A COLLECTION OF ALBUM REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS WITH AND FROM SCR
Nodnarb Productions - Kansas - Interview With MadHatter (January 7th, 2006)
Nodnarb: What do you think of the state of hip hop as a whole?
MadHatter: I would say that Hip Hop is in a state of emergency, honestly. What was once a great artform between emotional poets, dancers, and artists has been warped into a fake, money-hungry rap game. It used to be all about self-expression, growing strong as a community... knowledge... survival against oppressive forces and enjoying life, even if you couldn't afford the pleasures of it.
It seems now that 90% or higher of the bullshit we hear is all man-made instead of feeling the original spirit. People talking about killing eachother, people rapping about shit they don't even have like expensive cars, basements full of guns, and mountains of cocaine. Half of these assholes live in their parent's basement. Too many fairy tales on the streets right now. Most of these cats have never even held a gun, maybe never even seen one in real life. It's ridiculous.
I can understand having story telling groups. Hell, even we have one for fun. (The Shadow Puppets) But most of the people out there are talking about things they don't really know and then they turn around and tell everyone it's true. It's not about entertainment, it's lies. I'm fed up with it.
So the real Hip Hop lies underground now, just like it did before it all blew up. History is repeating itself... There are still hungry emcees, making real music, speaking the truth about the world and expanding minds. But you aren't going to see us on your tv screens. We're in hiding, waiting for this wack rap game to collapse under itself, so that we can rise and change the world again. Bring it back to the people, not stuffing money into some robot businessman's pockets, you know?
Nodnarb: What / who is your inspiration and why?
MadHatter: I pull my inspiration from helping other people... It's the whole reason I really started making music. I wanted to reach out and give people tools to take away their stress, give them hope, etc. I've basically been a counselor all my life, people always come to me with their problems, and I help them sort it out. Most people unfortunately can't do it on their own...
When I hear stories of my songs helping people make it through hard times in their life, abuse, loneliness, etc... When people tell me that my music has literally changed their life for the better or opened their eyes, it's the ultimate gift people could ever provide me with... And it gives me tons of more fuel to keep going.
Other than that, my true Family keeps my drive alive: My Momma, my girl, and all of my Scrub Club Brothers and Sisters. Our Soldiers, friends, and supporters. That's who I do music for. The money we get (and barely, at that) has never been a factor to me. I do this for the love, that's truly what keeps me going, man.
Nodnarb : How long have you been making music?
MadHatter: Been just over 4 years now. I would like to say that's how long I've been a professional, but that's not the case. The first two years is where I got all of my learning experiences: The rejections, the quality to achieve, performing, producing, handling business, heartbreak... What I thought I knew was turned around on me and I learned quick, but I still took my time with it overall.
Over the last two years or so, I've really started to get serious about both being an artist and getting the best for everyone on this label. In 2006, we're going to finally launch our full attack!
Nodnarb: What equipment / software do you use?
MadHatter: I'm not gonna front, we're too broke to afford nice-ass, fancy keyboards and beat machines. Most of our music is made on the computer, with various programs like FruityLoops, Light Keys, Cakewalk, and Acid. I'm not ashamed that we're not doing keyboard beats... The music still rocks and the lyrics are still on impact. Although, I do hope to move up to the keyboard one of these days, but even then, it might be an old Fantom S or something, haha. I do like producing on keys, for sure. Just not at a point I can afford it right now.
Nodnarb: Who's on your label?
MadHatter: My main man Wookie, who's the youngest... Homegirl anna rexia, who's the most creative... and me, who's the most retarded. That's on the music tip. We do have an artist-in-training right now that goes by Werewolf, who is very very promising also, and is a killer writer.
Nodnarb: How do you maintain an underground label?
MadHatter: It ain't easy, that's for sure, haha.
We run things completely different than other labels, especially other local groups. Most labels run rich on drug money, but their products are trash. We, on the other hand, have some great, meaningful product, but have little money to release and promote it. We aren't on the whole supporting our label with illegal money plan. Instead, we're devoted artists with hard work ethics.
Without a source of income like drug or arms dealing, we have to go a different route. We know most of the people that dig our music can't afford to buy cds, and they just download everybody's shit, you know? So we offer our albums for just 5 bucks. Anyone knows you can't run a big-money label on 5 dollar cds, no matter the hustle. Not when we're paying for our own recording, supplies, and materials. So as of this year, we have decided to keep our label completely not-for-profit, meaning none of our artists, me included, get any money off of our music. Instead, the cash goes right back into making more cds, merch, and promo material.
That right there PROVES we are doing this for the love and not the money. It proves we're not greedy, and it proves how dedicated we truly are to our families and communities. We make music for people to enjoy, and we never expect a damn thing back. That makes us real rare nowadays.
Nodnarb: Do you have any links to where we can get concert dates and links to buy your albums?
MadHatter: Hell yeah, of course. Our official site if full to the brim with stuff to do. We have over 1,300 pictures of us in action, at least 10 full sample tracks up for download at all times, hundreds of aim icons, wallpapers, lyrics, a professional message board, all of that and too much more. There's also our Street Soldier sections, where people that dig our music and message can join with us and help spread it all over the globe! Check it out at http://www.scrubclubrecords.com
Nodnarb: Any works in progress? When will they be released and where can we get them?
MadHatter: Ah man. We're always working on a bunch of projects at once, haha. Coming up next month, we're releasing the new Shadow Puppets cd/dvd set "Second Act..." Shortly into the new year, my Nintendo side-project "8Bit Bullshit" is coming out... And then sometime in the first half of the year, anna's first EP "No, You Can't Watch," Wookie's debut album "From the Heart," and my second solo release "Oliver Heights" will be available.
Other projects being worked on are my second remix cd "Rewind and Refresh Volume II," an EP from the dynamic duo of Werewolf and Wookie, and a collaboration compilation project between me and numerous other nation-wide artists.
Nodnarb: Anything else?
MadHatter: Well man, I just want to say thank you so much for this opportunity to spread our message further, and we're honored to have the spotlight on us for a bit. Props to everyone out there reading this and passing on the knowledge.
The Collapse is coming! Act now, and there will still be time for you to survive...
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Neo-Zine - Online Publication (Pennsylvania) - Review For "Tensix" By MadHatter (2004)
Neo-Zine: If I keep getting rap recordings to review that are this good, then the “self proclaimed expert” is going to have to proclaim himself a rap fan.
With all of the MTV rap that we are bombarded with on the daily, I have become a bit jaded. But artists like MadHatter and Ghost Fleet are renewing my confidence in the artform.
On this album, the song “Fake” did a really great job exposing the trendy side of post 9-11 "patriotism." That song alone makes the cd a worthwhile purchase.
Those of you who are exclusively hard rock fans should also give this at least one listen. You’ll find a lot of rock/metal influence in here.
8/10
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MadHatter Interviews Tom Fulp, Creator And Head Of Newgrounds.com (2004)
MadHatter: Hey Tom, it's nice to see you agreeing to an interview with us, I'm sure you've been hounded for stuff like this before, but this won't be the typical bullshit, we're gonna pry into that mind of yours with an ice pick, cool?
Tom Fulp: As long as you stay out of the left hemisphere, I think we'll be ok. Thanks for having me!
MadHatter: Here's question number one. Some call you the Lord of the Internet, King of Boredom Sites, etc. But it's more than obvious to us that you're a Scrub. As you well know, all of us here at Scrub Club are poor-ass bastards too. Can you tell us, what's the best part of being a Scrub?
Tom Fulp: Besides yelling out the passenger side of my best friend's ride, not much. I get no love.
MadHatter: I remember back when Newgrounds had about 10 portal submissions... And it's always been an excellent source for controversy. I'm sure you've received messages of damn near life threats for things like your movie "Pico's School" from Columbine-minds... What's the worst thing you've ever been told in a hate mail?
Tom Fulp: I can't quote any one hate mail in particular, but it is common for the kind-hearted Christians to tell me I will burn in hell, while those who don't approve of the site's violent nature will describe the graphic ways in which they would kill me if they had the chance. These people think I'm the one who's disturbed.
MadHatter: And the opposite of that question... Being on the internet with your name out in the open, I'm sure you've had some stalkers or random things coming to your mail... any stuff like that?
Tom Fulp: Some fans of the site left a gift box with an inflatable sheep in front of my old apartment. They were cool fans, though. One fan visited my brother at his other job, working at a camera store. There have been times when people have gotten my number and called me endlessly, but that hasn't been a problem recently. I think I've moved around too much and everyone lost track.
MadHatter: Okay. This one's gonna be a tough one, Tom. Who would you rather smack in the face if you had the chance: Ally Hilfiger... George Bush... or John Mayer? And, of course, why?
Tom Fulp: John Mayer might be the teen-heartthrob of the moment, but I have no big grudge against him. George Bush needs a stern talking to and perhaps a good shaking, but slapping him in the face would just make him mad and wouldn't be very productive. Ally Hilfiger, however... She could probably use a good slap. But then I'd be hitting a woman, and that wouldn't look good. So maybe I would have to smack John Mayer after all.
MadHatter: Being the head of a huge site, most people like yourself actually speak with or are buddies with other big-name site owners. Lots of people claim to know Jay Stile of Stile Project, Lowtax from Somethingawful, Seanbaby, etc. Are you acquaintances with any of the other big names?
Tom Fulp: While I haven't talked to Stile in a while, him and I go way back. We sort of "grew up together" on the web. I've never spoken much with Lowtax, and I don't think I've ever talked to Seanbaby. I'm actually very shy, though - even when it comes to email.
MadHatter: From starting up in the underground, your site has ballooned into one of the most twisted and most visited sites on the entire net. For people that don't know, running a site as large as yours costs the big bucks. From starting with one computer, how much to you think you've spent on backbones and servers and other hosting fees since the beginnings around 1995?
Tom Fulp: I can't say exactly, but the hardware is comparable to owning a really nice, expensive luxury car. The hosting fees are like buying a Daewoo every month.
MadHatter: Alright. This one ended up completely random when I asked the crew to give me a question. Shaila, she's our notorious camera chick. You can see her profile on the site. She wants to know if she can rub your butt.
Tom Fulp: There was recently a six month period where I would have been honored... But I just started seeing someone new, so my butt is now off the market.
MadHatter: Okay, here's a generic one, but it'll let us know a lot about ya... Out of any style of music, any genre, etc... Who do you think is the most talented and important artist in the world right now?
Tom Fulp: Oh man... That's a big one. I'll go with the safe answer and just say Radiohead.
MadHatter: And... this can get you a lot of heat, but hey... It's what we live for. Not just in music, let's include the entire planet. People, companies, countries, anything... Who is the biggest sellout ever?
Hmmmm... What would get me the most heat. I'll say the American public. Except for the ones reading this, of course.
MadHatter: And one last question. I'm afraid this one is going to take some time and serious thought to answer. We want to know... best flavor of Hot Pocket. (Oh shit!)
Tom Fulp: This doesn't even require thought. While I haven't sampled every flavor, the only Hot Pockets I buy are Ham 'n Cheddar.
MadHatter: Well, that concludes the wonderful and retarded 10 questions. We've now learned all the important stuff we can from Tom Fulp, creator of Newgrounds. Now's a chance for shoutouts and all that. Anything you'd like to say before we go?
Tom Fulp: Thanks for the interview, and thank you everyone who has taken the time to read it! Yay!
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Soundclick's Q And A - Online Audio Hosting Site
Soundclick: Why this name?
MadHatter: We chose the name because... well, hell. We're a bunch of scrubs. Always have been, always will be. No matter what. We give the underdogs a group they can relate to.
Soundclick: Do you play live?
MadHatter: We play as many shows as we can, but it takes some serious balls to have us perform at a club. This music is unedited, off the hook, and definitely wild.
Soundclick: How does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
MadHatter: People can whine about mp3s taking all their money all day long, but they have to realize it will always be that way. Good artists gotta embrace it like we have, and use the internet to spread our music worldwide.
Soundclick: Would you sign a record contract with a major music label?
MadHatter: It depends on how they would handle us. We aren't out there to change our music, style, or content. If they're cool with what we do and won't edit us, then maybe. But good luck finding that in this cut-throat business.
Soundclick: Your Influences?
MadHatter: Musical influences are so varied with our music. I was raised on every single style of music imaginable with a father who owned a studio and a mother who loved anything with a beat. Scrub Club are lovers of both higher-level hip-hop and heavy metal/industrial music, and the music certainly shows a wide variety of audio to listen to, something anyone can relate to that loves this wide world of music and self-expression.
Soundclick: Favorite spot?
MadHatter: Our favorite spot without a doubt is Kansas City, Missouri. As we walk down the streets around Troost and meet all the people chillin on the streets, we can feel a family we haven't tapped yet. And with excellent broke down venues like El Torreon and the Stray Cat, the big city just can't be beat.
Soundclick: Equipment used?
MadHatter: We use all sorts of programs to create music, from key programs to synthesize keyboards like Cakewalk to beat makers such as Fruityloops and Acid... finishing it all up in various mixing programs. I LOVE making keyboard beats, but coming across the ivories is rare with my budget.
Soundclick: Anything else...?
MadHatter: Thanks for supporting this fresh, original music. We're taking over the underground, city by city! Know the name. This is the No Dough Movement!
