Posts tagged Taiwan

FEATURE FRIDAYS: OPITIMISTUEY

As was announced earlier this week (as well as featured in the alternative community’s bible, JUXTAPOZ), this Saturday, Taipei is lucky enough to have a world class exhibit courtesy Bay Area Graffiti legends Optimist and Stuey.  Featuring a collection of brand new pieces all inspired by their time in Taiwan, THE BLAST were lucky enough to sit down with the elusive pair and break down their start, their influences and the inspiration behind their brand new exhibit, ‘Time Flies in Taipei’ .
 

BLAST: Introduce yourselves. Who are you? What and where do you represent?

OPTIMIST: Born in San Francisco raised in Oakland.  I represent the highest vibrations of love and light.  I came to planet earth to create and inspire humans.

STUEY: Stuey The MD coming out of the Bay Area of Northern California.  I rep Oakland, Manila, Davao, Taipei and Asia in general.  I am a representative of creativity and culture.  We are artists and writers who paint both indoors and outdoors around the world.

B: When did you start your creative path? How?

O: Its been an ongoing process depending on the body im in.  In this body during this lifetime my father was a major influence on my creativity.  He was an artist, a photographer and I wanted to be like him.  I spent the majority of my childhood reading comic books and drawing.  Then I met Graffiti and never looked back since.  

S:  The Bay area is rich in graffiti and Hip Hop culture so it was simply a part of coming up.  I was introduced to graffiti when I was in the 2nd grade.  Then Break Dancing and the art of the DJ became my focus.  I wanted to be like my older brother and he schooled me early in the game.  But I really started focusing on painting toward the end of High School.  This is where I learned most about myself and that’s what pulled me in and keeps pulling me in deeper.

B: Tell us about your upcoming exhibit Time Flies in Taipei. What inspired it?  Is there a specific sentiment you’re hoping to convey?

O: LIFE inspired it.  Taipei inspired it.  This show represents the evolution that has taken place over the past 6 years in our minds and in the city itself.  Time flies in Taipei is the story of OPTIMISTUEY in Taipei and it represents so much more then just our lives and our perspectives.  Everything in the show was found in Taipei on the street or in abandonded buildings.  We had to make due with whatever we could find…thus turning nothing into something which is why I’m so happy about the show.   Everything came together in a natural way, and fit together perfectly and yet nothing was really planned.

S: ‘Time Flies’ is a collaborative installation and our first show in Taiwan.  More than an art show, it is a way of expressing the things that we can’t thru graffiti and also expressing how much graffiti has helped us come to know Taiwan in a way most people don’t.  The show itself is a blend of images and text  that come from the inspirations of the Taipei life as a newcomer in this rapid changing city.  I want the work to hit people in the head and the heart and hopefully they can see this city in a different perspective rather than just being caught up in it.  I want this show to put Taipei on the map more than before.

B: The exhibit itself is a combination of such a diverse and unique variety of pieces. What piece by the other are you particularly fond of?

S:  All of the dead markers that we have saved overtime and installed might be one of the top 5 for me just cause  they represent the time put in, the places I’ve been and all the feelings/insights I’ve had over the years.  

Other than that, “CAN’T KEEP RUNNING AWAY” is one of my favorite things I put together.  It’s rests on my old passport pages with all the stamps from all the Visa runs I have done while living in Taiwan.  Visa running is a crucial part of the life out here and for any Hip Hop heads, the saying should hit you.  Plus, that song played a crucial role to the soundtrack of the Only In Taiwan Saga.

O:  ”WHAYING GWAHLING”.. that shit makes me laugh everytime i look at it.

B: What artist(s) do you respect the most (past/present)? Why?

S:  As far as music … I am on that  Big K.R.I.T.  at the moment.

As for art…way too many to list.  But I will just say that I’m always cheering for the UnderDogs, so anyone I list off won’t ring any bells unless you came up in the Bay or actively following the ongoing conversation called “graffiti”.  But, just to keep it 100% one time, Mike Dream and Ceaver 640 are two major influences who I have actually met and spoke with. Rest In Peace Mike Dream.

O:  I respect self made artists.  Neither of us went to art school and so I respect people who are naturally talented and have a passion for making art and expressing themselves the only way they know how.  You shouldnt be in the art game to make money. Money should be the icing on the cake.  I respect all the people who came before me and put it down and didn’t get shit back.  They did it for the love of Graffiti.  I respect “fine” artists thats didn’t have to compromise their work for a gallery.  Artists that look for meaning in life and express this through their work with constant evolution an progression.  Those who avoid getting stuck on one style just because it sells.

B: What’s your current artist of choice to listen to while you work?

S: BIG FOK’S SMOKE SHIT ALL DAY.  And some Kels…. ahhaha..

B: What’s the best piece of advice you could give those also doing art?

S: May your life be cooler than your art.  Have a good team and crew around you.  Hang out with people who don’t do art so that you can get a variety of insight/input.  And this one i just came up on via the internet….

‎‘imagination should be used not to escape reality…but to create it.’  - Colin Wilson

O: Discipline.  Think for yourself, act on your gut feelings, accept your mistakes and move on.

B: What are some goals and missions for Optimistuey?

S: A “TIME FLIES IN TAIPEI” mixtape to compliment the art installation.  A photo zine of images from the adventures of this life.  And really, to inspire more youth to be creative and proactive in this world.  Also, I am the infant stages of a mission to help raise funds to build a skate park in Manila.

O:  Keep doing art for charity and enjoying life… cus it’s short.

B: What cartoon character do you identify with most?   What super power would you have?

O: IRONMAN…. I’d have the ability to freeze time for how ever long I wanted.

S:  It’s Ghost Life ‘til I’m born again. I just wish I could teleport how they do in the movies.

Time Flies In Taipei opens tomorrow and will be showing at AMPM Gallery from 5/19-8/19.  Click the flyer above for details.  

Be well world.

Salute. 

FEATURE FRIDAYS: BARRY

In my near 2 decades of actively participating in Hip-Hop culture, it’s inevitable that some of the taste of today’s youth seems like an entirely different world from what I know as ‘Hip Hop’.  The culture of Swag has overshadowed the art of Spitters and now the ability to write a catchy hook holds exponential stock compared to it’s lowly competitor of being able to touch your audience with 16 bars of life.  

This is why, in a time where the world is smaller than it’s ever been, it’s exciting to see cultures who have no pioneering roots in Hip Hop take pieces from both Swag and Skill lanes and combine them into something altogether new.  Traditional Hip Hop may still ultimately lie in the hands of its forefathers, but the fact has never been lost that whether 1976 or 2012, Hip-Hop is still taking cues from it’s Freshmen class.  

The Blast had a chance to sitdown with one of Taiwan’s current leaders of the new school and pick his brain about his start, his inspiration and his future.  

BLAST：是否可以介紹你自己，和你所代表的特質？

BARRY : 大家好, 我是Barry, 來至How We Roll Music. 

我自己覺得我代表的是, 一個沒有資源和太多的幫助, 還有身邊週遭充滿質疑的眼光或是言語, 經歷了低潮與挫折下的一個年輕人抱著堅定信念 , 還是努力的實現的自己的夢想

BLAST：你從哪裡來？跟我們說一下在你的城市的音樂環境或文化。

BARRY : 台北 三峽鎮 

老實說三峽沒有什麼音樂環境, 在我週遭的朋友, 他們都聽例如 羅百吉或是電音比較多. 有時候我自己都覺得我自己會喜歡HipHop也蠻不可思議的…哈哈哈

我覺得三峽的文化就是樸實, 街坊鄰居人都很好大家都互相認識, 可能在南部街坊鄰居認識是很正常的事, 可是現在的台北我會覺得三峽很特別! 

BLAST：什麼時候開始踏上音樂這條路？又是什麼原因讓你開使創作？

BARRY : 剛開始嘗試寫詞的時候是在國中.

國中時期的我內心比較憤怒, 總覺得自己講話好像都沒什麼人會聽, 所以就把它寫下來, 感覺心情會好一點. 所以國中寫的東西大部份都是在罵人, 哈哈哈 

BLAST：為什麼是嘻哈？嘻哈對你來說是什麼？嘻哈在你當時的世代又是怎樣？

BARRY : 因為嘻哈比較簡單和直接, 不需要花太多的錢.

當時嘻哈在台灣來說, 還是街舞發展的比較蓬勃, 饒舌只是小眾. 可是現在我感覺的到, 饒舌在台灣已經有越來越多支持者, 大家的的水準, 技巧也都提升了很多, 非常棒!

BLAST：買第一張唱片的時候是幾歲？是哪張專輯？

BARRY : 14歲, Eminem - 8 Mile 電影原聲帶

BLAST：最尊敬的歌手是誰(過逝或現在的都可)？
BARRY : 2pac 

BLAST：跟我們聊聊你現在最新的計劃？它跟以前有什麼不同之處？
BARRY : 新的Mixtape

這次除了新歌之外, 還會有一些之前累積, 沒有公開的作品, 有點像日記的感覺, 記錄當下我腦中的想法還有所有的感覺, 妳可以在這張Mixtape聽到一些在EP或是比較正式的作品裡面不會聽到的東西. 我覺得會很酷! 

BLAST：說說你最喜歡的漫畫卡通人物。如果可以有一種超能力，你會想擁有哪一種？
BARRY : 達爾 （七龍珠） 

飛行能力

BLAST：請說出一首是你從來都不好意思開口跟任何人說的歌曲。

BARRY : 以前寫的一首歌 “Gangsta Set”  哈哈哈

BLAST：未來還有什麼計劃？有沒有什麼建議是想跟新一代的說？

BARRY : 未來我最想做的是一張完整的專輯

新一代的朋友們, 繼續努力, 有時候你可能會覺得很氣餒, 可是皇天不負苦心人, 只要Work Hard沒有什麼不可能, 加油!!!

Be sure to check BARRY’s official mixtape release party this Friday in Taichung featuring The Blast’s very own DJ SERPICO.  

Check out BARRY’s newest single TAKE OVER.

Salute y’all. 

FEATURE FRIDAYS: DJ AGILE

After an incredible couple months for the squad (including: a party rocking clinic courtesy Icy Ice, as well as our own Thrilla in Manila) we’re back this Saturday to bring you some more world class talent.

This time, The Blast is proud to present Toronto’s very own, DJ AGILE.  Arguably Toronto’s #1 party rocker, Agile has earned a reputation both as a DJ and producer.  While his regular residencies are considered the hottest tickets in town, Agile stays busy producing, having worked with the likes of: Nas, Method Man, Dwele, Kardinal Offishall, Melanie Fiona and many more. We got a chance to catch up with the Stylus DJ and Juno Award Winner and get his thoughts on Hip-Hop, Toronto, influences and the future.

BLAST:  Who are you?   What do you represent?

AGILE: My name is Agile.  Some call me DJ Agile - I represent BrassMunk/Remix/BigBlackLincoln

B:  Where are you from?  Tell us about the music scene in your city.

A: I’m from Toronto, Canada. The music scene in T.O. is as diverse as the population. So many cultures makes for an original melting pot of music. It’s quite unique

B:  When did you start your creative path?  How did you get into your art?

A:  I started in high school. I started making mixtapes for people, and I caught the music bug HARD. from there I started to DJ school dances, house parties and then clubs. From there I discovered producing. That was it for me. I was always into music as a fan, my career just naturally developed. I seemed to have been in the right place at the right times for certain things.

B:  Why Hip-Hop?  What does it mean to you?  How would you describe your generation?

A:  I heard Rakim and I was hooked.  I liked other hip hop songs I heard up until that point, but Rakim changed everything for me.  Hip Hop is just a cool culture that speaks to the youth.  Always has, always will.  My generation are the trend setters.  We blaze paths, we don’t follow

B:  What’s the first album you ever bought?  How old were you?  Tell us how you got it.

A:  Kid & Play - 2 Hype - the cassette.  I was in my early teens.  I bought it on the streets in ATL on a trip with my family.  I couldn’t believe the price, it was so affordable. (I was too young to know at the time it was a bootleg).

B:  What artist do you respect the most (past/present)?  Why?

A:  Pete Rock.  His production inspired me to produce.  If it wasn’t for him, I probably would never have gone this career path.  He sparked me.  I used to vibe out for hours listening to his records.

B:  Tell us about your newest project.   How does it differ from others?

A:  I’ve been working on a mixtape/album for 1 1/2years. Differs because I have no timetable.  LOL.  I’m doing things as I am inspired.  It’s a mixture of all my skills. Production, DJing, songwriting and mixing.

B:  What cartoon character do you identify with most/What super power would you have?

A:  Tony Stark. He lives a crazy life. Wolverine has a the craziest power. I just don’t want to be as hairy as him.

B:  What’s your guilty pleasure track?

A:  Right now, anything by Rick Ross. He knows how to choose beats!!

B:  What’s the future hold for you?  What’s the best piece of advice you could give those coming up?

A:  I’m gonna be travelling a lot this year so that is what I have on my plate. For those coming up, if your doing music for something other then the love, then you’ll have a short career. Or even worse, you won’t love your job. I love my job, so I work at it most of my waking moments, but it never feels like work.

Check out some of his award winning mixes here: djagile.com

Agile will be at Marquee this Saturday with the entire squad in tow.   Needless to say, it’s bout to get real heavy.

We’ll see y’all tomorrow night. 

Be well world.