EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: You Love Her Coz Shes Dead @YLHCSD Talks Trials Tribulations And The Future

The electronic music wave is in full effect at this point, but before most hopped on the band wagon, there was UK duo You Love Her Coz She's Dead. Their music might resemble Crystal Castles to the untrained ear, but if you really listen to their self titled debut album they are creators of originality.

Formed in 2006, the road has been anything but smooth. After a turbulent history that brought the band to breaking point early 2012, Jay Dead re-evaluated the situation. Now with a new front-woman, Poppy Dead, You Love Her Coz She's Dead is reborn and supercharged.

Read the unfiltered and untold stories from one of UK's hottest up and coming electronic, unclassified duo, You Love Her Coz She's Dead.

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NEXT IN SHOW PRESENTS 

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

YOU LOVE HER COZ SHE'S DEAD

How was the name conceived?

"YOU LOVE HER COZ SHE'S DEAD" was chosen to

express that most artists, musicians, whatever, become more

famous in death.

Summer is here. What are you doing to make sure

everyone in the world knows about YLHCSD?

The opposite of what you might expect. We've been reclusive

and only playing low key shows in London to test new

material. Despite almost no release activity apart from some

 commisioned remixes and a collaboration with SLDGHMR in Miami, there's

been an steadily increasing new-found interest around the world since I found and recruited new vocalist, Poppy Dead. Rather than keep hammering the

same vibe, we decided to reinvent the sound to a degree, which I knew would take about a year at least, but now we're excited about what

we've created, and have been able to hear and see what's working, and what isn't, from testing new songs club and festival environments. What

we've been doing is trying to keep to YLHCSD roots but

throw in more dirt, and even more melody! I'm a hook-liner but i

love dirt & distortion, but besides being a composer, when it comes to being my own producer too - it takes awhile to get that sounding right!

YLHCSD will be playing out more material pre-release (label yet TBA) August 17th 2013 with Mat Horne (Gavin & Stacey) at Queen Of Hoxton, London.

How do you feel about people like Kanye Wests method of showing

projections all over the world to promote his album?

I have no feeling about it. Totally off my radar, but sounds like a nice gimmick for those who can afford it!

Superheroes is such a dope song. Do you plan on creating

an official visual to go along with it?

Always wished I had, but the song was hi-jacked online on sites like youtube with millions of plays across uploads long before it ever occurred to me to do an official video, and now 5 years later it seems maybe a little late to be concentrating on that song anymore.

You have awesome merch available via big cartel. What

inspired you to start branding yourselves in this way?

Thanks. I'm a graphic designer just as much as a musician, so

it's just another expression of what YLHCSD is.

Some of the designs recently cost so much to make that we lose money, so most of the time our merchandise at http://ylhcsd.bigcartel.com/ is limited runs, with no plan to reproduce, and we've been lucky to have a fan base that then treat those items as collectable, so rare sales eg. on eBay have occasionally seen other people making much more money, more easily, than YLHCSD ever did from previously sold out vinyl and clothing. That's cool though because we made it all for the crack, and not to make money. There are much easier ways if riches are what we seek.

What is your project that you are currently working on?

Apart from the new YOU LOVE HER COZ SHE'S DEAD stuff, single/EP and

inevitable album release, I've also been working on a new SUCKER TWIN release, so anyone who wants to be the first to hear that stuff - get onboard and join the mailing list. We don't send many emails unless there's something to say, and you'll be the first to hear of new stuff: http://ymlp.com/xgeujhmwgmgb

Where did YOU LOVE HER COZ SHE'S DEAD come

together?

Musically 2006 with an ex-girlfriend in Bath, but in 2007 life

went totally sideways, and I really feel to this day that I lost the love of my life that year. Burying myself into music really seemed like my only option at that point. I've never spoken of it as publicly as this before (and frankly who'd give a fuck), but fuck it, it's true, and for anyone who's interested that split has a lot to do with the band name on a personal level, and why it went from being a song title, to being possibly the most unmemorable and unmarketable band name ever.

So, in 2007 I befriended Elle, (ex-vocalist) & Sammy (ex-live drummer 2007-8). It was a progressive period and a lot happened in a short space of time internationally. A bit of a baptism of fire, and the last thing we expected. It was hard work, but a lot of fun, from what I can actually remember.

Are you still currently signed to the French record label

Kitsune Music?

No, not now. Some people we've worked with in the music

industry really advised us to consider the fact it looked as if we'd been what is known as "shelved" for the sake of a similar artist on the label at the time who received the kind of support we'd been led to believe YLHCSD would receive.

I have quite a few unanswered questions surrounding that, because despite

the undisputed and usually unheard of success of a debut in 'Inner City Angst', there was no discussion or opportunity for a follow-up release.

But anyway it was nice to be given the ability to debut YLHCSD alongside such acts as Hot Chip, Chemical

Brothers, Chromeo, Digitalism, Fischerspooner & Gossip

with 'Wizards', & then 'Superheroes' alongside Digitalism, La

Roux, Pnau, A-Trak & Streetlife DJs even before a first EP

'Inner City Angst' (which to our surprise sold out a twice on

vinyl). But even after sold out shows in the UK & EU, plus one of our

favourite artists, M.I.A picking up on 'Superheroes' and including

YLHCSD on her iTunes playlist, as well as NME

Magazine highlighting 'Superheroes' on Kitsune Maison 6

compilation as the "recommended download" over Fischerspooner, Pnau, La Roux & Digitalism - the label abandoned us really. Whether you look at it mathematically or financially – from a record label perspective that seems like an odd decision. I think we could have been much more prolific and toured a lot more (what we want) if we had a more supportive label. There's a lot of room for speculation from all angles, but I think probably there's  always been heavyweight influences higher up the food chain trying to snub YLHCSD out ever since we emerged. It's a gut feeling that's never gone away. So anyway, the outcome of all this seems to mean we now have a concentrated but loyal fan base Worldwide that keep an eye on us, rather than a generic massive following that constantly needs reminding you ever existed.

Do you have complete creative freedom when it comes to

your projects?

Yes. I've done a lot to protect that as well.

I hate comparisons, but who would you say inspires the

music you make?

I know where you're going with that question but it's less other artists mate and more “life” and concpetual stuff.

If you want a list it would be endless musically, but to cut down to the bone for you - anyone that knows of YLHCSD will know that at the beginning there was some furious wankery online regarding Crystal Castles for similarities in

arguably generic chip-tune influences of two producers of a similar age and therefore cultural heritage, and even the girl/boy duo comparison just

seemed to add fuel to that fire, which is unavoidable and hilarious.

The debate sort of fizzled out when those Youtube users

either discovered masturbation or extended their world of electronic music

beyond what music press was force-feeding them. Anyway, the

negativity of the debate only seemed to exist online, and more celebrated via other channels. Most people since seem musically savvy enough to appreciate the differences,  and the non-musical heritage/influences, and didn't seem to know what the fuss was about, which was nice when you consider some of the irony surrounding the debate. I've heard so many times over the years that people love both bands but that the big difference is that CC mentally sends them (for want of a better word) “down”, and YLHCSD brings them “up”. That's fucking art, to me. I appreciate both. And I also love that, because bringing anyone “up” is the feeling I'm trying to produce for anyone. YLHCSD & CC have recently shared the same backstage as well as the same festival stage, and there doesn't seem to be an issue.

When listening to your music a close-minded individual

might only hear anger and noise. What message are you

trying to send to the world with your creations?

Depends which YLHCSD tracks you're listening to, but I

totally get you with that one because I was reared for a while

on a strict diet of grindcore. Try listening to old favourite bands of mine

Nasum (RIP) or Regurgitate – Their music has got a lot of

melody to my ears because I know how to play guitar and

bass like that having written a few albums within that genre or similar. I

know for others it can be pretty hard listening for longer than

a few seconds (a lot of grindcore tracks only last a few seconds), but I guess it comes down to what a listener defines as noise which determines what level, or sort of emotion it's interpreted as emanating.

What has the biggest struggle been throughout your

career?

Well firstly it feels weird thinking of it as a career. Unwanted/

unavoidable depressing circumstances & getting too fucked

up as a result has unstitched members of the project several

times when we knew we should've been touring but were

denied the chance to. Keeping a handle on reality has been a

problem, and with no proper management when we needed it

most to keep things moving or inflict a little guidance,

momentum suffered a lot and put a lot of time in-between

releases. At the times when you'd have expected us to tour off

the back of some of the big TV exposure, things were just

crumbling with no plan or guidance. We did play some really

huge shows, but getting essentially shelved didn't help, and I'd

just write every day, only eventually to realise maybe

someone wasn't making the most of what was happening. But

the project has lasted over maybe 5/6 years now and I feel I'm

creating some of the best material I've ever done with Poppy Dead and SUCKER TWIN. And it will be released soon.

Where does YLHCSD go next in the master-plan?

Well as you might have gathered - There is no master-plan, as

a lot is down to other factors after we've done our bit. Ideally, we

want to tour everywhere around the world, hitting all the places

we never got to the first time around, until we drop down dead. But this

will happen naturally if it's meant to after a new release, and

I've had to try and force myself not to concentrate on anything

but the music for the past year since forming the new line-up,

as self-managing tends to kill creativity once you get into it

too deeply. It's down to the people and how they receive YLHCSD, but also down to the music industry to accept it. I'm burnt out with self-managing the project so we're now looking for new management to build on what's been done in

the past with the new stuff. It's a very different project now with Poppy involved. For me there's even more energy in the music so we can't wait to get the new stuff out in a way that will enable YLHCSD to reach the people that want it live Worldwide this time. Those people are everywhere, and have supported the project for years by buying the t-shirts, vinyl, supporting the digital releases, and encouraging the continuation of the band during the hardest periods. Anything we now release is as a result of that support.

What is the most important thing you have learned about

the music industry?

I suppose there a few negatively tainted lessons that can taken

from YLHCSD's experiences, like getting everything “in

writing”. Creativity and the energy of playing live is all

YLHCSD are in it for and that's the same today as it was 5

years ago, but along the way there are a lot of entities

pretending to be this or that who will make a young project

think you need their help to further a release or whatever,

in what amounts to daylight robbery for a job they don't do or ever intended to.

The lack of action will croak a release or a project completely

if you can't pick yourself up and wise up. I can't divulge that this stuff has happened directly to YLHCSD but let's say we've seen it happen. I think individuals that operate within the music industry knows there is a lot of money to be made from other people's dreams (I looked at the shit on TV and gave mine to a plumber) and because it can be so competitive I think a lot of artists do get taken advantage of. So without meaning to sound jaded or cynical, it's good to

learn to be smart to that. If someone's not do their job, friend

or otherwise, sack them. If music is good it will become known one way or another, and it's not about how many people you reach, more what it means to someone else.

Thank you for your time. You Love Her Coz She's Dead is

Next In Show.

YLHCSD TOUR DATES (WTF - HOOK IT UP U.S. - This is like the Space Race all over again)

17th Aug 2013 - w/Mat Horne - Queen Of Hoxton, London

11th Oct 2013 - VILLA ROUGE - Montpellier, France

16th Oct 2013 - Moscow - Russia TBC

17th Oct 2013 - St.Petersburg - Russia TBC

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READ: Next In Show Presents an Interview with Just Pro @IamJustPro + Rollerskates Live Performance produced by THC

It's summertime and you know Next In Show knows how to start it off right? It's a rhetorical question. Of course we do. To prove it we have a brand new interview with a Los Angeles local and untapped artist, Just Pro. Neither a rapper nor a phony. Before Hip Hop was spoken word for Pro and he has always lead a following and never the other way around. I caught up with Just Pro at Expo Studios in Los Angeles, where we got to talk about his life before music, his influences and an upcoming project that will have his name buzzing called The Pursuit. Read below.

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INTERVIEW WITH JUST PRO

Your upcoming project is called The Pursuit releasing July 1st. When did your 'pursuit' in music start?

I would say my 'pursuit' in music started when I began doing spoken word right after high school. At that time I was going out to New York and doing a bunch of performances out there, like highlighting at the Apollo, opening for Brave New Voices. Also performed other places like San Francisco and Texas. But actual music, maybe 3 or 4 years ago. I went through a transformation phase where I found myself and everything and then found Expo and that's what has turned it into a real Pursuit.

What Is Expo Music?

Expo Music is the studio where the movement originated at, located off of Exposition in Los Angeles. Great West Coast producers, such as Fisticuffs, THC and Rallo got their start at Expo Studios.

Growing up what music was played in your household?

All Oldies. I wasn't even allowed to listen to Tupac and all of that back then. Like I would listen to it on the low, but I had to be careful. Anything from The Beatles or Led Zeppelin to Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin.

Fast forward to today and what can we find you listening to on your iPod?

I'm mainly on the new shit like TDE (Kendrick Ab Soul SchoolBoy Q Jay Rock), we were just talking about Danny Brown, he's dope, ASAP Rocky, Drake and Big Sean. A lot of commercial rappers at this time, other than myself.

What are your thoughts on the current state of Hip Hop?

I think it is in the right direction and evolving. A lot of people seem to be stuck to the past like "90s this and 90s that". The 90s were dope during that time and its situation because that was defined at that time at that moment and now this is our generations time to define ourselves. I'm excited. The sounds are evolving.

You said earlier that you were a spoken word artist before the music. Explain that period in your life?

When I was 16, I went to this Slam Poetry competition and I had never seen one before. It was people my age battling back and forth. When your battling you have to find the best possible poem that will affect that particular crowd of that night and then you have a panel judging it. I told the director I wanted to be apart of this. He had me try out at preliminaries and it just so happens that I wrote a song called if I ruled the world. By the end of the first poem I ever wrote and performed live to get on this team, everyone was dead silent. I had no idea, but they were actually doing that audition for a competition called If I Ruled The World. I went on to performing in many more Slam Poet Comps and was named one of the best Young Adult Spoken Word artists in LA.

When did you make the transition to Hip Hop?

One difficulty I started finding was I was actually good at rapping. Not great yet, but good. I was good at rapping and great at poetry. I ended up not getting the respect for the rapping that I would have liked, so I decided to back off the poetry for the time being. I needed to establish myself in this rap game because that was more true to my heart. Spoken word will always be a part of me.

Lets talk about your project that you are about to release on 7.1.13 called The Pursuit. Are you calling this a mixtape or an album?

An album. It's easy to call a project a mixtape and to buy in the hype of record sales or plays, but it took years to produce, all the tracks on it are original and a work of art.

What kind of sounds were you looking for and what producers fit that description?

I was really into energy while recording The Pursuit.I got to this point where I evolved to where I know exactly how to convey my energy in life onto a record. I love hi hats and 808's, but being able to mix it with strings and synths is meaningful to me. I needed producers who could bring a certain kind of energy to a record. MiC WEST is my bro and we have emaculate chemistry with the music. JQ a good bro of mine makes special beats so I had to put him on here. Zaire Koalo who works with artists like T.I. and B.O.B has records on there. There is also a record called Roller Skates produced by THC that I put on there. Those guys are progressive in the music game right now. A few other producers are on there, but in all the universe brought all of them together for me and this project.

What are you doing to make sure the world hears The Pursuit?

That's a real hard question with a lot of shit involved in that, but to keep it simple just a lot of promo, a lot of putting in work and putting my money where my mouth is. Don't talk about it, Do It. A lot of shows so people can recognize the artist I am. I have a street team and possibly a mini tour. The internet will be one of my best friends.

Are you concerned with getting a deal right now?

I'm not worried about getting a deal right now. Maybe a writing deal and more worried about networking at this time.

To leave on a positive note, what keeps you motivated?

Simple. It's life. As long as I got breath to go forward and have important people around me I will stay motivated.

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Next In Show Presents An Exclusive Interview With @AaronCamper #TennesseeKids

It's a new year with new music and new up and coming talent. So many artists in the world who is next to blow. Someone in my opinion that is definitely ready to break out is Aaron Camper. I discovered AC the same time Justin Timberlake made his comeback to music this year. The two currently go hand in hand because Aaron is a member of the newly formed band of Justin Timberlake called The Tennessee Kids. His voice had caught my attention instantly. From there I discovered great records like Madness and his super dope covers. Check out his latest cover below of Justin Timberlake's Mirrors. Also read our exclusive interview with Aaron Camper.

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Next In Show Exclusive Interview With Aaron Camper

Where did you grow up and where do you currently reside?

I'm from a place called Salisbury, Maryland. #410 #443 all day long.

Do you write your own music? when and how did you begin exploring the world of songwriting?

Absolutely. I love collaborating with homies of mine I trust but it all solely comes from mind and heart. We started at 14 w/ me & my cousin Brandon at my moms crib.

Before life got serious and you were still a kid, what music were you listening to?

Any and everything that stimulated my ears. From New Edition to Chicago. Boyz II Men to Michael McDonald. The Winans to Jodeci. So on and so forth.

You have joined PJ Morton on tour last year. Is this your first solo tour? What is it like?

I did. My man PJ has looked out for me since I decided to do anything on my own. Touring is fun. I love it.

You are now a part of the Tennessee Kids, Justin Timberlakes back up singers and live band. How did this amazing opportunity come about?

It came from being at the right place at the right time and being connected to the right people while working hard. Never get caught not working hard.

so I'm guessing a world tour is in the works?

Touring's always goin on but eventually one day. Lol

I know you are a working musician with many credits to your name, but oddly enough how has life changed since linking with Justin Timberlake.

It's been fun. He's a great dude to work with. I mean who isn't familiar w/ his body of work? Ima fan. It's a great opportunity. I'm blessed.

You have a visual out now for a single of yours called Madness. Are you involved in creating ideas for videos?

Yes. Me and my team all come together come video time and get it done. It's solely on my lead but I have to have there opinion.

Are you working on a solo project. discuss if so?

Yes, it'll be out in June....and that's all I can say about that. Stay tuned to aaroncampermusic.com

What producers or sound are you looking for with your next album?

This is pretty much gonna be a journey of how life is now and just where I am. An honest sound is what I'm best at so that's what it'll sound like.

Your traveling the world now. What is your personal favorite destination so far?

So far, Australia. I love it there.

Who would your ultimate collaboration be dead or alive?

Ultimate. Either Dave Foster or Michael McDonald.

What are you looking forward to doing in your lifetime?

Making my wife, kids, family, friends and people from where im from happy and proud.

In this crazy mixed up world we live in, what words of motivation do you have for readers?

Do what YoU want to do. If you hear it, get it out. If you dreamed it, do it. You're not wrong for your creative thoughts. Follow them, execute and perfect those gifts. The rest is coming.

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Next In Show Interview: Artist/Director Tyree Dillihay @Sneadsbyree

Art comes in many different forms. Music is one graphic art is definitely another. In this digital age creativity is key and that is exactly what Tyree Dillihay is composed of. Tyree aka Ree aka @SneadsByRee is one very talented artist/designer with a very bright future. From creating his very own comic strip called SNEAD'S dedicated to the sneaker culture, to directing a few episodes of the Fox Network Primetime cartoon Bob's Burgers, this guy is progressing and hasn't even peaked yet. Check out the exclusive interview we had with Tyree Dillihay last month during his live sketch performance at a Sneaker Pimps event (Battle Royale).

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Next In Show Presents An Interview With 

Tyree Dillihay @SneadsbyRee

From the very beginning, how did you get involved in art and drawing?

I've been drawing since I was three and it began in the church the same way a singer would begin in the choir. The preacher discovered me because he would always be saying how Jesus died on the cross and that was my first drawing. I had drawn the picture on the envelope and my grandmother saw it and was like "yo,you were listening". She didn't actually say no, but yeah that is how it started.

So from there your talent progressed and you moved forward. Did you go to any trade school to improve your skills?

I went to vocational type schools with more private instruction, but I have an english degree. I took animation electives, but ultimately I wanted to be a lawyer. It was then that I just fell in love with art. I was actually out of love for a second. Won't go into detail, but what brought me back was when I transferred to Cal State Northridge from junior college and had those art electives.

How did you turn that passion into a career?

Blood, Sweat and Dedication. It sounds so cliche, but it is the realest shit ever. Getting what you want is not a reactive occurrence, it's done by shear will and determination.

You have a comic strip and brand out called SNEADS. Where did that idea come from?

Pronounced (Snayds), I am a commercial artist and essentially I get paid to make other peoples dreams come true. After a while you eventually want to make something for yourself. So when I was trying to figure out what I wanted for myself, I wasn't trying to sell a tv show to anybody, at least not with this. I just wanted something that I could just have fun with. What are my passions? Basketball, hip hop, good art and thick women. I took a couple of those. Where sneakers basically fits in is with hip hop. It's just an extension of being fresh and how can I express that with my art at the same time.

The comic has much potential to be a worldwide webisode or national cartoon.

You are currently working with the Fox television cartoon Bob's Burgers and on numerous occasions you have even got to direct episodes. Is that the first cartoon you have directed?

This would be the second cartoon on national television, where I have got the opportunity to direct. I'm an animation veteran, been in the industry for over a decade. The first cartoon I directed was called Allen Gregory created by Jonah Hill, which was kinda here and then it wasn't here. I did two episodes of that. I am in production on my fifth episode of Bob's Burgers. Two have aired so far, so now I'm just waiting for more.

And how do you feel about that?

It's dope. Primetime cartoons is a slightly bigger stage. Each of my episodes that have come on they've averaged on 3 million viewers. I have been involved with cartoons that have blown up. This cartoon I did for BET called Read A Book. That did its thing. I have done campaigns for Capri-Sun, Disrespectoids, like viral cartoons is something I'm just used to doing.

How are you using that to tie in with social media?

Social media is all about getting the word out and what I mean by getting the word out is just getting people to talk about it, be social about it. But the key is make the content remarkable. Remarkable is something you want to talk about you want to aka make a remark about. The shit that I make is for people to respond to and I'm talking to a specific culture of people. They get these jokes, it's not for the rest of the world in regards to my SNEADs comic. So the smaller group of people appreciate what I do because of that. It's for us by us, it's literally on some FUBU shit. Granted we don't rock no FUBU now, but back in the day that concept meant something. Big ups to Damon Johns and the rest of the FUBU click for actually making a dope concept, not just dope shoes or apparel. It actually means something.

What inspires you?

Life in general. Good artists should look at life as something to get inspired by. I'm not a hurmet, well actually I am because work a lot, but when I'm not working I'm studying and just looking around at the world. That is where these jokes come from. I don't have to make up jokes. Life and the culture does that for me. All I do is take notes.

Sneakers are a big part of a lot of your art. What is your top sneaker that you own?

The Air Jordan 3 'Black Cements'. Any of the OG colorway 3's. I'm all about those.

Do you get involved in the sneaker politics?

No. If I like something I'm buying it. It could be the ugliest release to the hottest thing out, But things come and go. For example the 'South Beach' Lebron colorway. They murdered that colorway. Still trying to murder it. It will be back in the summer I'm sure. No disrespect to the South Beach colorway, but that shit is played out. I can't imagine rocking my OG South Beach Lebrons anymore.

What music are you listening to right now?

Whatever is on. Nothing in particular.

Do you listen to the radio?

No no. Stay away from the radio.

What about something like Pandora Radio?

Sometimes. Nobody particular, just usually customize the genre.

You are a veteran in your industry and with your craft. Is there anything that you feel you haven't accomplished?

I want to make my own animated movie.

Do you have any concepts for that?

...................Yes

To leave on a positive note, how do you keep striving for greatness?

Not settling. I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My mother worked for herself and my grandfather worked for himself. So the whole thing I learned from them was, 'Go Get It'. Like whatever it is be the best. I didn't play many sports so this is my form of athletics. I want to be the best. Not to play the race card, but    when it comes to animation you can count the number of primetime black directors on one hand. That's an accomplishment. I take pride in that. That didn't exist when I was a kid. What did exist was Spike Lee. I saw Spike Lee doing his thing and was like, yo that's me.

Appreciate your time Tyree Dillihay. You are Next In Show.

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Interview: Get To Know Jake And Papa

There is so much good music and up and coming artists coming out soon, it's almost overwhelming. What are you supposed to do? Have no fear. Next In Show is here with another exclusive artist or artists for this matter, to showcase. Over here on the west coast R&B is looking for a new direction. Artists like Jhene Aiko and James Fauntleroy are doing a good job bringing soul back, but Jake and Papa will take it from here. The brothers have originality reeking in their music. They make you feel like it was the 90's again when artists like Keith Sweat and KC & JoJo sang music that made time stop. With a new EP Athena's Erotica due out in Fall, you have time to get familiar and eventually fall in love with their music. Check out our interview with Jake and Papa below.

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NEXT IN SHOW INTERVIEW 

WITH 

JAKE AND PAPA

Your brothers. How was your relationship growing up?

We were pretty much attached at the hip. 20 months apart so our mom used to dress us like twins. Everywhere I was he was, everywhere he was I was.

When did music become serious for you two?

Jake - Our dad was a singer, so he began training us as soon as we exited the womb. We have been singing our whole lives. Our first talent show was when I was in preschool and papa was in kindergarten.

What genre do you most identify yourselves with?

Papa - Our roots are R&B, but we are influenced by some many other kinds of music that we try and bring all those influences into the R&B sound. That is what you get from Jake & Papa, a big ol' gumbo pot of sound.

Do you both have the same favorites with music?

We both have our own likes and dislikes, but for the most part we both like so much of the same stuff. At the end of the day we are students of music, so there isn't that much under the sun that if it's good, we will appreciate it.

Westernplayalisticamaromuzic is your latest project out now.

We dropped that in august. That was our summer tape for the fans. This is actually our most successful mixtape thus far.

For a first time listener of that mixtape, what type of records can they expect to hear?

We feel like there are three parts to Jake and Papa. The first part is like our project Destination Shortstay II, which is very sexual. Another part is like our mixtape called Something Soulful, which was more soulful and musical showcasing more of our vocals. WPCM is our more fun, turn up side.

Perfect timing because it's the turn up era.

J&P - It sure is!

Do you both write your own records?

Yes. Everything, but we want to get into producing. Our good friend got into producing some time ago and it's making us kind of jealous. We have all these chords and different concepts in our head, so we definitely want to try.

What are you currently looking for with production on your next project?

Jake - We're working on our EP right now called Ethenas Erotica, which is going to be a very sexually driven very mysterious sounding EP. Very banging and very R&B so we're looking for that live instrumental sounding record. We don't want just 808's and regular sounding production. No bullshit. A very live sound of music.

Do you pay much attention to blogs and social media?

Yeah. When it comes to worldstar and mediatakeout and shit like that we listen, but we keep our ears to the streets more than the blogs.

Do you find social media to be important in promoting your music?

We new to the game, but are learning more and more about it everyday. That is why we got Nicky Geezy on the team right now because she is very skilled has made a name for herself with quality work in that field.

What music have you discovered from your area or anywhere for that matter?

Jake - There is so many different amazing artists out right now. Kenyon Dixon is an R&B artist out of LA right now is amazing talent. He has a better half named Alex Isley who is amazing too. Jhene Aiko, we love her.

So many up and coming now that the world will hear very soon.

In your opinion what is the key to making a hit record?

Jake - I don't know there is one simple solution that everyone can use, but one thing that I have noticed that is very helpful is relatability. When you really listen to the people, you hear what their talking about, you hear their problems, you understand what their going through. You write something that they can feel, that's all you need. Take the Gotye "Somebody That I Used To Know" record. I can't believe the recognition that it got, but I fell in love with it as everyone else did because I could relate to it.

Who would your ideal collaboration be with at this point in time?

Papa - We would love to work with Jhene Aiko, she has such a beautiful voice and I think her movement would mesh really well with ours.

Jake - I concur. Tori Kelly. If you haven't heard her yet, go on the internet and search Tori Kelly. She is one of the best singers I have ever heard. All she does is sing and play her guitar and that would be incredible to work with her.

What is next for Jake And Papa?

We got our next project Athenas Eroticas releasing on iTunes coming very soon. Stay up to date with us on Twitter for the release date. We looking to push the limits this year.

Do you have a main goal in mind for 2013?

We definitely have a main goal. Mainly is for Athenas Erotica to impact the world enough to allow us to travel and perform on the road.

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Next In Show Interviews: The Sass

The Sass is a household name already, you just may not know him personally. With writer credits for some of the music industries top entertainers, It is now time for Sass to take the spotlight. Watch himself and the multi-talented #RowCrew featuring Rico Law and Mike Jay, dominate the charts this year. Next In Show got an opportunity to pick The Sass' brain. Look out for a re-release of his most known unknown mixtape Love Fear and Fantasies coming soon.

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Next In Show Exclusive Interview With @RickieJacobs [READ]

@RickieJacobs

Born and raised in Baltimore, Rickie Jacobs was destined to be a star. His family including 'Air Jacobs' father were musicians. 

"Ironically enough, I wasn't into music early on, but started getting more involved as I got older. My older sister was a fan of the Wu Tang Clan, Snoop Dogg, Redman, and Nas so majority of the time I was listening to what she was playing. I was a bigger Snoop fan growing up though. He made me want to take a trip to California, the sounds were different and made me curious about the west coast." 

Artists and rappers inparticular always seem to be trying to outdo each other. I was curious as to if Rickie felt he was in competition with anyone. 

"Not really, I mean there are others I respect but never did I felt like I had to compete for the simple fact people are going to like who they can relate to regardless. If I get to that point where I have to compete is I should just give up, I just don't want to lose focus on what I'm good at."

Jacobs most notable mixtape Live Epic released in May of last year and still hasn't received the recognition and praise that it deserves. How does an artist, such as Rickie Jacobs maintain his originality. 

"Live Epic was a special project to me. My method is based on feelings, I never go into the studio just to make a song or I never approach a beat like I just got to make a record unless the time is right, and that's why I have such huge gaps between my projects. Me, personally, nothing is original but it can be revised. I just live man, that's what you hear in my music... that Rickie Jacobs is a man who lived, learn and is still living and learning."

Everyone has different interests and talents. What does Rickie Jacobs do when he's not making music? 

"Online shopping hahaha, I am not considered a sneaker head but I love tennis shoes with a passion, all Nike brand though."

A new project by Rickie is releasing on March 4th called Songs For High School Kids. This marks his seventh studio album and is sure to be filled with fresh Air Jacobs hits. People involved in the project include Rickies righthand female producer CXC, at a young 16 years of age from the Netherlands. Also another female producer who goes by Keishh has some production. He says he tries to keep it in the family. Besides that Jacobs kept the features to a minimum really only reaching out to other Baltimore artists. Rickie Jacobs promises Songs For High School Kids will be better than Live Epic.

"It has a more cinematic feel to it."

There is no turning back now. Rickie Jacobs is continuing to progress in his career. What might you as is his main goal of 2013?

"My main mission is to do everything I did in 2012 times a million, sounds a bit cliche but I'm serious man. I feel like this project is the one, I never felt this confident. I still have a lot to prove and that keeps me grounded, but turning people into fans is one of my goals among other things. I have a lot of music to share! Believe that!"

Trust me when i say @RickieJacobs is Next In Show.

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Next In Show Presents An Interview With Rocket @RocketDaGSBGoon [READ]

Our latest interview this week is with Los Angeles thug Rocket out of the GSBG crew. @RocketDaGSBGoon is fairly new to the music scene, but has been putting in work with good friend Casey Veggies. At the Mad Decent Summer event in Los Angeles, I remember witnessing Rocket stage dive into the crowd extra energetic after Veggies Toe Tag dropped.

Rocket latest mixtape The Goon Tape has original production and A list features from raps young and great. I got a short, but sweet and sour interview with Rocket, so read below and follow him on his next adventure as a solo artist.

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http://roomfullagoons.tumblr.com/

Next In Show Exclusive Interview 

With 

Rocket

Are you born n raised in Los Angeles?

Nah, born in Kingston , Jamaica

When was the first time you knew you wanted to be a rapper?

Im not a "rapper", Im a street nigga that rap.

You are rapidly making a name for yourself. Do you appreciate the popularity?

I knew it was coming.

How did you link with Casey Veggies and eventually assist with his live performances?

Veggies been my nigga since grade school and Im a real one, so shit just fell into place

What does your movement G$BG stand for and when did it begin?

GOONSQUADBOSSGANG ! The squad always been there and the name just came.

Currently what music do you listen to while creating your own?

Boosie . Gucci . Future 

Out here in LA, would you rather be up in the club or at a mellow house party?

At the studio.

What are you looking forward to doing in your lifetime?

Thumbing through checks.

Are you working on a debut album right now?

Mixtapes and Singles right now.

In a perfect world who would you want to collaborate with for that project?

Boosie . Gucci . Lil Durk . Future

What is a single word that you always think of to motivate you?

Karen.

Rocket is Next In Show, so be sure to follow him through his career.

Interviewed and Written by Christopher.Iqal 

@ihate_chris 

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Next In Show Presents An Interview With Bianca Leonor [WATCH]

NextinShow.com has a main mission and that is to find newly undiscovered music and talent and showcase it to the world. I believe Bianca Leonor is an artist who is about to make a big impact in the music industry. signed to Mick Shultz Productions, the dynamic duo are about to release the next generation of sounds and songwriting on Bianca's debut album coming later this year. Be sure to check out her first single "Say My Name available on iTunes now. View our exclusive Interview where we get to talk about her original style, she inspirations and much more.

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Next In Show Presents: An Interview With Polyester [WATCH]

We were at Truth Studios in Los Angeles last month to have an exclusive chat with up and coming super producer Polyester. Might not be familiar with the name, but everyone has heard his music. From B2K to Casey Veggies, Real Deal P aka Polyester has been around. Rockin with the Dom Kennedy and the OPM, he is now stepping into the spotlight and will be releasing a deluxe edition of his westcoastadelic mixtape Real Deal P. Check out the interview WITH Polyester below.

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Next In Show Presents: Interview With Craig Gillespie [WATCH]

One of the youngest in the game at 17, with an educated lyrical mindset of a original rhymeslayer, Craig Gillespie is ready to be released in to the music wildlife. Next In Show Presents an Exclusive Interview with Craig G out of the LNDLien camp. Craig's LIst mixtape out now! Download Here

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Interview: Get To Know Ken Barrientos aka The Log.Os [READ]

Photo by Emiliano Bry Fausto

Beneath the radio and popular music, there are humans making music that comes organically from their mind, body and soul. Master producer, artist and engineer Ken Barrientos is of that realm. While Ken is a multi talented artist with his own commune and workshop called The Breath in Los Angeles, he is also conducting an ongoing and open-ended experiment he calls The Log.Os. With help from Nikko Gray and Iman Omari, two Los Angeles locals, the music they make is perfection.I could list all of Ken Barrientos accomplishments, but wouldn't you rather have him tell his story?

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http://the-log-os.com

For Booking: booking@the-log-os.com

Next In Show Presents Ken Barrientos 
aka 
The Log.Os

When did you first get involved in music?

Music wasn't ever a conscious decision in my case, I sort of found myself doing it though. It was always prevalent in my upbringing; in my understanding of the more abstract world and I feel it was always somehow a part of me in my internal language. My father was a musician too [a guitarist]. The chords he would play, I’ve realized, have been carried with me and into my own music a lot. Ultimately, I suppose my process has always been one where I’d only find myself creating once there’d be a real message behind it. Something you tap into and become responsible of delivering through. It’s a spiritual thing as much as it is just therapy or a pastime for me. It’s transcendent, for me anyway.

You’re an artist as well. When did you discover that talent?

My mother says I was drawing at the age of 2. Anyone who knew me then would say that I wouldn’t stop. I was obsessed. Eventually, anything visual-based or design-based I'd become into and found myself doing. I would love to build things with my hands, with limited resources, and to reverse-engineer things – to get something out; I’ve always had the drive to manifest. “The ghost in the machine”. I believe its still a cornerstone of all of my creative processes – whatever that same logic and emotive force is.

What were you listening to growing up?

“Eleanor Rigby” was the first song that gave me "that mood". I think I was 5 years old. I’ve always liked darker sounds that have a certain sweetness to it. I had my father’s music around early on too, as a child. Later, I never really wanted to fall into any crowds or music scenes. I’d have my stints with [say] the hip-hop and the formal band-type kids, but I could never agree with the regulations that were imposed on either of them. I enjoyed [and continue to enjoy] the aesthetics of underground art and music. I think that, with too many rules, they could easily become too insecure for their own good. I feel a good artist is willing to destroy and rebuild his or her own work and comfort zone. Anyway, I think I’ve consistently appreciated anybody that would transcend the confines of genres that never really existed in the first place. I never listen to any types of music as wholes, but each artist or artistic statement on their own – whether that be Brian Eno or Pete Rock. To me, Aphex Twin is greater than house; and Autechre or Dilla are greater than hip-hop – the types of music which they’ve each ironically failed to adhere to. That's the twist, I guess.

  

What do you listen to now?

It's luckily mostly peers and friends of mine, namely Nikko and Iman. Quadron's really amazing, and I'm really excited for them right now [for their deal with Epic]. Currently, Inc. [on 4AD] and a lot of the signees on Tri-Angle Records and Hippos In Tanks are really instilling lots of hope in me with what they're bringing to the table. Actress, Hype Williams, and Zomby have also put out some really fucking beautiful works that cross into full-fledged art. Rap has been good lately too. The Weeknd. Beyond that, I appreciate anyone that’s delivering a breath of fresh air into everything.

Are your inspirations similar with music and art?

Yes. The two are one in the same for me, I can surely say. It’s just life.

Have you always lived in the Los Angeles area?

No. I was born in New York. I have to say that it's a pretty intense place to be all you know for so long in your life. It's a main hub, if not the center of the human universe, in terms of it as a source of information. I take the good and the not-so-good that that implies with me. It’s sort of influenced a dystopic view of things for me, but with a light at the end of the tunnel; some Philip K. Dick stuff.

In my opinion you are already a very accomplished producer and engineer. Who have you worked with that are most special and that would help solidify my statement?

Well, to their credit, I'm personally honored to have worked with Sa-Ra, Erykah Badu, J*DaVeY, Blu, Quadron, and Flying Lotus. I also co-produced “Levels” for Bilal. I don't even know how I can trace myself to now claiming them in my resume. I often feel like I'm a fan, foremost. I guess it took my obsessiveness with sound to make us find each other. Still, everything I’ve done is an experimentation. I don't know what I'm doing.

The Breath is a boutique label that you and Nikko Gray started. What does the brand mean to you?

It's a commune and workshop I've built. It’s a remote creative oasis with an open-door policy. You have to seek it but you kind of have to let it find you. It’s like a tiny cult. Ha. It's also a venue, studio, and art gallery. Nikko designs and sells her own art from it. Everything that comes out of it is "it". 

Who are The Log.Os and what do they represent?

The Log.Os isn't any one body. It is an ongoing and open-ended experiment of mine. I've recently related it to time-travel. It's hard to explain. Iman Omari and Nikko Gray sing on it. Honestly, they’ve been amazing enough to endure through my crazy vision and strange requests!

Your self titled debut album is a classic in its own right. What were the studio sessions like recording that project?

Thank you. It happened pretty organically, yet also a little disjointed. That also kind of hits the nail on the head of my intention with it. These songs were cultivated almost accidentally, during a 3-year period. I had written some of it literally in my sleep. I would transcribe it when I’d wake up. I didn’t know I was making the record until it was too late. I sort of saw the path and took the reins from there. Nikko and Iman never met each other until it was completed. I asked each to sing on it as my voice, essentially. Also, the reason I had revealed it on November, 11 2011 was because the numbers 11:11 had been haunting me in an ominous way for the whole time leading up to its completion. I’d owed it to make that an acknowledged variable in the whole experiment. I was using my life as grounds for the poetry.

What do you hope to accomplish for 2013?

To just be.

If the rumors are true and the world really does end this year, how do you want to be remembered?

I believe I’m just energy and my “memory” will continue into the next world and into deeper levels of existence, regardless. It’s the butterfly effect and that’s enough to be my legacy.

The Future Is Now. Listen To The Log.Os. Energy Is All Around Us.

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