I have not posted an interview in a while. What better way to start it back up then a quick Q&A with one of Boston’s heavy weight graffiti champs, JIMBOE.
Cash4 is an artist whose work ethic has been non-stop this year. He has gone past “All City” expanding his work over the U.S. and South America. He was featured in the New York City Underbelly project and had his own solo show “Outer Bourough” this past July. He uses every medium possible and his distinct style makes it impossible for you to forget his name. Markers, stickers, freights, and mostly notably his skill with the roller. Its an honor to give to you some brief but tenacious words from the man himself. I give you Cash4.
Where you from and what do you write?
New York, CASH4
How did you start vandalizing and what compels you to continue?
OH i vandalize alright…. Its mostly for the pussy and drug hook ups though.
Has your reason for writing changed at all?
I only do graffiti so it can be photographed and put up on the internet.
How would you describe your style?
An attempt at generic.
What made you agree to this interview ?
You seem take good flicks and be knowledgeable enough.
Who were you influenced by when you started out?
Writers that get dusted.
What writers influence you today?
Low lifes, little kids.
What makes a writers stand out to you?
When you can read it and it’s up in good spots.
Have you ever caught a charge for painting?
I am a toy, so no i haven’t.
What are you most known for/what do you want to be remembered for?
Rollers with Smells. For writing Cash4.
Where’s the most interesting place you’ve painted and why?
Prolly the tunnels. Feels like your about to die all the time.
What’s been the biggest influence on your work over the last year?
New York City, drugs and alcohol.
Weirdest thing that has happened when out painting?
Stayed sober.
Do you find you do better pieces depending on who you painting with?
Used to think so. Now i just do the same piece every time.
Favorite Cities/places?
Tokyo. New York.
Any upcoming collaborations/releases people should be watching for?
Nothing definite.
top 5 interviews you want to see
interviews just make you hate writers work more cause you realize they’re retarded.
Favorite letters?
All letters were created equal.
Favorite food?
Beer.
Any graff-related injuries?
Future lung cancer, maybe some sphincter problems too.
What plans do you have for the future?
Being slept on.
Give some shout
Niggaz already know.
Well i dont need to introduce this guy. Cool interview and a little look into the life of a guy that is possibly at one of the highest level of successes in the graffiti world.
CHECK IT OUT!!!!!! Read More
Traveling between Philadelphia and Massachusetts consistently over the last five years, i have tried to expose myself to as much graffiti as my brain can process. KWOTE is a writer who has caught my attention more recently and stood out from the crowd with an arsenal of self-promotion through tags, stickers, fill-ins, and freights. Nothing I respect more than writers putting in hard work. I was lucky to get in touch with KWOTE and be able to give this writer some recognition and get some insight into the mindset of a young up and comer.
Where you from and what do you write?
KWOTE H.R.V. Tri-state area
How did you start vandalizing and what compels you to continue?
I started the same as most, just seeing tags around where I grew up. As far as what keeps me going, seeing older guys still writing or making a comeback.
How would you describe your style?
I’m going for big, solid, legible and bold street graffiti style.
What made you agree to this interview ?
I dig your photos and taste in graffiti.
What makes a writers stand out to you?
Style and placement, or anyone that makes a spot look good.
Who were you influenced by when you started out?
The stuff that I mostly paid attention to was Ges and Kem5, local piecing guys from Connecticut and Mass, and whoever was up most in NY. As far as street bombing locally, Ideo VIP (RIP) was my biggest influence early on. He had an awesome style and had the best spots. He was an animal and anyone from Hartford or Philly knows about him. He was the only one to really do it in Hartford and he wasn’t even from there.
What writers influence you today?
Now I’m into Tokyo, SF, and NYC street bombers like MQ, TIE, JA, MOSU, TOM, CHEW, SECT, WANT, BTM, KUK, KECH, SOUP, RESQ, GUN, KART. Ss far as piecing style -GREY, JADE THR, MIZE, CAYPE, OWL, and AMAZE.
Has your reason for writing changed at all?
Not really, I’m still new to writing, so the only thing I try to work on is doing less chill spots and doing more higher risk spots. Whether it’s a tag or fill-in, the more challenge, the more it pays off, as far as enjoying doing it or having it be seen.
Have you ever caught a charge for painting?
No
What are you most known for/what do you want to be remembered for?
Like i said before I’m new to painting, so not sure exactly what I’m known for now, if at all haha. I’m young so I’ll be working towards tags, stickers, fillins and will hopefully be noticed for that. I feel like i got a long way to go
Where’s the most interesting place you’ve painted and why?
Louisville KY. Theres a ton of good spots there. All abandoned, hand-painted buildings that make cool photos. Not sure how much it will be seen, but its fun just to get over and have good flicks to leave with.
What’s been the biggest influence on your work over the last year?
Spending more time in the city and traveling has taught me what effective graffiti looks like. Big, solid, legible, and good color schemes.
Weirdest thing that has happened when out painting?
All the usual crazy shit. Weirdos, gay bums, crooked cops.
Do you find you do better pieces depending on who you painting with?
Yeah for sure! Me and ONCE are a good team, he’s got a good eye and knows what a cool spot looks like. Same with TAKE7, he’s the only dude i write with in the city. I’m comfortable painting with anyone street smart that knows the right shit to look out for.
Favorite Cities/places?
Atlanta!
What do you think about the commercialization of graffiti?
I think Revok and MSK stuff is cool.. But the rest is just funny or embarrassing.
Any upcoming collaborations/releases people should be watching for?
Me and Once are working on a graffiti photo zine right now with some hand-drawn pages and a bunch of stickers.
Also check out COSTPREVENTION.com, that’s my boys project. All proceeds donated for lawyer bills, cancer care, and bail money.
5 interviews you want to see
DESA, KECH, S8N, HORFE, PK/KID
Favorite letters?
K, T, E, S, A. Least favorite – W
Favorite food?
Burgers, sushi, steak, salads, wraps.
Any graff-related injuries?
Nothing really
What plans do you have for the future?
Getting up more, better spots, more consistent, more traveling, more money, more fun, more racking.
Give some shouts
ONCE, TAKE7, ARMS, YUTHE, NARK, DRAFT, RELS, BUSY.
HUSTLE RACK VANDALIZE! AYERP
THIS GUY KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT WITHOUT A DOUBT!!!!!
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO!!!!!!!!! Read More
On the Road with Carter Tanton
By KW
In the eight or so years I lived in Boston, disparagement of the rock scene was as common as lamenting the Red Sox and Celtics each season (pre-2004 and 2008 respectively, of course). It was easy to take that stance, but if you dragged your ass to enough shows in Cambridge, JP, and Allston, there were always interesting and worthwhile sounds to discover. One such band was Tulsa, which was fronted by guitarist and singer Carter Tanton. While that band has long-since dissolved, he has been busy—as a member of Jana Hunter’s Lower Dens, occasionally playing with Melissa Nadler, and by cutting his teeth as a recording engineer for Twin Shadow, Drug Rug, and many others.
This hard-working and often peripatetic musician has been zigzagging across the country over the last few weeks with Fumika Yamazaki-Burdett (also of Viva Viva, keys) and Greg Besun (a.k.a. MANNERS, drums), opening up for guitar-heroes War on Drugs and Purling Hiss. I was able to catch up with Carter through some late-night correspondence as he and the crew makes their way back East for a few more dates in the US before heading to Europe. Be sure to watch kaleidoscopic video for “Horrorscope” after the jump, which was directed by JHNY STVNS (of Fedavees, whose new single was also recorded by Carter). If you don’t manage to catch him on tour this fall, his much-anticipated solo effort Freeclouds will be available in your local record store on November 15th.
KW – I hope the tour has been going well everyone. It is definitely a killer bill alongside Purling Hiss and War on Drugs. I read in another interview that you collaborated with Adam Granduciel [of War on Drugs] years ago—is that how this bill came about?
CT – In a way, maybe. Yeah, it’s funny—Adam and I were just talking about those days in Boston where we hung out in our friend’s studio. He’s definitely a dude who I can talk about recording with and learn something new each time. I relate to his methods a lot.
KW – What have you guys been listening to in the van on those long drives out West?
CT – J Dilla. Spectrum. Karl Blau.
KW – I’d like to hear about your process for recording and producing Freeclouds at your home. What is your set-up, and how long did you work on it?
CT – I have one mic and one mic preamp. That’s about it. And then I do a lot of work sampling myself and drum programming. This record really was made in my bedroom. You can do just about anything these days with only a little technology. I’m psyched on that.
Freeclouds took 2-3 months, mixing included. I tracked it beginning in February last winter.
KW – I see that “Horrorscope” was recorded with Brian Deck [formerly of Califone, Ugly Casanova, Red Red Meat, and producer for Iron & Wine, Modest Mouse, and countless others]. How did you end up collaborating with him?
CT – My old band was encouraged to work with him. “Horrorscope” was definitely the song Brian and I clicked on the most. I got him up out of his chair.
KW – Did you acquire any new implements recently or over the last few years that were employed on this album? A new 12-string, a Roland 707, or anything that helped your sound evolve?
CT – Hah. A computer. My first ever. That’s it. And a Roland Juno 6.
KW – After a leg through Europe later this year, what are your plans for 2012?
CT – More tours in January and February, and then I’ll be busy with Lower Dens.
KW – As a museum nerd, I have to ask—have you guys seen any art or visited any museums during your travels? If so, any highlights?
CT – Yes!! The De Kooning exhibit at the MoMA [New York] is awesome. Go. The first room is my favorite of the whole show.
Freeclouds can be pre-ordered through Western Vinyl and is also available on iTunes now.
* * * *
The author of this article loves to keep tabs on her favorite Boston bands down in NYC.
Australia has this remarkable ability to harvest some of the world’s most talented writers/crews out there. With what seems to be a perfect combination of transit, concrete, and talent, these guys are constantly dropping original work or pushing the envelope on what can be accomplished with a can. I was lucky enough to have the participation from SKARY, whose work i become hooked on after seeing his Simpsons references adjoining his pieces.
Where you from and what do you write?
I come from the land of the Kangaroo and I write ‘Skary’.
How did you start vandalizing and what compels you to continue?
I started out of boredom and i’m generally compelled by boredom.
Has your reason for writing changed at all?
Yes, now I catch tags because I want to be a rockstar millionaire like Chris Brown.
How would you describe your style?
Mediocre.
Have you always wrote…
Skary since 2001 copyright TM all rights reserved.
What made you agree to this interview ?
You seemed like a nice fellow whom takes nice pictures and you sent me a pleasantly worded email.
Who were you influenced by when you started out?
Crews from my line/area : CD, AKM, WRS, DIE, WAR and a gang of other people.
What writers influence you today?
Too many to name…guys from my crew for sure though.
what makes a writer stand out to you?
Hard work. Effortless style.
Have you ever caught a charge for painting?
Ah yep.
what are you most known for/what do you want to be remembered for?
Being a super cool mad cunt.
Where’s the most interesting place you’ve painted and why?
Paris tunnels. Gnarrr factor.
What’s been the biggest influence on your work over the last year?
Reading ‘Dondi White’ for the first time last year.
Weirdest thing that has happened when out painting?
Being accosted by a gay cruiser.
Do you find you do better pieces depending on who you painting with?
No, that’s a silly question.
Favorite Cities/places?
MIami. NYC. Melbourne. London. CPH.
Any upcoming collaborations/releases people should be watching for?
I’m doing some work for ‘Read It & Weep’ clothing division. Check ‘em out :
TOP 5 Favorite Pieces?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wtfNE4z6a8
5 Easy Pieces. Give the man his fucking toast. Bitch.
top 5 interviews you want to see
Angus Young.
Derby Crash.
Keith Moon.
GG Allin.
David Rubinstein
Favorite letters?
Z
Favorite food?
Toast.
Any graff-related injuries?
Cuts, bruises…a few scars, nothing major.
What plans do you have for the future?
Eat Pray Love….hahaha.
Give some shout
Big ups the Flies! Tcp Miami. S.E.X. and the homies all over this wide world – BNF, GCK, DTS, ATM, GBAK, TMD, VTS, FK, NTDC, BIRDS…
Read It And Weep - http://readitandweep.net/
Portland, Maine, probably isn’t on the minds of most people as an East Coast graffiti city but the scene is growing strong. So much in fact that Portland has begun a mission to wipe out graffiti from its streets for good. Portland has adopted this graffiti-ordinance in hopes of stopping all types of graffiti but there has be no such effect. There are numerous spots downtown where property owners have commissioned murals. TURDL is one of Portland’s premiere graffiti writers who is a multi-dimensional artist putting in serious work both on and off the legal ‘court’.
Where you from and what do you write?
I am from the land of lobsters, pine trees and L.L. muhfuckin’ Bean. The great state of Maine. And I write Turdl on things… occasionally.
How did you start vandalizing and what compels you to continue?
I’ve been drawing since I can remember, and for some reason, I liked to draw on things other than the paper that was provided to me. I remember writing my (government) name on all the items in the classroom with stuff like “(government name’s) ruler” or “(government name’s) paper towels”. Funny to look back on it now. I wish I could see that teacher and tell her what became of that shit. But yeah, I had this rad (and ridiculously hot) after school teacher give me a copy of Subway Art when I was like 10. Shit has been the bible ever since. I studied graffiti in magazines and pieces that were around my area for about 8 years before even picking up a can. And once you start and get the itch, it never goes away.
Has your reason for writing changed at all?
Yeah, I guess. I mean, when I first started, I was about the fame and recognition. Nowadays, I could care less. It’s become such a part of what I do and who I am, that the only thing that matters is the act of painting. I go through withdrawals and shit. Shits no joke.
How would you describe your style?
Really Bad…I don’t really know man, I have been influenced by so many things, people, experiences (which I am really grateful for), that it’s hard to pin-point an exact style. I go in the moment, seldom plan out more than a rough idea for an outline, and let however I feel at that time come through in the painting. But, I am a traditionalist when it comes to letters. I like to bug the fuck out on my fills, and I know that some people do that as a cop-out and have shit letter structure. I hate that shit. So I focus on having solid letters and flow first and foremost.
Have you always wrote…
Turdl?…Naaahhh doggie. This is my second run around. The first one was quite embarrassing. And it’s a running joke amongst my friends. But I loved every second of painting that, and was able to meet some great friends through that shitty graffiti.
What made you agree to this interview ?
I already jerked off 3 times today, my girl is outta town and I finished all 4 seasons of Martin, so I got shit else to do. Ahaha, nah, I think that we can be kind of slept on up around these parts, and it would be dope to shine some light on the scene up here. We’ve got a lot of talent, people are usually surprised when they find out who came from/lives here.
who were you influenced by when you started out?
Whoa, HBTK and SFL crews locally. Guys like RICH, BERN, LEARN, JURNE and SEPT were just un-fucking-believable. The shit they did in this small town was nuts, even by national standards. Then when I first got the balls to pick up a can, and the internuts was widely available, guys like MES, CLICK, NOAH and MONK blew my fucking mind with intricate and complex fills and solid and gangster ass letters.
What writers influence you today?
My friends influence me the most. The RB/AX Crew is like my other family, they’ve had the biggest influence on me for sure, that RB style runs deep in my graffiti. The young gunnin’ TMS crew keeps me on my toes and keeps me going. And on a national level, I always have, and will continue to sweat the AOK/RIS/TFP squads from NYC. To me, those guys have mastered steez within traditional New York graffiti. It doesn’t get any better than that.
What makes a writers stand out to you?
Solid handstyles. If you can’t write your name, you can’t write, period. I see all these fancy ass 3,000 color Ironlak and Montana burners with a shitty toy ass tag next to it and I’m fucking over it. Shows that they progressed via internuts and legal walls. Fuck all that. I also bug out on writers who smash shit with tags and enjoy vandalizing as well as having style and doing pieces. I think very few people actually reach a point of doing both with class. It’s a tough balance to achieve, usually someone excels in one or the other, and I’m nowhere near having that, so it makes me hyped to see people that do.
Have you ever caught a charge for painting?
Yes, yes I have. No fun, but its part of the game, and you learn a lot about yourself.
What are you most known for/what do you want to be remembered for?
I don’t feel as if I’m known for anything. Maybe my character? I don’t know. But, I’d like to be remembered as a pleasant and humble guy that was loyal and supportive to his friends and family. Graffiti-wise, I’d just like to be known for contributing something to the place that gave me so much, my hometown.
Where’s the most interesting place you’ve painted and why?
This is a hard one to answer without getting too specific. But I did paint for about 2 hours standing in a dead bird infested pool of liquid filth. Even with makeshift waders, my shoes went from grey to brown and the ride home was so stinky it makes me sick to even think about it.
What’s been the biggest influence on your work over the last year?
Once again, my friends and crew. They have been killing it, and they keep getting better all the time. Plus I’ve got guys like RICH and LEARN around me that have been going for so many years, that are still pushing it and still getting busy. It’s hard to slack with that around you. Also, I want to try and see how far I can take it, I’ve had some dope commissions that allowed me to go outside of just writing my name and helped me realized a lot about my capabilities, so I want to start incorporating some of that stuff in to my rap-spray.
Weirdest thing that has happened when out painting?
Whoa, that’s a tough one. There’s been some weird shit. Like some dude coming up to me with a harmonica and singing the “spraycan man” song while I was mid-session, or a middle-aged woman admiring the 9-foot turtle dick I had just painted gizzing out my name and talking to me about my influences and inspirations. I don’t know, there’s never a normal situation really.
Do you find you do better pieces depending on who you’re painting with?
I’m not sure. I can be kind of competitive. Not in a dickish way, but I don’t like to be shat upon. So I try to step it up when I’m painting with the pros. But you know, the more you think about it, the less fun it is, so I usually end up just saying fuck it and do whatever. If it sucks, it sucks, and I just laugh hope the next one is better.
Favorite Cities/places?
Boston was the shit before they reverted to the times of witch trials and began drowning and stoning vandals. Besides that, I’ve been to some good freight train locations in the middle of fucking nowhere that were just amazing, shit people dream about. Those are the spots I remember. Nice, secluded and chill so you can get creative and burn. NYC is fun as well, SO much fucking graffiti it looks like it’s legal. But it’s not, believe me.
Any upcoming collaborations/releases people should be watching for?
Always grinding. The homies LEARN and GERV are putting out a book about Maine graffiti history, and that will be a must have. I wrote a piece for it, and the flicks they acquired are fucking amazing. Outside of that, just doing my thing. Peep http://mistermcgirt.blogspot.com/ for projects I’m working on. And in regards to graffiti, I’m keeping that shit off the net, so if we meet up, we can peep some flicks, like it used to be before you kiddies and your internuts.
TOP 5 Favorite Pieces?
In no particular order…
top 5 interviews you want to see
2Favorite letters?
Don’t really have favorites, but I fucking hate Q’s, P’s, K’s and X’s. If you see QuipSex up in your city… its definitely not me.
Favorite food?
I have been pretty privileged with the types of food I’ve been able to eat (see blog) because a lot of my good friends slay the food industry. Something that stands out are pan-seared Halibut cheeks. Yeah, the cheeks of a fish. On some other shit… if you ever get the chance to eat em. Do it. Fuck the price. It’s well worth it.
Any graff-related injuries?
Carpal Tunnel. The leaks (also known as the after drip), when you think you’re done peeing, you put it back in, and immediately realize you weren’t.
What plans do you have for the future?
To pay off my school loans and get that slut Sallie-Mae out of my life for good. Stack enough paper so that I can grow some Rick Ross titties and still get laid. Keep painting and pushing myself, so I don’t get bored. I’d like to involve myself in more things like organizing burner walls, putting on shows, maybe a small magazine and just getting our names out there or whatever so that I can get the locals and homies some shine. And I also want to live healthier (I sound old), but I finally stopped smoking trees this year (for those that know me, know that that’s some SHIT, multiple blunt a day habit for sure), started going for runs, and am watching what I eat. Now to wear a mask every time I paint and stop having so much unprotected sex on my annual trips to Haiti.
Give some shouts
These are shouts, so I’m gonna do em in all caps… SHOUTS OUT TO THE RB/AX FAMILIA, HBTK CREW AND THE TMS SWAG TEAM, FONSE, SNOEMAN, DZEE, BACK, JOSONE, IKUE, KOPH, JAERO, BDUB, CHILE, NIEK, RICH, LEARN, SOLO ARTIST, RASE ONE, LINK, ESKO, VAST, JURNE, VANE, KOI, LERK, LACK, RAKET, ONIKS, MWM, CEVS, KGEE AND ANYONE ELSE I’VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING ALONG THIS JOURNEY… AND FREE WERKS KFA!
Also shouts to my parents and brother for putting up with my ridiculousness, my girl for still being here, my dog for no longer shitting in the house and to my A8 brethren. Thanks KC!!! Peace be to the Gods and the Earths!
who were you influenced by when you started out?
Dudes that had a lot of tags around seattle, like zeb, kruks, wwl, btm, seed, myth, jeans, bikes, jay dub, ini, hick, floe, hornboy, snide, adek, kerse RIP, kato lots of old school stuff i cant remember right now…
What writers influence you today?
Today i am influenced by tons of people, too many too list… Anyone doing new, never done before styles and putting in real work.
what makes a writer stand out to you?
Anyone that is painting progressive style and pushing new crazy shit with wild color schemes that just makes you stare and drool.
Have you ever caught a charge for painting?
Yeah, Ive gotten fucked over by the long arm of the law a couple times, fuckin bullshit….. smh ACAB!! ALL.COPS.ARE.BASTARDS!
what are you most known for/what do you want to be remembered for?
I would say im better known for doing lots of fill ins and tags, but i would like to be remembered for going all city, destroying seattle and having spots painted around the world.
Favorite Cities/places?
Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, I really want to go back to Europe and go to Paris, Europe is fuckin great…
What do you think about the commercialization of graffiti?
Graffiti has turned into a fucking scene, its thrown in with hip hop and skateboarding, the internet has ruined alot of things and blown up really good secret spots…. Its a damn shame…
Any upcoming collaborations/releases people should be watching for?
Keep your eyes peeled for new works from VTS and DCM! Lurk Hard!!
Top 5 interviews you want to see?
Adek
Reader
BNE
MQ
Horfe
Favorite letters?
R, E, T, A, L, W, Z, M, K, O, S, F, C, H
Favorite food?
Mexican food, Teriyaki, Hamburgers, I eat anything good.
Any graff-related injuries?
Gotten cut up by fences many times, fallen off shit, fallen thru roofs into scary attics and weird dark buildings had to break windows to get out, police chases thru woods all the shit…
What plans do you have for the future?
Lots of new stuff, new money, new everything!
Give some shouts!
Shout out to my goons putting in work all over!! dont stop till the paints all gone or your dead in a box.
KCRUSSELL.
In addition to this blog, i am a contributor to 12ozProphet as well. Over the last few weeks, i have been working on compiling interviews with writers from all over the globe. Read More
