NOLA Fest @ Bard

What could be better than 8 straight hours of music for a good cause? What if those 8 hours included electric performances from Aviator and InfinitiRock? This Friday, July 23rd, the Anand brothers (not to be confused with The Allman Brothers, The Avett Brothers, or any other fraternal music group) will be performing at NOLA FEST on Bard College's Campus. Proceeds from the show will benefit the children of Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School in New Orleans.

The festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. and run until midnight on the Campus Quad outside of Campus Center. In addition to Aviator and InfinitiRock, there will be performances from Great Pyranese, StickLips, Cosmopolitan, Emanuel Gears, Marina & The DayTrippers, Red Shift, and Christopher Paul Stelling. Advance ticket holders will also be entered into a drawing for two tickets to the Spiegeltent to see Jackie Hoffman's comedy show.

Call 404-296-4494 for advance discount tickets: adults $12, kids (18 and under) and seniors (60 and over) $10, and students (with valid ID) $12.

Tickets may be picked up at will call the day of the event.

Day of tickets: adults $15, kids and seniors $10, and students $12.

Come for a day of great music, great times, and a great cause!

Moe Pope: "Rock Me"

Check out the video for "Rock Me" from local Boston rapper, Moe Pope. Shot mostly in Jamaica Plain, the video also features background appearances from Base Trip's Aviator and Dory Greenberg.

TEDxBU

This Sunday, April 26, founder of Base Trip Records, Conor Loughman, and Base Trip Records' artist, Aviator (Neil Anand), will be speaking at the TEDxBU conference on BU campus.

TED is a nonprofit organization that focuses on conferences to spread worthwhile ideas. TEDxBU is an independently organized TED event, hosted by students at Boston University. The conference is a free event where anyone can gather information about education, communication, leadership, science, and technology.

Conor Loughman will be speaking about Base Trip Records, specifically music and entrepreneurship in the record industry. Aviator will be speaking about thoughtfulness and the hip-hop scene. Be sure to check out our favorite members of Base Trip Records this weekend at one of the greatest idea-spreading events of the year at BU!

Over three hundred people have reserved a spot for this event, but there are still spots to attend the conference. Even if you can’t make it to the event, content will be available online shortly after the event. The event will take place at The College of General Studies (871 Commonwealth Ave) between noon and 5 pm. Speakers will give 45 minute sessions on each topic with a short break. For more information you can follow the event on Twitter or on Facebook.

See you there,

Devondra

Do The Silly Dance

Rob Uslan may be working at a restaurant to pay the bills right now, but it’s the vigorous work he’s putting into his next album that he considers his real job. Supersillyus (Uslan’s stage name) says his next album is taking a direction change. “While the whacky bleep-bloops and psychedelic riffs are still a driving force, there is certainly more of a dance element flowing through my new album,” says Supersillyus. He feels the dance element will make his music more widely appealing.

Supersillyus’ creative flare is not limited to music. He also enjoys drawing and graphic design. His most recent design can be seen on the sleek cover work for Aviator’s mix tape, “Thank You, Come Again” and he’s currently working on album art for InfinitRock’s beat tape.

Although his life is currently chaotic, Supersillyus remains dedicated to connecting and inspiring people through music. He leaves me with these words: “I’ve seen the way music has affected my life and the lives of my peers and if there is any way I can come close to having that kind of effect on another human being, I will spend the rest of my life trying to do so.”

Love, Cristin

Aviator Chic

Ankur Chaturvedi, childhood friend of Aviator (Neil Anand) and Base Trip Records member, caught up with his buddy for a little Q&A about new material, opening for KiD CuDi, and his general life. Enjoy.

1) Going back to the old days of Aviator, how has your music evolved?

It was all about tightening everything up, word economy, and restraint. I’m trying to say more with less, these days.

2) Are any of the old rhymes still in your work? Or did you choose to get rid of them as you grew as a person?

Sometimes I resurrect an old line or too. As a person, I’m not really one to sit back and reflect on old times for too long. I don’t have boxes of memories and trinkets. Just the same, I don’t listen to my older music because I’m always thinking about the next move.

Sometimes a person will throw on and old song of mine and I’ll listen along. Oftentimes, I’m surprised by the gems I find among the utter dross I was recording as a kid.

3) Were you always about the lyrics, like you are now?

Absolutely. I’m a lyricist. That’s my job and it always has been. My job involves certain essential components – lyrics and content, flow, and performance. Everyday I’m working on one or more of these components. The wheels don’t stop. Even if I wanted them to, they wouldn’t give in. I’m afraid it’s going to be fatal.

4) The typical interview question... at the time, did you think you'd try to rap professionally?

Yes. At age 10 I knew. As I get older I delude myself with games and jobs, socialization and intellectual masturbation, but music has always been my love. It’s as Duke Ellington once said, "music is my mistress and she plays second fiddle to no one."

5) Have Chester's beats affected your style? Or would you say it’s the other way around—seeing as how you're the older brother.

Chester, InfinitiRock, is five years younger than me – making him 18 years old now. He has always been a prodigy. By age 10 he had already mastered “beat-making” and was moving into a different echelon. At this point, I really think he’s just doing it to piss everyone off and shake people up. There are lots of subliminal messages and textures in his music.

Even though I’m older, I find myself consistently humbled by the kid and his work. He has so many songs and so many styles. None of these songs are repetitive, either. That being the case, I’ve been trained by his music to do the same thing. In my mind, he’s paving the way and I’m just chasing along. We both play an equal and integral part to the work, but his music has always affected my style.


6) Do you guys sit together and come up with tracks? Does he make a beat, and you rap on top? Or do you write a rap, and he comes up with a beat to match the flow? How would you describe the work sessions?

Sometimes I sit with him in the studio while he makes songs and sometimes I come up with lines in my head, but more often than not, he comes up with a beat (or a batch of them) and sends it to me online. These serve as the catalyst for my lyrics. If I’m feeling a certain way and I know that lines are packing my head, I will actively seek out of one of his instrumentals, one that matches my mood, and begin to write everything out on top. I try not to leave a song unfinished. After 12 years of writing, I’ve developed certain techniques and habits. Though I’m a relatively easy-going and amiable guy, I’m a perfectionist and an asshole in the studio.


7) Was opening for KiD CuDi at the House of Blues your largest performance so far? Did you get to mention "They Ain't Right" to him?

It was absolutely my largest performance to date. It was a sold out show at the one of the foremost venues in the country. When I stepped out on that stage in front of all 3,000 of those kids, I didn’t say one word for about a minute. I just soaked in their energy. It was palpable. It was humbling. It was terrifying. It was incredible.

I didn’t mention the song to him or chose to play it at the show. I recorded a song over the instrumental of his most popular song, so I think I made the right decision by letting him have his moment. I think it would have been in poor taste if I acted otherwise.

8) How did you feel before the performance? During? Afterward? How would you compare it to the smaller venues you've performed at?

Before, I was petrified. I was pacing around my dressing room. I thought I was going to vomit for hours. During, I was petrified. I turned my head off and let myself get into my zone and put on the best show I could, but I was absolutely petrified by all of those people and the bright lights. It was surreal. Afterwards, I was relieved to be over with it all and I was curious to know how it was from the audience’s perspective (the perfectionist thing).

The smaller venues make you feel big. Everybody is packed like sardines into a basement or hole-in-the wall club. People know your words, they’re in your face, and they’re on level ground with you. At the house of blues, it made me feel gigantic to a point of discomfort. Bigger sardine can, more sardines, elevated stage. Very scary, but I never let them see the whites of my eyes.

9) What's next for Aviator? I hear you're finishing up an album. Can you tell us what it's called? How would you compare it to the mix tape?

So much. The album is on its way. It’s called Bigger Than My Matador. The title is a little ambitious-sounding. It’s basically about being the bull and conquering the matador before he conquers you. After dropping such a feel-good mixtape like "Thank You, Come Again," I think the album might surprise people and might even make them feel uncomfortable. It’s very emotional and raw. There are songs about absolute helplessness, trust lost, and reconciling my precarious position as a “conscious” rapper. There are also really accessible songs on there.

I’m just working on keeping it all together, man. I turn 23 this Monday. I have a new job, a beautiful girlfriend that I adore, and a promising career in music. I just want to keep it this way forever.

Thanks, Avi,

Th34nk (Ank)

To Infinity...

18^th birthdays have their perks--the right to vote, buy cigarettes, lottery tickets and porn to name a few. But for New York super-producer, InfinitiRock, this was just the icing on the proverbial birthday cake. After officially signing with Base Trip Records on his birthday, March 12th, InfinitiRock released his debut beat tape, “17Years.” The release features 40 tracks of hip-hop and electronic beats influenced by everything from Hindi instrumentals to European pop.

InfinitiRock’s name reflects his approach to music and tireless work ethic. Since he first began experimenting with beats 12 years ago, InfinitiRock has produced new tracks almost every day. He says that he never takes breaks, which is also why he never puts spaces in his track titles. “I have no time for spaces.”

Music has always been an influential part of InfinitiRock’s life. Growing up in an Indian family, his parents would often play traditional Hindi music around the house. “I didn’t speak or understand Hindi,” he explains, “so the voice was merely an instrumental tool, rather than a lyrical one.”

InfinitiRock is not the only Anand making music. In addition to his solo work, InfinitiRock produces beats for his older brother, Neil—Base Trip Records’ hip-hop artist, Aviator. Their musical collaboration began about 12 years ago when Neil turned to Chester and said, “Let’s make music! I’ll be Atari, you can be Pacman.”

InfinitiRock’s beats back most of Aviator’s raps. The brothers collaborate rather than compete, bouncing sounds off of one another until they find the right mix. “We have separate targets and different ears,” the young producer says. InfinitiRock produced many of the tracks on Aviator’s mix tape, “Thank You, Come Again,” and Aviator’s debut L.P., Bigger Than My Matador, due out later this Spring, will exclusively feature his brother.

Music isn’t the only passion in the young producer’s life. InfinitiRock loves cooking and admits that if he wasn’t a musician, he would be a chef. “I have a similar approach to cooking as I do with instrumentals,” he says. “I add a lot of details to create one dish.” Next year, InfinitiRock will attend SUNY Purchase pursuing a degree in Biology.

Be on the lookout for InfinitiRock’s first E.P. expected next month.

Love,
Cristin Cummins

Aviator Opens for KiD CuDi!

Aviator opening for KiD CuDi at the House of Blues Boston!

Kid Cudi at the House of Blues.

Rocking the National Geographic Tee.

Aviator at House of Blues! The crowd joins in the "A" for Aviator hand gesture.

Aviator and Kid Cudi at The House of Blues!

Boston University took over the House of Blues Boston on March 20th for the spring "Scarlet Fever" concert. The audience teemed with excitement as local artists, including DJ E-MARCE, Taylor Walker, and Aviator, shared the stage with hip-hop phenomenon KiD CuDi.

Aviator performance included tracks from his new mixtape “Thank You, Come Again” and opened with his signature song, “Tell Me Why.” Avi’s energy was contagious and got the crowd making the two-fingered A in no time. He proved, like the track states, that “the mic looked right in [his] arm.” Avi connected most to the audience with his song “Bring Nick Back,” giving a shout out to “all [his] 90’s kids.” References to “Hey Arnold!” and pogs hit a sweet note for Generation Y as well as the artist himself – the song is an homage to his days growing up with his little brother who provides the infectious beats in the background). Other songs performed included “I Like It” and “Jai Flow,” a tongue-in-cheek allusion to his Indian heritage.

The pairing of Aviator with KiD CuDi was a logical move based on their similarities. Both artists started rapping at a young age. However, CuDi was only a few years older than Aviator when he released his first mix tape in 2008. A year later, he released his first album, “Man on the Moon: The End of Day.” But Aviator isn’t far behind CuDi. Later this Spring, Avi's expected to release his full-length album “Bigger Than My Matador."

Until next time,

Sam

Aviator Releases FREE Mixtape - "Thank You, Come Again"

This is a big week for Aviator.

Yesterday he shared the stage with Daniel Joseph (of Highwater Music) and a number of talented acts from Elite Assembly.

Tomorrow, he will be opening up for Kid CuDi at the House of Blues (Boston).

Today, he is releasing his debut mixtape. "Thank You, Come Again" is one of the most polished mixtapes you're ever going to hear, and he is giving it away as a FREE download on the interwebs. Every single track is insane, and if you listen to it on good speakers your brain might explode.

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD HERE

If you didn't get a chance yet, you should also check out the beat tape that his little brother (AKA super-producer InfinitiRock released last week.

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD HERE

Aviator and Kid Cudi at The House of Blues!

Holy mind-blowing opportunity, Batman!

This Saturday, March 20th, Aviator will open for Kid Cudi at the Boston House of Blues as part of Boston University's Scarlet Fever spring weekend.

Also lending their artistic talents are DJ Taylor Walker and Jay K the DJ.

Tickets are currently on sale in the Link at the Boston University George Sherman Union and the Activities Info Desk:

$10 in-advance tickets for BU students with a BUID

$12 at the door and for non-BU guests (must be accompanied by a BU student)

The BU Programming Council is also offering $8 tickets for BU groups of 10 or more. You can reach the BUPC for more info at bupc@bu.edu.

Doors open at 6pm and the show will run until 10pm.

You can also read the BU Quad's recent profile on Aviator, here.

Come support Aviator, Base Trip Records, Kid Cudi and America (because why not?) this Saturday. We guarantee you'll have a mind-exploding time!

Love,

Base Trip Records

Boston Rapper Showcase

Come out to The Western Front in Cambridge, March 18th, for a rapper showcase headlined by the Boston hip-hop group, partyboobytrap!

Aviator will also perform, alongside Daniel Joseph, Brokn Englsh, Deal the Villain, and St. Joe Louis.

Show begins at 8 p.m. Admission is 21+ only (sorry to the underage).

Sure to be a night of rapper's delight! Bring yourself, your friends, anyone, and everyone.

Also, check out these links for additional info about the artists:

http://www.famelessfam.com/

http://allstonhiphop.wordpress.com/

Love,

Base Trip Records

Haiti Benefit Festival at BU!

Hey there, boys and girls!

This Sunday, February 28^th, the Haitian Cultural Association and Boston University will host a benefit to support victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti.

The benefit will be held at the George Sherman Union (GSU) between 1-6 p.m. and will feature performances from Base Trip Records’ artists Aviator and Rapper Steph and many more local artists.

All proceeds will be donated to Partners in Health, who have been working in Haiti for more than 20 years.

In addition to live music, attendees can experience various aspects of Haitian culture:

-Catering by local Haitian restaurants.

-A fashion show with pieces inspired by Haiti’s Carnaval festival donated by local designers.-An interactive museum exhibiting a “walk through Haiti’s history.”

-A panel of speakers discussing Haiti’s future in the wake of the earthquake.

-A silent auction with contributions from the Boston Red Sox, David Yurman, artists from Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, and more.

Mayor Thomas Menino will be in attendance and there will be a live webcast with the 82^nd Airborne Commander to Port-au-Prince.

Click here for the official website. You can also join the Facebook event through Base Trip Records.

Please come out this Sunday to support the people of Haiti, experience Haitian culture, and enjoy live local music!

Love,

Base Trip Records

A Minute With Micah

Base Trip Records' own Devondra Dominguez caught up with Micah Domingo (formerly known as Rapper Steph) to see what he has been up to.

How long have you been a part of Base Trip?

I’ve been a part of Base Trip since my sophomore year, so two years now.

What have you done so far with the label?

I can’t even count how many shows I’ve done, but a lot of the shows happened in my junior year. I was going and going; I did shows at least once a week maybe even twice, so that was really a hectic time. I actually went to California this summer to visit Conor and Rob (Supersillyus). Conor and I made some big strides over there and hung out with Rob while he was finishing up his CD. I also went to New York at the beginning of summer before California with the Throwbacks and we just played, gave out CD’s, and rapped for whoever. It was fun. It was a good time.

What material have you been working on?

I’m mostly working on new stuff. I went through a transitional period- a trans period, wow, that’s weird- last semester where I didn’t really work on music, but figured out a lot of emotional and mental stuff. This semester I feel like I’m coming out on a clean slate and I’ve been writing a lot about my experiences, transitioning, and kind of making sense of all the stuff that happened last semester through my music.

What drives you to create more work and who are your musical influences?

A huge musical inspiration for me would have to be Common. I actually had the great fortune of rapping for him. I went to a show at the Palladium to see him. I was right in the front the whole time.This girl I was dating at the time was able to get the bouncer to let me rap for Common. That was actually about a month after I performed at BU Central for my first time ever. I had never performed live ever in front of anyone before September of my sophomore year. So I was facing Common- thinking “Oh my God”- and started rapping for him. After, he was like “Yeah that’s good work, keep working on it. That’s tight.” Just hearing those words, I was in shock.

Besides Common, another huge influence is Mos Def- almost on the same level of inspiration as Common. His music is more head-trippy and you really have to think about it when you’re listening to it. You think “Woah, he’s really saying some deep stuff.” I have also been listening to some indie music like Rilo Kiley. I have been listening to a lot of emotional music – not emo- but like music that puts emotions in such a way that just makes you go “Wow, I feel exactly what you’re feeling”- that kind of stuff.

Do you have plans for upcoming shows?

I have one show that I know of: the Haiti Benefit show at BU. It’s next Sunday, but other than that I don’t have anything planned yet. I played a show at a house party last week and was a success because the cops didn’t come. It was awesome.

Discuss your possible decision to change your name from Rapper Steph to another name.

It’s not really a flip, but it’s kind of like I am entering into a new phase of life. I am taking all of this stuff that I learned from the old me and applying it to myself; it has been really crazy. I’ve had so much mental and emotional growth and I think it definitely shows in my music. Along with that growth, I need to change my name because I no longer am personified by the name Rapper Steph. That’s the old me. It was great and I loved that name and I had that persona, but now it’s time to move on from that and kind of keep going with life with these phases. I am figuring out where I am today and this is a more permanent kind of change. It’s figuring out what my essence is or what describes me. Picking a name is very complicated.

As far as names, I was going for the name Human, but it is taken which is unfortunate. It’s a bummer because I really liked that name and I felt that it fit me really well. Another name I was thinking was Micahphone since a lot of people call me that – it’s a nickname- and it has my name in it. Rapper Steph had my name in it and I would like my name in it. I’m still discussing the name change with Conor, so we’ll see how it goes. Names are always the hardest to choose because you have to have it forever and you have to personify that name.