26 Ricky Vaughn

Ricky Vaughn makes some incredible music.  Every style of electronic music is at his finger tips, and if he sounds familiar, there's a few reasons why.  You might remember him as Mr. Vega, a big part of Sazon Booya, and you might have heard some of his remixes of Justin Timberlake's '20/20 Experience'.  We had the opportunity to talk with the Wild Thing himself about the change in name, the music he's been working on, and how he keeps focused in the studio and performing.
 

Fingers on Blast: Recently you've undergone a name change, from Mr. Vega to Ricky Vaughn.  Is that a reference to the 'Wild Thing' Charlie Sheen character in the Major League movies?

Ricky Vaughn: Yes its definitely a reference to the Charlie Sheen character. The Ricky Vaughn name is an alias I’ve had for about 4 years and now I have the time to dedicate to the brand.

F.O.B.: We've heard a number of rumours about Sazon Booya, mostly regarding a disagreement in Miami this spring.  Did that lead to the name change?

R.V.: That situation was part of the motivation to move forward with the project and name.

F.O.B.: Can you tell us a bit about the state of Sazon Booya these days?  Is it something that you're still involved in?

R.V.: As far as I know Sazon Booya has come to an end. I have no involvement with the project (unless someone starts a cover band) since the end of march 2013.

F.O.B.: Almost as soon as we saw the name Ricky Vaughn appear, there was some amazing music coming with it.  What inspired the remixes from Justin Timberlake's 20/20 experience?

R.V.: Thanks! The inspiration behind the Justin Timberlake remixes was definitely the album itself and Timbaland’s involvement. I've always been a fan of both artists and i feel the project was so well done that i wanted to give it my interpretation as a fan and producer while still keeping the integrity of the original songs.

F.O.B.: Can we expect more of them on the way?

R.V.: I've remixed the entire album so I will be releasing one remix per week until I’ve released them all. Heres the latest one - https://soundcloud.com/rickyvaughnofc/tunnel-vision-ricky-vaughn.

F.O.B.: You're an extremely prolific dj and producer.  How do you keep things moving so quickly?  How many tracks do you usually have on the go at once?

R.V.: Thanks man! I like to challenge myself by producing music I’ve never done before and trying new sounds, Vsts, Software etc to see how much I can do. I love to learn new techinques so I’m always studying and learning. I have a long list of music to make, finish, remix so I’m producing music 5-6 days a week at the moment.

F.O.B.: Do you have any sort of routine or ritual that you go through before hitting the studio or the stage?

R.V.: Before hitting the studio I usually do my social networking rounds (facebook, twitter, instagram, etc) and then I turn my phone on silent and lock myself in the room until I have a decent amount of work done then take a break. Before hitting the stage I like to sit in the green away from everyone to clear my head before I hit the stage, it’s like the calm before the storm in a sense.

F.O.B.: We're curious, as an artist what do you do at the times when you're lacking in inspiration or working on something so tough it becomes frustrating?

R.V.: I never like to force myself to do anything so if I’m lacking inspiration or stuck on something I just completely step away and do something else. I do most of my art, some of my videos now and I produce hip hop music for Otis Clapp, so I’ll turn to one of these things to clear my head and get refocused.

F.O.B.: What are you listening to these days?  Any new artists or classics taking over?

R.V.: I've been listening to the new Tyler album alot, I think he’s turned into a great songwriter and his attitude is something I admire in the sense that he doesn't give a fuck what anyone thinks and just makes his music the way he wants. Also I've been listening the Johnny Rain he's an R&B artist from California that has a Drake style approach to his music. New guys i'd say watch out for $yrup, Big Makk, O.M.F, and Jesse Slayter. All incredible inspiring music coming from those guys.

F.O.B.: What has the reaction been to the transformation into Ricky Vaughn?

R.V.: The reactions have been great, I honestly cant complain about them at all. I thank everyone for supporting the music.

F.O.B.: What's next for Ricky Vaughn?  New releases you want to mention?  Tours this summer?

R.V.: For Ricky Vaughn I'm taking it slow, I will have lots of free music every week until my new EP coming in a month. Then another HUGE EP release in the summer with some MAJOR vocalists who are killing the mainstream right now. Touring will definitely happen over the summer. I'm going to give the people time to get familiar with me and my music.

 Mr Vega online: 

Twitter: @RickyVaughn_OFC
Facebook: Facebook.com/WILDTHANGRV

Soundcloud: Soundcloud.com/RickyVaughnOFC
Instagram: Ricky_Vaughn_OFC

23 DJ Nu-Mark

Last week the legendary DJ Nu-Mark took to the CMW/CMF stage at Wrongbar.  He was performing as part of a vinyl only 45 night alongside fellow legends like Diamond D and Mat the Alien.  It was yet another example of why Nu-Mark is a consistent innovator in the world of djing and production.  He's made an impact on hip hop that is unforgettable, with Jurassic 5, his own album 'Broken Sunlight', and his dj shows. Nu-Mark took a few minutes to talk with us about the beginnings of Jurassic 5, what inspired the brilliant songs on 'Broken Sunlight' and so much more. 

Fingers on Blast: Going back to the early Jurassic 5 days, did you ever get the sense that the music would get as big as it did?

DJ Nu-Mark: There was one memorable moment on Cut's front porch where we were reviewing just the beats with the mc's for the EP (96).  At that moment we all kind of locked into the vibe of where the group was heading.  We knew that the sky was the limit as long as we stayed focuced.  

Fingers on Blast: With 2 dj's in the group, how did you perform?  How did that work together with you and Cut Chemist?

DJ Nu-Mark: It's actually pretty efficient.  We take turns playing instrumentals as well as adding cuts and samples to spice up the live show.  It really helps when we execute the DJ solos as well.  Brainstorming with Cut truly helps me create something meaningful on stage.

 

Fingers on Blast: What inspired the Broken Sunlight project, and how did it take shape? 

DJ Nu-Mark: I wanted to create a project that featured artist that inspired me in sort of a dark time.  Many parts of my life were broken, J5 split up, the economy was and is a shattered mess, the record industry couldn't be more fragmented, so I decided to be the sunlight in the equation and forge ahead during tough times.  I decided to further the theme by breaking up the album into six 10" color vinyl releases throughout 2012 and 2013.  At the end of the singles I created the album which includes a DVD which includes the making of the album as well as my life on the road.

Fingers on Blast: You have dj'd with so much varied gear over the years, and your in town for a no laptops, 45s only night.  We're curious if you ever utilize a digital system like Serato or Traktor?

DJ Nu-Mark: Yeah, last night was a fun break from what I normally display on stage.  Lately I've been playing the all children's musical toy sets.  I love Serato, it's made me a very creative DJ without limitations but here's my Toy Set: 

Fingers on Blast: Where did the nickname uncle nu come from?

DJ Nu-Mark: Not sure exactly...My old room mate Sarah said it to me and I remember the Beat Junkies saying it all the time early on and it just caught on I guess.

Fingers on Blast: Do you remember your introduction to vinyl?  What was your first record? 45?

DJ Nu-Mark: My mom bought me a Monster Mash record as a kid and I really enjoyed Halloween and the mystery tied into that record.  Later on I bought U.T.F.O.'s debut album and was hooked and couldn't stop buying vinyl.

Fingers on Blast: Do you have a favourite place to dig?  Do you have a favourite shop in Toronto?

DJ Nu-Mark: I enjoy digging at Cosmos and Kops.  Diggin in Japan and the U.K. is always enjoyable because they have so much of our Funk.  While the states was listening to New Wave and Hip Hop in the 80's, the UK and Japan was buying all of our forgotten about 60's and 70's Funk for 10 cents a copy.

Fingers on Blast: What part does the element of discovery play in your day to day work as a producer?  I remember finally finding the J5 EP in a record store in Michigan and it was like finding treasure, I couldn't believe it.

DJ Nu-Mark: That was hard to find??  Well, yeah as a producer that digs I put a lot of time into looking for new dusty goodies to chop up.  I also like to keep up with current music.  It's always important to know what's going on today.

Fingers on Blast: How did 'Jayou' end up on the lyricist lounge compilation?  That was the stand out track for a lot of people back then.

DJ Nu-Mark: I think they just heard it off of our EP and wanted that track to be represented on their comp.  It got us into the East Coast scene which up until that point heard of us but hadn't really heard our music in an East Coast setting.

Fingers on Blast: When did the love of toys and kids records make it's way into the music you were making?  What inspired the decision to tour with all that gear?

DJ Nu-Mark: It started with a toy called Music Blocks.  That toy was so well thought out and executed that I decided to fill the entire stage up with toys and see how far I could push the concept.  Wasn't really sure if it would work but just wanted to have fun with it.

Fingers on Blast: You've mentioned in interviews that you don't measure musical progress in big milestones, but that all the little things add up.  Does that mindset keep you focused?  It seems like that perspective would keep you humble and motivated..

DJ Nu-Mark: Definitely, if you try to bite off more then you can chew there tends to be a lot of important parts that slip through the cracks.  I like to take things one step at a time and enjoy each step.  Making big power moves happen usually after a bunch of successful smaller moves have transpired first....that's how it's happened for me anyway.  No shortcuts in this biz.

Fingers on Blast: What inpspires you on a daily basis?  Are there any other art forms that you experience that make you think 'I need to make new music'?

DJ Nu-Mark: Listening to both old and new records inspire me.  Hearing new producers trick out technology gets me motivated to create dope music.  I appreciate Latin music very much these days.  Lately thay genre has been pushing me in new directions.

Fingers on Blast: How did your work on Saturday Night Live with the Lonely Island take shape?

DJ Nu-Mark: They are mutual friends with an old friend of mine.  They wanted beats and it just worked out.  They're the funniest guys and really professional.  I have 2 new beats on their upcoming album too!!

Fingers on Blast: Was there a moment early on where you thought this might work out?  That music could be a lifestyle for you? Do you feel like you made the transition from dream to reality, or is the balance between the two?

DJ Nu-Mark: Yeah, I always knew that my purpose on earth revolved around creating music...I just didn't know if I could make a living at it.  I dropped out of X-Ray school about 4 months before graduation and that's when J5 took off.  I haven't stop touring since.  Once I put all my eggs in one basket and focused my energy on my gifts, things started to develop career wise for me.  I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to create for a living!

Fingers on Blast: The necessary digging question; what's the best find from the craziest spot?

DJ Nu-Mark: None of your fucking business.  Just playin, I can't say I've found it yet.  That's the thing about digging, you always want more and think there's something better out there.    I found a Don Karrington Trio in Toronto, that made me pretty happy.

Fingers on Blast: Broken Sunlight has some brilliant guest artists, J-Live, Aloe Blacc, Charles Bradley, who's next on your list of collaborators?  Any dream collabs you want to let us in on?  You never know who might hear about this...

DJ Nu-Mark: Ahh, I haven't thought that far yet.  I plan on doing a multi-track project next.  I collect multi-track recording from the 60-80's.  I'd like to release a project where I re-edit those original multi tracks with some producer friends of mine.

Fingers on Blast: Who are your favourite dj's to listen to/see live?

DJ Nu-Mark: J-Rocc, Scratch, Four Color Zach, Q-Bert, Diamond D.....ahhh the list goes on and on.  

Fingers on Blast: If you could impart one piece of advice to dj's starting out now, what would it be?

DJ Nu-Mark: Make sure you love it and not just love the image of DJing.  Never give up if you know it's your calling.

Fingers on Blast: Do you feel like your devotion to vinyl and collecting makes you a musical historian of sorts?

DJ Nu-Mark: No, I dig for records to build my musical vocabulary.  This allows me to grow as a musician and try things I couldn't dream of creating on my own.  I don't enjoy collecting for the historical value of the records or the rarity of the records.  I dig for dope records that can enhance my production so I can produce something enjoyable to myself and my listeners.

Fingers on Blast: Thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

For more DJ Nu-Mark on the web:

unclenu.com

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

22 DJ Yoda

DJ Yoda is nothing short of a Jedi master. A London, UK born mixmaster and turntablist with one of the more impressive lists of credentials out there today.  A master of multimedia and manipulating music and video, he is definitely a groundbreaking creator, and he's still just getting started.  We had a chance to chat with the man himself, enjoy, and make sure you check out the great music of none of other than DJ Yoda.

-growing up in london, you were probably exposed to a ton of music and culture, do you remember when you knew it was something you had to be a part of? who or what first inspired you to get involved?

My parents both worked in the music industry, and my dad kept his record collection in my bedroom, so I was literally surrounded by records as a kid. The first music I was into was 80s pop, but at that period in time there was a big hip-hop influence on the pop I was hearing. So you would get sampling and scratching in all these pop records, and that really opened me up to hip-hop and DJing. 

-how do you stay inspired?  can you tell us a little about your creative process?

All these years of sampling have just put me into this permanent state of readiness to sample - so if whether I'm watching TV, listening to the radio or watching a movie, things just jump out at me, and that normally kick-starts the creative process. I try and keep recording as turntable-based as possible, because I think getting too "computer"y bogs me down. 

-when you started out djing in the 90's did you think It could take you all over the world? what do you love most about your job?

I never thought that I'd be DJing for a job, and the fact that I get to travel around the world is my favourite thing about it. I feel constantly blessed that I can make a living out of something that's already my passion, and I love being somewhere different every week. 

-we read in an interview that you said your fingers are all "fucked up and misshappen" from scratching since you were 15, which makes us think you may be the definiton of Fingers on Blast.  would you be inclined to agree?

Haha - that might have been a slight exaggeration, but I sure do have muscly fingers from years of scratching! 

-You've been a judge at the DMC's, can you tell us a bit about that experience?

I don't really have much of a competitive streak, or a desire to prove that I'm better than anyone else, but in the 90s I was into the whole turntablism scene, where it was kind of standard to enter competitions. So rather than compete, I judged, which was a cool experience. That whole thing seems to have died a death now, I think mainly because the competitions didn't keep up with the pace of the change in technology. Although the Red Bull 3Style comp is pretty cool. 

-What inspired you to start bridging the gap between djing and movies?

I would always drop audio samples from movies into my mixes - anything that I thought was cool, from Star Wars to Scarface or whatever. Then the technology changed to allow me to scratch and mix the movies themselves, so it just made perfect sense for me. 

-Can you let us in on any upcoming film projects you've got in the works?

I tour my AV show constantly, as well as regular DJ sets, and the show is always changing as I add to it, so that takes up a lot of time. But I'm also always uploading cool little video bits to my YouTube, and I have a much larger movie documentary project that I've been working on slowly too. 

-we have to give respect for the twin peaks/cool kids mix.  we recently just watched the whole series and were blown away. how do these incredible ideas come to you, and how do you stay so prolific?

I just try and stay really honest to my tastes. So rather than jumping on a bandwagon and trying to copy what anyone else is doing, I take a step back and think about what I love. Twin Peaks is my favourite TV show of all time, and the soundtrack is also my favourite too. At the time I made that particular blend I was really into Cool Kids. Done!

-you've worked with artists like People Under the Stairs, Danger Mouse and Jemini and M.O.P., have you got any new collaborations in the works? Any artists you'd really like to link up with one day?

I love working by collaborating with different artists, as everyone bring something different to the table. That's why each of my albums has a different vocalist on every track. My latest live collaboration has been with these girls called The Tootsie Rollers - they're kind of a retro acapella group, but I have them covering all new hip-hop stuff!

-Q magazine called you 'one of the ten djs to see before you die', who are some of your favorite djs?

I'm inspired by every DJ I get the chance to hear - even if they're terrible (because it inspires me to not be that bad!). But the DJs I look up to are mainly old school hip-hop DJs like Ron G, Kid Capri, Doo Wop, Spinbad and Q-Bert. 

-your newest release "Chop Suey" is filled with great tunes and an all star lineup of guests, can you tell us a bit about it?

I wanted to work with different vocalists on every track, and have the range of guests be representative of my music tastes. So I had some people heavily associated with the 80s to show the music I grew up on (Boy George, Michael Winslow from Police Academy), some "golden era" 90s rappers (M.O.P., Greg Nice) and then some artists that I thought represented the future of my music tastes (Action Bronson, Man Like Me). I'm really happy with the end result, and there is a video for every track on the album. 

-when your not working on music and djing how do you spend your spare time?

Watching a lot of movies, cooking a lot of food. I'm in Australia right now, so spending a lot of time at the beach too!

-what advice would you give to young creatives and musicians when they inevitably hit that wall of resistance that sometimes makes people want to quit and get a 'real' job? how did you get past it yourself?

I never really thought of it like that, and I think it's a bit dangerous to "try" and make creativity your profession - I think it has to come naturally. If you are really passionate and original then it should be easy. 

-thanks so much for chatting with us, is there anything new we should know about, or anyone you'd like to shout out?

No! Big shout out to you guys and peace from London/Sydney!

http://www.djyoda.co.uk
http://twitter.com/djyodauk
http://www.facebook.com/DJYodaUK
http://www.youtube.com/djyodauk

Chop Suey on iTunes - http://bit.ly/RIxMIE
Chop Suey on CD or Vinyl from Amazon -http://amzn.to/Nptcrn 

15 Tittsworth

First of all, thanks so much for talking the time to answer these!  Of course you must be incredibly busy with touring, running a label, part-owning a club, producing, getting tattoos, eating exotic fare and visiting flea markets…what else has been happening lately? 

I've moved to LA, eat the equivalent of noah's arc and am quickly losing tattoo real estate!  All in all no complaints and happy to stay busy in the studio and on the road ;-) between Hardfest, halloween and everything, im looking forward to this lil thanksgiving "break" 

In 2006 you started T & A records with the also incredible DJ Ayres, what gave you the idea to start your own imprint? and also thank you for doing so, you've put out a lot of really great music!  Is there anything coming soon we should know about?

What initially started T&A was Ayres and I each accidentally and independently working on a record concept not knowing the other had the the same idea.  We compared notes, really clicked and then decided to keep it moving.  That record would become T&A breaks, the last release on Ammo (Atrak's battle record label) and then we would later go on to be a noteable bootleg label who would eventually go legitimate and put out the earliest Tittsworth, Ayres, Dave Nada, Munchi, Baltimore club and moombahton records for starters. Really excited for upcoming T&A!  There's a massive moombahton comp coming out with some heavy hitters, some great music from Smalltown djs, Grandtheft, Steve Starks, Ackeejuice Rockers and many more.  Proud to see our label extend itself beyond its bootleg roots (tho clearly not too big for those britches)

Your album 12 steps came out a few years ago, do you have any plans to make a second LP?

I'd love the opportunity but realistically speaking think that i need to be putting out some singles before i take the time to do that.  And they're on the way :) also i drink so there's another obligation huh! 

As someone who seems to almost constantly be touring, where is the craziest place you've played?  what are your favourites? 

Because of my interest in the culture, almost any city in Japan is a lotta fun for me.  Sao Paulo has a soft spot in my heart, as does anyplace where i can speak my mom's native language (Chinese) on the mic (and be understood).  Truth be told, sometimes the craziest places are the least expected!  Shoutout to Portland (tho somewhat expected) and Malmo (first city to take me over an ocean to play and boy did that pop), Chinese Laundry Sydney, Hifi Calgary and of course DC. 

Do you prefer to produce in your own studio or work on the road, or does it matter?  can you make music anytime or do you wait for inspiration?    

I have a studio routine that i enjoy and get the most out of but learned a long time ago you gotta adapt.  I made a song that Q-tip and Theo would later rap on in an airport in a couple hours.   

What's a typical day in the life of Tittsworth, if there is such a thing?

road life:  What am i gonna eat?  what zoo or aquarium will i break into, soy sauce in hand?  What body part am i gonna tattoo and of what level of ridiculousness?  Reminding myself to not drink too much, try to get a nap and check a lil email before trying not to have TOO much fun while djing.  That's a lot of "trying." *experience might vary depending on circumstance* 

home life: Try to get up "early" and grind some fresh juices w/ a shot of E3 (shoutout to Nate Day).  Do my sit-up's and push-up's on some prison ish and try to squeeze in my TM on my nu age ish.  knock out several hours of studio and/or email/conference calls then walk to the grocery store for stuff to cook enough for lunch and a light dinner then go back to music and/or biz.  *experience might vary depending on circumstance*

wildcard: Get up for some random task like trying to find a rear site for a 44 magnum, end up at a flea market, run into an old friend which turns into a dive bar which turns into a loft party which turns into me cooking for half a dozen people near sunrise.  Possibly wake up with a tattoo and/or a fucked up kitchen. 

In 2010 you helped open U Street Music Hall, a music venue in Washington DC that pretty much everyone who's been to or played seems to fall in love with.  we've seen dozens of artists on twitter cite it as their favourite venue to play, and it just recently came #2 in America for its sound system.  what got you involved, and what do you love about it? 

I was on tour in australia taking in all the little bits of various clubs i liked and got kinda bummed that a similar one didn't exist in DC.  I then realized that the team to change that started to come into vision. 

You seem to have a ton of different interests, both musically, professionally and otherwise, would you say switching it up is the key to your success?  one thing your fans can definitely appreciate is that you keep us guessing, and we are always looking forward to what you come up with next.  do you get bored easily or do you just enjoy dabbling in a bit of everything? 

Nostalgia can be dangerous if you get too comfortable, but switching sounds too often/haphazardly to chase trends can swallow your identity.  I wanna be excited about new sounds but want to make sure that at the end of the day it still feels like me (and still will in a few months). 

As a native of Washington, DC, are you a redskins fan?  do you think RGIII can take them to the playoffs?

Ha, at one point i was really into the NFL before music swallowed me.  I did however own a Raider's starter jacket (the trench cuz it was cheaper-- and my mom is asian) and been known to rock a Bullets jersey.  Bullets and Redskins-- i miss it when DC has non PC team names. No disrespect to the nationals. 

What is one record that would never leave your crate, pretending for a minute that you still took crates of records to your gigs with you?

I kinda feel like the contemporary equivalent would be to ask a touring dj what's the first song listed in their serato, or maybe the song that has lasted in their ipod the longest.  Jinder's Youth Blood (12th Planet & Flinch Remix) has outlasted any dubstep song in any of my crates and is one of the only dubstep songs in my itunes/serato.  Dilla, The Pixies and Radioslave are probably among the earlier memories of my itunes (tho i was late to that game).  Semi side note, Goldie's inner city life is the first tune i ever played at Uhall (well before soft opening day) and one of my favorite vinyl records of all time.  I had a (non) ex girl friend give me an original copy of Miles Davis "Kind of Blue" which I still have framed. 

Is there anything coming up that everyone needs to know about?  according to your website you have been in the studio with some pretty incredible artists, is there anything you can tell us about that?

I've finished a song w/ Qtip, Theophilus London and Alison Carney.  It's a fun lil slowed club tune turned house inspired RNB.  Laidback Luke has remixed it, along w/ Nadastrom and AC Slater.  As for the release?  You'll have to ask Plant about that, i'd love to know myself.

I have a contract that arrived in my inbox today from Mixmash, Laidback Luke's label w/ recent interest from Dim Mak.  I've been working with Steve Starks, Valentino Khan, Torro Torro, Ninjasonik, Willy Joy and Des & Rez.  I'd love to find more uptempo rappers to be honest and have recently connected with and might collab with Big Mak, Nick Thayer, 2edit and Phat Deuce. 

Thanks so much for your time, please don't hesitate to let usknow if we can return the favour!  we would be happy to paint you something for your house!  Is there anyone you'd like to shout out?

That'd be awesome man!  Shoutout to all the folks that make my job/passion possible :) love yall, from DC to LA and otherwise :)

TITTSWORTH.COM

011 Ysa Perez

 Ysa Perez is a photographer based in New York City.  She's worked for a long list of publications that you might have heard of like GQ and Spin to name just a couple.  She has worked with a number of musicians including shooting some of the first photos the world saw of A$AP Rocky and Danny Brown.  She took time out of her busy schedule to talk with us about her work, inspiration, and the ultimate dream shoot. 

Fingers on Blast: When did you first pick up the camera?  Could you tell right away it was something you'd stick with?

Ysa Perez: It wasn't like, "My dad gave me a camera at 4 and I never stopped." At a young age, I was really into being on the computer, playing with my mom's Photoshop 7, I was that kid -- but I didn't know what I wanted to do exactly. I went to school initially at University at Buffalo undecided, and one day, these photo students at RIT hit me up about being their subject for an assignment. I agreed and when I was in their studio, I was really curious. They give you all this equipment? "Yes." And this studio? "Yes." What major is this? "Advertising Photography." I said, Ok, I'm transferring. I was completing foundation courses at UB anyways, so transferring was still a possibility. I had limited photo knowledge. I had a good eye, but technically I didn't know shit. It was overwhelming. Had no clue what 16-35mm meant or that an 8x10 camera even existed. I really am grateful I went to such a technical school even though I was envious of the NYU/Pratt/SVA life. Now I don't regret it. It worked out    

 

 Fingers on Blast:   A good portion of your work involves musicians.  Are you musical yourself?  Do you prefer to shoot live performances or portraits?

Ysa Perez: I play the violin if that counts ? But, yeah I really love music. Almost as much as I love photography, so it eventually made sense to marry the two. I spend a lot of time looking for for new music which means I stumble upon a lot of up and coming people. In turn, I have a desire to photograph them. A good majority of my work is derivative from commissioned shoots but it's also friends I just know. I realized early on to take advantage of my social circle, and I think so far it's been mutually beneficial. I definitely hate shooting live performances, it just isn't my thing. I don't use cameras that are able to adapt to those situations either. I use an archaic (and at sometimes, impractical) medium format camera and love daylight. It's not even solely that, I just prefer one on one with the subject. My camera is really heavy, so it's a challenge to connect with the subject while simultaneously trying to focus the thing. It might seem like I enjoy making things harder for myself, but I love my process.

Fingers on Blast: Do you have any favourite shoots or publications to work with?

Ysa Perez: Definitely. Most recently, Debbie Harry. I mean, Debbie fucking Harry. Couldn't even stand next to her without reliving teenage bedroom moments of dancing to 'Rapture' and memorizing the whole rap bit. I don't really get star struck to be honest, I really mean that. I don't give a shit who you are as long as you comply with what I'm asking, but like I said, Debbie fucking Harry. 

I have the best time when there's no real ego in the room. Just me and the subject getting to know one another, and leaving the situation with what I hope is a successful portrait. Might seem old fashioned but, I still like to work that way.

  

Fingers on Blast: It seems as though your photos are amazing because the subjects are comfortable with you.  Do you have an advantage shooting people you know? Ever have an awkward shoot? 

Ysa Perez: I think that is really sweet, thank you. I mean, I have an advantage for sure, I know a majority of the people I shoot and of course that makes things easier. There's already an established rapport. That's half the work, winning someone over isn't easy. I'm also like 5'2 and non threatening (I think.) That helps when you are in a room with 15 dudes rolling blunts and you're trying not to be in the way. Sometimes yeah, circumstances are difficult. Meek Mill - that was slightly awkward. It's upsetting when it didn't work out your way or, you didn't really get everything out of the person, but, not everyone is there to be your best friend so it's understandable and I don't take it personally anymore. I watched him actually record verses for his Dream Chasers mix-tape so, I'm not mad. He's so dope.

 

Fingers on Blast: How does it feel when you shoot an artist early in their career and your photos become the first glimpse the world gets of an artist?

Ysa Perez: It's exciting of course. I've watched people blow up like Asap and Danny Brown a few months after I shot them. Let me clarify that I'm not taking responsibility for their successes AT ALL, only saying I was there at the right place and right time in order to witness it and I love that. it's special to me. I almost would rather shoot someone early on that doesn't have many photos vs a huge band that's been photographed numerous times. I've found that big artists or bands don't care as much, you can understand why. It's just the nature of a big artist like that, why should they care? If I can kick it with someone and smoke some, leave with a few rolls I feel good about, then I've had a good day.

 

Fingers on Blast: You've mentioned before that Drake is someone you want to work with, is there anyone else that has joined the list of dream jobs?

Ysa Perez: Drake is still number one. Drizzy, are you out there? 

Fingers on Blast: Who are you listening to right now? Any great movies or books we should check out?

Ysa Perez: I'm half dance music half rap. I just got the Jeremih mixtape and it's incredible. But I listen to a lot of podcasts and mixes because I always want to hear new dance music. I love Rinse FM, Boiler Rooms, my friends podcasts like Sound Pellegrino, and Radio 1 shit -- I just constantly share music with friends. I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes down to it.

Fingers on Blast: Do you have anything coming up to let us in on? Anyone you'd like to shout out?

Ysa Perez: Yes ! Look for the next Self-Titled Magazine, I shot the cover last week as well as the inside story. Shout out to Heems of Das Racist especially, and his crew Greedhead.

Check out more of Ysa's work at http://ysanyaperez.tumblr.com and follow her on twitter at http://twitter.com/ysaaa