8.28.2010 - BERRY JAM
The other night, we were hanging out with superstar DJ from Japan, the beautiful DJ Mayumi who was spinning at an event in the westside. I have actually met her for the first time about three years back at an event in Yokohama and she is probably one of the sweetest and nicest person you'll ever meet. She is also good friends with AK-69 so we are pretty much just all family here. Although there are many great DJs in the Japanese Hip Hop scene, there is perhaps no other female DJ who has achieved as much success and fame as she has. Hip Hop is and has been a very male-dominant industry and to see DJs such as DJ Mayumi do her thing is very exciting to see. Her set ranged from old school Rakim, Wu Tang, to new joints by Drake, Kanye - shows her versatlity in her sets, not to mention her knowledge of classic timeless Hip Hop and new chart-toppers as well. She will be spinning tonight at MyHouse Hollywood and Tokyo Style over at Vanguard on Sept. 5th. If you have nothing to do these nights, lets go party! Big shout out to Mayumi!
8.25.2010 - PUBLIC ENEYMY
I had a pleasant surprise when I received AK-68's newest single in the mail from his staff at Music Securities Entertainment. I still remember to this day when this man, who goes by the name AK-69, gave me the opportunity to produce for him four years back. In the past four years, I've been able to contribute to a total of 3 tracks. These tracks are my pride and glory. I am sincerely grateful to have had the chance to work side by side with him and contribute to his career. He stays solid to his position of being an independent artist and he has reached the level where he is standing tall amongst other artists that are with major labels. Actually, he's sitting higher now than other major artists that are in the music industry in Japan. This is all a result of hardwork and loyalty to his own ideology and position which proves the saying 'if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.' I have much respect for this man and before being a producer, I am simply just a fan of good music and I am definitely a fan of his music. Big shout out to AK-69 and to the great staff at MS Ent.
8.17.2010 - LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
J.U. looking to the future but living every second of the present to the fullest. The coast of Long Beach felt nice on the bright summer day as we took a break from our pre-pro session. Sometimes it's nice to take a simple break, even if it's a short one, it's enough to get refreshed. And here's a picture of his new addition to the family below to give you a smile to your day today.
8.03.2010 - PRACTICE
We've been rehearsing for J.U.'s shows and each time we get together to jam, we feel like we are getting better but we are also keep on finding more and more parts to improve on. But that is what a rehearsal session should be - improving and finding more parts to improve for next time. I don't believe the saying, 'practice makes perfect' because I don't believe in anything that the word 'perfect' stands for. The word is a very obscure term that changes depending on who uses it. The pursuit itself for perfection is enough motivation to improve my technique that even though I am going for the goal, I've been starting to put more value in the running than crossing that goal line. Because if you don't run hard in that race, the goal isn't as sweet. Feel me? Now the prok rib x rice x egg dish at my new favorite restaurant CHEGO was a good way to end the day.
7.30.2010 - DOWNTOWN
It's pretty cool that as much as this city is big, you tend to run into familiar faces in certain parts of the city. I was in downtown in the Little Tokyo area and I got a chance to catch up with a couple of folks (all artists - in their own ways) that I hadn't seen a while like my man A Dogg from Real Deal Brand, recording artists - Aux and Mike Infamous, the downtown underground celebrity tatoo artist - Jakoh, recording artists - K.O.G., Ryo-Vibes, and I have to admit, I did not get the name of the other girl singer who was there (sorry!). Couple of my production work will be featured on the upcoming project by the Brother-In-Law so you can be on a look out for that.
7.23.2010 - PRESS RECORD
"Microphone check one, two, one, two" - there are some new music on the way coming from Kaido featuring production work by myself and Black Sunday so stay tuned!
7.18.2010 - VIOLET SEA BREEZES
By no means am I a photographer but I do admit I love photography. I enjoy taking pictures, looking at pictures, and looking at a moment in life and seeing it as a picture. If you haven't noticed already, I like palm trees. There's something about palm trees that puts my mind at ease. My favorite moment during the day is when the sun is setting and the silhouette of palm trees stand along the horizon. There is something nostaligc about it. A somewhat lonely feel but also a peaceful vibe. Alot of my music can be said to be reflections of this town - not literally, but more of a abstract feel that seeps into your senses. Afterall, it is your surroundings that influence you - the scenery, the people, the culture, the lifestyle, the city, the environment. Just wanted to share this 'California cool' with you on this nice, warm Sunday evening.
7.15.2010 - NEW ADDITION
The newest addition to the V.S.P. family; my new Akai keyboard. It's the 3rd keyboard to join the family. Every equipment I have, I use with alot of care and respect. Alot of songs have been made with my simple setup - nothing fancy, nothing special, but very special by all means to me. It's been probably about 4 years since my last purchase regarding equipment. I bought this keyboard for one reason and that reason is performance. I was in need of a good performance keyboard that has pads and has the full-hammer action weighted velocity keys to keep the feel that is as closest to the real thing. The ability to play the notes smoothly on stage, easily switch from sound to sound, and maintain a solid performance, are essential. The keyboard is also perfect for studio production which makes the MPK the perfect match for me. It's really heavy but you know, it's an important rule that musicians carry their own equipment - it's kind of like their other half. It's going to be a music-packed summer - so hop on with us on this G6 (big up to FM), and fly high into the summer nights!
7.09.2010 - SUMMER NIGHTS
J.U. had a great performance and we all had a good, fun night with some good music the other night over at Sunset Blvd. The steps are one at a time but I am sure everyone who came felt as if they were witnessing a giant who is ready to walk over the city. He is getting ready; the road less taken could be a long journey but our minds are set to making it through and his music / performance speaks for itself. Congratulations to J.U. on a good show as each show, big or small, is definitely important and special to us and all of the people who come by to watch. To all of our fam that came out to show suport, thank you! You're now rocking with the best and the party don't stop!
7.05.2010 - READY TO ROCK?
V.S.P. artist J.U. will be performing this Thursday, July 8th at Plush Lounge inside of the Key Club. He will be performing songs from his latest album (check it out here). He has been rehearsing and preparing for the show so you are in to witness a great show. Come and show support! Are you ready to rock? You are now rocking with the best.
7.02.2010 - NOISE MAKERS
Kaido got a new toy. He came up with a set of basic drums and it quickly became his newest addiction. Although many producers these days use sampled drum sounds or electronic-nized (made-up word but you get the idea right?) drum sounds, there is nothing more refreshing than to hear someone bang on some loud-a** drums that can wake up the oldman sleeping at the end of the block. I love real instruments. No matter how advanced the VST is and even if it boasts top-class recorded sample material, it doesn't compare to live instruments played at the moment. We also had happened to have another somebody who appreciated live acoustic sounds hanging out at the studio. He's name is Max and he is a friend of ours from way back. For some of you who have been checking with V.S.P. for a while now, you may recognize him as the acoustic guitarist who was featured on Kaido's last album. This man has skills and I have some projects in the works that will feature his acoustic guitar playing. We are all noise makers. I prefer that term than saying 'music makers.' It sounds too cliche and boring to me. We make noise. Yup.
6.26.2010 - FOR THE CITY
Even though many were divided between the two teams for the NBA Finals, we all did witness history on June 17th. Whether you were a Laker or a Celtic, game 7 simply put was a great game. A friend of our production group Tim a.k.a. Mad Russian came through wearing an original t-shirt that he designed commemorating the Laker victory. He is a graphic designer who works for a design firm but aside from that fact, he made 50 of these shirts and sold out in a matter of hours on the streets. The shirt reads 'Back to Back NBA Champions' and beneath it lists the AKAs of all of the Laker players. It looks more official than the official victory t-shirts.
6.24.2010 - KAIDO MAN
The other man that helped built V.S.P. to bring it to where it is now; Kaido. It's been 2 years since his last album "Life's Demonstration" dropped and he's about to make some new moves. What a new album? More to come.
6.11.2010 - WHERE ART LIVES
When people talk about fashion and art, the city that pops into the mind is usually New York. Busy streets of businessmen walking past fashion heads wearing pieces of art that look like something that just came straight from the runway, it almost seems like a juxtaposition of two completely different worlds but has become part of the usual scenery of Manhattan. Art and fashion is very much alive and thriving in the western hemisphere as well. The Los Angeles Artwalk in downtown LA that is held every 2nd thursdays of every month is perhaps one of the largest-all-city scale event where close to ten thousand people come to see and appreciate the different fields of art. Young up-and-coming artists with big dreams show case their work, whether it is a painting crying for political change or a fashion desginer hoping to reach success, the strong energy of creativity can be felt throughout the streets of downtown. This is something to experience if you have yet to. I fell back in love all over again with my city.
6.09.2010 - NEW RELEASE
Guess what!? Yes, I have a new music release date for you to mark on your calendars. Well this time, it's only limited to the folks in Japan but the young gunner KJI from the Gifu area is going hard right now in the Japanese Hip Hop music scene and I had the opportunity to produce a track for him. The track is titled "Red String" which also features the other artist I have produced for in the past, AK-69. The record is set to be released on June 24th and will be available at all major retailers like HMV. Make sure to go show support!
6.05.2010 - LATE NIGHT FOODS
I was in downtown LA, more specifically, in the Little Tokyo area to take care of some business. As I was heading out on 2nd St., I spotted a small lunch truck with the banner that read 'Takoyaki' and I had to immediately pull over. What can I say, Takoyaki is one of my favorite to-go style finger-foods and I never knew a Takoyaki truck existed in LA (because I was actually thinking of starting one myself). For those of you who are wondering what Takoyaki is, just try it - and make sure to order it with the right toppings; sauce, mayo, some sprinkle of seaweed, and onions. Takoyaki has a long history in Japan as this appetizer-like finger-food originated from the streets of Osaka and is often served at parties, street festivals, and bars. It goes perfect with beer and compliments eachother, like Kobe and Shaq. No wait, more like Kobe and Gasol. With so many different variations of lunch trucks that roam the streets of LA, competition is getting fierce. But these guys are just about having fun and serving great food. It was delicious. Check them out at Takoyaki Tanota and follow them!
5.31.2010 - FINAL PRODUCT
I was super excited to see J.U.'s albums pressed and ready to go. We worked really hard to finish this project and to see it in its final form - sealed with plastic in pressed CD form made me really happy. None of us have an invester or have any overseas funds coming in for this project so the entire project had to be funded ourselves (and we all have our 9 to 5s). Maybe that's what makes it extra special and personal too. For anybody that knows the amount of work that goes into making an album from start to finish, understands that each album is packed with the energy of all that participated in the process. This was also my first project where I produced, arranged, composed, and mixed down the entire album (A Million Lights was more of a producer's comp so I don't really count that in). J.U. and I wanted to keep that style of one artist - one producer to have all the songs sound consistent and not all over the place. And by the way, this album is the hottest album that's out in the music market right now. Believe me. So show support! If you see me or J.U. out on the street somewhere, be sure to ask us for a copy and we'll give you one for free. The album is for sale in select Los Angeles locations and can also be purchased digitally through iTunes.
5.14.2010 - WELCOME!
Some of you who are reading this, maybe thinking to yourself, ‘who is this guy?' Well, for those of you who were wondering just that, let me tell you. I’m just a guy who just happened to like music who just happened to make music who just happened to have a website where you just happened to come across. Maybe you came to this website knowing my music and what I do. Maybe you had no idea and a click on your mouse lead you here. Whatever it is, maybe you were meant to be at this website at this very moment because your ears were meant to hear some good music. Whatever it is, I hope you enjoy what you hear and become a regular listener. I appreciate each and one of your support and even though artists usually make art for themselves (claiming they don't care about critics - I usually tend not to either), it always brings a smile to my face knowing that people can enjoy the music that I make. So, let me begin my first entry by saying, 'Thankyou.'
