The Music Issue

Profile: traffic.pg. 4-5

Westernfrontonline.comThursday, October 20, 2016

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 5A publication of The Western Front

Preview: AS Productions Hip-Hop show pg. 2

Western students’ talk live music pg. 8

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Western Weekend

Editor-in-ChiefElizabeth Kayser

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Western Weekend is a publication of The Western Front, published once weekly.Cover illustration of senior Hunter Philip by Connor Jalbert.

Hip- Hop Heads HomeJonathan Pendleton

The WesTern FronT

Expect a wide range of lyrical styles and rhythmic beats from a group of Pacific Northwest hip-hop and rap artists as the Associated Students Productions will present a con-cert featuring Mostafa, Landon Wordswell, Sango, Sam Lachow and Raz Simone at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, in the Viking Union Multi-Purpose Room. This marks the second show for Simone and Lachow at Western.

Jonah Falk, AS Pop Music Coordinator, placed an em-phasis on the region’s hip-hop culture in selecting the line-up.

“We have artists from Bellingham, Oregon and Seattle — all with hip-hop aesthetic,” Falk said.

Falk believes the artistic chemistry and homegrown, familiar appeal of the performers will be a strong theme throughout the show.

“My favorite shows are always shows where the artists know each other on the lineup,” Falk said.

Falk booked most of the artists through their agencies but made a different connection with Mostafa, a Belling-ham native, and his tourmate Wordswell. Mostafa has an appreciation for the area and said he’s excited to return to his roots and perform for his community.

Mostafa and Wordswell have known each other for six years and have performed with each other on multiple oc-casions.

“It’s always fun to be out here with family,” Mostafa said. “The Bellingham music scene and the community in

general has always been really supportive and open to hear-ing people’s perspectives,” Mostafa said. “They appreciate people who take time to put into their art and their craft.”

Mostafa aims to be a good storyteller through his rhym-ing and his interaction with the audience throughout a per-formance. His focus is to create energy within the crowd and wants to be able to connect with people on a “basic hu-man level” through his music.

Wordswell, a 28-year-old rapper originally from the St. Louis area, has been creating music for 10 years. A list of his musical and creative inspirations include The Roots, El-zhi, Mos Def and Talib Kweli.

After moving to the Northwest six years ago, Wordswell made his way through various venues throughout Wash-ington State, including a few shows in Bellingham at ven-ues like The Shakedown.

Wordswell lets his raps be a product of his environment, and his themes are always changing to stay current with what is happening around him. In the end, he wants to con-nect the audience with his life narration and anecdotes as his music progresses through the years

Falk says you won’t leave the concert without experienc-ing something you can connect to.

“It’s coming at the Northwest up-and-coming [artists] from a bunch of different veins of music and hip-hop,” Falk said. “There’s gonna be something for everybody there.”

Hip-hop and rap artists rain down their PNW flavor this weekend

Hailing from the Seattle area, Raz Simone is the founder and CEO of the record label Black Umbrella. Working with

Sam Lachow, the duo published a five-song EP titled “5 Good Reasons” in 2012. Sango, another Seattle artist,

has over 230,000 followers on SoundCloud and has col-laborated with various artists including XXL Magazine’s

2015 Freshmen, GoldLink.

Raz Simone performing in the Viking Union Multi-Purpose Room. // Photo by Caleb Albright

THE DEETSDate: Sunday, Oct. 23

Time: 6 p.m.Location: Viking Multi-Purpose Room

Who: Raz Simone, Sam Lachow, Sango, Landon Wordswell and Mostafa

Thursday, October 20, 2016Thursday, October 20, 2016Page 4 | Western Weekend Western Weekend | Page 5

Mattie WilsieThe WesTern FronT

Patrons are starting to trickle into the dimly lit Wild Buffalo House of Music as William “Hunter” Philip orders a gin and tonic to calm his nerves. It’s St. Patrick’s Day 2016 and Philip is only an hour away from his first professional DJ gig.

In no time the club is packed. Philip, who goes by traffic. on stage, begins playing, and all he can think about is not messing up the transitions in his set after practicing it six times before the show. As the last song of his set, “Inner Bloom” by Why So Not, begins, Philip spots several of his friends in the crowd. Some of them have tears in their eyes, the result of a strong mix of pride, joy and alcohol.

A feeling of relief overtakes Philip as he leaves the stage, a mistake-free set accomplished. Looking back on it, that was the set was Philip’s first step toward a professional career in DJing.

Philip, a senior e n v i r o n m e n t a l studies major, was first introduced to electronic dance music by his brother while attending Ballard High School.

“I liked the music more than I liked the culture at that point. There was a lot of EDM back in the

day,

but I’m not really into that. I’m more into a little more progressive and weird sounds,” Philip said.

Philip bought a sound mixer his freshman year at Western and started messing around on it, finding the more he practiced, the better he got.

“I didn’t really have any music library or anything because I was sort of in this whole new world of stuff that I had never heard before. [It was] completely different from what I listened to in high school,” Philip said. “I picked it up and sophomore year started playing house parties. People really liked what I was doing, and I just got progressively better.”

He started booking gigs as they came to him, averaging at least one performance a week. One of his first shows got booked after Philip received a text from an unknown number.

“Hey, we’re having a party this Thursday for a birthday. Do you want to come play?” the message read.

Philip began building a reputation for his skill through

playing house shows but always wanted to

perform on stage. After seeing an ad from The Wild Buffalo requesting local DJs, he sent the club an email and was told there would be a opportunity for him as soon as he turned 21. True to it’s word, The Wild Buffalo booked him to open for its St. Patrick’s day show.

Since that show, Philip has played shows in Seattle and still tries to play one show a week while balancing school and work.

“Sometimes it is kind of difficult because I want to put more time into DJing than I do in school, honestly. If I could pick one or the other it would definitely be DJing and making music would be the next step,” Philip said.

Jacob Losi, Philip’s roommate and friend since middle school, has seen Philip work tirelessly in pursuit of his passion.

“[He would] save enough money, eventually buying a more professional board and then slowly investing in the speakers. I would let him know whenever I

Senior William ‘Hunter’ Philip, performs as ‘traffic.’ on stage, balances work, school, with his passion for techno music

saw deals on music equipment,” Losi said. “I wish I had the drive for what I want to do as much as [Philip] has a drive for what he does.”

Losi said his buddy’s shows have a unique atmosphere.

“It’s just wild fun. It’s a lot of dancing. It’s a lot of underground techno that he really likes. It’s different than watching someone who you have no idea perform up there. It’s cool. You feel more of a connection,” Losi said.

Philip gets musical inspiration from acts and DJs all over the world ,such as DJ Madame from France, DJ Ana from Brazil, Sluggers from Miami and Jensen Interceptor from Australia.

“I’m still sort of developing [my sound]. I’m trying to create a certain vibe for when I DJ, but obviously that comes with time,” Philip said.

His goal is to always tell a story when he is playing a show, giving his audience a very select experience when they hear it.

“It’s a beginning, a middle and an end. You don’t want to leave someone hanging right at the end. [Having them think], ‘Wow, this is super intense,’ and then you’re just done,” Philip said. “When you are playing 20 songs in an hour, you always want to start by bringing the crowd in and then take them on a journey.”

Philip was recently added to an art collective called Milk + Honey, which is put together by The Wild Buffalo. The collective has a promoter that gets the members opportunities to open for various

acts, including recent gigs with Hot Chip and Luca Lush.

For now Philip is just taking shows as they come and trying to experiment with making his own music.

“It’s definitely somewhere I didn’t think I would be when I first got my mixer,” Philip said. “I’m humbled to do it.”

Hunter Philip preps food in the kitchen at the Colophon Cafe, Monday, Oct. 18. Philip works as a kitchen’s assistant at the cafe during the day. // Photo by Morgan Stilp-Allen.

“When you’re playing 20 songs in an hour, you always want to start by bringing the crowd in

and then take them on a journey.”

William ‘Hunter’ Philipaka traffic.

Hunter Philip plays a set at Rumors Cabaret, Friday, Oct. 18. // Photo by Morgan Stilp-Allen.

“It’s definitely somewhere I didn’t

think I would be when I first got my mixer.

I’m humbled to do it.”

William ‘Hunter’ Philipaka traffic.

Techno is a form of electronic dance music that features repeatitive instru-mentals with a tem-po typically between 120 and 150 beats per music.

Techno first gained popularity during the 1980s.

The genre got its start in Detroit, Michigan.

All In the mix

Thursday, October 20, 2016 Western Weekend | Page 7

Komo Kulshan Ski and Snowboard SwapLocation: Bloedel Donovan Multipurpose

Room - 2114 Electric Ave. Bellingham, WAWhen: 4 - 9:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

“It’s a great little jazz trio that have been play-ing together for a while. It’s very high quality

jazz, approachable and adds a nice ambiance to the dining room. It’s a wonderful addition to a date, and it’s in a space that is isn’t a typical drinking venue. It’s more of a dinner service

but still casual.” Don, Owner of Skylarks Hidden Cafe

“It’s going to be in a 38,000 square foot soc-cer arena, and 32 different breweries pouring about 83 different things. It’s going to be a lot

of fun.”Lance Calloway, Whatcom Sports and

Recreation

Harvest HappensLocation: Bellewood Acres - 6140 WA-539 #1,

Lynden, WAWhen: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cost: Free

What’s going on this weekend?”FRIDAY SATURDAY” SUNDAY

Jazz Show TelephonicLocation: Skylarks Hidden Cafe - 1308 11th St., Bellingham, WA

When: 8 p.m. - midnightCost: Free

12 Minutes Max Fall ShowcaseLocation: Firehouse Performing Arts Center -

1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WAWhen: 7:30 - 9 p.m. (Also on 10/22 at the

same time)Cost: $15 adults, $12 students and seniors

DAWN of the DRAG: All-Ages King ShowLocation: Make.Shift - 306 Flora St.,

Bellingham, WAWhen: 8:30 - 11 p.m.

Cost: $10

Community Pumpkin CarvingWhere: Stones Throw Brewing Co. - 1009 Lar-

rabee Ave., Bellingham, WAWhen: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Cost: Free. $3 pints for those dressed in costumes.

Contra Dance NightLocation: Fairhaven Library - 1117 12th St.,

Bellingham, WAWhen: 6 - 10:30 p.m.

Cost: Suggested donation $8-10, $6 students

Bleedingham Film FestivalLocation: The Pickford Film Center - 1318 Bay

St., Bellingham, WAWhen: 9 p.m.

Cost: $10.75, $7.50 for members

Author Event - John CapecciLocation: Village Books - 1200 11th St., Bell-

ingham, WAWhen: 4 - 5 p.m.

Cost: Free

Slow JamLocation: The Green Frog - 1015 N State St.,

Bellingham, WATime: 4 - 7 p.m.

Cost: Free

Bellingham HoptoberfestLocation: Bellingham Sportsplex - 1225 Civic

Field Way, Bellingham, WAWhen: 4 - 10 p.m.

Cost: General Admission $25, $30 at door, Designated Driver $10

21+

“I think that this is a timely book. The subtitle is ‘Telling Your Story to Make a Difference.’ There are a lot of people in the world right

now that are trying to implement change, and this [book] seems like a great guide for doing

that.” Village Books

Compiled by Susan Petris and Jonathan Pendleton

2016 Juried Artist Series: Splendid SunsetsLocation: Allied Artists - 1418 Cornwall Ave.,

Bellingham, WAWhen: 6 - 9 p.m.

Cost: Free

Thursday, October 20, 2016Page 6 | Western Weekend

Taking a Look at a Bellingham band:

Chelsea AndrewsThe WesTern FronT

INVICTVS plays rock music with a twist, as vocalist Jonah Falk raps while the band plays a blend of hip-hop and rock music.

Shaun and Dallas Quick are twins and have been playing music together since they were little. After moving from Seattle to Bellingham in 2014, the Quick brothers and their friend, Falk, started playing cover songs at a party. The gig didn’t go as planned, but Falk suggested they write their own unique style of rap music instead.

“It’s a blend of soul hip-hop with some funk and some rock instrumen-tation,” Dallas Quick said. “We lay down some rock and [Falk] lays down some raps.”

“Invictus” means “unconquered,” which the band felt was a fitting name. They decided to keep the original Greek spelling of the word, which is spelled with a “v” instead of a “u”.

Currently, the band consists of Shaun Quick playing bass and guitar, Dal-las Quick on drums and Falk writing lyrics, rapping and occasionally sing-ing.

The band recently released its newest EP on Sept. 22, and played at The Shakedown in Bellingham to kick off its release.

“It was a really fun night. A lot of people came out, and we had a blast,” Shaun Quick said.

They are also working on putting together another EP and recently played a house party on Friday, Oct. 14, with other local artists Bob Fossil, Drftrs and Portland-based Jane Deaux.

I N V I C T V S

Genre: Hip-hop/Rock Albums: Inauguration (2014) and Eudemonia (2016)Favorite song to play live: Eudemonia Fun facts: The three members of the group all went to Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, WANext Show: 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at The Wild Buffalo with Na’an Stop and Deadly D.

Photo Courtesy of Invictvs

Ask Western

“There are a lot of house shows that go on around Western, so I go to those. They usually have rock and hip-hop, and they are usually pretty fun. There a lot of them, and they arepretty selective, I think. I’m not 21 yet so I can’t go to The Wild Buff a-lo or anything like that, but I know there are tons of bands that go there. It’s a very live music type of commu-nity which I enjoy a lot. I feel like that is a huge culture here: To go see live music and hang out with people.”

“When I was very young, I think I was in sixth grade, my dad took me to see Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Zombie at the Key Arena. It was just a really different thing for me and my dad to do, and it really meant a lot to me. I was really nervous the entire time, and I was also very confused. I recall asking my dad why there were clouds of smoke in the air. He was like, ‘Don’t worry about it, you know, it’s cool.’ Looking back, peo-ple were smoking pot and my dad was not going to level with me on it.”

“I went to a Nightwish concert, which is progressive metal. That was fantas-tic. [The concert] was really energetic. There were tons of different people you wouldn’t expect to be there. It was really upbeat, and everyone was just happy to be there. There were three or four bands that played, and they were all super excited to see us. They made sure to include us in their songs. [They] included the audience as much as they could.”

“I went to Flume, which is eletronic dance music. I saw him in Septem-ber, and it was really fun because ev-eryone at those kind of concerts are so nice. It was a fun experience be-cause I really like him and that is why I went, but I got to go with a bunch of friends. I’m from Wyoming so there are not very many concerts near us, so it’s always fun to go. We go to Red Rocks usually, which is in Denver.”

Lauren CrabbJunior

Sam MeyerSenior

Justin AguilarJunior

Sara Von KrosigkFreshman

What has been your favorite live

music experience? Why?

Mattie WilsieThe WesTern FronT

Thursday, October 20, 2016 Westernfrontonline.com