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.

Z-Dar - NYC Events: 666's Black Mass

Whatsup everybody? Z here, I wanted to share with you a local show that you'd be missing out so much if you decided not to go. Our friends over at 666lights are throwing their first event ever, and they're doing it BIG.

Black Mass, September 21st, is being headlined by none other than Airwave. Other headliners include Mantis, and Jansten; then the whole package gets rounded up with other great acts great enough to be headliners themselves. You get DarkElixr, Omega, Druley, Doctor Voodoo, and It Lives, all these artists brimming with intensity with a darker themed event at Highline Ballroom. I'm more than excited to catch it myself so in celebration of which today at EGP I'm gonna give you all an overview of the headliners at Black Massive.

Jantsen_ When The Beats Drop (112 Preview) by jantsenmusic

Jansten is no stranger to the heavy bass dubstep scene, he has collaborations with a lot of other well known DJs including Stephan Jacobs, Bassnectar, AFK, and Dirt Monkey just to name a few. He is definitely one of the crowd favorites expected to tear it up come Black Massive.

Mantis - Jump OUT NOW by MANTIS Dubstep

Mantis is a personal favorite of mine. He's one of the main constant producers in the "Deathstep" scene of bass music. Mantis combines darker, heavier, sharper, deathmetal influenced song structures and it makes for a sound that's definitely eye opening. They also have a lot of interesting remixes with interesting artist choices, they have a Bong remix which is just awesome in itself and also do a remix of Suicide Silence that fits better than you could ever imagine it.

Airwave - Reset by laurentairwave
 
Airwave is in a class all his own, Laurent Veronnez aka Airwave has been in the EDM scene for longer than a decade, being one of the more esteemed artists to come around in recent years. He has over 200 releases out under his belt and is responsible for  many of the highly regarded Trance and Progressive House tracks.


This is just a small taste of the awesome that will take place come Black Massive. You also have the very talented Morgan Freeman on the visuals. Remember everybody it's September 21st so mark your calendars and take off the next day if you need to because you don't wanna miss this all. Airwave in of itself is a reason to go let alone the rest of the amazing lineup, I hope to see you all there.

Love & Light

Z

[Space] Flux Productions - Lumpy Space Disco - Getting to Know You Through Party

More recently we've seen new DJs, promoters, photographers, production crews... people trying to make a difference in the scene, popping up. It's become a jaded topic, people saying that all these n00bs want is free entry to a party with the chance to say that they are actually doing something instead of just being a 'raver'. Some of these accusations might be true, but there are those fresh faces that are really moving towards a positive change and that want more than notoriety, they want to help the community move forward and introduce new and fresh ideas as well.

Breaking It Down to the Lumpy Beats By: Ronnie C.

One such group of new producers, is [Space] Flux productions.  Last weekend marked their second venture into throwing a party, the first being When Worlds Collide. That was as [Space] Flux, before that existed Peanut Butter Plur and an event that will go down in history, Power Ravers. That party set the tone for [Space], essentially it was all a cardboard art piece, the Megazord.

"I want art and interactiveness at our parties. The things we can do with cardboard, and the art we make with cardboard... I know it sounds funny, but you know what? Even now we'll take some cardboard and make it into something, like a giant Lady Rainicorn." - Mattypoi Flux

And they did deliver. Hanging out at the Electric Warehouse right above the stage entrance was the colorful wonder. And it's all too true. Decorations are a huge part to any event. As a party-goer, you should have fresh sets in similar locations, ever changing spaces for you to explore and check out what's going on. Putting music on in a room and throwing some lights in the mix doesn't cut it anymore (unless you're in the basement [lol]). For Lumpy Space Disco, all the deco was out. Being an Adventure Time theme, there were so many possibilities with such a wild and zany idea to work with. They had cut outs of different candy castle workers, models of Finn and the Ice King with a graffiti type edge to them. They had a disco ball hanging as well, adding to the disco feel. And of course you can't forget about the lights and visuals.

Dancing With Finn and Jake By: Edwin Cuevas

It Just a Disco Ball Man By: Paus3

D'awww ok! By: Paus3

All around the main room of the Lab were Adventure Time projections with some of my personal favorite scenes in the mix. Biggie Stardust also came out out as the digital hostess to introduce DJs. Behind the visuals was none other than Morgan Freeman (Bluecrash). On lights and lasers was Paradox Productions, and they did the rooms up really nicely, as always. Also on it was Kevin Carpet, lying down by the smoking exit for most of the night. It's always such a pleasure to see him at a party, and you can expect to see him at any [Space] Flux party.

Lasers Galore with Paradox By: Yaz

Morgan with Goreface By: Paus3

"Kevin Carpet! Every time I go to a party I look forward to seeing him. It's not a party unless Kevin is there! I won't have a party unless he comes, I really consider him family." - Maria Flux

Kevin Carpet's the Man! By: Paus3

Any Adventure Time fan would've felt right at home, so many people came in costume! There were so many Finn's, a BMO, a nice mix of Jake, and many different princesses (my favorite was the Fire Kingdom Flame Princess). It was so many people's first or first-five event. It seems to be a trend with [Space]'s parties, they attract the constant new breed. This is defiantly a positive with the way the Flux family is trying to put a positive spin on the scene.

So Lumpaaaaahyyy By: Ronnie C.

omg...Fionna.. score By: Yaz

BMO Getting Some Grind Time By: Paus3

"We've (the NY scene) had raves that are advertised as 'theme parties' but then at the party nothing is really themed. That's when I started thinking to myself, how can we make it better? The first thing I thought of was deco. Deco makes people happy, it's half the fun of going to a party, being emmersed in this new world." -Mattypoi Flux

"It used to be that you couldn't go to a party without cops bothering you asking you if your doing drugs, asking if you're getting into trouble, riding on you whether you're doing something or not. This scene should be a safe haven for party-goers. Our parties are a place where people can come together and just be accepted, not get judged, as long as they don't ruin everyone else's time." -Maria Flux

Griz Ripping it Up By: Ronnie C.

So Much Bass! By: Yaz

The music was blasting all night, with a good amount of dubstep, drumstep, and plenty of hard beats. In town for the first time ever were both GRiZ & Prototype Raptor! GRiZ was actually chilling with everyone in the beginning of the party, he's a mad chill person. For people here in NY, we are not too familiar with him. Anyone would have thought he was the man at the party, having a good time with everyone. It was awesome hearing them spin, brought a whole new flavor to the NYC scene.

Bazinga By: Ronnie C.

A Little Fire By: Ronnie C.

Circles By: Paus3

The party was great, as usual, the post on the wall after the party were raving about how good of a time they had, it's always a positive to see. There was a lot of work that went into this party, and nearly turned into a migraine for [Space] Flux, but in the end, everything was pulled off nicely at the Lab. I can't wait until their next party, looks like it my just be the continuation of Power Ravers... which to you a say [duh].

PHOTOS:

Paus3: SET

Ronnie C. Photography: SET
Edwin Cuevas: SET

Reptar Photography: SET (coming soon)

Delineation Digital Media: SET

Epic Glowrm: SET

Nik Kanter: SET

All my photos:

Last-Last Weekend's Adventures (Magik Factory & RAGELAND!)

Playing catch up can be fun, especially if it means reliving my adventures! Last weekend (18th-20th) was one of those adventures! It all started out in Jersey with my Electrik Graffiti peoples. We had to get ready to go to two locations for Friday. We were in New Jersey for Subground Promos Magik Factory and that night was also Kataparti, Biggie Stardust's birthday party!! So we chilled and got everything together for the long days ahead, after all, Magik Factory was an all day event!

Here's to a Great Weekend! By: Triple Threat Productions

I stayed in Jersey with Koyote and Purple Panther for the festival. The day was GORGEOUS outside. The Pavilion in Budd Lake, 75 degrees outside, tents and lots of color and colorful people, all the right ingredients to have an awesome day... minus this being the day all the major festivals hit the NY/NJ area. We're talking EDC and Bonnaroo. Because of the big names in town, many people were not coming out the the underground. Aside from not having a ridiculous number of people come down, the day was awesome. We had the music playing outside for a while, some kandi making, photos (by the awesome guys at Triple Threat Productions), tents, candy and body painting. The people were really awesome and down to earth as well, I must have had eight really meaningful conversations with people... I appreciated that a lot. The music was really good too, there were some DJs there that were spinning some sick tracks. Hopefully next time around this one-day festy will get some more publicity and more people down, everyone there had a blast!

Day two of the weekend included me working a full day and then heading out to what was probably the most visually stimulating party of the year thus far, Rageland! Eddie and Kat (Heart of Brooklyn Tattoo) went all out for the sequel of Adventures to Raveland. I say visually stimulating because the decorations were like none I've ever seen by any "smaller" productions company. We're talking the entire main stage covered in cut sheets and glowing, little kandi trees, digital mapping on the walls by Bluecrash (Do yourself a favor and look him up, Morgan Freeman), Kevin Carpet by the rooftop doorway ("Never a party without him!!" - Maria [Flux]), live painting on canvas and on bodies by Firsty's Visual Paint Experience, the roof had an entire wall covered with projections on it from lasers and all sorts of lights everywhere (all thanks to Audiolust), cutouts all over the walls.... it was all truly an amazing sight to see.

Main Stage By: Blue Raven

Firsty's Visual Paint! By: Blue Raven

Sparkles!! By: Blue Raven

The talent brought in was some of New York's finest playing all sorts of genres. You had hardstyle, elctro, psytrance, house... anything you could think of mixed into the night and people were raging out to it! You had glovers everywhere, people spinning poi and some sick fire poi too. I saw some sick light shows at the Electrik Graffiti tent, I felt like I was a magnet for them. So many new glovers are getting good really fast. It was exciting to see...and made me want to level up too. Also at the tent you had Triple Threat set up taking photos and video, doing what they do best!

Fire!! By: Reptar

On Sir Kevin Carpet By: Reptar

Mufasa and Purple Panther at EG By: Triple Threat Productions

Make your Bacon Dance! By: Triple Threat Productions

It was a great party with some great vibes, everybody was friendly and raging out together, twas truly a great sight to see. I can't wait to see what's next for the owners of Heart of Brooklyn Tattoo!

MEDIA:

Magik Factory:
Paus3 - SET
Triple Threat Productions - SET

Rageland:
Triple Threat Productions - SET 1//SET 2//VIDEO
Reptar Photography - SET
Blue Raven - SET

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

Mad Weekend!!

This past weekend was completely unbelievably... mad. It all started on Friday as I made my way into Jersey in the early afternoon. From Jersey all day and night, and then back to the city to go down the rabbit hole in Brooklyn for Saturday night, I was basically in no-sleep non-stop mode. It was insane and well worth it. Here's what went down at Nightlight Neverland and MADworld.

The Jersey rave scene is kinda lacking is existent at all. The majority of ravers come to Brooklyn to rage, and they are dedicated to coming out to at least two events a month. There are groups that want to bring the Jersey scene to a new level, one where the parties get just as wild and crazy as the ones we have here in New York. One of these groups is Subground Promos. Constantly on the prowl to find spots that would accept parties with open arms, and grinding the pavement to promote, Subground is up and coming in Jersey. These was their second event (I believe) and it was held in a venue unlike any I've ever seen. It was a bar that was once a strip club. Low ceilings, checkered white and light brown tiles, a pool table, gumball machine, huge full bar, and a stripper pole; the spot was very interesting.

Electrik Graffiti with Gloves and Schoodiez

Dancing on a Pole... Yes.

Gum Ball Machine FTW

After the lights were in place, DJ's booth was set up, and Electrik Graffiti was all set up, people started to slowly make their way to the spot. It started off small, with about five locals at the bar and 10 glovers jamming to the music. As the night went on, more ravers came out, and so did more locals, about 300 people came in to party with us that night. It seemed that everyone was digging the music, but there were a bunch of technical problems that forced the music off a couple times. That's when I noticed the dudes (bros) at the bar. It was a weird mix of people, considered that it was a rave held in an open bar helped with that. I was extremely happy to hear Rockman spin again, that was a treat, as well as meet the boys from Triple Threat Productions. They are similar to 314 Media here in NY, and their work is amazing! Check them out and show them some love!

After driving home at 5am on no sleep and onto a full work day, I didn't know if I'd survive the next event at night. I've been waiting for MADworld to happen since D3b told me of it's conception. DJs from all over the country. Brand new Brooklyn spot. A rave by ravers for ravers. I was pumped and needed the be awake for this. As the night crept closer, I began to get more tired. This wasn't good...I would not let me body shut off on me for this. I got to the spot fairly quickly after getting off the Williamsburg Bridge. Not sure if I was at the right place, I walked inside and BA-BAM... I was in the right place. About 9,000 square feet, an enormous stage, second floor and roof the same size as the whole building, VIP area nicely secluded overlooking the dance floor, full bar... this spot is awesome! There were a bunch of people there already and once I got to shmoozing I was awake again with excitement. Only problem was my brain had become so cloudy I had the hardest time remembering names... no matter, time to do this!

Alice is Not Home Right Now

Mad for the Mad Hatter!

The Queen's Personal...er...Rabbit.

This was D3bst3p's first party, and you can tell there was a lot of effort put into making her vision a reality. The deco was awesome. They lined the entire second floor with cut up sheets and trippy tapestries to hang from the balconies. The lighting was pretty good with a nice boost from Morgan Freeman working on the projectors.  With all the white walls, and sheets, he had a lot to play with, and was a big help in making the room come alive. With Electrik Graffiti in the house, you know there were tons of glovers, and a nice addition for this party was fire spinning (rooftop FTW)!

DJ Conduktor!

Epic Cloud Strife (sick set!!) BY: Sam Froond

All the Way from LA, iNexus BY: Sam Froond

The music was AMAZING. The set-up was all sorts of jimmy-rigged, but it didn't really seem to matter. Haters gonna hate and everyone is going to dance. There was mixing off an ipad at one point, I heard an ipod came into play at another point... the fact of the matter is that there was hardly any technical issues, which is amazing considering the gear they had to set it all up. Huge kudos to you guys, seriously, I had such a blast with everyone's sets. And big shoot out to the dudes coming in and showing NY what they got! (iNexus, Trigga Happy, DJ Conduktor [Dirty Nitrous])

Melting Face by the Couches BY: Sam Froond

DJ and Poi Extraordinaire, Sprite BY: Sam Froond

Liiiiights BY: Yaz

For all you glow freaks out there, a two-tiered gloving competition sponsored by Electrik Graffiti went down, beginners and advanced. This was new and worked out really well! Beginners tier was taken by Sammy, and Sick Noley took the title for advanced. Mad skills were being thrown down, it's insane to watch so many new glovers come on the scene and how quickly they are getting better. Keep practicing guys! I want to shake the west coast, killing it!

Here's all my pics from the night, with a little spice of video!!

Once the night was over (at 7am), I got my well deserved 2 hours of sleep, and went to work the next day a zombie. It was well worth it. Thank you so much to Subground and D3bst3p for doing what you do, I can't wait until the next ones!!

PHOTOS:

Nightlight Neverland:

Triple Threat Productions: SET
Paus3: SET

MADworld:


D3bst3p: SET
Blue Raven Images: SET
Delineation Digital Media: SET
Paus3: SET
Sam Froond: SET