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We recently got a chance to rap a taste with a photographer from the nation’s capital, Lady Glock. Listen to the exclusive audio interview here.
Also check out her blog and website
Popularity: 93% [?]
Posts Tagged ‘DC’
October2
ABB-Video
B. Summers
I recently got a tip about a skilled, up and coming videographer in the DMV area, and since we here at The Wall consider film an art, we obviously had to interview him. We talked about his non-traditional route to higher education and what his plans are along that road. Here is what Andre Banks, creator of ABB video had to say.
The Wall Magazine (TWM): How old are you?
Andre Banks: 24
TWM: Where are you from?
Andre Banks : Woodbridge , VA
TWM: Did you go to school? What School?
Andre Banks: Graduated from Hylton High School in 2001. Was lost in the world for a few years, and then enrolled into Marymount University , where I currently study Information Systems, minor in business. My graduation date is unknown… LOL… I just go…
TWM: When did you get into video/ Why?
Andre Banks: I got into video production in my Sophmore year in High School when I signed up for Intro to TV Productions, and thought it was a “fly by” class. Once enrolled, I learned that I would not see the studio until the following year. So after sitting in a classroom for a year, there was no way I was going to back out now. So I continued onto TV 1 my Junior year. Got my hands on a lot of different positions., but never really took liking to a specific position. Going into my senior year I took TV 2 we as students had a lot more control over what we did. At Hylton , our morning announcements were televised so that’s when I had the first chance to shine behind the scenes. I was running audio that morning and choose to run a “go-go” track. Early that morning I told all my homies to get into class early, im bout to play some “crank” during the show. They didn’t believe me. Once them credits hit, I played a rocking @ss Smoke from NEG solo. After first period, folks was like, Damn Dre , you really did it. At that moment I realized how much behind the scenes effect people. Sidenote .. my friends were actually in class on time anticipating that crank. LOL… After that, It was on.
Fast forward a few years, during my “lost” time, I fell completely out of the mix with not knowing what to do with my life. Pretty much working retail jobs and bs’ing with my homies . It was when my homies created a music group called UNVA, is when I started editing again. Since I have no rhythm at all ( lol ) or can put together lyrics I went with what I knew. Video Producing. From there, I picked up a miniDV cam and started making small projects with them. One project lead to another.
TWM: Do you have any favorite directors?
Andre Banks: Unfortunately I do not have any “mainstream” favorite directors, but Rik Cordero from THREE21 Media is one sick underground director. I have always enjoyed watching his projects unfold. So Rik if your reading this, lets link.
TWM: What are your goals in video? Any full length movies on the way?
Andre Banks: My main goal as a video producer is to create powerful short form projects for local DMV music artists. I want to expose the grind of our artists in a professional manner that can easily play ball with something that you may see on TV. I just want to be an outlet for these artists and let them know they can get quality work from a local dude on the grind just like them.
TWM: What has been the best experience for you in video production?
Andre Banks: Learning how to “GRIND”. Having an understanding of what you put in is what you get out. I know it may sound like advice, but I feel its an experience.
TWM: As an aspiring video production artist, what advice can you give to others soon to be in your position?
Andre Banks: Don’t just knock on doors, knock them $hits down. Build relationships. Make it be know “you out here.” Even though as a video producer you play behind the scenes, always be humble.
TWM: TWM has noticed that there is what we like to call a DC Renaissance going on with the music of Raheem DeVaughn, Wale, the Go-go band Mumbo Sauce, and even the art of Demont Picasso, what do you feel your part (if any) is in all of the commotion?
Andre Banks: It kind of funny that you asked this question. Everybody you just named plays their part. Raheem DeVaughn one sick R&B music artists. Wale, dope MC. Mumbo Sauce – “I believe in Miracles” Demont Picasso – “paint me a picture”: You have your solo artists, band, and an artist/designer, but you did not name anyone to capture the moment. I think you know where this is going. LOL
TWM: If there is any message you are trying to get across in your videos, what is it?
Andre Banks: Unfortunately I do not have a message that I am trying to get across in my work, but just to let folks know someone in your backyard is on the grind just like you.
EXTRA:
Currently working with UNVA local music group on various projects
Currently working with J.F.K. & the Yung Boss’ with ongoing projects
Pretty Diverse Portfolio to not be a film major
Producing my own series entitled “District Fresh” to highlight local boutiques and music artists
Website – www.abb-video.com
I give out my AIM to everyone – dre3362
Thanks to Andre for sitting down with us.
Popularity: 11% [?]
B. Summers
For the D.C., Maryland, Virginia, metropolitan area (DMV), good rappers are hardly a dime-a-dozen. This is not the result of a lack of talent in the metro area; instead, it is in my opinion, due to the DMV’s beloved Go-Go. Go-Go is a subculture of the Hip-hop culture. In fact, today’s Go-Go music consists of recycled raps and song lyrics over a live band’s beat tempo, which moderately resembles the original song.
The problem with the metro area’s unique musical genre is that the standards for membership in these bands aren’t very high. All you actually need to make a band, as far as vocalists and rappers go, is knowledge of popular song lyrics and maybe a trendy scratchy voice. For singers, you just have to attempt to hold a note.
Now the way the band sounds collectively doesn’t have a lot to do with the reason why the DMV doesn’t have a lot of rap stars, although, the individual sound of the aspiring rappers does. The standards are so low, that anybody and everybody who wants to rap does just that.
Recently, a few rising stars have shinned their way out of the category sub-par. Artists like R&B singer, Raheem DeVaughn, and rapper, Wale are now creating a new precedent for aspiring metro area artists. And don’t assume that these guys are getting their fame by “selling out” and loosing their DMV swag. They are actually using their love for Go-Go to gain exposure for themselves, as well as the metro area. With songs that either collaborate or point out the metro area trends like the Wale song Nike Boots , these artist bring a positive light to “The Area.”
They are proving that Go-Go is a gift and a curse. In my opinion, for every eight to 10 Go-Go bands, there is one good rapper and singer, and for maybe every 20 bands there is one great rapper and singer. But once in a lifetime there is a Wale, at least in my lifetime.
Popularity: 7% [?]
