Interview with Blackasaurus Rex
So who exactly is Blackasaurus Rex? Where does the alias come from?
Man, I actually have no idea. I think it was during a drunken freestyle rap session, when I kept referring my self as Blackasaurus Rex. I think that’s when it stuck.
Age? Name? Care to disclose any info? Any other hobbies, jobs etc.?
I’m Luis Queral, I’m 18, and I’ll be attending UMBC as a freshman in about 5 days. I’m Cuban-American and speak Spanish pretty well. I own a website/clothing company called Happyfood (http://wherefoodishappy.com), and I also work as a tennis instructor. I’ve been playing drums for 6 years and currently play in my band The Breaks (http://myspace.com/thebreaksmd)
How did you get into mashups and how long have you been doing it?
I’ve been doing music stuff on the computer, whether it be recording or whatever since I was like in 7th grade. As far as mash-ups go I went to a Girl Talk concert and was kind of disappointed, so I decided to really focus on my own music a lot more.
Software? Hardware?
Fruity Loops, Ableton Live 8, Adobe Audition, NI Battery, and shitty midi keyboard. Occasionally I record my own drum samples with cassettes for that gritty Wu-Tang sound.
What inspires you? Favorite artists?
Fredrick Chopin, Anton Dvorák, Redman, Miles Davis, Hampton Hawes, Frank Zappa, Steely Dan.
Do you like to listen to other mashups or do you just enjoy making them? Favorite mashup artists?
I really don’t like listening to other mashups that much only because when they use a sample that I like I just get really disappointed and start drinking.
Explain your process of mashing…where do you get ideas? How do you choose songs?
I have a playlist called Mashup Victims. Slowly but surely songs I feel like would be good for mashing up end up there. That makes it easier.
Is there any specific reason why your mashups are just one-on-ones?
Girl Talk can get really annoying. No replay value at all. Listening to Feed the Animals is like watching Beverly Hills Cop III all day. It’s a great fucking movie, but the jokes get old. I just wanted to do something really chill not necessarily something to dance to. You know, something to listen to while hanging out.
Do you plan to move onto more than two songs per track?
Yes.
Is there any type of music/specific artists or songs that you won’t touch?
The Beatles. They can’t even be covered in my opinion. The Across the Universe soundtrack was just awful.
What is playing live like? Do you prefer it?
Playing live is fun. It really is. I’ve played tons of house parties, and seeing people dig my music or say “Is this you?” is pretty satisfying.
How much time do you spend on your music? What are you doing in your free time?
Well, I generally come in at least fifteen minutes late, and after that I just stare at my desk; but it looks like I’m working. I do that for probably another hour after lunch, too. I’d say in a given week I probably only do about fifteen minutes of real, actual, work.
Favorite song you have made?
I made this one mashup mixing Biggie Smalls and the theme song for My Little Pony. I’m going to actually finish it and release it sometime soon. It’s great.
Tips for aspiring mashup artists? Or tips on how to get started?
Be patient. Be very patient. Don’t listen to mashup artists for ‘inspiration’, you end up just trying to copy them.
Plans for the future? Any goals? What can we look forward to?
I want to beat Ocarina of Time before my freshman year of college.
Any hints on your next album? What do you have in the works?
Hints? Man I can’t tell you that shit yet. Try again in a couple of weeks.
Favorite pizza topping? Favorite candy? Favorite Color?
Sausage and Pep. Fruit Roll ups. And I like earth tones like brown and green.
|
No Comments