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  Candle Wax Interview
interview 0327 added 16.08.05 words: The Last Skeptik
technical:
QED
In the second part of the
D.C hiphop scene interviews,
The Last Skeptik
caught up with Blake 9 from CandleWax Records – a label on the
come up having just released the successful new 12” from
Nine:Fifteen (Blake9 with Comel from the Time Machine crew).
Future releases featuring heads like Count Bass D, and touring
galore, things are looking good for this indie label on the
rise…
For those that don’t know, tell the
people about Candlewax records…
 Candlewax Records is a label I started in 2003 after having
already released three records on my previous label, Irish
CarBomb Music. Current events that involved terrorism influenced
and down right discouraged me from using that name. I didn’t
want to draw any attention for the wrong reasons. Little did
people know that I was referring to the drink, an “Irish car
bomb”. I just got tired of explaining it to people. So, I
decided to discontinue releasing music using the Irish CarBomb
label. I released three seven-inch records from 2001 to 2003 off
of ICB. The first release being a record I did with Comel of
Time Machine and Pasha da eMCee. People really seemed to like
what we did on that record and it lead to us licensing both
tracks “Say What” and the accapella for “Nah” to UK label Puma
Strut. The second record released on ICB was on green vinyl and
was solely produced and written by Jaysonic of Time Machine. I
did some cuts and mastered it as best I knew how at that point
in time. Funny thing with that record was that it was released
just after 9/11. Not only was it on Irish CarBomb, but also had
a track on it called “Apple Pie”, referring to things American,
from a very real perspective. “Flume” also appears on the “Time
Machine” Radio CD that was just released in June.
Looking at the releases, you stay
fairly in-house with regard to collaborations, is this something
you intentionally?
I think this is something I do out of comfort, rather than
intention more than anything. One thing I’ve been very lucky
with in this game is the friendships I’ve established through
people I’m working with. We just happen to do some business
together as well. Even up to our most current release, I did it
with a good friend of Mad Squirrel, from Bay Area crew Forrest
Fires Collective. It was the same situation, friends making
music. I think that they know I have the best intentions in mind
for them and vice versa.
“...One thing
I’ve been very lucky with in this game is the friendships I’ve
established through people I’m working with...”
Listening through the Olive Green and
Nine:Fifteen tracks, there seems to be a real nice breaks
orientated vibe from the label. What other label would you say
you currently most respect for releasing music on this similar
wholesome hiphop tip?
Personally, I love the [breaks orientated] sound and really feel
it’s the foundation of hip hop music. On a more personal note, I
feel that practicing fundamentally good hip hop is a way to
progress. I eventually want to encompass a progressive sound. As
far as other labels, I’d say Stones Throw, Rhymesayers, Tres,
Galapagos4, Glow-in-the-Dark, are all examples. I like what
Kanye West is doing as well.
Whats next on the horizon for Candlewax?
On the business end, I’m working on marketing and promotion to
gain some exposure for our existing releases. The Nine:Fifteen
“Deluxe Laminated” 12-inch and our newly released Acorns
“Dropping From The Trees” CD. Initially both releases did well,
but we’re trying to get rid of the remaining hundred copies or
so. As far as on the music side, we’re in the final stages of
negotiation with Count Bass D. right now for a 12-inch release.
He’s already got two beats of mine he wants to write to. I’d
also like to do a mix cd for my own sanity as I see myself
having less time lately for the turntables. Comel is actually
going to be in Washington DC this weekend and we’ll be recording
for the 3rd Nine:Fiften 12-inch. We have a show in town. We’re
also working on a fall tour with Galapagos4. Nine:Fifteen will
be joining them for five dates in California.
“…we’re
in the final stages of negotiation with Count Bass D right now
for a 12-inch release...”
I spoke to Head Roc, who explained that
the D.C hiphop scene is flourishing. How does the rest of the
U.S receive D.C hiphop, and what do you think is the reason
behind it remaining fairly underground?
 There is a lot of talent here in Washington DC. There are a lot
of people out grinding for a name regionally. Some have been at
it much longer than others. In reference to Head Roc, he was in
one of the first groups formed here in DC: 3LG. Each member of
that group has moved on, but they are still doing their
respective thing in music around the area. Not to mention
Heady’s involvement with the Infinite Loop. Another group that I
have to acknowledge is Team Demolition. They were one of the
first crews to have vinyl out. That was as early as 96 or 97.
Almost 10 years ago! I came up in the 97 era of DC hip hop. I
see all the new folks and have knowledge of what they are doing
out there and encourage them to continue. I also respect our
“old school” folks that have been doing it for years before me
and I am thankful for what they have done for the scene before I
was involved. As far as the scene remaining relatively
underground, I think it has a lot to do with our immediate
“music industry” outlet. It’s non existent on a commercial
level. DC has a respectable entertainment industry. However, our
musical outlet is limited in comparison to LA or NYC where major
labels and a healthy independent music scene exists. Our Do It
Yourselfer’s have yet to achieve the same success as the
D.I.Y.er’s on the west coast.
As a producer who are you most
influenced by?
My influences are definitely my surroundings and musical tastes
as a kid growing up. Like most DJ’s, I listened to my dad’s
LP’s. His collection consisted of mainly Classic Rock, Jazz and
Motown. As far as producing hip hop beats goes, Madlib is
someone I would like to reference. I think he ultimately is
where I would like to be, as far as production. He’s got a very
classic sound, yet it’s extremely progressive. I like what Thes
One is doing right now as well. Also, I’m really enjoying what
Mek (the dj for Time Machine) is coming up with. Being friends
with Jaysonic and Comel for the past five years I’ve heard a lot
of Mek Beats. I love seeing where he was then, to where he’s at
now. He’s made an awesome progression with his music.
What is D.C like for crate digging? I
heard they have a healthy amount of thrift stores…
I’ve only tapped into the thrift store resources on occasion and
try to go when I really have time to go through all the records.
There’s a spot around the corner from my house called Orpheus
Records. The owner of that store has been in business, I’m
guessing 30 years or more. He’s got some really rare and
eclectic selection as well as your more common breaks and such.
I can go in there and within five minutes have found 3-4 records
that look interesting. The only problem with his shop, for me,
is he doesn’t let people bring in portables. Also, that he knows
his records very well and what they are worth. So, he can be
pretty pricy sometimes. If you end up going in there a good
amount and he you’re your face a few times a month, he’ll cut
you a break. I usually get a lot of my records while I’m
traveling though.
How attached are you to your SP1200?
Very. Up until very recently, that was the only machine I was
using. I was programming and sequencing solely on that machine,
recording straight from the SP1200 into my 8 track.
Is there plans for a Nine:Fifteen
album?
There has been some talk about it. Our process has been slowed a
bit because of Comel’s involvement with Time Machine, but he’s
mentioned to me on several occasions that we should work towards
an LP.
Lay down your shouts …
I like to shout out The Last Skeptik and UKHH.com for the
interview, My family, My girlfriend Rachel, the Candlewax
Records crew, everyone in the Time Machine mansion, Comel,
Jaysonic, Mek and Stoerok. My webmaster, designer, artist, Radel
Esca and Echelon Productions, designer and artist, Front
Strange, Mad Squirrel, Nine:Fifteen, The Acorns and everyone
that was involved with any of our projects. Everyone that has
been supportive. As well as anyone that has been involved in
some way or another. Kudos Records thanks for getting our
records out in the UK. Most importantly our fans and those who
know!
-
The Last Skeptik
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