Southern Fried Geek

Meet the band.

I make it a point not to tout my own perceived skills or abilities – generally because that's the quickest way to come off looking like an uninformed chump – but please indulge me when I state that I know a few things about nerdy music. Following such acts has become, if not my bread and butter, at least my coffee and jam over the last several years. I put a fair bit of effort into such endeavors, so I hope that when I say that Florida's Sci-Fried is a geek rock band like no other you'll at least entertain the notion.

I discovered Sci-Fried in the same manner as many other nerdy outfits – it all started with an email. Drummer and co-founder Jim Frederick introduced himself (and the band) to me by way of a track entitled "Level UP!" From that point I was hooked.

By the time I caught the guys at this summer's Nerdapalooza I'd already committed a number of songs, both standard fare like "Level UP" and b-side material like the KISS send-up "Doctor Jones," to memory. Not by choice, mind you, but because tracks like that, music that combines the most studious of geeky passions with the power of classic-style arena rock, appeal to me on a base level.

You see, I am a lover of hip-hop and I've said many times that I grew up punk rock, but the most elemental components of my formative musical years were steeped in Zeppelin, Rush, ZZ Top, Nugent and all the other iconic bombast of rural classic rock radio. Yet despite the uncanny influence of these powerfully patch-worked styles, few modern artists (geeky or otherwise) mine it directly.

And yet Sci-Fried does just that.

Formed in 2007 when Jim and guitarist Chuck Silver set out to combine their twin loves of science fiction and rock 'n' roll, Sci-Fried began in a most unsuspecting manner – by cranking out high-energy parodies inspired by their favorite movies and TV shows. The addition of co-vocalists Dr. Vern and Mike "KSV" Jensen and bassist Sunni Simmons rounded out the lineup and also shaped the band's overall sound. Sunni's metal roots helped to add an additional level of musical aggression, while the combination of Vern's soulful, theatrical voice and KSV's low-key almost nerdcore-style delivery helped to smooth out the mix. Which brings me to my second and likely counter-intuitive point.

While Sci-Fried are perfectly comfortable channeling the wild energy of what I have affectionately come to think of as redneck rock – Sunni once referred to the band as the Mötley Crüe of the geek scene – they refuse to be musically boxed in, to limit their repertoire to what may be simple or expected.

Though I find it hard to quantify the exact essence of their intoxicating blend of styles and influences, let me endeavor to do so:

Part Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, part Anthrax, part Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem,Sci-Fried has easily inserted itself into the list of my favorite bands in all of musical nerddom.

Across the breadth of two albums Sci-Fried have explored a sonic palette colored by everything from American soul to British pub rock, from rap to punk. I'll be the first to admit that all this sonic experimentation leads to an occasional ill fit, but the guys are always expanding their musical scope while still holding onto that very classic rock element that provides their greatest strength.

Slated for an early 2011 release!

The aforementioned albums showcase the band as a split entity. Their twin debut LPs Geeks Unite (which features an amazing selection of original material) and Ramming Speed (a humorous collection of filk-rock parodies) present the Sci-Fried sound in very different ways.

Geeks Unite opens with "Welcome to the Geek Age" and the title track – a clever and hard-hitting affirmation of nerd life. From there it weaves ably through surreal noise rock ("Don't Phase Me, Bro"), aggressive sleaze metal ("Sci-Fried") and ridiculously hilarious Dementia Music ("Ninja Drinking Song.") Occasionally the band's odd juxtaposition of styles fails to satisfy ("A Hero"), but more often than not it manages to hit the sweet spot. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the album's stand-out track "Saturday Night on Syfy" - a song infinitely more palatable than its titular subject matter.

Ramming Speed likewise starts strong with another odd spoken-word piece that bleeds into the Primus send-up "Too Many Zombies." It's not exactly KSV's strongest vocal performance, but it manages to grab the listener. Joints like "Stargate Zone," "Trippin' through The Wormhole" and " My Name Is Spock 2.0" also blend the easily recognizable sounds of their musical source material with properly geeky lyrical content, but this album also has a few skippable selections. More often than not, though, Ramming Speed's material tends to fall along the lines of WAR parody "Land Speeder." It's fun in small doses, but not exactly the most compelling stuff the band's provided to date.

I'm not going to mislead you here; I genuinely adore Sci-Fried. A number of my friends were a tad skeptical as I talked the act up early this summer, but seeing the fellows perform live on the Nerdapalooza stage managed to make true believers of most. As much as I enjoy the sound of the band on wax, the live experience truly showcases their strengths. From Vern's larger-than-life voice to Chuck's classic licks, Sci-Fried is a band that begs to be experienced live.

They're also one of those acts that relishes the chance to connect with fans both on-stage and off. I'd be lying if I didn't say that some of the best parts of my Nerdapalooza experience was spent simply hanging out with Sci-Fried and their extended musical family. (What up, Jaime!) And it's important to note that Nerdapalooza was merely one stop on the band's dorktastic summer circuit. TOUR 2010: The Year We Make Con‐Tact took Sci-Fried from nerd hot-spots like Megacon, Dragon*Con and even the Klingon Feast. A fitting tour regimen for the reigning kings of southern geek rock.

Yeah, that pretty much sums 'em up.

Over the past couple of weeks I've had the pleasure of further cultivating my love for this most unorthodox act by way of a series of preview tracks from their forthcoming album Future Tense. Thus far I've been treated to a strong Serenity-themed ballad, a literal geek rock anthem and a proper studio version of the Marc with a C collab they unveiled at 'Palooza 2010. The sound of the album seems to be a bit more consistent, but the guys are still experimenting with styles and merging genres for the greater good of nerdy music.

To illustrate this point, I'll close with a season-specific single from Sci-Fried (and again featuring my brother Marc with a C.) It's the perfect example of the kind of good-natured musical madness one can expect from the band. And if this one doesn't do it for you I encourage root around a bit in the Sci-Fried back catalog. They offer a myriad of sounds for any mood.

Assuming, of course, that said mood involves geeking the fuck out.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 101: Snowblind

I can't help but think that what our great nation – nay, the world needs is an irreverent and occasionally sexually explicit holiday podcast.

In fact, I've taken it upon myself to provide the citizens of Earth with just that. Because I am a giver.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 101: Snowblind [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 42.5 MB Running Time: 49:25 Subscribe to RFH 

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Tis the season for Baddd Spellah. #falalalalaalalalalaa 

Track 1: 30 Rock dialog / Catchlove – "It's Still Snowing (feat. Danny Dementor)"
Is it me or is Danny D channeling mc chris in this tune?

Z's 1st interlude: "Compliments of my fellow Christmas elf Dave the Knave."
Much seasonal love to Dave for the 30 Rock audio clips.

Track 2: Voicedude – "Fuck You, Santa!"
From the amazing new Santastic V: Snow, Man! comp.

Track 3: 30 Rock dialog / Billy the Fridge – "Bad Santa"
Billy the Fridge is the official nerdcore Santa.

Track 4: jmr – "Little Drummer Boy"
An OCR classic from 2007.

Track 5: Elliot Kimmel – "Mitosis in a Winter Wonderland"
Once again Church comes through with the holiday hook-up. 

Track 6: 30 Rock dialog / Anamanaguchi – "All I Want 4 Xmas Is U"
Yet another fine selection suggested by Dave the Knave. 

Track 7: Former Fat Boys – "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (The Joker Got Away)"
This track starts out pretty low-key before getting all freaky and disturbing. Such is the FFB way! 

Track 8: John Anealio – "Batman Smells (A Rebuttal)"
Available on John's new Season's Geekings EP.

Track 9: Sci-Fried with Marc with a C – "Star Wars Christmas"
Easily at the top of this year's holiday music offering is this little ditty from my southern brothers.

Z's 2nd interlude: "Let's take a look back at this year's very early Hanukkah."
Dear Jewish calendar: you really confuse me. Love, Gentiles everywhere

Track 10: 8 Bit Weapon & ComputeHer – "Hanukkah (Festival of Lights)"
From their own It's a Chiptune Holiday collection.

Track 11: Schaffer the Darklord – "Terror of the Bells"
Just like the Billy the Fridge track, this one is from the Shael Riley-helmed Come Down the Chimney. 

Track 12: 30 Rock dialog / TheCoop – "Algorhythmic Bells"
I swear I've played this one in a previous holiday special. :/

Track 13: Abra West – "Lonely Christmas Eve"
If you're unfamiliar with this fan series check out the awesomeness.

Track 14: 30 Rock dialog / Paul Slocum – "Up on the Housetop"
Side note – I have convinced my son that the words for the original song are as follows: "Up on the housetop, reindeer balls…"

Track 15: Go Home Productions – "High Tides and Blocked Peace Pipes"
It's a very Blondie Christmas!

Z's final interlude: "As long as you buy me a present."
Let's not forget the important things this year.

Track 16: Insane Ian – "Yellow Snow"
Big-ups to Ian for sharing this new single with me early.

With this measure of holiday merriment out of the way we begin looking toward year's end. I pretty much have the final podcast of 2010 all worked out, so I've got that going for me. Which is nice.

As promised I'll also be sharing another interview, a profile piece and my annual year in review post over the coming weeks.

What will 2011 hold? Only time will tell. But until then, happy holidays to you and yours!

Not Safe For Anywhere

His Satanic Majesty Schaffer the Darklord has a brand new video. It's for his lyrical exercise in overindulgence known as "The Bender."

Now, for those of you saying "Oh Z., I totally saw that video when Schaffer including it in his vidcast last year." I say, hold the phone, kid – this is a brand new production of the Manslaughterer classic. Also, don't back-sass me.

Yeah, you heard me.

Directed by Burke Heffner and featuring the talents of countless NYC burlesque stars (and my main Ghostbusting man Nelson Lugo), this bad boy is highly offensive and shouldn't be viewed by anyone ever. But that's not gonna stop you. On account of your admirable boldness. 

Obviously this joint glorifies sexual promiscuity and drug abuse and guyliner – y'know, because it's another track from a man whose claim to fame is humping his own clone – and even in its sanitized state it's still pretty raw. So maybe try not to watch it when the bossman is about.

If, however, you wish to support the unbridled American arts by viewing the original, uncensored cut, you can do so at www.thingstolookat.com.

You filthy little monkey you!

Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens and Shit Like That

"Oh balls!"

The crossover into early December is typically when we bloggers put on the cruise control. It's all about gift list this and top ten that, but I (sadly) don't have that luxury.

This year, as in holiday seasons past, I am helming GeekDad's 12 Days of Geekmas giveaway, which means I'm doing even more writing and podcasting than usual. Still, I'm taking it as a personal challenge not to let Hipster, please! fall by the wayside as a result of my professional responsibilities.

While I can't promise an abundance of posts or anything on par with the kind of mega-contest we're hosting over GeekDad-way, I do pledge to you that I'll be using this month to spotlight my favorite artists, tracks and albums of 2010.

Highlights include an interview with one of my favorite hip-hop crews, a feature piece on the south's preeminent geek rockers and, of course, my yearly nerdcore wrap-up. And along the way you'll also get the requisite pair of December podcasts.

You're very much encouraged to share your own picks for 2010's superlative nerdery. Y'know, the kinds of things you remember so that you don't… feel… so bad?

Wow, I extended that Sound of Music thing to an unhealthy level, didn't I?

TV on the Radio (No, Seriously.)

... We'll be riiiiiiiiiight back!

There are few artists with track records as proven as my boy Doctor Octoroc. His always unique concept pieces and all killer, no filler approach to chiptunes have made him a wholly deserving internet legend. From his 8 Bit Jesus holiday album to his amazing interactive YouTube video series based on hit musical comedy Glee, Doc Oct always seem to have just the right release waiting in the wings.

His latest creation, After These Messages, is a 33-track monster inspired by classic television. Theme songs, commercial jingles and even those unforgettable ditties form your favorite game shows are each given the NES-style musical treatment from the good Doctor. And the prognosis is awesome! (See what I did there?)

It's a pay-what-you-want release, which means you can, if I'm understanding this correctly, pay what you want for it. And whatever you pay, I promise it'll be well worth it.

Check out the official project page for more details, and "Like" that bad boy on Facebook to help out with the all-important album promotion.

Still, the question remains: what is next for Doctor Octoroc? My guess is an 8-bit musical based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's highly influential German-language tragedy Faust. But that's just, y'know, me spit-ballin'.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 100: Centennial Man

I compare producing the 100th episode of a podcast to losing your virginity – you're really anxious and excited about it, but once it's over you're pretty sure you did it all wrong.

That being said, here's Radio Free Hipster episode number 100. I couldn't have done it without you, and I mean that in more ways than one. So kick back and enjoy.


Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 100: Centennial Man [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 53.1 MB Running Time: 58:01 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Fun fact – Spellah's RFH theme song premiered in episode #15. Does that necessitate its own anniversary show? 

Track 1: Baddd Spellah – "99 Balloon Flights"
Starting off the show is a cut for GeekOnABlog. 

Z's 1st interlude: "And pretty much did my job for me."
For serious.You did. 

Track 2: Parry Gripp – "Yub-Nub"
My brother Dave the Knave picked this one. A fine addition! 

Track 3: Dual Core – "Fantastic Four (feat. Beefy, YTCracker & Wheelie Cyberman)"
This one was sort of a catch-all. A lot of y'all wanted to hear it. And so did I. 

Track 4: Dave Ross voicemail / Captain Dan & the Scurvy Crew – "Shore Leave"
Thanks so much for the nice voicemail, Dave! 

Track 5: 10000 Spoons – "Astley Gone To Heaven"
This one is for Antisoc, without whom this podcast would be bereft of the bandwidth it needs to succeed. 

Track 6: POWERLIFTER – "Mr. Brightside (feat. Jeremy Spring)"
Oberon the Fool asked for some Scrub Club, so I delivered the new hotness. 

Track 7: Wordburglar – "Hermaphromic"
This podcast has only one rule – if Snipeyhead makes a request, I damn sure better play it. 

Track 8: The Mudbloods – "I Wish You'd Be My Witch"
My buddy Matt, who actually really got me into the Mudbloods, asked for this little jewel. 

Z's 2nd interlude: "You knew I'd play them anyway."
You guys know me so well! 

Track 9: Optimus Rhyme – "Click-Click"
Is it wrong to play my own request? Probably. 

Track 10: Schaffer the Darklord – "Club Destroyer (feat. Removal)"
For Tom B. I chose this amazingly rocked up joint from Manslaughterer. 

Track 11: Metroid Metal – "Prime Theme (MP)" / Bonehand voicemail
Steve was not only nice enough to have me on his own show to promote RFH 100, he even went so far as to leave me a congratulatory message. What a guy! 

Track 12: Random & K-Murdock – "Dream Master" / Seattle Geekly voicemail
Thanks to my homey funky49 for the request, and much love to my comrade-in-arms Matt (of Seattle Geekly) for the voicemail. Truth be told, the kind words of my fellow podcasters were the true highlight of this show for me. 

Track 13: Rivercrest Yacht Club – "Robot Jox"
Alex wanted to hear some Rivercrest Yacht Club. I chose this one because I love the trippy, Star Trek-style intro. 

Track 14: I Fight Dragons – "With You"
This one's for datavortex who wanted to hear an IFD song featuring the dulcet tones of former member Laura Trainor. 

Z's final interlude: "Turning you on to even more great shit."
Speaking of, big ups to my longtime friend Brux for the tailor-made background music. 

Track 15: Southside – "1010011"
Southside, just like Schaffer the Darklord before them, are the recipients of the coveted "See, I Told You They Was Dope" Award.

Guys, I've said it before and I'll say it again – this show wouldn't exist without you. For those of you who've been down with Radio Free Hipster from the beginning, thanks for your continued support. For those that are new to the show, thanks for giving it a chance. To my fellow podcasters, thanks for your kind words and for providing me with constant inspiration from your own unique undertakings. And to my crew – Church, Matt, Soc, Dave, Jason, et al – you guys are the oil, gears and animalistic grunts that keep this machine moving ever forward.

By this point y'all know the drill. December will see my annual holiday episode and a last musical gasp before year's end. If there's anything you'd like me to cover in either, don't hesitate to give me a holler.

Boredom Busters – New, Notable & Nerdy

It's Thanksgiving week here in the old US of A, and that means I'll likely not have a lot of time to post over the coming days. You know, family and turkey and parades and shoppin' and all that.

Still, since many of you will also be in a similar time crunch, I figured now would be a great time to direct you to some new projects to keep you occupied during that Black Friday assault of the local Toys 'R' Us.

In case you missed it, meta-mash-up artist Girl Talk dropped his 5th full-length last week. While his previous release Feed the Animals didn't exactly do it for me, All Day is a really quite an enjoyable mix. Tracks 3 and 4 ("That's Right" and "Jump on Stage" respectively) are easily among his best showings to date, and the entire project is freely available at Illegal Art.

Another musical must-have is Doctor Popular's Beeps and Smudges, an album for which I recently expressed a sincere and desperate longing. It too is now available, and I gotta say the project is even more enjoyable than I anticipated. Built entirely around iPhone and iPad music apps, it's niche creation obviously inspired Doc to do great things. It's available for as a little as $1, and since Doc Pop is selling it through Bandcamp you can preview the album in its entirety.

While you're over Bandcamp way, also be sure to cop the latest from seminal Wizard Rockers Harry and the Potters. Remixes is an 8-track collection of – wait for it – remixes. It features a fun selection of reworked material from the classic HatP catalog including Paradise Dan's original Old Nerdy Bastard contribution, a dash of reggae dub and a damn-near stirring a cappella interpretation of "Save Ginny Weasley." It's a pay-what-you-want release, so you have no reason not to check it out.

Additional Potter-related musical goodness is available from our friends at the Funny Music Project. FuMPer Insane Ian has dropped the Weezer parody "Harry Potter" just in time for the release of Deathly Hallows part 1. Ian's also offering an "evolving album" of classic and contemporary covers via his site. Check it out now for a trio of selections, and keep checking back as the project continues to grow.

If for some reason all this music doesn't slake your thirst for nerdery you are also welcome to check out the most recent addition of The Bonebat Show. Episode 57, on which I guested along with my nor'western brothers Death*Star, is presently available at bonehand.com, Itunes, and your aggregator of choice. It's a fairly robust encounter that features live music, political rants and lots of talk about wangs. Suffice it to say it is a classy good time.

Those of you in the market for a more visual style of entertainment are encouraged to peep the newest from chip/sprite artist Doctor Octoroc. Oct created a bead sprite piece a while back entitled "Firewall" that served as his own commentary on the current state of the console wars. More recently he's translated this concept into an elaborate 16-bit-style animation. Check out his site for the requisite background information or his YouTube channel to head straight to the vid itself.

And I can't mention YouTube without pausing to pimp the latest from Florida's Krondor Krew. Your favorite ninjas teamed with a local Orlando-area production team, Arcani Pictures to craft the band's first official video. It's for the track "Sneaking" from their album The 6th Rotation of the House of the Chaos Star. Give it a look and add a little Ninjapendence celebration to your Turkey Day.

The Future is Now

Photo credit: Kyle Mistry

Back in the proverbial day, Hipster, please! was all about some artist interviews. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that such features were the cornerstone of the project.

But much has changed over the years, and my focus has shifted a bit. Now it seems that compilation albums and the Radio Free Hipster podcast have become a bigger priority, and as a result the noble interview feature has fallen by the wayside. Still, as a man who prides himself on his ability to remember his roots I knew I couldn't just let this slide forever.

This is why I plan to close out 2010, an amazing year for both nerd music and this tiny blog that hopes to cover it, with a bang – by featuring not only the return of regular interviews, but by spotlighting a pair of my very favorite acts.

The first is Dr. Awkward. He is a man that exploded onto the scene with a relentless brand of musical aggression tempered with the unassuming soul of a poet, and who shows no signs of letting up. Doc was kind enough to chat with me about his solo work, hip-hop hybrid outfit The Bossfights, Harry Potter and his own unique musical journey.

Read on to go behind the mask.

-------

First things first, Doc: how long have you been rapping?

I've been rapping for roughly 6 years. It was never something I did consistently until recently however. I started rapping at a house party when I was 16. I stumbled into a back room, and stepped right into a cypher. It was love at first rhyme. From there I would just join freestyle sessions at parties and get togethers for kicks. 

How did you discover nerdcore hip-hop, and what made you decide to begin writing rhymes in that style?

I was introduced to Nerdcore through a friend, and fellow rhymer, Soup Dogg. He would constantly play me really obscure music and he was constantly telling me about Nerdcore. One day he played me an MC Frontalot track, and I fell in love. After some googling, I came across ZeaLous1's music and knew right away it was something I wanted to do. As a huge nerd, it just made sense that I would combine my love of Hip-Hop and my life as a dork.

Your Next Gen EP was an instant classic amongst nerdy heads and – in my opinion, at least – a real musical high point of 2009. How was this project conceived?

I wish there was some grand moment when it all came together, alas there is not. After hearing the aforementioned tracks, I decided I would try my hand at dropping Nerd rhymes. I grabbed my SOCOM II headset, a free beat, and a free music program, and began "writing" for the first time. I went to the forums, and asked for critiques on the first song I ever wrote, "Secret Genius," which was a track about Pinky and The Brain. After several critiques about sonic quality, Soup Dogg and I split a $300 equipment bill to upgrade to something listenable. From there I just wrote a bunch of stuff and kind of threw it all together. I was fortunate to release the first EP, in a "perfect storm" situation. I am still convinced the success of Next Gen was largely due to circumstances beyond my control. I am grateful that I was so lucky.

That release featured a number of standout tracks, not the least of which were joints like "F.U.F." and "Geekquilibrium." While the former is a rather self-explanatory banger, there seems to be some real emotional depth to the latter. How much of the narrative from "Geekquilibrium" reflects your own experience and attitudes? Is it a personal anthem?

"Geekquilibrium" is a really special song to me. The song itself came to me in a dream, as corny as that sounds. I was sleeping, and someone in my dream began shaking me and yelling at me to "find your geekquilibrium." I woke up and immediately wrote the word on a nearby napkin. The next day at work, I really started analyzing the idea of a "geekquilibrium," and it's something that I often have to deal with. I mean everyday for me is this weird struggle, so I guess you could call it a "personal anthem." I was actually really surprised to find that it was a problem others had to deal with, as well.

You followed up Next Gen with a full-length album, Unlimited, earlier this year. How do you feel this project differs from your debut?

Unlimited was a statement. I wanted to show people that I was more than the first EP. Next Gen was great, but some of the tracks didn't really represent me musically. I felt like Unlimited was a chance to show listeners what I was capable of. I want listeners to hear the tracks and not know what to make of me as an artist. The entire album is crafted in this fashion. I want you to take both albums, play them on random, and ask yourself "what is this?"

I've remarked on a number of occasions that you manage to rock the mic as both an MC and as a more traditionally-centered singer. Have you had any vocal training?

HA! Definitely not. I never sang a note outside of the car or the shower before Next Gen. I was writing the hook for "Clan War" and jokingly sang it dramatically. I liked the sound of it, so I kept it. When it came time for "Unlimited" I wanted to push boundaries, and incorporate different musical genres into my music. I chose R&B to step out of my comfort zone, while bringing something rarely heard in Nerdcore. I still don't think myself much of a singer, though I enjoy it quite a bit.

Your music employs not only clever lyricism, but also lots of bright instrumental hooks (with even the slightest hint of G-funk.) To what extent do you feel your style was influenced by your environment? Is Dr. Awkward a California artist? Does he make California music?

Like anything I am influenced by my environment, but I wouldn't necessarily say Dr. Awkward makes "California music". I was born here in San Diego, CA. I grew up during the 90's west coast hip hop movement here. So artists like Tupac, Dre, Snoop, and Nate Dogg were my initial reference point of hip-hop. So I am sure that comes out in my music. At the same time I am inspired by artists from around the world, in all genres. For instance, my song "Unlimited" was inspired by the musical Wicked, and the hook for that song is inspired by Krizz Kaliko's "Genius." So I think it safe to say Dr. Awkward makes weird music.

Unlike a lot of nerdcore artists, you are a family man. Does married life make it difficult to gig and record?

It's only difficult to leave them behind. My family are my biggest fans, so it's tough to be away from them all the time. So that has been something, we've all had to learn to deal with. Other than that issue, having a family has really had positive effects on my music. I am constantly bouncing ideas off of them, to get a sense of how a concept will be received. I draw lots of motivation and inspiration from them, and I am blessed to have them. 

What albums, artists or events have provided you the most musical inspiration?

It's hard to narrow my inspirations down to a few specific things, because I draw from everything. As far as artists that really shaped major directions in my music, there are a few. The Grouch was the first artists that made me want to rap. As far as pursuing nerdy music, I have Frontalot and ZeaLouS1 to thank for that. 

Photo credit: the Scrub Club archives

You have a fairly prominent Dark Mark tattoo. Are you a big Harry Potter fan in general, or was it just that imagery in particular that appealed to you?

I hope you are not implying that I am an IMPOSTOR! In all honesty, I put the Dark Mark on my arm because I am a HUGE HUGE Harry Potter nerd. It was the single piece of literature that spawned my love of reading as a child. It is for that reason I saw it fitting to immortalize my love for it in ink. Even the cover of Next Gen, is the mask of a Death Eater. I am just fruity for the Potter universe.

Have you ever given any thought to a Potter-related musical project or to collaborating with any members of the Wizard Rock scene?

I would absolutely love to do some Harry Potter themed music. I think it would be really cool to work with some sweet WRockers, although I am kinda a potter snob. The music would totally have to meet the level of love I have for the literature!

In addition to your work as a solo artist, you are also a member of rock/rap fusion outfit The Bossfights. How did you fall in with that particular group of musical miscreants?

Begged on my hands and knees. Sent love letters. Washed cars. Anything I could do to be a part of the band! Honestly, it just all kind of came together. ZeaLouS1 told me about his new musical direction, and asked if I'd like to come see them practice. I made the trip and instantly fell in love with them. They are all incredible musicians, and just beautiful artists with their respective talents. We all hit it off and, to use cliches, the rest is history.

Early on you labeled yourself as a "next generation" nerdcore artist. What other acts do you feel represent a similar next gen aesthetic?

I think anybody can be a next gen artist. It just means someone dedicated to the evolution of their music. I think that's what nerd/geek music as a whole needs, more people who are willing to be unique. Awhile back MC LARS haphazardly tried to inspire artists to evolve, while I don't agree with his approach, his message was a valid one. We all need to evolve, and stop trying to conform to what is geek/nerd music now, and instead try to shape what it will be.

What do you see as the greatest threat to nerdcore as a movement?

I have a very weak grasp on nerdcore as a movement. Recently I have come to realize I don't fully understand it. I had a very naive view of Nerdcore when I released Next Gen. I said I'd be the next generation, in an attempt to bring it to the masses. I'm not sure that's what nerdcore wants. "Nerdcore" is a very abstract concept, it is both all encompassing and ready for new direction, while simultaneously content in its current state and obscurity. The more I attempt to change it to bring it to a different audience, the more I get the feeling I don't accurately embody "Nerdcore." So it's rather difficult to speculate on what threatens it, when I don't get it myself. I'd say the only who could properly answer that, is Frontalot himself.

If you, due to the ever-popular "circumstances beyond your control," were forced to immediately retire from music, what single track or performance would you want to be remembered for?

That's tough. I'm not really sure I've done anything that warrants being remembered. I can tell you that if I left music today, I'd remember Dr. Awkward for every performance, every "fan" I had the pleasure to meet, every email from someone who took the time to listen, every smile I saw when I was blessed enough to perform for people who wanted to listen. I'd remember Dr. Awkward as one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

What's next for Dr. Awkward? What can we expect to hear from you in the future?

Right now I'm focusing on the writing process for The Bossfights debut album. As far as solo, it's hard to say. I'm gonna keep doing the music I love to do, and I hope it finds the ears of those that would love to listen.

Any parting words?

Keep those DualShAwks up and Keep Moving!

-------

Dr. Awkward is that rare act that grabbed me from the very first track. I remember listening to the opening strains of "Welcome to the Awkward Show" – with its Kasparov beat and its snarky, Eminem-style delivery – and being sure that Next Gen was nothing short of a keeper.

Since that time Awk's delivered a fantastic full-length, become a defining element in the first true nerdcore/metal fusion band and stunned me both with his lyricism on wax and his swagger on the stage. He has also come to represent to me a very pure strain of geeky hip-hop.

As an artist, Awkward pays a musical debt to early influences like Dr. Dre and Tupac, but isn’t afraid to admit the role that his scene contemporaries like MC Frontalot and ZeaLouS1 play in his continued evolution. Awk doesn't rep nerdcore because it's convenient, but because the style itself reflects his own dualistic nature.

Dr. Awkward is both nerd and hip-hop. Deeply. Genuinely. Unapologetically.

And if that ain't next gen, I don't know what is.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 99: Bad Manners

Special episodes are gonna be the death of me. Between last month's Halloween Crap-tacular and next month's holiday edition (not to mention my big 100th episode right around the corner) I've got more special editions than regular ones these days.

This leaves me very little time to spotlight some of the new hotness, but I've done my best to pack this episode with brand new tracks that are ripe for the picking and a few older joints that you may have missed.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 99: Bad Manners [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 46 MB Running Time: 50:20 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
There are few things more rewarding than having a custom-made podcast theme by two of your favorite artists.

Track 1: Supercommuter – "Robot Party"
Believe it or not, this is from Supercommuter's very first gig.

Z's 1st interlude: "We are gonna move from chip-hop to geek rock."
Which won't likely surprise you. 

Track 2: Nuclear Bubble Rap – "Inyourendo"
Once again just let me pause to give it up for the FuMP community.

Track 3: Marc with a C – "Bed Intruder Song"
For anyone who may have somehow missed this whole thing, here's a breakdown.

Track 4: Billy the Fridge – "Armstrong"
If we all join hands and wish really hard will Billy put out a follow-up album already?

Track 5: DJ Lobsterdust – "Knock Out Eileen"
The juxtaposition of Kevin Rowland begging for sex and LL making idle threats is… creepy.

Track 6: Dr. Octoroc – "Bad Horse Chorus"
I remain convinced that Dr. Oct is incapable of creating a bad track.

Track 7: Mr. B, The Gentleman Rhymer – "Beats, Rhymes & Manners"
Because we Yanks can never get enough chap-hop.

Track 8: Tom Milsom – "Bad Wolf Bay"
From Tom's free Trockstuff EP.

Track 9: SJ the Wordburglar – "Wordburglar"
This collab with Beatmason led to the eventual adoption of "The Wordburglar" as SJ's official moniker. 

Z's 2nd interlude: "The 2003 Hand'Solo compilation from whence it originated."
Pick up Bassments of Badmen 2. Seriously.

Track 10: Kirby Krackle – "Marvelous Girls"
From the band's self-titled debut.

Track 11: Urizen – "A New Revelation"
For fans of heavy metal, robots and cardboard boxes.

Track 12: C3PO – "C3PO Rap"
Blame Church.

Track 13: Desert Planet – "Return of the Ninja Droids"
Big ups to DataVortex for turning me on to this one.

Track 14: Adam WarRock – "Up and Adam"
An amazing cut from his phenomenal The War for Infinity.

Z's final interlude: "And that actually plays into our closer."
Inverse Phase's cover of "Fuck You" is a thing of beauty.

Track 15: The Kleptones – "Jump You Fucker"
This is the second mash-up featuring elements of Van Halen's "Jump" that I've played in recent months.

I only have one new order of business, and it is as follows.

I already have my preliminary list of song requests and voicemails to be included in episode 100 – would you like me to share it with you (so that you can make some last-minute requests if your faves have not yet been represented), or would you rather be surprised?

Totally your call.

Along Came a Spider

Doctor Popular and I have been internet homies for years now, but even if that wasn't the case I'd still say that his newest track "Spider" is his best yet. The premiere single off his forthcoming album Beeps and Smudges, it's a genuinely compelling piece of bitpop with a twist – "Spider" (and indeed the entire Beeps and Smudges album) was created using only iPhone and iPad apps. For this particular song Doc used nanoloop, an app that is also near and dear to my heart.

If the concept of an album based around tiny, nontraditional music applications strikes you as a bit of inspired genius, then the same can be said for this video. Rather than animate this tale of arachnid love, Doctor Popular instead elected tell the story from pieces in his own real life art show. The end product is a bit of a musical short film that's not only the classic tale of boy-meets-spider, but also a story of a man left alone to ponder his own artistic output.

Visually the piece alternates sharply between warm and bleak, and musically it's some of the most engaging vocal electronica I've heard since Supercommuter's groundbreaking debut. Beeps and Smudges drops next Monday, and I for one can't wait. Check out the video below to see why I'm so excited, and hit up the good Doctor's Bandcamp page to snag a free copy of this single for yourself.

Nerd News in Brief

Man, October really came and went! And now it's, like, November? Seriously?

In that case it appears as though 2010 is all but spent. Which I reckon means you are owed another edition of Nerd News in Brief.

Y'know, nerd news. Presented briefly.

Thus the name.

• Meeting of the Minds: MC Lars is on tour throughout November with some other cats you may have heard of. Names like mc chris, YTCracker & Schäffer the Darklord. Oh shit yeah! Check the tour page to see if they're coming to your neck of the woods.
• Everything's Bigger: Speaking of gigs, Texas's Antisoc has a show lined up for year's end. Catch him in Fort Worth at Club Aardvark on December 30th.
• Impactful: Last month Mega Ran's "Splash Woman" was used in a promo for TNA wrestling. And they may or may not have done so with his permission. Peep this video for the offending clip (featuring Elijah "The Pope" Burke) and to hear Random's humorous retort.
• Dropping English: On the subject of Ran, the Philadelphia Daily News featured him in a lengthy interview/profile piece early next month. It's an interesting, powerful tale about a guy who's only now being properly recognized for all he does both on and off the mic.
• Mmm, Mmm Good: Some things just can't be described. Like these Jude Buffum 8-bit butcher charts. Don’t worry – they're less gory than you'd think.
• BAMF!: My pal Brux was kind enough to pass on a link to this Gizmodo piece explaining how comic book sounds are translated for film. Not to spoil the surprise, but there are animal carcasses involved.
• In Plain Site: Likewise, my blogging brother Jason (of Geek Studies) shared his fascination re: this story from an October edition of The Escapist. It's a Jane Goodall-flavored satire about how elder geeks hide their passions. Sadly, it totally overlooks the myriad of modern examples to the contrary.
• Beater Scholarship: Church, Matt and I have been joking about NCAA Quidditch for ages. So imagine our surprise when this popped up at the NPR site earlier this week.
• Your Biggest Fan: Church once again came through with the video hotness. In this case it's an 8-minute fan film featuring Superman and The Joker. Check out "Die Laughing" by user blinky500. It may start a little slow, but it gets real good real quick.
• Love is in the Air: Early this month comic book artist Leigh Gallagher proposed to his long-time girlfriend Niki via his blog. In panel traditional form, no less. She said yes, thus proving that all is right with the world.
• Old World Wisdom: Attention UK-based nerdlingers - Jonathan Ross wants you to geek out. And not just on Friday Night. (See what I did there, Brits? I made a reference to his BBC One show. You are so very lucky to have me!)
• It's Our Year: And on a related note, here's more info from The Guardian regarding their Geek Calendar. Definitely worth watching.
• All About the Eyewear: And in case all that relevant exposition concerning geek culture from our European brethren has left a bad taste in your mouth, here's a particularly vapid showing from our own E Online. You're welcome.
• Badge of Honor: On a more appropriate note, Pennsylvania's The Reading Eagle pulled together an interesting feature on nerd culture's current mainstream appeal. Not exactly a groundbreaking exposé, but a fun read nonetheless.
• In Conclusion – Brits are Awesome: And one more from across the pond. It's a Suite 101 interview with Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer. It's actually a piece I forgot to include in my September NNIB, but B's far too gentile to hold a grudge.
• Dare to be Stupid: Also from Church comes this Austin 360 interview with geeky music luminary Weird Al. It's a surprisingly nerdy offering. Until you remember that it came from Austin.
• Who Charted?: Last month Flowtown charted geek evolution in their own indubitable fashion – via a flow chart. Take a look into our distant past and marvel at our pointlessly segmented present.
• Shocking: From the who'd've-fuckin'-thunk-it file, Church busts out a pair of totally believable revelations. First, KISS's Gene Simmons doesn't understand file-sharing, hackers or the nature of DDoS attacks. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Internets, Something Awful (still) hates you and all that you hold dear.
• Two for the Road: And since this edition is a week late, I will shock and delight you with not one but two closing videos. The first, another find by Brux, is the Lando Calrissian edit of R. Kelly's "Real Talk." The second is from rapper A-1's After School Special mixtape, and it pulls its instrumental hook from a cartoon with which you're likely familiar.

Refuse to Fall

Though they are (spiritually if not outright geographically) my hometown heroes, it's likely that you've heard very little from Charlotte's The ThoughtCriminals. If this is the case, then I highly recommend you check out their brand new and totally free EP Still Standing. Hell, even if you are already familiar with Mikal kHill and the boys, I still suggest you cop it.

This project kicks off with "Radical Ish," a tribute to Orwell's 1984 – the work from which the band draws its name. It's a frantic pile-on of live instrumentation, NES-based chiptunes and Mikal's own hip-hop delivery. It's dense and weighty, but never off-putting.

From there we transition to the lo-fi chip-funk of "Warp Zone," an explosion of guitar noise and game-centered lyrical aggression. "We," the EP's center point, proves an unexpected highlight, with a piano-backed lead-in that quickly transitions to a full-on electronic assault. The beat is undeniably forceful and aptly supplemented by its delicate melody, but its' kHill's frank exposition regarding the decay of a relationship that provides its true power.

Likewise, "Roll for Initiative" is a musical highpoint that should serve as a textbook example of The ThoughtCriminals sound. A hodge-podge of organic soul-rock, electronic drones, hip-hop politics and geeky swagger, it's a fantastic fusion of underground indie and straight-up nerdcore.

Closer "God vs. PlayStation" is actually an acoustic reworking of a song from Mikal's solo effort This is Not an Entrance. From its scratchy vinyl intro and delicate key lead to kHill's fierce, almost slam poetry-style delivery, it's a solid closer. Sure, the vocal harmonies are a tad flat at times, but it's still a great way to wind down a really interesting, fairly eclectic effort.

The ThoughtCriminals always put on an inspired live performance, but this sadly makes it a bit difficult to capture that experience on wax. Their 2009 self-titled debut (while an enjoyable album in its own right) caught the crew in flux, so the disconnect between what you heard at a show versus the album experience was a bit striking. Still Standing, by contrast, features a selection of newer material more tonic to the band's current setup. And fuck – you can't beat the price!

If you're a fan of unique underground hip-hop, well-rounded fusion instrumentals or chip music, The ThoughtCriminals are for you. And if you like all three in equal measure, prepare to have your playlist assailed by Still Standing.

Fathers and Sons and Game Boys

I try not to double-dip between this blog and GeekDad, but this week's episode of our HipTrax podcast contains some info about a project that I think y'all should definitely check out.

By this point you are no doubt familiar with Seattle chip-hop giants Supercommuter. Admittedly, those of us coming at things from the nerdcore side immediately recognize the group's vocalist – Wheelie Cyberman, formally of Optimus Rhyme – but it is equally impossible to discount the contributions of chiptune veteran Andy "Stenobot" Myers to the band's coolly cohesive, techno-organic sound. Interestingly enough, Stenobot recently released an album of his own, and I'll hazard a guess that it's not what you'd expect.

Sink or Swim We'll Go Together is a solo work in name only, as it mines the talents of a number of interesting contributors. You'll likely recognize the dulcet tones of Jen Wood ("Butterfly Wings") from The Postal Service's "Such Great Heights," and former 90 Lb. Wuss frontman Jeff Suffering punks up pseudo title track "Far Too Far." Still, the most interesting aspect of this album is that Andy's own son Julian both provides some percussion and co-wrote most of the songs "in one way or another."

Four-year-old Julian has leukemia, and Sink or Swim We'll Go Together is an album very much about a family's struggle to fight the disease while keeping its own collective spirit intact. It's an amazingly personal album, and from the opening strains of the energetic "Running and Jumping" to the starkly mechanical "Counts," the haunting "Our Bodies Are Fragile" to anthemic closer "Dancing Shadows," it's an amazingly poignant musical study of struggle and hardship and, in spite of it all, hope.

It's available as a free download from local indie label Crunchyco, but more importantly there's also a short-run physical printing that comes with a handmade, hard-bound photo book for a mere $15. All proceeds from the sale of the album go to support the Child's Play charity, because no one understands the hardships facing hospitalized children more than a parent who's lived through it.

I want you to support this cause and to purchase this disc because it's important, but I want you to experience this music because it is beautiful, moving and exquisitely crafted. Sink or Swim We'll Go Together is a chip-pop masterpiece that presents its all-too personal subject matter in just the right light. It neither undersells the important thematic underpinning that childhood disease entails nor does it hide behind its weighty emotional appeal. Herein Stenobot has done what all artists endeavor to do when life takes a turn for the worse – he has turned tragedy into creativity.

Give Sink or Swim We'll Go Together a listen. Not because of what it is, but because of what it does. Because what it does is offer an amazing listening experience. Afterward, if you feel so led, copies of the special edition CD are still available.

Always on the Ran

Everyone's favorite Teacher-Rapper-Hero is on the move and coming to a venue near you. Yes, that Mega Ran - this time with his Forever Famicom partner in crime DC's K-Murdock - is on tour across the southern expanse of our great nation throughout the month of November.

For more information we'll cut to our live tour correspondent, guy-who-can-copy-and-past-a-press-release.

Take it away, Guy!

PHOENIX, AZ– Hot off the heels of their successful album Forever Famicom, Teacher/rapper Random and producer K-Murdock are taking their show on the road.

The Bits and Rhymes Tour will feature Ran and K doing what they do best, rocking crowds with their 8-bit beats and high tech vocals, and will feature guest artists, such as YouTube favorite Brentalfloss, TX rap group Crew 54, videogame cover band The One Ups and many other nerdcore and hip-hop stars. Random’s high-energy set always contains some surprises, such as his mind-blowing freestyle, where crowd participation drives the length and theme of the song.

Ran and K’s innovative album Forever Famicom released on June 1, 2010 and has managed to tap into a fanbase never before explored on such a large scale, the gamers and the hip-hop fans. The album has garnered high praise from top Hip-Hop sites all over the world, as well as the top videogame sites and publications, including Nintendo Power magazine.

The fan support has been phenomenal, and thanks to their donations through Kickstarter, Ran and K are planning a vinyl and DVD release of the Forever Famicom album and sprite videos. The tour will begin on 11/12/10 in Austin, TX, and ends 11/21/10 in Miami, FL.

Since the release of Forever Famicom, Ran and K have each dropped new solo releases. Random’s HEROES vol. 1 and K-Murdock’s DECADENSE are available now. For additional info or radio or interview requests, please contact random.megaran@gmail.com or learn more at http://megaran.com and http://neosonicprod.com

Tour Dates:

Nov 11, 2010 @ Headhunters, 720 Red River St, Austin, TX, w/Crew 54 and more, FREE 21+
Nov 12+13, 2010 Yule Con @ American Airlines Training Center, Ft Worth, TX w/Brentalfloss and more! $15-25
Nov 14, 2010 @The Highball, 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX $7 21+
Nov 16, 2010 8PM @ Super Happy Fun Land 3801 Polk St Houston, TX $7 all ages w/MC Router and more
Nov 17, 2010 2PM @ Bedrock City Comics 4602 Washington Ave, Houston, TX all ages (performance & signing)
Nov 18, 2010 9PM @ Smoke And Barrel Tavern 324 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR w/The One Ups FREE 21+
Nov 19, 2010 8PM @ 331 Nightlife Cafe, 331 W Forsyth St Jacksonville, FL $5 21+
Nov 20, 2010 @ A Comic Shop 114 South Semoran Blvd.Winter Park, FL w/Krondor Krew and more $10 all ages
Nov 21, 2010 @ TBA, Miami, FL

Sadly, it seems my own rural locality didn't quite make the cut on this outing, but that shouldn't stop you from having a good time. I'm serious – go to the show. I insist!

Nerds in Texas and Florida are particularly blessed with regard to The Bits and Rhymes Tour, and, with two amazing co-headliners and a cadre of fantastic openers on-tap, this is not one to be missed.

To whet your appetite for all things Random, I'll even favor you with a little light reading. Peep Ran's recent interview with Searching for Chet Baker for more talk on the upcoming tour as well as an astute observation re: the mainstream. As properly illustrated by George Michael and Bubba Sparxxx, if you can believe it.