Made You Look Radio

Prank Calls

Shiraz شیراز Myl — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:17:48 +0000

‘Twas the day before Valentine’s day, and as per usual I had no plans. So the Made
You Look Radio team (plus Jon) decided it would be a good idea for me to
phone up girls I knew would reject me, ask them on Valentine’s Day dates, and
record the calls. We aired those calls on the show that night, but due to popular
demand I am uploading them here for download and/or listening online.

Enjoy!

Valentines Day Prank 2

Valentines Day Prank 1

k-os Concert Review

Shiraz شیراز Myl — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:56:26 +0000

When I found out k-os was coming to Victoria a few weeks back, I set my mind on
going to see the show with an unwavering resolve uncommon in me. I guess you can
say I’ve become a bit of a k-os fanboy in the last year or so. I mean I liked k-os before,
but now I think he’s one of the most talented people in the hip hop music industry.

Then, the day was upon us. So my MYLR co-host Darrin Boscorellie, myself and a bunch of our friends and relations mobbed down to 9one9. It was interesting to see people of all ages- some maybe in their 50s-60s and others just 19- standing in line for the show and buzzing with excitement despite the chilling rain pouring down. It’s certainly not a requirement, but it is certainly nice to see an artist who can connect with a broad spectrum of people.

The opening band, The Dirty Mags, were weird. I think my brother described it best when he said, “If these guys were super messed up on drugs, they’d be kind of cool, but if they aren’t, then this is lame.” I did not dig it, but maybe I’m not hip to what grunge music is all about, or maybe they just weren’t good.

Any doubts that may have arisen were washed away when k-os took the stage. He was draped in a poncho with what looked like a Rosie-the-riveter style bandana wrapped around his locks and rocking a pair of mirror aviators. Maybe that doesn’t sound like it looked cool, but believe me, it did. It probably helped that he was standing in front of a DJ, a drummer and another percussionist, with a guitar player to his right and a synth, sampler, bass and other odds and ends player to his left, and in front of a crowd that was going apeshit.

And then it started. K-os hit after k-os hit interspersed with mashed up versions of his songs over his band’s driving renditions of classic rock and hip hop tunes like “Stairway to Heaven,” “Yesterday,” “Forgot about Dre,” and others. The show was well rehearsed, it had the requisite energy peaks and troughs and everyone got what they wanted. There were points where a stout man wearing a dark sunglasses and diamond (cubic zirconium? Probably.) encrusted praying-hands medallion who looked to be in his mid-forties, a kid who looked quite a bit like Tyler the Creator, and I were arm in arm, singing along at the top of our lungs. And there were others where Darrin Bosco and I rapped along to all the songs that have been in constant rotation on our radio show since the albums Yes!, The Anchorman Mixtape, and Live! have dropped. And even though there were people from all different age-groups and walks of life, there was a general understanding that we were all there for the same reason (it only seemed to be lost on a few pushy morons).

I interviewed k-os before the show and we chatted about how the new album, BLack on BLonde was going to be the dissertation of his ten year project of drawing together hip hop and rock and roll. That conversation kept coming back to me throughout the show, because if BLack on BLonde is the thesis, then this tour is the defense. The show was all about mixing the genres, and doing it well. It was all about showing the purest forms of both rock and roll and hip hop sharing the stage and an audience. It was all about the idea that a West-Indian Canadian kid from the suburbs can be a rapper and a rockstar without there being a contradiction in terms. And it worked. I was convinced and I think everyone else was too. A+.

So what can I say? Go to the show. It’s coming to a town near you, this was only the second date on a long tour. I promise you won’t be disappointed, in fact, I think you’ll love it.

The only problem is that I’m even more hopelessly addicted to k-os’ music now.

(The interview I did with k-os will be airing on Made You Look Radio on Monday the 28th of November, and will be uploaded here after)

Bassnectar Vancouver, November 18 PNE FORUM

Shiraz شیراز Myl — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:57:04 +0000

If dubstep DJs were Pokemon, Bassnectar would be a foil Blastoise… Or something.
If that analogy doesn’t do anything for you, just know this: Bassnectar is a golden
god when it comes to serving fat basslines and making the party rock. Luckily for
you, now that your interest is piqued, Bassnectar will be in Vancouver on November
18th at the PNE Forum, and in Victoria at Sugar on December 4th. Unfortunately for
those people who are in Victoria, you’ll have to make the pilgrimage to Vancouver,
because the Victoria show is sold out (and for good reason). It will be worth it.

I promise.

Check out ticket availability for the show Here

Zeds Dead Live

Shiraz شیراز Myl — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:40:19 +0000

A little video MYLR made of Zeds Dead when they were in Victoria in September.
Watch in HD, Share and Enjoy!

12th Planet Interview

Shiraz شیراز Myl — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 06:02:39 +0000

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, but I’m hoping to get a few more of the
interviews I’ve done up, I’ve got a bunch sitting around on my computer.

For now, a more recent interview. 12th Planet and Flinch came to Victoria on July 23rd and hist up Sugar. Before the show we met up at their hotel and recorded an interview, which is posted below. Unlike my other interviews, this one has a video as well (at bottom of post) and I’m hoping to do more of that.

Both 12th Planet and Flinch are super rad dudes, and after we chatted we hung out until the show started. The show was wild, with all kinds of twists (including a questionably timed moment of silence for Amy Winehouse and some random girls with no connection to 12th or Flinch standing at the front of the stage for the whole show “dancing”). Nonetheless, both 12th and Flinch are talented DJs and kept the show exciting. Definitely do not miss a chance to check these guys out in the future!

To Download Here right click and save the mp3 to your hard drive, or just listen online

Omar Linx Interview

Shiraz شیراز Myl — Tue, 03 May 2011 06:59:37 +0000

So, if you’ve been following hip hop or dubstep lately then you’ve probably heard of
Omar Linx. The Toronto based rapper is becoming increasingly popular, partly due to
his crossover work with dubstep producers Hooks and DC (Zeds Dead).

The dude is undeniably talented and he brings a fresh style not only to Canadian hip hop but to hip hop in general. Omar’s raspy vocals pack a serious punch and are complimented by his choice of producers. Lyrically Linx is versatile, able to achieve honest and haunting introspection on some tracks while on others keeping the lyrical content light and full of punchlines. His most recent release, A Cold Welcome (available for free, download here) is an excellent introduction for those who have not heard him before. Also worth checking out his tracks with Zeds Dead, “Out for Blood” and “Rudeboy.”
I caught up with Omar on May 2nd, 2011, and we chatted about various aspects of his life, his career and music in general. Check Omar Linx’s Facebook Page, and check out the Made You Look Radio Facebook Page while you’re there.

Feel free to Download the Interview (Right click and hit “Save As…”) or listen online

Zeds Dead

Shiraz شیراز Myl — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:04:30 +0000

Zeds Dead is a dubstep making DJ duo made up of Hooks and DC. These guys
have only recently taken up dubstep, but they are fast establishing a name for
themselves among the ranks of dubstep’s biggest names. The have played shows
internationally, and tour around Canada frequently. They have yet to put out a
full length album, but their original tracks ( like “White Satin,” “Out for Blood,”
and “Journey of a Lifetime“) and remixes (such as “Paradise Circus,” “Pyramid Song,”
and “Gimme Shelter“) have made a big splash in the dubstep community, and have
been watched hundreds of thousands of time on youtube.

I caught up with them before their show at Sugar on February 12th, 2011. We talked about their old hip hop production, favourite musicians, biggest influences, creative processes and other aspects of their lives and music. The song that plays at the end is the Zeds Dead remix of Blue Foundation’s “Eyes on Fire.” Follow Zeds Dead on Facebook.

Listen Online
orDownload Here
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Chali 2na Interview Round 2…na

Shiraz شیراز Myl — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:25:52 +0000

Chali 2na is not only a veteran of two iconic hip hop groups (Ozlomatli and Jurassic
5), he’s also more recently launched a successful solo career. His music is down to
earth and accessible, but certainly does not lack thematic content. Chali 2na keeps
the funk at the forefront in his songs and his baritone verses drive along in perfect
rhythm with the beat.
Last year at Rifflandia festival, Chali 2na took some time out of his busy touring
schedule to chat with Vaho C. and myself. We talked for close to three hours while
Chali cut his hair and shaved, covering topics from Malcolm X to “Inception.” In the
following shortened version of the interview we discuss Chali’s future projects, his early
life, his introduction to hip hop culture, why he never went into gangster rap, his work
with Damian Marley, and various other topics. The photos below are shot by Graham
Kendall of Madfish Photography. And a big thank you is due to Chali and his touring
management for making this interview possible.

It’s worth giving the interview a listen, but since it’s long it’s probably best to download
it and throw it on your iPod or a CD.

Listen online or Download Here

Skrillex Interview

Shiraz شیراز Myl — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:33:31 +0000

On Friday Marshall A called me up and said “Want to interview Skrillex tonight at
Sugar?” I had heard Skrillex’s name around, but having not listened to much
dubstep I hadn’t heard much of his music. Regardless I’m always down to do an
interview so I said sure asked if Sami Barker would come to shoot some photos and
grabbed my recorder.

I’m super glad we did it. Sonny is not only a talented musician, but also a very cool, down to earth and approachable guy. After the interview he invited the few press people who were there to stick around and celebrate his birthday with him. Out came the Grey Goose and Red Bull and the half hour before the set started was spent hanging around and chatting.

The show itself was insane. If you haven’t heard Skrillex’s music on a proper set of speakers, you haven’t really heard his music. And if you haven’t heard his music at all, get on it, because it will come to you sooner or later. He recently released his EP Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, which proke a record by holding eight of top ten list on Beatport, as well as taking the #1 spot with the EP’s title track. Below the pictures you’ll find some of his music and a video of the birthday welcome Victoria gave him.

The interview below begins with Marshall A asking a few questions, after which I take over. Thanks again to Alvaro at Blueprint Events for setting this up and to Sami Barker for snapping some great shots (You can see the rest of them here)

Listen online or Download Here

Sonny receives a birthday card from a dedicated fan.

Zumbi of Zion I Interview

Shiraz شیراز Myl — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 05:08:31 +0000

If you don’t know who Zion I are, you’re missing out. The producer-MC duo- made up
of producer Amp Live and rapper Zumbi- have been rocking hip hop’s underground with
fresh music for quite some time now. I was introduced to them fairly late in the game
when they dropped The Takeover in 2009, and have been a fan ever since.
The Takeover is a gem, with a wide range of tightly produced songs drawn
together by Zumbi’s poignant verses.
Zion I’s most recent album, Atomic Clock, dropped on November 9th, 2010. Staying
true to their tradition of constantly adapting their sound and style, Atomic Clock moves
away from the sound of their previous albums adopting a more dubbed-out sound on
some tracks and collaborating heavily with live bands on the production. One way in
which the album does not break tradition is that it is a great listen. The beats are well
put together, the collaborations work and the verses make for good listening. I got on
the phone with Zumbi soon after the album’s release and we chatted about the album,
Zion I and music in general. The song at the end of the interview is Amp Live’s remix
of “Many Styles” off of Atomic Clock, which features Rebelution.

Listen online or Download Here