Alyssajh7's Blog
August 2008
Check out the phenomenally talented (and ridiculously good looking) guys from the Honors as they kill their set at Newport Folk Festival.
With the first set time on Saturday morning, Sydney Wayser had the task of getting the audience excited. Her blend of eclectic pop and playful lyricism drew in the throngs entering the Festival and by the end of the set her enthusiasm and energy had won over quite a crowd and many new fans. Check out Sydney’s awesome performance of “La Dee Da”, live at Newport Folk.
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Queens-raised lyricist and OurStage artist Yak Ballz is making NYC proud by showing he’s got the talent and…er, cajones to take on the rap game. After releasing his first record in 2000, Yak Ballz found himself being courted by El-P, alternative hip-hop king and owner of Definitive Jux (which is home to artists such as Dizzee Rascal and Aesop Rock). Since then, Yak Ballz has established himself as one of the emerging voices of independent hip-hop.
Q: Why do you think you are doing well on OurStage?
Q: Favorite thing about the site?
Q: What’s your coolest moment with a fan?
Q: What do you think the internet has done to change music?
Q: What is your biggest fear?
Q: Coolest moment performing?
Q: If you could open for anyone, who would it be?
Q: What do you think makes you stand out from your competition?
Q: And the name? … please explain where you got Yak Balls!
A: I think my music, when given the chance, is too original to go unnoticed. Fortunately for me, most visitors of Ourstage.com are looking for good music and mine has managed to stand out as a result of their votes.
A: The artist profile template. I like how it’s formatted. Super organized, user friendly and appealing.
A: In Kansas City, when a war veteran soldier who was around my age took off his titanium prosthetic leg for me to sign. It was a powerful moment and one of my most memorable with a fan.
A: The internet has made music accessible on an international scale. It’s also made record sales drop at an alarming rate. For Independent artists like myself, income is made from shows and merch because the availability of music on the net affecting record sales so negatively leaves us no other choice.
A: That my art will never get the recognition I feel it deserves.
A: Playing the Abbey Pub in Chicago, and crowd surfing over a sold out screaming audience.
A: Rage Against the Machine, but Gym Class Heroes would probably be a good look right now.
A: I credit myself for being a great performer where a lot of hip hop artists aren’t. I try to let it all hang out on stage.
A: I used to intern and work for a urban boutique and record store in the east village of NY called Bobbito’s Footwork in the late 90’s. It was owned by famed DJ and radio host Bobbito Garcia, who would later put out my first 12 inch on Fondle’em records. Footwork was a place NY graffiti writers would congregate. I befriended them as they frequented the store. I told them my real name was Yash. My real name was unacceptable in their world if I was to be a part of it so they called me started calling me Yak. Bobbito had a radio show with DJ Stretch Armstrong and the two of them would shout me out on the radio and put the word “balls” at the end as a joke. “Yak Ballz” ended up sticking and Bobbito would leave me answering machine messages at Footwork telling me what I needed to get done and calling me Yak Ballz. Everyone got a kick out of it and would replay the
messages. It was a joke that never got old I guess.
1. I heart Young @ Heart - tear jerking, inspiring, unique and definitely a fan favorite. Check out Quinn’s post for more details and stay tuned for his upcoming interview piece!
2. I heart Sydney Wayser – beautiful, quirky, surrounded by toys and with a voice like honey, she never fails to impress. Free downloads.
3. I heart American Babies - whose performance at the waterside tent was so amazing that, upon completion of their set, they were whisked off to the main stage in the middle of a thunder storm … not only did the fans stay out in the rain but they LOVED the set – after which the American Babies had difficulty walking the grounds without being swarmed by new and adoring fans! Free downloads.
4. I heart Willy Mason – as the storm intensified on Saturday afternoon, the power on his stage was cut. Sensing the audiences disappointment, Willy ran backstage, found an acoustic guitar and brought his parents out. Mara Carlyle grabbed her saw and a washboard and Willy’s brother brought a drum to the front of the stage. Willy stepped off stage, called everyone into sit in the aisles so they wouldn’t get wet and then played among his adoring fans with his mother harmonizing by his side. His father pulled up a seat on stage, sang back up vocals and added percussion by using his hands on the guitar case.
As the rain slashed at the sides of the tent, the audience huddled together (some on the ground, some in seats) and fell in love with the entire Mason clan. I knelt in the mud at Willy’s feet and looked around at the drenched crowd, feeling all the positive energy swirling around the tent. For this tiny moment in time, a little over a hundred people laughed at the weather, happily squeezed under a muddy tent and shared raw and natural music with a man and his family. The moment was funny, powerful, strange and beautiful all at once. It was impossible not to think back to a time when music wasn’t about power, money or finding an agent – but a sense of togetherness and a means by which people came together. I heart Willy Mason for giving us this moment and reminding us what folk music is really all about. Stay tuned for footage and an interview from this moving performance.
5. I heart Red Rooster – who had anywhere from 7-11 different instruments going on the stage at any given time. Phenomenal music, great style and energetic performance made them one of my favorite new discoveries!
6. I heart the Felice Brothers - who took a cue from Willy mason and kicked it up a notch as the rain continued to pour outside.
7. I heart the ridiculous view and surroundings at Newport Folk – what an amazing festival.
8. I heart Jay Sweet - OurStage advisor and program director of the festival, Jay went above and beyond everyones expectations this year – nice job Jay!
9. I heart Ryan Fitzsimmons – who won the hearts of the audience with his quirky, cute stories and passionate folk ballads. Free downloads.
10. I heart The Honors - who credited Bob Dylan’s 1965 Newport Folk fiasco for their dark sunglasses and heavier electric style. People craving a little harder sound were thoroughly satisfied as they gravitated to The Honors showcase while those who were still in a softer, folky mood enjoyed Brandi Carlile (whom I also heart) over on the Fort Stage.
