Mandy Ventrice pop quiz

Mandy Ventrice’s MySpace Page quote is, “relax…it’s just pop.”   That says it all and we here at popolio think it’s just genius.  She has no material to plug as of yet, but decided to go ahead  and do a pop quiz for us, anyway.  Based in NYC, she is working on new material to be released later this year, though, and does have some stuff on MySpace.  So, she’s definitely an up-and-coming pop-start to watch.

March 27, 2009

Name:   Mandy Ventrice
Genre:  Pop

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Mainstream
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)??? Both
3. Studio or Stage? Stage
4. Spirituality or Hedonism? Spirituality
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? Mix it up!

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my being.
7. I’m musically inspired by life’s journey.
8. My favorite old school joint is “Weak” by SWV.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Catwoman.  Does she count?
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Champagne, Sunshine, and Pop Music.

Short Answer
11. I make music because:  It’s fun!
12. I want my fans to:  Dance!
13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:  I don’t like pretzels.
14. Wild Card!  I miss California!
15. I want my musical legacy to be:  Known for making people feel something real.

Listen to her song, “Bitten,” and go to her MySpace Page to check out more of her pop confections.

 Mandy Ventrice’s favorite old school joint!

 

Soce, The Elemental Wizard pop quiz

As one of the most unique MCs in the film, Pick Up The Mic, Soce (prounounced “soh-say”), The Elemental Wizard brings hip hop that’s unabashedly nerdy and can be unabashedly sexual as well.  It’s an honesty that would almost hurt if it weren’t so intentionally funny.  Enjoy!

March 6, 2009

Name:  Soce, The Elemental Wizard
Genre:  Hip Hop/Rap/Pop
Forthcoming Release: Master of Fine Arts (Relevant Material Publishing ASCAP)
Release Date:  June 3, 2009

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Mainstream
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)??? I don’t need to make a lot of money… Just enough to live on.  I might as well have fun and feel good about myself.
3. Studio or Stage? Stage, until I need to start writing new tracks, and then studio.  I do at least 2 live shows each week, and then I try to squeeze in studio time when I’m not performing or socializing.
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? Spirituality, although hedonism is much easier.
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? Make Love, Absolutely

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my passion, and a great way to express myself and work through some problems.
7. I’m musically inspired by Ratatat, Eminem, TI, QN5, Tori Fixx, Aaron Carl, and Scream Club.
8. My favorite old school joint is “Passin’ Me By” by The Pharcyde.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be able to fly around and protect all nerds with my strength and coolness.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Smiles, Happiness, and Love.

Short Answer
11. I make music because:  I have all of these notes bouncing around in my head and I have to set them free.  I hope that what ends up coming out of your speakers is as good as how it began in my brain.   Also, I get to meet lots of cool people and do fun things!

12. I want my fans to: Believe in themselves.  We all have a story to tell.  Go out there and spread the word to the whole world!!  Each person has such amazing talents.  Some people have not discovered their true purpose yet.  Keep at it and you will!

13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:   I am great at striking up a conversation by asking open-ended questions, yet despite my busy social schedule, I am also an introvert who needs to spend lots of time alone.

14. Wild Card!  In addition to walking the walk, I really enjoy talking the talk.  Some of the best moments to talk shop are at video shoots, performer parties, and way before or after a show.  I like to see what other performers are up to.

15. I want my musical legacy to be:  Someone who made people smile and dance with catchy melodies that they just can’t stop singing as well as intelligent lyrics that demand additional listenings to figure out.  Hopefully my music will inspire people to create their own artwork!

Here’s a taste of Soce, The Elemental Wizard on rap and all vocal parts with the track, “Moving On,” from the Homo Revolution Tour 2007 Compilation CD.

 

 

 

 

The upcoming project!  Check out his MySpace Page for more.

Soce, The Elemental Wizard’s favorite old school joint!
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Thief [Sascha Gottschalk] pop quiz

Well, here we have a pop quiz from one of my personal faves.  Hailing from Berlin, Germany, today’s quiz is from the lead vocalist and songwriter, Sascha Gottschalk, of the band, Thief.  Their 2007 debut CD, Sunchild, on Sonar Kollectiv remains a high favorite and along with their new song on the Jazzanova CD, they’re working on new material for this year.  Before learning about the band Thief, I was a Sascha Gottschalk fan because every single he performed with label mate, Clara Hill, was worth hearing and owning.  Enjoy meeting Sascha!

February 20, 2009

Name:  Sascha Gottschalk [of the band, Thief]
Genre:  Indie/Jazz/Pop
Latest Release:  Sunchild (Sonar Kollectiv)
Release Date:  March 2007

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? None of these.  If you pay too much attention to any of it, they will both limit the artist’s integrity.
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)???  Which money?  Where is it?  Can I have it?
3. Studio or Stage? Both.
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? I’m quite balanced at the moment.
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? Do more sports.

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my Life.  Simple as that.
7. I’m musically inspired by everything.   I’m like a vampire or a sponge, sucking everything in.
8. My favorite old school joint is anything by Depeche Mode.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Captain Future.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to It doesn’t exist for me anymore anyway.  Trying to recreate this style today is like walking around in King Louis the 14th clothing.  If you watch a bio on The Who (e.g. go and buy Amazing Journey DVD; sorry Ad), you’ll just have to laugh at most of the new guitar bands, they just seem like clowns to me.

Short Answer
11. I make music because:  I have to.  I’m just a catalyst for some energy which is being transferred.
12. I want my fans to:  trust us and take their time with our music.
13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:  The belief in music and especially albums as an art form which should again more be treated as art.
14. Wild Card!  Go and buy more vinyl records.
15. I want my musical legacy to be:  huge.

Enjoy the track, “Atlantic,” from the disc, Sunchild.

Sascha Gottschalk’s favorite old school joint!

 

Clay Pendergrass pop quiz — Dallas

Of the 5 months that we’ve been doing pop quizzes at popolio, this is the most creative interpretation by an artist, period.  Clay Pendergrass answered his pop quiz as an artistic collage that he entitled  MusicAsColorPage.  Maybe future pop quiz artists should take note.  Not saying I’m challenging you all.  Just sayin’, though.

ßClick here to experience it in its sublime entirety.  For Clay Pendergrass’ latest singles and favorite old school video scroll down.



Please note, I’ve transcribed it below.  For all intents and purposes the collage is the pop quiz.  There are all kinds of extra fun delights in the form of  text and imagery that I didn’t capture in the transcription that you’ll miss out on if you don’t check it out.

February 6, 2009

Name:  Clay Pendergrass
Genre:  Pop/Rock/Soul
Forthcoming Release:  moRning elephanT EP (Self-Released)
Release Date:  April 2009

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Understream
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)??? A line has two sides/the grass is always greener
3. Studio or Stage? Yes & think of the radio
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? Spiritonism
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? ♥ 2 ♥ (Heart to Heart)

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my unpredictable passion action.
7. I’m musically inspired by the search in progress.
8. My favorite old school joint is “Body and Soul” by Coleman Hawkins.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Willie Nelson.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll states the problem in words as clearly as possible.

Short Answer
11. Music is my unacceptable color. I make music:  as a release.
12. I want my fans to:  Listen.
13. I want my musical legacy to be:  biodegradable.
14. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:  The most important thing is the thing most easily forgotten.
15. Wild Card!  Editor’s Note:  I take his whole pop quiz to be Clay Pendergrass’ Wild Card.

Here’s two MP3s from two different Clay Pendergrass projects and they’re both available at CD Baby.com.  The first track is from his moRning elephanT project and it’s called “People.”

 

The second is from the East Dallas Mix Tape, and it’s called, “On Repeat.”

Clay Pendergrass’ favorite old school joint!

 

Tim’m West pop quiz — Houston

January 23, 2009

Name:  Tim’m West
Genre:  Hip Hop/Soul/House
Latest Release:  In Security:  The Golden Error (Independent Label)
Release Date:  January 17, 2009

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Underground
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)??? Lots of money without selling out.  Maintain artistic vision and make enough to support it.
3. Studio or Stage? Stage
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? Spirituality
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? Both

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my poetry.
7. I’m musically inspired by Omar, Will Downing, Erykah.
8. My favorite old school joint is “You Get The Best From Me (Say, Say, Say)” by Alicia Meyers.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Aquaman.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Sex, God, and House.

Short Answer

11. I make music because: Sometimes the poems come as songs…
12. I want my fans to: Listen beyond the beats.
13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:  God loves what I’m doing…
14. Wild Card!  Why does the best shit (e.g., music, poetry) happen when you’re hurting?
15. I want my musical legacy to be:  That people listen to my work far beyond my immediate presence…That it remains social commentary reflective of our (post)Modernity.

Enjoy the track, “The F Word (feat. William Scott)” from Tim’m West’s latest CD, In Security: The Golden Error.

Check out his official site. 

Tim’m West’s favorite old school joint!

 

Brian Kent pop quiz

January 9, 2009

Name:  Brian Kent
Genre:  Pop/Club
Latest Release:  Breathe Life (Solid Sounds Records/Centaur Entertainment)
Release Date:  March 25, 2008

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Categories suck!
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)??? Lots of money without selling out.
3. Studio or Stage? STAGE, STAGE, STAGE
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? Spirituality
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? All three at the same time!

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my passion.
7. I’m musically inspired by Life and events around me.
8. My favorite old school joint is “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be A Long, Long Time)” by Elton John.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Lightning Boy.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Drugs, Roll, and Sex.

Short Answer

11. I make music because:  The power of music to move people is awe-inspiring.
12. I want my fans to: Let their hair down, have fun, and feel the music like every song was written just for them.
13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:  I think I have a touch of OCD…
14. Wild Card!  Welcome to King Burger where we could do it your way, but DON’T GET CRAZY!
15. I want my musical legacy to be: Entertaining, motivating, comforting, and honest.

Enjoy “Whatcha Doin’ To Me” from Brian Kent’s latest CD, Breathe Life.

Check out the official site.

Brian Kent’s favorite old school joint!

 

Muekanisms pop quiz — El Paso

The December husband-and-wife pop quizzes of ElectroLegs (remember that’s their group project, but we’re presenting their individual personas here) continue this week with, Muekanisms.  Last week we featured her hubby, Aux.78.  Like I previously stated, they’re a little more experimental, but what is “pop” anyway?  Let’s challenge the paradigm!  Anyway, this week, the wife is up.  Straight outta’ El Paso (reppin’ my hometown) — check her out.

Again, much thanks to Fran Santelli for having these guys on her MySpace Page or else these last 2 pop quizzes would never have happened.

Aux.78 pop quiz

December 12, 2008

Name:  Muekanisms
Genre:  Electro/Experimental/Other
Forthcoming Release:  Muekanisms (Self-Released)
Release Date:  January 2009

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Underground
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)??? Both
3. Studio or Stage? Both
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? Both
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? Have Sex

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my passion, outlet, escape, business.
7. I’m musically inspired by imagination and visuals...
8. My favorite old school joint is “The Power” by Snap!
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Cheetara.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Soul, Expression, and Aggression.

Short Answer

11. I make music because:  I am addicted to music.
12. I want my fans to: Listen to different shit.
13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:  My videos and photography.
14. Wild Card!  We need more orginal, creative music “Inventors.”
15. I want my musical legacy to be: Strange, but simple and consistent.

“Persist” from the upcoming January 2009 self-titled release, Muekanisms.  Enjoy!

Check out her MySpace Pages at:
Muekanisms
ElectroLegs

Muekanisms’ favorite old school joint!

 

Aux.78 pop quiz — El Paso

December’s pop quizzes kick-off with a husband-and-wife duo from El Paso, Texas, who do solo work and group work, as well, as ElectroLegs. For pop quiz purposes, we’ll feature them as their individual personas. They’re a little more experimental than what you might expect from popolio.  But, that’s the point.  We don’t want popolio to become too predictable if we can help it, now do we?  I also wanted to rep my hometown of El Paso with some interesting artists.  First up, this week, is the husband, known as Aux.78. Check for his wife, Muekanisms’ pop quiz, next week.

Shout out to Fran Santelli for having them all on her MySpace Page first!

December 5, 2008

Name:  Aux.78
Genre:  Experimental/Electracoustic/Ambient/Hard to Define
Latest Release:  A Worn Ballad (Self-Released)
Release Date:  November 7, 2008

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Underground.  I’m too musically moody to be mainstream.  Mainstream would bore me.  I would try to turn too many corners and want too much artistic freedom.  I am Underground because I’m sure the Mainstream won’t embrace my music.

2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)??? I set me goals to earning enough money to break even or luckily to make a little bit more cash for the next CD’s duplication, promotion costs.

3. Studio or Stage? I love the stage but I get more pleasure and creative freedom in the studio.  The studio can be an open place where the aspect of recreating the work live does not always matter.  That is another aspect of music that I have always loved.  I can pop in a CD and listen to a dead man.  I can listen to a song that was never intended to be performed live.  Is the live audience cheated?  I don’t think so. Aux.78 is mostly a recording project.  Every once and a while I’ll perform solo but the majority of my live work is with ElectroLegs.

4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? Spirituality in creativity.  Seeking inspiration is spirituality in itself.

5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? %$*! the daylights out of the one I love!…and war is for past generations.

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my diary and major source for self expression.  Music is the monkey on my back that I intentionally feed.
7. I’m musically inspired by other music, life, and the tensions between opposites.
8. My favorite old school joint is Like a jam?  Back in the day?  Howz bout. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by The Eurythmics.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Dead.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Originality, Musical Guts, and A Lack of Ego.

Short Answer

11. I make music because: I have to.  Some people write in diaries.  I make songs and tunes. (noise to some)
12. I want my fans to: Expose themselves to all types of music and truly hear what moves them.
13. If I could share one (OR TWO!!!!!) thing about myself it would be:  The fact that I eat few things that had eyes at one time.
14. Wild Card!  I don’t gamble.

15. I want my musical legacy to be:  An ounce of introverted emotion distilled in the listener.

From Aux.78′s latest, A Worn Ballad, here’s the track, “Live Onto Life.”  Enjoy!

                                                                                                                                                                      Check out his MySpace Pages at: 
http://www.myspace.com/aux78  
 http://www.myspace.com/electrolegs              

Aux.78′s favorite old school joint!

 

Nhojj pop quiz

November 28, 2008

Name:  Nhojj
Genre:  Fusion/Nu-Jazz/Neo-Soul
Latest Release:  Soul Comfort
Release Date:  January 1, 2008

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Underground
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)??? Both
3. Studio or Stage? Studio
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? I find spirituality in my hedonism
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? Create Music

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my life.
7. I’m musically inspired by my Truth.
8. My favorite old school joint is “Off the Wall” by Michael Jackson.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Superman.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Sex, Love, and Creativity.

Short Answer

11. I make music because:  It seduces me.
12. I want my fans to:  Be happy.
13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:  For a long time I felt insecure about my talent and musical ability.
14. Wild Card!  This is the kewlest quiz I’ve ever taken.
15. I want my musical legacy to be:  Created some of the most beautiful music and inspired many to see the God within.

 

From Nhojj’s CD, Soul Comfort, here’s the track, “Love.”  Enjoy!

Check out his website at:   http://www.nhojj.com/

Nhojj’s favorite old school joint!

 

Jennie Laws pop quiz

Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Jennie Laws, has the spotlight on this week’s pop quiz.  As you check out her quiz and stream the single from her debut EP, Introducing Jennie Laws, you’ll hear why this Canadian performer needs to come stateside more.

November 14, 2008

Name:  Jennie Laws
Genre:  Pop/Soul
Debut Release:  Introducing Jennie Laws EP (Self-Released)
Release Date:  May 2008

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Mmmmmm…used to only be into underground, now I’m into both.
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)??? Hopefully both, but first and foremost is artistic integrity.
3. Studio or Stage? I love both for different reasons. In one you get to craft a masterpiece, in another you get to connect with an audience. (sorry!!! I’m not a black or white kind of person  
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? Definitely spirituality, but the senses can be tempting at times…
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? I’m a woman!  There’s nothing like having a connection with a person…so make love.

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my passion and purpose.
7. I’m musically inspired by Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, The Police, and The Beatles.
8. My favorite old school joints are “Sun Is Shining” by Bob Marley and “A Song for You” by Donny Hathaway.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Robin Hood.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Food, Friends, and Music!

Short Answer
11. I make music because:  It’s what I do.  I love it…it called me from a young age…I don’t know anything else.
12. I want my fans to:  Be touched by my music, to feel it in their hearts.
13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:  That I truly love people and music and life.
14. Wild Card!  Life is such a journey…I’m always growing with every experience, both personal and professional.  More and more I’m learning to enjoy the ride…

15. I want my musical legacy to be:  A huge body of work that touches many many people and stands the test of time.

                                                                                                                                                          

 

Listen to Jennie performing, “I Just Wanna Be Close To You” from her debut EP, Introducing Jennie Laws.  Grab a copy of it at her website:  www.jennielaws.com

 

Jennie Laws’ favorite old school joints!

BONUS: Check out the podcast interview with Jennie at Mandrake FM.