Author: lageegee

Know as LaGeeGee working for L3gaci, the Atlanta based company. Holding it down in the north east, bringing the current trends.

A little bit of seriousness with Jango Monkey

Posted on by lageegee

The not too serious band, Jango Monkey, with Atlanta, Georgia based roots, having an indie rock feel, claims to be a “Five Piece Rock Orchestra”. Sounding similar to Pink Floyd, Wilco, and Jack Johnson, made me feel as if I was living under a rock for not discovering them sooner.

“We want people to be excited to share Jango Monkey with their friends – to be that new great band they’ve just discovered.” -Jango Monkey”

Their self titled album, Jango Monkey, released back in 2007, with tracks such as “The Escape”, “Great Expectations” and “Losing it”, creates the perfect ambiance for a road trip with friends to take on an adventure.
Jango Monkey composed of Rob Platner (guitar/vocals), Eric Martin (guitar/vocals), Timothy Watts (bass/synth), Blair Price (keyboards), and Tk Thornton (drums/vocals), are the right mixture of maturity with a sense of ‘spunk’. Creating music for all the right reasons, to grow themselves, to help others grows, to find a sense of peace and have a little bit of fun all at the same time.
This quirky combination of individuality has led to the current day definition of Jango Monkey. A band not seeking notoriety, however receiving recognition for their work. Their first studio release put them on the Jam Bands Radio chart on 2008 with a numer six hit. In addition named “Up and Coming Band” in ‘Hitting the Note’ publications. Not to mention a part of the Leeway’s Home Grown Music network. For as laid back as they seem, this down to earth band is right on track with introducing the right audiences to their music.
With their second studio album released in February of 2011, “Magic Whoosh” and their performance at this years Floyd Fest X, their first music festival, marks a milestone in the band journeys. Making “2011 the year of the Monkey” as they claim, is certainly their year. A not too serious L3GACI is composed of all the right ingredients to create some relaxing sounds, to give listeners an up beat, funky and truly unique soundtrack to life.

Nothing better can describe the sounds of Jango Monkey but the band themselves, here are a few words with them to describe their quirky selves…

L3: Jango Monkey, quite the uncommon name for a band, what would be the groups inspiration for this name?
A few years ago someone gave me a toy wind-up monkey – with cymbals in hand, and little fez hat. This little monkey was of course a musician who didn’t take himself too seriously. We wanted the band’s name to reflect a certain amount of fun and silliness. Jango seemed like a good name for the monkey.

L3: I’ve also seen the band has been around for ten years, this is a quite a feat in the music industry, what would the band accredit that to?
We are more mature than some and got into music because it is part of our core being, not because of a need to be “rock stars”. I think a lot of young bands start out with delusions of stardom that usually don’t pan out – so they break up and go get real jobs. Everyone in Jango Monkey has reasonable expectations. This is a very tough business – but we love to make music whether or not we make lots of money at it, or play for 1000’s or for dozens. Fortunately those people who have heard us do seem to really like what we do… so we get some nice feedback which provides a bit of validation.

“Our hope right now is that we can continue to expand our audience and give them a great show everytime.” -Jango Monkey

L3 In the years together, what journey has the music taken you on?
There are a couple of ways to answer that question I suppose. Ultimately we hope the music takes everyone who hears it on their own journey…where one is taken away from the mundane worries and hassles of the day (for at least a little while). There are those great times when we hit that zone where the music plays the band rather than the other way around. Of course, the more literal answer is that the music has taken us through the whole spectrum from dive bars to universities to breweries and music festivals.

L3 What personal growths have the band discovered individually?
I’d say we are all better listeners than we used to be. We know the value of not over-playing which was not always the case. We know that as musicians we are there to serve the song, and not to massage our egos.

L3: What do you hope to accomplish with your music?
Like most bands, we get the biggest thrill from playing music for people and feeling people connect. We’d love to feel that connection with lots and lots of people. Our hope right now is that we can continue to expand our audience and give them a great show everytime. We want to blow people away (in a good way). We want people to be excited to share Jango Monkey with their friends – to be that new great band they’ve just discovered.

“We are not trying to preach to anyone, sway opinions, or deliver public service announcements” -Jango Monkey

L3: I see that the band has an event full summer of shows, what is the band looking forward to the most?
This summer we will be playing our first major music festival – Floydfest in Floyd Virginia. 14,000 people attended this last year and the line up is really incredible. To share a bill with artists like Taj Mahal, Railroad Earth, David Grisman, and Robert Randolph is a huge thrill for us. Everyone who has ever been to this festival (now in its 10th year) raves about it.

L3: If there is one thing you want your listeners to learn, experience, gain from your music, what would that be?
We want folks to have a good time with us. This is supposed to be fun, quirky, different, and intriguing. We are not trying to preach to anyone, sway opinions, or deliver public service announcements

L3: Lastly here at L3GACI we ask, how does the music Jango Monkey performs, Create, Inspire, Evolve society?
I think if I attempted to answer that question, I would be violating our first rule – which is to never take yourself too seriously.

Never taking themselves too seriously, follow them on their journey on Face Book and Twitter Check out their site at Jangomonkey.com to stay up to date on all their happenings. Even better, check out their tunes for a free music sample. In addition to sampling the album you can “Name your own price” with purchasing this album, a twist on the fixed $9.99 option from I tunes for Magic Whoosh.
JangoMonkey, well on their mission to deliver care free good times with music, is making their L3GACI, are you?

Living Ego Free… John Graham “The Vege10Nerd”

Posted on by lageegee

On the journey of networking with L3GACI, artist on the rise John Graham, The Vege10Nerd, as he is more commonly known, caught our attention.

An artist not seeking the lime light, however spreading the light we wish to say. Exposing listeners to unique lyrics that cause a movement in society; Create, Inspire, Evolve. A mantra of mine, L3GACI and John’s he states “I understand that I have an obligation to spread light to those in dark places…” Using his “Ego Free” style to spread his message. His smooth flow and beats combined lead way for his own L3GACI to take off. A genuine and spiritual man, a proud father and hard working musician. He creates sounds that we eagerly added to our days playlist.

“When I create music it is solely to express a message that is meant to inspire change in others and bring out the best in themselves for the benefit of the world at large. My art imitates life in that sense.”

His musical journey, falling no where short is an extension of himself. In his recent creations, a favorite being Mirror Music, he exposes listeners to himself and his mission. Going the distance to expose his vulnerability and taking grasp of concepts similar to L3GACI, he embodies the essence of what being “Ego Free” can obtain.
Nothing better then his own words can describe his music and mission, we had a few words with John…

Q: What do you hope to accomplish with your music?
A: Music for me is simply another vehicle of connecting with people in an effort to assist them in achieving the best versions of themselves. I create music that is meant to inspire thought, self examination, honesty, and growth. It is my deepest desire to see the listener experience my work and then carry on the message of positivity and truth to those around them. It is said that to create change you must first be the example of the change you wish to see in others. That is the motivation behind Ego Free music and my body of work thus far.

Q:So far what journey has your music taken you on?
A: That is a phenomenal question! Music for me is a reflection of who I am the time I create it. The recent creations like “Ascension Methods”, “The Reflection Series”, and “Mirror Music,” mark my evolution not only musically, but also spiritually, consciously, and socially. I understand that I have an obligation to spread light to those in dark places, therefore I must be responsible with each and every word I utter. When I create music it is solely to express a message that is meant to inspire change in others and bring out the best in themselves for the benefit of the world at large. My art imitates life in that sense.

“…music is simply a companion to the listener on their journey…”

Q: If there is one thing you want your listeners to learn, experience,
gain from your music, what would that be?
A: I wish for the listener to remember that they have the power to change the world by taking control of what they give their attention to. It is said that your reality is shaped by the thoughts you keep. We are such powerful beings because we have the ability to think it and then manifest that thought into something tangible. The music is simply a companion to the listener on their journey meant to remind them of this power and encourage them to use it for the benefit of the world around them.

Another L3GACI in the making, John Graham, The Vege10Nerd follows true on the way to Create, Inspire, Evolve Society. Take a moment to be inspired and follow his music. Truly witness a L3GACI, We are, are you?

Stay connected…
John Graham Mirror Music
iTunes: Buy “Mirror Music”
His Band Camp
His Purpose
Face Book
Twitter (pronounced veg)

A moment with OutwordlyFabulous

Posted on by lageegee

In the recent weeks L3GACI was invited to a performance by the talented spoken word artist, Pandora Scooter. Her show, OutwordlyFabuous, written and performed by Pandora Scooter, directed by Cedric Hill and brought to you by Fushico Entertainment & To and Fro Productions, is a campaign hoping to reach the ears of hundreds. A message composed of compassion and total inclusivity with the hopes to educate society on the harms of bullying and homophobia.

“We don’t have to like each other…
but we can start by not hating…” ~Pandora

As the lights dim down Pandora Scooter takes the stage, committed to the performance, she doesn’t let her audience go during the 90 minute performance. Loosing herself in the performance for what is nessecary to convey her message, never once holding back. Wasting no time with her monologues, performing about fifth-teen in total, each one hitting the mark on inclusivity.

“The meaning is just in your hearing habit” ~Pandora

Using different methods, referring to primitive id for an explanation on bullying, in a careless free spirited way. Her play on words relays the point across seamlessly effectively with an air of humility and fun. She urges creating safe places for people to share who they are. Time and time again during the performance creating this to allow for audience interaction. Having the crowd shout out emotions, feelings, and respond to her questions, she has a natural ability to control the atmosphere of the performance. My timid self, found my voice shouting out responses during audience interactions, feeling the energy in the crowd, I too felt safe.

“Find where it is safe to share”~Pandora

Taken on a journey through out the show, being exposed to the different sides of bulling. Expressing her speech, exposing ignorance, and teaching respect. Not only exposing outward views on society, in addition showing inward views. Asking questions of what are the other issues? What secrets do you have? How one can only truly be free without secrets. Yet again using personal experiences she leaves the once loudly audience speechless, giving chills from her performance, leaves the audience questioning what secrets are holding them back as well.

“They say the strongest person in the room is without Skeletons”~ Pandora

At the closure of the performance, leaving the audiance with new emotions and in question of ones own actions, leaving me with the urge to spread Pandora Scooters message. I’m left in awe of the talent on how much one women can open my eyes on a new way to view society. A message certainly needed to be heard by all. A L3GACI in the making.

With a show this upcoming friday, you too can learn a new view and have a refreshing take on how to combat bullying, externally and internally.
Pandora will have a show this friday, May 13th starting at 7pm at the Nuyorica Poets Cafe, 236 East 3rd ave, between ave B and C, New york, New york. Come witness a true L3GACI in the making,
Go to Nuyorican Cafe. for tickets. For more info on her movement check out OutwordlyFabulous
or on Facebook

In addition, one can make a donation here at Indiegogo to their summer tour to help them on their journey.

“This is not easy, but it is simple, it is simplicity.
With the change of you thoughts,
You can change your world,
We can change the world”~Pandora

There’s an I in team

Posted on by lageegee

Through out one’s life, the belief of being selfish is commonly perceived as one of the worst attributes a human can poses.  As time passes on, one can be exposed to this belief a countless array of instances, from personal let downs to the disappointment of others.  To be frank, people suck.  For a lack of better words, this is the most blunt, honest and direct way to convey this truth.  
In a society based upon greed and social standings, one may find it hard to see selfishness as a positive attribute.  From the early age of being taught the wrongs of selfishness, we’re taught team work is the way to go, “There’s No I in Team”, we were told.  We’re taught an understanding of how working together and putting back personal gains can push us even further.  This statement is undoubtedly true, while working only L3GACI, networking and seeing the team grow in numbers, the only way to succeeded is to look beyond oneself, beyond the immediate truths, and look at the bigger picture.  To be able to accept help and to accept knowledge; to be able to put the companies needs first before your own wants and wishes are excellent talents to have. From this the rate of growth for the company will be exponentially greater as whole working together, then one individual alone.   

“When you find yourself after being lost,
it’s a catharsis, amazing, breath taking,
if it can be simply said as that.”

However, tonight I am not writing about company growth and company truths.  A company can not simply grow on selfishness, that in no way is what L3GACI of 1926 stands for.  Tonight I talk about selfishness for all the right reasons.  Were taught from such a young age “Theres No I in Team”,  yet a huge downfall we seem to gain from these lessons are complexes.  Complexes that hold one back, complexes that scare us, complexes that may haunt us down the road from not having enough self confidence. A complex that can lead to regret. 
So what happens when the Team is simply you… (me)?  What happens when one starts to look out into the world and grab hold of only the positive? When we no longer look at the world as an obstacle, a scary place to maneuver, yet as a play ground to better ones self.  To go for the things, goals, ideas, that we’re truly afraid of, as I have mentioned in the past.  “For the thing were most afraid of, is usually what we should be doing”

“You must be the change
you wish to see in the world”
-Gandhi

Its only human nature for one to shy away from the things that make us happy, for they scare us.  Wether it be goals, careers, relationships, we lose the confidence we need to accomplish individual wants. From stifling inner desires from young life lessons taught of not putting ones self first, being selfless, we leave room to be “trampled on” or better put, “taken advantage of” if one does not watch how much we let go.  For when it comes to personal gain and personal happiness by doing things the right way, the way that can and will better yourself and in turn others around you, can only be obtained in being selfish for all the right reasons.  

On the long road to discovery, there is and I in Team.  A positive way to view selfishness, to discover who you are and what your own L3GACI will be. We are, are you? 

Pandora Scooter….” Speaking on Out Wordly Fabulous.”

Posted on by lageegee

We had the pleasure of sitting down this week with the talented and lovely, Pandora Scooter.  before her upcoming show “Out Wordly Fabulous”, this Thursday and Friday (March 10th and 11th) at the Cross Roads theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  Do not be surprise that  the show reaches out to the GLBT community and beyond, written and performed by Pandora Scooter herself, directed by Cedric Hill, presented by “Fushicho Entertainment” and “‘To and Fro Productions”. And in their eyes,the experience that captivates the audience , tell’s  the story  of society  bullying the homophobia and how it can be conquered through spoken word.

Pandora Scooter…A unique person, being self aware and being herself as her name shows. Pandora Scooter speaks moving words, sending chills through your body. An award winning speaker, the winner of Spoken Knowledge, 2008 DN Contest for her anti-racism pieces called “Other”, has had the pleasure of speaking all over the United States, from New York City to Boston, Virginia, San Francisco, and Texas to name a few talks about taking her show now on the road to the “bible belt” in America to expose a new audience to her words.

Pandora Scooter, able to be labeled under many categories, from mother to lesbian, atheist to American, never settles for labels and seeks to break the molds. Running an open mic for 8 years called, “Out in the Box” she does just that. In addition, she has a yearly show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, called “Out Loud and Proud”. She is a Spoken Word artist endorsed by International Folk Poet Alix Olson. Pandora Scooter has chosen not to let life pass her by, but to take hold of culture and shape it into a better future for her family. Truly an inspiration to all the meet her, kind, generous and out spoken, nothing better then her own words can describe why she is a L3GACI.

After idle chitchat for a few moments and figuring out where to sit, we settled down to proceeded with the interview. Boisterous and proud she tells us of coming out, hopes for the future, and of her up coming show “Out Wordly Fabulous”. Were honored to present our words with Pandora Scooter, a true L3GACI…


If you could elaborate on the mission of yourself, Pandora Scooter, what you wish to represent, what would that be?
I focus on creating spaces where people are safe to be who ever they are and to let their true selves out, to go beyond the labels and the boxes that were put in place to be complicated, confusing, three dimensional, human beings that are as much as a mess as we all are. I hope, my goal is to represent permission for people to become in touch with compassion and their sense of kindness towards themselves and towards others. That’s really my goal, and the goal of outwardly fabulous, to get everyone in touch with passion and inclusivity. Compassion and inclusion is really what is going to make the difference in dealing with hatred, violence and homophobia.
I have been in theater or professional theater for thirty years; it has been a long time. I’ve been in the performing arts for a long time, I’ve written and performed and directed. I most recently decided to write and perform my own work because I feel like there aren’t enough voices out in the ether talking about inclusivity, talking about passion and inclusivity for everyone. I’m raising up my voice for that, I want to raise it out of the GLBT community and then spread it to the masses.

How has your writing progressed then from coming out as a gay women and then again when you chose to start writing and performing your own words?
I started writing and it was mostly about coming out and dealing about self-acceptance, something really difficult to do after living 30 years straight. It was more of a deal to come out as a performer and a writer then to be coming out as gay. I came out as gay and everyone was like ‘what else is knew’, nobody was surprised by that one. When I came out to perform that was different, I’ve always been back stage directing or stage management. I decided I’m going to write my own stuff and perform it too and everyone was like whoa! That was a big deal. So far is has been an amazing ride.

Talk about an amazing journey so far, tell us more about this show coming up now, does it get any easier?
This is the seventh show, No, every show is a monster and everyone show I was doing I wish I was doing the last show! (Followed by laughter) Then of course the next show I’m like “I wish I was doing that show!” I’ve written seven shows, and I have three shows that have legs, “Fear Junkie” “Samuraization” and this show “Out Wordly Fabulous”. I do have one called “Dumping”, that hasn’t been developed yet maybe it will come back, maybe it won’t. It is all about breaking up.

Gotcha, I bet we can all relate and love that one
Yeah that’s pretty much how it was everyone was like “Yeah!”

Now what sets this upcoming one apart from the other shows and concerts?
My concerts have been mostly about gay issues, however this is my first show that has gay material in it and it actually doesn’t have that much gay material in it. It has, mostly bullying material in it. More on compassion, for f**** sake! take it down a notch, lets remember were all people, teach the kids we’re all people.

Does this show have a little more personal meaning having an 11 year old daughter, getting to that age group where bullying is becoming more of an issue?
They’ve been in it for two years; yeah it’s been hard…

Wow, what would you hope then for her generation to gain from having this show for the older generations now
I would like the bullies to just stop bullying and get help. I would like adults to identify them as victims, identify bullies as people who need attention and need help, because people aren’t born picking on other people. This is pie in the sky what I would like…Pie in the sky I would like the bully to get help and learn to be loved, and be loved so they stop picking on other people. Pie in the sky, I would love for tweens and teen-agers to learn that bullies are people that are very insecure and who don’t have support. They are looking to increase their sense of power by picking on other people. You can undo that by simply… not ignoring them but calling them out and asking them what’s wrong. There really must be something wrong if someone is behaving that way. Of course, I say in the show “easier said then lived.”

How would you say to deal with people reacting negatively towards you… bullying you?
I’ve had people in my face and they have said all sorts of things. I take it all in, their rage, their anger and I ask them, if there is anything I can do for them. A lot of times its disarming, a lot of times they get angry, and that’s not my fault, it doesn’t impact me, and I want my daughter to have that kind of protection. I want the children and the youth and the young twenty something that come see the show to learn how to be protected from bullies in a human way. It’s not possible to ignore them, ignoring someone that’s being mean to you, that’s just bullshit. I don’t believe when people say, “I ignore them,” that’s crap. I believe you have to acknowledge what that person is doing, acknowledge that it hurt your feelings. I’ve gone to stores where I’ve been treated poorly and I’ve said excuses me u just hurt my feelings. And they stop dead. Who says that as adults, all they can say is sorry.

What do you believe is the problem causing society to act so, hurtful?
We’re emotionally illiterate in this country. I guess the goal is to raise the compassion literacy, the emotional literacy in our country, so people can feel safer to be kind. We’re so scared to be kind to each other.

It’s a good message what your portraying and trying to leave behind, it’s what most of us are scared to say
It’s time to learn how to engage in an ethical way. Everyone thinks you have to yell and scream and be angry. You don’t. You inquire, you can request, you can be gentle, you can gently correct, there’s all sorts of nuances. I don’t know if I’m the greatest model for nuances cause I’m kind of out there, but I do believe there is nuance, and I try to portray some of that in my show.


Sometimes you need to be out there for someone to get that statement. You need bold to make an impact sometimes.
LOUD is sometimes needed to get that message out! (Laughing over the statements made)

With that said are you a little scared to take this show on tour to the bible belt of America?
No.

Any mental prep to get yourself ready for this show going down south with it?
I’ve met such amazing people from Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee. I’ve met amazing people all over the country, and I know people are scared, but I know there are people who want to over come their fear. Who want to there to be more peace, especially for our children at school. I think many of us, no matter where we are in the country, want our children to feel safe. I don’t feel like I’m saying anything that radical. I think that its unfortunate that the mid west and the south are portrayed as being these people who are unfriendly to the east coast and the west coast. I think that its unfair, and its one of the reasons I chose to do this tour. I wanted to make a point we are all one country. I’m not successful if I’m only known through out the east and west coast. That’s not, success to me.

You could do a lot of good exposing people to your words. Would you want the bigots and people who despise you for coming to be there, to be able to expose and educate them?
I’m not in for a fight; I’m not looking to… enrage any body. I realize people are going to disagree with me. I realize that people are going to feel all sorts of things about the show and me. But just like I said about bullies, that says more about where they’re at, then where I’m coming from. I would love for people who don’t agree with me to come to the show, who are anti-choice, anti-gay, it would mean they are at least willing to give it a shot. Even if they’re shut down, they’re giving me the respect of their presence. That is a huge gift, it’s going to happen a millimeter at a time, it’s critical that we recognize that.

Thank you for your time to wrap things up, we always ask two things. With you and your show what are you doing to Create, Inspire and Evolve society?
Well I say please and thank you… I believe in being kind whenever possible. I believe it is impossible to be kind all the time, at least it is for me, and I do try to be kind as much as possible. I am creating work to inspire people I hope to feel better about them. To be closer to the authentic self, which I think creates the world to be a better place. I am constantly in touch with my senator and congressman (followed by laughter)… I’m raising an amazing little person whose going to make a lot of people very happy. I teach a lot of underserved children, through spoken word. I’m creating art that uplifts us and builds compassion and love in people. Which I think is helping to evolve society.

Now what are you leaving behind
My L3GACI… Two-cake it! A phrase I created for my last show. Two-cake it! means have your cake and eat it to.

Fabulous, I wish…
You know whenever you can, because people so often don’t believe they can have their cake and eat it too. There are sometimes when you absolutely can’t. More often then not, you can two-cake it! you can totally do it! I think that probably encompasses it all. I believe you can be incredibly successful and be incredibly generous. I think that my life has shown me that there are so many different possibilities. These forty years have been so full, just ridiculous, and I look at the next forty years like holy mackerel! Its just not stopping! (Laughing) It’s going to continue to get greater and greater. I feel more fabulous.

It is a lot of time to change the minds of others
Yeah! I’m blessed, so blessed. I’ve had people come to me years after they’ve seen me perform say they have come out, that their family has accepted them and they have a partner. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel so blessed and honored to be a part of the process.


For more info on her up and coming show “Out Wordly Fabulous”
March 10th and March 11th 2011 at the Cross Roads theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Click to connect with Pandora Scooter
Twitter
Facebook

Click for the show info!
facebook
Twitter

Stayed tuned with L3GACI to read a review on her show!

A (Simple X) man…

Posted on by lageegee

Far from Simple as the name implies is anything but this guy. Having the pleasure of networking with a man of many names we met, Chris Kramer for Facebook purposes is more commonly known as Simple X. An ambitious man, taking matters into his own hands by pushing his beats. He has a few projects under his belt and is a L3GACI well in the works. Working with Herma Puma and Tensei we’ll take a moment to look at both in this feature.

Herma PumaA duo like no other, connecting from Chicago and across the seas to UK, having nothing but let say…“Dope Beats” This two man team is composed of Simple X and Pimpernel Jones , a Dj/Producer as well. Pull up their sound cloud or play one of their vinyls and imagine yourself relaxing on a Saturday night with your crew. They have a unique way of infusing jazzy, moving beats, all while keeping a strong sense of hip-hop culture. Just press play and a smooth infectious sound where you won’t want to hit the pause button will flow.


Making moves they have been recently picked up by a UK indie label called First Word Records They released their first LP this past August, The Herma Puma LP, a 7” vinyl for Pysch/Disposable Rappers that can be picked up online or at your local record shop. The world wind of sounds produced of this record is worth the purchase or one can listen to for free off their site. Hermapuma.com. Not to forget “Synchromystic” their full-length debut album is up for grabs online.

Truly a L3GACI in the making is well on its way to reshaping the music industry. Not settling on typical “main stream” beats, they offer a fresh sound that has long been forgotten. Take a seat, turn on their sounds and enjoy their L3GACI.
Check out Herma Puma ft. Rider Shafique — Rider is a UK based MC.
Rider can be found on Twitter or facebook here as well.

This single hit top 50 in France and was in rotation on Radio Nova (Jan ’11) NovaPlanet (biggest indie radio in france)

For his other project, Tensei, another mind-blowing music adventure, is on the other end of the spectrum. Having Japanese characters meaning “Heaving Star” this duo comes hailing from Chicago. Again, “Simple X”, Chris Kramer pairs up with producer Midas Wells to produce sounds unlike any other.

Falling out of touch for a few years, my ears are happy they decided to collaborate. Both had their fair shares of working with sample based music and decided to try their luck in blending different tunes. The best way to describe it… I’ll use his words of “Tensei =Electro Fusion”. Simply, because it is the easiest way to describe this hard to pin duo, mixing elements in music not typically used together.

Unfortunately not signed to a label yet, they’re working on it. Lining up established signing talent in the future and currently competing in contest, however not yet winning, we’re baffled as they are as to why not, their still placing on top. After selecting their sound cloud for my pre game Saturday night, it truly will be a mystery to not see them take off. With remixes and instrumentals that leave listeners swaying back and forth, truly embarking on a musical story.
Music by Tensei shows what a L3GACI in the making truly is, not afraid to push boundaries in hip hop pulling inspiration from where only a L3GACI could.

A man of many names, Simple X, is truly a simple L3GACI. A proud resident of Chicago is letting his music take him all over the world. An ambitious man at that, who loves to expose listeners to a forgotten genre. Hopefully opening the ears to listeners of the non-mainstream musical talent. We leave you with a few of his words and can’t wait to see what this L3GACI has to offer in the future.
John Legend and The Roots, Shine Tensei remix

L3 -What do you hope to accomplish with your music?
Simple X- I would like to make music that people across the world can feel without having to be stuck inside the current “mainstream” box. To me music is very powerful, it can make a bad day better, it can heal, also it can help relate a message, or tell a story. My goal is to make music that can encompass all of those aspects. (one song at a time).

L3 -So far what journey has your music taken you on?
Simple X I started out making music in 1995. At first I tried my hand at MC’ing, which I honestly was not very good at. Around 1999 I met a friend who got me into making beats. I started off with 10 second sampler, a Karaoke machine, and samples. i’d overdub sounds over drum loops etc… For many years I felt my music was not ready to show to the world, I have been honing my craft for a while and in 2008 I started to get into
beat battles around Chicago, I didnt actually get 1st place in any of them but I was a runner up a few times. In mid 2009, First Word Records picked up my Herma Puma Project, which we released in August 2010. My music has taken me to Europe for a short period of time, and in the future along with Europe again, I hope to share my music with
the entire world.

L3- If there is one thing you want your listeners to learn, experience,
gain from your music, what would that be?
Simple X- I would want them to know that there is more to music than just whats played on the FM Radio and MTV. At some point I feel music got lost in the paper chase and I would like to help guide listeners back to appreciating good art rather than the typical watered down music that we hear blasted on the airwaves everyday.

Make sure you stop by on twitter and follow all the happenings for Simple X and his projects..

Connect with Simple X on twitter…
Simple X
Hermapuma
Tensei

For Facebook….
Simple X on Facebook
Herma Puma on Facebook
Tensei on Facebook

Download, Buy, Share!
Herma Puma on Soundcloud
Herma Puma on Bandcamp
Tensei on Soundcloud

Check out his friends side projects as well!
Cutz on Cutz (Featured on Scion Radio by Rob Swift Jan ’11)
(DJ Moppy, Shazam Bangles, and Rice the Sound Transmitter)

Cutz on Cuts on Ustream(Every Wednesday 4pm – 8pm CST)

Cutz on Cuts on Twitter

Cutz on Cuts on Facebook