Pismo from Shou Records talked to us last week. Peep the interview.

Tell us who Pismo is, where you from?

Pismo stands for:
Perceptions InSide Mentally Orbit
I’m originally from Stockton, CA. but I’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 10 years now. I now reside in Oakland, CA.

You produce and emcee, how do you manage to be good at both them things?

I personally look at myself more as a producer than a MC. I was kinda forced into production when I first started MCing back in 87. I would get beats from certain people and they were close to what I wanted but not exactly. So I started instructing producers more and more into the sound that I was looking for. After a while, I became so involved and knowledgable with various styles of music and equipment that it became second nature for me. I think that’s my “secret”…. my production originally centered around my lyrical style only.

How did you get involved with this hip hop game?  Who were your influences?

I have too many influences in all genres of music. Some are Grand Master Caz, De La Soul, Tribe called Quest, Herbie Hancock, The Beatles, Led Zepplin, Fela
Kuti, Towa Tei…the list goes on and on. I started a group called “Burnt Batch” in 1991. It originally started out with myself and my boy Rukus who is now incarcerated. I would say 1996 is when I really got my feet wet in the hip hop world. After being layed off from my job and being completely broke, I put out a
tape called, “Universal” that made a lot of noise on the underground scene. I founded SHOU RECORDS and released my first 12″ called “Artform” in 1998. That
was soon followed by the LP, “The Produce Aisle” in 1999. This past year I released “The Game” which is the first single to the album “High Definition” due out
later this year. I’ve done a lot of work in between that stuff.

Your single has been making a lot of noise, when can we expect your album to be released and what can we expect from that?

The album has been pushed back due to a lot of personal reasons. One reason is that my father has been very ill this past year and he is most important right now. But, God willing, the album will be released early to mid summer. It’s a very personal and soulful album dealing with my life over the last 2 years or so. It hits
topics from love to depression…b-boying to jazz…. and in more specifics, Black Culture. There’s alot that people will see of me. I’m rapping, singing, playing,
scratching….all of the above. I also have confirmed guest appearances by Pep Love and A-Plus of Hieroglyhics and C-Knowledge a.k.a Doodlebug of DigablePlanets.

In terms of Hip Hop, what artists are you feeling right now?

Now of days, I mainly listen to music related to hip hop in someway. Especially a lot of old school stuff. But if I had to pick who’s tight right now to me, I would have to say Jay Dee, Pep Love, Common, Nas and I really liked that Roots Manuva 12″ “Witness”.

What are you views on Hip Hop in Africa. Did you ever expect Hip Hop to be so massive in Africa?

I just recently found out how massive hip hop is in Africa. This past year, I was dating a girl from Kenya that hipped me on the scene. Since then, I’ve become
more interested on what’s going on there in Africa. I also hooked up with some Africans both in Japan and Canada that told me hip hop is big especially in SouthAfrica.

Is it just me or am I the only one who feels that the majors are putting watered down crap today? Never before has the independent labels been putting out so much dope shit! Doesn’t it bother you that your stuff won’t be heard by the masses in the same way some major label can distribute?

I’m not so worried about getting my music to the masses. I’m more worried about getting my music to the people that admire true art. I would never force my
music or ideas on anyone. I would want them to take it freely. The major labels force feeds people bullshit by tricking their minds. They don’t play the same songs
over and over on the radio for no reason. The consumer has to be more smarter and demand for better art. Also find different means of obtaining it.

What is the purpose of your music? What message are you trying to get out there?

I try to represent Black Music. Like I said, I’m into all kinds of music and all those forms steam from Black Music. I also try to remain as positive as possible.
Hip Hop culture comes from a positive state of mind with a rebel spirit. My message is to stay true to who and what you are.

What was the strangest thing that ever happened to you in this industry?

It was kinda strange to me when people world-wide started to know who I was and like what I do. It’s a good thing but still kinda hard for me to believe.

Your production is top notch, how did you get to that stage? Do you have any tips for up and coming producers? What kind of equipment are we looking at here? What’s your favourite piece of  equipment?

Practice, practice, practice. That’s all I can say because some one can teach you how to use a piece of equipment but the style comes from you. You have to
freak it! You don’t have to use your equipment’s full capabilities but understand them. That way you won’t spend hours trying to do something that is impossible
to do with that piece of gear. My studio is equipted with MPC 2000, ASR-10, S950, SP1200, Fender Rhodes, Wurliter and a whole bunch of other knick knacks. I also run Emagic’s Logic and Protools.

What level would you like to reach in the next couple of years? What can we expect from you and where you want to be?

You will see me doing new forms of hip hop and jazz music in the future. I am getting more and more into playing the keys and production but will also continue
to MC. I want to reach a level of appreciation by the world on my next couple of projects. I know how hungry everyone is for some good music nowadays so I’m in the studio cooking away right now.

Thanks for letting the people in the Motherland know more about you, are there any last words?

Thank you for the interview! It is an honor to do anything for the Motherland and I hope Africans worldwide become more close and knowledgeable about
each other. Also, check out the website @ www.shourecords.com. I hope to get out there soon to rock South Africa!!!! Peace and Blessings.

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