What's in my bag? Amoeba Series

 

Video link

Ok, so I grew up going to record stores. Rasputins, Leopolds, Tower, Virgin, The Warehouse, and Amoeba is and was my favorite. In high school I used to walk from Berkeley high at lunch and use my lunch money to buy 99c or $5 hip hop records. I loved and still love getting new records, spending time with them, and just listening. 

I love this episode with Santigold! This "What's In My Bag?" series is old, but I love how they keep reinventing it by interviewing new and older artists. Case in point, have you listened to any of these episodes like:

Kaytranada

Yuna 

Big Boi 

The Internet

Little Dragon

Karriem Riggins/ DJ Jrocc (Beatjunkies)

Kamasi Washington

Ibeyi

Thundercat

Dig this? Peep the last post I did about Jazz-Stuff I've been listening to

Sunset Needle - Music Inspired

Here's a new one in the music inspired series. Sunset needle. Get a print HERE.

This is a series of artwork including type, portraits, and paintings that are inspired by music and musicians. If you're an avid fan of any genre of music I hope you make you smile. I definitely love making them. 

If you missed the last one I made check it out here: 45's record adaptors 

 

45's - Music Inspired

 

Saw a design in an hgtv magazine and got inspired to make this. Two 45 adapter's for that music lover in you, your partner, or best friend. Look out for post cards of this image coming soon. 

BUY A PRINT HERE

Did you catch the painting of a Shekere? 

Here's a little more info:

This one is for the music lovers. It doesn't matter which genre, as long as music is something you can't get through the day without. Could be for musicians or the fans. The image represents two 45 adapters. These adapters are used to secure and play 45 rpm records. I chose these colors because they are complementary and I love the color the overlay of them creates. check out some of my other "Music Inspired" drawings and paintings.

Character Collage (7) 2017-2018

Here is my 7th annual collage of character's, this time with some typography that I felt went with the feeling. For this year I wanted to go with a theme for once and might play with that again. The theme? Analog sound! I wanted to remember what it was like as a kid to listen to hip hop, soul, jazz, funk, etc. And I'm also thinking of young kids and parents trying to introduce their kids to music.

1. Digging- Young sis digging for 45's 2. Youth Sound-Sis wearing the headphones 3. Walkman-Turn up the bass boost 4. Boombox-Tapes & the box 5. Play that Beat - type! 6. Percussion-Drum & banner 7. Headphones - meditate w/ sound 8. Listening- next to the record player 9.  VINYL - Type 10. Dad's - who dig 11. Stereo-Remember this? 12. Turn it up!-Type 13. Lyrics - still matter 14. Speakers -Paying dues 

You can see the previous years here too: 

2016-2017

2015-2016

2014-2015

2013-2014

2012-2013

2009-2012

If you are interested in more information about any of the characters or type in particular, or a print just email me at info@robdontstop.com

Character 145 - Dad's who dig

This one is for my Dads or fathers who dig, especially my vinyl junkies. I took my son to the record store a few times and although he wasn't as excited as I was, I'm happy I got to do that. I will leave my records for him one day. Is there a record that comes to mind when you first started digging? Did your parents take you to look for music at record store, swap meet, convention, or thrift store? Who is a dad you know of that still digs? You want a print of this?

The LP the dad is holding is a remix of the record "TAXI" by Sly & Robbie; a record I grew up hearing in the house.

Character 144 - Stereo

How many of you had a stacked stereo system like this in your home growing up? Mine was similar to this, with a turntable for playing records, a cassette deck, and an amplifier. Parents had an eclectic record collection underneath too. What was your favorite to listen to from your parents collection of music (cd, tape, or vinyl)? 

Character 142 - Digging for 45's

Everyone digs and digging just means falling down the rabbit hole or looking for more of an item , topic, or feeling. This is of a very young lady digging for records, specifically 45's. You know, those small 7" records that usually have one song on each side. Singles! I used to dig for records. In fact, I started leaving my high school at lunchtime to go dig at Amoeba and Rasputin's in Berkeley around the age of 15. I'd usually dig because I didn't have much to spend and the deals or bargains were sometimes hard to find. When is the last time you went digging? For records, shoes, toys, heels, an insurance agent?

Type Musical 8 - Vinyl

I grew up with records, and I hope that my son will remember me playing them. Some of the first records I remember were in my parents house. Sade, MDK, Public Enemy, The Clash, Fela Kuti, Steel Pulse, an odd mix. The first record I ever purchased with my own money was "Bus Stops" by the Nonce (I'd purchased tapes up until that point). What was your first vinyl record? 

Character 139 - Listening

Did you ever fall asleep to a favorite record or album? Or was it a mix? I can remember spending hours listening to music; pouring over the liner notes. This is a tribute to those long nights listening to records, tapes, cd's, and mp3s. I made this last year as a way to celebrate analog music and feel like it fits perfect with record store day. Keep listening....

Want a print of this image?

Record Store Day - Furqan spread

Where all my father's that dig at? This is a scene from my book Furqan's First Flat Top. Had to put that in the book because I love music and records. I grew up with them and I plan to pass them on to my son some day.

Just wanted to remind folks that its record store day and to go support your local record store by buying vinyl, tapes, cd's whatever you can still play in your home or car. If you're in the Bay Area here are some spots I recommend:

Amoeba Records - Berkeley & SF
Down Home Records - El Cerrito
Green Apple Books - SF
Grooves- SF
Half Price Books - Berkeley
Park Blvd Records & Tapes- Oakland
Rasputin's- Fairfield & Berkeley
Streetlight Records- San Jose

(Video) samples from 93 Til Infinity

The whole series is dope, so grab a chair and listen to the many artists who influenced your favorite albums.

"Play with Records" Poster

Your parents played with records, you should too. And while you're at it, introduce your kids and the kids around you to records. Just made a poster with this artwork which you can cop HERE. Look out for more merch for the Etsy shop.

Muphoric Sounds 44 - Curtis Mayfield (In the trunk)

It has been awhile since I did an "IN THE TRUNK" piece for Muphoric Sounds. If you have not heard this song by Curtis Mayfield I highly suggest you go on over to Muphoric Sounds : LINK

and listen to it. 

For those unaware, I have been writing as a contributing editor to Muphoric Sounds (a contemporary and old school music blog) since 2010 or 2009. It is a passion project for me because I love music, and the Chief editor Vanessa gave me a shot to write about old records I like. Please go there and listen to some of them. And if you're a beat maker/producer definitely download those songs and use them! Hopefully they inspire some new sounds. Share and support good music. I also write a series there called "PRESS REWIND" about old beats. Tune in.