Dusty Melo is well-spoken and not at all the ADD ruffian he seems like on stage.

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I did some writing for the Rifflandia Festival Guide and one of the groups I covered was Pigeon Hole. I first saw the duo play before Tommy Guerrero a few Rifflandias ago and loved their raucous energy and swagger. Seemed like a good choice for me. There wasn't enough information on the net about the duo to write the allotted word count so, through the power of Twitter, I contacted the duo and Dustry Melo was quick to get back to me.

Having seen them again recently at Shambhala, where they destroyed the Amphitheater in the blazing sun, I can happily assure everyone that their energy has not diminished one ounce. But now, that energy is focused like a laser. I don't know what trap music is, but apparently that's what you call the beats that pack their new album Chimp Blood . All I hear is slightly more electronic hip-hop. I dunno. Labels, eh, fuck 'em. Let's not worry about that right now. Let's all just read this sweet conversation I had with Dusty Melo, one half of Nanaimo-bred gangstas, Pigeon Hole.

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I talk to Tech N9ne again and surprise! He's still awesome.

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Tech N9ne just released one of the best hip-hop albums of the year and definitely one of his personal best, Something Else . As like last time, the good people at Strange Music were quick to find some time for me to chat with Tech about his love of my hometown Victoria, the dreams he got to fulfill on the new album and his tenuous relationship with the Black community. Tech proved once again that he's a thoughtful, engaging and humble presence, more than deserving of all the adulation and accolades that have been coming his way. Respect to Technician #1.  

(If you see the thumbnail, that's my Tech-inspired war-paint I donned for Shambhala.) 

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Kris Wood isn't quite as mysterious as I originally believe. (But still kind of mysterious.)

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Blackberry Wood was my surprise highlight of last year's Victoria Ska Fest. When I saw that they were coming back for more this year I had to jump at the chance to get Kris Wood on the phone. Their unique sound and intense live performance makes them a fascinating, not to mention insanely fun,  band that has quickly made itself a staple of my listening repertoire. We had a great talk about influences and our shared love of hip-hop, slaying crowds in Dawson City and facial hair maintenance. Great talk, read it.

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I only know a bit about Dub FX, then Dub FX tells me a lot about Dub FX.

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I didn't know much about Dub FX other than some friends telling me to check him out. When he announced as a headliner for this year's Victoria Ska Fest (One of the major highlights on the Victoria music calendar)  I took the opportunity to check him out. After hearing "Made" I was hooked. I jumped in the rabbit hole and quickly decided I needed to track him down as part of my Ska Fest run-up for a little chat before his return to Victoria. Intelligent and warm, we had a great chat about his musical roots, the terrible music we both listened to in the past, Snoop Lion and the joys of playing music with the woman he loves. It's a bit of a long one this time, folks, but it's a good one. Much respect to Dub FX.

 

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I continue to be fascinated by Hawksley Workman. (Part 2)

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Here is the second part of my interview with Hawksley Workman that was originally for Feedback magazine but after the disappearance of my editor the article went to the my familiar stomping grounds, the Martlet. We talk about his new project, Mounties, oppression and manipulation through media, and the changing social landscape of Canada. One more thanks to Hawksley for being so open and thoughtful during our exceedingly long chat.

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