LOOKOUT: How did The Pop Winds get started?

Devon: Austin and myself were roommates at school when we first came to Montreal. Kyle and I knew each other from Uxbridge, Ontario,  and he moved to Montreal, liked playing music and then we all got together.

Where does the band name the Pop Winds come from?

It’s the name of a song that Kyle had written the summer we started playing music together, the summer of 2008. I’m not sure the significance of it… I don’t think it was meant to have any specific meaning.

You’re all originally from Ontario. Do you think the Montreal vibe has influenced how you make music or how you approach making music? Would you have made the same music anywhere in the world?

We probably would’ve made the same music anywhere. How we approach music has more to do with interest and various technologies and what we were good at initially. And what we could contribute in terms of what instruments we played. The city affected the way we would approach how or where we would play or music, and how we would release it and stuff like that. The ability to put something out yourself, I guess, was probably an idea from people who were playing music in Montreal.

What are some of your musical influences?

I would say, I don’t know… When I think about that question, it’s as if it implies some conscious decision to make music in a certain way. We’re not trying to do music a certain way, and we all listen to music in different ways. Maybe any kind of music that uses the same approach.

What kind of approach?

Maybe say, like using electronic equipment, writing music that doesn’t necessarily always have a pop song structure. I don't know, that’s really broad.

Is it important to you to give out free music? Or is it something you had to do because that’s the way music is heading these days?

We sort of had to do this. After a certain point, it’s going to be easier and more effective to get people to hear your music if you give it to them for free. And it’s pretty easy to do that nowadays. I expect music to be out there for free sometime or another. A couple weeks after an album comes out, it’s everywhere on the Internet. It seems like the natural thing to do.

How has the band grown over the last year, from the release of Understory to The Turquoise? First as bandmates, but also musically?

What you would expect, we’ve gotten a lot better at writing cooperatively. We make a song less and less based off of ideas that were fully developed by one of us. Now it’s much more cooperative and more of a mutual writing experience. Musically, we’ve made more interesting songs that we’re more excited about playing.

What can readers/listeners expect from a live Pop Winds show?

We will always focus on doing the best we can for a set. And have at least some new things, new ideas, and new ways of playing specific songs. We would hope to do a performance that is engaging and makes people want to pay attention and listen attentively.

---

Download The Turquoise here.

Read Less ↑

Aptly described as a breath of fresh air in an industry that gets the bulk of its attention from rhymes on consumerist preoccupations, Fashawn is breathing new life into the stifling milieu of mainstream rap. Fashawn is a hardworking, but somewhat overlooked emcee who’s holding his own in what’s increasingly being considered the West Coast revival. Influenced by the golden era of hip hop, there’s no doubt that Fashawn has developed an artistry of his own in his self-reflective and politically aware music.

Fashawn, who counts Planet Asia, The Alchemist, Evidence and most recently, Talib Kweli as collaborators, is on the road to becoming a luminary in his own right. In case you missed it, be sure to check out Fashawn’s freshly released track, and homage to Nas, “Life’s A Bitch” featuring Talib Kweli.

LOOKOUT: How was South by Southwest?

Fashawn: SXSW was unforgettable. It was my first time experiencing SXSW and it was like a musical high school reunion because a lot of the people I’ve gotten to work with were there. And I just turned 21, so I got to drink free beer.

Your music has a really positive message. Despite what you’ve been through, how do you maintain that energy and motivation to keep following your dreams?

I still keep the same mentality that I’ve always had, like having nothing and trying to get out of the situation I’m in. Get out and get something. Now it’s just the start and you know, people call me the freshman. I’m doing well for myself and it pays the bills, but my mission has just begun.

To what extent is music and the writing process therapeutic for you?

It’s therapeutic because if I don’t get these emotions and ideas out, it’s just going to explode inside my head or my heart. If I put this energy out into the world and spread my joy and my pain, maybe it’ll help somebody. It’s all in the energies you put out and maybe some day down the road you’ll get something back.

Referring to the title of the mixtape you did with The Alchemist (The Antidote), do you consider yourself the antidote to all the crap in rap game right now?

Yeah I would. Me and The Alchemist called it The Antidote because we were sick of all the shit and we felt like we were the antidote to help the people, the rappers and the hip hop heads. With the project, I had the freedom to say whatever I said like. The Alchemist really hates typical, mediocre, club records, and he wanted to make something dirty and raw.

In terms of rappers currently in the game, who would you consider an influence?

I would say Jay Electronica, Blu, which is one of my peers that I admire, he's incredible musician and lyricist, and Black Milk, for production.

You’ve been hailed as the future of hip hop and some people in the media have speculated that Boy Meets World is going to become a classic. How do you respond to that kind of pressure?

I respond with a dope show, more music, and try to prove the people right. You know, every emcee has an attitude of “I’m gonna be the best” and hopes that their work will become a classic. But yeah, all I can do is try and prove them right.

Boy Meets World is a concept album with a cohesive narrative running through it of what life was like as a kid in Fresno. Do you have an idea on how you want to approach your next album?

The song called “The Ecology” on my first album is kind of like the science and the study behind the behaviour and the environment I come from. I want to take that concept and expand on it. With this next project, I can dish out everything I’ve seen and learned in the past year. The shit that I’ve seen in the last year, it’s really incredible compared to the last 20 years of my life. I’m even wiser now. My next album’s executive produced by DJ Khalil, with productions from Exile, The Alchemist, and some new people. You can expect a lot of surprises.

How has traveling, touring, and being able to be exposed to so much in the last year changed your outlook on life?

Now I truly understand when they say music is the universal language. I’ve been to places where they don’t even know how to pronounce my name, but it’s still nothing but love. I’m not a rich man but I live a very wealthy life because of these experiences. Ten years ago I wouldn’t have said that. I would’ve said, “Yeah, cool. The graffiti was dope.” I soak in different things. My life has more meaning now. I see myself when I’m fifty writing novels and shit.

So, I've seen some videos of you, and you’re a dope skater.

I’m okay. I could use some practice.

You’re also working with Orisue and etnies. Is it important for you to do things outside of rap, career-wise, to kind of diversify, if you will? Or is it more natural?

It’s just natural for me. I love skating, I love clothes and I’m from Cali where skating was born. Working with Orisue and etnies are really just extensions of my life.

You sampled “Shut up and Let Me Go” by The Ting Tings a few years back. What kind of music do you listen to outside of hip hop?

I love all kinds of music. I like listening to music from the '60s, '70s, '80s and shit. I’m not prejudiced when it comes to music, I like all different genres. I like Feist...

She’s Canadian!

Yeah, that’s right. Hopefully she’s out there when I come up. Maybe we can have lunch or something.

Fashawn begins his “Breakin' Dawn” tour with Brother Ali and BK-One on March 29^th, and will be performing in Montreal at Foufounes Électriques on April 11. For more info, click here.
Tickets available at:

Downtown:
Foufounes Electriques
Off the Hook (1021a St. Catherine O.)
High Times (1385 St. Catherine O.)

NDG:
Sub V (5666 Sherbrooke O.)

Plateau:
Lunetz (4269 St. Denis)
G&G Barbershop (28 Des Pins E.)

Read Less ↑

LOOKOUT: About your debut album Toeachizown, the five different volumes each have a life of their own, but still form a comprehensive whole and has an underlying story . Can you tell me something about the different volumes and why you decided to put it together this way?

Dãm: I wanted to make a concept record like progressive rock records I used to listen to back in the day. They would have a theme around it, as opposed to a bunch of hit singles on the record. “I Wanna Thank You (For Steppin’ Into My Life)” is one song that I think could be on the radio right now and be a hit. But, I didn’t want to make a record of hit singles, I don’t even want to aspire to do that. I wanted to create the record I've always wanted to make… and why not make it? In Toeachizown, the first volume is more electric based, the second more serious, Sky more positive, Hood more dark.

Is there something about L.A. that makes it a unique place for funk? How did growing up on the West Coast influence your style of music?

The music we grew up with on the West Coast is a little more laid back. Even though we have sunshine, there’s the darkness and the light… We’ve cultivated something a bit different from East Coast approach.  The warm weather, the palm trees, and the driving culture of L.A. definitely influences my music.

Prince was a big inspiration for you. What Prince era do you draw influence from most?

1978-1987

I feel like you’ve coined the term modern funk. I don’t want to suggest a clear break in “old-fashioned funk” and modern funk, because there’s a definite continuation, but what is modern about your modern funk?

It’s a mix of subject matter, log extended tracks, instrumentals, reverb vocals... It’s a different approach. It’s the funk you’ve always wanted to have. The modern funk approach pertains to some of the science aspects of things, like of exploration of different worlds. Funk is more like funk 45 vibe. Modern funk is more electric based and appeals to post-disco funk. You know what I’m sayin'?

For more Q&A with Dam-Funk check the March 4^th issue of The McGill Daily.

Dam-Funk @ Club Lambi - Mar 5, 2010

Listen:

Speak The Truth - Dam-Funk

Toeachizown - Dam-Funk

Passion - Dam-Funk

Read Less ↑

State your name: Mayday

How did you get into this? My older brother bought decks and was nice enough to let me mess around on his set up at his place and play with his hip hop records until I realized I was serious about it and had to start buying my own.

What’s your ideal setup to rock a crowd? Two decks and a mixer. A nice size crowd is good but in the end, it's not about how many people are there. You can have 15 people and if you do things right with the music and mixing, you have a party. The set up is what you make of it. You have a job to do and that job doesn't depend on ideals, it depends on you showing up, assessing the situation and using your experience to figure out how to make things go off proper. That's how I see it anyways.

What’s the first song that made you flip? Snap! - The Power

What’s the last song that made you flip? Popof - Faces 'Uch

Most memorable DJ experience? It sounds lame, but in their own way, they are all sort of memorable.

What song will you never drop? Never say never...

Funniest request you’ve ever gotten? Argentinean Tango. Dead Serious.

A message for 3Style night: Whether you win or lose doesn't dictate your talent.

---

State your name: Twitch

How did you get into this? Piano, then guitar, then DJing. One thing after another I guess. Comes down to the love for music.

What’s your ideal setup to rock a crowd? Good old Serato is always a classic although I’m really loving the whole Midi controllers, loops, effects, pads, and the whole shabang! It gives the show a kinda vibe, instead of just playing other peoples tracks, you get to be the creator.

What’s the first song that made you flip? Can’t even answer this one…”For whom the bell tolls” or “Fade to Black” by Metallica.

What’s the last song that made you flip? “Vocal Chords (Tim Green remix)”.

Most memorable DJ experience? Participating in the World Team DMC in England. We represented Canada. Ok, we got our asses kicked. But it was an amazing experience. That and when A-trak won the Canadian DMC finals at Metropolis, right before he became World Champ. Huge motivating moment for DJs who witnessed that competition.

What song will you never drop? I guess it always depends on how the song is flipped, how you drop it, how you mix it in. Even the cheesiest tracks can sound nice properly mashed up. But enough with the positivism, “Ghetto Superstar” by Pras.

Funniest request you’ve ever gotten? “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails. It’s actually a great song, and not funny at all. But the girl who asked me…well…it was her way of saying “I want to F#CK!!!”...and no I didn’t..

A message for 3Style night:

Get ready for an orgy of songs mashed up together. Will be a musical gangbang to your ears.

---

State your name: DJ YO-C

How did you get into this? I started DJing at the age of thirteen. My brother-in-law was doing a lot of private events and I would help him out to bring in and take down the equipment. I would stay the night with him just to see how he would work and what kind of music he was playing. He was only using vinyl back in the day. I bought my first mixer with amplifier and used my parent’s old run down turntables and tape deck players to start mixing. I would practice day and night and barely would go out for a couple of years. Started doing private events at the age of fifteen and clubs at nineteen.

What’s your ideal setup to rock a crowd? I like using two Technics 1200's with the pioneer mixer 909 with one extra CDJ on the side for extra tracks to loop and play with.

What’s the first song that made you flip? “You Don't Know Me” by Armand Van Helden.

What’s the last song that made you flip? I'm actually liking the new Alicia Keys. "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart".

Most memorable DJ experience? DJing for Wyclef...hands down THE coolest guy out there!

What song will you never drop? Hmmm....hard one. Let's just say that I don't keep the songs that I wouldn't play on my computer!

Funniest request you’ve ever gotten? I can't remember...too many parties where people get drunk and ask random music!

A message for 3Style night: Let's have fun, enjoy the music and be open!

---

State your name: Mr. Dany Patrice Valade AKA DJ Cherry COLA.

How did you get into this? When I was sixteen, a friend of mine was a DJ in a 14-18 club, and I was really impressed...at the same time Daft Punk launched Homework...that was it...I knew I was going to make something out of this!

What’s your ideal setup to rock a crowd? I put my fists in the air and dance!!

What’s the first song that made you flip? Daft Punk “Rollin' & Scratchin” for the electronic scene but when I was four years old, it was “Thriller” by Michael Jackson.

What’s the last song that made you flip?

Not a lot of songs make me flip but the last one I would say was Mr Oizo “Positif”.

Most memorable DJ experience? When Busy P brought me back to the audience from backstage so they would acclaim me...it was the best DJ set I've done in my life. I still got shivers thinking about it.

What song will you never drop?

There is always a time to drop a song...just have to know the right time.

Funniest request you’ve ever gotten?

A guy hired DJ Cherry COLA at Time Supper Club once and asked me to play some Cafe del Mar. What kind of idiot would hire Cola to hear some Cafe del Mar...did I say idiot? Yes, I did!

A message for 3Style night:

I'll try my best I promise...Thanks for having me!

---

State your name: Mary Hell.

How did you get into this? Someone called me a pussy.

What's your ideal setup to rock a crowd? Vodka Red Bull, Pionner DJM 800, CDJs  1000 and my friends.

What's the first song that made you flip? Who can answer that question really? I remember digging my dad's vinyls when I was 10 and listening to Joan Jett and Pat Benatar on repeat.

What's the last song that made you flip? “Poison Lips” by Vitalic.

Most memorable DJ experience? Playing with Crystal Castle was something. People were out of control and Coda was way over capacity. I also had a blast in Paris when I played this party called "La Furie" at Social Club.

What song will you never drop? Simian “We Are Your Friends”.

Funniest request you've ever gotten? Someone asked me for Tiesto OR something VERY underground...euh....That was last week.

A message for 3Style night: Beware of the devil

---

State your name: Rilly Guilty or simply Guilt.

How did you get into this? Dad let me mess with all his equipment from the Disco Days. He would tell me stories of cops shutting down his makeshift hotel parties…that stuck with me. I really got into it because of hip hop, and found myself throwing mini-jams in friends’ basements. I was the DJ in the high school crew.

What's your ideal setup to rock a crowd? A mixer and two turntables but most importantly, a banging sound system. Not just a LOUD system. A well-positioned, properly set up one! I find there is not enough emphasis on sound- everyone just wants to get as loud as possible. DJs and club owners, please put more pride into the way it sounds!

What's the first song that made you flip? I had a little dance to Housequake by Prince, what a jam!

What's the  last song that made you flip? Just heard it fifteen minutes ago. Peckos – “Love Girl”. It may not be your cup of tea, but it sure is mine.

Most memorable DJ experience? Sweaty night in the corner of a third floor apartment packed with party people. This girl kept standing on the sub, dancing, and then falling off. She did this about 10 times. I deeply respect her resilience.

What song will you never drop? That shit f***** Miley Cyrus song. Why would you want to hear that? It insinuates that the party is in the USA while you’re at a party in Canada...that is some existential shit! You’re at a party that doesn't exist!

Funniest request you've ever gotten? Club’s packed, music is bumping, drinks are flowing, hands in the air, the song is about to drop, silence before drop... lady by the booth decides at that very moment to yell out her request for “Aime Tu La Vie” by Boule Noire. The whole place nearly broke out in to laughter. It was quite amusing.

A message for 3Style night: To all the competitors, if I'm not drinking, be afraid! If I am drinking, STILL BE AFRAID…but not as much. And also if you could not include these songs in your sets that would be of great help to me...

Sonny & Cher - I Got You Babe

Any Eric Satie

Prince - Crystal Ball

Any Mario Pelchat

Nothing from GWAR first...

The Australian national anthem.

THANKS!

---

State your name: A-Rock

How did you get into this? Somebody told me they thought I could do it!

What's your ideal setup to rock a crowd? I need room in the DJ booth to dance, and I need the computer out of my face cause I got to have a connection with people.  I need space on the side!

What's the first song that made you flip? Still saying the same about Motown Philly.  It don't matter just don't curse!!!!!!!!!

What's the last song that made you flip? Revisiting the Electric Slide.

Most memorable DJ experience? Bouncer threatening to throw me out of the club for being behind the DJ booth with my homie on the decks.  He tells me when MC Mario plays on Saturdays it's only him behind the decks, he figured one DJ was enough.  It was risky business everytime I got near that booth, but they let me stay.  Hey, thanks!

What song will you never drop? As Psychology has said in the past...never say never.  You're right as rain my friend.

Funniest request you've ever gotten? Adzimm (pronounced Adam), play Brazilian house music. (after all these years, I figured out that guy was right.)

---

State your name: Truspin

How did you get into this? I don’t know…I guess its just the flow of life…I bought turntables when I was thirteen years old, got my first gigs at seventeen years old and next things I knew I was living off what I loved to do.

What's your ideal set-up to rock a crowd? Summer heat. Packed room. Friends. Smiles. Good music.

First song that made you flip? Mmm…don’t really remember as a child but early teens it would probably be A tribe called Quest, Nirvana, Beastie boys or Snoop.

Last song that made you flip? This week: the new Theofilus London mixtape.

Most memorable DJ moment? I think it was 7-8 years ago at Angels, I was playing a Neptunes song and then someone taps on my shoulder. I turn around and Pharell Williams is in the booth all like “great stuff man’’. Also, the few times I got goosebumbs when I played a song.  Always a cool and intense feeling in memorable nights.

What song will you never drop? mmmm…somebody tried to remake “Beggin’” by Franki Valli. I heard it on the radio this week. HORRIBLE.

Funniest song you've been asked to play? “Chante” by René Simard…in the middle of an electro set.

A message for Saturday night:

I will eat your children.

Read Less ↑

The OLDgOLD team have transformed the community-oriented boutique vibe into an online shop and website featuring exclusive downloadable DJ mixes, videos, and photos created by some of the movers and shakers of the Montreal art scene. Their latest podcast, by Peer Pressure’s Merk Meny, is the seventh part of a series dubbed "Transmission," and is just over a half-hour of what OLDgOLD calls a “smooth yet bouncy hovercraft ride through some dubby house swamps.” The blurb sounds dope, but the mix is even doper, so download the Transmission: OLDgOLD 7 mix here.

Transmission:OLDgOLD:7 by Merk Meny

Their latest video, "Twinkle Toes" is a stop-motion animation featuring THE DUDE 100% rubber shoes and subtly reminds me of a child TV show I would’ve watched when I was two, if my mother had let me watch TV… Consider it your lullaby. It’s that good. Peep the adult equivalent to a pacifier here.

Follow OLDgOLD on Twitter

Read Less ↑