Leb Laze

Leb Laze in his Brooklyn studio
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Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

My green worm toy was bought in my Dad's hometown of Georgetown, South Carolina at Rose's Dime Store when I was about 2 or 3 years old. According to my Dad, he went into the store with me to buy a newspaper and in passing I grabbed this toy and would not let go. He had to buy it for me. I referred to this toy as "my wum".

Green was always my favorite color. Everything that I had as a kid had to be green.

When did you live in Atlanta? How did you end up there?

I was born and raised in Atlanta and lived there until 2005.

At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?

Music has always been a major part of my life. I watched my older brother pursue music at a young age and anything that he did I wanted to do. I followed in his footsteps.

Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music?

My sound is Ennio Morricone, New Order and DJ Toomp thrown in a blender....peppered with some Bomb Squad. This sound comes from watching too many horror movies as a kid, raiding my brother's record collection when he wasn't looking and, as a teenager, hanging with kids who measured cool by how much bass you had in your trunk (we're all partially deaf now).

Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3?

As a DJ I use all three, depending on the situation that I am in. For example, if I'm traveling to another country to DJ I'm going to want to pack light, so I am most likely going to bring CD's or MP3's. If I'm DJ'ing in the neighborhood, I'll pack records and CD's and alternate between the two. Vinyl will always sound better to me...but there are a lot of songs that I will never have on CD that I have on vinyl--and vice versa. I've come to the conclusion that digitizing my records just takes too much accumulated time out of my life. If I were rich i would pay somebody to do it. If anyone just happens to want to do it for free...HOLLA!!!

How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto?

I discover new music mostly through friends and family. Certain people have certain genres covered. My little brother, for instance, who lives in Mississippi, keeps me supplied with all the hot new Southern rap. My man Roberto keeps me supplied with all my Latin music. I'm not a huge internet person, but I do follow a few blogs. Awesome Tapes from Africa is a great blog and it's based off of tapes that this guy actually got from multiple trips to the continent. I definitely don't follow music press. I've always been able to find plenty of music through the amazing people that I'm surrounded by.

Take us through your creative process.

My creative process is based completely on experimentation. I basically try things until they sound pleasing to my ears. My songs will start as one thing and end up becoming something completely different. It might take a minute, but I do know when a song is done.

How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work?

One thing that is definitely unique to the South is its pace. Things just move a bit slower. This is how I was raised and it is definitely reflected through my music. Even when my music is fast...it's still s l o w. Laid back. And I love bass that BOOMS!!

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

My main inspiration that is a "Who" would have to be all of my brothers and sisters (4 total). Just the thought of them instantly gives me purpose and direction. Another inspiration of mine that is a "What" is the Michael Jordan documentary Come Fly With Me.

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

To name just a few is tough. There are so many people really killing it in Atlanta at the moment. One band that really has my attention is All The Saints. They're loud and dreamy...and they're drummer is nasty. These are three qualities that I love in a band. My man Zano is pretty unstoppable. Ben Lawless is a lawless genius. The whole Noot D'Noot crew is the modern day Funkadelic. Also watch out for Noot D'Noot's offshoot group, Effectiv. Those girls are pure, seductive Southern heat.

Where is your favorite Atlanta hang out?

I would have to say Aurora Coffee in L5P. I can't escape that place. It's definitely a meeting place for some great minds.....and some eccentric minds as well. That's what you have to love about that place though.

What music/album are you currently listening to?

This Hawaiian Instrumental Music album. That's all that it's called. It's the most relaxing music I think I have ever heard (if you know me well then you know that I've probably said that about a thousand other albums...but this time I really mean it). I listened to this on repeat while standing in line at the DMV the other day and it turned into such a pleasurable experience.

current projects:
I have two albums in one package coming out on Hoss Records in October. One is called MUSIC FROM CAVE DWELLERS and the other is called TRACKS & ARTIFACTS. You can listen to my music at http://www.myspace.com/leblaze. Yeeeees!!!

Zano Bathroom

Zano Bathroom in his ATL record room
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Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

My toy is Godzilla. I always loved Godzilla growing up, and I had a toy version of him. The one

When did you live in Atlanta? how did you end up there?

I've been in Atlanta since 2003. I had an internship in Europe that ended, and I came here to stay with my dad until I could got my own place.

At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?

I've loved music my whole life. I enjoy presenting different genres side by side.

Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music?

The name I have for my set is "Afreqan Space Program". All the records I play come from my appreciation of Hip Hop, digging for new sounds and lesser known old sounds. Taking all these divergent dance genres and mashing them all back together via the turntables.

Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3?

I prefer vinyl, but if I have some creative plans in regards to the whole digital DJ emergence.

How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto?

I work at a record store. New music is around me everyday. I have some secret sources that I'd rather not reveal.

Take us through your creative process.

My creative process for DJing is weird. The actual performance is on the fly, as far as which records I will play. But, the records themselves I think about constantly. I usually bring about twice as much as I'll need, because I like to change genres a lot in my set.  
     
For beats, anything goes. I was in elementary school when I first started making up my own music.I got my first keyboards in the '80's, and then my first drum machine in 1990. Later I started working with samples. Whatever hits me at the time, I go with it.

How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work??

I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. It's better now, but the '90's, that meant I had to work extra hard to find certain albums, or find other folks interested in the same sounds I was. In some ways, that makes me feel like I have a deeper appreciation than someone who could just wake up and go outside and see park jams, etc. At the same time, I have always been interested in other southern emcees and pro- ducers and how they add to southern flavor to Hip hop.I love being from the south, it gives a different perspective.

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

I am inspired just by living, talking to other people,constantly performing, constantly thinking, and constantly digesting work from others, in any form.

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

Rather than name specific people, I'll say anyone who goes out of their way to be innovative. The kind of people who get accused of "trying to hard". The people who value concept as well as technique.

Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?

I strongly support Atlanta's dance clubs, art galleries, thrift stores, second hand establishments, pawn shops, record stores, book stores, libraries, and junk yards.

What music/album are you currently listening to?

see #10, insert any era/ genre of music....

What is one thing you love about your life?

Paying dues- Growth ensues....

check out his myspace page for updates on shows: http://www.myspace.com/zano88 and listen to some music here:

Roberto Lange

Roberto Lange in his Brooklyn studio
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Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

When i was born i was really sick with chicken pox and i was on the
verge of getting reye syndrome so i was in the hospital for a while
and that was the dude that took care of me.
When did you live in Atlanta? how did you end up there?

I ended up there after college I went to school in Savannah for 4 years and Atlanta was the closest thing  that seemed great. I started spending alot of time there in 1999. I actually lived in Atlanta 2004-2007: in Decatur for 2 years and Grant Park for a bit.

At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?

I can't think of one point, I think its been a long process of many points of realization.

Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music?

Over the past couple of years of been focusing on me singing in my group Helado Negro. I write all the music on guitars, MPC, keyboards and whatever else I can get my hands on including my voice.

Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3?

I think all of them are great, I collect alot of records but listen to music on all formats, all these things are are vehicles for these peoples ideas.

How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto?

Friends

Take us through your creative process.

I think it's reactionary, its me strumming on a guitar, making a loop, banging on an object or humming to myself, it starts from there and everything else is unplanned.

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

My Family, My better half ( www.kristisword.com ) and David Ellis ( www.freshwatercatfish.org )

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

Guillermo Scott Herren
Ben Lawless
Chris Devoe
Leb Laze
Adron


Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?

Tara Theatre

What music/album are you currently listening to?

Victor Jara

What is one thing you love about your life?

Im alive today.

Roberto has an album coming out on Asthmatic Kitty for his group called Helado Negro, the album is called AWE OWE. check it out here:
http://asthmatickitty.com/helado-negro

J Stroke

J "Stroke" Ivcevich in his Brooklyn studio
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Tell us about your favorite childhood object...

Couldn't find my first/favorite which was a ratty old beanbag frog with a busted eye. This one was a close second and a hand-me-down from my mother's childhood days. An antique Jerry Mahoney dummy. Never got the gist of ventriloquism but loved his creepy grin and beat up wooden head. It also turns out my grandma made the suit after the original got worn out. This quite possibly led to my affinity for custom tailored suits and bow ties.


When did you live in Atlanta? how did you end up there?

1990 - 2004 I went to Emory University because I got accepted and it was a good enough school to please the folks. I appreciated the weather and music scene since I was coming from the relatively sleepy state of Indiana.

At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?

1983 Police Synchronisity Tour + 10 years at a summer camp playing music live every night for a captive audience of 7-15 year olds and my fellow counselors many of whom were cute young ladies.

Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music?

Mega-eclectic-soulful-ambiance. I've played in hip-hop, post-rock, dub, Indian drum & bass bands, etc....Always striving for the next filtered through my personal taste.

Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3?

A mix of all keeps it flexible and interesting and in NYC, very practical.

How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto?

I have a freelance gig where I can check progressive internet radio stations, podcasts, etc while working. I also a have access to an exclusive site where members upload obscure and amazing music every day - Ethiopian Jazz, African Garage Rock, Cambodian street music, rare groove soul, 80's lost gems, contemporary hits, on and on and on. New York Noise: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycmg/nyctv/html/music/nynoise.shtml

Take us through your creative process.

I usually work in a modular way based on a riff, loop or sample. I just keep piling on sounds and then strip away to arrange. Reductive composition in a way.

How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work?

From 1994 on, I hung out with a very active crew of musicians, DJ's and music enthusiasts. MJQ in both locations and permutations, Yin Yang and the early days of Nomenclature/Crescent Room were fertile and fun places where we all DJ'd, performed and talked endlessly about new music and old discoveries. There seemed to be a laid back and accepting attitude that allowed for a cross pollination of genres.

Who/What are some of your inspirations?

My old house on Marlbrook and the parties held there over the years were pretty inspirational. Gilles Peterson is a selector who has very similar tastes to mine. I've been listening to him for 16 years. Still solid. Many great live bands, outdoor concerts, etc...too many to mention.

Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?

Outkast, Prefuse and Cat Power are all great for carving out their own unique sound, sticking to their guns and being deservedly rewarded for it. Great to see Deerhunter and Atlas Sound succeed as well. I remember tolerating early Bradford experiments at Lenny's and was shocked and quite pleased to hear the evolution. Wonderful music.

Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?

Dunch at the E.A.R.L. is always nice. I only get to Atlanta once a year or so but always try to hit the Starlight, Highland Ballroom seems to be a nice addition, and of course, Youngblood.

What music/album are you currently listening to?

Mostly old things that somehow got by me. The Go-Betweens, Rotary Connection "Songs," Model 500 "Starlight," Gun Club "Fire of Love," some new stuff like the latest Animal Collective and Friendly Fires.

What is one thing you love about your life?

I have been extremely fortunate to live a very stress-free lifestyle for many years.

Not only does J have fun in the world of sound he is a talented artist: click here to view his work at David Lusk Gallery

Dres tha Beatnik's Power Supply

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Atlanta has long been a diverse music hub for aspiring musicians everywhere. Sure the city is known a bit more these amongst music circles for the catchy hip-hop coming from the city's studios but this city gives music lovers much more than that. We sat down with Dres the Beatnik recently to talk music.

Dres the Beatnik first met Atlanta in 1995. He came here to attend Clark Atlanta University but due to the ever so infamous financial aid woes, Dres spent two years at the University before transferring to Temple and returning to Philadelphia. But Atlanta wasn't quite ready to just let Dres go like that. After receiving his BA in Marketing from Temple, Dres was offered a job with a market research firm which he accepted. That same job brought Dres back to Atlanta shortly after, well Dunwoody, and he's been here ever since.

Dres the Beatnik is someone that many would consider to be an avid music fan. He really listens. And he should be listening closely as Dres the Beatnik is not only a hip-hop lyricist but a beatboxer as well. Not to mention, his current favorite toy (his iPod) has over 27,000 songs.

"Music has always been in my life. I grew up with it in my household. Jazz, Motown, TSOP, some gospel... that was in my home," says Dres, "It's always been there it's just [that] I grew up in one of those households where you couldn't really pursue what you wanted to do until you did what you had to do. Hence going to college, getting a degree."

But it wasn't until college that Dres realized he could probably really do something with his passion for music. Though he had a brief stint in Atlanta his first go round, when he came back to the city he really began to explore his passion more. Dres was quickly soaking up the music scene and making himself a staple amongst the local hip-hop crowd. Ten years later, Dres is still making music and increasingly becoming more involved with Atlanta and the Atlanta music scene. There's even a portrait of him hanging in the living room on Tyler Perry's "House of Payne".

"I like to think that I'm blessed in the fact that I'm able to walk into many different circles and I don't take it for granted. All of those experiences help me. There's a side to atlanta that i know everybody doesn't know about, I think atlanta has influenced me in the fact that this is a town that is comprised of immigrants and natives and there's a pretty decent marriage between the two. In regards to hip-hop, there's a whole different war but it has nothing to do with some of the artists, has to do with media and that's sad," said Dres.

When asked about his favorite artists in the city, Dres provides a long list of both veterans and new faces. His list includes: Noot D'noot, Jaspects, Proton, Bink Rec, Senor Kaos, Brittany Bosco, Algebra, Le Castlevania, Van Hunt, Anthony David, Hollyweerd and Sean Falyon.

"It's crazy, I've actually managed to play with all of my favorite artists in Atlanta. But really anyone who's doing it and doing seriously [is a favorite]," said Dres.

And of course Dres has his list of other Atlanta favorites. Like his favorite toy, Simon. Of course other favorites he wasn't so willing to give up.

"My favorite place to go get a drink is The Independent. My fortress of solitude is the patio of Caribou Coffee at Peachtree and Piedmont. My favorite place to look at the city is actually a rooftop of a business office on Means Street. My Favorite sandwich shop is Marcos Pita though no one can ever fuck with the chicken sandwich at The Local (a lot of my hang out spots involve food, forgive me). Favorite place for brunch is Gravity on Dekalb ave. Aside from that home," Dres said.

Neda was inspired for her portrait of Dres by one of his very own childhood photos taken by his mother. It's the infamous photo of a young Dres singing into an extension cord that can be found on his MySpace or Facebook.

"According to my mom, she wasn't feeling good that day and I wanted to cheer her up. So there was an Earth, Wind and Fire (EWF) song on and I started immitating EWF for my mom. I started lip synching 'Reasons' by EWF and she said it made her feel better. And my mom was the biggest shutterbug ever, she had to take pictures of everything," Dres said.

Dres finds his inspiration to continue through his 9-year-old daughter and describes his signature sound as love. His creative process is simple: just listening. These days you can currently find his listening to a few retro tunes.

"I'm in my 90s kick right now. [Laughs] Listening to "New Life" by Intro, "Searching for Tomorrow" by Switch and a few others," Dres said.

Now, Dres is getting ready to head to Shanghai, China with stops in Maccau and Hong Kong. He has residency at Club Bon Bon in Shanghai. He will be conducting beatboxing clinics and lectures while also emceeing and DJing. Visit thebeatnikchronicles.blogspot.com to learn more.


Interview by: Hadiyah Daché

Interview on burnaway.org

thanks for thinking of us!
http://burnaway.org/2009/03/focus-on-neda-abghari-the-atlanta-creatives-project/

GUESS WHO!?!

First of our dj producer series

MUSIC/DJS/ PRODUCERS

we will begin posting the music portion of the project over the next few months...
we are currently scheduling shoots for the djs/producers series...
if you have recommendations please send them our way...


these images were part of the "class of 2007" yearbook page: showcasing members of the following bands: black lips, selmanaires, snowden, and deerhunter. they can be viewed in their entirety at our next show

Interviewed by Analogue Atlanta

check out the interview by analogue atlanta

analog atlanta #17