As promised, my new prints are out, ready to be had! Come through this weekend to the POP-UP PANDA I'm co-curating at PANDA NYC. They promise to be very affordable in the spirit of accessibility and non-exclusivity. If you want it, you can have it. MORE INFO HERE
I'm pleased to have some exclusive goodies from Brooklyn fam and long-time collaborators, QUAN LUV & MEGA. You will hear a lot about Quan's project VISIONS 18
...and for those in the know, the three of us have joined forces and working on something big behind the scenes. stay tuned ---
Limited edition apparel and goodies are available this weekend at the POP-UP PANDA I'm co-curating at PANDA NYC. MORE INFO HERE
CHI2 is crazy about these body chains! It’s such a simple yet brilliant idea by founder/designer Xing Xu. Xing is obviously passionate about bringing beautiful design by talented independents to the forefront. She’s the organizer of Brooklyn Fashion Festival, and founding member of We the People NYC Fashion Collective. Kallistialso has a line of bracelets and rings, which will be featured at Pop-up Panda.
FREEGUMS
Freegums transforms the everyday garment into a timeless personal gesture. Featured in art shows, boutiques and publications around the World, the Freegums collection cannot be classified as a street-wear brand or high-fashion line, but rather as a means-based artistic label that continues to pave a distinctive path in the fashion industry by responding with considered enthusiasm to popular sub-culture trends. Consisting of standard and reversible (((which we think is ingenious & wonder why more people don’t do it))) t-shirts and sweatshirts, Freegums appeals to the creative sensibilities of funky eccentrics.
Six Scents is a limited-edition collection of fragrances. Each series consists of six scents, with each scent developed by a prominent designer and perfumer to help raise money for a deserving charity. The charities benefitted are Designers Against Aids and War Child International. ”The collection represents a global gamut of contemporary views on creativity, culture, consciousness and collectivity.” The creative masters behind it all is Kaya Sorhaindo and Joseph Quartana. They have impeccable taste in design, fashion, and music. Kaya and I have a mutual love for monochrome aesthetics and I’m always lookin’ forward to his fresh garb. We’re super excited to feature the full Series 1 and Series 2 at Pop-up Panda (((thanks Marc & Kaya)))!
“The Princess of the Posse, me say she a cool one She rhyme on my record and she ram jam me gun The Princess of the Posse, me say she a cool girl She rhyme Brooklyn, the Bronx, USA, the world” »Princess of the Posse - Queen Latifah
Since ‘08, Princess of the Posse has brought together street fashion and glamour to form a line of slouchy graphic tees with an avant-garde attitude. Kelly B. is its founder - a creative entrepreneur, celebrity stylist, and hostess of a lot of fun downtown events. Definitely thrilled to feature them at Pop-up Panda!! [via theCHI2.com]
just keeps on coming! i'm loving this video featuring an all-star Brooklyn fam, MeLo-X as the hero of the love story, the beautiful Sade as the love interest, Lex Lewter of LightUpFilms behind the camera, while Jesse Boykins III is directing, what?!
MeLo-X aka Mustafa debuts his first music video "Gone Baby" co-starring the Lovely FolaSade. These are the first visuals for his next anticipated EP entitled More Merch. You may recognize FolaSade from MeLo's "Treat Her Right" Promo video back in 2008 for "Mustafa's Renaissance". Here he revisits that timeless encounter between himself and FolaSade as they make music in Bed. Directed by Jesse Boykins III & The Light Up Film team. All visuals and music were created in BROOKLYN.
MeLo's next EP "More Merch" will Debut December 7th on DJBooth.net.
On Friday December 3rd, the first night of POP-UP PANDA, we have an afterparty called DOWNTOWN FRIDAY NIGHT 'Where Good Times Meets Cheers' with our fam, a great cast of NY's finest performance artists/DJs. Starting at 10pm, it's also going to be a birthday party for Stimulus, our host and one of the co-founders of PANDA NYC. Stimulus is one-half of one of New York's dopest live bands, The Real Live Show, an accomplished MC and is also a sought-after DJ (just wrapped up his legendary party at 105 Rivington w/ Moma). He's been touring the world this past year with his music and is going to return fresh from his trip to Mexico just in time to party.
He celebrates his birthday with two of his and New York's (you can add me to the list) favorite DJs Waajeed & Parler. Parler & Waajeed, who has also just returned from his travels in South America, are ready to put some fire on the dancefloor.
No Gifts, No Cover...Guess where the party is at! Find out about POP-UP PANDA and some of the featured artists & brands here.
WAAJEED (PPP/Bling47) producer / song writer / DJ [ + graphic designer & visual artist]
Nacinimod Deodee's line House of Nassat takes a futuristic twist on traditional tecniques & design of clothesmaking. Imagine indigenous patterns on crocheted jackets that makes one look like one just stepped out of a STAR TREK episode taking place in ancient Mesoamerica. Nacinimod is a true visionary, and just like traditional craftsmen who weave their ancestors's legends into their fabric, his geometric designs spell out the symbolic patterns of his cosmos...there is more than what meets the eye.
We will have some of his one-of-a kind exclusive pieces on sale this weekend at the POP-UP PANDA.
ABOUT: The House of Nassat is a lifestyle line offering hand-made one of a kind pieces as well as everyday apparel. As CEO and head designer I have had the opportunity to create custom couture pieces for fashion forward artists such as Erykah Badu, Common, Musiq, dead prez, N'Dambi, Junior Kelly and Talib Kweli. We at the House of Nassat are fully committed to our mantra, "actively participating in the pursuit of perfection". Keep your eyes peeled for the real. Nacinimod signing out. Be Brave, Be Fearless...
One of our featured artists this weekend, Marka27 will be offering his 8” Half Dead Buddy, the first production 8” Bic Buddy design. Caught in limbo between the land of the living and the land of the dead, this luchador figure sports a strong design with intricate tattoo work making reference to Marka's Mexican & L.A. roots.
About: "Marka27 is a prolific artist who is never confined to one medium. His graffiti has been seen in high profile galleries throughout the east and west coast and has shown along side artist such as Futura, and Sam Flores. His street murals/ graffiti have been published in several life style magazines and books, most recent "Graffiti Planet", "Burning New York" and "Graffiti L.A". Marka27 made his mark with his original "Audio Canvas" paintings with built in speakers, also his large speaker installations with legendary hiphop icons painted on the speaker boxes. The latest manifestations from the restless mind of Marka27 are the minigods, the first indigenous urban vinyl toys."
Also very excited about his latest of his killer minigods series debuting on December 18th...I can't wait to have my own...it hooks up to a computer and works as a table speaker...yes!
For those who live in L.A, Marka27 will release both of his new gleaming Asia Minigods (Bic Plastics) on Saturday December 18th (6 to 9 PM) @ the Sixhundred boutique in Downtown LA. Available in both 15” ($160) and new 5.5” ($40) mini form factors, the latest Minigods fuse a design inspired by Buddhism with the latest in audio technology. The result is a unique art toy that looks and sounds great. Marka27 will be on-hand to sign the new toys and will also be offering release exclusive products. [via vinylpulse]
FEATURES:
15” ASIA minigod --
4 Ω Power Speaker & 10 Ω Tweeter // Mini Jack cable // 100 / 240 V AC Adapter 2.5 Hour rechargeable Lithium Battery // ON and OFF Switch // LED lights // ABS Speaker Protector // Three points of articulation // Suggested retail $160
5.5” ASIA-minigod == Speaker // Mini Jack cable // 100 / 240 V AC Adapter // ABS Speaker Protector // ON and OFF Switch LED lights // Three points of articulation //Suggested retail $40
The latest issue of my favorite magazine, CLAM, is finally out in stores. Their myspace page should have the addresses where you can find it, and you can follow them on facebook.
CLAM is a unisex magazine whose goal is to promote creativity, concepts and ideas in fashion, architecture, music, design, the arts, free-time, travels and African design.
FRESH DAILY has hit me up with some leaks months before the release of his new full-length project MOTHERSHIP/LAND, so I was really looking forward to hear the whole album. MOTHERSHIP takes Fresh's skills as a lyricist/MC to new heights as he rhymes over beats by Benamin, Calvin The Genius, Devonwho, Flying Lotus, Melo-X, Mndsng, Samiyam, Flyamsam and J Dilla, among others. This is a hip-hop project that's true to the movement's East coast roots, the golden days of NY block-parties & the spirit of 'love & having fun in the community' type-vibes NY hip-hop was born out of. Personal & cosmic, Fresh's new album is a journey through visions of the past to awakening, self-love and self-knowledge on several different levels.
ABOUT the project from Fresh himself: This is an amalgam of many things. Us as a people, black people, the Diaspora, how we relate to each other in relationships & socially. All in all we’ve been built and programmed to have shoddy social/love relationships as a result of slavery and years of conditioning to break down our culture and heritage. They’ve failed. We’re WOKE with knowledge of self. We’re Young, Gifted and Black. Also just a personal dissertation & exploration on my relationships w/ lovers, friends & family. Also a celebration of women & the life cycle of sorts. We as men come out of a woman (our Mother) enter a woman again (our wives/lovers) and return to mother EARTH in death. Plus it’s just a spaced-out, low-end mixtape composed of dope jams. The mothership is here to expand how you think and take you somewhere else via audio rhythms.
Check out the launch of the Fresh Daily X Sacred Stitch Collaborative T-shirt & 5-Panel Cap. Free Giveaways! In Fresh's own words, It’s been a long time coming, both this website and this t-shirt and 5 panel-collabo. This is sort of like my design debut! I invited all of you personally to come on out and celebrate! It’s FREE! it’s early (for you workin’ folks!)
Come and Party! Music by Sucio Smash! Afterparty at bOb’s. 235 Eldridge
SANCTUARY is the latest release off of KESED's upcoming full-length project, entitled 6AM. It continues to unfold the story of its protagonist, though this track takes one back to the beginning (you can find out more and check his previous release here).
SANCTUARY flows over the theme song 'Santuary' for the video game Kingdom Hearts II and takes you on a dreamy ride through emotions spelling out the mythology of its hero & his love interest. [The original song was a massive hit sang by Hikaru Utada, also released in Japan as a single called "Passion" (check video for the Utada's original song).
New Hop Galaktic Afro-Futurism meets final fantasy. This is definitely one of my favorite off of the album.
I've been doing some of the art direction & had the pleasure to design his website. Check it at makekesednotwar.com.
I've been working behind the scenes to mastermind a pop-up shop featuring some of my closest artist fam and favorite brands. I've got my girl, Waichi who is bringing her awesome taste and expertise as a creative director/event producer and designer/ stylist Chay on the team, so when you add their selections to the mix, you probably got one of the finest independent art & fashion shopping experiences that New York can offer...so don't waste your money at Walmart and Marshalls on imagination-deficient mass-produced gifts when you can get one-of-a-kind art & clothes & accessories while you're also supporting living artists. I'll have a some affordable prints to sell as well. We donate a portion of our profit to Falling Whistles, a non-profit dedicated to bringing peace in the Congo.
The shop will be open for two days, this coming Friday and Saturday (Dec 3rd-4th), and on Friday, we'll going to wrap up the night with a birthday funhouse party for Panda's co-founder, my homie DJ/MC Stimulus. Music will be provided by good friends, WAAJEED & DJ Parler...
POP-UPPANDA /// Dec 3rd & 4th \\\ 12pm-8pm
a pop-up shop curated by Chi2 + Chay$theGreat. Featuring uber, yet affordable, one-of-a-kind and limited quantity art, toys, apparel & accessories. Portion of proceeds will benefit Falling Whistles.
139 Chrystie [btw Delancey & Broome]
Chi2 is a collaboration between Waichi & myself. Check out our blog at www.thechi2.com where you'll find more of the Stay tuned, I'll be featuring some of the brands & artists we have selected for the event.
FEATURED BRAND :: GOLD COAST TRADING
I love GCT. Its founder, art director/designer Emeka Alams was also responsible for establishing & creating the look for another dope brand 21MC, which became a huge success back in the days of myspace (check this interview with him to find out more about that connection)...how can one forget the amazing visual branding & art direction that gave 21 MC an instant cult status (I was one of the very first to support them in '07 on my blog). Emeka is a true adept of creating a look that communicates concepts, a feel and a lifestyle on many levels...brilliant stuff.
Check out their site to see more of the collection. Pretty excited to have them on board!
All images are courtesy of Gold Coast Trading
p.s. I just noticed that the Berber design on my PANDA flyer resembles somewhat some of the GCT designs...The GCT images must have impressed on me, so when I was trying to create a deco look for the flyer, I was subconsciously drawn to these Berber (North African) patterns even more. Well, let it be an homage to the creative vision behind GCT.
I just got the link from Odelie aka Odelie Chan, a Paris-based designer to her latest super dope retro jewelry collection for Fall Winter 2010/2011. I'm loving the pieces and it looks like I'm going to have one of my felines wear one!
"Kaleidoscope" is a collection inspired by this intriguing object, made out of mirrors, geometrical, colorful. It uses external light being daylight or subdued light, and reflects the numerous colors in various ways. Meticulously orned with bits of textile, pearl chains, these hypnotic jewels are all hand made. Some piec...es have animal figures, winter... white polar bear, a deer, a wolf, woohoo, a mixture of cold and warm elements that will keep your bodyheat right where it should be, warm when it's cold outside, and fresh when it's hot.
Brooklyn fam, Jesse Boykins III was recently nominated for the prestigeous Soul Train Award along with Janelle Monae, Dwele among others, and if anyone, he definitely deserves it. Big ups, Jesse!!
On Wednesday the print shop called to tell me the test print of my body art photography book was ready for pick up. It was really crazy to finally have my first ever self published book resting neatly in my hands. I think it turned out amazing! I am having 50 copies printed and i will be listing them on sale in my etsy shop. You can also join me for my body art photography gallery opening on December the 16th. Ill be selling the books there as well as doing a book signing:
Its been cold! Its supposed to be snowing right now but i think its closer to slushing. I did run out to the store and buy a new pair of wool socks so i am set. I also managed to finish a painting: 14" x 14" original acrylic painting by Chelsea Rose
....put the varnish on her last night and called it a done deal. You can check out some work in progress photos here if youd like.
I also wanted to share that i am offering 8.5" x 11" prints of The Green Man for Sale through the Holidays: The Green man 8.5" x 11" is on sale for $15 here. He is not a print i normally offer through etsy so grab him while you can!
and Lastly...check out this neat dread up-do i managed the other day: I have been experimenting with what to do with my dreads for my mid December art opening. I was not having much success until the other day when i came up with the above "up do." For this one i took my first layer of dreads on either side and tied them together around my head. Then I took my second layer of dreads and tied them over the first layer. With the last layer i braided and then wrapped it up around on the sides to meet in the middle of the top of my head. No rubber bands or pins used. did that make any sense? I hope i can manage to duplicate it when i need too..haha.We shall see about that!
I had a wonderful time last night at Danny's Pop Up Gallery showing! Here is a photo recap: Snapped this shot of Danny and his art just a few mins before the doors opened for his one night showing. It was an amazing evening! His handmade ebru (paper marbling) monoprint & screen print works were displayed along with his hand drawn ink mandalas and splatter art. It was a one night event in conjunction with NW 23rd third Thursday artwalk. He shared the gallery with two other artists one who did drawings another who did sculpture and there was Industrial Dub music, jewelry, faerie tutu’s, and wine to be enjoyed from 6pm to 9pm in a "pop up" gallery that was once a cheese shop on NW Thurman and NW 23rd.
He had a very large wall dedicated to his art. It was actually really stunning to see all of his recent work up all at once...it had a truly amazing presence! We were both surprised at how much he had. I guess its easy to misjudge how much work you really have when you have a lot of it stashed away in a cluttered art room in a small apartment :) I was tottally blown away!
I snapped this photo of Danny with his Ebru master RezaAntoszewska She seemed very excited/impressed with his work....which is made quite evident from the big grin. They are looking at and discussingReza'sfavoeritepiece of Danny's in the show.
Reza was kind enough to snap a photo of Danny and I together infront of his art :)
So yes, the night was a treat and success...we hung out with friends, met some new ones and danny sold a few pieces of art!
Another productive weekend was had! I got a lot of work done on the acrylic painting i am working on: Danny snapped this photo of me while I worked on her. After an hour more of painting i finished putting the first layer of color on the entire painting...so now there is no grey left peaking out. I have to go back in and lay more color down on certain spots + work in more shadow and highlights....then i should be ready to sign and varnish the painting.
Also...you can see in the photo i have combed out my front two locks. Now i have some soft hair to play with in the front. I felt i just needed a bit of a change and i am pretty happy with the results. It took about an hour each to comb out the dreads. I soaked them in heavy conditioner and then used a flea comb to push the knotted hair smooth. Was a lot of work but im glad i did it.
and on to some very exciting news!
Danny will be showcasing his newly created body of ebru/screen printing artwork which will include his life size Buddha silkscreen prints with his giant ebru marbling mono prints and more. For a sneak peak at some of his work that will be on display check out his flickr page. "This is a one night event in conjunction with NW 23rd third Thursday art walk. Come check out huge Buddha screen prints, art drawings, sculpture, marbling, Industrial Dub music, jewelry, faerie tutu’s, and wine on November 18th from 6pm to 9pm. The event is being help in a "pop up" gallery that use to be a cheese shop on NW Thurman and NW 23rd. Bring friends and family!"
....So that about wraps it up for this blog entry. Although I am excited to announce my body art photography book is ready to go to print today...so my books will be available soon for purchase. More details soon!
I just came upon this interview with a good friend, filmmaker/ painter, Thony Remy, where I suddenly saw my name listed as an inspiration. I wasn't prepared for such big-up, and needless to say I'm super honored, especially because it's coming from a fellow artist and one of the illests! KTS (Key To Success) Production, his award-winning production company had produced amazing commercial work (e.g. the 3D ad for Metro Madrid), music videos and documentaries (e.g. Galax fam projects, such as NTU FARA's or Lil Friday's EPK). I definitely recommend him for film and video projects. READ the full interview here.
French Lopez recording artist, TIGGA CALORE is one of the best things that happened to New York. I love her, she is a superhero. Don't sleep!
French Lopez Records is also home to NY artist fam Krishka, JourneytotheEnd.. ("Dirty Geniius" Karl) & Coco Puff (Jasmine Solano).
Anton Glamb remixes Bang Ya Body by TIGGA CALORE once again reincarnating her “Bling, Bling Style” on this track originally produced by Fonda “Da Don Diva” from Team Facelift. Having worked with producers from as high up in the music solar system as Armand Van Helden to Chief Encore and more, TIGGA has been recently hitting the mic and stage all over NYC and is preparing for the globe. Bang Ya Body (Anton Glamb Galatic Calore Mix) by TIGGA CALORE by FrenchLopezRcds
Directed by Erin Magee, Founder of MadeMe :: Featuring Tigga Calore :: Music by Nina Sky
I haven't been excited about a live show as this one in months. Some I know, some I just discovered, but this is a super awesome line-up. Hailing from Paris,ONRAis finishing his North American tour spreading the good vibes with his new album, Long Distance (All City Records)...it was one of my favorite albums this year. [Check my interview with him to find out more.] Also on board with ONRA, Paris-based producer Buddy Sativa, Philly's space-ambassadors SATURN NEVER SLEEPS with Rucyl Mills & King Britt (scroll down for my interview below), Brooklyn's favorite DJ Spinna, Mike Slott, Snack & Cmish, and Moustachio...promising to be cosmic vibes. These kind of shows make me feel fortunate that I live in NYC and be at the heart of fresh. Come out!
This weekend was most enjoyable and fairly productive.
On Saturday we checked out the Culture Control art/music fest at Paper Tiger and NW Shirts: Can you spot my two square paintings in the midst? As always Olin did not disappoint- the art and the music was a true treat and i am honored to be a part of the show. It will all be up for a month. for more info go here. for more photos go here.
I also managed to start a new painting:
...I outlined her on Saturday and got the beginnings of the first layers of color on. I am thinking about putting in some purple next, we shall see.
Also managed to get a lot of the design/layout prep done for the body art book i am self publishing. Time keeps flying by and i have to have them ready and printed for December so it feels good to be getting somewhere with the project. I think we are ahead with the project which is very nice.
SNS Madrid, Spain / Charada Club de Baile / August 2010
On Tuesday, November 9th, Philly-based audio-visual innovator duo, Rucyl Mills & King Britt of SATURN NEVER SLEEPS (SNS) are returning to Brooklyn's Knitting Factory along with DJ Spinna, Mike Slott, Snack n Cmish, and Moustachio in support of Paris-based producer, ONRA's much anticipated debut performance (check out my interview with him later). According to their own definition, "SNS in ensemble form combines audio visual micro-components into a thought altering world of sight and sound".What started out as two incredibly successful tribute performances in Philadelphia and in New York honoring intergalactic key-holder SUN RA and drawing over 2700 attendees, has grown into a movement that had guest-featured artists like Flying Lotus, RAS-G, AFTA-1, Shabazz Palace, Step Eye, Sarah White, Rico Mendez, Taylor McFerrin, and Tokimonsta among others. Since their debut show in July 2009, King & Rucyl have had several releases and an impressive international tour schedule hitting venues in Istanbul, Berlin, Madrid, Zurich, and Basel under their belt. I've been a friend and a long-time fan of their work--- beside being an amazing producer and singer, Rucyl is one of the most brilliant technological innovators (readers might remeber the MIDI-controller she'd built herself that I featured here before), while King has had a hugely successful carrier as a producer and DJ, having known for his productions in several different genres ranging from deep house, hip-hop, afro-tech, funk, to nu-jazz (he used to be my favorite deep house producer, read his bio here). I've been meaning to do an interview with them for a long time, so their upcoming performance provided the perfect opportunity to spread some love. This show is not to be missed!
LICHIBAN: If I remember correctly, the original concept behind the SATURN NEVER SLEEPS project was a series of tribute shows to SUN RA, one of the most important pioneers of experimental music. SUN RA was not only a musical innovator but also a spiritual artist who was never afraid to push the boundaries of imagination. In what way did he influence your carrier and do you also have a spiritual component to your music?
King: I grew up going to his house in Philly w/ my mom. I think being in that environment definitely helped me understand that an 'outer' power exists in the universe and thru our music it is channelled to the masses. I feel all music, no matter how good or bad, has a spiritual component connected to it. Music is the organization of frequencies/sounds, which come from spiritual intention..... Rucyl: I learned about Sun Ra when I happened upon his film "Space is the Place" in the early 90s and consequently started gathering all the information I could about him and his work. I read his biography then had a June Tyson obsession for a minute - I was impressed by her style and confidence in her own abilities to sing in her own personal style with no rules. Music for me is completely spiritual and and is the best way to get to know myself and other people intimately. Self-expression is the fastest way to self-knowledge.
L: You two are the perfect team, your individual passion & talents compliment each other perfectly. Could you each give an intro about each other's expertise to someone who is not familiar with your work and include something that people wouldn't normally know or assume about each of you?
King: I think Rucyl is an expert in many things. She not only is an amazing singer, producer and multimedia artist but I feel her strongest expertise is hook writing. It may not be your obvious pop hooks but once you hear them, you will find yourself humming them for days/months to come. That is a very difficult thing to do and still keep the lyrics interesting and not bubblegum.
Rucyl: King is so dedicated to music and so professional in his execution and studio manner, teaching me that while emotions are always important and valid, to never let them keep you from making music. As artists sometimes we get caught up in day to day challenges and I've learned from King that these challenges are adjectives in your life process, not the verbs, that can be used in your art rather than serve as obstacles. Besides the obvious fact that he's an incredible producer and dj, King is a living encyclopedia of the history of all genres of music and the Philadelphia sound, he's a gear head with a programmers sensibility, and also one of the most non-judgemental people I've known. His desire to always progress and take chances is what makes him the formidable artist he is. Oh - and he's a really good with visual media - directing and photography.
L: You both had successful carriers as performing artists? In what way did your past work help or created a challenge taking a new direction in your musical growth?
King: My problem was more of a fear of taking the step into the experimental side. Rucyl definitely helped me push through the block that was holding me back. It was fear of losing my audience and fear of confusing my brand. I wish I had done it earlier...I think my past work is great but its very 'safe' to a certain extent ....now its time to be unsafe.
Rucyl: My past musical history was adventurous, to say the least, as I got involved in the music industry at a very young age. Like King said, it's time to be unsafe. Saturn Never Sleeps has given us an opportunity to express ourselves without conforming to any genre, especially with the uncertain state of patriarchal systems to confine our direction or creativity. It's good to be free.
SNS Live in Istanbul from Saturn Never Sleeps on Vimeo. L: One of the unique elements of your live shows is that there is no rehearsal or preconceived concept before you get on stage; everything is created in the moment as a spontaneous improvisation piece. In a way, your shows created a new model for electronic audio-visual experimentation by blurring the line between performance art, visual installation, and live musical production. What is your arsenal? What would you like people to take home from the shows?
King: I think the main thing we want people to leave with is a sense of freedom. A feeling of uncertainty but simultaneously a feeling of excitement and wanting more. A feeling like maybe they can do it too. A feeling like they can take chances too.
Rucyl: Our arsenals change constantly, but the APC is pretty much a constant along with Roland's Kaoss line. I would really like to reflect with our performances the concept of the process being the art, living in the now, and most importantly enjoying yourself and removing your ego from the equation so more universal energy can flow through.
SNS featuring RAS-G at the Kinitting Factory, Brooklyn, NY. photo by King Texas
L: You guys had your debut live performance in NY with a hugely successful SUN RA tribute that packed over 2700 peoples last July 2009 and had a number of shows in New York since. It seems to me that most of the artists you have featured in your performances are from the West Coast or from overseas. How does New York's receptivity to this kind of experimental projects compares to other cities and countries you've visited over the last year?
SNS featuring Ras-G, Sarah White, Rico Mendez, Steph Eye, and AFTA-1 at Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, NY 12/11/09 photo Lenyon Whitaker
King: That debut was at the World Finance Center. The circumstances were perfect that evening. We had just done the very first one in Philly right before. We were fresh faced kids with new toys in NYC! Great budget, great weather, great venue, great musicians, great visuals, we could do no wrong. It was a blessing and a curse.
The next gigs were all amazing as well but circumstances were never as perfect as that one. BUT they have all had their own magic. We have done Madrid, Berlin, Basel, Zurich, NYC, Philly, Istanbul and January Japan and Australia. Each gig has had its great crowd and moments. I still think everyone is a bit confused as to what to expect but they always leave excited for more.
We are working on a full length now, which we feel the tour for it will truly define exactly what SNS really is. I think the past year was a process to get to this point of doing an album.
SNS Sun Ra:Lectric / The Institute for Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania / July 2009
L:What was your favorite show so far and why?
King: For me, it will always be the first show at the ICA (check video recap here). It was such an out of body and mind experience. To happen during a Sun Ra exhibition and create what we did for true Ra heads was enough to cry. It was also the beginning of Rucyl and I working together, which was monumental !
Rucyl:ICA was incredible.. it really felt like we were immersed in the experience and Sun Ra was watching from Saturn. I also really loved our recent show at Moogfest. SNS has grown so much in the last year so that every last show we do is my favorite show at this point - each performance I learn so much more, and as long as I'm learning, growing and changing, I feel successful.
L: What is your favorite SUN RA performance or work?
King: Angels and Demons at play. Its such a trippy arrangement and execution. Big Band Space Music at its best!
Rucyl: Though I love his music, the "Space is the Place" movie is my favorite of his works. To understand the importance of visual media at that time is so incredible! He was like a musical Marshall McLuhan. The medium is the message.. the medium is the massage.
L: I heard that you are working on some new SNS projects as well as solo projects as well?
King: SNS album.....early 2011......
Rucyl: We've got a bunch of releases coming out, but most pressing right now is the SNS full length record in 2011.
L: What would be the dream equipment you wish you could have as part of the SNS shows?
King: I think we got it this past year, the APC40..... it was like the missing link.
Rucyl: Hard question because there's so much I want to try out.. I love the APC, but I'm thinking about adding on the Code controller by Livid Instruments. Eventually I want to build something like Chris Carter's Tutti Box for vocal effects...
L: How would you like SNS to evolve in the future? Any dream places to take the show to?
King:Trying not to think about it because it has been so organic. We actually started big and now are concentrating on just us two. So we in a way went opposite....which is very exciting. We just rely on each other.
Rucyl:We're definitely trying to let SNS tell us what it wants to do since it's been leading us in the right direction so far. But we are definitely developing a new visual element for performance to coincide with the release of our first full-length record.
SNS at Moogfest 2010 photos copyright Ruslan Tumash and Moogfest
L: You just returned from the Moogfest recently? How was it? What were the highlights, any artist you'd recommend to watch?
King: Moogfest was the best festival I have been to in years. Top 3 acts: Dam-Funk (always), Sleigh Bells and Caribou.
Rucyl: Moogfest rocked! I learned so much from other performances in such a short period of time. I'm usually a bit crowd shy, but it was so organized and drama free for a festival. The acts that King mentioned were slammin, as well as Nosaj Thing and I loved Dan Deacon's ambient experimental Moog set. I also got to see Nortec Collective's and Matmos' gear up close and ask them questions. Awesome.
CHI2 is crazy about these body chains! It’s such a simple yet brilliant idea by founder/designer Xing Xu. Xing is obviously passionate about bringing beautiful design by talented independents to the forefront. She’s the organizer of Brooklyn Fashion Festival, and founding member of We the People NYC Fashion Collective. Kallisti also has a line of bracelets and rings, which will be featured at Pop-up Panda. 
On Friday December 3rd, the first night of POP-UP PANDA, we have an afterparty called DOWNTOWN FRIDAY NIGHT 'Where Good Times Meets Cheers' with our fam, a great cast of NY's finest performance artists/DJs. Starting at 10pm, it's also going to be a birthday party for Stimulus, our host and one of the co-founders of PANDA NYC. Stimulus is one-half of one of New York's dopest live bands, The Real Live Show, an accomplished MC and is also a sought-after DJ (just wrapped up his legendary party at 105 Rivington w/ Moma). He's been touring the world this past year with his music and is going to return fresh from his trip to Mexico just in time to party.
