[RH Interview] TreeJay Speaks On Music & Growing Up With Mac Miller
TreeJay, a well known associate of Mac Miller, who runs his YouTube channel, produces beats, and hosts an annual 4/20 project, chopped it up with us. The Pittsburgh born stoner has hosted projects with the likes of, Dave East, Juicy J, and of course Mac Miller appearing on them. Check out our full interview with TreeJay below.
rubyhornet: Before we dive in, what are your thoughts on the XXL lineup that came out the other day?
TreeJay: I really like JID, I think he’s very talented. Also some homies from Pittsburgh (Zeke & Barry) help him out so I gotta support the hometown homies. Besides JID, I honestly haven’t listened to much of the other artists music, but congratulations to everyone that made the list.
rubyhornet: For any of our readers who aren’t familiar with TreeJay, who is TreeJay?
TreeJay: I’d like to say I’m a productive stoner ha. I got the nickname TreeJay from a kid in high school (Obviously because I smoke a lot). I made videos called “High Eyes” on YouTube back in the day of me smoking.
rubyhornet: How did you and Mac Miller first meet?
TreeJay: In grade school, I was a couple grades above him but we went to the same elementary school. Really started kicking it I’d say my junior / his freshman year.
rubyhornet: The amount of attention that you and your friends started receiving dramatically took off 8/9 years ago. Was there a “tipping point” or a special moment that you realized what was about to happen?
TreeJay: I remember Mac coming back to the homies crib from the studio back in the day. He had just recorded a jam and the verses and the hook were super fire for back then. That’s just when I knew it was all going to workout. I’ve always had faith, but that was the moment I was like yeah this is definitely happening.
rubyhornet: Your Sound Cloud has been pretty quiet for the past 2 years. Do you still produce beats/plan on releasing more in the future?
TreeJay: Funny you ask that, I’ve been working and trying to get better at making beats. I’m actually about to start uploading new content either today or the next few days. Really excited to get back to putting beats out. I still want to drop a little beat tape at some point.
rubyhornet: Most memorable experience while on tour?
TreeJay: I really can’t pin-point just one thing. There’s been a ton of cool moments. From hanging out with Juicy J, seeing Mac in the studio with Bun B. Watching Ja Rule come out and perform a couple hits, it’s been a fun adventure.
rubyhornet: Do you have anything planned for the 10th anniversary of your 4/20 tape series?
TreeJay: I have a few ideas, I’d love to do some type of Apple Music release. Would also love to have a listening party in Pittsburgh or LA. I’d rather do it in Pittsburgh, but with these new weed lounges coming to LA that sounds like the move.
rubyhornet: If you could have a conversation with yourself 10 years ago from today, what would you say?
TreeJay: To soak up all the knowledge that I can. Keep my ears and eyes open. Make sure I network a lot better. And to just enjoy life.
rubyhornet: Anyone you'd like to shoutout?
TreeJay: Shoutout Ruby Hornet! Also check out this artist from Pittsburgh her name is Sierra Sellers. She’s gonna be the next wave I’m calling it now!
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[Interview] Angelo Kritikos: Artist, Photographer, Mermaid Space Alien
Chicago-born, LA-based celebrity/fashion photographer Angelo Kritikos has quickly become one of the hottest freelance photographers in a relatively short period of time. Being named "Top Upcoming Photographer" by W Magazine led Kritikos to shoots with Vampire Diaries' Ian Somerhalder, Pennybirdrabbit, and even Wonder Woman herself (and my current celebrity crush), Gal Gadot. We had the chance to exchange emails with Mr. Kritikos to discuss his work, his approach to photography and art in general, and some of his upcoming projects. Read on to get to know your next favorite mermaid space alien. You can find him online via Instagram, Tumblr, and his personal website. (Note: You can find a gallery of some of Angelo's work at the end of the second page.)
What do you think takes over more when you're doing a shoot: the nerves and anxiety of shooting an established model/celebrity or the confidence in your talent and abilities?
I don't get nervous before shooting... I get excited! No matter how big the celeb or shoot is, I always try to keep my shoots low-key and fun. As a photographer, I feel that my energy on set always sets the tone for the shoot, so I try my best to not overthink things and keep it real. I literally wore this ratchet blue hair extension as a mullet on my shoot yesterday and became this weird character. If the people around me feel comfortable to be themselves, it makes me the most happy. No nerves or anxiety on my sets. Just hella talent.
Who were some of your favorite celebrities you've shot? Do you have any funny anecdotes from those shoots?
Ahhh there have been so many! One of my absolute favorites was shooting with recording artist Pennybirdrabbit. She really influenced me to start shooting more musicians. I love her eccentric style and bubbly personality. I love shooting with celebs that are authentically themselves throughout the shoot.
I've had some really random shit happen on set. One time, an actress completely fainted after breaking a nail. It sounds dramatic and all, but really her whole fucking nail came right off. The whole thing. It was pretty f-ed. Oh, and one time this male model I was shooting pulled the fire alarm (in a college we snuck into) and the whole building had to evacuate. We were shooting in a hallway and all the students and faculty had to exit. When I asked him why he bothered putting his hand near the fire alarm, he replied "It said to 'pull here' - It should say DON'T pull here." What a weirdo right??
What are some bands/artists/celebrities you want to photograph in the future?
I can go on FOREVER. Right now I'm dying to shoot with Cara Delevingne and Jared Leto. Both have such a cool personal style. There's also this really amazing artist named FKA Twigs who I'd love to collaborate with. Shooting with Grimes would be awesome too. Oh and Lana! Lana del Rey. Who wouldn't want to shoot with her???
Do you dabble in other types of photography (i.e. street, candid, landscape, scenery, etc.)?
Nope. I often incorporate street photography techniques in my fashion work, but for the most part, no. I shoot what I like, and I like people & fashion. Ever since I became interested in photography I was always interested in shooting people. In photography class, we'd attend field trips to botanical gardens and cool architectural locations but I was always more interested in photographing my friends.
What would you say defines you the most as an artist and not simply a photographer?
No matter what the project is, I'm always shooting a reflection of my personal style or what I'm going through at that time. I often shoot at places around town that I like to hang out at. I dress my subjects in clothes that I would want to wear. I visualize my subjects in a free world. I just like to create what makes me happy. I love to bring a team together and execute a collaborative vision. I seriously could care less about photography. 'Technically' I'm not a good photographer at all. I don't care if my exposure is correct, or if my composition is perfect or any of that shit. I shoot with cheap equipment because I seriously don't care. I just like the feeling I get when I'm creating art, and right now the camera is my tool to channel my visions (but that can change at any moment.)
If you weren't a photographer, what do you think you'd be doing right now?
I'd be expressing myself in another creative art form. What I meant in my previous answer above (right now the camera is my tool... but that can change at any moment) I basically was saying that photography to me is temporary. One day, I may start expressing myself through writing, designing, music producing... who knows?
Did you work with film in the past? If so, how do you feel about the dwindling 35mm industry? Do you prefer digital?
In high school I took proper film classes but transitioned to digital when I went to college. I loved shooting film and developing prints in the darkroom, but I ultimately prefer digital. I'm not sure if this counts, but I recently picked up an Instax camera and I fucking love it! There is something about instant prints that feels intimate. I love the raw polaroid look.
[RH Photos] Marsha Ambrosius at the Friends & Lovers Tour in Chicago (3/28/14)
Photos by AngieStar Photography
With the recent release of her latest EPFVCK&LOVE, and with the anticipation of her upcoming sophomore album titled Friends & Lovers, it’s no surprise that British songstress Marsha Ambrosius had a sold out show at the The Shrine in Chicago. Brought to you by notable event coordinators Kristian Eliz and Jacob Thomas Entertainment, Marsha brought good energy, entertained with sultry and sassy talking bits in between songs, and with a wide range of vocals, the singer confirmed her undeniable classic talent.
The show was hosted by budding local talent Lili K, fluidly keeping the night going. After Philly-bred, Motown signed R&B group MPrynt performed and while talented Chicago based singer Kiara Lanier got the crowd warmed up, we were able to get a brief exclusive interview with Marsha. Inside her brightly lit, art adorned tour bus, she sat down right in front of a big screen tv that was playing March Madness clips, confirming her love for basketball. We were briefly able to talk about her music inspiration, her experience as a solo artist since Floetry, and of course, her thoughts on Chicago.
Shortly after the interview, we all scurried back into the venue to get the show started. Gracing the stage with a laced and tasseled, black and nude robe, Ambrosius seduced old fans and enticed new ones with an intro of her latest hit, Stronger than Pride. She then proceeded to sing some of her various hits, including old Floetry favorites like Getting Late and Say Yes. After leaving the audience wanting more, we were then treated by a DJ set from the infamous MC Lyte. The set was so good, Marsha even stood until close, jamming to Hip Hop hits and dance inducing tracks.
Marsha, who would you say is an inspiration for your music?
(Smiles) I'd be lying if I didn't say Michael Jackson, I've always been a huge fan.
Are you enjoying being a solo artist moreso than being in a group?
I've actually always been a solo artist, even with Floetry, I was a solo artist.
Interesting. And now just one last question, what do you like about Chicago?
It's kind of unfair to ask what I like about Chicago, because what I LOVE about Chicago is the people. Like no matter where I am in the world, I can always spot Chicago people. I always connect, it's crazy, I have a crazy connection here. It's always what I dreamed about, like I'm IN Chicago! (laughs)
Check some of our favorite moments and check out even more photos here.
[Sundance Interview] Gareth Evans (Director of The Raid 2: Berandal)
[Ruby Hornet will be at Sundance Film Festival 2014 providing coverage of the festival's 30th year. Keep it tuned to Ruby Hornet this week as we share reviews, interviews, photos, and more at one of the country's largest film festivals.]
It's no secret that I and the majority of the Ruby Hornet staff are huge fans of Gareth Evans' The Raid: Redemption. The sleeper hit made major waves across film communities with its unabashed love for martial arts and tight storytelling that complemented the action rather than took away from it. Redemption was the little film that could, making more than 20x its budget, as well as garnering very favorable reviews from critics. When The Raid 2: Berandal was announced, excitement over the expansion of the film ran high, with many salivating at the promise of "more," in all senses of the term (budget, runtime, characters, fight scenes, etc.). My review highly regarded Evans' second film of the franchise, Berandal representing everything right when it comes to a film sequel.
During Sundance, I had a chance to sit down the director himself alongside a few other esteemed film journalists as we racked his brain with questions ranging from how fight scenes were planned, the editing process for the film, his influences behind Berandal, and much more. If you were a huge fan of The Raid: Redemption and can't wait until The Raid 2: Berandal hits theaters next March, I highly recommend reading through the interview for more insight behind one of the year's most anticipated films. However, a word to the wise: there are Berandal spoilers, so be cautious!
[RH Interview] Giftz
Photography by ACJ Photos
Chicago is a rough city. Since the advent of "drill", GBE and Chief Keef, the stories of the city's streets have been told primarily by artists that painted pictures of death and destruction and little else. Enter: Giftz, the gritty hip-hop artist from Chicago's south side that has woven poetic lyricism and a cognitive thought process into a burgeoning career that has his hometown and all its good and bad wrapped up in it. Since releasing his 2013 mixtape Position of Power Giftz has gone about, well, establishing a position of power for himself amongst an increasingly populated sea of artists elevating from the Second City. Despite his self-described affection for gangsta rap aesthetics, Giftz is able to seamlessly move around the city, spending time at Leaders with Save Money or Treated Crew at Jugrnaut. Giftz made a leap in 2013 which has allowed him to make the leap of establishing a following outside the 312 area code. With his eye on a headlining show before the end of the year to hit 2014 running, he says all he's trying to do now is stay out of trouble. I had the chance to catch up with Giftz a couple week ago to talk about his recent rise in the hip-hop game and what he has coming next. Check out his latest song, "Statement," on the next page, and our conversation over the following pages.
[RH Interview] Melt-Banana
Melt-Banana has been creating aggressive noise-core for more than two decades now. However, through the band's career, they've changed their sound a bit, experimenting with electronica and pop instrumentation to complement vocalist Yasuko Onuki's iconic, high-pitched screech and guitarist Ichirou Agata's multi-layered scratch/slide guitar. Their most recent album, fetch, retains the band's signature discordant sound balanced with pop sensibilities that will appeal to new listeners.
Recently, I had the chance to ask Yako and Agata a few questions over email prior to their North American tour, 2 do what 2 fetch. We talked about the album, the future of the band without longtime bassist Rika mm, and the differences between playing in America and Japan. Check it out! If you're interested in catching the Japanese noise-core band, tickets are still on sale for their 21+ show at the Double Door this Sunday. The show will also feature Brain Tentacles, Guzzlemug, and Svlphvrs.
[CIFF Interview] Diego Quemada-Diez (La Jaula de Oro)
[Ruby Hornet will be attending the 49th Chicago International Film Festival from 10/10 - 10/24. Be sure to follow along as we bring you coverage from the longest-running competitive international film festival in the country. You can find all of our coverage from this year's CIFF here.]
La Jaula de Oro was one of my favorite films of this year's Chicago International Film Festival. The story about three teenagers escaping Guatemala to achieve their dreams in America was a captivating look at the struggle many migrants face in their journey for a better life. It was recently awarded the Chicago International Film Festival's Gold Hugo, which is given to films making their American premiere during the festival. I had the chance to meet with La Jaula de Oro's director Diego Quemada-Diez to discuss some questions I had about the film, the back story behind the film's production, and his personal thoughts on American immigration policies.
[RH Interview] Dave Davison (Maps & Atlases)
Chicago based experimental math-rock band Maps & Atlases have been together for almost a decade. Since the group came together in 2004, they have released numerous EPs and two studio albums, most recently with Beware and Be Grateful in 2012. I have a special place in my heart for math-rock and an even bigger soft spot for Dave Davison's extremely unique, lovely voice and compelling lyrics. Because I'm a lucky lady, I got the opportunity to pick his brain a bit at Riot Fest after Maps & Atlases killed their set -- the first to hit the Roots Stage that Sunday afternoon.