The Archives: Boots Riley is a traditionalist dragging things forward. And we're all the better for it.

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Two nights before Barrack Obama's second Presidential election in Nov. 2012, I tracked down political activist, songwriter, public speaker, Coup frontman and all around bad muthafucka Boots Riley to talk about the latest Coup record, the instant classic Sorry To Bother You, the live Coup experience vs. the records and the impact of social media on political activism. It was the second time I've interviewed Riley and he remains one of the best, most open interviews I've ever done. If you're not fucking with the Coup you're fucking up. Mad respect to Boots, one of the most important brothers working in the game today. Great talk. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed having it.

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Andrew WK cements his status as World-Record holder for Awesome Partying.

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I don't usually associate MTV with awesomeness these days, but they have thrown their name into the party hat, reporting that Official Spokesman of Partying and former regular Overcompensating character Andrew W.K. is going to attempt to set the world record for "Longest Drum Session in a Retail Store" with a 24-hour drumstravaganza at something called the "O Awards," this Wednesday (June 19).

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I party hard on the phone with Andrew W.K!

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I still have memories of getting a sneer of hipster-disapproval from the local vinyl dispensary when I took Andrew W.K.'s I Get Wet​ to the counter many, many moons ago. His bearded gaze attempted to pierce its way into my soul, but it was all for naught, because my musical soul was protected by glorious party-armour. Andrew W.K.'s music is more important now than ever as people become increasingly passive, quiet and seemingly hopeless. His spirit and enthusiasm is a lethal antidote to the current of lazy, addictive apathy running through so much modern media. I was lucky enough to talk with this most inspiring, awesome dude before he played a solo show here in my beloved Victoria. Nicer and more gracious than I could have ever expected, the fascinating Andrew W.K. left a smile on my face that still seems to be stuck, a year and a half later.

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