Super Mash Bros.

The so called hot cousins of Girl Talk, The Super Mash Bros., just released their new CD "All About the Scrillions". It's not as much as a party album as "Fuck Bitches, Get Euros" but true mash up connoisseur will enjoy this record. Their choice of songs and ability to bring you back to the 90s is great. You can find the new CD at Lazer Wolf.

Asher Roth Interview

Here is a video of the audio of my Asher Roth interview. Along with a text version so you can read it and listen to it at the same time.

In your hit song, “I Love College”, you explain that you love college, women, and drinking, what else does Asher Paul Roth enjoy?

I mean, those are just the basics. I like my friends, family, and my down-time. And that’s the truth.

What musicians inspired you when you were growing up?

It all depends. At one point in my life I was listening to a lot of Motown like Stevie Wonder and the Temptation. Then I was listening to some Bruce Springsteen and Dire Straits. And then it was Korn, Rage Against the Machine, and the Deftones. And then there was Dave Mathew’s Band and all of that. And then it got into a lot of hip-hop like specifically being: The Roots, Black Star, Dilla, and Big Pun. And now I’m at a point where I just pull inspiration from life, conversation, and spoken word.

If you could record with one musician, who would it be?

I don’t really know; that’s a tough question. There are a lot of musicians I would love to work with. But I’d love to work Primo, that’s for sure.

How has your career changed since the release of “I Love College”?

Well you know, more people are listening and now I’ve got somewhat of a fan base. And the work starts now. I’ve got a role and a responsibility (in the music industry). And now it’s time to put in some work and get this thing (my career) rolling.

How did you get approached to be on the cover of XXL’s “Freshmen Ten” issue?

They hollered at me. They were into the movement and they heard “The GreenHouse Effect” mix tape. Also, they knew I was coming out with an album. So, a couple of cats over there were lobbying for me. They said my album was dope and sure enough it happened (that I made it on the cover). So they hit up my people and sure enough it came true.

On another one of XXL’S “Freshman Ten” cover’s, there is another up and coming rapper Kid Cudi. And on the internet and other source, you are seen to be playing with Kid Cudi quit frequently. How did the two of you meet and get involved with one another?

We meet at the XXL photo shoot. And now we are going on tour together. On July 14^th, the great hangover tour starts in Boston, MA.

Did you always try to gain fame in this type of college-kid frat-boy scene?

I didn’t, I didn’t. I didn’t intend for anything. I just made some music, and some people picked up on it the way they picked up on it.

So you don’t necessarily like the media focusing on that distinct part of your music?

It’s not something that I necessarily encourage, but whatever happens, happens. I just have to continue going out there and doing my job.

You seem to have a similar early career that the Beastie Boy’s went though. Because, if it wasn’t for the frat boys listening to “Fight for Your Right”, the Beastie Boy’s may not have gained the fame that they are known now for. Do you see any similarities?

I mean in the aspect of making fun and dope music. Yet, I remember the Beastie Boys were pretty bummed out about this at the same time because they knew they had a lot more to offer and didn’t just want to be seen as “part boys”.

I understand that you don’t enjoy this specific part boy niche that some of the media gives you?

Yeah, I know. But it is what it is. And that’s our thing know. And as artists that’s our job to differentiate ourselves. And kind of have to make people know that there’s much more going on. But, we have to make sense of it. So it’s cool. But (now) I definitely see that there is more similarities there (between the Beastie Boys and Asher Roth), than anywhere else.

How did you get involved with Don Cannon and DJ Drama on “The GreenHouse Effects Mix Tape”?

Well one, they are both from Philadelphia and moved to Atlanta. And I did the same exact thing. I linked up with my man Drama just through playing videogames. Like we were playing NBA 2K9 and 2K8, and just having a good time there. Then we just started talking about music. Obviously, they are very respected and well known DJs and I just told them, “Yo. I’ve got some stuff.” Sure enough, we started rocking and out came The GreenHouse Effect

How do other rappers treat you?

As (I’ve been) moving forward, it’s (my career has) been very well respected. It’s good. That’s what we come here for. As long as you have any in respect, that me in aspect. (As of now) so far; so good.

How did going to West Chester University influence your career?

It helped me with socializing and understanding people. I don’t know if West Chester University necessarily showed me who I am as a human being. But, it definitely gave me 2-3 years to act up and learn a few things about life and human beings and it helped me in this journey.

Online it said that you majored in elementary education. What made you interested in wanting to become a teacher? What stock out to you in this field?

As far as I am concerned, were really moving in a point where if you’re a statistician or a something like that, a lot of the work that you are doing is irrelevant. It is just busy work and teaching gives you an opportunity to really change and influence kids for a long time. And kids are our future. So that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to be one of those teachers and I still do. There is definitely a direct correlation between teaching and hip-hop music. The kids are really paying attention and they are hanging on to every word someone says. They really do have an opportunity to be an influence and an inspiration.

What was the transition like from moving from Pennsylvania to Georgia?

The transition was (like) starting a new life over. Obviously, there are different cultural influences as well. (But) I had a blast and there is just really great people down there and a really good scene. There is good people, good music, and it was nice to get out of Pennsylvania for the first time in my life and see what was going on in the world. Just in the states for that matter, you know?

I’m just about to start college. Does Mr. I Love College himself have any tips for surviving freshman year?

All I can say is have fun and step out of your comfort level and figure out who you are as a person. Its (going to be) your first time that you’re out on your own and really stepping outside of the watchful eyes of your parents. So, you have an opportunity to make some mistakes in life now that you’re away from them (your parents). Don’t binge drink. Don’t drink and drive. But have fun. Take your opportunity to figure out who you are as a person.

The Cool Cats of Mequon

I was approached by Jack Mitchell (Jonas E. Synthe) to feature on my blog his latest musical venture collaboration with friend, Patrick Behrens, known as Tape Deck Apocalypse. I was a little skeptical at first, but after listening to their Devolution 909 Live Mix, my opinion was changed.

Devolution 909 Live Mix by Tape Deck Apocalypse

Mitchell and Behrens, are two Mequon electronic enthusiasts who decided to merge their knowledge of electronic music and create something great. Mitchell had already began releasing some music over myspace under the name Jonas E. Synthe. But now, he has teamed up Behrens to create music that he describes on his Tape Deck Apocalyspe Facebook Page as, "a sonic assault that will make your brain bleed." So far, on their SoundCloud page, the two men have released a cascade of lengthy DJ sets sampling a wide array of today's electronic superstars. You will hear them sample the likeliness of: Busy P, Crookers, Boyz Noize, and Justice. Mitchell told me that the two are heavily influenced by Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de-Homen-Christo and the many talented artists on the Ed Banger Record Label. Definitely check these guys out. You can find all there mixes here and await some of their own material coming soon.

Grizzly Bears Stumble Through Milwaukee

On June 8th, the band Grizzly Bear preformed on the historic stage of The Pabst Theater. Fresh off their My 26th release of Veckatimest, the four men of Grizzly Bear truly brought the musicianship, musical harmonies, and lyrical talents that they are known for to Milwaukee.

Grizzly Bear

To Start off, Grizzly Bears opener, Here We Go Magic, was a delightful surprise. Usually, I do not expect much from opening bands but they were really talented musicians with great songs. Their style was also very similar to that of Grizzly Bear. The only negative that I could think of for this band was their gypsy-like pianist who didn't really seem to fit their persona.

Here We Go Magic

Anyways, back to the main focus of this article, the men of Grizzly Bear. If I could summarize Grizzly Bear's performance last night at The Pabst it would be: mellow, simplistic, and clean cut. The ambiance of their show was on that cannot be touched. Everyone in the crowd seemed to stand still and watch in awe over the beautiful cacophony of music that was being projected forth by Grizzly Bear. They played many of their recent songs from their new album Veckatimest which included the likeliness of, "Cheerleader" and "Two Weeks". Also in the progression of the nights songs, Grizzly Bear turned out their claim-to-fame song "The Knife". Although my personal favorite song of the night was, "I Live With You" which had an amazing light show on top of the great song.

Throughout the night, Grizzly Bear's set was on point. All songs were basically played how they are on their albums. No over playing, extended guitar solos, or elongating of any songs echoed throughout The Pabst that night. Just absolute, to-the-tee, and crisp renditions of their famed music. Also Grizzly Bear used an outstanding array of musical instruments which included the usually guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard. Yet, Chris Taylor, bassist, surprised the audience with his wide range of musical instruments which included a bass clarinet, flute, and a modified radio of some sort. Along with Taylor, Daniel Rossen's sported a harpsichord for some of the nights songs. This was by far on of the greatest live shows I have ever seen. And on the coattails of a stellar album that is blowing up in the media, expect great things for Grizzly Bear.

Sporting a Wide Array of Instruments