Interview with Supersillyus

A couple months back I went to hang out with Rob Uslan, better known as Supersillyus. He is a multi-talented artist, working on his solo music as well as the popular duo of himself and Space Jesus to make up Schlang. He's been living in NY now, so I headed down to Brooklyn and sat down with the man. The following is a little of what transpired.



There was really no formalities here. Just hanging out that afternoon, talking about random stuff and streams of thought. Supersillyus has some pretty interesting things to talk about when it comes to the state of the scene, writing music, gentrification, and even a few thoughts on psychedelics. He even shared his most recent work in progress at the time.


Rob's an awesome guy, it was a lot of fun chilling with him. He won't be performing too much during the summer time as he's working on multiple records, but be sure to catch him live and really experience Supersillyus in all of his glory, as well as when he performs with Schlang.

Catch him this Saturday (June 21) for a live show and a debut of his newest song. Catch him playing with some legendary artists like Frankie Bones and Afrika Bambaataa at Summer Solstice [click the link for info/tickets]. We'll also be seeing him perform on the festival track this summer at Luna Light, FarmFest, and Wild Woods Music and Arts Festival.

Supersillyus Links

Official

Soundcloud

Facebook

Supersillyus - by Rich Guerra (lostinsound.org)

Interview: Morgan Freeman (Bluecrash)

Back in February, I was given the opportunity to sit down with an amazing artist. He has worked in many different fields in the professional world, and is now settled into a position of visual artist, his main role being the resident VJ at Marquee, one of NYC's hottest night clubs, as well working at different corporate events and national acts such as Knife Party and Erykah Badu. He is a photo journalist, techy, humanitarian and all around great guy. His name is Morgan Freeman also known as Bluecrash. This was a interview was originally video recorded.

Etan Wish: I have a very special and awesome interview for you today. I am sitting here with Morgan Freeman, also known as Bluecrash. Why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself and let everyone know what you do.

Morgan Freeman: My name is Morgan Freeman, and I'm a visual artist here in New York. I do a lot of design, different looks for different events. From underground warehouse events to designing the look of corporate shows. I work with DJs and even Bar Mitzvahs... it's been a pretty interesting year!

EW: Looking through your work, one would find that you also capture the world through your camera lens.

MF: I am also a journalist. I had my NYPD independent press accreditation for many years. My work has been published in many magazines including Globe, AERA Magazine, the front page of an architecture magazine for an article I did with the wonderful Keiko Tsuyama, known for her international news coverage and published books about technology. There was a lot of breaking news and interview journalism. I covered the Occupy Wall Street story, was in Spain covering a lot, as well as in Haiti after the earthquake to cover the rebuilding. The last story I covered was the inauguration this last January in Washington. But, more recently the focus has been on keeping my residency at Marquee, New York.

EW: Right on. So you're pretty well known for your work with projecting mapping and digital art, can you tell us a little more about that?

MF: I've been doing projection mapping for a little over four years. I know I'm probably not the first person to do it, but I'm one of the first people to do the more complicated and some of the first stuff here in New York as far as projection mapped stages for underground parties, pieces for museums, or corporate events and nightlife.

EW:  How are you able to combine your professional passions into your art?

MF: I originally have an IT background, working with hardware and software for over a decade. I knew that wasn't really me, I always thought of myself as an artist, but I knew I couldn't make a living as an artist, so I worked in IT for a long time. After the dot com bubble burst, I realized I couldn't make that living as an IT person! So I went back to the idea of being an artist. So I combined my background with computers and software to do a lot of the digital art and move forward with some ground breaking ideas as far as technology and art. So as far as passions coming together, well in the end they all kind of did, and led me here to Manhattan for the past four years.

EW: While at Marquee, what's one of the craziest things you've seen go down?

MF: I don't want to blow up any celebrities spots. We have a lot of celebrities, a lot of actors, a lot of old heroes of mine. One of the craziest moments was ... *laughs* ... well one of the more interesting moments from Marquee and it's celebrities was probably Afrojack's birthday where he walked around and was serving everybody a shot of Patron. So getting served a a shot of tequila by Afrojack on his birthday, that's the usual kind of thing to go down at Marquee that I think I can talk about.

EW: Where do you draw inspiration from?

MF: I draw from everything I see, I think like most artists. When I go for walks in the city and see window displays. A lot of looking at other artists work online from other countries all over the world. I think everyone is looking at everyone's work and reinterpreting what we see. I believe it's that interpretation that gives us our own styles. I would work a lot through mash up work at a lot of the warehouse stuff. People used to think there were messages in my work, but it was all very da-da. If you have to make something that is  not a loop, I would do a six or eight hour pieces that would constantly change over the night, there was no message.

EW: I'm aware of work you've done with Erykah Badu. Where are some places we've seen your work?

MF: Years ago I did an interactive projection mapped floor for a BET performance for Erykah Badu. After I did that, the whole floor at the Super Bowl later that year had the mapping. I was happy to see that stuff as catching on and people were making use of the technology. I've also done work with big companies like Nike and Patron. I have been lucky to  work with a lot of my favorite top 100 DJs, and working at EZOO 2012 for Knife Party on the main stage.

I've been at Marquee now for the past year, one of the hottest clubs in New York City. Pretty much every big artist in their event calendar I've worked for in some capacity. I work with the LEDs and pretty much all of the video on the walls and on the ceiling... Which only run second to the lighting. I work with one of the best lighting designers, John Triunfo. The room has a very specific dark, underground, minimal look. It's very hip and very now, it's very minimal techno for New York nightlife.

EW: What about you, what do you like to do?

MF: I really love movies. I love... I love food. I'm so, so happy with this residency that I'm able to go out into New York and enjoy a lot of food. I wasn't able to go out and enjoy the last few years I've been here in New York. I know it sounds silly, but I'm very happy to go out and eat in Manhattan.

EW: When you do find time to do exhibits and private shows, how do you mold your designs?

MF: I've been doing a lot of themes, for about the last year and a half. All original work... I did Exploring the Shadow of a Giant Robot. It was a giant installation where we installed a giant robot and I filmed all these apartments interiors and projected them into these buildings that were under the robots shadow. I also did a group exhibit piece that was at MoMa. It was a piece I filmed exploring the architecture and the body's resting posture.

EW: There's an installation you have coming up on June 5th, and from what we've heard so far it sounds very interesting.

MF: Yes, I am having an exhibit June 5th at the Rabbithole Gallery (Dumbo, BK), titled "I Am Normal". It's an exhibit that features the human body, both male and female. It is an interactive installation as well, where people there will be able to manipulate the bodies of 9 models, men and women. A great way to describe the gallery comes from a review by Max Ritvo; poet and experimental comedian in the NYC-based troupe His Majesty the Baby.

He wrote that it will be a "groundbreaking, merciless interrogation of viewer and viewed, exploration of manhood, womanhood and sexuality; projection artist Morgan Freeman uses his imagination, technical bravura, and keen understanding of the human form to allow audience members to manipulate, in real-time, moving video of models."

EW: That's great. That's a really interesting and capturing environment for people to be in. I am definitely looking forward to that. Well, thank you so much for your time today Morgan, and before we go, let everyone know where they can find you online.

MF: My pleasure, and people can find me online at Bluecrash.com and I also have video channels to watch as well.

Interview with Danish Pop Star Medina (UnderNYC.com teamup!)

About a week ago, I was approached with the opportunity to sit down with the most famous person I have ever interviewed to date...the Danish Pop Star, Medina. She was the most down to earth and lovable character, and she made it clear why her fans love her so much, and why she is successfully involved in everything she does. Which is incredible considering the amount of awards she's won, as well as the prestige of being the most Googled person in Denmark, as well as getting more airplay last year than anyone else.

***** FULL INTERVIEW WITH TRANSCRIPT HERE*****

***** FULL INTERVIEW WITH TRANSCRIPT HERE*****

I was presented with this interview from our friends over at UnderNYC.com. Over there you can hear the full 30 minute interview, as well as read the transcript. I also put together this little teaser too. If you are into this 8 minutes, I implore you to check out the whole deal. She really is an inspiration and I have been left humbled by her energy.

Huge thank you to Medina, her crew, Magnum PR, and of course UnderNYC.com!!

666 Lights' Black Mass & Interview with Mantis (Zodd)

Whatup Everybody? It's Z once again and I'm here to tell you about my time at 666 Lights event that just passed recently called The Black Massive which we totally had to attend to cover and also took the time to preview a bit earlier. It featured acts such as the legendary Airwave, the crushingly awesome Mantis, and the face melting sounds of Jantsen, among amazing others such as Dark Elixir, Druley, Omega, Doctor Voodoo, and It Lives... talk about a serious line-up. We at EGP decided to share with you some of our experiences here and some photos that we got together as well as an exclusive interview with Paul Ollinger from Mantis made possible with the help of 666 Lights and The Artery Foundation.

By: Soley

By: Triple Threat Productions

First I'm gonna have to say the presentation was just amazing, the demonic hell themed party might have seemed almost a little overwhelming at first but it all came together as a fun atmosphere in its own right. The visual thematics were amazingly well represented thanks to lighting artist Morgan Freeman. Visuals of scriptures and cinematics of biblical themes in black and white that were tasteful as well as exciting, they literally covered the entirety of the landscape of the inside of Highline Ballroom. It was a different feel from most NYC parties, it brought a touch of dark unique class to the event.

By: Soley

Airwave set it off with one of the most amazing introductory sequences ever that set the party into motion. Theatrical would be an understatement, as it turned every single head I could notice in the event. Once things got into motion I found myself flowing in the ether just enjoying the emotions Laurent Veronnez projected onto the dance floor. This was real EDM, soul moving trance and progressive that got a lot of people especially a lot of the younger attendees wondering what they had been doing with their tastes for so long.

By: Triple Threat Productions

By: Soley

I have to say though Mantis was my favorite act of the night by far, maybe its just me but I love the style of deathstep that they bring to the table, the death metal influenced structures and crunchy almost alien sounding bass set it off on the dance floor for a while. My good friend Scotty and I couldn't help but dance as he dropped a set that was beyond insane. There were some new songs played that I can't wait to get my hands on. We got a chance to chill out and ask some questions afterwards so take a peek at our exclusive interview with Paul Ollinger from Mantis below.

All the photo links are down below! Make sure you subscribe to the Youtube channel for MOAR great content, as well as the Facebook page to keep in touch!

Photos:
Electric Ghost Punk: SET
Triple Threat Productions: SET // Video
666 Lights

Catskill Chill 2012: Exclusive with Break Science (EGP Festival Watch 2012)

Sup everybody? Wish yonder! Not even a full week after EvolveFest was the next stop on our festival tour, Catskill Chill. The Chill took us up north into the Catskill Mountains in New York. Placed in a quaint and quiet camp ground, this festival felt more intimate than any of the other one's we've been to prior. As the festival moved forward, the Electric Ghost Punk team had some of the most memorable moments and eye opening experiences than ever before. And it was all thanks to the team over at Velour Music, Brotherly Love Productions, the team at Catskill Chill, and of course, Break Science.

Before you continue, relax, push the play button, and carry on.

Website by Break Science

The following is what went down at Catskill Chill.

Although not the biggest music festival we were attending (just around 5,000 people), all the EGPunks were very excited to be going to this event. It was the first time the main players would all be together in one place, and to top that off, I was getting to meet Brower for the first time as well.. Me and Fitz had headed there together, while Zodd and Brower came separately. This allowed us to settle in and figure out where we wanted to set up shop. After all Fitz has his ENO hammocks and it's always nice to find a relaxing area to set them up and catch some sleep or hang out. After walking around a bit with nothing but our backpacks on we sat down on a small hill overlooking a lake. As we sat there, I began to write a bunch of notes on who we wanted to see, and a basic game plan for the day. A few people came up to us just say hi and introduce themselves, the breeze was cool, and the scenery was perfect. It was "chill", and perfectly so.

As the day kept flying by, and there was no word on Zodd or Brower, so me and Fitz decided to go and check out the music as it began. After walking through the main camp grounds, there was a check point to approach the stages. It was past here where the stages were set up, as well as the main vending area. These grounds provided a central meeting area for people to eat, smoke hookah, enjoy music and be centralized to the middle of what's going on. After this first day of interaction with so many amazing people, my entire weekend had been put into motion to meet and connect with so many talented, intelligent, creative people.

Essentially, that's how The Chill felt. It was a small community, all surrounding the love of music, and how we all communicate with it. After watching Lettuce from the side stage and coming back with them afterwards,  the band took a seat at the green room house. Even Adam Deitch was saying "I wish I could continue playing... I don't want to stop the music". If a drum set had been handy you can bet Deitch would jump right on it.

Fitz with Adam Deitch

Vernon Webb Photography

We actually had the opportunity to sit down with Adam to talk about his projects. He has been the drummer for Lettuce for many years, and like other members of the band (Kraz) he has a side project that's been popping for a couple of years now, Break Science. Currently releasing music under Pretty Lights Music, Adam and partner Borahm Lee break it down for you. Their live performance is so ridiculous. People in the crowd go nuts, with the beats breaking down from effervescent flows, to funky glitchy beats, right back down to the flow again. It kinda felt like the room went from jumping dance party to very sexy party in the drop of a beat.

Here's what down in the interview: (Push Paus3 above, and play below ;)


A few hour after that interview is when they went on, and they tore the house down. The set was intense, and ultimately packed out the stage area so much it spilled out into the common grounds. It was glorious. There were multiple sets that went down that weekend that I consider some of my personal favorites and bests. With so much talent, it only made sense they'd all bring it. The soul, the funk, the jam, and the heart pounding beats...

McLovins by Zodd

Crowd for SoulLive by Wish

Break Science by Zodd

And when you weren't checking out the music at one of the three stages, you could be eating some bbq, or some fresh oysters (might just be my favorite person ever), or hanging out by the lake, meeting new people, buying new wares, exchanging ideas, learning about crystals and healing... the list goes on. The point is, between seeing amazing talent like Break Science, The McLovins, SoulLive, Lettuce, Horizon Wireless... among many more, meeting all the incredible people from all over the world, and feeling at home every night wrapped up in a hammock or cuddled with my friends. If you didn't know, now you know. Catskill Chill is where you want to be.

Photos:
Electric Ghost Punk: Zodd's Album // Pictorial Walkthrough
Vernon Webb: Day 1 // Day 2 // Day 3
Allie Gangi Photography: All of This

Glover's Spotlight: Karma

We're bringing back the Glover's Spotlight, and this time, we're heading up north to MA, to speak with a talented glover with a fantastic outlook on what he does. Introducing, Karma.


What's up man?! Introduce yourself... What glover name do you go by and where did it come from?

What’s up Wish, in my daily life I go by my real name Mike but when the gloves get pulled on tight and the lights get turned on, I go by my glover name Karma. I’ve always been a believer in karma which in religions is the basic concept of an “action” or “deed” causing the cycle of cause and effect. When karma comes back around and bites you in the ass it hurts, so I try to make the right choices and stay true to myself to avoid it sneaking up on me.


How did you find out about gloving? 

I first found out about gloving in early 2011 when I went back to California to visit family and friends. I was at my friend Zach’s house and I remember him saying to me “I’m going to melt your face and mind by giving you a lightshow.” I was so hypnotized by the beautiful colors and this effortless flow he had... it took me a solid minute to pick my face up off the floor. He taught me a few basics like finger rolls, but I didn’t really get that into it until Camp Bisco 11. Since Camp Bisco I haven’t been able to stop learning new concepts therefore developing my own style.

Frank Dixon Photography

What got you to put on your first pair?

It was at Bisco where I got my first pair. Bought them from you Wish! At the booth you were working at (Electrik Graffiti)! I didn’t care what colors they were or how much I just wanted them. Once I had them I couldn’t take them off. Until I had to take them off and ended up losing them. Here's karma for you... a funny story. I recently became friends with a girl named Mia who also went to Bisco and found a pair of gloves that were the same kind as mine. If it just so happens they are mine, I'm glad they ended up in good hands, because she’s nasty at gloving.


Let's talk a little about the North Eastern scene. Everyone knows a Tight Crew party is what's up, but give everyone a little insight to what the people are like.

If you live in the North East and go to events frequently you have definitely heard and most likely attended a Tight Crew party. Everybody on that crew is wicked nice and kind hearted people who just want to have a good time with other good people. Ill definitely be attending their next event in Providence, Rhode Island “ Creatures of the Night 4.” I've noticed that its only at the Paladium that you get mostly bros and girls who want to show off their neon clothes. Events by Northern Lights, Mutiny, The White Rabbit... all of those events you get the nicest, most out-going, and caring people


What's the average reception of a glover in Massachusetts?

It really depends on where you go. For instance if you go to Throwed in Boston you don’t really get the best reception. I’ve actually been told by one of the guys that gloving has too much rave affiliation with it and that I should put them away. But at other places like RISE or the Palladium in Worcester people come up to me all the time asking nicely for a lightshow and there are always other glovers to trade with and learn new concepts from.


Tell us a bit about your team.

Well I have a gloving team and a gloving family. My gloving family is Northern Lights, its honestly the best gloving community there is. Everyone considers you family and they all just want to help one another grow as individuals and glovers. Someone is always willing to take the time to answer a question you have or show you some moves. I’m also part of the gloving team [CB] Cloud Busters headed by my friend in California Zach. We’ve been around for about a month now and I think having part of the crew in CA and the other part here in the east coast allows for not only recognition but also many different styles of gloving.

Dave Yang

How would you describe your gloving style. Are there certain moves you prefer to use in your shows?

I’d say my gloving style works best for trance type songs. I’ve spent a lot of hours developing a nice smooth liquid flow while at the same time incorporating mellow tunnels/whips and other rolls. For the most part I like to freestyle every show I give but I definitely have a few moves that I try to toss in at certain parts to make the viewer's jaw drop.


Awesome man, do you think that gloving has changed you at all?

Gloving has definitely changed me. I think it’s taught me about dedication, patience and has opened my eyes to new mediums for art. My finger dexterity has improved so much from the day I started gloving to now, I can bend my pinkies down while keeping my other fingers straight up!!!


I've got one last question for you I'm sure we're all dying to know: who do you look up to? Are there any Glovers that you try to learn from or influence you?

My favorite glover is Stunna from Team ayo? I love is style and musicality. Most of my influence comes from videos by team ayo? Or [PM]. If you ever watched a video of Fry… he’s beyond creative with his style and his moves, I have a lot of respect for how original he is.

S3RL - An interview

Our local Jersey boys (and girl) from Triple Threat Productions took a step outside Amazura with DJ S3RL to see what was on his mind... it may or may not have been little kandi ravers...

Cinco De Mayo!!

Seems like the majority of parties lately have been at the newest welcome addition to the BK underground rave scene, the 12 Spot (aka The Hindsdale). You've read about it in previous reviews (Mad World, Sugar Rush), but this time around, the party was predominately on the roof.

Caaaaaaandy BY: Paus3

The 5th of May, a day immortalized in drowning in beer and partying it up. Why? Well other than the historical significance, to party! What better way than to stomp around in the early summer weather? This party was pretty cray, although when I first got there it seemed almost dead. Party starts at 2pm? Yea a lot of people aren't coming out that early. But, my eyes were deceiving me. You see, the party was on the roof. About 50-60 people were inside while close to 300 (when I got there) were jamming upstairs.

Chillin BY: Paus3

Party Up in Here! BY: Paus3

Sweetsauce BY: Ronnie C.

The place was alive! This event brought forward some new twists. In the house was The Brooklyn Salsa Company! The guys that run the company are all artists themselves. Playing in bands, spinning records, being themselves. Since they are all such vibrant personalities, these spicy connoisseurs are making a documentary about their company and themselves. Why were they at a BK rave? Simple, they are artists and want to reach the artistic people. Genius. So not only did they have an enormous box of chips and all different flavors of their salsa, Rob Behnke was on stage spinning some of his trancealicious tracks. It was great meeting them, and the salsa's pretty damn good too.
 

Mmmmm Salsa BY: Paus3

Rob Behnke BY: Paus3

Although there weren't many people downstairs, Morgan Freeman had the place looking like light wonderland. His visuals never cease to amaze me, you need to check out his work. He is a very talented individual and we are lucky to be able to experience his work first hand the way we do. HOMAGE!! Also on lighting was Paradox Productions (pew pew). Greeting all the people as they came upstairs was the one and only Kevin Carpet. Always active with the crowd, this living piece of art even got a chance to squeeze in an interview with the Triple Threat Production team!

Triple Threat has been on the NYC scene for a little over a month now, and their videos are pretty kick ass (check out this one HERE). It's great to see more than just party videos going up. HOMAGE. They had set up shop with Electrik Graffiti the back right corner of the roof, offering a place to chill, get a light show, and buy rave goodies. Some interviews went down there, including one with the owners of Satellite Records. Their very own DJ Bill was spinning and TTP and EG were lucky enough to have them hanging out. I even saw them enjoying a couple light shows!

Far Right, DJ Bill! BY: Ronnie C.

Deranged Electrik BY: Triple Threat

Throw Them! BY: Ronnie C.

Helen Spinning Staff BY: Triple Threat

 

Colors!! BY: Triple Threat

As for food, there was a BBQ and... Thai Food! Why, I don't know, but it smelled hella good! Another great party brought to you by Morgan Freeman, Biggie Stardust, Helen Pyre and Duke Live!

PHOTOS:

Triple Threat Productions - SET
Ronnie C. - SET
Paus3 - SET
Reptar - COMING SOON

Glover's Spotlight: Legion

What's good everyone! It's Paus3 and we're back on EGP for a brand new Glover's Spotlight! With me today is an amazing glover, good friend, and fellow raver, Carlos! Thanks for being with us today man!

Baller

[PAUS3] Let's start with a little bit about your gloving history, how did you originally get into gloving?
[Carlos] I originally started gloving when I saw my friend Tarry Diamonds give it a try at a rave called Ecstasy May of last year. So I've been gloving for technically 9 months but I started to get really into it during the summer of last year. At first I was discouraged to glove because I didn't know how to do anything, it literally took me two months to get down finger roles.


What's your favorite part about gloving?

My favorite part of giving a light show is when the person I have given the show to thanks me and appreciates the show. My most favorite moments is when someone all of a sudden cracks a smile because they love the show so much; those are the moments I live for in my gloving, not the bugging out facial expression, or the soul snatcher (when someone is so entranced by the show that once your done they don't react for several seconds) its that kiddish smile that makes a light show heartfelt to me.

Fisheye :3

Do you have a gloving name, and if so, how did it come to be?

My glover name is "Legion" basically just took the second half of my rave name Carlos Legion and made it into my glover name nothing really special. In order to tell you about the name it over laps with my raver persona and basically I gave myself the name; it comes from the Demon Legion or the Demons that make up the persona Legion, but I don't use it in a negative connotation I took it because in my life I'm influenced by a multitude of things different genres of music, styles, etc. So me being a mash up of all these things and wanting to leave a personal mark on them like they have on me I came out with the name Legion. It applies to my gloving as well since I've been influenced by a various amount of glovers.


How would you describe you gloving style?

My gloving style is very fluid it consist of liquid the majority of the time; only the few times when I do digiting or tuts does it become more rigid at first I use to dislike that but now I feel like it adds a unique personality to my gloving. My style has been very influenced by Two glovers Epic Kirby Glover and Ray Chyeah, I try to apply as much of Kirby's Liquid into my show and try to add in Ray's precision, digiting style and he got me to slow down my gloving to people could see the finger roles and the figures I would make.

So Bright, So Vivid, So Intense

What's more important, technique or flow?

Flow is more important to me than technique even though I feel like technique is a major part of gloving. Without your flow your technique may break down or things may seem inconsistent during your show. Plus when I first started I was told to work on my flow before developing my technique so I stick to the school of thought.   


Do you glove outside of raving?

No I do not glove outside the rave scene; the only time I do is for practice or while trying to learn a new technique from a friend.


Who are some of your favorite glovers?

That's a really long list: the entire OWL team love those guys, Ray Chyeah, Epic Kirby Glover, Greg Bandit, Kris Marchi, Mikey, Eddie "Spikey" Diorio; there are just too many because to me everyone brings their own uniqueness to their gloving even though some use the same technique they always morph it into their own version of it. Are some more experienced then others yea, but hey I was a beginner once too and I'm still learning new things so to pick any one specific glover is hard for me. 

OWL <3

Tell us about the most epic light show you ever gave.

Hmm there have been a couple that were insanely epic for me, but one that comes to mind is a show I did at Cataclysm which if I'm not mistaken took place in October of last year, I gave a light show to five people it was my first time giving a light show to a group of that size, so I had to extend myself so all five people were able to enjoy the show it but a lot of strain on my arms n back but some how it worked out and all five loved it by the end; I'm pretty sure there have been way more epic ones than this one but its what comes to mind at the moment.


If you could go anywhere in the world and glove, where would you go?

Another long list lol: DefQon1, Qlimax, Burning Man, Electronic Daisy Festival; pretty much any large festival or show I have on my to do list to glove at.

Plays Well With Others

Streaming Lights at Lighting Fast Speeds

What your ideal rave scene look like?

My ideal rave scene Good Vibes, Good People, Epically Amazing Music just an all around good time with close friends and new people who are open minded about how ravers conduct themselves and what the scene means to a raver.


What does it mean to you to be a raver?

Being a raver for me means spending time with people you love and care about at a party that is blasting EDM music; dancing the night away till the sun rises and your eyes hurt but you don't care cause you know you've had a goodnight. Even though it may feel like you do the same thing every weekend, live for those special moments of connection you have at a rave whether it be with a friend or a stranger; because it's those moments you hold onto forever and look back on when you ask yourself why do I keep doing this. Finally, being a raver to me is applying the saying "Carpe Diem" (Seize the Day) to everything I do in a raver or even how I conduct myself outside one. That's what being a raver is to me. 

Thanks so much for being with us! Looking forward to throwing more lights with you!

Glover's Spotlight: [MD] Master Handz

We're back with another Glover's Spotlight! This time we're here with one of the Mind Destroyers right here on the east coast, [MD] Master Handz!!!

Glad to have you with us today! How is everything?

I’m doing great, life has been treating me real well recently thanks for asking.


That's great, now let's start with some basic questions, how did you get the name Master Handz?

Well I’ll definitely say it took me a while to figure out a name for myself. I started thinking about something unique; something that I felt would really fit me. I was at the point of giving up when one day I started playing my favorite video game Super Smash Bros. Brawl; I’ve been obsessed with the series since it came out. I was a close friend’s house, his name is also Matt aka [MD] Matty Smiles another Glove on my team. As we were playing the game it hit me suddenly. “Hmm, hold on…there’s a floating glove as a Boss…Master Hand! Perfect!” The Z was added to the end to make it more unique and plural.


I like it man, but do you prefer people call you Matt or do you enjoy getting called by your glover name?

Naturally I’m used to people calling me by my actual name, and most people do, but there are times where I would like to be called by my glover name. I feel that once people start getting used to the idea of Master Handz, I feel that I’m being more recognized and respected as a glover and it makes me feel good about myself. I don’t mind if my closer friends simply call me by my name it doesn’t affect me, but when I’m out there in the rave scene doing my thing, I definitely want to be known as Master Handz.


Good stuff. Let me ask, what influenced your decision to start gloving?

Gloving for me started out with my long time friend Jamie McKay, and another friend Elias. I consider Jamie like family; she has always been a huge influence in my life. She’s been part of the rave scene for about 5 years now, and she took me to my first rave, Glow: Orange on March 23rd of 2011. I got the idea of gloving from YouTube videos and in the beginning of the month because I had already bought and brought a common beginners set, a prewired RGB set with blacked out gloves that you can find online basically at any rave site. When I was there I immediately fell In love with the scene, and watching my two friends glove and other glovers doing work, I quickly picked up tricks and started to learn the basics. It was an amazing feeling. After that I kept wanting to improve, started learning about the gloving scene, the endless imagination that comes with it, I started to fool around with my fingers everywhere I went, in school, on the bus, with friends, etc. it became natural to me. It’s a passion and a work of art and I’m very happy that I started raving and gloving when I did.

I see you joined a team already too. What factors contributed to you joining Mind Destroyers and not some other team?

Well to be honest, New York in my opinion wasn’t really too big on gloving when I very first started, so Mind Destroyers was the first team I had heard about locally. Another close friend Steven aka [MD] Cloud, the captain of Mind Destroyers was the one who introduced and initiated me onto the team. He was originally from Cali and I believe he was in NY visiting family. I met him one day at Finyl Fantasy 2 where a friend was celebrating her birthday. Me and Matty got a lightshow from him and I was amazed. I wanted to be on that level, heck I NEEDED to be on that level. As fate would have it not to long after that we met him again. Matty kept in contact with him and with our luck Cloud had permanently moved to New York and wanted to expand his team here. We were some of the very first people to be initiated, and after that it was an amazing experience and I’ve been able to learn so much since then.


Tell us a bit about your team, Mind Destroyers. Do you guys practice together often and are there any other teams you guys are close with?

Unfortunately the members of MD are somewhat all spaced out, so it’s been hard to establish an MD meet up with all the members present since we’ve all got our own busy lives to consider after all. But thank God we have raves every weekend which makes it easier to meet the others and then we’re able to trade lightshows and catch up. I usually hang out with [MD] Cloud, [MD] Matty Smiles, [MD] Dazey, and [MD] Mirage on a regular basis so it’s nice see and chill with a good amount of the team. As for other teams, Me and other members of MD have had fun trading and hanging out with team OWL (Obsessed With Lights) isn’t that right Supernova? Haha.


Yeah dude, haha our teams have had some pretty stellar gloving sessions in the past! My next question is about your gloving style. Are there certain moves you prefer to use in your shows?

I’ve loved to learn a little bit about everything, from Liquid, Tutting, Digits, Tunnels/Whips, Finger Rolls etc. As I’ve progressed with my gloving, I’ve learned that it’s just more natural for me to do Liquid, Tunnels/Whips and Finger Rolls, just about anything that’s creates a circular or fluid motion. It requires less thinking, and I feel it more when it comes to the music I listen to, which is mostly House and Trance. I’ve been currently working on digit moves and improving on more mechanical tricks to find a balance with everything I know, but yea Liquid, Tunnels and Whips are my personal favorite moves to use.


Awesome, do you think that gloving has changed you at all? Would you say you're more flexible or dexterous than you were before you started?

Well, it’s definitely given me a passionate hobby to focus on when I’ve got nothing else better to do haha. But in all seriousness, I don’t think it’s made me more flexible per se, but it’s given me a whole different perspective on how to use my hands and fingers. My friends and I have come up with ideas on how to curve, bend, and place our fingers in ways we would have never of thought of if we didn’t start gloving. The fact that I can personalize my own glove set with the colors and lights of my choosing to put on my fingertips makes things that much better. It’s an art style like no other.


I've got one last question for you I'm sure we're all dying to know: who do you look up to? Are there any Glovers that you try to mimic?

When I first started, I looked up to the more famous YouTube stars. Pro glovers like [PM] Gummy, [E] Sharky, [PM] Skittles, (AYO?) Anti, and (AYO?) Boo. More and more I watch their videos and they never cease to amaze me. Then when I started to improve and looked up more videos, I discovered amazing glovers such as (AYO?) Stunna, [SS] Physic, (AYO?) Mimik, (AYO?) Bluz and so many others. I do have a local favorite of mine who I always aspire to be like and that is my team captain [MD] Cloud, who takes body gloving and liquid to a level that I admire so much.

Sweet, I'll definitely have to look up some of these glovers now. Master Handz, thank you so much for joining us today! I'll let you get back to whatever it was that you were doing.. probably gloving! XD

An Interview with a Human Carpet: Kevin Carpet

A Human Carpet?? At First I was as confused as DJ Ashley over here, but now it is a little more clear...keep reading, and Ashley, maybe this will answer your questions....

There are plenty of interesting and cool people in the rave community. But I have not met anyone who can quite match up to Kevin Carpet. Known around the states as the human carpet. He was at the last two events I went to (Power Ravers/Pokèball). To say the least, he's an intriguing individual. Being on the scene for a very long time, Kevin has seen major changes to music, people coming to these events and the community itself. Let's look together into the background and mind of The Human Carpet!

Kevin Carpet!

 [PAUS3] When did you first joined the rave community, how were you introduced to them and what was your first event like?

[KEVIN CARPET] I was at the Disco 2000 events at the Limelight...where I was asked to participate and do my carpet thing. The head guys doing the event knew me since I ran the doors of some famous clubs... My first rave carpet was in the VIP area which overlooked the huge dance floor... And I remember as I peered out during the night I had Joan Jett, Christina Applegate, Billy Idol’s girlfriend and a lot of other cool people standing on the carpets to view what was going on the dance floor...

It was a cool night and I went back every Wednesday for the same Disco 2000 party, but sometimes I laid by the bar and sometimes I was with the Go-Go's... All depended on the night...

[P] Describe the rave community in your own words.

[K] The Rave community in a whole is like friends getting together at a party and enjoying great music and vibes and socializing... and yes Dancing! As they say most Raves I go to are full of PLUR and Unity (I guess that depends which ones you go to) but all the ones I go to are like that.

[P] How has the scene changed since the time you've started attending raves?
 

[K] Well Raves were at least some underground ones sometimes dangerous… meaning fights and all. Now it’s a Pleasure Peace Love Harmony... again at most events. It’s great seeing everyone chillin and enjoying themselves having a good time.

Coming in or Going Out...Kevin Makes it Interesting By: Ronnie C. Photography

Helping People Over the Ledge Pokèball By: Sam Freund

[P] What is some of your favorite music styles?
 

[K] Most people don’t know this but I DJed for years and I played at a lot of electro, gothic and techno events along with 80's 90's and industrial music....so I guess that’s what I like.

[P] Where does the name 'Carpet' come from?
 

[K] When I first started doing clubs and bars as a carpet people would say to me.."Hey it's Kevin the Carpet,” and "Hey Kevin Carpet!” and Walla! The name has been born.

[P] What is it about wrapping yourself in carpets and getting stepped on? Is it a fetish?

[K] When I first started doing this at gothic events I didn't use a carpet just laid by the bar dressed in all black, gloves, a ski mask and goggles... I laid very still all night and it was funny some people didn’t think I was real they had to touch me. Then when I received a government grant to do this. I had to think of other way to try and do this at different events clubs and bars… So carpet idea came when some people told me it was hard to stay on me cause my belly moved and they fell off sometimes, plus when girls wore heels that would hurt so that wasn't too much fun.

Then a bar owner said to me if I came there early and lay in a carpet in the corner where all the bartenders go and the shot girls and the patrons I could be incognito and be a part of the bar. People would think I was bunch of carpets there... Hmmm this sounded interesting....so it began. I got to this upper east side bar that got packed by 10pm. I got there by 8pm before the staff got in and set up. That lasted about 2 years and was fun except if I had 6 big guys standing there for an hour and never left. Those times I was thinking I should show myself, but didn’t. The owner also paid me and I got a ride home plus a meal… So this was good! Then I started doing this at many other clubs and bars all over NYC, NJ, Boston, and LA.

Those Boots Look Painful! By: Daily Eyes

Just Another Normal Day in Union Square

One thing about getting stepped on is not the main reason for the art… which is a part of it, but the art factor comes to play when you’re at a space laying there and being used as the object your portraying. Me a carpet... It’s about being ONE with the venue as people go about their business and your there like a chair, or a sofa. This IS a fetish for many, but to me this is an art. In fact I get messages all the time from guys all over the USA and beyond saying to me “Dude… How can you have guys walk on you? that’s gay.” I guess if I did this for a fetish or other reason maybe. If a guy loves girls then he would just want girls on him. Being a carpet is just that, being a carpet and carpets can’t say you can go on ‘em and who can’t.

I have to delete (comments) on my Facebook. A bunch of guys every now and then who do this for fetish and who write weird things on the pics and who may harass the people on my page.

Let me take this opportunity to say I tried a rave at Rebel a few years ago and I was by the bar and everyone looked at me, took pics and maybe went on the carpet for a second to take pic and then came off. I remember I left that Rebel after 2 hours and went to a downtown Hipster event where they loved me and had fun.

My first idea was to be incognito doing this, however ravers are real cool people and when they know when I'm there they bounce, jump and say hi to me as they pass by… It’s a whole new idea and thus helping me to make my grant more interesting. I do get some people who jump over saying sometimes “I don’t wanna hurt him,” which is another misconception...I HATE PAIN! However, this is non painful. When I lay where ever I'm at I get in a Zen like state and listen as people trod on me and go by...hearing and sensing the environment. Being an actual carpet... When this works it’s great... Doorways I like cause of the interaction with people I hear... ”Love ya carpet guy...Hey Kevin...You Rock Dude.”

It’s sad when I hear, “Oh no I hate stepping on him,” and then they gingerly step or jump. Then I feel bad... For the people. But, for the most part I'm happy and excited that I have been accepted at these events and people do write and tell me these days.

It’s not a party if you’re not there or you’re a staple at these events... Of course I know there are some who think otherwise and for that I'm sorry. It really amazes me how people can adapt and have fun with this....the thing that I do. Nowadays I have to thank ALL the cool promoters that ask me to join their events...

Red Balloon GoGo Dancing with an Orbit By: Ronnie C. Photography

NOW It's a Party! By: Lost Pages

[P] How many raves do you go to a year?
 

[K] Gee I never thought about that...hmmm I think I try to go almost weekly if there are events... And just until 5 months ago I never could go to events for years on a Friday always missed those events cause I had this Top 40, 80's 90's DJ gig... Paid well so I kept it, until I said to myself I'd rather be carpeting and now I'm having a Ball at these Friday & Saturday events.

[P] Where can people find you online?

[K] I'm Kevin carpet on Facebook...

[P] Any closing remarks?

[K] I forgot to mention Lady Gaga saw me at a few events (not raves) and talked about me in a Youtube video I thought that was cool. She and her friends stood on the carpet :D

I have to thank Kevin Bracken, Sam Black and Michael Dj Ritalin for letting me carpet at their events (Refugee) in Brooklyn. Then when that stopped I didn’t do raves for a long time till Ritalin said I could do The Marvels event. That was at Ten Eckyk St... When I go there I ended up doing the door for that one and it was cool cause it was  there that when I went inside I saw these cardboard boxes in front of the path to the outside smoking area. That’s when doorway carpet came in effect....

And thanks to Aeryck NYCRAVERS Ritalin, Jeff Cohen and Atom C. At the next one they found me a nice spot by the doorway... Which worked out great. No one knew at the first event but the promoters by the end of the event some word got around and it was cool the crowd had fun with it for the most part.

BIIIIG THANK YOU to Kevin for his time and honesty!! Make sure you say hi to him next time you see him at an event near you!!