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21 And Under With…Jeff Renfroe, Director of The Colony – In Theatres this Friday, April 26th

April 23rd, 2013 Filed under: 21 & Under With..., Exclusive! by Editor in Chief

This is Clayton Cyre with ABORT Magazine. We’re here in Vancouver with the creative genius behind the upcoming realistic sci-fi film The Colony, Vancouver resident, Jeff Renfroe.

ABORT MAGAZINE: Are you worried that critics will perceive Colony as a rehashed “rage zombie” film?

JEFF RENFROE: Yes, and no. I think when working in a genre like this, at some point, everything has sort of been done. I think as a film maker, you throw yourself into that arena, and you try to reinvent the genre. The press never really liked this kind of movie, but I’m making this film for fans of the genre like myself. This isn’t a zombie movie, this is something very real. The people coming after you are people from another colony of people that have gone feral from lack of resources. They’re starving so they turn to cannibalism. We’re animals at some level. We’re going to devolve if this kind of thing happens to us. We’re doing something more unique and grounded than your average zombie movie.

ABORT: How was working on The Colony compared to your previous works?

JR: Well, I’ve been working with extremely limited budgets, for The Colony we had a bit more leeway, but I discovered you can never have enough time or money. More money equals more hands in the kitchen, so to speak. It was an experience for me to work with so many people. I think the actors in The Colony were fantastic. Working with so many people was very helpful in the process for feedback as well, I believe it made the story a lot stronger.

ABORT: How has The Colony evolved you as a writer?

JR: In a way I’ve learned to be more collaborative, and put more trust in my team. I don’t feel like I’m doing everything alone anymore. The other films before were so small and I took on so much myself, that this time I don’t feel so alone.

Interviewed by: Clayton Cyre

STAY TUNED FOR THE FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW IN ISSUE 21 of ABORT Magazine – Late May 2013!

Copyright © 2004-2013 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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Issue 20 Preview: Interview with Sweeden’s AVATAR

February 13th, 2013 Filed under: Exclusive! by Editor in Chief

We suggest you listen to “The black waltz album” there is something for almost all music tastes. They have achieved the headlines of a genre friendly metal that can be appreciated by the vast amount of freak show lovers out there. We have entered the tent and seen, felt, and smelled them, now it’s time hear them and meet the ring leader himself! Let me introduce to you Avatar’s own “Johannes Eckerström”.

ABORT Magazine: I would like to start off by finding out who you are, and about the band. A little history about it.

JE: Well I sing, and well, we have played together since our mid teens. Even though we are new to America here and all that, we have been together for ten years already

ABORT: How did AVATAR get its start?

JE: Well, the drummer John and the guitarist Jonas met up in different after school activities when they were like 13-14 years old. I guess it was the kind of magic that happens when one boy shows up in an Iron Maiden T-shirt and the other a Metallica. They became close friends and hit it up immediately

ABORT: How would you describe your music?

JE: It is rooted in extreme metal, mainly death metal but nowadays it is purposely always with a groove, putting the groove in the center of it, We are doing it in a way that gives us plenty of freedom genre wise. That is where we are heading with it.

ABORT: Is there any conceptual nature to the music or something the music is revolved around? Is there a message lyrically you are trying to portray? Or is it just about having fun and making the music?

JE: Yeah, lyrically its always definitely a reaction to the way the music sounds. This is always something that triggers me emotionally if you will. It triggers some part of me and that is where the lyrics come from and what makes it pretty physiological I would say. There’s never any political agenda or anything like that. It’s just how the music magnifies any kind of emotion I carry around with. Anyway, this is just doing what music is supposed to do, according to me.”

Stay tuned for ISSUE 20 coming in March 2013, Featuring the FULL interview with Johannes, as well as MANY MORE!

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Issue 20 Preview: Interview with Moses Itkonen, CEO of Red Dragon Apparel

February 11th, 2013 Filed under: Exclusive! by Editor in Chief

Left: Syd of Menu Skateshop – Right: Moses Itkonen of Red Dragon Apparel

We’re sitting here with Moses Itkonen, Red Dragon, ex Pro Skateboarder turned business man. CEO at the Red Dragon’s operations at Centre Distribution and Red Dragon Apparel

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us Moses, we will get right into this.

ABORT Magazine: Moses, How has RDS been able to stay relevant over the years, what is the major contributing factor to your success as a company?

Moses Itkonen: Staying true to our roots in Skateboarding, giving back to the scene, supporting the younger generation of Canadian skateboarders coming up. Keep FSU’ing! (Fucking up the proverbial shit)

ABORT: How important is it to support not only the skate scene in Vancouver, but the arts as well?

MI:RDS Both are heavily intertwined. We’re stoked to help artists get a way to show their work on our products such as t-shirts. Always hyped to see musicians we’re down with wearing out gear too!

ABORT: How did Madchild initially become involved with the brand?

MI:RDS A few of our crew grew up with Mad Child and when Swollen was first blowing up we were growing our apparel brand too. We’ve helped them out with merch from time to time over the years.

Stay tuned for ISSUE 20 coming in March 2013, Featuring the FULL interview with Moses, as well as MANY MORE!

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Issue 18 Preview: Interview with Cocaine Moustache’s White Willie Sniffsum

September 20th, 2012 Filed under: Exclusive! by MetalEditor

One of the Vancouver rock scene’s more noticeable up-and-coming bands, Cocaine Moustache leave a trail of bottles, white powder, and awestruck crowds everywhere they roam. ABORT’s Justin Sarris recently spoke with singer White Willie Sniffsum to find out what the band’s all about.

Justin Sarris: You’ve been around for about 3 years now and one of the things that seems to get people excited is the fact that beyond the name of your band, beyond the names of the members, you really don’t have to dig very deep at all to find that there is a lot of substance to your songs, musicianship, and just the whole package in general. Are you seeing a lot of surprised faces at your shows? What’s response been like from first time listeners?

Willie Sniffsum: You see the thing with naming your band Cocaine Moustache is we want to confuse our audience. I mean you hear that name and immediately you assume that this is a joke band. We take this project very seriously. Just like we take moustaches caked in blow seriously. So I’ve found that when we play live, all decked out in suits, that very shortly after we begin, the audience takes us just as seriously. We all come from extreme metal bands and even the crossed arms and furrowed brows from that scene end up having a good ass time.

ABORT: There’s definitely more to Cocaine Moustache than just a theme/shtick; but still, the name, the album “On the Mirror”, members calling themselves “White Willie Sniffsum” and “Dr. Cleanplate”, this all tends to bend someone’s opinion one way or another even before they’ve heard you play a note. Do you think the name has helped or hindered the career so far?

WS: It’s a love it or hate it situation. I haven’t come across anybody that meets our name with indifference. We have had reviewers that are blown away by the fact that nobody has used the name and others that are so offended they choose to mention nothing of our music and have gone as far as death threats.

READ THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW IN ISSUE 18 OF ABORT. COMING SOON

Cocainemoustache.com

By: Justin Sarris

WANT MORE EXCLUSIVES? CLICK HERE

Copyright © 2004-2011 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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Issue 18 Preview: Interview with Tech N9ne

September 6th, 2012 Filed under: Exclusive! by Editor in Chief

(CLICK TO ENLARGE | Photo – Bryan Mollett)

Tech N9Ne is no stranger to the touring life while recently finished one of the longest tours hip-hop has ever seen with no end in sight. He’s currently on his way to take-over Canada and during his stop in Vancity Kass Kills stepped on the tour bus to ask a few questions about Tech’s upcoming album, the future of hip-hop and skinny jeans. Check it out.

Kass Kills: You just finished a 93 city tour in 115 days – The Hostile Takeover Tour – and now you’re back to take on Canada. How do you feel?

Tech N9ne:: Like shit. Haha, no. My fans are waiting, you know what i’m sizzlin’. We dont have time to rehearse ever, we just keep movin’. They demand us and we go.

KK: I’ve seen you perform a couple times and you’re always energetic and on point and seem to truly love what you do. How do you prepare for a 93 city tour? Do you have a routine and what keeps you enthusiastic?

T9: Drinking! I’m serious. I don’t have a thing that i do except we pray right before we go on. We pray backstage, i’m all painted up Krizz Kaliko says the prayer all the time. I don’t know why he’s the designated prayer. But no, if we think too hard on it it will become impossible. Cause thats impossible, a tour this long has never been done in hip-hop. So, I don’t wanna know where we are going, i just wanna wake up and do it.

By Kass Kills

ISSUE 18, FEATURING THE FULL INTERVIEW COMING VERY SOON!

In the meantime, check out Tech’s new video EBAH!

Copyright © 2004-2012 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

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Little Miss Risk’s Notorious Vancouver: Interview with Watermelon

April 18th, 2012 Filed under: Exclusive!, Made In Canada, News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

Vancouver is home to many strange and wonderful characters. Like a beautiful social tapestry with many threads woven together to make up a bigger picture, all character’s play a part in making this city unique and peppy. From the secret spaces of East Vancouver to the sand of Wreck Beach, this lady has been known citywide and indeed, globally for her ‘sweet treats’. When one utters the name ‘Watermelon” in Vancouver city limits, the first thought that comes to mind isn’t of sweet summer melon but of a blonde, curvy, sweet-looking and salty-mouthed smarty-pants.

Watermelon is a comic, marijuana activist, foodie, tango dancer, actress and more, but her latest projects aim to raise the bar higher (pun fully intended) for the average toker. With the decriminalization of marijuana on the rise, the day-to-day smoker isn’t some lowlife ‘fiending’ for their next hit, or breaking into cars to steal stereos to support their habits. More often than not they are tax-paying citizens with respectable careers who want an alternative to having a cocktail at the end of the day to unwind. Conversely, a great deal of people who she touches are people who are battling cancer or find themselves terminally ill. Watermelon’s mandate is to present people with a medical solution and with her delicious delicacies, and give them an opportunity to eat their medicine rather than smoke it. As the Martha Stewart of marijuana, she hosts her own cooking show, Baking A Fool Of Myself. Here, she helps patients to find a way to ease their discomfort, and maybe even pick up a few cooking tips and tricks to aid them in the kitchen.

I caught up with the Weed Diva for a game of Ten questions. She tells about reality cooking shows, her mother and what to get her for gift-giving occasions. I present to you: The Goods.

Tristan Risk: You’re known as The Weed Diva and renowned for your baking skills. What was your first foray that led you into incorporating marijuana into cooking?

Watermelon: I came home one summer after doing comedy all winter in LA. I was broke. I was crashing on my buddy’s couch and he happened to have a big bag of shake in the basement and I happen to be an excellent baker, So I put 2 and 420 together and voila. I sold every cookie the next day on the beach. Demand was HIGH and supply was low. Ultimately I learned everything I know about business on Wreck Beach.

TR: What’s your creation process? Do you test out requests from people who have special needs and gourmet tastes or do you prefer to see where the wind bends you?

W: Wind! Bend me! Actually I have a formula and a code of conduct that I remain true to. I am constantly imploring people not to over do it. I like recipes that give individual servings such as quiche or cookies because that way one serving can equal one “dose”. Putting marijuana in a lasagna and then seeing who is the hungriest doesn’t always produce the greatest results. I love to be creative but within certain guidelines. I also like to make sure I can make it taste good. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should do it. I hear a lot of really fucking stupid ideas. However I am considering a marijuana reduction or gravy. Fucking stupid or fucking awesome. TBA

TR: Your more than a marijuana activist. Your an entrepreneur, a comic, an actress, and a tango dancer to name a few. What irons have you currently got in the fire?

W: Oddly, I am working on a Philosophy degree in ethics at Capilano U. Hilarious I know. Ironic? I am also working on a cook book, a food network reality TV show called “Potluck Challenge” (nothing to do with Marijuana) and 6 new episodes for Baking A Fool Of Myself (everything to do with Marijuana).

TR: Your mother plays an active role in everything from your cooking show, Baking A Fool Of Myself, to competing in your Pot Luck Challenge. She seems like a key force in your life.

W: Some people win the Mom lottery and others don’t. I won. I’m rich. My mom is my favorite.

TR: If I give you this next question as a chance to stand on your soap box, what wisdom would you like to espouse?

W: Less is more when consuming marijuana food. Less than a gram per serving is more than sufficient for the “average” person. Don’t be that dickhead who puts a whole ounce in a brownie that serves eight. Put eight grams in for god-sake. And don’t be that other dick who thinks it’s funny to give people potent medicine without telling them.

TR: Is your food menu designed to complement your drink menu? What are some of your favourite pairings, either with marijuana or without?

W: My food menu isn’t by design. It is by accident. By trial and error. Years of honing in on the best ways of serving ingested marijuana. For example a more complex carbohydrate mixed with the medicine will take longer to take effect but be effective much longer. Marijuana converted in alcohol moves quite quickly through the body and therefor the effects are more fast and furious. I prefer to convert in an alcohol or liqueur and then add that to a recipe such as Nice Cream Cones or Rum Resin Balls.

TR: What are some films that we can see you in?

W: High Times Presents Baked N Baking, The Union, Escape to Canada, Super High Me, Let’s Toke about It.

TR: Are there any upcoming special events that people should be aware of?

W: Yeah, hopefully a planetary shift in controlling archaic attitudes towards basic human rights and bullshit economic slavery.

TR: You continue to be a fixture at Wreck Beach. Are there any other favourite haunts you have?

W: Tulum, Mexico. Dead Man’s Creek, Buenos Aires, my Mom’s house.

TR:Will you ever tire of people giving you watermelon-themed gifts?

There was no reply to question number ten, so I’m assuming that she is still accepting all donations of all things watermelon-themed for her home decor. At least it’s a safe bet that you know what to get her for her birthday.

By: Tristan Risk

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EXCLUSIVE: 21 and Under With… Noah B of The Random Humans

March 20th, 2012 Filed under: Exclusive!, Made In Canada by Editor in Chief

(Photo: Handout)

Hailing from Calgary, AB Canada DJ/Produce Noah B is one half of one of Canada’s fastest rising HipHop Duo’s, The Random Humans. Noah B has performed with some of the worlds finest HipHop acts. As a DJ on tours with Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, KRS-ONE, Conscience, The Scale Breakers and Kool Keith. These tours would prove to be an inspiring experience for Noah B.

ABORTMagazine: Thanks for meeting with us today Noah, we’ll get right into this. What gave you that musical influance to start you on the road producing and DJ’ing?

Noah B: I’ve been listening to hip-hop since I was 10. My first CD I bought was
Special Ed hahaha. So hip-hop has always been my main inspiration. It’s hard to really pinpoint an exact time when I was really inspired to DJ and produce, It’s been a life long process. It was something that was in me from day one but I never really knew it till I turned 19.

AM: How would you describe your production style?

NB: Original! My beats are different. If i was asked to compare my beats, which I don’t like doing, I would have to say they are like Dan the Automator meets Portishead.

AM: What is your most vital piece of production gear?

NB: My MPC!!! (Music Production Center)

AM: Serrato vs. vinyl?

NB: Both have there positives. I mean when it comes to touring you really can’t beat Serrato. It’s just way easier to travel with! When I’m at home, its a different story. I would rather play Vinyl, the sound is authentic,
which is what you can’t get with Serrato.

AM: Favourite Classic drum loop?

NB: Basically anything Eric B and Rakim did back in those classic days (laughs).

AM: Favourite Hip Hop Era?

NB: Besides the obvious answer, the early 90′s? haha Its right NOW man! Anyone who says Hip-Hop is dead is just lost. Look around you, Hip-hop is everywhere!!! From the way we talk, to the way we dress, the music, everything!! Sure there is Hip-Hop music out there that is just terrible, and lots of it haha but that goes for every type of music. Lets not pick on Hip-Hop for being the only type of music coming out with garbage.

AM: Favourite type of music other than Hip Hop?

NB: My favorite type other then Hip-Hop would have to be rock/alternative rock. I’m really into Nirvana, Rage against the Machine, Led Zep, Sound Garden, and so on

AM: Who are your favourite Canadian producers/DJs?

NB: To many to name (Laughs)! Canada has so much talent man. From guys like DJ
Kemo, Factor, Rich Kidd, Chin, Boi-1da, many many more.

AM: Which Canadian city has the livest Hip Hop scene?

NB: It seems to change on every tour. I would have to say, believe it or not, that Saskatoon has been wild!! But Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto have been just as crazy!

AM: How did you link up with the Raekwon tour? Most memorable show so far?

NB: I’ve been working with agents here in Canada for the past 2 years. Guys
who have really helped me build my resume and have given me priceless opportunities. Most memorable show so far on this tour was Calgary. Not only was the home town crowd wild but DJing for Raekwon in my city was again, a priceless moment.

AM: Random Humans just released the “Mr. Chainsaw” video, any upcoming videos
from RH? Upcoming releases?

NB: Yeah! We are currently working on a new EP set to be released this summer
and there will definitely be some sweet video’s to come with it!

AM: How would you describe the Vancouver Hip Hop sound, and where do you fit in to the scene here? I don’t think there is much out there that sounds commercial. Which is why I like the Vancouver sound. Most of the hip-hop
you here out there has very meaningful, lyrically put together songs. And the production is very jazzy, funk, rock kinda beats. I’m not sure where I fit in to be honest. I know that my beats are different from most so a lot of the time I feel like I’m just watching what everyone else is doing so that when I go to do my thing, it sounds nothing like them.

NB: What can fans do to support local Hip Hop, and Canadian Hip Hop in general?
Go to shows!! Stop downloading records lol Honestly, if you care about music then take the time to look at some of these artist that are active in the scene. They are active for a reason hahaha. Remember we are the ones who are putting ourselves out there to be judged by everyone else, and we are the ones trying to hold it down for Canada. There is so much talent in this country. KNOW THAT!

AM: Any shoutouts to other artists we should look out for?

NB: Just shouts to my group “Random Humans” and my other family “Conscience”. And shouts to everyone who is putting Canada on the map in the underground.

AM: Thank you Noah, for taking time out to speak with us while on the road with Raekwon! Peace!

Random Humans

By Dave “Corvid” McCallum

WANT MORE EXCLUSIVES? CLICK HERE

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EXCLUSIVE: 21 and Under With…Director Michael Dowse, on GOON

February 24th, 2012 Filed under: 21 & Under With..., Exclusive!, Made In Canada by Editor in Chief

Photo: Handout (Alliance)

We’re here with Director Michael Dowse, Director of “It’s All Gone Pete Tong” and “Fubar”, among others. Michael is here with us today fresh off his most recent film GOON, here to talk to us about all things Hockey.

ABORTMagazine: Hi Michael, welcome to Vancouver. Have you spent much time here in your Canadian travels?

Michael Dowse: I grew up in Calgary, so I actually worked out here for nine months at one point in my life, and my sister went to UBC so I’ve spent a lot of time in Vancouver.

AM: Doing press for GOON has had you traveling all over Canada lately, I imagine?

MD: It’s just starting. We did the premiere in Winnipeg last night, and then we’ll do the one here. Then on Monday we’ll do a screening in Montreal, next Wednesday we’ll do the Toronto premiere, then Thursday we’ll do the New York premiere. So it’s pretty busy, but it’s fun. That’s why you make the films, to show them to people.

AM: How has the feedback for the film been so far?

MD: It’s been great. Since we’ve screened it at Toronto International Film Festival it’s been nothing but positive. I mean, not everyone loves the film, but most people do. It’s already come out theatrically in the United Kingdom and it’s done really well. I think it’s the highest grossing Canadian film ever in the UK. It’s cool in that it shows that the film can be enjoyed by people who aren’t hard core hockey fans.

AM: So what is the crux of the story for people who haven’t seen the film yet.

MD: Well, Doug sums it up in the first 10 minutes of the film where he says “Everybody’s got something but me.” And he finds his something, which is fighting. He’s got fist smarts. And not only does he find that, but he helps to inspire other people by showing that a guy who can barely skate can learn how to play hockey.

AM: My favourite part of the movie was the fact that the big game wasn’t for the championship, but was for the eighth and final playoff spot.

MD: Thank you. That was something we went back and forth on quite a bit. There was some talk of, “Let’s make it the second to last game is the game that gets them into the playoffs, and then the last game would be the first game of the seven-game series.” I thought we just needed something that was a bit more final. In terms of hockey, the chase for playoff spots is an exciting time! The Rangers – Philly game a couple of years ago is a good example.

AM: You sound like a big hockey fan.

MD: HUGE Habs fan. I live in Montreal now. Been there for 10 years. We’ve had a crazy season.

AM: How was the experience of working with Jay Baruchel and Evan Goldberg?

MD: Great – Jay is awesome! He’s a great guy. Sometimes when you meet someone in this business they put on airs, then the other shoe drops eventually. But Jay is as advertised. He’s a fantastic guy to collaborate with. Really open to other people’s ideas, yet really firm about his own ideas as you’d expect.

As for Evan, I got to know him through making this film. Evan’s motto is never stop writing. I gleamed a lot of stuff from him. He’s worked on a lot of bigger films where’s they’ve had a little bit more money and stuff to do. But you can take what he does and apply it to this film. Just about grinding out jokes and making it as funny as possible.

AM: How is the relationship between the directors and the writers usually on film sets?

MD: It depends. This was my first time having a screenwriter on set. I had Jay and his writing partner now Jesse Chabot around – not all the time, but they’d come in and out. But it was nice to have two kind of great guys that were always thinking of gags and jokes and lines. And they would send me little pieces of paper. Of 12 different options, I’d take like three and maybe one would work. With ours it was a really great relationship.

AM: Do you find there are many differences between the Canadian and American film industries?

MD: There are vast differences. It’s a great system up here in Canada and I think they’re about to get even better. The reality is that TeleFilm Canada is one of the last independent studios. I love the system in Canada. I think it’s been kidnapped for too long by people making non-commercial films that nobody in their right minds want to see. And what I want to be part of is make films that Canadian’s want to watch. That are entertaining, that are funny, that have good stories. That’s important. And it’s exciting times.

In the States, the trend is to go towards the micro-budget stuff. Thrillers that are under $3 million, the occasional $20 million R-rated comedy that comes out like Bridesmaids that does well. Or there are tent poles. The reality is that because of the economy, there’s a little more risk adverse. So there’s less work in America. But the flip-side is that there are more actors that are available to work in Canada.

AM: Speaking of actors available in Canada, how was having Seann William Scott be a part of Goon?

MD: Seann was amazing. He was involved very early in this project. He always loved the script, and super supportive of this thing. I think what people would be surprised by is the heart he shows in this film. Unfortunately he’s been a little bit pigeon-holed by his success in American Pie as Stifler. But with this film, I think he recognized the opportunity to play a completely different character. I think people will be surprised by the heart that this film has. He really carries this film on his back.

AM: Now that GOON is for your part, finished, what’s next for Michael Dowse?

MD: I’m doing a romantic comedy called The F-Word. It’s a great script, probably shooting it this summer in Toronto. Very completely different from Goon.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us today Michael, All the best. Goon opens in theatres Nationwide TODAY!

goonthemovie.ca

By Daniel Chai

Want to read our review on GOON? CLICK HERE

WANT MORE EXCLUSIVES? CLICK HERE

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MADE IN CANADA: Today I Caught The Plague – The ABORT Interview

October 29th, 2011 Filed under: Exclusive!, Made In Canada by Editor in Chief

(CLICK TO ENLARGE | Photo – Chris McKibbin)

ABOVE: TICTP frontman Dave Journeaux contemplates holding hands with Ninjaspy’s Joel Parent, during a booze-fueled bonding session

Formed in 2007, this six-piece band based out of Ottawa, Ontario, has been creating quite the buzz in bandland as one of the more notable contenders on the hardcore scene. Fresh off a string of dates with Protest The Hero, Ninjaspy and Threat Signal, we caught up with the groups vocalist Dave Journeaux and plunked him down for a one-on-one with ABORT Magazine’s moonlighting journalist, Ninjaspy’s Joel Parent.

Joel Parent: You guys are on the road, just finished a short tour with Protest The Hero, can you give us some highlights from that?

DAVE: Sure, it was actually a southern Ontario and Quebec tour, so a little more central. Every night we were playing to really big crowds for our style of music. That was obviously great in terms of giving us more exposure. The Montreal show that we played was definitely the best show for all of us that we’ve ever played in our lives. It was great to play Club Soda, which is a venue that a lot of us have always gone to, to see some of our favourite bands play. It was kind of like a dream come true situation. The (Protest) guys were really nice so making better relationships with them was a good thing.

ABORT: It’s all about bro’ing down. What are your thoughts on the Canadian Metal Scene in general?

DAVE: It’s strange actually. It depends on where you are in terms of how much it’s thriving. I’d say that out in the west coast we’ve had better scenes than we’ve had in the east coast. There seems to be a lot more support for the music scene in general out here. Which is funny because the last time we came out a couple years ago it was the exact reverse. So I guess it’s just a cyclical thing. It’s nice to see that while some places may be going down other places are on the rise.

ABORT: What’s it like being in a singular van with seven guys?

DAVE: Seven guys! It’s actually not as bad as you may think, we had eight people on the Protest portion of the tour because we had a professional photographer come along. We all have a place to sleep, it’s pretty good. We have a queen size bed in the back of the van and two benches. There’s really only one person who gets kind of put out.

ABORT: Like sleeping in the driver seat?

DAVE: Or underneath the bed.

ABORT: Out of the band who likes to cuddle the most?

DAVE: (Laughs) I gotta think about that. As much as there used to be cuddling up, it’s usually some of the merch people we bring along will inevitably buddy up because they haven’t been on tour with the other guys for so long and want their space so much.

ABORT: Once you’ve been on the road for with the same guys for a long time you start to just cherish quiet and space.

DAVE: It’s a family. It’s like being around your brothers 24/7.

ABORT: If somebody in your band were to catch the plague for real, who do you think would get it first?

DAVE: I’m gonna go ahead and say Eric Stone.

ABORT: Why is he the most likely person to get dirty and get the plague?

DAVE: You’re trying to get me in trouble here, that’s what you’re doing. (Laughs) He just gets himself into certain situations that aren’t always the cleanest. I remember when we were going over to Newfoundland on the ferry there was a pretty funny hives experience. I’ll leave it at that.

ABORT: When we went to Newfoundland one of us got shingles! Maybe it’s something to do with that boat? Maybe it’s the drinks?

DAVE: Maybe! Did you know we got stuck in the ice for fifteen hours on that boat? We went to sleep and when we woke up we were still in the same location.

ABORT: What did that feel like? Were you afraid?

DAVE: No, we weren’t afraid. But apparently the ice breaker that came around also got stuck in the ice. We luckily made it to the show, it was the same day. Fifteen hour setback but we were alright.

ABORT: You have a new album out called Lore. It’s very epic from the sounds of it.

DAVE: It’s based both in fact and fiction. Fiction in the sense that all the subject matter for the songs are mythology and legends from around the world. Fact in the fact that they are real life legends and myths from history. So basically we did a bunch of research on everything, every major region of the world.

ABORT: How many different regions?

DAVE: There’s ten, actually it worked out perfectly to the length of the album. and each song has a different region. So we did that research and put the subject matter to the songs. It turned out really well.

ABORT: Did you write the lyrics or did you guys do it together?

DAVE: I wrote the lyrics.

ABORT: But the research and all that you guys did together?

DAVE: I did the research as well.

ABORT: Oh, you did all the research. So when you say “we” you mean “you”?

DAVE: (Laughs) Yeah, I mean me, my part in the band.

ABORT: What do you guys listen to mostly?

DAVE: It’s all over the map. It comes out a lot heavier because some of the guys have more metal influences. I myself don’t even really listen to metal. Although my favorite bands are like Dillinger Escape Plan and stuff like that. But it’s very few and far between, the heavier bands that I listen to. It’s usually a lot of folk stuff. Iron & Wine I really love. Dallas Greene, City & Color, Bright Eyes, stuff like that. I may be wrong in calling it folk. I don’t really classify music, it’s lighter.

ABORT: You don’t actually scream very much on Lore. Was that a choice based on a vocal preference or did it suit the music more to not scream?

DAVE: It was a vocal preference thing. But as we got further along into the musical writing process we felt that it also suited it better for what we were doing at the time.

Lore is available at todayicaughttheplague.bigcartel.com and on iTunes.

todayicaughttheplague.com

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KONTEST: WIN TICKETS TO SEE TOM MORELLO PLUS HIS LATEST ALBUM!

October 13th, 2011 Filed under: Exclusive! by Editor in Chief

(Source – Billboard | Photo – Scott Alexander)

We are giving away a prize pack, 1 Winner will receive:

One (1) Pair of Tickets to see TOM MORELLO, Wednesday, October 19th, 2011, at The Vogue in Vancouver, BC CD copy of his latest album World Wide Rebel Songs
A CD copy of his latest album World Wide Rebel Songs

Email kontests [at] abortmag.com and put “THE NIGHTWATCHMAN” in the subject line and you could WIN!

Winner will be selected by random draw and notified by email.

Contest closes Friday, October 18th, 2011 at 5 PM PST

Courtesy of ABORT Magazine, Universal Music Group Canada and Timbre Productions

CONCERT INFO:

Wednesday October 19th, 2011 

The Vogue Theatre –  Doors 8:00pm, Show 9:00pm 

All Ages/Licensed (19+ w/ ID) Show

 All Reserved Seating 

Tickets $23.00 advance available at The Vogue Theatre box office, Charge By Phone 604-569-1144 and online at

www.voguetheatre.com and www.northerntickets.com 

Also available at Red Cat, Zulu and Highlife Records.

American singer, guitarist (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave) and activist, on tour to support his latest solo release “World Wide Rebel Songs”.

With guests TBA.

READ OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TOM MORELLO IN ISSUE 9 OF ABORT. JUST CLICK THE COVER BELOW TO DOWNLOAD

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KONTEST: Win Tickets To See REDMAN Live In Concert! October 15th, Vancouver

October 10th, 2011 Filed under: Exclusive!, News/Calendar/Industry, Uncategorized by Editor in Chief

We are giving away a prize pack, 1 Winner will receive:

One (1) Pair of Tickets to see REDMAN w/ Madchild and guests, October 15th, 2011, at GOSSIP Nightclub in Vancouver, BC

Email kontests [at] abortmag.com and put “REGGIE NOBLE RULES” in the subject line and you could WIN!

Winner will be selected by random draw and notified by email.

Contest closes Friday, October 14th, 2011 at 5 PM PST

_________________________________________

MSH Sessions presents

REDMAN

w/ MADCHILD

Guests:
Deezus, Hip Hop Junkeez, Terell Safadi, Discreet & Greg B
and DJ C-Stylez

Tickets Starting at $25

BUY TICKETS HERE

http://vancouver.nightbat.com/event-redman

Beatstreet Records (604) 683-3344
East Side Urban Wear (604) 451-3310
Dipt (604) 669-9990
School Of Remix (604) 681-5586
Zulu Records (604) 738-3232

DRESS CODE:
No Ed Hardy, Jersey Shore, Affliction, Tapout, SMET, Christian Audiger etc…

Doors 9pm-3am
19+ (2 Pieces of VALID Government ID)
Group Bookings: ferry@mshsessions.com

Join MSH Sessions Fan Page:
www.facebook.com/MSHsessionsfan

FACEBOOK EVENT

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EXCLUSIVE: 21 and Under With…An Autumn For Crippled Children

October 2nd, 2011 Filed under: 21 & Under With..., Exclusive! by Editor in Chief

Only five years may have passed since An Autumn For Crippled Children began emitting their intricate collection of depressive black metal musings, but in that time they have released two albums of incredible depth and atmosphere that together point to a band destined for relative greatness. Ensconced in Holland’s north-western Friesland region – an area whose idyllic world is one of separation from the country in which it finds itself, the members of AAFC are content to lay back and anonymously let the music alone draw the masses. Vocalist / guitarist / key tinkler MXM granted ABORT Magazine’s UK correspondent John Norby a brief audience, sort of enthusiastic at first and then, as you’ll notice, getting a bit tired. Or something.

John Norby: Firstly, just to introduce readers to the band, can you detail the circumstances of AAFCC forming?

MXM: We’ve known each other for some years now. We’ve all been playing in bands and projects but this is the first time we all played in one band. We formed through a mutual taste in music.

ABORT: Lost was fully in the vein of the whole depressive black metal subgenre – Forgotten Tomb, Xasthur, The Axis Of Perdition, Melencolia Estatica, etc. While those elements remain in this album there seems to be a progression in sound to add elements characteristic of the likes of Agalloch meets a more fuzzed-up Mastodon. What were your initial thoughts on developing your sound when going into the writing of the album?

MXM: Personally, I don’t really see the connection to the bands you mention, but I don’t really know them either; just a couple of songs. For Lost we had no plan. We just came together, all of us with different ideas, and worked on the songs until we were satisfied. We aimed for a melancholic atmosphere and tried to do something truthful and pure.

ABORT: How much of the music flowed naturally when you were writing? Were there particular moments on Everything were you had difficulty fitting material together or coming up with ideas to create the songs?

MXM: Indeed the music comes out unforced. We first write basic song structures and add different things later. A song must be good, even in its ‘bone’ construction. For Everything we agreed to focus on good song structures. Letting the songs flow naturally, creating a desired atmosphere. There where no difficulties in fitting material together or coming up with ideas.

ABORT: What’s your typical process when putting a song together? Is it a totally collaborative process between all three members?

MXM: All members have ideas. We come together and work on songs until we are all satisfied.

ABORT: You’re a very prolific band, having released two incredibly intricate albums in such a short pace of time.

MXM: Thanks. There’s more than a year between the two albums, which is pretty normal these days. The first album was released a year after it was recorded. After the recording session, we soon began working on new material. Everything was finished [around] May 2010.

ABORT: Was everything written from scratch for each album or have you had material lying around that just happened to fit the band?

MXM: We all have, of course, riffs laying around but most of the writing is from scratch.

ABORT: Who and what influenced you musically and lyrically on the new album?

MXM: Lyrically, it’s all about personal experiences and happenings. Musically, we try to come up with our own sound and block outside influences, which is difficult. I think we are, as always, influenced by somewhat older music; mainly metal from the late eighties and early nineties.

READ THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW IN ISSUE 17 OF ABORT. COMING SOON

myspace.com/crippledchildren2009

By John Norby

WANT MORE EXCLUSIVES? CLICK HERE

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KONTEST: Win A Chance To Meet NAPALM DEATH! Plus ND Concert Tickets and More!

September 23rd, 2011 Filed under: Exclusive!, News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

We are giving away a prize pack, 1 Winner will receive:

One (1) Pair of Tickets to see NAPALM DEATH October 27th, 2011, at The Rickshaw Theater in Vancouver, BC
Backstage access to meet the band
An autographed poster

Email kontests [at] abortmag.com and put “I LOVE THE SMELL OF NAPALM” in the subject line and you could WIN!

All winners will be selected by random draw and notified by email.

Contest closes Thursday, October 24th, 2011 at 5 PM PST

_________________________________________

NAPALM DEATH presented by The Invisible Orange

Tickets $25 in advance on sale now at Ticketweb.ca and Friday July 29 at Scrape Records, Zulu Records.

Doors: 7:00 pm

Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings, Vancouver BC 604-681-8915)

19+

BUY TICKETS HERE

Brought to you by ABORT Magazine and The Invisible Orange

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EXCLUSIVE: 21 and Under with…AFRO-PUNK’s JAMES SPOONER

August 13th, 2011 Filed under: 21 & Under With..., Exclusive! by Editor in Chief

As the co-founder and film director that bears the same name, former Afro-Punk alumni James Spooner has gone through the twists and turns in white America to get the now cult classic documentary “AFRO-PUNK” the accolades and awards it rightfully deserves, but has the Afro-Punk scene and movement left the underground to become a mainstream corporate sham? We speak with James about that, becoming a daddy and tattooing. READ ON!

E.S Day: E.S Day here for ABORT Magazine, and we are on the line with Mr. James Spooner, director of the documentary film Afro Punk, and can we say, co-founder of the movement?

James Spooner: I was definitely there from the beginning.

ABORT: Lets give a little bit of history for our readers and listeners who may not be aware, the Afro Punk movement, besides yourself, and another group of individuals in New York were this all started, was basically from a scene of African-American kids, we don’t use that phrase as much as we say ‘black’, because Afro-Punk represents black kids and culture who like loud and aggressive music worldwide, not just in the Americas. Even though it started in New York, lets just say for the scenesters there, it was a haven for people who were into that, not necessarily old people like me who were listening to ’24-7 Spyz’ and ‘Bad Brains’ and stuff, but it was also for a lot of the younger, and up-and-coming acts. Basically, I am assuming that whole movement, when it started, including live acts and club nights for DJ’s who could play just loud aggressive fucking music (you’ll have to excuse me, I do curse a lot, journalistic tourettes) [both laugh] where did the movie idea come from?

JS: Well the movie came before the movement. in 2001 I was just kinda going through some personal identity issues, thinking about my life as a black person involved in the punk scene, and it kinda came out of anger, I was angry at the punk scene for not exploring race in any kind of deep way, it was just like ‘Fuck Nazi’s’ and that’s it you know? That really wasn’t anything I was dealing with. Nazi’s haven’t been in NY for ever. So I just decided I wanted to make a film about it. I hadn’t really made a movie before, but I thought it was something I could do. I just basically maxed out my credit cards, buying a camera, and a computer so I could edit, then I started talking to people who had similar interests as me, and two years later, the film was completed. I started showing it, and while showing it, it occurred to me, that it would be a great platform to showcase some great bands to the people who were interested in my film.
That’s really how the movement started. It was me trying to push the film.

ABORT: Afro Punk festival, is there going to be one in 2010?

JS: There should be, but I am not really part of it anymore.

ABORT: Yeah, I was just going to say… lets get that out of the way.

JS: There is no bad blood or anything, it was just a few years ago. I made the film to get away from being a party promoter, and I did a good job. Then, having a good knowledge of promotions, I ended up doing parties and concerts again, so I was right back into it, so I was getting farther away from the film again.
I moved out to California, the movement being NY based, and Matthew and I being the only people holding it together, he just took it on himself, without me telling him what we can and cannot do, he was able to get some major sponsors

ABORT: Has Afro Punk become mainstream then?

JS: All of a sudden, it wasn’t weird to have a Mohawk. Puffy had a mohawk, black people just became more comfortable with it

ABORT: The Plasmatics, had mohawks, this isn’t something new, but I know what you mean, mainstream club kids. I was thinking Afro Punk would become a conglomerate of all the people, like the Plasmatics, Bad Brains, 24-7 Spyz, and so on would all come together, all those people who fuse black culture with loud music, or mix hip-hop and metal, and that would be the community to say fuck the man, fuck corporate big money, and stay underground. Like you mentioned, there is sponsorship and I am wondering if in 2010 it will just be big money for the wrong people.

JS: Matthew was able to get those sponsors, and for better of for worse, he made it from a three day thing you had to pay to go see all the shows, to a ten day thing that was all free. It was several times bigger, and it actually made money instead of losing, or coming up even. Thousands of people came to see these bands. I like to see bands with 80 other people in some basement.

ABORT: Given the fact that a lot of people don’t even know these bands, its good to see these bands. I don’t know how many people even know Fishbone. One of the first American punk bands in general, black or white, Pure Hell. It was good. Too bad Death wasn’t around still, the original band, the first ones to be called Death.

ABORT: There is no culture of any kind up here. Its pretty much an all white hip-hop scene, you can count everyone on one hand here with any sort of cultural contribution, musically.

ABORT: Moving on, What is next for James Spooner, what ventures do you have on the horizon, will you be doing anything in Canada, screenings, seminars, do you have any new films on the horizon?

JS: Well, the screenings for Afro Punk are pretty much dried up, since the movie has been out for 7 years. I’m a full time tattooer, doing a 100% vegan procedure at timeless tattoo in Hollywood. You can see my work at spoonertattoos.com. I’m also a dad, which rules, shout out to my kid, Hollis.

ABORT: I just have to say; I am really impressed with this movement, and what is being done with it. I really hope that big corporate money doesn’t completely take over, because it is a really unique thing going on.

Where can we visit you right now on the web, for your own personal endeavors?

JS: Pretty much just on facebook for any current stuff – facebook.com/jamesspooner. I have a Dad-Blog going on right now, but nothing else really.

ABORT: What Afro Punk is still on your iPod that you still give love to?

JS: ‘The Eternals’ and this band ‘Trench Mouth’ from DC, back in the day

ABORT: I’m going to go put on some old 24-7 Spyz, right now. Thank you so much for your time James, Good luck in everything. I am really glad that you had the balls to take the time and make this happen to open the ears and eyes of metal America.

JS: Thanks!

Facebook.com/jamesspooner
twitter.com/spoonerjames

By E.S. Day

WANT MORE EXCLUSIVES? CLICK HERE

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KONTEST: CONAN THE BARBARIAN IN 3D ADVANCED SCREENING TICKETS!!

July 14th, 2011 Filed under: Exclusive!, News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

em>I live. I love. I slay…and I am content – Conan The Barbarian

ABORT Magazine and Maple Pictures present a special advance screening of CONAN THE BARBARIAN IN 3D

The most legendary Barbarian of all time is back this Summer. Having thrived and evolved for eight consecutive decades in the public imagination~ in prose and graphics, on the big screen and small, in games and properties of all kinds ~ Conan’s exploits in the Hyborian Age now come alive like never before in a colossal 3D action-adventure film.

A quest that begins as a personal vendetta for the fierce Cimmerian warrior soon turns into an epic battle against hulking rivals, horrific monsters, and impossible odds, as Conan realizes he is the only hope of saving the great nations of Hyboria from an encroaching reign of supernatural evil.

Deftly adapted from the original works of Robert E. Howard and faithful to the mythology and psychology of his iconic character, CONAN THE BARBARIAN stars Jason Momoa,
Rachel Nichols, Stephen Lang, Rose McGowan, Said Taghmaoui and Ron Perlman.

If you live in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa or Halifax, you could WIN a double pass.

Advance Screening: Thursday August 18, 2011 (Theaters To Be Announced)

Email kontests [at] abortmag.com to enter.

Put “CONAN” in the subject line and you could WIN!

All winners will be selected by random draw and notified by email.

Contest closes Monday, August 15th at 5 PM (PST)

IN THEATRES FRIDAY AUGUST 19th

VIEW THE RED BAND TRAILER AT:

conanthebarbarianin3d.com

Courtesy of ABORT Magazine and Maple Pictures.

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KONTEST: THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE ADVANCED SCREENING TICKETS!!

July 13th, 2011 Filed under: Exclusive!, News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

KONTEST DETAILS:

ABORT Magazine and Maple Pictures present a special advance screening of THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE.

Baghdad, the playground for the rich and infamous, where anything can be bought – but for a price. This is Uday Hussein’s world and with his depraved lust for debauchery and immorality, he helps himself to whatever turns him on.

When army lieutenant Latif Yahia is summoned to Saddam’s palace, he is faced with an impossible request – to be Uday’s ‘fiday’ – his body double, or have his family condemned to death. In a world entrenched in betrayal and corruption knowing who to trust becomes a matter of life or death for Latif, as he battles to escape from his forced existence.

If you live in Vancouver ((or plan to be visiting) on August 10th, you could WIN a double pass.

Advance Screening: Wednesday, August 10, International Village Cinemas, 88 West Pender Street, 7:00pm

Email kontests [at] abortmag.com to enter.

Put “DEVIL” in the subject line and you could WIN!

All winners will be selected by random draw and notified by email.

Contest closes Monday, August 8th at 5 PM (PST)

thedevilsdouble.com

The Devil’s Double On Facebook

IN THEATRES FRIDAY AUGUST 12

Courtesy of ABORT Magazine and Maple Pictures.

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EXCLUSIVE: BEHIND THE BOARDS – Chin Injeti

June 19th, 2011 Filed under: Exclusive!, News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

(CLICK TO ENLARGE | Photos – Scott Alexander)

Fresh off his recent Grammy win, Producer Chin Injeti – perhaps now best known for his contribution to Eminem’s recent hit album ‘Recovery’ takes time out from his busy schedule recording to sit down and talk with ABORT Magazine about his recent successes, the music industry, and his love of “Base” at his downtown Vancouver Studio.

ABORT: FierceKitty here with producer, musician, collaborator, and recent Grammy winner Chin Injeti, all set for another ‘episode’ of Behind the Boards. Chin, how are you?

CHIN INJETI: Great thanks!

ABORT: While researching for the interview, I noticed your big break with music was with your group Bass is Base in Toronto. Is that also where your role as a producer started?

CI: Yeah, it started with that group, but without really knowing it. You know? I didn’t really know what I was doing technically, but we were doing it anyways because a) we didn’t have the money, and b) we didn’t know how to how to approach someone to help us do it, so I just kinda learned on my own. We felt it out.

ABORT: Was your first produced song with Bass is Base? Or was there another first?

CI: The first thing I ever did that had any sort of commercial success was with Bass is Base, it was a song called ‘Funk mobile’ and it was a fun little song [laughs]. We did a neat video for it, and I think it made it to number one or two on Much Music. It did really well all over the country. It started my career

ABORT: Will we be able to find it online?

CI: Easily. [ Funk Mobile on Youtube ]

ABORT: You’ve stated in the past that you have a preference towards the bass – is this preference seen in your production style, do you produce more bass heavy songs?

CI: What I mean by that isn’t about the frequency. The bass is a very grounded instrument. It is the foundation of everything. So while I play all other instruments, I play them from that mindset. You know what I mean? I don’t try to over-do things, I mean, at one point I was probably like that, but the more I was in tune with the bass, the more I was in tune with everything else. If you want to play a guitar, play it so it facilitates the drums, the keyboards and everything else so the singer can keep it grounded.

ABORT: What is your most favourite song/album that you produced? Why was this one the most memorable?

CI: For commercial success, and just the pure enjoyment, had to be Recovery with Eminem. I performed and contributed to production on the song ‘Talking to myself’ and I love that. When production on that was finished, we looked at each other, and knew this would be perfect for Em’ and At some point later, Kahlil came to me “Chin, Em just cut that track” Can you imagine that?!
One the flip side, just for pure love, I would say Zaki Ibrahim. I just love what she does. Those two you met just outside the studio, Sophia Denai and Omar Khan, I’ve been working with them lately. I just feel I’m working with the people I am supposed to be working with, and I am making the best music of my life right now.

ABORT: Is there anything from your recording past that given today’s advancements in technology you’d like to re-record?

CI: yeah, that first Bass is Base record.

ABORT: Back to DJ Kahlil. Aside from the production partnership, you two have a group called ‘The New Royales.’ (With Liz Rodrigues and Erik Alcock) With such a great partnership, do you mainly work with him, or tend to do more solo work?

CI: All the stuff in the States has gone through him. Him and I have this thing where we sit in a room and he does what he does, and I do what I do. Its amazing, because he is from Los Angeles, he grew up in that cultural scene, and I am from Toronto, and I contribute what I grew up with, and it all just comes together.

ABORT: In terms of expectations, has winning a Grammy changed the way you look at producing or who you will produce for?

CI: No. But the phone-calls are cooler [laughs] you know? The gigs I am supposed to be getting are pretty neat, but I don’t know – I still believe in talent in the city. In fact today, its official, I am the new A&R liaison at Universal Music. I’m going to continue what I do, and Universal has allowed me to do the job from the west coast. I believe in the talent here, and I want to nurture it. Here in Vancouver, specifically. So no, it hasn’t changed that much, but the Grammy does bear weight. The next day the phone-calls just changed, and so did my rates.

ABORT: Like any ‘industrial engineer’ – sometimes knowing how a machine works will change how you use it. As an engineer of music for others, has it affected how you approach your own music?

CI: Absolutely. Well, I did this record called “Detach”…

ABORT: Which is amazing.

CI: Thank you. I think maybe you’re the only person who has heard it. [both laugh] At the time I was recording ‘Detach’ I was also working on “Detox” for Dr. Dre, and some stuff for Nas and The New Royales, and everything we did on the other side of the border was HUGE! The biggest drum sounds, the biggest bass sounds, the biggest everything. Everything was about BIG. And when I came home, I literally picked up my acoustic guitar and just put a piece of paper on this couch right here in the studio, and just started singing songs.
At that time, I was going through so much stuff. My dad was dying, I was going through stuff emotionally, and that’s what that was. I was recording where I was at that moment, and it just worked. Working with those people taught me how to strip back, but now my next record might be fully produced, because I have been really empowered in the studio.

ABORT: That’s really amazing, and really inspiring as well.

CI: Thank you

ABORT: How has musical production changed the way you listen to music? Is it possible for you to just enjoy music without thinking about it from a producer’s POV?

CI: Yes. I don’t know how everybody else is, but for me, what makes it work is the people. I am such a big fan of people and musicians. I listen to say, Arcade Fire, and I’m like, wow. It still makes me feel like when I first listened to Talking Heads, The Smiths, you know? Like when I first experienced Pink Floyd or Radiohead, good music makes you dream, it takes you to another place, so as a musician, it makes me wonder ‘how do they do that?!’ You want to be a fan of that. So I am definitely still a fan of things. I think maybe I lost sight of the question though.

ABORT: No, No, versus looking at something completely technical, or…

CI: Yeah, I am able to separate it.

ABORT: Have you ever considered moving into live-performance production? Would the process be similar on stage and out of the studio?

CI: No. I don’t endeavor into that because I am NOT an engineer. I don’t mix my records. I don’t know the first thing about compression, and how it works. I mean, I do, but not in theory. I ‘play’ everything in my studio as an instrument, even the mixing board. It becomes sort of like a planet. The studio becomes a living breathing entity almost

ABORT: I remember seeing a video of you mixing and just the way you look while doing what you do, it looks like you’re swimming in the music.

CI: Yeah, I definitely was. I am always. The mixing board just becomes my instrument, everything is pulsing, coming out, dynamics – soft loud, everything.

ABORT: Do you have a favorite piece of equipment that is now obsolete, but you still use (or would like to use) because nothing sounds better?

CI: Yeah, the Roland JV-2080 Voice Synthesizer. It was the successor to the very popular JV-1080. Which was the industry-standard studio expander of the ’90s.

ABORT: : What advice would your producer self say to your artist self? Vice versa?

CI: I would say what I have been saying to myself. Keep it sincere, keep it simple, keep it authentic.

ABORT: Same advice from artist to producer?

CI: Yeah. I would say don’t try to facilitate the need. Don’t try to overpower the music with your opinion. It’s a terrible thing to rob someone of their dream, and that’s what I do, I create the space for their dream to happen.
AM: Bringing it back to something you’re doing right now, you’re doing some work with a local Vancouver musician Jay-Kin and Japan Earthquake relief, as well as a show at Fortune Sound Club?

CI: I recorded a single last weekend. It is so beautiful. I’ll also be performing at the event. If you don’t give back, what’s the point? A lot of people will talk about it, post on twitter and raise awareness, but at the end of the day, what else are you doing? I just want to be one of those people who is always doing something, it’s important to me.

ABORT: What is on your iPod lately? Anything local, or any up and coming bands you want to promote?

CI: Locally, I listen to Sophia Denai, and since I am working with both her and Omar Khan, I take their music home with me, but I listen to Hot Hot Heat, some of their new stuff that no one outside the production have heard, they’re really good friends of mine. I listen to U-Tern – he’s a great producer. I also check out groups like the [Aaron Nazru and the] Boom Boom’s, they’re from around here, a little Vancouver thing that is not happening everywhere else. I love to take that in. Erica Dee is also a good friend of mine.

ABORT: Your recommendation for a ‘must have’ piece of technology for amateurs intent on making the most of their recording sessions?

CI: Definitely the latest version of Apple’s Logic Studio. (Logic Studio 9)

ABORT: What does NIMBUS (School of Recording Arts) mean for Vancouver?

CI: Nimbus to me is the future of music, period. The reason I say that, is because right now the music industry has kinda turned on its side, it’s like an open wound, and everyone is trying to get in there and infect it, get everything they can out of it and Nimbus is trying to nurture talent. They’re close with their students, and are really particular about who gets in there. Not only do they train, teach and nurture you, but when you leave, you don’t really leave, they give you a job.

Like if I wanted a marketing team, I can go to a marketing class there and they can help me put my record together and sell it. If I want an engineer, I can find someone there who is relevant. Its because they are lead by people who are relevant, Garth Richardson (interview in issue 9), Bob Ezrin, who have done everything from Pink Floyd to Rage Against the Machine and now I am teaching there as well. I don’t teach them stuff that I don’t know. I teach my experiences. Sometimes these other technical schools charge kids so much money to come out with nothing, and I want to be able to give kids something that they can use if they want to do music, and I sometimes wish I had that, I wish I had a mentor, someone like me. I know that sounds kinda egotistical, but I actually care about the betterment of the future of the music business, because it’s going to be dead otherwise.

ABORT: Do you have any active mentors right now?

CI: Oh yeah, Garth Richardson, Michael McCarty, the pastor at my church, Colin Griffith, the artists that I work with. Everyone I work with in some way or another. [local artist] Indigo is huge HUGE for me.

ABORT: Do you think it’s the responsibility of the artist and producer to get world events and disasters into the minds of the people who listen to their music?

CI: Only if they’re interested. It has got to come from a real place, but Yeah, I do. I just twittered this the other day, actually last night – “Our job is to inspire the world.” And as corny as that sounds, it is true. Any kind of artist, you provoke thought and emotion. I think K’naan does a wonderful job at it. So as long as it is real, and you’re not just trying to make money of it I think it is.

ABORT: Last question for today. What advice do you have for up and coming producers, mixers, and sound engineers trying to make it in this vicious game of rock and roll?

CI: Just stay focused. Don’t look to the past, look to the future.

ABORT: Thank you very much for your time Chin, congratulations again on the Grammy win.

chininjeti.wordpress.com

By FierceKitty

READ MORE BEHIND THE BOARDS INTERVIEWS IN OUR BACK ISSUES, INCLUDING, GGGarth Richardson, Stephen Marley, Mike Fraser, Devin Townsend, Buckshot, Ben Kaplan and more!

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EXCLUSIVE: 21 & Under With…Keith Murray

March 2nd, 2011 Filed under: 21 & Under With..., Exclusive! by Editor in Chief

With his 8th studio album about to be released, Long Island, NY rapper Keith Murray is set to bring his latest brand of sharp-tongued lyricism to the Hip-Hop masses. Murray, a member of the elite Def Squad trio that includes Redman and EPMD’s Erick Sermon, has been in the studio putting the finishing touches on his latest opus: The Beauty Of It All.

ABORT Magazine’s E.S. Day caught up with Keith for a quick 21 & Under session to discuss the new album, Hip-Hop, Haiti and more.

E.S. Day: Def Squad reunion: Are you still in touch with Redman and Erick Sermon – any updates?

Keith Murray: Yes I’m in touch with Erick and Red, I live down the street from Erick right now and I talk to Red on the phone and text once a week. We’re talking about doing a new D.S. album but we have to get in the studio and do it. Our lives have taking different paths right now, but it’s in the mind so I hope it will happen.

ABORT: Your recent trip to Mozambique has to be an eye-opening experience, what prompted you to do that at that time as opposed to earlier?

KM: Yes, my trip to Mozambique has been an eye-opener. I went there because the opportunity came to me at the time. I did 2 shows and went to visit orphan kids and kids with HIV who nobody goes to see. I walked around the town to the stores and the people knew who I was and took pictures, so I was thankful to see they knew me.

ABORT: How come the Hip-Hop community has rarely done anything for HIV/AIDS and why is there still such an ignorant attitude towards it? (And by the way props to you for taking a stand)

KM: I feel the Hip-Hop community is doing all it can at the time for awareness, but a lot of people don’t want to talk about it because its a scary thing and its real so they don’t want to talk about it, but its a lot of other things killing people as well.

ABORT: Do you think certain artists are in fact profiting off the situation in Haiti via shows and royalty donations that are (apparently) going toward the cause? As we have already seen/heard about benefit shows where the money went right into the promoters pockets?

KM: With the Haiti situation I don’t thing artists are lining their pockets. I think they’re really trying to help, but the government over there is in control and from the looks of things they’re the real problem why the people are not being helped. As far as the promoters taking the money, that’s just not right and they will have to answer to God for that.

ABORT: New album: when and who is on board as far as producers?

KM: My new album is called THE BEAUTY OF IT ALL.I named it that to give myself room to touch many different topics. The good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful in life, with all types of cutting edge sounds and unconventional formats. As far as producers I got the RZA, a producer from Boston named The Sultan, a producer from over seas named M-Phazes and Erick Sermon. Right now its half way done (at time of interview – Ed)I got the RZA rapping on there, Redman and my younger brother D.Murray so far.

ABORT: Last great Canadian artist you listened to?

KM: The last great Canadian artist I listened to was The Rascalz. We had the same beat for my song “Candi Bar”. I didn’t know they had the beat when Kevin from Def Jam at the time gave it to me, but I like them.

ABORT: How did you and Canibus come together for the Undergods project?

KM: I got with Canibus from a friend we both know by the name of M80.

ABORT: Any other outside ventures or collabos coming up?

KM: My outside ventures include a custom set of headphones and movie parts in the works.

ABORT: How is the European response so far on these dates, have you found Europe appreciates Keith Murray more than North America?

KM: My European dates are going well they all know and love Keith Murray. As far as Europe appreciating me more than America I feel it’s the same love. They all like what I’ve done and what I’m doing.

ABORT: Next up and coming MC to break out in your hometown (unsigned), your recommendation?

KM: the next emcee to break out from my hometown is my younger brother D FISH GREASE MURRAY not because he’s my brother, but because he’s a talented rapper and has a way with words.

ABORT: Thanks for your time Keith.

KM: Thanks for your time; people can hit me at Facebook, Twitter and MySpace under the name Keith Murray. Peace.

myspace.com/keithmurray

By E.S. Day

WANT MORE EXCLUSIVES? CLICK HERE

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EXCLUSIVE!: TALIB KWELI – The ABORT Interview (Issue 16 Preview)

January 18th, 2011 Filed under: 21 & Under With..., Exclusive! by Editor in Chief

Brooklyn’s Talib Kweli is, in the eyes of many, on a very short list of artists at the top of the rap food chain. Author and co author of a growing stack of classic albums, the BK MC continues to set the lyrical bar, both on solo projects and with the influential groups Black Star and Reflection Eternal. His latest release, titled Gutter Rainbows, will be available January 25 for online purchase and promises to be a beautiful dose of bittersweet realness. Recently, Talib was kind enough to share his thoughts on “smart” art, what to read, Blacksmith in 2011, and more with ABORT’s Nigel Mojica.

Nigel Mojica: One theme that reoccurs a lot in your work, and again in “Gutter Rainbows”, is the idea of finding beauty in unusual places and difficult experiences. Are you an optimistic guy? How and why did you begin noticing the rainbows in the gutter and how important has this outlook been for you personally and professionally?

Talib Kweli: It’s the aware artists job to paint pictures of what can be, rather than what is. The gutter rainbow is an image that stayed with me since childhood. It the inner city that has inspired much of my lyrical content, so this album is dedicated to that sort of living.

ABORT: “Cold Rain” has a gospel feel to it and seems to evoke some nostalgia and reflection; can you tell us a bit about the sound you and the production team were going for on Gutter Rainbows and how you approached this album as an author?

TK: Gutter Rainbows has many producers, all of them with an extra passionate boom bap hip hop style. They come from all over the world, and I think the sound of the album reflects the differences and similarities in styles. The Ski produced Cold Rain had been sitting in my computer for years. I wrote many songs to it. It’s a beast of a track. I was determined to fin lyrics for it. Once I did, the lyrics were so timely and urgent, that I felt the song needed to be heard now, and this sort of catapulted me into releasing Gutter Rainbows.

ABORT: In addition to Gutter Rainbows, which drops digitally on January 25, I understand you’ve got another album on the way entitled Prisoners of Conscious. What can you tell folks about that?

TK: Prisoner Of Conscious is actually the album I’ve been working on since Eardrum. I put to the side to record the new Reflection Eternal album, and Gutter Rainbows comes from the POC sessions, but I am now focusing back on that album. It is in its infant stages.

ABORT: Why do you think challenging or “intellectual” big-word-using MC’s are so seldom embraced in the hip hop mainstream? Also, to what do you accredit your popularity with more commercial or mainstream artists and audiences, being that your music is lyrically dense and at often times very critical?

TK: In order to have “smart” art affect mainstream culture, it must respect the sensibility of the mainstream. Too often edgy artists are dismissive of mainstream sensibilities. [The film] Glee, which I’ve never watched, seems to be one of the smartest shows on TV. From a distance, it seems to make fun of the mainstream, but embrace the very mainstream principle of glee clubs. With music, I pay attention to the trends without following them. If you haven’t been to a nightclub in 5 years, you will not have a clue why younger years are not attuned to your musical sensibility. But if you know, you can navigate in the business better, whether you trying to keep up with trends or not. The knowledge is still key.

READ THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW IN ISSUE 16 OF ABORT

Gutter Rainbows is in stores January 25th, 2011

yearoftheblacksmith.com

By Nigel Mojica

WANT MORE EXCLUSIVES? CLICK HERE

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EXCLUSIVE: KILLING JOKE – The ABORT Interview (ISSUE 16 Preview)

December 29th, 2010 Filed under: Exclusive! by Editor in Chief

(PHOTO – Mike Chow)

Killing Joke. To some, a band of profoundly mythical depth and energy. To others, a great big question mark. Few, if any, bands have managed to have the far-reaching impact on music that this band has, while at the same time managing to maintain that pseudo-elitist ‘underground’ chic. Fronting this powerhouse of alternative/industrial/metal/post-punk is Jaz Coleman.

This man is as unique as the band he leads- he started out in squats in the late 1970’s, moved up to apocalypse prophet in the 1980’s, and continued on to be the Composer-in-Residence for the entire European Union.

Just before their most recent show here in Vancouver, B.C., we here at ABORT Magazine managed to squeeze in a relatively informal chat with Jaz. Also present for some of the discussion was Geordie Walker, the bemused guitar player of Killing Joke.

Keith Durocher: Let’s start this all off with some shameless sycophantery. It cannot be stressed enough how dynamic and vital sounding Absolute Dissent is. It’s sound is a near-flawless example of the entire spectrum of Killing Jokes output over the years. Did you guys intentionally set out to craft songs that nodded to your back catalogue, or was the entire process just an intuitive outpouring of creativity?

Geordie- “B”.
(Everyone laughs)
Jaz, to Geordie- You dick!
(More laughs)

ABORT: Ok then, so much for my attempt at poetic ass-kissing. Killing Joke has been around for some time. Are you guys finding your material as relevant to the youth of today as it was in the days of Killing Joke/Fire Dances, etc? Are the faces in the crowd getting younger, or are your fans aging with you?

Geordie: There are more 18 year old girls in the crowd now than there ever were in the old days.

Jaz: At this point, most of our audience weren’t even born until after our first ten albums were out.

ABORT: Killing Joke are unarguably influential, cited as the creative spark behind bands that themselves have become near-legendary (for example, Godflesh). Is there ever a point where you hear a band and think, “Meh… Sounds like us.”?

Jaz: Yeah… At this point it’s happened so often that we don’t even keep track anymore.

ABORT: Like most successful bands, Killing Joke has always understood the essential link between visual iconography and music. With that in mind, what visual artists (contemporary or classic) do you find inspire you the most?

Jaz: That’s a good question.

Geordie: Hmm… Austin Osman Spare.

Jaz: Yeah, Spare for sure. I love surrealists, you know Dali, of course. I also really love [Yves] Tanguy, a French surrealist painter. He was obsessive, Tanguy- he would sleep-deprive himself in order to achieve a different reality, and apply that to his art. Really though, my favorite work of art is the Pyramids of Giza. It’s simply majestic; it’s designed from the ground up to confound us, to defy reality and possibility. When we recorded in the Kings Chamber there-

ABORT: Wait, you recorded in the Pyramids of Giza?

Jaz: Yeah, we did the vocals for Pandemonium there, and it’s so surreal… The energy fields are so intense inside. We’d bring in battery packs with nine hours charge on them, and they’d be completely drained in 15 minutes. We’d have to crawl out, recharge, go back in, and again- 15 minutes, drained. On every level the pyramids are meant to defy reality. Think of it, you have the base blocks for these things… They weigh as much as 400 jumbo jets! To this day there aren’t cranes that can deal with that. The pyramids are easily the best works of surreal art I’ve ever seen.

ABORT: Most bands with your track record have long since started the ‘looking back at the golden years’ phase of their careers, recording Christmas albums and the like. How do guys keep yourselves looking forward not back?

Jaz: I don’t think any of us spend an awful lot of time looking back unless we’re forced to by other people. I think everybody’s –always- looking forward, like… We’ve done this record [Absolute Dissent] that you’re listening to, and now everyone’s focusing on the summer, when we’re going to do our 2012 album. So, what’s done is done, and I think we always get onto the next thing straight away. You know, it’s like… There’s not a lot of nostalgia, with all of us I’d say, except when we’re all together and laughing at a memory of something or someone. Over the last couple of months we’ve been forced by external circumstances to contemplate on the last 32 years, you know… We were presented with an award by Jimmy Page for innovation and… and lots of things, getting decorated by the French Government

ABORT: The French government decorated the whole band?

Jaz: No, just me. It was the same time [as the Jimmy Page award], I was doing a gig that day, and… Yeah… [Jaz drifts away into self-reflection for a moment] It’s a long ways from the squat.

READ THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW IN ISSUE 16 OF ABORT, OUT SOON!

myspace.com/killingjokeofficial

By Keith Durocher

WANT MORE EXCLUSIVES? CLICK HERE

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