CopyWrite Magazine "IN THE LOCAL" | Getting Geeky w/ Geekset Podcast

CopyWrite is “Getting Geeky”!

Our new homies at Geekset Podcast, Deuces, Bacardi, & Didge joined us at /CW HQ to talk about #AllThingsGeeky. 

Check out what we learned about their up and coming project The Black Geek Documentary,  “Blerd” culture, and how even when you're publicly a Stefan, there are things that still make you Urkel.

Interview w/ Lexi S. Brunson, resident Geek & Editor-in-Chief of /CW

Learn more at https://www.geeksetpodcast.com/

#SupportTheLocal - Fashion Fest MKE x CopyWrite Magazine

A word from our partners:

The mission of Fashion Fest MKE is to provide an outlet for Wisconsin designers and artists, to give them a platform to showcase their artistic vision and creativity.

We strive to expose the community to the talent that lies within Milwaukee and surrounding cities, and elevate and strengthen the fashion presence that the city has.

From fashion and art students to established Midwest designers, we will promote the creations and work of a diverse group of individuals.

- Francisca Rodriguez

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As we continue to support the local we will now be vocal in our partnerships to further connections in our community and to bring light to the real bonds that have elevated the Urban creative scene in MKE. We #SupportTheLocal!

/CW

2Hi and Eli $tones: Live at No Studios

Another Friday night at No Studios has been dedicated to two more promising artists.  A few minutes after my arrival, an anxious  Eli $tones, still fueling off of the momentum of $ticks and $tones, came to greet some folks, myself included, while we waited outside prior to his performance. Nic Stokes was the DJ for the night and the time to get the show started was approaching.The crowd capacity was underwhelming and this was a new venue for him, but $tones dared not to waste any of the time he was given. What can seemingly be a disappointment to most held no weight against the passion that he has for his music. 

E$:  …Well I just wanna start off by saying, I always get super nervous before any show, regardless if there's five people there or a hundred people there, it doesn't matter. I always get super nervous so not seeing people there at all- that already just messes with my anxiety. So that's one thing. But also tonight I had a 30 minute set… Local artists don't often get 30 minute sets. Cause you know, most of these hip hop shows are always showcases and they got plenty of artists on the bill, So we usually get like 10 minute sets. So to be at this show, knowing it's a little bit like- I wouldn't say dead, I would say intimate- knowing I had a 30 minute set, It was a little disappointing, but I mean, I do enjoy, still, that small intimate feeling. Cuz even though people aren't moving around and screaming in your face, screaming the words back, they're still listening. They're still engaged, you know, if I tell them to turn on the phone [light], they still do that. So yeah, That's always beautiful, and you know, these small shows going into big shows, I can also like at them like a rehearsal too. Like these are just reps, you know what I'm saying? So I guess it's a love/hate relationship, considering my anxiety, but nah, bro, I love doing shows in general. This is what I do music for is a show.

From having beginnings in a rap collective, The Cronies, from which 2Hi also came, to finally excelling as his own artist, Eli $tones has certainly made his way around and has a lot to give.The consistent need to climb on top of something and look you in the eye, even deliberately bringing a ladder to elevate and center himself amongst the crowd while dripped in Unfinished Legacy, and the projection of his truth into the mike with the hope of reaching the hearts of those listening is exactly why our artists deserve better when producing performative opportunities for them!

E$: … I'm here to save people from themselves and I’ll be caught dead before they catch me lacking…

CW: … How do you feel that your last album affected people? Have you gotten a lot of personal feedback on what your album may have done for some?

E$: Definitely. This is the one project that I shared with the people who I trust most- my mentors, my friends, my family and they really said like- of course I'm not gonna listen to this- ‘you don't have to drop anything else. You just need to push this album and this could get you to the next step. You just need to keep working.’ But this is, even to me, my favorite body of work. it's where I've been my most vulnerable. I've talked about things that I've never talked about before. I tried not to, you know, sugar coat certain subjects to make a hit. You know what I'm saying? So I've gotten a lot of good feedback, not just from my close friends, but from people all around the world from Morocco, people from Denmark to New Zealand. It's Super cool. 

 2Hi’s set followed soon after. As the room became more lively with peer artists in the audience like Tru West, Nile, and young producer ThatGuyEli ready to engage in the hype, 2Hi, just the same, has been thriving off of the fresh release of his album White Lighter Bad Luck, allowing nothing to stop him from being a rock star.

CW:  I haven't really seen many performances of yours in the last couple of years, so that was a really good reintroduction ‘cause I don't think I've- I've seen you perform, but I've seen you perform more so as a part of a collective.

2Hi: Yea that was a while ago. 

CW: Seeing you as 2Hi by yourself was really good. How do you feel about tonight’s set? 

2Hi: You know,  I always look at it as like, no matter the quantity of people that's there, I'm still gonna rock it out like it's an arena full of muhfuckas. I feel like this was exactly how I envisioned it, you know what I mean? ‘Cause it's manifestation. That's how I always walk into a situation like this, Like ‘alright, we finna rock this shit, cmon. no matter what,’ you know what I mean? So yeah, at the end of the night you gone remember something.

I asked him about the personal outcome of dropping an album during the pandemic and the disciplines that came of it.

2Hi: …It's disciplining me to actually whip myself into shape; being active and current on everything. Lately- it's funny ‘cause like the pandemic also taught me that I need more content. I need as much content as music that I have. So as long as I'm cranking out content and I'm rolling with a team, like literally my team is building right now.

CW: What do you mean by team? Like do you mean team like collective wise or do you mean your management, a stylist- a team like that more production wise?

2Hi: More production wise, yeah, it's funny, like I just asked my boy Lake- I was like, yo, can I add you to my bio under ‘Management?’ He been booking hella shows for me, like Lake is doing his thing. If anybody needs a show, please hit up Lake. He'll set you right… But literally the team is growing with videographers, photographers, DJs, engineers, and producers. I'm trying to get involved with the entire city and bring it back to home base. Everybody that i actually fuck with at the crib... making sure everybody eats..

CW: … Alot of artists- not a lot of artists, but more artists are really realizing how important a team really is.  It's not just about you being passionate anymore, depending on how big you want to go, you know what I mean? It takes other people who have a passion for you, but in a different way. So especially speaking on, you know, being a part of a collective or, you know, being close to a lot of different artists, how does that affect your relationships with people?

2Hi: I would say at least the last three years I've been mainly just working in house with just maybe one or two people and now I'm finally opening up. So like, I guess what I'm trying to say is making friends in this industry is very important ‘cause that support system is like- literally I tell people, the people in my crowd y'all don't know it, but y'all have a cape on. You know what I mean? Y'all came to the rescue for me. Like y'all didn't have to come here. This is literally time that y'all are spending with me. And time is one of the most valuable things known to man, so for y'all to come out, show y'all love and appreciation, that is all I could ask. 

/Naomi-Re’a for CW

Ty Wilder- “44” EP

Something for the Old Heads and Old Souls who’ve been fiendin’ for some Soul!

 As the rose that is TRP continues to sprout beautifully from the northside of our beloved city, a new EP has dropped officially introducing its First Lady, Ty Wilder.  Having featured her vocals on the “Summerfest” Interlude from Lik and Big P’s collective album “Driveway Dreamers”, Ty had already given us a teaser of what was to come from her project “44” which dropped on the 8th of this month. This EP acts as an ode to her aunt and father. Both, who have passed away within the past 2 years, have had deep impacts on her life as expressed in her lyrics, nourishing her esteem and providing love where lack was felt. Tastefully so, the instrumentation was produced by Lik and Earfffmann and let me tell you, its light, feathery tenderness is completely complementary to the rich rumble of Ty’s buttery textured voice as she sings lovingly to her family.  Tell me how YOU feel about “ 44 ” Milwaukee. /Naomi-Re’a for CW

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CJ Folds- “Can’t Get Over You” EP

CJ Folds returns 5 months post Album drop (Check out “Love at War: Mr. Lonely”,) with some more heat. Can't Get Over You continues the narrative of the lover boy turned ‘Mr. Lonely’ except this sideline story is of a lover whom he spends most of the time admiring from a distance. Deciphering whether or not this love is unrequited is up to the listener but with the first track “Scared to Love” CJ gives his first person view of a girl who grew comfortable with dishing out what she was given; Making no effort, not even with her appearance, to keep love close. While keeping her guard up into “Time Heals,” CJ Folds continues to encourage her to embrace him. “Someone Said” is where the tea gets hot because it could be either one of them speaking at this point! On one hand, CJ could have realized the painful truth of what is to come of pursuing a relationship with someone who was way too jaded to begin with, OOOORRR- he is just listening as his potential lover shares her reasons for viewing love the way that she does. Sounds Juicy!! Wrapping up this EP, “I Dont Wanna” with its repetitive, and at times, vague lyricism laid over guitar strings leaves room for the listener to focus on the optimism that the young artist, and his label mate Langston on the feature, has held onto throughout this project and leads us into “Butterflies,” a slow jam, R&B style song featuring another label mate Aremit that shows how real those butterflies still are whether struggling to get over your past or diving heart first into something new. 

Tell me how YOU feel about “ Can’t Get Over You ” Milwaukee. /Naomi-Re’a for CW

Music On The Beerline - A /CW Pre-Coverage interview w/ DJ Bizzon & Twan Mack

We Outside! 

[The “improper” syntax is intentional but if you read it right you know exactly what it means.]

The idea of leaving our homes to explore anything social, festive, or communal over the last few years has become risky, anxiety filled, and often polarizing. However, summers in Milwaukee are magical. One might even call them cathartic. Thus, it creates the same atmospheric presence as a well curated sound track, playlist, or mixtape. . . Summers here are just a vibe. 

So what if we told you that you could experience that vibe live? Well, with Music on the Beerline returning for a three event summer series you absolutely can.

On July 15, August 19, and September 16 Riverworks Development Corporation will host a free outdoor performance on the Beerline Plaza performance stage [3350 N. Holton St.] from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Just like the past three years, this 4th year of annual festivities will include food trucks, local vendors, and activities for the entire family to enjoy. The twist is that this year's multiple date series will allow for a diverse line-up of local musicians to perform providing a variety of music genres for all audiences, generations, and vibes.

Because CopyWrite loves music and community so much we are bringing you pre-covarge right before each event to get you “Outside” and in the mix starting with exclusive interviews from July 15th acts, DJ Bizzon & Twan Mack.

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It is clear that both DJ Bizzon and Twan Mack are excited to be a part of the Music on the Beerline series. Though both of them are seasoned performers who have a prolific roster of appearances, showcases, and sets [Bizzon just days ago spinning at Summerfest, one of the largest music festivals in the largest music festivals in the world and Twan just coming back from a European tour opening up for 2 time Grammy winners Arrested Development], being apart of this community event still feels major.

When asked about accepting the invitation to perform at Music on the Beerline this year they both gave personal stories of how the event resonated with them.  

DJ Bizzon had previously performed in this space and the opportunity to vibe out in an outdoor setting where noise is not a concern and everybody can hang out in a real inclusive way feels more free. [If you have ever been to a DJ Bizzon set, you know that he is bringing the Yams no matter what the location may be]. Twan Mack emphasized that though he considers himself a product 53206, a segment of his childhood was spent in Riverwest, one of the neighborhoods that the Beerline borders. 

Twan Mack: “It’s the most diverse part of the city in my eyes. So when I got the call to be a part of this I could not turn it down.”

He also mentioned how much he values the work that Riverworks Development Corporation does in the community, and supporting local creative talent is just an extension of that. 

As intentional as the selection of performers are for this series, it comes with noting a need for inclusive happenings that allows for all people to be invested and welcomed. The narrative given for the Music on the Beerline is clear:

“Make real community connections through the collective love of music”.

Across Milwaukee’s Downtown area, the nicheness of Bay View, and Eastside [proper] there are things to do and music happenings but the need for those spaces don’t stop there. They are more like precedent to do more in places that get it the least. 

DJ Bizzon: “So much is happening in these other places. Having a space where all these communities connect is obvious.”

Twan Mack: “It really incompases everything I am about as a performer. My music doesn't have a color on it. Even though it’s coming from a Black man's standpoint, it's really for anybody. I tailor my shows so it can be child friendly as well.”

Merging socio-demographics authentically is something that creativity, especially music does well. This theme also allows for performers to actively address diversity through their sets. Where you can expect a mixture of family friendly vibes from both Bizzon and Twan, they will also be bringing their personas to the stage.

DJ Bizzon’s set will carry a mashup of Funk, Soul, Hip-Hop, and 90’s R&B. Twan Mack will be serving a mixture of social political thought, entertainment, and some education on Hip hop history. 

See? VIBEY!

It’s important to note that beyond being performers both Bizzon and Twan are a part of Milwaukee’s community and as such they are also a part of the audience the series is hoping will enjoy the event. 

When asked about what they were looking forward to the most about Music on the Beerline besides their performing their sets Bizzon mentioned how stoked he is to see the other dope performances and seeing how they create the vibe, in a setting where everybody can come out for good entertainment, gratis. 

DJ Bizzon: “I’m never mad at a free show!”

Twan is looking forward to people coming together, being able to broaden their horizons, and to learn about people they may not really know. 

Twan Mack: “I expect to see all kinds of faces. . . [For this] what you have in your bank account does not matter. Come have a good time. Eat some good food. Share some smiles and bring some positivity to the Summer.” 

So are We Outside?

You better believe it . . . and that means ALL OF US!

Be on the lookout for new music and visuals from Twan Mack (@twanmack24). Plus, his other summer appearances at the Cactus Club and under raps project with The Cooperage [shh we can’t tell you what it is yet but it's going to be good!] 

To keep in the loop with DJ Bizzon (@djbizzon) all you have to do is head to his website https://djbizzon.com/ for events, merch, and more.

See you on the Beerline!

Lexi S. Brunson for /CW

Summerfest w/ CopyWrite Magazine [Hosted by Imani Ortiz] | Day 6: @WHOISHUEYV

Don’t you just love firsts?! Do you still remember your first concert? Or even your first experience doing something you love in front of a large crowd of people? How about your very first Summerfest headlining show? Did I lose you? Can’t relate? Well guess who can? HUEY V!

On July 2nd, we had the AWESOME opportunity to “chop it up” with signed rapper, @whoishueyv, right before he took the stage with DJay Mando. This pre-coverage interview highlights what’s going on and essentially what’s next with Huey V after such a huge performance! This is what he had to say!

Krypto Kracc- “Dead Drop” SINGLE

Not too far off from the disposition shown in his last single “Hood Bizness,” Krypto Kracc’s latest, “Dead Drop,” reiterates the language of realness! Even while preparing to open for Roc Nation’s Benny The Butcher in Indianapolis later this month, he doesn’t allow what could seem surreal to many to cause him to let up. Krypto continues his personal wave of celebrating the rawness of street culture and what it means to be cut from the cloth of a real one with real street cred.’  The New Jersey rapper has only just gotten started. Tell me how YOU feel about “ Dead Drop ” and be on the lookout for future shows from Krypto Kracc, Milwaukee! /Naomi-Re’a for CW