I talked to Mike D aka Bombaman abit about him in the new year and got some words on his Tommy Otis EP dropping today on Lucky Beard Records, which you should probably check.

GP: Bombaman. Who are ya where are you from?

MD: I am Mike D, born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario.

GP: Hows about those people tampons hey?

MD: Don’t even get me started…

GP: Before you went under just Bombaman you used to be Mat Carl / Bombaman. I hear you hate trying to explain the Matt Carl name but I was hopin you could here today.

MD: Haha, oh gosh. Ok, it goes back like, 6 or 7 years when me and some friends were playing some Star Wars fighting game or something for the original Playstation or Xbox, I forget.  I was noticing how lame the names of the characters were, like, how unoriginal and lame they were and one pops up that says “Marl.” I figured they just picked the names of two guys in the room, Matt and Carl and mashed them up to make this lame character name. I put them together as a persons first and last name and had a laugh. Then sometimes down the road I needed a funny name for dj’ing or whatever, and always had that stupid name in the back of my mind.  It’s a terribly lame story and the only reason it’s funny to me is cuz my real name is also two first names.  So, yeah…kinda wack lol

GP: What got you into producing?

MD: I always had an interest.  I have played drums for a long time so it kind of lended itself to wanting to make stuff, I guess. I don’t know what the true determining factor was, but buying CD players definitely got me motivated to start making and playing my own stuff.  I couldn’t do that with vinyl, cutting dub plates was too expensive for me..

GP: What’s your DJ set up like these days?

MD: Two CD players and a mixer.  Nothing special, lol. Typical Pioneer setup.

GP: And what are you producing with?

MD: Ableton Live 8.

GP: Are you Evian Christ?

MD: I am not.

GP: I did an interview with Paul Shore / SnapBack a couple month’s back and he’s of the opinion that your producing the kind of music that producers should be producing. Are you just going for straight bass heavy as fuck / weird isht when you jump into a new track? Or is there a more structured approach that you take and people might not expect?

MD: Ummm, I’d say I don’t have much of an approach other than just kind of goofing around, seeing what different effects chains can do to a sound.  It’s literally just me mucking about. I’m sure you can tell, but yeah, the sub bass is the most important part to me, and that’s where I usually start.

GP: How often do you go back to your pre Ableton days and background with traditional (old school) instruments for new track ideas? Ableton was a total game changer for you wasn’t it?

MD: I’d say I never go back to pre Ableton days, haha. Ableton was definitely the EXACT program I was looking for.  I was using a tracker called Making Waves that was, I dunno, sort of finicky. It wasn’t intuitive, but I learned the hell out of it and made it work. Then through some music magazines I eventually came across Ableton. Based on what I read, it sounded like it was right up my alley. I started using it and haven’t turned back. That must have been about 5 or 6 years ago, I guess.

GP: Your Tommy Otis EP is due via LuckBeard Records pretty quick here. Give us some words on that.

MD: Ah man, so glad to get some of those tunes out on a label like LB. I had a pretty good cache of unreleased music by the time we started talking about releasing something. So we went through some of the better ones and picked out some older and newer stuff.  This is also like, a two part EP.  I don’t know if the second one will share the Tommy Otis name, we’ll see, haha.

Part one mixes up some old and new.  “A Number of Names” was one of the first tunes I made late last year that is along the vein of what i am currently making.  Some weird, super subbed out, chopped up vocal retardation.  Lots of weird automation with the delays and reverbs, weird panning and stuff.  I think I had just hooked up a second sub to my setup, so it may have been more of a demo tune that I just ended up finishing, lol. “Are Pats” is an old one from 2010, I think.  It got some unexpected support, but I still never thought much of it.  That one is definitely more of a cheesy, party tune. Super up beat with some female vocal workout. The last one is “Everything Came From Strangers,” which is a huge personal favourite, also from 2010. I had just come back from doing a five week stint in the States, and all those kids want is hard hard hard, except in Portland, lol.  Anyways, I came back and didn’t want to listen to any of that shit anymore, so I started making some of that really stripped back, pure sub bass, no drums kind of stuff that I am getting known for. That was probably one of the first I made in that style. That track sounds fucking BANANAS on a big sound system, shit will knock a wall down.

GP: Dubstep. I think your the man to ask on the state of the genre, it seems to be a hot topic these days.

MD: I don’t like what is being made and played these days.  That’s that.

GP: Is it just me or has “Bass Music” become the new in thing along side Future Garage?

MD: Yeah, I think I’d agree with that.

GP: Top 3 parties for you these days?

MD: I don’t even know.  I don’t go out or dj much these days, haha.

GP: Do you spend much time following labels? You’ve got some shit hot releases with some of the good ones atm. I won’t go into listing them all.

MD: No. I’ll be honest. I don’t follow much at all.  I know what I like and I tend to stick within my comfort zone until someone shows me some truly next shit, then I go in the studio and try and make it myself, lol.

This past Sunday Vancouver & Blueprint hosted two of the biggest heavy weights in dubstep, and us Schitheadz managed to ketchup with Doorly!!
Here is how that when…

SP – How did you start djing & producing?

MD – I started DJing when a DJ at a bar i was working at as a server didnt show so i filled in with some cds i had and got the job! I’ve always edited tracks for my own sets so just kind of pushed on and built from there.

SP – What do you Dj & Produce with??

MD – ableton, sometimes reason for drums and percussion.

SP – We work at the School of Remix DJ & Production School. Do you have any words of wisdom for new producers/djs?

MD – Just get stuck in making bootlegs, its the best way to practice. dont expect people to send you parts and offer you official remixes. Look for a track with a cleanish breakdown that you can grab and re-work into your own kind of banger (Thats what i did with my first breakthrough remixes for dizzee rascal, calvin harris & Mr Hudson) and i am still a big beleiver of remixing stuff i wasnt supposed to to give my DJ sets an edge.

SP – How did u get into dubstep??

MD – I was playing an early set at a Drum & Bass party about 4 / 5 years ago and had just started to hear a few people (Skream / Rusko etc) playing this exciting new sound that i thought would work great before the headliners came on. So i made a few edits (The bonkers remix was one of them – i actually made that on the train on the way to that gig) and collected as much as i could and just got into it from there.

SP – What does the future hold for dubstep??

MD – in the UK the tear out stuff is over now, its gone much deeper and theres a lot of hate on anything with a loud wobble. in the States its only going to get bigger with, for the first time since house music, a fleet o true american global superstars in the scene emerging (Skrillex, 12th planet etc)

SP – Who are you listening to right now??

MD – I’m really into Joy Orbison, Ramadanman, Boddika and that crew right now.

Joy Orbison – Hyph Mngo [HFT009] by Hotflush
Ramadanman Remix Showreel by Reprise Agency
You Tell Me by Boddika aka.Instra:mental

SP – Where is your favorite place to play??

MD – Fabric in London is always wicked, Bestival was my favourite UK festival last year and Los Angeles is my favourite city to play in.

SP – Who are your favorite artists?

MD – Toddla T is inspiring, huge drive and boundryless music that is totally unique to him. His next album is sounding awesome. And again wait til you hear some of the new Joy orbison stuff this year, its absolutely next level game changing stuff!

Toddla T – Take It Back (Dillon Francis Remix) by DILLONFRANCIS
Toddla T – ‘Take It Back (Radio Edit)’ by toddla_t

SP – How many times have you played in Vancouver and what do u enjoy about It??

MD – Last night was my first vancouver show and i LOVED it!! I love pretty much every gig i play in Canada to be honest, the people here have unrivalled friendliness and know how to have a good time! Last night i overslept and had to wake up run straight into the venue from the tour bus and just play. That would usually be difficult to pull off but that crowd was awesome and i had a blast! Cant wait to come back : )

SP – What do you do to give back??

MD – To celebrate the launch of my own record (Pigeonhole This!) a genreless outlet for myself and other producers that i’m feeling to put out music without being forced to conform to any style. This year i am giving away a free bootleg every month where i re-mash a classic track in a future style. So far ive done Mr Scruff, Musical Youth and missy elliott. All the bootys can be downloaded for free from www.doorlydj.com
Also we are given a LOT of snack food and drinks on this tour, way more than we need in every city so at the end of each night i put aside what we need for that nights travel and then go and give the rest of the stuff to some local homeless people. I look for the friendly ones : )

SP – What food do you miss the most on tour?

MD – Fresh, Healthy food like a good freshly chopped salad or maybe some hot vegetables. We tend to just grab quick stuff wherever we go, its hard to find the time to sit somewhere really nice and we cant really cook on the tour bus.

SP – What’s your cocktail??

MD – I’m a bit of a connosouir in cocktails actually. Nothing cures last nights hangover before the next show better than a well made cocktail! I live in Ibiza during the summer months as i run clubnights and hold residencies there and in the main bar (Bar M) i actually have my own Signature “Doorly Daqueri” (A la Larry David’s sandwhich in curb your enthusiasm) Its a Frozen strawberry daqueri, thats my fave!

SP – If you had to choose a different career outside music what would it be?

MD – An international Football (Soccer) Legend – or maybe a career in porn!

SP – What should fans look for in upcoming projects and gigs.?

MD – I’m leaving the rusko tour for one night and flying to Los Angeles to launch my new live show this friday at Avalon in Hollywood. The show will be called “Afrodigiscratch” a new Live / Turntablism show with live visuals and Interactive elements such as a live twitter wall and a live U Stream of the set (If we manage to get it all set up on time!) This will be the debut of the set and i will be doing a full tour of the show around north America towards the end of the year. I have also just released a brand new three track EP More info:

DOORLY – PIGEONHOLE THIS! EP2 by doorly

www.doorlydj.com
www.twitter.com/doorlydj
www.facebook.com/doorlydj

Big thx to Doorly for taking the time to rap with us.

Shout out to Jonah Berry!

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Schitz Popinov w/ TEED

SP – What’s the origin of your name? Have you change your name before?
TEED- I got drunk, and it started.

SP – What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
TEED – Just dance music.

SP – When did you form Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs?
TEED – Maybe 3 years ago… not sure.

SP – Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
TEED – What is a music organisation? I have released 3 EPs on a label called Greco Roman.

SP – What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/colour preference?
TEED – I’ve just bought what I have been able to afford. I do love Korg synths though.. I have an MS20, a Poly61 and a MicroKorg.

SP – What are your favourite and least favourite venues that you’ve performed at? What upcoming show are you most excited about? – Tonight I am playing at Astra in Berlin which looks amazing, so really looking forward to getting on stage.

SP – Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers or remixes? Do you have a set play list?
TEED – I have all my tracks in front of me so I can play which ever ones I feel. Of course I try to make sure that people hear the tracks they want. Occasionally I play bootlegs ive done of other tracks and I definitely play some of my remixes.

SP – What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
TEED – All my songs sound a bit sad.. one day I hope to change that.

SP – Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
TEED – Make noise, sing, add a hi hat, turn up the bassline.

SP – What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
TEED – I’ve had one rehearsal. It was fun, apart from that I like working it out on stage.

SP – How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
TEED – That question is too big to answer..

SP – What has been your biggest challenge? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
TEED – Singing live. Im not a fan of my own voice, but im getting used to it.

SP – What’s your ultimate direction for your music? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
TEED – I’m doing what I love, and I’ll do it for as long as I can. I feel very fortunate to be able to live from my music.

SP – What advice do you have for people who want to become musicians?
TEED – Work harder! And only write tracks you want to write, never write what other people want you to write.

SP – How can fans gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or myspace iTunes etc?
TEED …. yes

SP – Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
TEED – My parents I guess.

Questions by Danny D

Be sure to check out TEEDz WEBSITE HERE √

How Far (The 2 Bears remix) FREE DOWNLOAD by T-E-E-D

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – tracks and remixes by T-E-E-D

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In this interview with LCD frontman James Murphy…which for some reason I can’t embed so you have to click the link and go watch….

James Murphy Interview

…he mentions Bronski Beat and OMD as inspiration for this track. I’m glad he listened to them cus this track is perf.

LCD Soundsytem – I Can Change by SchitzPopinov

Peep the inspiration.

OMD – 2nd Thought by SchitzPopinov

Bronski Beat – Smalltown Boy by SchitzPopinov

And if your in Vancouver this coming Monday they are playing at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. Epic probably so get yer tix. See you there.

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There is a lot to be said about Disney kids.. it seems like the fantasy upbringing for people like Britney and Christina doesn’t make for  well adjusted adults.  Being in the lime light at such a capacity, saturated with only hints of reality has turned many of Disney’s sweethearts into young adults  who struggle to gain a true sense of identity.

This was also the case for Disney child star Nala Idowu, best known for her role as NALA in Disney’s blockbuster hit, The Lion King.  We sat down down with Nala at a cafe in North Hollywood, Los Angeles to talk about life after Disney in this Schitzpopinov exlusive:

After exiting Cold Water Canyon off the 101, i quickly remembered why I never come to the valley, because it sort of depresses me.  I parked my car in the busy lot of the Coffee Bean, and I could see Nala through the glass of the front window of the cafe, she text messages on her first generation Nokia 3310 and sips a Iced Mocha.

I join her, I can’t help but notice her striking eyes.  She still looks the same, hones the familiar cub like qualities as she did while playing the breakthrough character of the same name.  I must admit it’s a bit surreal to sit with her, all grown up…in North Hollywood…

We introduced ourselves, I bought an iced green tea and we get right into it.

Schitz:  What brought you over to America from Nigeria?

N: I was sick of Lagos, you know?  I wasn’t being challenged in my roles.. I was being cast as a novelty, always some unintelligent spin off of my charachter from L.K, mostly commercials.. I recenetly did one for Subway which was kinda fun

Schitz: Are you getting put up for better projects here?

N: Well (laughing) slowly but surely, yeah yeah, they’re coming through just you wait.

Schitz: Word on the street is you have your own reality webisode series in production?

N: Yeah, it’s really going good.  Watch for it in a few months.

Schitz: How has it been adjusting to America and the industry over here?

N: One thing that I want everyone to know, I play more than just a lion from the Serengeti, you know what I’m saying? I really feel that I’m being type cast as that, and I have so much more depth and range.. I actually have an audition for the love interest of one of the lead frat boys on Greek (ABC Family)

But Adjusting? Yeah Im adjusting.  Really trying to break into the edgier roles.  I just finished shooting a remake of Salt ‘n’ Pepa’s “What a Man”

Schitz: Oh Schit.. I think we need a preview

“Nala” What a Man – Teaser Edit from jody wilson on Vimeo.

We look forward to seeing more of Nala in the future,  judging from this teaser above, she sure does keep it real.  Can’t wait for the full version!

Jody Schitz LA