Michael Griffith brings his calm voice to share with #occupyportland

Michael Griffith, who's 2010 release "A Thousand Swords & The Flooded Cave" was one of my favorite albums of that year, brought his guitar down to stand during the last moments of #occupyportland's eviction standoff. Surrounded by peaceful demonstrators of all ages chanting in the face of a massive force of riot police, Griff's understated voice sings to the tension and beauty of the peoples struggle to be heard. Documented by Portland's Into The Woods, this moment of tribute to community participation and sharing of voice is poignant for this time of change.

Feels Like Home Episode #41 - Occupy Portland - Michael Griffith "Woods of Error" from Into The Woods on Vimeo.

New Podcast from World Around Records

The homies over at World Around Records have dropped a new podcast via Mixcloud and its a doozy. Hosted by the ever interesting Philly emcee Zilla Rocca, this mix features new joints from the label roster, including Man Mantis, who's latest album never leaves my car stereo, and few choice cuts from outside the park. 

World Around Podcast Episode 1 by Worldaroundrecords on Mixcloud

I'm Playing at a Massive Hip Hop Festival - Fire In The Canyon

go to fireinthecanyon.com

yeah its gonna be pretty sweet.

i'm stoked to see alot of the artists, hang out and have some fun.

prismACTIVISM review from MindBuck Media

"Synthetic. Collaborative. and perhaps divisive. That's how I think I would describe prismACTIVISM!. At the opening Friday night, at Launchpad Gallery, I was struck by the artwork, but mostly, I was intrigued by the people. The opening night was also the CD release party for "Actually Happening, " from DMLH. And you could feel that this event was fueled by a whole lotta love and enthusiasm."

So begins a detailed review of the prismACTIVISM experience, from Sarah Hoffer, a staff writer for MindBuck Media. Its great to see some feedback on the whole show, and also to hear some criticism on my music from someone who is completely new to it. AWESOME.

Read the whole thing here.

yes. this is ACTUALLY HAPPENING

I have been working on this album for the past year. It has been a process of writing, performance, reflection, editing, writing, recording, listening, editing, writing, performance and recording. I am very pleased to have met Joe Cyrus who was kind enough to let me take home some of his beats and begin work on this project. We have found a mutual love for soul music and positive energy and it has led to some incredible songs and great times.

This album is many conversations at once. It is my response to Joe's production. It is my response to the music of my brother. It is my response to the multitudes of beauty i find in the creative communities I take part in. It is my response to a falling world. It is a statement of where I am at, so that I may someday recall the moment. It is a letter to the friends I've lost touch with, and even to those I see every day.

This is a remedy for a broken heart.

This is ACTUALLY HAPPENING

prismACTIVISM: Artists in Dialog + DMLH album release party!

YES. THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING. DMLH is finally releasing the full length album, and i'm not too proud to say it is fucking dope. For real, i am stoked on this project and it is the independent honest hip-hop I wanted it to be. Entirely produced by Joe Cyrus, the music is soulful and funky, classic hip hop style that provokes dancing in the club and nodding in the whip. Entirely written by DMLH, with a few quotes from friends just to say whats up. No guest appearances, this is 35 minutes of DMLHISM.

Actually Happening will be available on Tuesday May 3rd for download and physical mailorder. I am hand-collaging (with paint, stamps, pen and photobooth images) 200 cases for a limited release (signed and numbered of course) and this will be available exclusively in person or via my bandcamp page.

BUT WAIT, that is not all. This Friday May 6th, from 6-12, at the esteemed Launch Pad Gallery here in Portland OR, I am celebrating this release and the arts community I have become a part of. I have contacted 20+ artists who's work has inspired me in the course of making this album and asked them to create a response to the music. I could be a comment, a translation, an abstraction created while listening - anything that comes out of their relationship to what I have created.

This is prismACTIVISM - direct action and full spectrum effect.

Featuring music from DMLH, JOE CYRUS, DAPS, GEPETTO, NEW PIONEERS and JAKE KOST, Live painting and an incredible hanging show, this is gonna be alot of fun.

SEE YAWLZ THRRRR!