Dj Star Eyes gave me some twinkle






Mike 2600 told Ms Star Eyes to holler at me about playing down here. Luckily I had enough time to set something up amidst the chaos that this week had already become. She said she would be down here resting and relaxing with a girlfriend of hers and want to see if I can put her on... well, I did and I am glad I did. Bird had just played with her in Minneapolis a few weeks ago at Mike 2600's new addition to the MN nightlife, DO IT TO IT. I had heard nothing but good things about homegirl, her taste, and skills... they were all true. She was on it! Working the knobs, running through tracks, and getting the crowd hype. You can catch her with the rest of her crew, Trouble & Bass in NYC or read her contributions in XLR8R every month.



you can peep the small amount of pics here







prince klassen

SMALLTOWN DJS, not so small






I met Pete about two years ago when he was down for the uber white fest we like to call, Austin City Limits festival. Our good friend, Dj Mel, had booked him for an after party that I was supposed to play at as well and well I didnt make it cause of... lets say "stomach cramps". We stayed in touch ever since and now I can call dude a really good friend and homie. If you have ever been able to catch a Smalltown set, I highly recommend it. I have never seen a dj duo play off of each other so well! Both Mikey and Pete share an amazing taste in music and are the downright funniest guys to hang out with. I challenged them to a game of Double Dribble, so stay tuned for the youtube video. I can also happily say that Smalltown had a major part in connecting me and my special someone. If there is ever a wedding, you know who the djs will be!!!





1. Tell us who you are. Names, where you from, background stuff.

Pete Emes & Mike Grimes - both from Calgary, Canada

2. How long have you two been working under the name Smalltown Djs? Where did that come from?

Smalltown started in 2000 - when we did our first mixtape. It was called Emes & Grimes are Smalltown DJs. It's a reference to the fact that despite being a city of over a million - our scene was still real small town back then. As well as the fact that compared to the real big cities of the world - Calgary was and still is a small town.

3. I know whenever we get to kick it, you guys seem to be really close friends. You guys have any funny stories or fights that you can tell us about?

We have too many stories - one of my favorites is when Grimes had to come out from behind the decks to bounce two unruly dudes at once. He had them both by the scruff of the neck at the same time! They were terrified. But we're just out to consistently have the best time possible.

4. Tell us about Canada and how things are going for you guys.

Canada is great - we have alot going on right now. We have a bunch of fun festival gigs this summer. And we're throwing a bunch of parties that we are real excited about, as well as some fun sudio projects. This fall we are doing a European tour. So that should be outrageous. We just wrapped up our Vegas residency - we were there every Friday for 9 months, and that took alot out of us so we're stoked to be back to reality.

5. Are you working on any new projects right now?

Yeah we have some production stuff under way with Wax Romeo (called Smalltown Romeo) - and a new CD called "Th Road Trip Mix" which we just finishing.

6. I know you have released vinyl in the past. I was wondering if you were planning on doing anything like that again. Do you think that vinyl is a dying format thanks to digital releases and heavy internet influence?

Our first vinyl record came out in 2003 - and we are still doing it. Although I think that the role of vinyl has changed. It used to be the best way to get your music into the clubs. Now that is not the case. So you just have to adapt. And vinyl has become more of a novelty to be honest. I think labels like Ed Banger have the right idea when promoting their records - with picture sleeves of So-Me's artwork etc. Although I still have my record collection, and can't see myself selling it - vinyl sales are definitely not what they once were.

7. What are some influences that got you where you are?

Well my dad was always a huge music fan - so it's in my blood. As far as artists go early on for me it was Run DMC, Big Daddy Kane and the Beastie Boys. The Beasties hit home because as a white kid from Canada I would never have thought I could be a dj until they came along. But we are both so heavily into music that we find new influences every day - and that's what inspires you to create.

8. Top five tracks right now?

in no order
Blind - Hercules & Love Affair
Don't Touch Me - Busta Rhymes
Mars - Fake Blood
Les Artistes (XXXchange Mix) - Santogold
Hi Hater - Maino


9. Last, feel free to talk any shit or send shout outs or whatever right
here.

Thanks so much for having us on here.

Oh yeah, I challenged Dj Sega to a game of Double Dribble on my old Nintendo. I am sending the invitation to you both. BRING IT!

You're dead. But can we play Blades of Steel?


prince klassen

SUCKER DUCKS: MAKE IT RAIN EDITION

yo so here is the new digs I have been fiending over as of late. Its been a long time, but there are a few new things to share with people. I have been really busy with dj and promotion stuff as of late and its been a fun time indeed. shout out to my girl all the way in berlin right now, I cant wait for her to back... and she better buy me something from top shop.


MUSIC....


First off, I just wrapped up the Red Bull Music Academy application drive in the Texas area with my homegirl Danielle and this year was a really good one for sure. We got a lot of talent coming out of the wood work from Austin and Texas in general. One of the guys that I really took notice of was my man that goes by the name of Icky Woodz. Its been hard for me to listen to most things Hip Hop as of late, other than some classics, but this dude really impressed me. The thing about what he is doing is the use of samples as well as doing it on FRUITY LOOPS!!! bananas. My motto has always been "work with what you have", and dude is working it. Add him on myspace and make sure to listen to his tunes.


Someone else that I have been in contact with as of late and really feeling what he is doing is Stones Throw Records newest artist, Dam Funk (pronounced Daym). My man is equal parts Roger & Zapp, and J Dilla as he is Change. Smoothed out brother that knows the deal with boogie and soul. He holds down a Monday night in LA called FUNKMOSPHERE, that is just the antithesis that LA has become. Soul, Boogie, and Disco for the grown and sexy type. You can read about him and some of his favorite tracks in the newest issue (no 28!!! way to go WP) of Wax Poetics Magazine







FILM...


I dont know if anyone got to see this in the theatres, but boy was it at the same time beautiful and amazingly horrid.


Manufactured Landscapes





I wrote about the documentary in a past Sucker Ducks right after I watched the film that nearly made me really lose my shit. The film follows a photographer that portrays some of the worst waste filled areas of the world and shows the "beauty" that devastation we as humans have aleady made. It is available to buy now at your LOCAL video store.


Up the Yangtze





This new film touches on the one of the subjects of "Landscapes" and demonstrates a new twist of emotion. I hope that Austin finds a theatre that will house this fine looking film.




LITERATURE...


Speaking of the devastation of the world, I must say that the marketing geniuses in the mass market industry are really making headway with the making of everything "green". I didnt know that my soy milk was being produced in a Eco friendly way, now I do! I am glad that I bought it while shopping with my trusty canvas tote. In all seriousness, I am glad that people are becoming aware of their footprint on the planet. With that said, just buying a tote bag and recycled snickers bars does not mean you are helping in any way.





This is a good source of what, where, why and any other question you can think of relating to the subject. I bought this at the recently opened new Austin location of a Houston based store, Domy.







my man, Russell has since moved from Houston (though the Houston store is STILL open) and headed towards the Texas capital to open his new venture. I cant talk more highly about this store and I am glad that someone has finally got the right idea of really bringing something good to the currently gentrific east side. He will be having the official grand opening this coming Friday June 6th from 6-9.




FUN...


I have been into gadgets since I was a young man, and the fascination with them still holds strong on my radar screen. I bought a Sony PSP probably about a year or so ago and wasnt too amazed with it. It looks good, but the games were kind of "ehh".

I then bought a Nintendo DS and my life has changed ever since. Not only are the normal games great, but they also offer instructional interactive games where you can learn spanish and french or test your I.Q. or even raise a puppy. Most people know that I am a huge fan of Japanese culture and Nintendo has really done it again. I came across this online recently and was just amazed.







Now if only Apple could take the stick out of their behind and really let people build some amazing programs for the iphone.




FOOD...


Banh Mi is always in my radar. Tell me where you find it and I will be there the next day.



klayston p the 3rd