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Moni in the Middle…Interview with Rich Kidd

Moni Love — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:48:37 +0000

This Friday July 16^th at Augusta House, another 8 of the city’s dopest beatmakers will take it to the stage to flip, cut, mix, chop, and do whatever it takes to win $1500 cash and the title of Toronto’s hottest producer. The never done before, live production event Sound Battle Royal, kicked off their 5 part series last month, providing Toronto and it’s talent a new platform for appreciating a very important aspect of the production process: CREATIVITY! And who better to judge his fellow beatmakers on how to make it hot (literally!!), than T-Dot’s own Rico Suave on the boards, Rich Kidd. Producing for some of hip hop biggest talents such as Drake, Frank and Dank, Ill Bill and more, Rich knows a thing or 2 about making music for the masses and shares this knowledge with up and comers in the production game.

Full interview after the jump!

Photos: Scott Christie, www.christiephotography.ca, special thanks to Joe Kar and Mina Mikhail www.fightingtheboss.ca.

Space: CBC Sound, studio 211. www.glenngouldstudio.com. A variety of studios are available for professional recording at reasonable rates. Contact chris.jackson@cbc.ca or call 416-205-2971.

From his early days chilling in B1 park repping Sauga City, Rich Kidd was taking in freestyles from the O.G’s in his hood, eventually spitting his own verses, over his own beats inspired by golden era tunes from Aaron Neville and the Chilites. But as a youth, it wasn’t Rich’s musical talent that was getting him places. When most kids were getting kicked out of class for being rowdy, Rich was busy doodling comics and coming up with stories that found him in the hallway due to their explicit nature. Rich eventually got into rapping with the other students freestyling out there with him. His inspiration to make beats came from the lack of music for him to spit over. “I just wanted to spit over beats that were mine”. Since then, Rich has worked with almost anyone who has big talent in this City including MC’s such as Big Sauks and Toronto songbirds Tanika Chawlz, T. Ana Cole and Kyauna Clarke.

With a crazy work schedule that keeps him in and out of the city almost weekly, Rich still has time to give back and inspire those coming up under him. A youth mentor and educator, Rich shares his knowledge with kids through the Lost Lyrics program showing them how to keep it simple and still produce quality music through programs like fruity loops. “ No one in my hood was really doing it that big at the time. I feel like I broke barriers. I feel like a role model. You’re always a role model for someone and someone always looks up to you whether you know it or not”. And Rich Kidd lives up to this status by working with a slew of community programs across the City including events like 106&York and Manifesto.

Besides doing it for the kids, Rich continues to bang it out for the music heads and lovers of that boom bap. He shared some insight from the SBR judge’s corner and gave us the goods on producing and taking it to the stage….

What type of equipment do you use to make beats?

I’m a software dude. I mess with Fruity Loops Studio among other things but the FL is where all the sequencing comes together.

Where do you find samples or get inspiration for your beats?

I find samples from anywhere like T.V. to vinyl to cassette tapes to MP3s. It’s all about what catches my ear and makes me feel like I can chop it up. Even when I go out and see live performances, i might record em and chop em up back at home and build something. The possibilities ARE LIMITLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What American Artists have you worked with?

Drake.

Jokes! I’ve worked with a few, but I’d really like to work with Raekwon someday.

What are key business tips that producers coming up should know?

Remember when you decide to mess with someone outside your camp or dudes you know, its B.N.P.! BUSINESS, NEVER PERSONAL! And don’t let dudes sell you dreams and say if you give them a beat then they’ll blow up and you get paid after. Get something Upfront and collect your backend royalties (50% usually) too.

Have you ever been inspired to make a beat while you were on the road and how did it go down?

Yea, while me and DJ MENSA were on the SOARING TO HEAVEN TOUR from Winnipeg to Vancouver, I was doing beats in the car from city to city. I would make a couple beats an hour, after driving for 3 hours, I made a beat cd to bump in the whip. Ask Mensa. Swear to JAH!

What are some of your favorite spots to tour?

Vancouver was live. Winnipeg was live. Saskatoon was good. Banff too. I like Canada outside of Ontario. They wanna take in stuff they’ve never seen before, even in a club type environment. Melbourne, Austrailia was poppin’ too. Brooklyn: enough said.

What is your favorite venue in the city to perform?

I gotta say either MOD Club or Revival. They’re right across the street from each other too. I must have done over 15 performances at Revival, all different shows, with me hosting or rapping or just supporting for a song. The illest performance I did there was the Manifesto After Party opening for Hi-Tek. I just did my first set at MOD Club for the Stylus Nominee Party and that was pretty dope too.

What are your favorite spot in the city to just chill, mediate or just think?

The crib. If not there, by the lake. I like to meditate or think on my own a lot……ALOT! Fuck it, I’m a loner!

Last Words?

Let The Music Speak V.1 COMIN SOON.

Sound Battle Royale, July 16th Augusta House.

We On Some Rich Kidd Shit 4 Release Party July 29th Revival.

Check out Rich Kidd along with Tone Mason, Junia T and Dj Mel Boogie this Friday, July 16th @ Sound Battle Royale: ROUND 2, Augusta House 152 Augusta Ave. In Kensignton Market.

Official Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YNG1L56zEY

Moni in the Middle…Toronto Producers win $1500!! Four Chances to Win!!

Moni Love — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:06:16 +0000

You’ve never seen a contest like this before. T-Dot producers are challenged to take their skill from the basement to the stage for a chance to wear the crown of Toronto’s hottest producer and $1500 cash!

Deadline June 1st.

Check out www.soundbattleroyale.com for more deets!

Moni in the Middle…Audition for Honey Jam June 13th at the MOD Club!!

Moni Love — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:47:12 +0000

This year, Toronto’s long standing institution for promoting female talent “Honey Jam” turns 15! Auditions for the August 15th Showcase will take place Sunday June 13th at the Mod Club, 722 College Street.

After many years of providing a platform for female vocalists to gain local and international exposure, Phem Phat Productions continues to support women in the music industry by going beyond the stage. Honey Jam finalists will get industry insight from international recording artists, as well vocal training and development support through artist workshops. The event also offers an opportunity for people interested in getting into the music scene a great chance to network and build with the many professionals who have been involved with the event over the past 15 years.

For more information or to volunteer, email: honeyjaminfo@gmail.com

Official press release after the jump!

HONEY JAM

NATIONAL TALENT SEARCH
For Immediate Release
May, 2010

Toronto – Honey Jam, produced by PhemPhat Entertainment Group, is the longest running all-female talent showcase in Canada and the search is on for this year’s line up of undiscovered talent!

While the live auditions are in Toronto, THIS IS A NATIONAL SEARCH. Artists unable to make the audition on Sunday June 13 at The Mod Club @ 722 College Street, can email a link to one of their live performances, even if it’s in their basement! All of the details are on www.honeyjam.com

Please note, there is no charge to audition, but audition spectators will be charged $5 at the door.

Judges include vocal coach Elaine Overholt who worked with actors in the Oscar award-winning film Chicago. The panel will also include reps from A&R departments, radio, music media, artist funding bodies, producers, managers and artists.

Honey Jam, which celebrates their 15th anniversary this year, has delivered one of the summer’s hottest shows featuring some of the electrifying live performances. Whether hip hop, R&B, rock, pop, jazz, soul, country, classical, dancehall – talented female vocalists representing all musical genres can take part.

Artists chosen to perform at this year’s showcase, which will take place on Sunday, August 15 will be announced at the media launch in July. They will have the opportunity to attend a free artist workshop sponsored by PhemPhat and the Harris Institute for the Arts to give them some insight into the industry in keeping with PhemPhat’s mandate to educate and mentor, as well as give exposure to up and coming female artists.

To help fund the show and workshop, a fundraising raffle will be held over the summer. Tickets are $20 and prizes include a 1 week hotel stay at Amaryllis Beach Resort in Barbados.

For info on the history of the Honey Jam and more details about the auditions and showcase, please check out the following websites:

www.honeyjam.com
www.myspace.com/honeyjam
www.twitter.com/thehoneyjam
Facebook: HONEY JAM

Sponsors include Slaight Communications Inc., Nelstar Entertainment, TD Bank, Factor, Yamaha Canada Music, MuchMusic, VerveGirl Magazine, the New FLOW 93.5, Exlaim.ca, Universal Music Canada, The Canadian Independent Recording Artists Association, Ontario Arts Council, the SOCAN Foundation, Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa, Canadian Musician and World Vision.

Questions or inquiries can be directed to honeyjaminfo@gmail.com

Moni in the Middle…Interview with Tanika Charles

Moni Love — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:51:34 +0000

I have to admit this interview might seem bit short for such a huge talent. Not because there aren’t enough amazing things to say about the lovely Tanika Charles, but more because when you’re in her presence, it’s not even about her. Tanika, aka Mz. Chawls, has a way of looking you straight in the eye and knowing exactly how you’re feeling. And she called out my forever aching heart right away. “You’re a cancer, aren’t you?” she pinpointed me. “How did you know?” I replied surprised. And with that signature twinkle in her eye she responded with an, “ooh girl, I just know … Trust me when I say, I KNOW”.

Full interview after the jump!

Photos: Kevin Robert Fong www.copymyrecords.com
Space: Rivoli, 334 Queen Street W. www.rivoli.ca

After two hours of spilling my guts to someone I hardly even knew, but felt like I had known for years, I realized where Tanika’s inspiration comes from. This woman really knows a thing or two about love’s ups and downs and silly happy wild’s. And it’s not just her own experiences that tell the vivid and core shaking stories we have heard on “Think of you” and “Dancing with your Ghost”. Tanika has definitely come up with some strong women who know a thing or two about soul. Managed by the multi-talented community educator, Deejay L’Oqenz and back up singer for her dear friend Zaki Ibrahim, Tanika has travelled the world singing her heart out and speaking on life situations that all of us can relate to. It’s almost surprising when she admits that she never meant to be a singer and actually started out as a dancer with a keen eye for fashion. After meeting up with Zaki through a mutual friend and kick-starting their all girl group ‘Xavia Zen’ back in Vancouver, it was obvious to both herself and Zaki that there was a future for Mz. Chawls in singing. And sing she did. Although Toronto has been it’s usual sleepy self when catching on to the immense talent we have here, Tanika has already toured the world with groups like Bedouin Soundclash and shared the stage with the Roots, Estelle, Erykah Badu and more.

So most people know you from the work you have done with Zaki Ibrahim. How did you get linked up with her?

I met Zaki through a mutual friend while living in Vancouver. Basically, the day we met we were inseparable! We had so many similarities from our choice of music to humor and style. We’ve performed so many shows together I don’t even know where to begin..The Roots, Erykah Badu, Mishka and Platinum Pied Pipers just to name a few…

You mentioned that you were more into dancing than singing. When did you start singing seriously? What were your influences?

Well, I’ve always sang around the house and at talent shows in school but I never thought to pursue it as a career. I thought I was going to be a stand-up comedian! Seriously! My friends always told me to be an actress or do voice- overs because I was always so animated! My father was a huge influence. He played a lot of Jazz and R&B in the house growing up…Quincy Jones, Bob James, Spyro, Gyra, Earth Wind and Fire, and he would make us sit down and listen to riffs that were played or notes that singers made you know. He’d wanted my brothers and I to enjoy the music as much as he had.

You have a very original style that’s reminiscent of 50’s and 60’s Harlem. What inspires your look?

Ella Fitzgerald, Dorothy Dandridge and Billie Holiday..Such passionate music was made during turmoil in their personal lives. I’d like to assume it was love and heartache. Ultimately, their voices, lyrics and the classy style in which they presented themselves.

That’s my inspiration.

Canada is still catching up to you Mz. Chawls! What have been your favorite international spots when touring and where would you like to go next?

Hmm..I think my favorite spots to tour were South Africa and Belgium. I would LOVE to see the world of course, but Asia..I’d like to experience for sure!!

Shoot for the stars!! *insert signature eye twinkle here*

Who are other Canadian artists you would like to work with?

SAUKRATES, I.JAMES JONES (Dope Toronto MC), Omar Khan (The Hastings Set Vancouver), Styrofoam Ones, Emma-Lee Dee, Glenn Lewis, Sarah Shafey…Should I keep going or…..

Whats next for Tanika Charles?

EP Release party May 8th @ Revival first of all… and I’m actually working on my album as we speak!

Why Rivoli?

My very first live show was at Rivoli! For a ‘Good People Party’ in 2007/08..Remember those? Such a great response considering I was new to the city.

So many great hip-hop shows have happened and continue to happen there!

Such fond memories….

Last words?

Well, this is what my dad says to me EVERYTIME we finish speaking on the phone..I’d think this is fitting for last words..haha

“Tanik, Drink yuh Milk ,Take yuh Vitamins, Doh smoke and Doh drink, ok?”(spoken in a thick Trini accent)

“OK Dad.”

Listen to your parents! They are wise.

Tanika’s pops isn’t the only wise one….Take in some Mz. Chawlz’ soul shaking wisdom tomorrow night at Revival, 783 College Street!!

SATURDAY MAY 8th, 2010
The Main Ingredient @ Revival Night Club
783 College St. (at Shaw)

MZ.CHAWLS EP RELEASE CONCERT

w/ Special Guest Deejay
DJ L’OQENZ (DOUBLE DRAGON)

feat. Resident Deejays
AGILE (MORE)
SEAN SAX (SOUL ON ICE/CHUUNE)

Hosted By
WAN LUV

and in the STONE LOUNGE…

THE SIDE DISH

FEATURES
SPANKDELICIOUS (DOWN ONE) REUNION

FEATURING…
DJ ROYALE (GRAND GROOVE/HEAVY ROTATION)
BIG PHILLY (SOLE PURPOSE/HIP HOP LOVE)

COST: $15 CONCERT+PARTY l $10 CONCERT ONLY l $10 PARTY ONLY
REDUCED GUESTLIST RSVP
DOORS OPEN AT 10PM | 19+EVENT

INTERVIEW: Drake Talks Fireworks + Release Date + Away From Home Tour

rez — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:45:35 +0000

Caught these vids on TOFLO. Drizzy chops it up with Sway from MTV to talk Thank Me Later’s release date (June 15th), his new joint “Fireworks”, how it feels to be back on tour and more. 2nd clip is after the jump!

MIXTAPE: Malicious “Life’s Not So Sample 2″

Ty Harper — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:11:08 +0000

Download HERE!

Malicious releases his latest mixtape with some help from KNH.

Full tracklist after the jump!

Enjoy!

NEW VIDEO: Ricky J “What A Night” (Directed by Yolande Geralds)

Ty Harper — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:00:28 +0000

Directed by Yolande Geralds.

Canadian Rapper Ricky J Set To Make Return To Music In 2010 With New Single “Whatta Night” from the Forthcoming CD, Paint The Town

Canadian hip-hop sensation Ricky J announces his return to making music with the release of a brand new single, “Whatta Night,” six years after opting to move behind the scenes to focus on building his business enterprise.

The Billboard chart-topping entrepreneur positioned his events company in 2009 as Canada’s most sought-after entertainment production agency, and has lent a hand as a manager, booking agent, producer and writer for other artists over the years. But after getting back into the studio in 2009, Ricky discovered a brand new sound and is poised to use his business and industry experience to join peers both past and present in bringing his music across international borders.

SirMacTVOnline!

NEW MUSIC: Glasses Malone – Sun Come Up feat. Ro Dolla (Unofficial Remix)

rez — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:00:36 +0000

Ro Deezy drops a verse on Glasses Malone’s “Sun Come Up” featuring Rick Ross, T-Pain & Birdman.

DOWNLOAD: Glasses Malone – Sun Come Up (rmx) feat. Ro Dolla, Rick Ross, Birdman & T-Pain

Moni in the Middle of…Theatre That’s Not Recession Proof

Moni Love — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:04:38 +0000

Last night I checked out a hilarious play starring my good friend and awesomely talented actor Ravi Jain, co-starring equally impressive Adam Paolozza. This play goes through the trials and tribulations of the corporate world and it’s totally out of whack stance on our world economy. Be prepared to ride a roller-coaster of emotions as you follow these two on their journey from the top of the ladder to the bottom…

By Michele Smith, Dean Gilmour, Ravi Jain and Adam Paolozza. At Factory Studio Theatre, 125 Bathurst St., until Oct. 25. 416-504-9971. For bios and more info: www.theatrewhynot.org.

Moni in the Middle of…SXSW Submissions deadline November 6th!

Moni Love — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:22:04 +0000

Deadline November 6th, 2009!

www.sxsw.com/music/shows/apply

Apply to Showcase

Why should your act apply?
The music industry descends upon SXSW every March and you could have a chance to share your music with all of them. SXSW Music Festival showcases nearly 2,000 musical acts over 5 days on more than 80 stages in downtown Austin. Labels, agents, managers, manufacturers, publishers, writers, bloggers, media giants and fans all meet for five days in Austin to celebrate music and make deals. Why not join them?

Sonicbids is the official online music submission partner of the 2010 SXSW Music Conference and Festival.

To apply online using Sonicbids, log in to your Sonicbids account and look for SXSW in the Find Gigs section. If you’re not already a member, you can create an account – it’s free for 6 months when you apply to SXSW. The free trial period is a terrific opportunity to try out all of Sonicbids services, but if you choose to deactivate your account at any time after applying, SXSW will still have access to your uploaded materials. From there, you can create your Sonicbids Electronic Press Kit, which we’ll use to listen to your music and review your press materials. You won’t need to upload any additional materials. Click here to get started.

Unlike in the past, this year there will not be a separate international and domestic deadline. The Showcase Application fee is $40 and must be submitted no later than November 6, 2009.

All acts will be notified on or before January 29th, 2010.