The adventures of The Astronot

2010-05-30T22:53:00.001-07:00

2009-11-09T09:40:00.001-08:00

2009-10-17T10:22:00.001-07:00

2009-09-25T22:14:00.001-07:00

2009-06-30T15:12:00.001-07:00

A Busy Week For Bear the Astronot opening for Akil of Jurassic 5, Grayskul, Silence Betrayed, The Insects & More

2009-04-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

Bear the Astronot has got quite a week ahead of him. Bear will be playing 04/16/09 @The Blunt Club in Phoenix Arizona with Grayskul, The Insects, Crusher Sound System & More. Plus Foundation will be doing a mixtape release that night with tracks by Slug, Pep Love, Grayskul & Other Underground Hip Hop Heroes. Also, Dj Erl will be on the 1's and 2's starting at this show to back Bear and bring the beats alive.....Power To The People And The Beats!! The next night Friday April 17th it's over to The Big Fish Pub in Tempe to play with some Rock & Metal Bands! Bear the Astronot, Silence Betrayed, C.O.R.E. & more....a great night for fans of Hip Hop, Metal, Rock, and Hardcore.

Sunday April 19th is the kicker.....Bear the Astronot will be opening for Akil the MC from Jurassic 5 @Chaser's in Scottsdale. A great lineup with Bear the Astronot, Akil, Unfiltered, Antranormus.....and once again Dj Erl will be holding down the tables for The Astronot! Tickets are available for these shows.....just contact beartheastronot@gmail.com . A great week for Bear the Astronot fans, fans of the thick Underground sounds of Grayskul & The Insects, fans of the jazzy conscious and classic sound of Jurassic 5, and for all the Rock & Metal fans who love The Astronot too. Don't forget....The Cosmonauts will be making their return to the stage May 15th @Bear the Astronot's Record Release Celebration @Hollywood Alley!! Check beartheastronaut.com or www.myspace.com/beartheastronot for more info!!

2009-04-13T14:15:00.001-07:00

2009-04-13T14:11:00.001-07:00

Bear the Astronot's Think Revolution/Vishnu Schist Album Release Celebration

2009-03-31T13:58:00.000-07:00

Bear the Astronot will be celebrating the release of Think Revolution/Vishnu Schist May 15th 2009 @Hollywood Alley in Mesa Arizona. An Optimix Prime Productions and Bear the Astronot event. With a cast of Arizona's best Bands, Hip-Hop Artists, Dj's, and Live Artists, this is sure to be a huge event for local music. Bear the Astronot is releasing two E.P's, Think Revolution and Vishnu Schist on one CD for attendees of the event. Think Revolution is a deep and jazzy nine song E.P. with production from the U.K.'s Brother Beatbox, New York based producer MITOCHI, and some of Arizona's best including Beta 7, GLAD2MECHA, G-Owens, and Bear the Astronot himself. Think Revolution also will contain the 1st release of Bear the Astronot's crowd favorite "NO, NO, Sheriff Joe" as a Bonus Track. Vishnu Schist was produced by Arsenic of Fill in the Breaks, and has much more of an Indie Hip-Hop/Dark Rock slant. Both albums will be released separately online, and available at beartheastronaut.com, iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon.com, Napster & More.

There will be performances by Reggae, Rock, Ska, Hip-Hop bands Soulafide and The Skacas. Local Hip-Hop artists O.P.E.X., Foreknown, and G-Owens, who have all been experiencing great runs and tours regionally and performances at The Blunt Club recently, will be performing. Bear the Astronot & The Cosmonauts will bring their signature Indie Hip-Hop/Rock sound, and abstract dance to the stage, to celebrate the newest releases. Along with this amazing Line-Up guests can be sure more of Bear the Astronot's musical friends will be coming through to perform or hangout.

As always at a Bear the Astronot event, a great mix of genres, and eclectic Dj's will embrace attendees as soon as they walk in the door. Dj Erl and Area 4 of 101.5 Jams, and Underground Hip Hop sensation Choice One, will bless the 1's and 2's all night.

A portion of the proceeds from this event, will go to the Native American Rights Fund, which supports Native American tribes nation wide with legal advice and coverage. $5.00 pre-sale tickets will be available from all bands performing, by contacting beartheastronot@gmail.com, or online @ http://thinkrevolution.eventbrite.com . Tickets will be $8.00 at the door. Doors open @8pm, and this is a strictly 21 and up event.

There will be drawings for 10 free tickets. Anyone interested in trying to win free tickets needs to send an email to beartheastronot@gmail.com with a valid email address, full name, and put "Free Tickets" in the subject line before midnight May 10th 2009.

Bear the Astronot's New Album Vishnu Schist Promo Poster

2009-03-24T22:03:00.001-07:00

Bear the Astronot "LIVE" @Rebel Yell Festival! Music, Activism, Art in Downtown Phoenix AZ.

2009-03-14T15:08:00.001-07:00

Bear the Astronot's Optimix Prime Productions & Friday Night Live @The Hidden House present Listener's Tour March 27th 2009 in Phoenix AZ

2009-03-14T11:39:00.001-07:00

Friday the 13th!! You may Never Be The Same!

2009-03-13T13:48:00.001-07:00

Bear the Astronot joins forces with producer "Arsenic" and releases "Vishnu Schist"

2009-02-16T08:37:00.001-08:00

Vishnu Schist unleashed 03/17/09! check myspace.com/beartheastronot, iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, & More! Or just hit up Bear the Astronot at beartheastronot@gmail.com to learn more!

Vishnu Schist is a rock formation most often exposed by the deep cutting currents of the Colorado River as it slithers through the hidden base of the Grand Canyon. It has been carbon dated to be 2 billion years old. A dark, nearly metallic, pitch black lava rock, void of any fossils, and almost alien in nature. Traces of ancient algae have been found within it, which are some of the only evidence of the first forms of life on earth. A perfect title for the first collaboration effort between Arizona's Bear the Astronot & Arsenic.

Vishnu Schist the E.P. is bursting with Arsenic's classic dark guitar laden sound. A witches brew of Hip Hop drum, Rock aesthetic, and synths devine. Arsenic does all the beats, Bear does all the vocals, and it works extremely well. Bear the Astronot ventures deeper into singing verse, and cutting flow, obviously finding fresh motivation in Arsenic's production. The E.P. starts with a distorted siren sound of a beat, and Bear the Astronot begins "I would never sleep with your girlfriend, if I did, would that make me a better MC?" An obvious outlash at the current state of Hip-Hop riding atop sexy female moans, and energetic drum and bass.

Vishnu Schist is a 6 song E.P. It is dominated by something of a Hybrid Hip Hop sound, but is still enjoyable to fans of Bear the Astronot and Arsenic's previous music. The 2nd track "Tonights Her Last Night" was something of a surprise. For a second I couldn't tell if I was listening to an undiscovered Canadian Indie Rock band, or the Arizona Hip Hop artists who's names were on the cover. All of the tracks come together in a wonderful E.P. that reminded me how fresh Hip Hop can still be. Michael Patrick-cygene mag

Bear the Astronot presents "The Grab Bag 2"

2008-09-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

Prelude: Here it is, the second installment of "The Grab Bag", and this time I went all out. An even more eclectic mix of music that this time includes Reggae/Rock/Hip Hop/Folk/Acoustic and even more the sub genres of Ska/Indie Hip Hop/Hyphy/Dance Rock/Electro/Dub & More!

If you have nothing but rap, or indie rock, or reggae in your iPod, this event is not for you. However, if you have a little bit of each, you won't find a better live show in Arizona. Friday October 3rd @The Big Fish Pub in Tempe, AZ Bear the Astronot with the help of his company Optimix Prime Productions presents "The Grab Bag 2". The first "Grab Bag" event was extremely successful, packing the house with music fans, and gaining praise from local media. visit the following link to check out what the New Times had to say about it http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2008-05-15/calendar/eclectic-shock/ . The second Grab Bag will be a much bigger event with a total of 10 bands/performing artists.

"The Grab Bag 2" is packed full of musical goodies for fans of every genre. With a mixture of sounds including Reggae/Indie Hip Hop/Ska/Folk/Rock/Electro/Dance Rock/Dub/Acoustic & More. Marc Pedraza will open the night with a political and smooth acoustic performance marked with his mix of Folk/Soul/Reggae. Very fitting since attendees of "The Grab Bag 2" will be able to take advantage of the "Rock Your Vote" booth, which will allow procrastinators to register to vote in the 2008 Presidential Election just a few days before the Arizona State issued deadline. With performances by Bands such as The Skacas, Soulafide, 21 Pump Street (Tucson AZ), and Hip Hop artists, WildLife Refuge (Earsweat Records), O.P.E.X. (A.S.O.M. Records), G-Owens, Passtime (Blind Truth Studio), Orchestra Records, and of course Bear the Astronot & The Cosmonauts this will be an amazing night, highlighting some of the best music the valley has to offer.

Please come out and help support local music of all genres. Enjoy the great drink specials the Big Fish is offering, register to vote, hang out with the bands, and help keep the Arizona music scene a growing force and culture!

Friday October 3rd @The Big Fish Pub. This is a 21+ event. Enjoy the beer connoisseurs happy hour with $.50cent PBR from 7-9pm, $3 Jager 9pm-close. Pre-sales are $6 and available from all bands, or by contacting beartheastronot@gmail.com. Tickets can also be purchased online at http://thegrabbag2.eventbrite.com. Cover will be $8 @The Door. The Big Fish Pub is located at 1954 E. University Dr. Tempe, AZ 85281. Doors open @7pm and the show starts shortly after, so come early! Volunteers for the "Rock Your Vote" booth are welcome. To help us register people to vote at the show contact beartheastronot@gmail.com and leave your information.

"The Underground" Bear the Astronot & The Cosmonauts join some amazing bands on stage @Club Red Tempe, AZ.

2008-07-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

Look at the line-up, add the fact that there are $.50cent Heinekens 8-10pm, and that we will be performing on the Club Red Stage!! Nuff said. This show makes my job of witty and eloquent blabbering easy. Just don't miss out!

Bear the Astronot presents "Altitudes and Elevation"(Keeping Hip-Hop Elevated)

2008-07-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

Once again Bear the Astronot uses his powers in the name of all that is good. This time by bringing together underground Hip-Hop on a cellular level. Artists Input, Rehab Hymn, and (n1nth)Cloud from Denver, Colorado have taken to the road on the "Fast Life, Slow Death Tour 2008", and on July 16th....they land in Phoenix Arizona. This show will Headline their talents, while being carried along by an amazing lineup of local artists. All of the Indie/Underground Hip Hop artists involved are guaranteed to open minds, rock the mic, and KEEP HIP-HOP ELEVATED......that is what a Bear the Astronot show is all about.

Altitudes and Elevation will be held at Hollywood Alley, right on the border of Tempe and Mesa Arizona, and the old home of the World Famous Blunt Club. The Doors open at 8pm, and attendees are encouraged to get there early, because performances will start almost immediatly. While the boys from Denver come representing the Mile High City, Phoenix Hip-Hop will be in the house....thick....! The entire "Orchestra Records" crew will perform, along with a solo set by "KERS" and a set on the tables by their DJ "Choice One". Poetiotic will be returning to the stage after an extended several year hiatus, to bless Phoenix once again with his insightful rhymes. Local MC RunLike will bring his very fun and energetic style to the event, and is guaranteed to entertain any fans of intelligent hip hop. Element will get the party started with everything from mind opening tongue twisters to "Good Time" party tracks......and after Element starts it up, we all know Hip Hop heads the "Canyon Animals" will take the level up even higher and keep it there the rest of the night. Oh yeah, and
Bear the Astronot & The Cosmonauts will be touching down from the Star 9 Galaxy to do a performance as well.

As if that isn't enough, Wild Life Refuge's DJ Reflekshin, also known for his weekly Gallery Blu RE:DEF spot, will be on the tables all night. Down by Law Hip-Hop shop will be in the house, and we will be showing art by local artist "LIVED1904". Denver meets Phoenix on a night to be remembered. KEEPIN' IT ELEVATED!

Bear the Astronot's promotions company "Optimix Prime Productions" joins forces with "RPM Productions" to present THE DUB ALL-STARS CONCERT

2008-07-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

ion

Dub Nation, The Skacas, Fayuca, The Hounds, Catfish Mustache, Dubble Down, and Ryan Poulson. The Line-up has changed a little....but The Dub All-Star Concert is still going to be in full effect Saturday July 12th @The Big Fish Pub in Tempe, Arizona. With Heavy Hitters like The Skacas, Fayuca, Dub Nation & More this show is guaranteed to be one of the best Dub/Reggae/Rock lineups in Phoenix History. Dub Nation's bass player D.J. also plays bass for Local heroes Authority Zero....but does it a little different, pounding out amazing low end in this trib. Deemed one of the best Sublime Tribute Bands in the world Dub Nation is guaranteed to please any Sublime fans or fans of that genre. All of the bands are packed with talented musicians, and fronted by amazing vocalists.

The other neat thing about this show is that it is to be held at The Big Fish Pub in Tempe Arizona. The Big Fish recently switched owners, and was completely refurbished with a new stage added, new sound booth, and all new sound and lighting. These amazing Bands get to be some of the first to break it in!

Passtime : Check out this Artist!!

2008-05-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

I guess I got tired of talking about myself. I decided it was time to help promote some other artists. Of course I will start right here at home in Phoenix Arizona. Check out this MC.

Awhile ago I received a message on myspace from an artist named Passtime, he was very complimentary, and seemed to be a person I would get along with. I really like people who compliment my music...go figure. Passtime had intelligent and meaningful things to say however, those kind of compliments are few and far between.

I decided to stop by his page and listen to some tracks, since he was pretty green, and maybe I could give some sort of constructive criticism. I saw a huge amount of potential, but wasn't completely happy with the recording quality or the fact that all of his tracks were on instrumentals by artists such as RJD2, and DJ Shadow. I kept in touch, hoping to see some growth, and man did I.....quicker than I would ever have imagined.

My man Phil (Passtime) picked up a beat from Orchestra Record's MC and beat-maker L a.k.a. I....and came up with a track entitled "Another Phase". Dope wordplay, a seriously smoothed out flow reminiscent of Arrested Development's Speech, and nice work with a theme (something we all know I'm big on.) A great song!! I was more than impressed when I first heard it. And not only could this kid rhyme, he had some serious pipes. I got caught up in some of my own musical jargon, but made sure to let him know he had done a great job. It would be a month or two before I heard anything, music wise, from Passtime.

Phil and I stay in touch fairly often, because we will be working on some songs together in the future. I knew he had been going through some personal drama, so I made sure I dropped him a line of encouragement whenever I thought about it. I stopped by his page to see what was up one day, and there it was, another new song. This time the producer was Richard Davey, and the beat was energetic and full of momentum. Passtime called the song "In the Moment", and had me stuck in exactly that the whole time I listened. Thick vocal harmonies, a nice grimy flow, this track was NICE!! I couldn't believe it....this kid picks up two beats from producers.....and BAM....two BANGERS! Give this kid a couple more beats and he'll hand out a classic album, I have know doubt about it. If this guy keeps improving at the rate he has, time might stop passing, and just stop to jam-out for a minute.

Hip Hop, as I am always extremely vocal about, is monotonous. I am often turned off by overly saturated copy-cats. I am turned off everyday by MC's who over MC and under art. I get tired quickly when old formulas are revisited to often. "Too many metaphors, not enough life" as I always say. Passtime seems to pass his time far above all of this, and I really enjoy that. An extremely talented MC, Poet, and Singer, this artist deserves your ears.....so stop by and hand em' over for a couple of minutes.......you won't regret it.
http://myspace.com/bypasstime

Bear the Astronot to ROCK Summerfest 08'

2008-05-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

Bear the Astronot & The Cosmonauts don't really know where they fit in. Friday June 13th they will perform live at Summerfest 08' (Club Red/The Red Owl in Tempe, AZ) and prove that the answer is "Just about anywhere". Summerfest 08' in Arizona is a mainly Rock format, full to the brim with some of Arizona's hottest talent. Bionic Jive is headlining with a Hardrock/Hip Hop edge which has brought them right the verge of full-out mainstream success more than once. Roveen will bring a straight forward rock approach, while "The Skacas" who recently performed at Bear the Astronot's first Grab Bag event Reggae/Rock/Ska and trample the dance floor. This event should quite all the Bear the Astronot fans who always have said "You just don't fit in at these Rap Shows...You need to try something different". Here it is Summerfest 08' @Club Red 2155 E. University Dr. Tempe AZ 85281. Be there Friday June 13th.

The line-up is thick at this festival style event, with performances from acts such as Bionic Jive, Roveen, Bear the Astronot, The Skacas, The Shallow Type, Zeusophobia (Las Vegas, Nevada), The Hounds (Tucson, Arizona), Tribal Path, The Overpass, and more. There will be two stages, The Club Red Stage where The Skacas will perform right before Bear the Astronot & The Cosmonauts.....so be there about 8pm if not earlier to catch both acts. The show starts up about 8:30pm, but you won't want to miss the amazing drink specials including 50cent Heinekens from 7-9pm. That is right people "50cent Heinekens from 7-9pm!" The other stage will be a stones throw away....not literally, but you know what I mean, in The Red Owl right next door. The two venues are connected, so stage hopping will be a breeze.

Bear the Astronot & The Cosmonauts will be the only straight forward Hip Hop act, so please come out and support! This should be a great show, and since Bear the Astronot & The Skacas will be done by 10:15pm that night.....a wonderful time to come out and celebrate with the bands, meet anyone you haven't yet, and buy Bear and The Cosmonauts a drink! (Or not, whatever floats your boat) I hope to see you there.

Bear the Astronot releases new single "EMO Haircut"

2008-05-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

Bear the Astronot releases a genre-bending new single entitled "EMO Haircut". The song is a fun, sarcastic, overview of EMO culture reminiscent somewhat of early Beck, of course with Hip-Hop undertones. "EMO Haircut" pokes more fun at the MC himself than anyone else. "I wrote this song to poke fun at myself, and make a cultural statement at the same time. I started growing my hair out awhile ago, and every once in awhile I would straighten it before I went out to perform or whatever. Every time I did that, everywhere I went, I heard "Whats up Fall Out Boy" or "EMO the Astronot is in the house tonight"....instead of downplaying it, I decided to add fuel to the fire. EMO culture and Hip-Hop culture are mixing more and more now.....I myself....might have the haircut.....but I think I will stick to Hip-Hop. EMO is just a little too heart-wrenching for me" explained Bear the Astronot.

The Arizona MC then went on to say, "I like to make fun of myself while explaining the funny and quirky things about others. I think it makes for great songwriting. I have started noticing a certain tension in underground Hip-Hop now, in as Sage Francis said "The Time of Atmosphere". We don't need defining lines in Hip-Hop, especially not at the Indie/Underground level. If you wanna cut your hair all "Fierce!" and watch Project Runway to distract you from how much you hate your emotional dark little life......then more power to ya'! If you wanna' keep it old school and never leave the DJ Premier era behind....then do it. I hope you add my music somewhere in the middle of all of it......Just don't push your beliefs or lifestyle on others. The way people look has only a small amount to do with who they are. I also wanted to warn you...so you don't take signs and pictures like the one attached to this blog so literally....cuz it would really suck to have the Hip Hop guy with the EMO Haircut whoop your ass in front of all your friends....with that faggy haircut and all. Don't judge and divide in Hip Hop. I wanted to say all of that in this song, but I really didn't....I just made a fun little song that makes fun of myself and EMO kids. I guess I saved the rest for the blog..".

"EMO Haircut" is available in Bear the Astronot's SnoCap store straight off of his myspace page at www.myspace.com/beartheastronot or at www.reverbnation.com/beartheastronot . You can also download the song off of turntablekachina.com . The song is only available as a single download right now for $0.99. Download your copy today!

Bear the Astronot presents "The Grab Bag" (Various Rhythms, Underground Goodies, and Assorted Flavors)

2008-04-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

I have finally decided to do something I probably should have quite awhile ago......I am going to throw my own show! Every time I go out to an event I am always thinking what could make it better, second guessing the last song the DJ chose...or how he/she mixed out before the second verse. Every time I go to a show I'm thinking what band would really set it off, or how many hula dancers I could fit on the stage and still have room to perform. I'm weird like that! It's probably all just opinion...or a bunch of snobbish jargon engraved in my head by years of being a DJ and working at Record Stores...but whatever it is, it has helped me to make a choice....in comes "The Grab Bag".

The first event will be @The Big Fish Pub in Tempe Arizona on Friday May 16th @10pm, but hopefully "The Grab Bag" fliers will be adorning windshield wipers all over the valley of the sun, and maybe even the nation for years to come. The idea for the event is to help talented bands and artists to cross mingle and perform for fans of different genres of music. The Arizona music scene has always been extremely militant in keeping strong lines between genres. The lines are never blurred....in fact the lines between genres are as apparent and deadly as the lines across the US-Mexico border would be if left in the sweaty little palms of our fearless "Sheriff Joe". There is to be NO CROSSING! A couple bands here and there, and a couple of club nights have broken the trend. Take for example Solstice @Barsmith....a night where Hip Hop Downstairs smoothly glides into deep house and dance up stairs, but Phoenix needs more of that. How many people have nothing but Hip Hop in their iPod or CD changer? Not many. Even the most die hard fans sneak a little Indie Rock, Reggae, or Dance Music in there.

I have been performing for years around the Phoenix area, but not always as a solo act. I usually perform at Hip Hop/Rap themed shows, but my music is not necessarily what alot of people would classify as Rap or even Hip Hop. In fact most of my fans and supporters hate coming to my shows. Somehow when I am going to be taking the stage after the gangsta rap group who just threatened to kill everyone in the front row if they don't get their hands up......the 16 year old emo girls who came out to see Bear the Astronot get a little uncomfortable. I love gangsta rap...as a matter of fact I pretty much grew up on it. I enjoy taking the stage after groups like this, and sharing my points of view, where I came from, and what I think about. I get a thrill out of it.....sometimes it even helps to make me stick out. However, people who like my music often are not drawn to this style, and therefore I don't feel they get as much out of the night as they should. Neither do the artists who I perform with who should be gaining new fans. So I decided to pick the line-up....something I think everyone who comes will enjoy......And I promise 5 large men in red Echo T-Shirts are not going to threaten to shoot or gang-bang you at "The Grab Bag".

The night will be full of thought, positivity, creativity, and good vibes. Underground/Indie Hip Hop and Phoenix based "Orchestra Records" will be blessing us with 3 of the most talented MC's in the Valley....L a.k.a. I, GLAD2MECHA, and Foreknown Apostolic, who are quickly on the rise in the AZ and the Nations Underground Hip Hop movement. These dudes are no joke. Also, Ryan Poulson (RPM Productions) will be blessing listeners with a blend of Reggae/Acoustic/Roots Music that will help to add to the chill and peaceful vibe. The Skacas, an amazing Arizona based band will be Rocking the crowd with an energetic set of Reggae/Ska/Dub/Hip Hop to keep things moving, and of course there will be another thought and laughter provoking set provided by none other than "Bear the Astronot & The Cosmonauts". Sounds like a good night to me.

As always all of the artwork and flier design is handled by my main man Ian Castruita. A Big Thanks To Him For the Great Flier!!

check: http://en-blog.blogspot.com for more on the artist.

Here is some info for you to check out. Tickets for the event are available online....just contact beartheastronot@gmail.com if you want the discounted $5 pre-sale tickets.

Doors open @10pm, show starts @11pm. 2for1 drinks from 10-11pm, with rotating drink specials all night. 21 and up event.

The Big Fish Pub is located at 1954 E. University Dr. Tempe, AZ 85281.
call (480)449-FISH (3474) for info.

www.myspace.com/beartheastronot
www.turntablekachina.com
www.myspace.com/orchestrarecords
www.mypsace.com/ryanpoulson
www.myspace.com/theskacas
www.myspace.com/phunkthouselakai
www.myspace.com/glad2mecha
www.myspace.com/asthewreck

New Turntable Kachina album and New Ways to Purchase Music.

2008-04-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

A good amount of cool things have happened in Bear the Astronot and Turntable Kachina land in the last couple of weeks. Just wanted to get you up to date. Not only have I released another Turntable Kachina album "Roots", there are also a lot more ways for you guys to purchase my albums, which will hopefully make things easier for you.

The new album "Roots" is available on http://www.cdbaby.com/ , and this is cool because this is not a download…it is an actual CD, with full artwork by Ian Castruita. To buy the album and have it shipped straight to your house or a location of your choice go to the address below.

http://cdbaby.com/cd/turntablekachina

The album is also available for download at numerous retailers including iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, SnoCap (on www.myspace.com/turntablekachina ) and more. Don't forget all of my albums can be purchased straight through Pay Pal as a download off of http://www.turntablekachina.com/ .

Bear the Astronot's album "Cricket Songs" is also available at many more retailers including iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon MP3, eMusic, Napster, LaLa, and more!! Hopefully this will make the download easier for you guys to get.

www.myspace.com/beartheastronot
www.myspace.com/turntablekachina
http://www.turntablekachina.com/
www.reverbnation.com/beartheastronot
www.reverbnation.com/turntablekachina
beartheastronot@gmail.com

I Want My Fans to Write Reviews of My Albums For Me.

2008-04-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a cool opportunity for any fans of Turntable Kachina or Bear the Astronot. I want my fans to write reviews about my albums. If you have a copy of or have heard the new album "Roots" and want to write a review…it is simple. Go to the link below, look towards the bottom of the page where it says "Please write a review about this album"….and go for it.

http://cdbaby.com/cd/turntablekachina

Turntable Kachina "Roots" reviews will be featured on several blogs, the CD Baby Page, www.turntablekachina.com , www.myspace.com/turntablekachina , and more!! Also, feel free to send reviews of any other Turntable Kachina albums directly to my gmail at turntablekachina@gmail.com .

I would also like reviews of Bear the Astronot's album "Cricket Songs" written by fans. If you have a copy, the download, or have heard the album "Cricket Songs" compile your likes and dislikes into a well-written review, and send it to beartheastronot@gmail.com. Reviews about Bear the Astronot's music will be featured on several blogs, www.myspace.com/beartheastronot , and many more!! Feel free to experiment with this opportunity. If you would rather write a review of your favorite song than the entire album….do it!

I can't think of anyone else better than you…my fans….to write these reviews. Look forward to reading what you have to say!

BEAR THE ASTRONOT LOVES YOU!! HIP HOP ARTIST RELEASES NEW SINGLE "GIRLS LOOKING AT ME" FOR VALENTINES DAY.

2008-02-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

February 14th is a day to spread the most important ingredient in human interaction. The devious and often mischevious angel of happiness we all call LOVE. Bear the Astronot is playing cupid this year. (And I must say he looks shocking in those little wings and a cloth diaper. Photos he will not release to the public for some reason.) In honor of the holiday he has released his new song "Girls Looking at Me" as an online download. The song is only available via his SnoCap store which can be found all over the web. To take a listen visit www.reverbnation.com/beartheastronot or visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/beartheastronot . "Girls Looking at Me" is an upbeat R&B flavored ditty, that is obviously a new realm for Bear the Astronot.

"I wrote this song for my wife" he says. "Just as that cute song that all girls wish their boyfriend would write them. It came out well, but it would have been out of place on my album "Cricket Songs". I figured I would release it for Valentines Day." The Arizona MC/Producer who is more known for his dark, energetic, synth- laden ,and overtly political rhymes, says he is releasing more music like this on purpose. "Everyone is trying so hard to be Underground, or Club, or Pop. Sometimes my songs are dark and abstract, sometimes my songs are light and happy. My life isn't always cohesive and organized…..so I guess neither is my music."

With the recent release of his album "Cricket Songs" (which he released along with 12 free downloads. Check the links at the bottom of this post for more info) and the release of his single "Girls Looking at Me" for Valentines Day, I asked what Bear the Astronot had on his plate now. "I am working on my Sophmore Album…writing and in the lab, but my main goal right now is the release of my Instrumental album Turntable Kachina "Roots". I will be trying to have that out in the next month or so. I am really proud of it. It is a mix of Hip Hop breaks, downtempo, and all forms of electronic and dance. My favorite instrumental stuff so far." If you are unfamiliar with Turntable Kachina, it is Bear the Astronot's side project. Turntable Kachina is a display of his more diverse production talents. Visit http://www.turntablekachina.com/ or check out the Turntable Kachina myspace page at www.myspace.com/turntablekachina .

BEAR THE ASTRONOT RECOMMENDS. A VALENTINES DAY PLAYLIST.

1."Girls Looking at Me"-Bear the Astronot-Online Download

2."Good Man to Ya"-Bear the Astronot-Cricket Songs.

3."Breaking Up Is Fun To Do"-Bear the Astronot-Cricket Songs.

4.Forget this playlist stuff…..anyone in their right mind knows if you are trying to set the mood you don't need to play anything on Valentines Day besides some good old fashioned Marvin Gaye. Really trying to get some booty?.......bust out the turntable and play it on vinyl!! If that doesn't work…. it's simple……You ain't got no game! I'll pray for ya'.

WANT SOME FREE MUSIC? VISIT www.myspace.com/beartheastronot and click on the banners that say Free Music!! If you have issues downloading straight from myspace simply read the BIO section on the page and download straight from MediaFire.

WANT TO HEAR MORE MUSIC? VISIT www.reverbnation.com/beartheastronot and listen away!

Arizona Hip-Hop Artist Bear the Astronot Releases New Album with 12 free songs for his loyal fans.

2008-01-15T18:22:00.000-08:00

Times are changing. The music industry is a volatile nest of squawking infant artists each one fighting for a piece of the viral marketing pie. Arizona MC/Producer Bear the Astronot is one of those artists. Backed by years of experience in many facets of the music industry including studio recording, live sound, promotions, and a list of projects, bands, and groups as long as T.I.’s criminal record. Years as a professional DJ spinning in clubs such as Next, Insomnia, and a seven-year run as the house DJ at Martini Ranch/Shaker Room in Scottsdale. Yet, somehow, here he is releasing his first ever solo project online. The world of music is changing quickly.

Bear the Astronot is an extremely eclectic artist. Explaining his music is difficult. Somewhat in the vein of Sage Francis and Atmosphere, somewhat in the vein of Canadian MC K-OS, somewhat in the vein of Def Jux’s Cage and El-P. A bit of Public Enemy, KRS-One, Cee-Lo, and Outkast. Hip Hop, Rock, Electronic, and Jazz all splattered with controlled brush strokes. An emotionally charged ride on what has obviously been a roller coaster ride through life for the kid from Arizona whose given name is Running-Bear. Surely a new and unique sound.

“Cricket Songs” his solo debut is a project long in the making. It can be downloaded straight off of Bear the Astronot’s Myspace page @www.myspace.com/beartheastronot, and a physical duplication can be expected sometime in the next year. That is not nearly all Bear the Astronot has released into the virtual world this year however. Along with the 17-song album “Cricket Songs” Bear has released twelve songs for you to download completely free. That is 29 songs of conscious indie hip-hop in total, and instructions for getting them all quickly into your iPod are included at the end of this post. Not to mention the soon to be three full-length albums of Downtempo, Electronic, Hip-Hop, and Breaks he has released under his alias Turntable Kachina. He’s a busy guy.

The album or separate songs from it can be downloaded straight from the above-mentioned Myspace page. The free songs can be found at the following URL’s.

http://www.myspace.com/nonosheriffjoe

http://www.myspace.com/freemusicbeartheastronot02

You can also obtain a straight download from the links below. Just click the link next to the songs you would like.

Link to Download "Get Back!!"http://www.mediafire.com/?6c4znngvnjk

Link to Download "Anti Social"http://www.mediafire.com/?bjzdm6zntjw

Link to Download "Regular Guy"http://www.mediafire.com/?fnwi1zmz05p

Link to Download "One and Only Friend"http://www.mediafire.com/?1vv29z4nnfr

Link to Download "Shake Ya Azz.....Not!"http://www.mediafire.com/?7ygnjmy0x9x

Link to Download "Rhyme and Reason"http://www.mediafire.com/?cud4yi1m3vt

Link to Download "No, No, Sheriff Joe"http://www.mediafire.com/?7op5c1jhwmw

Link to Download "Life I Live"http://www.mediafire.com/?0ri3t1w1h4t

Link to Download "I Don't Care feat.Snayke Plysk"http://www.mediafire.com/?6z4w4d9j9db

Link to Download "So Cliche feat. Nathan Lamb"http://www.mediafire.com/?50odzxhgocm

Link to Download "Sing My People"http://www.mediafire.com/?6xnnaxcumep

Link to Download "Dead Soldier"http://www.mediafire.com/?3npxzmpxcne

Please send me a message if you have any issues. I want you to download this music.....And hopefully hassle free!!

Enjoy!!

Free Music! Happy New Year!

2007-12-30T22:08:00.000-08:00

Visit the following links to get free music to start the New Year With. Bear the Astronot aka Turntable Kachina hopes you and your iPod or MP3 player have the best year yet. And let’s face it, nothing is better to start the next leap into the 365 day abyss than free s(&^. Have a great year, and enjoy.

Free Music to Free The Soul……

In 2008 Bear the Astronot will be releasing his long anticipated album “Cricket Songs”. The album will be available for download Feb. 2008.

In 2008 Turntable Kachina will be releasing a 3rd album online entitled “Roots”. A collection of downtempo chill, dusty dancey hip-hop loops, and The Kachina’s quickly catching signature sound. Also, the anticipated “Sound is Matter Vol.002” will be available.

Visit the following link to get free music from myspace to start the New Year off with.CLICKHERE

To Download songs straight from Media Fire.

Life I Live
http://www.mediafire.com/?0ri3t1w1h4t

I Don’t Care feat. Snayke Plysk
http://www.mediafire.com/?6z4w4d9j9db

So Cliché feat. Nathan Lamb on guitar.
http://www.mediafire.com/?50odzxhgocm

Wait There is more!!

MYSPACE URL:

myspace.com/quotturntablekachinaquothappyhalloween

MEDIAFIRE LINKS:(ONE FOR EACH SONG)

http://www.mediafire.com/?f95vx44oigx

http://www.mediafire.com/?bddngy2jjmd

LINKS:
www.turntablekachina.com
www.beartheastronot.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/turntablekachina
www.myspace.com/beartheastronot

New Hip-Hop, Downtempo, and Dance Music. Bear the Astronot, Turntable Kachina.

2007-12-28T14:57:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I have been able to post new songs, and I am very excited to say that 4 new songs can be heard on my myspace page. The songs are entitled "PHX AZ Hot!" "The Revolution Starts Now!" "Earth Goggles!" and "2Fists 2Fight". Stop by www.myspace.com/beartheastronot to take a listen. Also don't forget to stop by www.myspace.com/turntablekachina or www.turntablekachina.com to listen to some of my new instrumental downtempo and dance music. I hope that this music finds you well, and that you leave me a comment to let me know what you think. Your oppinion is always appreciated. Support Independent Music. ENJOY!!

"MITOSIS" the new album by Turntable Kachina is available for download now!

2007-11-05T15:31:00.000-08:00

"MITOSIS" the new release by Turntable Kachina is available now. The album can be downloaded straight from Turntable Kachina's Sno Cap store. Off of his myspace page. And at many other online retailers. MITOSIS and Sound is Matter Vol.001 will be available on iTunes very soon! MITOSIS is a much more dance influenced project, taking The Kachina's years as a DJ, and the influential styles he encountered during this time, and compiling them in an energetic release. Get your copy now!!!!!

Turntable Kachina appears on Red Night Records Compilation "Electronic Surge Vol.1"

2007-11-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

Red Night Records has released their first in a series of compilations entitled Electronic Surge. Turntable Kachina appears on this disc with the pulsing rhythm of "Rain Stance" a track off of an earlier release "Sound is Matter Vol.001". The compilation also contains tracks by seasoned beatsmiths such as Revolution I/O, Jrel, Sounda, OHN, and Wreckless Beats. If you are interested in supporting independent and up and coming artists and the culture of dance music make sure to get yourself a copy on Amazon.com. SPREAD THE WORD!

TO PURCHASE A COPY OF ELECTRONIC SURGE VOL.1 CLICK THE LINK BELOW.

http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Surge-1-Various/dp/B000XPY1UC

Red Night Records to Release New Compilation CD Entitled "Electronic Surge Volume 1"

Electronic, Techno, Trance, and Dance: The CD will be packed with sensational songs from phenomenal artists.The goal behind the CD is to help promote and expose the featured talent to a wider audience."Electronic Surge Volume 1" is available at cdbaby.com, amazon.com, blastmymusic.com, and on many other online retailers. Industry personnel, media, and radio can/will be able to request a free copy of "Electronic Surge Volume 1".

Featured Artists on "Electronic Surge Volume 1":

Turntable Kachina (Arizona, USA)

Voide (Sweden)

Dj Patsan (Australia)

Wreckless Beats (New York, USA)

Sounda (New York, USA)

Dirty Elegance (Colorado, USA)

Dress Code (Ohio, USA)

Wayne Bonnett/Equinox Shadow (Kentucky, USA)

ORGAVIN (Maryland, USA)

Revoluion I/O (Georgia, USA)

OHN (Texas, USA)

The Specimen (New York, USA)

Jrel (Virginia, USA)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2007-10-30T23:02:00.000-07:00

FREE MUSIC!!!!!!

JUST BECAUSE HALLOWEEN IS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY, I “BEAR THE ASTRONOT” AKA. “TURNTABLE KACHINA” HAVE PUT UP TWO SONGS INSPIRED BY HALLOWEEN FOR YOUR DOWNLOADING AND LISTENING PLEASURE. CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO VISIT THE MYSPACE PAGE OR TO GO TO MEDIA FIRE FOR A STRAIGHT DOWNLOAD. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

ALSO, MAKE SURE YOU GET READY FOR THE RELEASE OF TURNTABLE KACHINA’S SECOND E.P. ENTITLED “MITOSIS” WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD VERY SOON.

MYSPACE URL:

myspace.com/quotturntablekachinaquothappyhalloween

MEDIAFIRE LINKS:(ONE FOR EACH SONG)

http://www.mediafire.com/?f95vx44oigx

http://www.mediafire.com/?bddngy2jjmd

LINKS:
http://www.turntablekachina.com/
http://www.beartheastronot.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/turntablekachina

CHARGES AGAINST THE NEW TIMES DROPPED!

2007-10-30T22:59:00.000-07:00

"We tried to make a modest stand for our readers, our reporters and our Constitution," said Michael Lacey, co-owner and executive editor of New Times/Village Voice Media. "Sometimes law enforcement prevails in their view of the Constitution; sometimes the Irish prevail in theirs."

THE CHARGES AGAINST THE PHOENIX NEW TIMES HAVE BEEN DROPPED, AND SPECIAL PROSECUTOR DENNIS WILENCHIK HAS BEEN FIRED. SOMETIMES JUSTICE DOES PREVAIL…JUST WHEN I HAD LOST ALL HOPE.
CHECK OUT THE STORY:
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2007-10-18/news/case-against-new-times-dropped

I AM STILL LEAVING MY SONGS UP FOR FREE ON THE INTERNET. JUST CAUSE SOMEBODY MADE THEM STOP BULLYING KIDS ON THE PLAYGROUND, DOESN'T MEAN THEY AREN'T BAD KIDS, SO COME GET SOME FREE MUSIC…..JUST A LITTLE TASTE BEFORE THE ALBUM IS RELEASED.
TO READ THE NEW TIMES ARTICLE:

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2007-10-18/news/breathtaking-abuse-of-the-constitution/

FOR FREE MUSIC:
http://myspace.com/nonosheriffjoe
http://www.mediafire.com/?7op5c1jhwmw

CHECK OUT MY BLOG POST ABOUT THIS INCIDENT:
http://beartheastronot.blogspot.com/

PEACE AND KNOWLEDGE…..BEAR THE ASTRONOT.

NO, NO, SHERIFF JOE. ONE RAPPER SPEAKS UP FOR THE PHOENIX NEWTIMES.

2007-10-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

IN RESPONSE TO THE RECENT GRAND JURY SUBPOENA PUT IN PLACE BY SHERIFF JOE ARPAIO, ANDY THOMAS, AND DENNIS WILENCHIK, WHICH TAKES UNCONSTITUIONAL ACTION AGAINST A HUGE NUMBER OF ARIZONA, UNITED STATES, AND WORLD CITIZENS, I HAVE PUT UP ONE OF MY SONGS FOR FREE DOWNLOAD. VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINKS TO GET YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD OF “NO, NO, SHERIFF JOE” BY BEAR THE ASTRONOT, AND STOP THIS BLATENT MISUSE OF POWER. I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS FREE SONG, AND THE TWO OTHER FREE DOWNLOADS I AM OFFERING JUST FOR THE HELL OF IT. STAND UP FOR ARIZONA, STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS AS A UNITED STATES CITIZEN, STAND UP FOR US. FUEL THE REVOLUTION…….BEAR THE ASTRONOT.

TO READ THE NEW TIMES ARTICLE:
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2007-10-18/news/breathtaking-abuse-of-the-constitution/

FOR FREE MUSIC:
http://myspace.com/nonosheriffjoe
http://www.mediafire.com/?7op5c1jhwmw

When I heard the news, another complete disregard of constitutional rights by Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Arizona Law Makers, I knew I had to take action. I am just your everyday starving artist, but if I am going to preach action, then I must live by my word. I can’t do much, but I can post this song, a song I wrote a year or so back, for free download by people all over my state of Arizona, and any interested parties worldwide. When I came up with the idea, many people were warning me not to test the waters. But F(*& that!! What is this Nazi Germany? Is this the Wild West, and Sheriff Joe is the rootenest tootenest most darned right strict hearted lawman the Southwest has ever seen? His rough edged, redneck posse ready to round up political rappers, hippies, and illegal aliens by the millions. I feel like a tumbleweed should blow by every time Sheriff Joe enters a room. Has Arizona fallen this low? Has our great country?

I must admit that I have a different view on this subject than some, due to my own past experiences. Experiences, which will be chronicled in an upcoming post, entitled “My Introduction to Justice. A Crash Course In Hopelessness” so if you are interested in hearing why I might have such a distaste for these gentlemen look for that post in the near future.

I will end by wishing the best of luck to all employees and partners of the Phoenix New Times. If nobody else has your back, Bear the Astronot always will. The blatant misuse of power by all of our government and state officials has got to stop. Do not be afraid to speak out against these actions if they make you unhappy. You can make a difference. And if these crazy bastards have time to worry about a tiny little hip-hop artist like me, “Call me Up. I’ll give you my home address. I think I’d look great in pink hand-cuffs.” Peace and Knowledge……Bear the Astronot.

Rich VS. Poor "The classic battle of our day and age"

2007-06-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

There is a squiggly line between the rich and the poor. When you back up, zoom out, and focus on it, it looks like a winding river. A river that slithers and sneaks like a serpent. A serpent that taunts and teases us with the most beautiful of red apples. This is a continuation of what some believe to be the oldest story of mankind. But since when did we decide the over privileged control the apple?
The rich write the policies, decide the boundaries, and hoard the prophets. The rich make the rules, tempt our fate, and push us closer and closer to the edge for personal gain. The rich control the apple. The poor control nothing, not even their own fate. We build their castles, fight their wars, and kiss their asses. Could this really be what was intended? The middle class is drowning in debt. The lower class is teaming with disdain, anger, and anxiety. I for one find it almost impossible to hold back my rage any longer. The next time a bill collector tells me they need money….Money I in all honesty do not have….and I get some kind of Clint Eastwood tough guy routine…..Some Mafia debt collector Bull-Shit!!....I may lash out in anger. I may allow this anger to drive me to devious deeds. The end result…..one more poor kid in Arizona spends his spare time in prison. Right where the rich have decided poor kids like myself belong.
We ride along this squiggly river trying to keep our heads above water. Flailing our arms in utter desperation, faced with interest rates, late fees, and payments which pile one on top of the other so high no one can find the ending. Hard not to harbor hatred while the rich work less hours, sip Martini’s, exploit our justice system, and ride by waving distastefully on platinum yachts. I’m barely holding on…….I am grasping a shattered Styrofoam cooler here! I would kill to ride on a yacht! When does this become more than a figure of speech? Soon, metaphorically, if you ask me.
We are pliable…..set-up for failure…beasts of burden……work horses. We are considered the uneducated, classless, vile, scum of existence. Thrown in a cage and fed through media matrix tubing. 40hrs. a week with overtime to get by, working careers for kiss-ass bosses. Pushing Freedom in a Happy Meal. Test Tube slave labor. WE ARE MUTE!! When is the last time you made a large scale change in society? Never? It probably costs to much doesn’t it. Or you don’t have time between work, and you know sleeping…eating…grocery shopping……the trivial stuff. Your teachers lied to you..you will never be the President of the United States. Poor people can’t afford to run for president. Poor people can’t even afford gas.
This will be continued in Part 02.

Sounds Part.01

2007-06-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

Bear the Astronot is perched on a dimly lit apartment patio brushing spider webs from his knee . “The world sounds different from the second floor,” he thinks to himself. He closes his eyes lightly in order to open his ears to the swirling sounds of the city. Above his head a helicopter pulses far in the distance almost in rhythm with the “clacking” of skateboard wheels across a winding sidewalk to his left. He can tell how fast the rider is going by the gap between sidewalk cracks. A compact vehicle speeds backwards from it’s parking space screeching as the driver quickly spins the wheel and propels forward. “Somebody just got in an argument.”
Farther back to the southwest kid’s are giggling at the pool, and he can barely make out their bare feet patting the wet ground around the pool. Dogs bark at each other holding a conversation even though 100’s of feet separate them. “The sky is dark tonight, and somebody is listening to Justin Timberlake.” He wonders if it’s a guy or girl, but that thought is interrupted by something exciting happening on the televisions inside his apartment. “Somebody most have just won something.”
He closes his eyes more tightly this time, and suddenly another layer of sounds becomes apparent. Bear is amazed at how loud the humming of electricity and background noise is. It seems to grow louder the more he pays attention to it. It sounds like all of the street lights in the city have joined up with the car engines and electronics in a perfectly timed attempt to combine all of their powers and blow up the entire metropolitan span of Phoenix. He starts to worry a bit as the static and buzzing grows louder and louder… It begins to sound like marching……but then………to the right………a baby cries………and his ears hit mute on the background noise.
The babies parents are discussing something of importance, but it’s not in English. A cricket is hidden in a bush below him, and a man is yelling at his girlfriend. Somebody arms their car alarm, and the wind shakes a piece of paper in the corner of the patio. “That plane sounds really close.” He tries to lean out a bit and gain a better vantage point, and maybe catch a glimpse of the passing aircraft, but isn’t successful. To be Continued…………..

"The Revolution Starts Now!!!"

2007-06-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

Attention all space heads, cosmo soldiers, and sci-nerds, “The Revolution Starts Now!!!” As a product of society I have coined the phrase………Make Society Productive to It’s Members……How you ask….Simple. All you have to do is sacrifice a little of your coveted TV time, open your mind to events outside of your immediate day to day life, take a risk every once in a while, and care about other people. 85% of the people reading this just stopped, convinced themselves that was too difficult, and clicked back on their link to MySpace….for those of you left, let’s begin.

Revolution is an important occurrence, and one that happens everyday around you. Most revolutions go unrecognized because they do not immediately affect your everyday life, or atleast not enough for you to want to expend the time and effort necessary to help. It takes the courage of individuals fed-up with the way something is happening. Once enough people are fed-up, they ban together, find a common cause, and fight for it. What is your Revolution? Everybody is fed-up with something. If you don’t make it change, it may never, and you may have to be fed-up with it for the rest of your life. No matter how many people try to tell you otherwise…”We are not put on earth to wander miserably working jobs we hate and drooling over needless goods we can not afford” There is more to life than that.

Most Revolutions fail…….but when you try, it distracts you from how tired of monotonous existence you are. It makes you feel important because you are. That is worth it for me...I don't know about you. Don’t be talked out of fighting for what matters to you. Don’t think people in offices or on TV will run the world better than you. Your opinion is just as important as the presidents. Your opinion is just as important as Oprah’s. Your opinion has the same importance as a celebrities, or reality TV actor’s. Revolutions are not televised, they are synchronized.

What is revolutionary about my generation? What do we stand for? What galactic significance do we have? Will anybody write anything about us in History Books? I am officially dropping the term Generation X and replacing it with what we really are…….The Puppet Generation. Media, Corporations, Oil Companies, all the things winy individuals like myself bitch about constantly. Everything we have adopted into our regular everyday life has tiny fish hooks on it. Consumer goods, weight loss pills, and fashion trends dangle slowly down, hypnotizing us, and laying gently against our flesh. As soon as they make contact the Puppet Masters yank back quickly embedding these hooks under our skin. Now we move and act as they please, to get what they have convinced us we need. I’d rather bitch all day to no prevail then dance like a good little puppet. But hey…I’m a Revolutionary. The kind of rebellious society rearranging wacko they just might write about in History Books someday.

Why not start numerous Revolutions right now at this moment? Is trying to change the way things operate in society really that much of a waste of time? Is catching “Your Show” more important? Ask yourself these questions, but don’t take my advice I am a cynical, hypocritical, Rebellion Addict. Decide for yourself if you hold back from saying things you really think because you don’t want to stir the pot. Ask yourself if changing the world is worth the consequences of rebellion. Ask yourself if “The Revolution Starts Now!!!” or if you would rather have somebody else decide what is worth fighting for. I’m gonna’ go start a revolution!!! Peace and knowledge…..Bear the Astronot.

This post was influenced by a song entitled "The Revolution Starts Now!!!" which will be on my up coming release "Cricket Songs." I hope you get to hear the song, and enjoyed my thinking on this subject.

Somebody Slap Me!!

2007-05-18T10:16:00.001-07:00

Democrat…..Republican….Independent….I could give two (*^^ a’ (*^%^. The thing human beings existing on this earth need to realize is politicians in any country, of any party, and of any belief are not there to represent you. These people represent an idea………..an idea that normal everyday humans have nothing to do with anymore. The waves of time have distorted power and amplified it to such an extent that corruption and greed seem as intricate as breathing itself. I have nearly stopped caring.

Growing up I was excited by the possibility of causing change. I have carried this excitement into my adulthood, mutated though it may be, this excitement has a purpose. So many members of my generation are afraid to speak up, convinced there is no reason to change what works……….somehow convinced that what we are doing today will work forever. Sorry Generation X, but what we are doing to the world will not work long at all. Your ability to enrich and secure the lives of people other than yourself and family is a gift, though at times it may seem a burden.

Should God be in school? Should Abortion be Legal? Should we cut taxes? What’s going on with government spending? Is Global Warming Real? Is the Apocalypse Upon us? Should we blow up the world before they blow us up first? Daunting isn’t it. I had a conversation with my wife and mother recently and came to this conclusion thanks to their help. Government should not tell me what to think. Government should not be in my Bedroom, Household, or Business. Government should not be so much about Morality and Christianity and Freedom. Government should run the country plain and simple.

I have been trying to watch the beginning of the debates and come to an extremely scary conclusion. These politicians are not different from American Idol Contestants. They might as well be Pop Stars, or Reality TV divas, or on the cover of Teen or Gossip Magazines. Our society is becoming such a joke, and what do we do, re-elect and watch intensely for what these dumb (&*^% do next season. "They want you to answer like this, say something about this, comb your hair the other way, wear the black suit it makes you look more powerful, smile, kiss your wife, hug the special kid, act strong, show your hip youthful edge." Soon Hilary Clinton will shave her head, check into rehab, and steal Brad Pitt from Angelina Jolie. John McCain will walk into the debates with 50 cent rapping “Wankstas” like he is Mayweather ready to challenge Terrorists to a cage match. Obama will make a cameo appearance on TRL promoting his new Pop Single “Paris Hilton’s Jail House Love Affair” a duet with Mary J. Blige. Somebody slap me!!

I need my elected officials worried about U.S. and world Economics, not Gay Marriage. I need my elected officials to make quick decisions in times of crisis, not answer every question based on what the surveys say. I need my politicians to fight for justice, not revenge. I need my elected officials to improve health care and the quality of life, not bicker over Abortion, Church, Morality…I mean what a joke like any of these politicians have real Morality. I don’t care what you care about Democrats. I don’t care what you care about Republicans. I don’t care what you care about Terrorists. Because you have forgot the most basic of truths………you need to care what I care about first. And not based on a survey of Caucasian Middle Class Males in my age range who are married to minorities and listen to Hip-Hop music. This doesn’t work when you are dealing with living breathing human beings. Knowledge is Peace. Peace is Knowledge. When the Media crumbles so will your corruption. 1

What's The Reason?

2007-05-17T16:59:00.001-07:00

Why is it that every producer I talk to recently is so anti-Reason? I personally have been using this program for years now, and when combining budget with functionality believe it to be the best Bang-for-the-Buck in the Biz right now. I create almost all of my tracks mixing Reason with outside instrumentation and loops in Rewire Mode (a mode that allows Reason to be combined with your Pro-Tools Session via an invisible virtual snake) It adds far more functionality and room for creativity than 16 tracks on an MPC or Triton. Not to knock these amazing machines, which I use also, but why make your songs with one method? Every producer has there own personal opinion of what works best, most of it based on habit, and availability. This is just my opinion, based on conversations I have had with several producers in the last couple of months, and should only be considered factual information if you are a producer and musician of the same school as me.
How do producer’s opinions form? Gossip? I do know one thing for sure, nearly every producer I have spoken to about Propellerhead’s Reason has stated that the sounds are thin and the program is too complicated. Several of these producers later admitted to never using the program. Thin sounding and too complicated……….Makes sense if you run off of presets and don’t know much about signal flow……but then what kind of producer are you? I guess I’m sick and tired of producers who buy Bangin’ Dirty South, Timbaland and Dr. Dre kits for the MPC and walk and talk as if their drum kits are the best thing since sliced bread. Like they just got a call from Jay-Z for a beat they made yesterday (their second beat ever by the way). Like their beats knock so hard god opens the door to see who’s there. Come on…Try designing something unique and different sounding, some of my favorite dub records have very thin sounding drums which adds to their character. If you want thick, punchy, or trunk rattling drums, reason gives you the base and capability to design them, it just doesn’t pre package them for you.
People always misjudge what they do not understand. Reason’s creative platform is significantly different than the one used by any other software, and may be daunting at first. However, remember, just because Kanye West uses an MPC doesn’t mean you can’t make a Kanye beat using other hardware or software. Reason has samplers also, and synths, and drum machines, and matrix sequencers, and effects units, and a vocoder, and graintable synthesis, and the combinator, and Dr.Rex for loops, and a Mastering Suite, ReWire and much more. Learn what all of these do, and how to operate them properly, and Reason may not sound so thin anymore. Don’t forget you can also fatten up your tracks with Pro-Tools Plug-Ins in real time. Maybe Reason is just too much for some to handle. Maybe Not. I’ll sign out with this…………………..The practice of copying other producer’s style and creative process is slowly killing our music….believe your ears, not the Gossip! Peace and knowledge……….Bear the Astronot. If “The Source” and “XXL” jumped off of a cliff would you jump too?

The Artwork: An Opening Statement.

2007-05-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

(Cover Art for Turntable Kachina "Sound is Matter Vol.001" Wait until you see the "Cricket Songs Artwork"........AMAZING!!)

Ian Castruita and I started our friendship when we were both under 4 feet tall. Everyone has a friend that they did everything with, the only difference, I stayed in touch with mine. We were in the same class in school, and shared one thing in common, imagination. We built forts, drew pictures, and pretended we were ninjas. Neither one of us had a great grasp on reality, and maybe that is why we always got along so well……we created a world to suit our own liking.
It began when Ian invited me to his house, which was right across the street from our elementary school, to play Kaleico Vision one afternoon. We played “Popeye” for hours. At this time in the evolution of gaming Popeye was basically the same concept as Donkey Kong, a series of latters and angled shelves, and if you got past Bruto, a kiss from Olive Oil. We tried for hours to climb to the top without being barreled down in the process. Nothing much has changed. Except the barrels are bigger, and less relenting.
Ian was always an excellent artist. He would draw intricate designs of spaceships, flying skateboards, and magical weapons, that we would use to develop role playing games. I remember eating his parents’ excellent Menudo and Tamales, and losing hours of time trying to pass Legend of Zelda in record time, or defeat Mother Brain. I would bring over mixtapes I concocted by removing the commercials from radio shows on Power 92.3, and while they echoed in the background, Ian would draw up the blueprint to our plan. A secret plot to takeover the world.
Time warp…….and now it’s 2007. Both Ian and I are now over 4 feet tall, and I don’t know about him, but I still build forts, and swear to my son that I am a trained and skilled ninja. Ian, just like me, passes time at a day job to pay the bills. Both of us have been starving artists for years. Ian is an extremely skilled sketch artist, comic fanageler, and paint brush percolator (whatever that means.) I’ve been battling the beastly music industry for years, and finally have found the light at the end of the tunnel. Several albums ready to release this year, and guess who did the artwork for all of them, and all of my photography…my best friend…..Ian Castruita.
Rejection becomes part of an artist’s life. A good artist is often rejected over and over….fails time and time again, and has to find a way to create even while facing the intruding possibility that…..he/she may never make it. By make it I mean “Make A Living As An Artist,” not be the next tabloid in People Magazine. I always have a lingering feeling that Ian and I face this possibility together. That we travel in tandem, silently dodging the sharpened blade of the “Society Norm Samurai.” Whose blade can sever a man’s creativity and dreams in a split second………The killer of Art………but could he ever catch such well trained Ninja? Not in this story.
The artwork to an album is a story within itself. A glimpse into what the artist felt, how the artist looked, and where he was when he made the music. My story is a story of triumph, hard work, and struggle. The fight to make music, even when every aspect of society and principle of life has drilled me with the oft repeated “It’s too late! Why don’t you just make it a hobby?” Ian’s story is the same. But in the end, this artwork is a personal story; it is a story of friendship……one friend who banged on pots in the kitchen……one friend who drew on the walls….two friends who will continue to help each other far into the future. For more info check out Ian’s stuff blog which includes a link to his portfolio @ en-blog.blogspot.com Enjoy Earthlings.

HOPILAVAYI PROJECT

2007-04-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hopilavayi Project
Kykotsmovi, Arizona-- The Hopi language has always been an integral and vital part of Hopi culture. It is the wellspring of Hopi ceremonial life; it expresses kinship and clan relationships; it holds our people's history. It is the foundation of creative expression and cultural continuity that stretches back at least one thousand years. Currently, there are approximately 10,000 individuals enrolled in the Hopi Tribe. Approximately 11,000 people live on the Hopi Reservation in 12 independent villages. Here, the Hopi people maintain their tradition of dry farming, food preparation, ceremonial life, and storytelling in an ancient tongue.
In recent times, however, the continuity of that tradition has been threatened. In a variety of public forums and in private conversations, many Hopi people have expressed the fear that the younger generations were losing the ability to speak Hopi, and with it, the centuries-old heart of the Hopi way of life. In 1997, with a grant from the Administration for Native Americans, the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office conducted the Hopi Language Assessment Project (HLAP). The goal of the project was to quantify, fo rthe first time, the current status of Hopi language fluency in the community. This data was then used to develop a comprehensive plan for preserving the Hopi language.
The Hopi Language Education and Preservation Plan calls for a comprehensive, reservation-wide language instruction program. The survey results and community input show that the Hopi people believe that Hopi should be taught at home and in the villages by knowledgeable fluent speakers. They also want school-based programs for their children. They want assistance, training, and teaching materials so they can teach their own children and grandchildren how to speak Hopi. They want this home and village based instruction to be supported and reinforced by the educational system.
By developing, implementing, and evaluating pilot programs in different settings and among different ages, the Hopilavayi Project will give the community and school system the experience, resources and flexibility to design grassroots programs for language revitalization that fits their own needs.
For more details on the project, please contact the Hopilavayi Project at the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office, (520) 734-3754.

Turntable Kachina

2007-04-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Bear the Astronot is Turntable Kachina.........

February 12th, 1980 in the mountains of Flagstaff Arizona a child is born to Daniel Cole and Kathleen Gallagher. This child is named Running-Bear. He is called little "hoonaw" by the Hopi, and shash by the Navajo (Dine). He is raised beneath the towering ponderosa pines of Grand Canyon National Park. He spends many hours watching the sun (Hopi:Sun=Taawa) set throwing colors in some kind of Jackson Pollack fit across the jutting cliffs of the canyon, and many nights beneath the glowing moon (Hopi:Moon=Muuyaw) On nights such as these, as the Sun sleeps and the moon takes position midway in the sky, a symphony of crickets and nocturnal creatures join force with the wind and trees, and together they sing until morning. These sounds, the sounds of the canyon, were embedded in young Running-Bear's head.

Jet forward years into the future.......Bear is now the text book starving artist. Years of gigs, and nights spent commanding dance floors, have faded into ghost images across dimly lit photographs. He was a DJ when vinyl actually mattered, he began as an MC when Chuck "D" still mattered more than cough syrup. Stacked and cluttered in the corner of a tiny two bedroom apartment, Bear has built an operational project studio. Here he concocts a pulsing brew of Hip Hop, Electronic, and Future Rock tracks. The song of the canyon has been well muted by roaring combustion engines, electric buzzes, and the industrial static of the city. Now, Bear the Astronot, searches for meaning and peace in an alien world.

A night of deadlines complete, foraging through paperwork inventing release strategies for his new Hip Hop Album Cricket Songs, Bear the Astronot scratches his chin.....apparently he needs a shave. He asks himself, "Where am I" and as he does deep in mental reverb echoes a Talking Heads loop of "How did I get here." "How did I get here?" "How did I get here?" he asks himself. As he ponders, out of his peripheral vision a kachina appears as almost a slamming of particles and matter at that very moment. It stands in traditional dancing form, holding a well crafted wooden snake, casting a shadow across the turntable atop which it sits. He scans his surroundings. Dusty zig-zagging stacks of vinyl topped with the Hopi "Badger" Kachina. A "Mud Head" Kachina with cylinder eyes footed on the corner of a silver Korg Triton. A weathered Digi 001, on top of which sits a 2' "Snake dancer" and at it's feet a family heirloom "Thunderbird" necklace. The story goes that this necklace was made by Navajo's who after the long walk were given vinyl records by the U.S. government as gifts. These records were rendered useless because not many hogans have any source of electricity, probably zero hogans at this time. The Dine used these records to make jewelry, and sold them back to the biliguana's.

"This is how I got here," a voice whispers in his ear. It must have been the wind. Clear as the night sky over the Grand Canyon a name dances just like the traditional Kachina into his head. On that night tucked snugly into the dining room of a two bedroom apartment in Phoenix, Arizona "Turntable Kachina" is born.

The rest is legend.

SUN'S ATMOSPHERE SINGS

2007-04-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Astronomers have recorded heavenly music bellowed out by the Sun's atmosphere.
Snagging orchestra seats for this solar symphony would be fruitless, however, as the frequency of the sound waves is below the human hearing threshold. While humans can make out sounds between 20 and 20,000 hertz, the solar sound waves are on the order of milli-hertz--a thousandth of a hertz.
The study, presented this week at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting in Lancashire, England, reveals that the looping magnetic fields along the Sun's outer regions, called the corona, carry magnetic sound waves in a similar manner to musical instruments such as guitars or pipe organs.
Making music
Robertus von Fay-Siebenburgen of the Solar Physics and Space Plasma Research Center at the University of Sheffield and his colleagues combined information gleaned from sun-orbiting satellites with theoretical models of solar processes, such as coronal mass ejections.
They found that explosive events at the Sun's surface appear to trigger acoustic waves that bounce back and forth between both ends of the loops, a phenomenon known as a standing wave.
"These magnetic loops are analogous to a simple guitar string," von Fay-Siebenburgen explained. "If you pluck a guitar string, you will hear the music."
In the cosmic equivalent of a guitar pick, so-called microflares at the base of loops could be plucking the magnetic loops and setting the sound waves in motion, the researchers speculate. While solar flares are the largest explosions in the solar system, microflares are a million times smaller but much more frequent; both phenomena are now thought to funnel heat into the Sun's outer atmosphere.
The acoustic waves can be extremely energetic, reaching heights of tens of miles, and can travel at rapid speeds of 45,000 to 90,000 miles per hour. "These [explosions] release energy equivalent to millions of hydrogen bombs," von Fay-Siebenburgen said.
"These energies are plucking these magnetic strings or standing pipes, which set up standing waves--exactly the same waves you see on a guitar string," von Fay-Siebenburgen told SPACE.com. The "sound booms" decay to silence in less than an hour, dissipating in the hot solar corona.
Solar physics
The musical finding could help explain why the Sun's corona is so hot.
While the Sun's surface is a steamy 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5,538 degrees Celsius), plasma gas in the corona soars to more than 100 times hotter.
"How can the atmosphere above the surface of the Sun be hotter if nuclear fusion happens inside the Sun?" von Fay-Siebenburgen said. If astronomers can get a clearer picture of what's going on inside these magnetic loops in the Sun's atmosphere, they have a better chance of finding the answer.
Another recent study using images from Hinode's telescope revealed twisted magnetic fields along the Sun's surface, which store huge amounts of energy. The magnetic fields can snap like a rubber band; when they do, they might release energy that could heat up the corona or power solar eruptions and coronal mass ejections, the researchers say.

The Underground Mentality Part II

2007-04-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

There it is, the treacherous choke hold, inevitable quip of the "Underground Music Snob." The grasping rebel consciousness that turns hours of jaded rhetoric in to some stance to topple the "Giant" man. In my opinion turning actual success as a musician into some kind of open wound where the fans who loved and got you there, will cauterize and screw you. I will do my best to bring this epidemic to light....being a text book "Underground Music Snob" myself.

You can almost smell the flesh bubbling and searing as a young woman in a Neko Case T-shirt throws 12" vinyl sleeves at a barbecued carcass. She wipes the soot from her coke bottle thick glasses, and yells in tongues something profound. Something prophetically high school kid"Deep, man," that if translated would refer to the death of "Clear Channel Radio" and "MTV Devils!" The ever classic burning at the stake of so called "Sell Outs."

Let us start here. Music does not matter to everyone. Some people spend their whole life collecting stamps. Spreading protective pages over a perfectly perforated portrait of Abraham Lincoln or a rare Bald Eagle holding the Alabama State Flag. To these people stamps are art. To these people stamps should last forever. To these people no stamp will ever top the rare 1959 Frank Sinatra tribute which was only printed 250 times by an antique press in Winchester, North Virginia. These people are "Stamp Snobs." I'm not. I find the cheapest stamp I can, barely look at the front, lick the back, and send it off to a bill collector. Stamps don't matter to me.

Sadly, good music doesn't matter to more people than you would think.

Average people are not music fans, they are consumers. They buy that new album they saw in a magazine add, play the single over and over, and maybe skim the rest of the album once or twice before they get the new "Kelly Clarkson" for their birthday. I mean Kelly Clarkson must be what music is about, America chose her to be the next American Idol...Right? Some people actually fall for that bullshit."
Not the "Underground Music Snob." This almost extinct breed spends hours fingering dusty CD shelves in Independent Record Stores for that one thing that is the complete opposite of what is popular. They separate and question record store clerks, in bad cop movie fashion, if there are any new releases on the obscure 2 person Norwegian Death Metal label "Sodima-nation" based in Chicago (believe me....I used to be one of these record store clerks) The "Underground Music Snob," is often sucked into oblivion despite starting this obsession with completely good intentions, and starts to judge music on how obscure and different it is, instead of how GOOD.

When have "Underground Music Snobs" gone too far?

Is when they disown the band that they reared from birth, the group that they saw 5 times in one year at a local bar, because they got a spread in "Billboard Magazine?" Or is it when they splatter emails and blogs hatefully across the infinite reaches of the internet, condemning a great and talented musician, for releasing a new single produced by, god forbid, "Kanye West." I am guilty of both.
Hello, my name is Bear the Astronot, and I am an "Underground Music Snob." How scary is that, when you are an "Underground Musician" as well?

MUSIC SAVED MY LIFE

2007-04-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Music Saved My Life, It's dreamy escapes reminded me I had life within me, MUS-I-CAL-Lee

Joy-e-full-ee, Me.

Music Saved My Life, I spun downward like oil drilling megolomaniacs never striking anything striking anything similar to Life. LIFE-LESS

Living among the LIFE-LESS.

Music Saved MY Life, from me the worst part of every song that contorts frequencies into my regrets of me choosing waved, forms, of dragon breasted bottom feed. boom-bip-boom-bat

Music-Boom Saved-Bip My-Boom Life-Bat, it pounded out a puzzled trail to heaven in the fleeing.

I remember now my Boom Box entoxicated dreaming, lonely nights riding rhodes to nowhere but up. Music is in the SEA-ING.

Music Saved My Life, from drug addled limps to Circle K for cigarettes and coffee. From car crash cymbal crashes, BASH-BAM-BASH Head Gash Bullet shots. Snare CRACK!!!!

SAVED ME!

Music Saved My Life from SEE-ING and FEEL-ING.

Mus-i-cal-leeJoy-e-full-eeMe.

Music-Boom Saved-Bip My-Boom Life-Bat.

Boom-Bip-Boom-Snare Crack!

The Underground Mentality

2007-04-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Let's face it Underground Music is being fed to our kids as a hip alternative to popular music culture. The problem with this Underground Music Mentality is that what is being pushed as Underground is actually Alternative. I know Hip Hop Heroes such as Atmosphere's Slug, Sage Francis, and El-P sometimes shy away from the label of Alternative Hip Hop, but that's what it is, and an excellent alternative at that. Underground Musicians are not going on European Tours. Underground Musicians are not selling 100,000 units. Underground musicians are not necessarily different than what you hear on the radio. Underground musicians are musicians that not many people have heard of, that do not have a large skale budget, and are not ever-ever-ever reviewed in Rolling Stone Magazine. Some Underground musicians are sold at local record stores, and treck in vans on week long regional tours. Some Underground musicians have 20,000 friends on myspace.

Alternative Music is what hip kids with angled hair cuts and skull T-shirts should be saying they listen to, not Underground. The Label Alternative has been utterly mangled however over the years. If a rock band were to say they were alternative kids would probably be waiting for Kurt Cobain esque vocal throbbings and text book drum rolls and chord signatures. Maybe it's time to drop the Underground Label. Maybe it's time to drop the Alternative monachre. I've never been a fan of the term experimental. We could label ourselves Indie, but really....what the f(*& does that mean. There are independent artists and labels pumping out commercial music every hour......They aren't Underground or Alternative or by any means experimental.....so what are they....Almost major label artists? Should Indie 911 and Broadjam have a genre specific Almost major label artist section? The only other choice is to mark yourself "other" which will never get your music looked at.................Anyone have a good term for Underground Independent artists that make alternative music to the main stream but do not want to be labeled experimental or other? I'd like to find one........Peace and Knowledge......Bear the Astronot.

Bear the Astronot "Cricket Songs"

2007-04-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

Bear the Astronot's first solo album "Cricket Songs" is getting set for release. The album is a fresh new take on Hip-Hop, Rock, and Electronic sounds. An eclectic mix of straight forward Hip Hop Head Nodders, Hybrid Thrashing Head Bangers, and Subtle Spoken Mind Openers. "Cricket Songs" tackles large world issues like War, Economics, Democracy, Equality, and Political Injustice in an almost "Chuck D" fashion. Mixed throughout the everyday themes of love, aging, and relationships are brought cleverly into a new light through The Astronot's educated and rhythmic word play. The entire album was written, produced, performed, recorded, and mixed by Bear the Astronot himself. This makes it one of the few Hip Hop projects I have ever heard that feels almost like a "Singer-Song Writer" album. The Astronot's music is emotional and revealing, almost to a fault.
Upbeat and hypnotically danceable tracks such as "Things" "Get Back", and "Phoenix Arizona Hot" will keep your neck snapping and torso swaying, while "Hope You Brought Your Floaties", "Earth Goggles", and "God's Gifts" pound your senses and test your view of the world around you. Bear's flow is well controlled and rhythmic, and his singing voice is a perfect complement. Need a sweet song to sing your girlfriend "Good Man To Ya" fits the bill, and is reminicent of a sweet and well worded Common track. Just left a bad relationship "Breaking Up Is Fun to Do" is a perfect soundtrack for throwing an X's clothes off the balcony. "Broken Bottles" is a very strong and revealing track about the trials and tribulations of Alcoholism, and rides a very well produced Epic Orchestral Tear Jerking Beat. The title influencing track "The Cricket" is a dark ride through the mind of Bear the Astronot himself, and one of the most original hip hop tracks I have heard...well ever. Mix in Punk Rock Hybrids like "Revolution Starts Now" the Beck vs. Nirvana twist of "So Cliche" end it with a coming of age masterpiece "Action Hero" and you've got one of the most interesting albums I've heard in years.....and a solid musical album as well!
The production is fresh and eclectic, the rhymes are educated and original, and the song writing is amazing even if compared to non Hip Hop projects. Not something "Lil Jon" or "G-Unit" fans will be running out to buy, but maybe something that Mos Def, Bloc Party, NoFx, Andre 3000, and Public Enemy fans will have in common. Hip Hop has left the inner cities, escaped the suburbs, and shot through the cosmos into outer space....Bear the Astronot is bouncing it back. I'd recommend you get a copy once this album is released.

by:Michael Patrick