Airplane Mode: A setting available on most cell phones, smart phones and other electronic devices that, when engaged, suspends many of the device’s signal transmitting functions.
Airplane Mode Gang (#APMGang): A collective of hip-hop contributors – mainly from the Northwest – bonded by mutual respect, travels and collective influence.
(Editor’s Note: I’ve been telling people I’m in Airplane Mode Gang for weeks and taught my wife the handshake.)
Prior to last year’s campaign, a few rappers recognized the need for the Northwest to make our presence known at SXSW and agreed to collaboratively push each other’s agendas in Austin. Just for fun, a handshake was created, and anyone down with the cause was taught the secret greeting. But what started as a handshake turned into a movement. As artists like Luck One, Fatal Lucciauno, Spac3man and AyeLogics spread word to their friends and fellow artists, people began to take notice. As the movement descended on Austin that Spring of 2011, there were a few dozen representatives on the crowded streets, meeting up, handshaking and generally big-upping one another while promoting the Northwest lifestyle. Dudes like Macklemore, Chase Freeman and Alpha from Indianapolis swagged for the cause and as it turns out, folks from around the world took note of how our region gets down. What appeared to be the pinnacle of our movement – shutting down a Pac Div concert through general drunken disobedience – turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg as the constituents returned home and continued to collaborate.
This Spring’s return to Austin will feature many familiar faces and a few new ones as well. Not just a chance to soak up some much needed Texas sun rays, SXSW 2012 is a major opportunity for the artists that we love to proverbially “get on”. Strolling down 6th Street, faded, 35-deep having fun with people you know is 100% The Business; but more importantly, having 35 respectable people to share contacts with is what it’s all about. So in preparation for this year’s trip, WeOutHere’s #APMGang representative, Mac Smiff, interviewed a few folks making the trip to see what’s really good. Yes I just wrote in third person. #Swag
NOTE: #APMGang is not a real gang much in the way that Unitarian Universalism is not a real religion. That is, you can be in our gang and keep any existing affiliations you may have.
Luck One
Possibly the Northwest’s premier lyricist, it’s hard to argue that Portland-based emcee Luck One does not embody the state of existence known as “rap life”. After a 6 year stint in the pen, the self-proclaimed King of the Northwest has put together an impressive 4-year run dropping 5 projects, countless features and rocking shows across the country. Rather than going Hollywood and proceeding to stunt when his face started appearing on covers of newspapers, Luck dropped a high-end music video confessing that he’d been sponsoring his own music by electing to live in his car. Now that’s dedication.
Now living comfortably in what is arguably NE Portland, Luck just dropped Beautiful Music Part 2 and is about to make his second trip to SXSW. Last year, Luck spent his time in Austin promoting his then-upcoming record True Theory, rocking a few off-brand showcases and playing the extra in videos for Freeway and Mistah F.A.B. This year, he’s been invited to rock a few official showcases and who knows what that will bring. Before setting his phone to #AirPlaneMode, Luck took a few moments to share his pre-flight thoughts with me.
Mac: How excited are you for SXSW this year?
Luck: Oh yea, I might do a cartwheel…
What inspired you to make the trip this year?
Getting a legit showcase. Plus I had mad fun last year.
Who are you most excited about seeing/meeting in Austin?
I heard The Kid Espi is gonna be there…is that true?
(Editor’s Note: YUUUUP!)
What’s one thing you are going to make sure to take with you?
My prayer rug and my chess board. They go everywhere I travel.
What’s your favorite SXSW memory?
(It’s) Got to be knocking out a whole track in under ten minutes on the mobile recording studio.
Spac3man
Spac3man is one of the realest dudes I know, and one of the best live performers in America. Bet on that. Seattle’s beloved dread-headed rap star had a successful 2011, dropping his Featuristic mixtape with DJ SwerveOne and shooting a crispy video for “L’s Up”, the high-powered collaboration with Jake One off of his previous mixtape, Greetings Earthlings. I also think I spotted him starring in a Beats by Dre commercial… As if Vintage Cartel, Goods, Winner’s Circle, & TITS weren’t providing the charismatic artist with enough sponsorship!
But trust me, I’m not hating! Definitely want to thank Spac3 for taking a moment out of his heavily demanding playboy activities to answer a few questions for WeOutHere.net. See you in Austin soon, homie!
#AirPlaneMode
Mac: How excited are you for SXSW this year?
Spac3man: The very last time was excessive fun. We made a huge footprint for the Northwest, and it’s necessary to show them we’ve got even bigger shoes!
What inspired you to make the trip this year?
I was told if I go I would be given the opportunity to perform with fellow Northwest artists, and I’m just supporting. Also, I’m a traveler… Duh. APM Gang!
Who are you most excited about seeing/meeting in Austin?
Luck-One, Macklemore, AyeLogics, NW artists, etc…
What’s one thing you are going to make sure to take with you?
FANS, RESPECT and RELATIONSHIPS
What’s your favorite SXSW memory (if you’ve been before)?
Us – NORTHWEST ARTISTS – standing on the tables and chairs at a club for a blog’s showcase screaming “A-P-MMMM!” They had to stop the show because we was so heavy in there and pay homage to our NORTHWEST presence…Shit’s a feeling I’ll forever remember… The power our strength in numbers gave off gives me chills… It was a beautiful execution of improved power. Still a long ways to go though, because we fight a more complex battle to stardom.
Chase Freeman
Chase Freeman is the kind of guy that always has money, but never has to spend it. He never fails to know everyone everywhere, plus model-type women loiter in his presence. He’s basically That Guy…He even has a Bill Bellemy job!
As the booking agent for Beauty Bar Portland, Chase is only at work when it’s time to party and is always on the lookout for new talent; naturally, we can expect to see him making the rounds at SXSW once again this year. Prior to heading out, he took a moment to answer a few questions for WeOutHere.net regarding his upcoming trip. Naturally, I took a few notes. Naturally, he had to style on me. Enjoy.
Mac: How excited are you for SXSW this year?
Chase: I’m good, my nigga.
What inspired you to make the trip this year?
The shit’s never a let-down. (It’s) a big ass concert in a whole bunch of random spots. Where else can you see a Snoop Dogg show in a warehouse… for free?
Who are you most excited about seeing/meeting in Austin?
Everybody.
If you’ve done any business in the entertainment field, you have email chains with folks you’ve probably never met in person. You also have folks you used to do business with from other cities you haven’t seen for a year. People you want to see perform, DJs you want to see DJ. All types of shit….it’s like a family reunion.
What’s one thing you are going to make sure to take with you?
Phone charger
What’s your favorite SXSW memory?
Being on stage with Mick Boogie, Jazzy Jeff, Z Trip and LL COOL J last year at the Redbull 3Style event. Don’t ask how I got on that bitch though… LOL
Oh yeah, that was when you were trying to call me, but I was too busy losing my phone… Thanks for rubbing that in!
#APM