at the event. If you were unable to attend the address and catch East’s panel, do not fret — I was lucky enough to chat with East and get his thoughts on an array of subjects.

Having issues with the speakerphone from the outset, I felt a bit like a fool. I was apologetic towards East for this issue, but in a cool, relaxed voice he said, “That’s okay, it’s no problem.” Once the dust settled I asked East how he was doing, and if San Diego was being good to him. East quickly retorted with, “Everything’s great,” affirming San Diego’s status as America’s finest city. After agreeing on his declaration of San Diego’s prowess, I dove right in to begin our conversation.

Addressing the first and most obvious issue, I inquired about East’s involvement in the North Park Music Thing, and why he attended the event. East stated, “I was asked to come to the conference as a keynote speaker for Saturday’s panel.” East, status as the keynote speaker, resulted, from as East puts it, “being from San Diego and spending a lot of time there in the neighborhood.” His intimate knowledge of San Diego resulted from his family relocating from Philadelphia to Hartley St. in Southeast San Diego when he was four. He attended local schools, and graduated from UCSD, which made him the perfect candidate for a keynote speaker.

East said the subjects of the address included “the transition from playing in clubs and popular local bands, to getting invited by Barry White to tour the country with The Love Unlimited Orchestra,” also the “transition from Junior High School to Crawford High School,” where he met his first actual mentor on the bass, Gunnar Biggs. East attributed Biggs with teaching him how to read music and showing him the ropes of the business and the bass.

East also discussed how UCSD professors Cecil Lytle and Bertram Turetzsky talked with him about moving to Los Angeles after graduating from UCSD and cranking out a career in the music business; basically how to make it in, as East puts it, “the big city.” Much of this information about his life and career is what East touched on at the panel, and he made it clear that if it wasn’t’ for people like Biggs, Lytle & Turetzky and the knowledge he received from them, he would not have been as successful as he is today.

Hearing what East had to say about his beginnings, we began to go more in depth — like the moment when he knew that music was what he wanted to do for a living. Like a true musician East gave a response nothing short of beautiful:

“Actually, I felt it from the first time I picked up the instrument. I felt in my heart that this was something I really wanted to do. I can’t explain why, but it was at a church called The Christ King where a bass guitar was just sitting on a stand there at the altar … no one was playing it, so I picked it up and instantly got the feeling that this is something I really love.”

It was as if destiny placed East and the bass guitar that started it all in the same room. The location of where he first met the love of bass only adds to the powerful aspect of destiny, almost as if God or the powers to be chose that single instant to intertwine their paths.

In all his years of playing the bass, East says, he has become comfortable with the five-string and six string- bass now, and has designed, working with Yamaha, his very own Nathan East Signature Model (BBNE-2) bass. Nathan has endorsed the brand for nearly 30 years. He also endorses Aguilar Amps and Dunlap Strings.

In all musician’s careers, they always have large influences in their lives, and East is no different.

“When I was playing in local bands in San Diego we were very influenced by groups like Earth Wind and Fire, Tower of Power, Kool and the Gang, Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, and of course The Beatles,” said East. He has actually played with George Harrison of Beatles fame in his years of work as a musician.

Growing from those influences East has been able to tour with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Phil Collins and Eric Clapton are two tours in which East has had the privilege of joining. Despite being a jazz musician, East says, “It was a great experience because anywhere around the world these guys are selling out arenas and stadiums, and it’s just exciting.” He touched on the great perks of touring with such famous musicians, like flying in private jets, and “living the good life.”

East has an extensive repertoire of work in the field, however he is more commonly known for his involvement in the Jazz world, especially with his band Fourplay, which features Nathan along with fellow band mates Bob James (keyboards), Larry Carlton (guitar) and Harvey Mason (drums). With many influences in the jazz world East talked about one of his main influences, Wes Montgomery.

“He was one of my biggest early influences,” and in his opinion “is the world’s greatest guitar player,” East said. When he first heard Wes Montgomery play guitar, he felt that it was “so pure, and honest,” that, “it was something I wanted to master.”

Jazz is one of the most intricate and complex forms of music to play, with players needing a heightened sense of timing, structure, and precision. Being on the forefront of Jazz, East talked about how “the music chooses you,” and that there is something in jazz that resonates in your life.

Even though East prefers Jazz, he said he tries not to limit himself to any one particular genre, he thinks there is good music and bad music, and is really bothered by the fact that “we have to put a label on it.” A true musician through and through, East loves to play any genre of music, which explains his eclectic career, and he also mentioned “various opportunities music has afforded me” as a factor as well.

Being a veteran of the San Diego music scene, East feels that “San Diego has cranked out great musicians,” and since his day there has been a lot of music come out of San Diego, and the music scene has grown tremendously.

East also believes that if you are going to get into the business, “You better get into it for the long term, or not get into it at all.” You must “Be in it for the long haul, and don’t do it halfway — learn as much as you can.”

In order to do that, East feels that is very important for musicians to realize the potential of places such as Los Angeles, however he also feels “that things have changed enough that you can get it done from your local cities, but places in L.A. have a lot more studios, recording sessions and opportunities.”

Just finishing his tour with Fourplay in Korea and Japan, East mentioned that they will be continuing to tour and will be making a very exciting stop in San Diego. On August 21, Fourplay will perform at Anthology for a highly anticipated show, and a night of jazz. Along with their stop in San Diego, Fourplay will also be hitting the studio to push out a new CD for the beginning of the year.

East himself is currently working on a long awaited solo project but has also been in the studio recently working on the new Whitney Houston and Rod Stewart CDs, as well as participating in current projects by Lionel Richie, Michael Buble, Alejandro Sanz and Renee Olstead.

Playing his signature series Yamaha five-string bass (BBNE-2), East is a huge success story for San Diego. Being brought up in the area, and having a favorite food joint at the Old Spaghetti Factory Downtown, East is a San Diego legend, and a beacon for our city.

Ending the interview East left with this final comment: “I’m always amazed that there seems to be new talent, people coming up with new music all the time, and I’m always interested to hear what’s going on out there. Right now I’m thankful to still be doing what I love doing, for a living.”

Tech N9ne & Krizz Kaliko on stage (photo from 'bosworth.dk' via Flickr)

Aaron Dontez Yates, better known by stage name Tech N9ne is a powerhouse independent hip-hop artist who has brought you hits like “Caribou Lou” and “Like Yeah”. Born November 8, 1971 in Kansas City, Missouri, Tech N9ne started his rap career because of a dare from a school mate. Now, with over 750 shows in the last four years at sold out venues from Los Angeles to New York, you might have caught one of his electric live performances.

Known for his no-holds-barred approach to lyricism and painted face, he has attracted a large following over the past decade — but it hasn’t been easy. After unsuccessful stints on several labels, Tech N9ne formed his own Strange Music label in 2002 with Travis O’Guin. Strange Music has solidified Tech N9ne as the number one independent artist in the country, and the number one independent hip-hop artist in the world. Under his label, Tech has released six albums, which have risen to the top of the charts. Fortunately, the Strange Music crew have a lot more to look forward to, with an international tour at the end of the month and release of the ‘Strictly Strange’ tour DVD in September.

The Entertainer was privileged to sit down with Tech N9ne and right-hand-man collaborator Krizz Kaliko after their performance at the 2009 Rock The Bells tour at the San Manuel Amphitheater. Our interview took place in the close setting of their tour trailer, where Tech provides us an intimate look into what fans can start getting excited about.

Tech, you’re the number one independent artist and have a lot of buzz on the web with over 50 million songs played on MySpace. How does it feel to have such a large following?

Crazy days man. Because we write our life, as it progresses, as it gets worse. [We’re] not sure who’s going to bite or who’s going to latch onto it. And you wake up one day and you’re the number one independent artist in the country. Touring did it. Getting out here shaking hands, kissing babies. It feels wonderful to have these fans, and gaining them day by day.

Is it more difficult pushing your efforts independently? And what advice would you have for those aspiring artists, who are finding it difficult to work with a label?

If you’re me and been on record labels half your life and they all went sour, you’d possibly want to try doing it yourself. If I had advice for upcoming artists, I’d say keep on keep on. Even if your family tells you it’s a hobby and you need to get a real job, just keep going. If you believe in it, you will achieve in it.

We know of your musical alliance with producer Krizz Kaliko, that has been spanning over a decade now. How did you first come together?

(Krizz): We met through a mutual producer, Icy Rock. We had this undeniable chemistry, and he’s like my brother. We really meshed socially, and really meshed creatively. Tech never needed help, but it sure didn’t hurt to get a second opinion. I always tell people that you can tell when I came into his creative circle. Things changed, not necessarily got better, but different. It’s just perfect chemistry.

You have collaborated with the likes of E-40, Eminem and 2 Pac. Anyone else you would like to collab with?

I’ve always wanted to collaborate with System of a Down. I just finished a song called “Killing You” with Corey Taylor of Slipknot for the new album K.O.D.

And the infamous question our readers are interested in: what do you keep in your iPod?

Gnarls Barkley, Slipknot, System of a Down, Shinedown, Avenged Sevenfold.

With the Strictly Strange DVD set to come out in September, what can fans expect to see? Possibly a different side of Tech N9ne and Strange Music?

September 22nd is the release date. For people who have never seen my show. I have never been to Turkey, Japan, Switzerland or Amsterdam. It‘s for people who have never seen my show, but have heard about it. Those people who want to see the show or just see Tech N9ne backstage, you’re going to love the Strictly Strange DVD. All my DVDs have been like ‘Behind the Music’.

(Krizz): This DVD is in front of the music. (laughs)

Yeah, and you get to see us about 70 pounds heavier also. I stopped drinking for the entire tour [to lose weight]. Now its, ‘no pasta, Skyy vodka.’ Cus they say vodka is not fattening. I never drink before the shows — I have to be 100 percent (begins rapping fast).

What can fans look for in the next album?

Its dark, my darkest album ever. K.O.D, with my mom being sick.

(Krizz): I was thinking the other day as we wrapped the album up. It is dark, that’s just like the overall concept of the album; but it is elite.

It is very dark, but it is beautiful music. Dim, but it’s beautiful music.

The Martini, beautiful song — the last song on the album. Because in movie terms, the directors call the last shot of the day the martini, because they usually go get a Martini after. It’s talking about three different people that are having to deal with infidelity, and I am going to kill you if you cheat on me, or I might kill myself too. My boy died from it, and I am talking about three different real stories.

(Tech sang for us a sample):  “This is the martini, the last shot’s for you or me.”

(Krizz): It’s crazy. It makes me tense up when I hear him telling you what the songs about. But then you hear the hook and it sounds very pretty.

The album will be out October 27th. I have to still write two songs for it. I have missed two of my dates already, I wouldn’t normally tell you about that. So I have two extra days on the 18th and 19th to wrap it up.

Everything in my life is so beautiful, I’m the number one independent artist in the country. I’m on Rock The Bells a major tour. On this album I’m getting international distribution, everything’s going so wonderful. But yet I have the situation with my mom. I should happy, but I’m forcing my smile — I don’t feel like being in society.”

You can learn more about Tech N9ne and Strange Music as well as find up to date information by visiting his website at Therealtechn9ne.com

Toquali takes their new act to the Onyx Room tonight (photo from Facebook)

The garage band. It is one musical image that for most, doesn’t take a whole lot of imagination to picture.

The image evokes thoughts of grungy teenagers, jamming to overly-distorted power chords and yelling about authority figures. Noise complaints from the neighbors, long greasy hair and ripped jeans … the whole shebang. But just this past week I met and interviewed a “garage band”, who does nothing short of blowing these stereotypes out of the water.

I walk up to the half-open garage door on a sunny Tuesday to find Toquali, a newly formed jazz super-group of sorts, just cleaning up from band practice.

Upon entering I found it to be a tight, messy, and mostly boiling hot garage. Amps and instruments were strewn about, leaving just inches of free space to move around in. So far they had fulfilled most of the stereotypes, but that was soon to end … these weren’t just kids messing around in the garage.

The band is full of prestigious musicians and boasts an all-star lineup of local talent. From percussionist Steve Haney (who was recruited to play for Stevie Wonder), to jazz vocalist Tokeli (who is selling out shows at Anthology and was nominated for Best Jazz Album of the Year), you’d expect to find this band in a ritzy recording studio. But I was soon to find out from the members that this isn’t any ordinary jazz project. Playing an enticing mix of jazz, funk, rock, dance and even electronica, Toquali takes their catchy grooves where most jazz bands don’t dare to tread … the garage.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Steve, Tokeli and Leonard Patton of the band and discuss a variety of topics, from defining their musical stylings to their songwriting to what they expect for audiences at their shows (after the jump):

When people think of jazz, they often think of professional musicians recording in a studio. Does your “garage band” status affect the style of music you play?

Steve: Well, any style of music can be played in a garage. It’s certainly convenient. The biggest thing now is that we’re doing original music, where we actually have to rehearse … we’re not just going in and reading the charts.

So would this new type of music even be considered jazz?

Leonard: It has jazz improv. Also, all of us have jazz backgrounds so it sort of naturally leaks into the music.

Tokeli: Yeah, there are definitely elements of jazz. But when you listen to this stuff, you’re not going to think these are jazz musicians.

So what kind of music is it exactly?

Leonard: It’s groove music. We start jamming, and whatever type of groove we set, that’s what we spend time on. Then we spice it with loops and the spacey electronic sound to enhance the tunes.

Tokeli: We don’t really even know genre-wise. We’ve been calling it world groove.

And this jamming is how you approach the songwriting process?

Tokeli: Yeah, pretty much. On some of our new tunes what we did was the band figured out a good groove and then sent it to me. After listening over and over, I wrote a melody for it and took it back to the band where we all worked and reworked it again. That’s the best part of this: it’s a true collaboration.

A collaboration that’s built from the ground up.

Steve: Exactly! Ha, right from the beginning I said, “put away the charts, and approach this left of center!” It’s our new collective and creative philosophy.

So this is a more organic approach to doing things than in the past?

Tokeli: Absolutely. My experience has been so different than this until now. I’ve never been in a garage band. I went straight from musical theater to professional jazz. It’s almost like I’m working backwards! This is completely new and different for me, but I’m also having some of the most fun I’ve ever had with a project. I don’t know about these guys, but I absolutely love our garage sessions. This is way more fun to me than going to a gig and making money!

Beforehand, Tokeli informed me that there are elements of dance in the music. Is this music that people will want to get up and dance to?

Tokeli: Oh, we can’t wait to show you! We’re taking our music to the dance floor! There’s this whole new electronica element we’re adding to it by using loops and samples on top of the more traditional instruments.

Will the new sound affect where you look for gigs?

Tokeli: Well we’ve been doing Anthology, which is always great, and our next goal is to work in more club-like environments, like “Winston’s” and the “Onyx Room”. We’re doing the “Onyx Room” on Thursday, and sharing the floor with a DJ… and that’s the type of music we’ll be playing.

Steve: Right. We’re doing a parallel with what DJ’s are doing, except our core sound is live. We want to compete with them… ha, or at least be able to work alongside them! You’ll find it’s pretty a pretty unique sound.

What type of audience do you think this music will attract?

Tokeli: We feel that this is a great way to integrate a younger audience, and maybe even older people as well. Let’s just say, a newer audience.

It sounds like you guys really believe in this thing, and believe in doing something new, even though it isn’t necessarily jazz.

Tokeli: Hey, it’s the essence of music … we can play that same old stuff over and over. I may as well be in the 1930’s, and actually be Ella Fitzgerald; forget that.

Steve: Music has always evolved. You merge with technology. If the forefathers of jazz were around today, they’d be doing different stuff … or at least be open to it. I mean Miles was doing funk way before anyone else (in jazz). He was inspired by Sly and the Family Stone. Either we try and get in the groove with now, or we’re going to be left behind… we’ll be wallpaper.

Tokeli: And trust me… we’ve been wallpaper at gigs before, and we will not let that happen anymore!

~~

So there you have it: Toquali is a garage band, full of jazz musicians, who want people to dance. These are seriously awesome and passionate people, who aspire to create music their fans have as much fun listening to as they have making.

Playing Thursday, August 13th at the Gaslamp Quarter’s Onyx Room (tonight!), as well as September 6th, at Anthology (Little Italy), you can catch the new world groove sound of San Diego twice in the next month.

Be ready for the new world groove sound to invade the area, and maybe on your next “club night” it won’t be the usual DJ you’re dancing to! The whole band consists of Tokeli and Leonard Patton on vocals, Steve Haney on percussion, Harley Magsino on bass, Nate Jarrell on guitar and Mark Lamson on drums.