This multi-cultural, eight-member band mixes Latin rhythms from salsa, samba and the like, with hip hop, rock, reggae, funk, among many other rhythms and beats. They’re also U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassadors, something they never expected to happen to them of all bands. We got the chance to chat with Ozomatli’s percussionist/backing vocals, Jiro Yamaguchi, to find out what they’re about.

Killahbeez: How did Ozomatli come to be?

Jiro: We started 14 years ago in 1995. We got together by playing music every Friday or Saturday at this community centre called the Peace and Justice Centre.

KB: Were you guys all friends from the get-go?

Jiro: We were friends and people call people through music, some people went to school together, or grew up together. There were a lot of different combinations of how people knew one another. Initially there were a lot more people in the band. It wasn’t really a band then, it was more just a group of musicians getting together. Eventually it whittled down to about 10 people and that became the band and now we’re at about eight. We’re still a large group. We got horns, percussion, drums, bass, guitar, we sing, rap, English, Spanish, and a lot of different styles and rhythms from all over the world. It’s all kind of mixed up and high energy. When we play live, from the first note to the last it’s a lot of high energy and movement. It’s a good time.

KB: How do you guys stay organized in such a big group?

Jiro: Being in a large group can have its challenges from tour managing to regular managing of all the personalities involved. Making music can also be challenging but we’ve gotten a lot better over the years.

KB: Have you guys ever forgotten someone at a pit stop while on tour?

Jiro: Yes! That has happened! That can be a challenge sometimes. It doesn’t happen a lot but it has happened where someone will get a phone call when we’re 10 miles down the road already and it’s like “Hey! You left me back here at the truck stop!”

KB: Do the families come with you guys when you tour?

Jiro: Sometimes but it depends on where we are. A lot of the times they won’t because it’s grueling and there are already so many of us.

KB: Wow, as if organizing eight people isn’t hard enough, you guys organize eight people and company!

Jiro: Once you get that many, after awhile it’s not that much more work!

KB: What’s the writing process like with so many of you, all from different backgrounds and with different styles?

Jiro: It can start with one person bringing in a whole completed idea to somebody just bringing in a beat and we jam on it and go from there.

KB: How did you guys come up with the name Ozomatli? What does it mean?

Jiro: It comes from the Aztec calendar; it’s a little monkey god. Ozomatli represents the harvest, music, passion, fire, and he’s the orchestrator of the jungle. A lot of different things are embodied in that symbol. It was our original drummer’s birth sign. He suggested we use it!

KB: Was he just like, so I think this is pretty cool, we should go with this?

Jiro: Yeah pretty much!

KB: How did you guys come about to being the U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassadors?

Jiro: They asked us and we were really surprised when they did because of our political views. We were against the war, very against George Bush and pretty vocal about it. So when they asked us we were like, do you know who we are? Do you know what we represent? Have you been to our website? Do you know what we do?

They were open to that, they loved the music and wanted us to represent America in a way that was…I don’t know actually…I don’t know exactly why they asked us!

KB: It was for George Bush’s administration right?

Jiro: At that time, yes. We also had our own debates about it. We were like, is this a contradiction to our values? In the end we figured it was better for us to go out and play in these crazy places like India, Nepal, Tunisia, Egypt, Madagascar, South Africa, Indonesia, and Jordan. Being pretty multi-cultural and cross-cultural ourselves, we wanted to go to these places and meet people face-to-face and break down stereotypes and see firsthand for ourselves what was going on out there in the world.

It was a great experience because we were able to connect with so many different kinds of people from musicians to kids on the street to everything in between. Everywhere we went we got a good reception.

For me, I see what I see on TV and I go with that; you would think that the whole world is out to get everybody, but when you travel and you go to these places and you actually meet people, they’re just people like you and me trying to support their families and make a living. People aren’t evil. If you believe what’s on the TV, you’d believe that people are evil but they’re not you know, people are good. It doesn’t matter where you go, people are just like us. People are people. Sure there are problems in the world, but I can laugh with someone from Jordan and connect with them on a one-to-one level and they probably get something out of that by meeting someone from the U.S. and being like, well maybe they’re not all bad. It’s a great thing.

KB: And I’m sure Ozomatli’s multi-cultural background and ability to easily connect with people was probably what appealed to the Bush administration in the first place.

Jiro: It might have been. You know, people in the State department at the time weren’t all Bush supporters but they were just working under that government. It could have been a subversive act by them, a subtle on, but a subversive act nonetheless.

We’re going to be doing more work coming up and now with a different administration it’ll be interesting to see the differences of people around the world and how they view things now. There are a lot of Obama fans out there. When we were in Indonesia, way before the elections, there were already people  talking about it. Obama has an Indonesian connection so people knew about him and they were psyched. They were like, we can’t wait, vote for that guy!

KB: What are Ozomatli’s future plans?

Jiro: We just signed to a new record label, Downtown Records. We’re also in the process of writing songs right now and they should be out later this year, maybe in the fall. Then we’ll be touring. We’re always on the road. In May we’re going to Vietnam, Myanmar, Burma, and Thailand for a few weeks.

KB: Is the trip to Vietnam, Myanmar, Burma, and Thailand related to Ozomatli’s Cultural Ambassadors Status or just a regular band tour?

Jiro: Yeah, that’s us being Cultural Ambassadors.

KB: That’s a pretty cool status to have.

Jiro: It’s pretty cool, especially when you look at the history of it. People like Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and a lot of other Jazz artists have done this kind of work.

KB: So being multi-cultural and having different band members speak different languages must mean that there’s always a handy translator when you guys are touring the world?

Jiro: Yeah sometimes. If we’re in a Spanish speaking country, we have some Spanish speakers. I speak Japanese so when we’re in Japan and get thrown out there as the representative. A lot of times it doesn’t matter.

KB: Yeah English is pretty universal. Plus, hand gestures seem to do it. Just point at something and do your own type of sign language and people know what you’re talking about.

Jiro: Totally. It’s amazing the conversations I’ve had with people. Other musicians around the world will be talking about music and they speak some language I don’t understand but we can still communicate. That’s the pleasure of traveling.

KB: Well, it was great chatting with you and I’m looking forward to the show. Thanks a lot for the interview!

Jiro: See you at the show. Thanks!

Band site: www.ozomatli.com
Record Label: www.downtownmusic.com

On Saturday we dropped DJ Pumps 2006 mixtape called Steady Rockin’, that mixtape contained some dope breaks, funk and disco records. Well, DJ Pump is back with another mixtape, Sevonte Swang, and its been getting tons of pickup and press from other blogs and write-ups and rightfully so. This mixtape has some of the rarest funk and disco records out there, proving that once again the man keeps it poppin’.

“This is a mix i put together that features some of my personal favorite tracks from the early 80’s club/dance era. You may call it funk, boogie, disco or whatever you prefer. It’s good music for your listening pleasure. Enjoy ”

Stream it below and give it a download.

Download DJ Pump Sevonte Swang

1) Cameron – Funkdown
2) Kool Kyle – Getting Over
3) Brothers Johnson – You Make Me Wanna Wiggle
4) Empress – Give In To Love
5) Brenda Taylor – You Can’t Have Your Cake And Eat It Too
6) Take 3 – Tonite’s The Night
7) Graingers – Shine Your Light
Firefly – Love is Gonna Be On Your Side (Dub)
9) The Fantastic Aleems – Get Down Friday Night
10) Young & Company – Is It Good To You
11) Rah Band – Messages From The Stars
12) Legacy – Word up
13) Status IV – You Ain’t Really Down
14) Jerry Carr – This Must Be Heaven
15) Khemistry – I Can’t Win For Losing
16) Junie – Jarr the Ground
17) Candela – Love You Madly
18) Amra – Special Kind Of Love
19) Jerry Knight – Overnight Sensation
20) Xavier – Love Is On The One
21) Starshine – All I Need Is You
22) Feel – I’d Like To
23) Armenta – I Wanna Be With You
24) Wizard – It’s On
25) Roundtree – Hit On You
26) Simon & McQueen – Let’s Get Into It
27) Carl Smith – Come Back Lover
28) Enchantment – Here’s Your Chance To Dance
29) L7 – Mr. Boogie Pop
30) Woods Empire – Come On Give Me Love
31) Bliss – Groovin
32) Alphonse Mouzon – Our Love Is Hot
33) Debbie Trusty – Searchin For Some Lovin
34) Freeez – Southern Freeez

Alright folks, here’s an oldie but goodie by one of Killahbeez’s favorite DJ, DJ Pump. This mix officially dropped back in 2006 and features some of the dopest breaks, funk and disco records. So why am I posting this if its old you ask, because this is a pre-shadowing on whats about to drop on your heads this coming Monday for the Mixtape Monday segment.

Download DJ Pump Steady Rockin’

Tracklisting:

1. Steady Rockin The Party Intro
2. Spoonie G – Love Rap
3. Wayne Mghie Break
4. Uncle Louie – I Like Funky Music
5. Radiance – This Is A Party
6. Grand Master Flash – Flash To The Beat
7. Zapp Party Break
8. Rick Summer – Shake It Up
9. Positive Force – We Got The Funk
10. Jackson 5 – The Mirrors Of My Mind
11. Fatback Band – Fatbackin’
12. Bell & James – Livin’ It Up (Friday Night)
13. Weeks & Co. – Rock Your World
14. Secret Weapon – Must Be The Music
15. Cissy Houston – Think It Over
16. Dr. York – Shake-n-Skate
17. The Marvelous Three & The Younger Generation – Rappin’ All Over
18. Gino Dentie & The Family – Direct Disco Break
19. Heard It Through The Grapevine Break
20. Harvey Scales – (Show Up) For The Showdown
21. King Tim II – Personality Jock
22. Steady Rockin Break
23. Sambo Soul – Mambo #5
24. Two Man Sound – Que Tal America
25. Carol Douglas – Love Sick
26. Lord Rhaburn – Disco Connection
27. Ross Carnegie – F Minor Disco / Sizzle – Love Is All Around
28. Black Heat – Love The Life You Live
29. De Wolfe Music Librairie – Party People
30. Wood, Brass & Steel – Funkanova
31. Barry Kunzel – Supervisor
32. Secret Break
33. Southroad Connection – You Like It, We Love it
34. Nightlife Unlimited – Peaches And Prunes
35. Tropique – The Runner
36. Crown Heights Affair – Dreaming A Dream
37. New Mastersounds – Nervous
38. Bus People Express – Augusta Georgia
39. Nina Simone – Funkier Than A Mosquito’s Tweeter
40. R.D. Burman – Aa Dekhen Jara
41. Hungarian Break

Treasure Fingers, the name has been synonymous with great dance music in 07/08. From dropping his own gems, “Its Your Turn” and possibly electro track of the year, well for me anyways, “Cross the Dancefloor” and not to mention the numerous banging remixes that he continually drops. My personal favorites being Chromeo’s “100%”, Empire of The Sun’s “Walking On A Dream” and even making Fergie’s “Glamorous” palatable. The man consistently keeps people shaking their asses whether its on the dancefloor or in the privacy of their own home. With that kind of resume we can definitely expect more hotness coming out in 2009 and it’s already started with Treasure Fingers remix of Miike Snows‘ “Animal”, heard here. In anticipation of him coming to Vancouver on January 23rd to Celebrities (tickets at www.blueprintevents.ca), we caught up with the man known as Treasure Fingers to talk about his remixes, plans for an album and for the gear heads, we touch on what equipment he uses in the lab.

KB: First off, thanks for taking the time to do this interview with us. So tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in producing and DJing electronic dance music?

Treasure Fingers: I started with hip hop and experimental stuff when I was really young, 14 or so, on my dad’s drum machine and 4track. Around 16, I lost interest and started playing in punk/hardcore bands. I didn’t really get serious with dance music production & DJing until I was 17 or 18 and my band had broken up. I liked that I could fill the creative musical void by writing, producing, & DJing solo.

KB: You have an interesting name, Treasure Fingers, and before that you were know as The Enemy, tell us about those names, what was the inspiration behind them?

TF: Some friends of mine and I just kicked around some names and Treasure Fingers seemed to be the most popular. I still wasn’t completely sold on it at first but I really like it now. It’s taken over me. ‘The Enemy’ actually started out as NME-5, my first DJ name. I quickly grew out of that and changed it. I still use the The Enemy moniker for some hip-hop/extra production.

KB: Which musical genres as well as artists do you find gives you inspiration? And what kind of influence has coming from the south, Atlanta, had on your style of music if any?

TF: I listen to almost everything and it all influences me at least a little bit. For Treasure Fingers, 80’s funk and disco is the biggest point of influence. I think a lot of the r&b and rap I listen to comes through a little also. I love southern rap, and the vibe of the Atlanta club music scene and (I) hope a little of that comes across through my music.

KB: How did you meet up with the folks at Fools’ Gold and A-Trak and eventually getting signed to the label?

TF: I had quite a few mutual friends but what actually brought it all together was A-Trak sending me a MySpace message saying something like “hey! I like your music and run a label, are you interested (in) releasing some records with us?”. Since then, I’ve become good friend with A-Trak, Nick Catchdubs and the rest of the Fool’s Gold family; they’re all really good people.

KB: Ok so straight up I have to say I love your track “Cross the Dancefloor”, when I first heard it I was quite blown away. The melodies and production work are ridiculous. What was the process of making that track?

TF: Thanks! It started out as just an instrumental filter disco house type track. Then one day I decided to try to put vocals on it. The next day I thought it might be cool to have some girl vocals responding back to my male vocals. The overall production is pretty simple, just a clean kind of poppy track. There’s a sample in there (the filtered disco part during the first breakdown), but I played the rest of the synths, bass, drums and built the track up around the sample just in case we couldn’t get it cleared. Luckily, it got cleared and I’m blown away at how well the song as done thus far.

KB: Recently you remixed Chromeo’s track “100%” and they remixed your track “Cross the Dancefloor”, how did that partnership come about? Were you always into Chromeos’ stuff prior to Fool’s Gold?

TF: Yeah, for sure. I first heard of Chromeo from some DJ mix they had released years ago. Lots of old classic 80s funk, I didn’t know they were writing or producing their own stuff until I heard “Needy Girl”. I love their work, great guys too. I didn’t meet or get in touch with them until Fool’s Gold signed “Cross the Dancefloor”. A-Trak hit me up one day and said his brother and P-Thugg loved it and he wanted to get them to remix it. My remix for them came through some Bacardi promotion they were coordinating with Vice Records, I got asked if I wanted to remix “100%” and of course agreed to it. “100%” is one of my favorites off that album.

KB: As is mine, and that remix of yours is also bananas.

KB: For all the gear heads out there, what do you use to create tracks / remixes?

TF: I use a PC running Cubase SX 3, I know I need to upgrade to 4, as my main sequencer. As far as instruments, I use a lot of VSTs, some hardware synths (Roland JX3P, Roland Alpha Juno-1, Yamaha DX100, Korg MS10), a couple guitars (Gibson SG, Fender Strat), Heil Talk Box, MPC 2000xl, Fender Rhodes mark V, and a lot of other smaller fun things.

KB: In an interview that I checked out between you and Kill The Noise you mentioned that you wanted to move towards more of a live show by the end of the year, is that something that’s still in the works?

TF: Definitely! The live show won’t be ready for a while though. I’m concentrating on finishing the album now, but once it’s done I’m going to focus on putting the band together and hitting the road.

KB: So staying on topic with the album, when can fans expect it? Or has touring been taking up a lot of your time?

TF: Touring and remixing has been taking up all my time lately. Next year will be the time for a full-length album. I have a lot of tracks half finished & demo tracks already, I just need to pick out the best and finish them.

KB: What are some of your upcoming projects and collaborations that you can talk about?

TF: Not too much I can talk about right now really. I just finished a bunch of new remixes that should be coming out over the next several months. You can check my MySpace (www.myspace.com/treasurefingers) or website and see the full list of remixes I’ve done to date. I’m currently finishing one for Miami Horror “Don’t Be On With Her” for Virgin/EMI in Australia.

KB: So with your busy schedule are you still involved with or plan to work with Evol Intent?

TF: Yes, we have a live show we’ve been doing at bigger events and festivals. We’re working on new material now, and also doing a couple new remixes. One is for Shiny Toy Guns “Ghost town” and the other is a dubstep remix of Tech Itch & Kemal “The Calling”.

KB: Dope. So changing course, what are Treasure Fingers current top 5 tracks that you can’t stop listening to?

TF: Drop Out Orchestra “Gibbon”, D’Stephanie “Rock the Disco”, Van She “Kelly (Breakbot remix)”, JR Disco “What Cha Going To Do”, Matt Hughes “Can’t Talk Now”

KB: Thanks again for taking the time to do this interview.

TF: No Problem, Thank you!

Treasure Fingers website: www.treasurefingers.com
Treasure Fingers MySpace:www.myspace.com/treasurefingers

Treasure Fingers “Cross The Dancefloor”

Chromeo “100%” Treasure Fingers B-Live Pemberton Mix