Interview with Kid Presentable
apathy.mp3 by Kid Presentable!!!
Band as One: What name or alias to you go by? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed your name before?
Kid Presentable: I go by the name Kid Presentable! The name is a reference or homage to “The Simpsons” Moe the bartender was a former boxer who went by ‘Kid Gorgeous’ but he lost so many fights and got beat up so many times that he eventually was known as kid moe. Along the way he was called ‘Kid Presentable’ as well as ‘Kid Gruesome.’ I figured I’m not good looking enough to be Kid Gorgeous, but not ugly enough to be Kid Gruesome so Kid Presentable was it!!!
Band as One: What is your respective instrument or position as a musician?
Kid Presentable: I am an emcee / sample based producer. I try to dabble in the art of the drum machines, but results have been mixed.
Band as One: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Kid Presentable: I would say I am an underground hip-hop emcee. Experimental hip-hop / down-tempo producer. Musically, I have been influenced by Sole, El-P, Aesop Rock, Blue Sky Black Death, Boards of Canada, Ceshi, Blueprint, 2mex and way way more then I can write down at this time… Jedi Mind Tricks, Slug, Eyedea…the list goes on and on…
Band as One: Do you work with any other artists? if so, who? How did you meet?
Kid Presentable: I work closely with my collective “Paper Lanterns Collective” which consists of Sleeps Numb, Noblonski, The Sound Setters, HOOT!, and of course Morbidly-o-Beats. I have also worked with King Jesk, Dj Darkzide, Hephty, GreenCarpetedStairs, JMelencholy and some people to be named soon. A lot of these people I met via the soleone.org message boards who really houses an insane amount of talented. The rest I met via real life conversations.
Band as One: When did you dive into music? What inspired you to make music?
Kid Presentable: I started writing music about ten years ago but started actually producing and recording in 2006.
Band as One: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Kid Presentable: No label per say, but more of a collective of artists. The Paper Lanterns Collective is more of a flag that we all fly . It’s a place where our artists can call home, and a place where they can expect support from other members.
Band as One: What can you tell me about your instruments or gear? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever is available? What made you choose the instruments or styles you have now? Was it cost or was it a style / model / brand / color preference?
Kid Presentable: As far as equipment goes, I am more of a software guy but would really like to get my hands on some hardware. I run a Pro Tools 7.4 set up via a Digi 002 control surface which I have been using to strictly record vocals and mix them. I was using Reason 5 for beats but have now moved to Ableton Live 8.0 For my instrumentation and beat needs. I use a Korg Mikro controller for my midi all connected to a MacG5 that is in desperate need of an upgrade, if anyone out there would like to donate to the cause….
Band as One: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Kid Presentable: I have performed at the Pharaohs Den in Riverside, Aladdin Jr in Pomona, 2nd Street Jazz Cafe in Downtown LA, and The Rehab at Loretta’s Lounge in Fontana. Not to mention backyard gigs and in stores. I love performing and I don’t really have a favorite place to rock. I’ve rocked in front of a Gelato store in front of six people. I do have a couple of shows coming up. I will be at this spot called the Jazzhole in City of Industry on 6/6/11, Da I’ll spot in Pomona on 6/17/11 which will surely be dope. I will also be doing a show for my good friends Besatree and K Serious in Upland in July. I have a ton of things I am working on so please stay tuned.
Band as One: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
Kid Presentable: I try to rotate songs and keep my sets fresh. Any new projects I work on I try to incorporate as many songs as I can. People really seem to enjoy “Apathy” as well “Asshole” which is good because those are easy to remember.
Band as One: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Kid Presentable: I write just about 100% of my songs. Most of them have to do with what I’m feeling at the time. Whether it be anger at BP for the oil spill or the government for their lack of oversight on the situation. Another topic I enjoy to delve into is heartbreak. A common theme that everyone has felt in their lives so I used it as a away to connect with people, because let’s face it, your not the only one who dated a heartless bitch.
Band as One: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Kid Presentable: It all depends. Sometimes I will write a verse or verses to a beat I made or that was made for me. Other times I will create the beat around an idea or notes I jotted down earlier in the day. It varies from song to song.
Band as One: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Kid Presentable: I rehearse about 1 hour a day two weeks before a show. It basically consists of me listening to the song over and over again and singing it in shower. I like to rehearse in the mirror with a mic as well.
Band as One: How has your music evolved since you first began making music?
Kid Presentable: I think my music has become much more structured. When I write a themed song, it doesn’t stray far from subject matter as some of my old songs tended to do.
Band as One: What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Kid Presentable: My biggest challenge has definitely been building a name for myself. It’s tough especially in Southern California, where there are a ton of very talented people and only a limited amount of shows. I am of the belief that you always have to work hard no matter the situation. I feel I am slowly starting to develop a fan base but it takes a lot of hard work and playing to empty venues to get as far as I have gotten. There is still a shit load more work to do so… No rest for the wicked!
Band as One: What’s your ultimate direction for your music? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Kid Presentable: Not so much fame and fortune as being respected for my music. I think it is every artists dream to want to be able to pay the rent with their art and that is ultimately my goal. Once I get there I can set some tougher goals and go from there. But that’s the short term plan for now. Find a way to make this profitable enough to quit the 9-5 office job and dedicate myself to music full time.
Band as One: What advice do you have for people who want to start making music and getting into the industry?
Kid Presentable: Do it. If you have a passion for it and love making music do it. Just don’t expect to be on the cover of Pitchfork or whatever magazine you read a year or two into this. For every odd future there are 10 other cats with mad talent and skill that don’t make it. It takes sacrifice and a ton of hard work to be doing this. Another thing is respect. Respect the people that are doing what you want to be doing and listen to advice / criticisms that they might have. Chances are that you will learn something regardless of whether you enjoy the product they put out. Last thing is be professional. In your mannerisms, your presentation, everything. Don’t show up late to a gig it’s disrespectful to the venue, the promoters, your fellow artists and most importantly the fans that paid 5 bucks to get in to the show. I can go on forever about all sorts of stuff.
Band as One: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD? Albums? Videos? Etc…
Kid Presentable: My newest album is out now for free download at the collectives bandcamp page. www.paperlanternscollective.bandcamp.com It’s produced entirely by Morbidly-o-Beats and it’s an project we are very proud of. I have some miscellaneous songs on my soundcloud page at www.soundcloud.com/kid-presentable. And of course www.facebook.com/kidpresentableraps and www.twitter.com/kid_presentable for all your social network needs.
Band as One: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Kid Presentable: My family: My brother Yoci from the The Voids, my sons Dominic and Daniel, my wifey Jackie and my moms. My DxAxF family who showed me how to rock.
Don’t forget to check out Paper Lanterns Collective page: http://paperlanterns.squarespace.com/
BAND AS ONE
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