San Diego Love! NO NEEDZ on INDISTR 10!

At age 22, NoNeedz was homeless, and ironically searching for more out of life. With nowhere else to go, he ventured deep into the creative subconscious, returning to a tangible society with only a new outlook on life, Jesus Christ, and the world, brandishing a single tool--a sound that blurred genre lines and would resonate through fans of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities. Since his transformation, the most common line he has encountered has been, "I don't usually listen to rap/reggae/pop. But I love your style! How can I get a CD?"

Today, NoNeedz remains a solid Pop/Hip Hop/Reggae artist from San Diego, California. Because of his eclectic style he's managed to rope in fans from all genres, which makes him a fantastic dream for managers and labels alike, to sign and promote, to listen and to love. Enjoy the interview!




1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with whom?
Actually, I was a screw up in High School and got kicked out of a class (can't remember which). Recording arts was open and I thought it would teach me about a new Camcorder I got. I was a sucker. The course was a musik class! The final involved writing a song. So I wrote some lyrics (much borrowed from the Fugees HAHA) and that's how I got roped into this giant mess.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
My sound is simply underground reggae and pop, with hip hop vocals layered over these two genres and just a mule’s hair above what most people consider listenable. Some say I sound like Gym Class Heroes, but, it’s only fair to add, some people say I sound like absolute crap.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a band (solo artist).
Fugees, Mos def, Aesop Rock

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
Music will continue to evolve but voices which never would’ve been heard will continually grow stronger and more competitive in the music market.

5.What can we expect to see from NoNeedz in 2008? Any big plans?
Frankly, I’m in the group (Close Enough) www.myspace.com/closeenoughmuzic, so expect to hear more of my vocals on pop/reggae/rock songs in our soon-to-release EP⎯2008. Other than that, no big plans. That involve musik. I do plan to write the great American novel, but of course I’ve said too much…

6.What has NoNeedz been listening to lately?
American Idol of course. But, beyond that 8pm delight, I listen to older Switchfoot, Incubus, Marley, Green Day, Sublime, Born Jamericans, etc. Still, in most cases I just employ Youtube to listen to particular songs that I suddenly have an obsessive penchant for during the day…like Billy Preston (nothing from nothing) and blur (song 2) and Sister Hazel (happy) and yada yada yada.

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
Well, in my humble opinion, if an underground band wants to sell 50,000 records they’re going to have to book major gigs. The name gets out and that’s when ticket buyers research the band they just heard and buy the album.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
I go to Mira Costa College in San Diego so that’s where I’ll be. Or on my butt casting preliminary judgments based on outfits contestants are wearing at auditions on American Idol. Guy shows up in Chicken suit⎯probably not going to win…

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
I just got into performing live when I joined Close Enough last year. I’ve only performed 5 or 6 times since then. With the band, usually it’s a bar atmosphere 50-200 people depending on the place, lots of drunkards and brawls. Ironically, as a Christian, one would never find me in such a place typically.

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I think it’s a highly organized and graphically well-done site for music. I’m glad you contacted me and will certainly keep an eye out on how well the site develops and if it's made increasing profitable over the next few years. Yes sir!

INDISTR 10! Interview with Dirty Water!!!

We were first contacted by Dirty Water a month ago or so, and ever since we've been fans. These guys are hard working and will definitely be having a full plate in 2008. Though meeting in college at North Carolina Central University, they happen to reside in Washington DC and are making serious moves and gaining day by day in exposure. Check it. Oh yeah, and after you check it, go support them directly by buying some of their music!!!!





1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
CCB: It all started back in college (North Carolina Central University). I used to date his wife’s roommate and she used to always tell me I needed to meet him since we were both into hip hop. I didn’t meet Joe until my junior year though. We both ended up in this go-go band as front-line vocalists. I didn’t know anybody in the band but the drummer, Winslow, and the manager, Jeff. The first meeting was at Joe’s apartment in Duke Villa. We immediately clicked. He started playing his beats for me. They were all dope. Way doper than I thought they’d be. We traded a few rhymes back and forth. I was shocked. Dude had dope beats and dope rhymes. I think we might have done our first track together that day, I’m not sure. Back then he would play the beat and we would record all the vocals live, in one take! We didn’t even have a four track. We had like an album’s worth of songs on cassette tapes after a year or so. The rest is literally history.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
We create songs, not just beats and rhymes, that consist of elements from pure basement Hip Hop to lighthearted fun with a willingness to stretch out and do things differently.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a group.
CCB: Michael Jackson, Prince and Run DMC

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
CCB: And as far as the Internet, I don’t know. It just seems like a big riot to me. It’s hard to get noticed in a riot. I miss the good old days. I actually like going to the record store.

5.What can we expect to see from Dirty Water in 2008? Any big plans?
CCB: Another album, definitely. Also, Joe’s been working like a dog on his first solo project Preacherman. I was just over his house a few days ago. He played me some stuff. All I can say is watch out. Hip hop hasn’t seen anything like this in a while. I put my man up there with all the greats: Primo, Pete, RZA, Dre, Kanye, Pharrell. My man holds his own. He’s a genius. I also have another solo joint coming out this year, The Fear in the Dog, which Joe produced. So this year is actually going to be pretty big.

6.What has Dirty Water been listening to lately?
CCB: I just bought Prince’s Rainbow Children and the Beastie Boys Check Your Head. Those were both albums I slept on, so I had to go back and get them. I just took Lupe’s new joint out. It had been in the deck for like three weeks strong. He’s amazing. It’s been a while since I heard an emcee that made me want to sharpen my sword. Also, the new Wu rocks pretty hard. I don’t know what the hell Rae is talking about. And this morning I drove to work rocking that old Vaudeville Villain joint. Classic! Where is Doom anyway?

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
CCB: I think that artists are going to have to go back to making music because they love to make music and they want the world to hear it. Everybody’s panicking because rap record sales have plummeted over the past couple of years. I personally think it’s a good thing. All that money was messing the game up. Now everybody wants to be a rapper, like how everybody used to want to play for the NBA or the NFL. But just like everybody ain’t cut out for pro sports, everybody ain’t cut out for emceeing. Only with the commercialization of hip hop, they made it so you could take any bum off the streets and put a dope behind him and everybody makes a million dollars. Now that the money’s gone, we can bring the love and the passion back. It’s a blessing in disguise. Prepare to hear some truly inspired hip hop on the independent scene over the next few years.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
CCB: Probably with my daughter at the book store or the park or something. If not that, at the bar, knocking back good scotch and flirting with women.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
CCB: Not as many as we’d like to. DC is a go-go town. It’s hard to get people to buy into our brand of hip hop. But when we do rock shows it’s always a peaceful, uplifting vibe.

10. Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
CCB: More power to you. It’s always good to see people still taking an interest in truly independent artists. I wish you much success in the future. Don’t forget about us when you get big.

INDISTR 10! Interview with Zach Lost!!!

Accomplished writer/poet/lyricist Zach Lost, who received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Mason Gross school of the arts at Rutgers University in 2003, is on a mission to take crowds by the masses. A recent Grand Prize Winner in the Hip Hop category of the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, as well as a Lennon Award Winner for his song ‘You Know the Type’. You can catch him from Paris to London, California to NY. Look out and show support for his current contest to be awarded to play on stage at the Bamboozle Festival this June. An amazing lyricist with tons of ambition, I present Zack Lost:






1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
When I went to college I started getting heavy into slam poetry/spoken word. Some friends and I hosted a Hip Hop poetry open mic that’s still going on today with new hosts. 2001 I started a Hip Hop group called Thought Breakers with my partner at the time. We used to play basement shows with punk bands and other Hip Hop groups. We had a groundswell on campus that spread nicely; opened for Fat Joe, Wyclef, Goldfinger and a few more big acts. In ’05 we split and I started doing my own thing. I hooked up with some friends of mine that are great producers/beatmakers (DJ Stealth, Sie 1, Lectron 80, Jony Fraze) and started putting together the solo stuff I had already been working on. I started rocking shows on my own, got on the Warped Tour, released an album myself, had a lot of fun... ’05 was great! I started teaching in ’06, and won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Now I’m ready to have some fun in ’08.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
Slick, witty, well thought, lyric driven, Hip Hop.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a musician.
KRS-ONE, James Brown, Saul Williams, among an ever-growing list.

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
I think music is in a great place. Anybody in the world can blow up (not through talent necessarily). Anybody on the internet can discover more artists, more styles, than ever before. Hopefully more people will turn away from the radio, towards the infinite number of options/artists out there making music… sometimes good music!

5.What can we expect to see from Zach Lost in 2008? Any big plans?
I’m going to be going harder than I have in a while. I hooked up with a good friend who has taken the managerial reigns, and is helping with a lot of the stuff that it’s tough for me to focus on. This year I’ll be performing more than I have in any of the past several years. I’m going to be hitting more spots, making and meeting new fans in new zip codes, and will be pressing a new CD that should be done by the summer.


6.What has Zach Lost been listening to lately?
Christmas music, Jay-Z, Japhia Life, older R&B/soul, Rufus Wainwright, The Beatles (The Across the Universe Soundtrack on repeat), Queen, Kenny Chesney, a steady stream of beats, jazz, gospel, MC Lars, Kanye, Ani DiFranco, Bernie Allen, M.I.A., A band of bees, Alicia Keys... Zach Lost… gotta make sure the songs are sounding good enough for the album.

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
Being successful depends on how you define success. Anyone can get exposure now, and wider more diverse exposure than they could find in the past. Artists that have it together can act like mini-labels getting their stuff out there. My outlook has changed drastically since I was much younger. Success for me with music, is being able to make and perform it when and how I want, and still have money to eat and pay the rent, ha. But that definition is evolving now with me, so check back in a few months… success for me might mean global domination.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
I’ve been a homebody lately. So it’d be either home hanging out with my girlfriend, or at my desk at school. This coming year though, you’ll be able to catch me in a lot more spots. I’m goin all out in ’08, so follow me on the web and come see me.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
Just a handful of shows for the last few years. The crowd has ranged from middle aged townies, to high school pop punk rockers, to underground and indie Hip Hop heads, to college kids and grass roots revolutionaries, to backpackers, skaters, bboys, barflys, and the list goes on. A lot of people have been digging or at least appreciating what I do, and I appreciate that.

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
It’s awesome. There are a million sites out there for artists, I just think INDISTR got all the pieces right. It gets the music to the fans cheaply and easily, and it gets the artists paid and exposed. Sorry that sounds so dirty.

More Reggae = More better! INDISTR 10! Interview with Badda Skat!!

Hailing from St. Petersburg, FL, I'd like to introduce some INDISTR fans to Badda Skat. Don't get it twisted though, you can catch Badda Skat from New York to California, playing numerous shows a year and always on the grind. It's refreshing to catch some reggae jams especially with a cold case of the winter blues! Badda Skat is sure to make moves in 2008, be on the lookout!!





1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
I was 9 years old, walking down Duval St. in Key West, when I heard this amazingly strange sound come from a street-side gift shop. I followed my ears, dragging my mother to the origin of this wonder. On a small 12-inch television screen, I saw the video for Shabba Ranks’ massive tune “Ting a Ling.” I was captivated from that point on. I surrounded myself with reggae music and soaked up as much of the culture and lifestyle that I could get my hands on. This sparked the manifestation of Rastafari within myself and thus my focus became on promoting conscious creations to the fullest. I wrote my first song in 2000 when I was 18 years old. It was at that point my mission became clear and the focus on consciousness with righteous lyrical content became the cornerstone. I am but an instrument of the Almighty I Jah Rastafari, and feel it’s my duty to put forth uplifting messages to the masses.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
A versatile blend of reggae, roots, and dancehall embedded with consciousness throughout. Rastafari.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a musician.
Sizzla, Tony Rebel, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
I see music returning to the artist, and thus returning to the people. Artists are going to have to go back to performing to survive, which will both increase the quality of the music and the message within. Classic modes of music distribution are becoming more and more obsolete with digital advances, which also make record companies obsolete as well. The internet gives artists the ability to be increasingly more independent and successful, being able to record, create and distribute their own music without the help of conventional “teams” of people behind them. The people are what matter most anyway, so why shouldn’t the artist have full control of how they reach these people?

5.What can we expect to see from Badda Skat the next year? Any big plans?
I’m always working on new stuff, so you can expect anything to pop up at any time. I’m currently working on the dub version of GRASS ROOTS which should be done shortly. Music video plans are in the works for a couple tracks at the moment. New tours and travels are also panning out. Stay connected to www.baddaskat.com for the latest.

6.What has Badda Skat been listening to lately?
Anthony B – “Higher Meditation,” Jr. Gong – “One Loaf of Bread/Gang War Riddim,” plus a ton of new riddims that will be voiced soon too.

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
Of course it is possible. I see independent musicians being successful everyday. To me, all it takes is not working a 9-5 and being able to live comfortably to be successful.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
I’m usually working, I currently hold two jobs for about 50-60 hours a week. But if not, I’ll be at home with my Empress and my two dogs Duppy and Kahlua. My next favorite place is the studio. You can always find me there.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
I’ve only been performing since Feb. 06, and I’ve done about 100 shows give or take. The atmosphere varies from venue to venue but the reaction is usually the same. I do my best to captivate the crowd so that you can’t sit around and have a conversation during my set. Again, it is my duty to put forth a conscious message to the people that take the time to listen to my works. If you come out to see a show, you will be sure to get truth, energy, upful content, and no slackness. Rastafari.

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
The completely independent appeal of INDISTR.COM is amazing. The ease of use, instant payment, artist price control, and flexibility are all examples of the many advantages INDISTR.COM gives to the independent musician. Give thanks and praise for what you do. Rastafari.

The "new independent voice" Thom Yorke speaks on the value of music!

This is really great stuff. David Byrne sits down with Thom Yorke, for Wired Magazine, to discuss everything we've been waiting to hear about from Thom himself: how they place value on music, what their record contracts really looked like, where Radiohead made its money, his thoughts on touring and its eco-impact, and of course...of course...his thoughts on their recent and oh-so-publicized "pay what you want for it" release.

A really, really, fascinating read. Check it out here.

INDISTR 10! Interview with Josh Wentz!

I've got to give it up (and I should of done this way earlier) to Joshua Wentz, who happens to be one of the first INDISTR artists to use the site. Joshua has always been very active in the INDISTR.com community, which we greatly appreciate. From Chicago , IL. I introduce to you Joshua Wentz. (Don't hesitate, read the interview, Josh has some very good insight)



1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
At age 5 I was forced by my parents to take piano lessons, so it must have started there! I didn't truly enjoy playing until around 14, when I found practical and social applications for having any sort of musical talent—I played in pit orchestras and for choir and jazz until college. In 1996, with the help of a technologically savvy classmate, I started recording in my dorm room at the University of Cincinnati. I actually crammed a full-size KORG elctric piano with weighted keys into a four-person room! My first original piece was a musical adaptation of one of my favorite sci-fi trilogies, C.S. Friedman's Coldfire novels. I've been a solo recording artist since then, collaborating now and then with one or two (or twelve) artists on larger projects, and continuing on my own to pick up and learn as many instruments as my wallet will allow.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
Hmm... that's a tough one, because I try to fight genre pigeon-holes as much as possible—too many preconceptions there. So, how about, "I create mostly-instrumental music that skirts the bounds of standard classification, finding a place nestled snugly within clean melodies, richly layered instrumentation, and modern rhythms." Is that silly?

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a musician.
Mike Oldfield, definitely... he's truly my number one inspiration. For those who don't know, Oldfield wrote and recorded Tubular Bells practically on his own at age nineteen. I've definitely been inspired by artists like London Elektricity, who takes a rigid genre like drum and bass and completely shakes it up, or The Postal Service, a "group" that embodies a type of collaboration that I find incredibly worthwhile.

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze? This is one I really don't think can be answered, but I'm starting to think that the future of music will just follow the same path it always has. Since music has existed, there have been people who want tradition, people who want innovation, and people who are apathetic to either. Some classical composers were reviled for their break from convention. Radio became a voice for new and often outrageous new music, but current Top 40 radio has commercialized the mundane. In all eras, you can find both "popular" and "underground" music, and you as a listener are fortunately allowed to choose what you like. Now more than ever the spectrum of choices has widened for casual listeners, but you will still find plenty of people who want regurgitated music and people who want something different. As long as musicians are out there creating something and getting it to the public, there will be someone who wants to listen.

5.What can we expect to see from Joshua Wentz in 2008? Any big plans?
A lot of HUGE plans, actually, not all of which I can discuss just yet. I will be spending a good deal of time focused on a few new albums, both solo and collaborative. I want to become more involved with The Very Us Artists project (www.veryusartists.com) because I feel like it's hitting on a great concept with a lot of potential. I'd like to do some performance (something I haven't done since moving to Chicago), and some more soundtrack work, which is easily my favorite thing in the world to do.

6.What has Joshua Wentz been listening to lately?
I find myself listening to a ton of music in fall/winter: Underworld, Kenna, Jose Gonzalez, Bent, Little Dragon, Loney Dear, Olive, Shinichi Osawa, Tracey Thorn, Silver Apples, etc. Also, I've had a few INDISTR artists in heavy iPod rotation lately: Jeremy Simmons, Dolophane, Verde Velma, and CYE, just to name a few.

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
I think it's definitely possible to be a successful musician and be independent, however, I don't think people should feel that being independent means doing it alone. Musicians rightfully need to concentrate on their music, and sometimes this means that they let the business, marketing, and design work slide. A guitar player shouldn't have to know how to build a website, screen print posters, or setup QuickBooks. Nor does he/she have the time to do all of these things. While maintaining the rights to your art, in my opinion, should be a primary goal for everyone, it is important to find people to work with that have the same goal in mind.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
The Web is my true home: Sidedown.com! I record a weekly podcast called "Winchester Sessions" in my home studio on the north side of Chicago. Each weekend I try to do a completely improvised set that lasts as long as it takes for me to come out with a 20-30 minute piece of music. Sometimes that ends up being three hours with all of the layering. It's a lot of fun, and keeps me mentally and physically active in music. (the URL for the Winchester Session podcast is: http://sidedown.org/serials.php?serial_id=17 and it is also available on iTunes) I always have some random free music up on www.sidedown.com/sessions as well.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
As I said, I haven't performed live in years, but I want to change that in 2008. If you see me on a bill, expect the atmosphere to be filled with nervous excitement coming from the stage, confusion ( and hopefully not indifference) coming from the (hopefully existent) crowd!

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I love INDISTR! Seriously. Long ago I posted my music on MP3.com, which used to be a site for independent artists to host their music for free. I thought that was pretty great, but it was cumbersome and it still didn't get me paid. INDISTR provides a great solution to the idea of hosting your music on a collective site, because it is easy to control, looks nice, and was built specifically because INDISTR has passion for music. I'm glad I got in on the ground floor and look forward to seeing it continue to grow. And I sure do love seeing that instant-payment email hit my inbox, ha!

INDISTR 10! Interview with Happy Hour!!

Happy Hour is one of the more inspiring bands that hails from Grand Rapids, MI. They tour nationally, 100% independent, all on their own hard earned dollar. That's a rare instance in the Grand Rapids independent music scene. I am friends with Happy Hour and they are some of the funniest guys I know. These guys will continue to grow and grow, as they continue to tour, play shows across Michigan, as well as shows on a national level. Look out for them coming to a town near you. You heard it from INDISTR first!!


1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
Early 2002 Brent Shirey and Scott Rider formed the band Happy Hour. In the winter of 2002 Scott Schultz jointed. Our first practices were in Shirey’s parent’s basement in Sparta.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
Happy Hour sounds like Indie folk rock with a twist of 60’s influence.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a musician.
Pavement/Smashing Pumpkins/The Kninks

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
Music is very unstable right now. With the whole American Idol thing still in full power and top 40 still very bland it will be interesting to see what happens. I remember when the radio used to find new music and promote bands. Now you either listen to “classic rock” or top 40 pop. The internet has made an outlet where bands can get their music to a large audience.




5.What can we expect to see from Happy Hour in 2008? Any big plans?
Happy Hour will be working on their 3rd album in the next year and planning yet another tour. We will also be searching out labels that can help us with booking and promotion.

6.What have you been listening to lately?
I have been listening to a lot of the new Feist album. I have also been listening to The Doors, The Sliver Jews, The New Pornographers, and The Kninks. (Scott Rider)

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
I think that the industry is changing and it is very possible to do things independently these days. You can record a good album, package it, and sell it online all independently. To be successful you have to have the right sound, the right attitude. In our case we are growing slow. We have seen huge changes in the past few years with online importance. People are starting to search for new material again.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
Currently you would find me catching up on some sleep. We just got home from tour and I have been so beat. If I'm not sleeping I might be down walking around Grand Rapids just enjoying the fall. I have also been spending time getting a few last holes of golf in.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
I am sure I could go back and track home many exactly but it might take more time than it is really worth. We play out about every weekend and tour a few times a year. We just hit show 110 out of state on this past tour so that was a number that I was really proud of. As three twenty something year olds I think we have been working very hard to get our sound out to the country and we have really been working for that “break”. We don’t know where it will come from or if it will ever come. We are just out playing any being ourselves. If you make it to a Happy Hour show you will see it is very easy going. We are a band that will give you an honest performance every show. You can either come up front and shake your butt or stand in back and take in the whole experience. Either way we have a little of everything for everyone.

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I am very excited to see INDISTR.COM grow. When I sat and talked with Kevin he got me very excited. It is always great to see a new idea come and grow and become something new. I hope that it will become a dominant outlet for artists and consumers of music. We are very excited to be working with INDISTR.