CUSP Magazine: Winter Issue 2014

Considering that we weren’t locals and that we entered this venue as relative unknowns in the LA
scene, our performance was wholly embraced by the crowd, and the humility and supportiveness of the
resident artists was only surpassed by the pure, unbridled creativity exhibited in their sets.
A personal highlight was The Gaslamp Killer, whose chaotic, commanding presence onstage belied
his laid back, approachable demeanor off stage.
Chicago, and the midwest in general, has a burgeoning beat scene of its own; collectives like Push
Beats in Chicago and Young Heavy Souls in Detroit have been carrying the torch for the various sub-genres
of hip-hop for some time now. As a midwesterner, I took several cues from the West Coast excursion and
thought of how we as musicians could apply what I saw out there to our respective independent music
scenes.
In essence, I think growth at home lies in emphasizing a sense of community at events, where artists
support and celebrate each other, and fans are encouraged to contribute and be made to feel that they
are involved, not just attendees.
CUSP MAGAZINE WINTER ’14 ISSUE
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