Under The Hood: An Interview with Hoodie Allen

Back in September, I blogged about Hoodie Allen and his most recent mix tape, Pep Rally (see "It's Hoodie, It's Hoodie").   I have sung his praises and recommended his music to anyone and everyone I could. I truly believe he has what it takes to be big time.  Recently, I had the greatest pleasure of interviewing Hoodie.

The Idea Lingers Lately Still and Hoodie Allen

                                                                        11/28/10

TILLS:  You have such a unique, fresh take on life and rhyming. You capture the young twenty-something outlook perfectly.  So, what's your deal?  Parents in the music scene? Church choir participant?  Typical high school lifestyle (Degrassi) or were you already making moves musically (Glee)? 

HOODIE:  Well I appreciate that a lot man! My mom was a singer but outside of that, the desire to do music came completely from myself, I was writing songs when I was 10 years old in my Dad's apartment so it has always been something I naturally felt inclined to do. I've been doing all of this for a long time while going to school and being otherwise a normal kid so perhaps it's somewhere between Degrassi and Glee haha. 

TILLS:  How long have you known this is what you were going to do? 

HOODIE:  I've known since an early age that music was the thing that drove me more than anything else. I was a good student and enjoyed school and learning a lot, but to now have the opportunity to get my music in front of so many people has been incredible.

TILLS:  I'm not big on the Long Island hip-hop scene.  I've been there few times.  So, I'm picturing you getting started in the basement of some small mansion on a culdesac, with parents yelling down the stairs - LL cool J style, but less gangster.  How far off am I?

HOODIE:  Haha, that's kind of a stretch! Firstly, the history of great MC's coming from Long Island is abundant--from Chuck D to Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, EPMD, I can go on for a while. I am fortunate to have grown up in a cool environment like Long Island but it's really just normal suburbia, no Hamptons life for me, 

TILLS:  You master the pop-culture scene in your music.  What's your secret? Us magazine? TiVo?

HOODIE:  I love pop culture--I've always been fascinated with television and film and I've just committed a lot of things to memory that when I throw in a reference or two while rapping adds a little bit of who I am and my experiences into the music.

TILLS:  Has Hype Machine given you any kickbacks for all your free advertising? I Love hype machine by the way.  It must have felt incredible to show up on their "Popular" list that first time?

HOODIE:  It was surreal for sure. I absolutely set out with no intentions of how my record was going to be received. For it to have flourished on a site that I always visit as a listener is wild to me.  

TILLS:  Straight forward - Who are your hip-hop/rap influences?

HOODIE:  Andre 3000, A Tribe Called Quest, Black Thought, Reflection Eternal, Jay -Z 

TILLS:  Do you do your own beats?  You reference "RJ." Is he your DJ? 

HOODIE:  RJF is my boy, he is responsible for producing the songs on Pep Rally with me. He also is the DJ at the shows so if you come to a Hoodie concert, you are likely to meet him, 

TILLS:  You are an internet sensation.  So, what’s the plan from here on out?  Make millions of dollars and buy a piece of the Jets?

HOODIE:  Might take a little bit more than that to buy the Jets haha. My plan is to continue to make forward progress, make great music, get in front of fans and take everyday as an opportunity to get better. 

TILLS:  You clearly are having success.  Who do you thank for where you are right now?

HOODIE:  My fans, friends, and family for supporting and believing in me. RJF for being my partner in crime on the beats.  

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Thank you Hoodie Allen for you time, honest answers, and your fantastic positivity. 

Remember, Pep Rally is still available at Hoodie Allen's Soundcloud page.  If you haven't heard it, I know I've posted it before, but for good measure, here is Pep Rally once again:

The Pep Rally Mixtape by HoodieAllen

Album Of The Week

The Phoenix foundation is yet another band that has popped up on my radar that is from New Zealand.  The kiwis must have some new kind of music promotion going on.  In any case, New Zealand is shipping out good stuff.  The Phoenix Foundation's newest album, Buffalo is their first full length album.  You'll appreciate their easy going style.  Clearly, I have been digging this style of music recently.  It's an indie alt-folk with a sprinkling of electronic.  My recommendation is to skip to "Buffalo," and listen through the album.  If you can't, definitely get through to "Pot," and then jump to "Wonton."  Also, if you want to take a look at them, there is a pretty decent video from some place called the Slow Boat.  If you like The Phoenix Foundation you can donate to their their cause and buy their album in the player below.  Unfortunately, it's not a tax write off.  Enjoy Buffalo.

School House Rock

Pitchfork TV should be on TV.  It would only make sense to have an awesome music television channel, since one doesn't exist.  I guess it may not matter; TV is dying anyway.  Perusing Pitchfork's videos recently, I came across this amazing Menomena video/live performance of "TAOS." Watch and enjoy Menomena take over a classroom with this kick-ass song.  Have a great weekend!

Thanks

A quick song for Thanksgiving.  No, I did not choose this song because it says the words "thank you" in it.  Well, maybe a little bit.  In actuality, it's a really great, feel-good song.  Hey Rosetta is a cool band from Northeast Canada.  They may not be a super star band, but they have a few great songs and a cool video on Blogotheque. "A Thousand Suns," comes from their latest album Into Your Lungs.  Hope you enjoy.  And I thank you so much.  Happy Thanksgiving!
Hey Rosetta - A Thousand Suns by Tills

Song Of The Moment

Amy Seeley new song "Mile Marker" is a bit on the somber serious side, but it's beautiful, so you make it through. This may be your style, it may not, but you should definitely check out her website.  Here she shares three songs off her new album, Plum Coulee.  If you really like her, the album comes out November 30th.  Enjoy "Mile Marker."
Amy Seeley - Mile Marker by Tills

Skinny Love, Phat Beat

Justin Vernon quickly became one of my all time favorite artists when his band Bon Iver came about a few years ago. For Emma, For Ever Ago has got to be one of the best albums I've ever heard.  Everything he touches, from Volcano Choir, to Gayngs, to all of his features on various albums, is gold. After seeing him on the Kanye album, I thought it would be appropriate to share an amazing remix of his song "Skinny Love." If you don't know Bon Iver, get to.  Enjoy the track!
Bon Iver - Skinny Love (Das Kapital Rerub) by Tills

Album Of The Week

I'm going mainstream on this week's album of the week.  Kanye West's newest, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, comes out on Tuesday.  I have had the privilege of listening to this album for the past week.  After 808, I wasn't sure what to expect from Kanye.  That was his most out-there work, and overall, it wasn't that great.  I give Kanye a lot of respect though for always going in a new direction.  Here, he does it again.  He doesn't go back to his pop style he started with, or his auto-tune heartbreak.  In his 5th album, he delves into some old-school style, and like the titled states, "dark" hip-hop.  He invites some big names to help out, from Jay-Z to Bon Iver. Most tracks have already been leaked, so you may have heard many of them, but the album played as a whole is great.  Enjoy My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.  (You may be able to download it here)
Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Check by zibalba56

Animality

Miike Snow is probably the most remixed/covered artist of the past year or more.  The album Miike Snow's most popular song is probably "Animal."  Search for a remix of "Animal" and you will come up with tons of tracks.  I'm not huge into remixes, but I do love covers.  For the weekend, here are my favorite covers, a cool remix, and the original.  I'm not sure which cover I favor more, Javier's or Sky's.  Sky is something like 17 years old, so maybe I favor hers.  In any case enjoy!
Animal by Tills

Dawes-ome

This is a band I recently stumbled upon. Dawes is a band from North Hills, California.  Their most recent album, North Hills, is well over a year old.  I wish I had found them well before this, but what's good is there is hope for a new album soon.  They bring an Eagles-ish, southern, indie/folk rock to a music scene that lacks this easy going, classic sound.  I'll let their music speak for the rest of this blog.  Enjoy some tracks off North Hills.
Dawes - North Hills by Tills

A Good Natured Cover

The Good Natured, I'm not familiar with.  However, as you may know, I love Sufjan Stevens. The Good Natured recently covered "For The Widows In Paradise...," off of Greetings From Michigan.  I have a lot of respect for bands that attempt to cover obscure, amazing songs. This is one of those cases.  Enjoy The Good Natured's cover and Sufjan's original.
For The Widows In Paradise by Tills

It Must Be The "&" Sign

What is it about new bands from other countries nailing Americana Folk Rock.  We have seen Mumford & Sons do it and they're from the UK.  Now the Aussies are coming in.  Boy & Bear, in my opinion, have the same staying power as Mumford & Sons and I am excited to see them come to the states.  They have a great EP out entitled With Emperor Antarctica.  Here are 4 of the 5 tracks from that EP.  I hope you enjoy.
Boy & Bear by Tills

Album Of The Week

This album is not too new, but deserves some praise.  Good Old War's second full length album, Good Old War, came out in June, but just recently was recommended to me by a knowledgeable music-head.  The enjoyment here sort of goes along with the band's name.  Good Old War supplies, simply, good old indie-folk-rock.  Almost, indie-easy listening.  I have been listening to this album for a couple weeks and find myself enjoying the album from top to bottom.  They won't win you over with any shock value or new and unique sounds.  They are going to get you with there up-beat, fun, sing-along-able style.  If you enjoy the Good Old War, head over to their website where you can listen to all of their music and download it at a price you name (with limits). Hope you enjoy Good Old War's Good Old War
Good Old War's Website

Back In The Neighborhood

I don't love everything Matt & Kim do, but I damn sure love some of their songs.  They have the recipe on making a killer catchy song.  Their newest album, Sidewalks, has its fair share.  I heard "Block After Block" the other day and it brought me right back to when I first heard "Daylight."  It's not as fantastic, but its a good track.  Enjoy the song, and check out Matt & Kim's new album.
Matt & Kim - Block After Block by Tills

Back, A Month Early

The Decemberists have been one of my favorite bands for a long time.  They hit a serious road block with me when they released The Hazards Of Love.  That was by far their worst album.  This was their attempt at a sort of rock-opera, theme style, album.  It didn't work.  They are getting ready to release The King Is Dead, which I'm hoping goes back to their good-old ways or at least in a new direction.  From what I have heard so far, it seems like that is the case.  Thank God!  Here is the first song they are sharing with the public, "Down By The Water," and a few videos of Colin Meloy playing some of the new songs and a classic, "Crane Wife 3."
The Decemberists - Down By The Water by Tills

Bill, Ted, and Marnie

So this may seem like something straight out of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, but Marnie Stern is way more legit as an artist.  I mean, that doesn't sound like a compliment since Keanu Reeves and the blond dude aren't real musicians, but Marnie is a serious guitarist.  "For Ash" is one of her newer tracks.  Give it a couple plays.  You may not think you like this style of music, but it will grow on you. Link to Marnie on Myspace
Marnie Stern - For Ash by Tills

I Can Still Hear Them

The Phantom Band just released The Wants.  When I heard this band, I wasn't blown away.  They have a few good songs, but what intrigued me was their mix of sounds that I have heard before.  They remind me of a UK/Scottish Gomez.  A Folk/Rock band that has a few members that sing and also have moments when they just jam.  There is a definite resemblance to Twilight Sad.  This may be due to the link this band has to Glasgow.  There are also shades of People In Planes, which is an obscure band, but one that has a unique dark electronic/rock sound.  At some points I heard Wintersleep and Snow Patrol.  I guess my point is, this band has many sounds, and you should probably like one of them.  Here are a few tracks off The Wants.  I recommend "Walls," but try listening to all of the tracks, even the 8 minute "The None of One."
The Phantom Band by Tills

Album of the Week

In retrospect, I have been a little too judgie on new albums of the week.  Clearly, there have been good albums.  One's that I have at least given you samples of.  My new direction will be to share more and let you decide on whether or not the album, as a whole, is good.
For this week I am giving praise to Pepper Rabbit. A young band from California that is on track to be your new favorite opening act.  Their new album Beauregard is well crafted.  Their sound is a folk/alternative/rock.  Your typical new, indie-rock sound.  At points they remind me of Morning Benders, especially on their most touted single, "Older Brother."  I enjoy their ability to change sounds with seamless precision.  If you need to skip around when listening to this album, at least listen to the opener "Clarinet Song," and then skip down to "Older Brother" and finish the album to the end.  The back half is pretty solid.  Enjoy Beauregard.
Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard by Tills

Small Black

I'm glad you noticed this was week two of no album of the week.  This was my closest contestant, and I still debate whether or not the album, as a whole, is awesome.  I really love Small Black, and New Chain is solid work for them, but there are some down points on the album.  These are my go to's from New Chain, which got a lot of play this week.  If you are looking to have something to relax and listen to,  this is your pick.  "Goons" may wake you up from your trance, but it's a good change.  Make sure you listen to the whole album if you like these selections. Also, Pitchfork has some cool POV videos of a live show of theirs.  Check out the link to "Photojournalist" and the rest of their show:  Photojournalist Video

Small Black - New Chain by Tills

Up In The Aer

So, I don't know much about this new band Aer.  They are from Massachusetts, and make music.  I am excited to see where they go.  They have a cool hip-hop/rock/reggae/electronic chill sound.  I'm not sure if they have any other songs floating around out there, but the one I did find is pretty cool.  Enjoy "Water On The Moon."
Aer - Water On The Moon by Tills

Disney 2.0

I have never seen the Disney movie Snow White. So, when I heard this song by Labyrinth Ear I only appreciated it for its catchy sound and cool lyrics.  Come to find out, this is, essentially, the main song from the movie.  Ms. White singing in the forest over a well which echoes her voice.  In any case, this made the song that much cooler in my mind.  This may make it that much less cooler in yours, but it's worth a listen. If you like the Labyrinth Ear's style, I added a link to their Soundcloud page where you can listen and download their tracks for free. Link to Labyrinth Ear
Snow White by Labyrinth Ear

Everyone's Gonna Love You

Cee-lo Green has got to slow down.  He is just all over the place.  With Gnarls Barkley, to his new solo album, and now with an amazing cover of "No One's Gonna Love You," by Band of Horses, Cee-lo may have a heart attack.  I mean, I'm concerned.  Regardless, I love this guy and love what he's doing.  You will definitely enjoy this cover song!
Cee-Lo Green - No One's Gonna Love You (Band of Horses Cover) by Tills

Song of the Moment

This band sounds like bad news. However, Dog Is Dead has an amazing track that needs to be heard. This young band from the UK has some serious potential. They don't have a full album out yet and haven't toured outside of England, but be on the lookout. Here is their best track, in my opinion.
Dog Is Dead - Glockenspiel Song by Tills