Blackliq: Emcee, DJ, Educator
If you’ve spent anytime observing the Richmond Hip Hop Scene, you may have come across an Emcee by the name of BlackLiq,or Black Liquid as he used to be called. It may have been hearing him emcee, or perhaps, or acting as DJ on one of the two radio shows he hosts. But if you get the chance to talk to him, you will realize that the philosophy shared through his works, does not stop where the art does. Some folks talk about art as life, but with BlackLiq, it’s a philosophy lived, based on a wisdom developed from his own life, observing and orienteering, his own path. And in a time where so much emphasis is put on what is easily shared, it is a nice break, to hear from a person that shoots for something deeper, more contemplative, and so honest.
Kate Parnell: Artist, Creator of Garfieldfrommemory
Todays interview is with artist Kate Parnell, Kate is an amazing artist who, with her project Garfieldfrommemory, has found a way to transcend many of the boundaries of both art, and social media, and make a unique connection with people that resonates in a way with folks that is almost hard to describe. She also is co-creator of the Washington DC-based zine, HorseCorn, where she publishes anything related to horses, or corn, in a way that delivers art free from many limitations. I knew Kate growing up here in Richmond, and recently reconnected with her! So I am stoked to be able to share some of the things behind her work, and her personal story, with you!
Note: Around 4:40, we discuss an attempted suicide. If folks would like to skip this, jump to around 6 minutes.
Mark Miley: Recording Engineer / Drummer
Today’s interview is with Mark Miley. Mark Miley is a recording engineer, who, in the 1990s and 2000’s, recorded a TON of bands at his Glasshand Studio here in Richmond. And if you listened to music from this city, chances are, he may have recorded a record by a band you loved. And when he wasn’t recording, he was playing drums with his band Armwood, a genre defying band that is still continue to push boundaries and make awesome music.
Greg Kusterbeck: Musician / Recording Engineer
Greg Kusterbeck is a multi-instrument musician, who gained notoriety in the mid-90s Southside Richmond Punk scene as the bassist of Uphill Down, and recently has been releasing music with his band Slugging Buddha, as well as 92FU. On the recording front, he has crafted himself a business mixing recordings for punk rock bands, from his Teal Wave studio, at his home in Florida.
Links:
Kirsten Gray: Art Gallerist
For almost three decades, Kirsten Gray has been helping artists to share their work with the world, via her art gallery, the Eric Schindler Gallery, located in the Church Hill neighborhood, of Richmond, Virginia.
I was excited to talk with Kirsten, and find out how a gallery works, what she looks for in both art and artists, and also, her thoughts on what artists should do when approaching a gallery to represent them.
I learned a LOT in talking with her, and appreciated her genuine love for both art, and the service she performs in running a gallery.
Israfel Sivad: Author
This weeks guest is Israfel Sivad. Israfel is an author who has built a prolific collection of releases, focused on documenting his personal story of struggles with mental health. His latest book, Disorder, continues in this format, and takes the reader back to the beginning of that journey.
I got to know Israfel in the south-side Richmond Virgina punk rock scene in the early 90s, where both out bands would play shows together, at St Edwards, a local church that let kids out on punk rock shows.
For more information on Israfel and his new book, disorder, visit www.israfelsivad.com
Jeff Grant: Musician / Co-Owner Hopscotch Coffee
We first talked with musician Jeff Grant in 2014 (can listen here) about making music and running his record label. However, since that time, Jeff has gone on to co-found the Hopscotch Coffee shop in Bloomington, Indiana, and become a father. So I called up Jeff to find out more about his business, and life as a musician, business owner, and father.
BCMusic1st: Emcee / Filmmaker
This episode is with BCMusic1st. BC is a multi-talented artist, a hip hop artist, who, with his traditional understanding of hip-hop, has adapted his life to mold into the traditional four elements of hip hop. So today, we talk with BC about how he approaches each art, his history in making culture, and how he approaches these things not only as a rap fan, but also as a father.
Andrew Clarke: Co-owner 821 Cafer / Musician
For a while now, Andrew Clarke has been the co-owner of 821 Cafe, a unique, and popular restaraunt here in Richmond. I say uniqe, because it is one of the few places in the city that has such a divere crowd. You will see a family, next to a punk rocker, next to a VCU student, next to a bar regular. And the place gets busy. So I wanted to talk to Andrew, who I met growing up, and who I played in a band with when I was younger, about how he got into the food business, why he decided to do the cafe, and what’s it like running such a busy thing as both a parent and musician.
