If you are a Disco Biscuits fan, or at least attended Camp Bisco 8 this past summer, you are probably familiar with the name Two Fresh. The trio took the stage between Pretty Lights and Sound Tribe Sector 9 in the early hours of day 2 at Camp Bisco for a 7,000+ crowd at the tent stage. As the smooth, electronic beats and live drums melodically pumped through the tent, the crowd was instantly gratified. Weeks later, coming off their explosive performance, they dropped their first album “The Bakers Dozen” with the help of Sound Tribe Sector 9’s own 1320 Records. The album truly is a classic baker’s dozen, serving up 13 tracks of masterfully blended jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop with stunning synth chords and swagger friendly bass sections. Following the release, Two Fresh joined the Disco Biscuits during September of this year’s heavy Biscuits fall tour. It’s safe to say that Two Fresh is on the move with no intention of slowing down anytime soon.
In just a day from now, with the arrival of STS9 at the House of Blues in Boston, comes the notorious STS9 afterparty. Who is joining them in Boston? ESKMO and, yes, Two Fresh. JMP live is bringing Boston one hell of a banger at Rise, located on 306 Stuart Street. With state of the art lights and a booming sound system, this venue caters to the live electronic music scene. STS9, Eskmo and Two Fresh are bound to blow the roof off this place, so DON’T miss out.
Although it’s been just over a month since being signed to 1320 records, these guys are making Paul Bunyon strides. I was able to get in touch with them this past weekend, and to say they are in their element just doesn’t cut it. With a recent 500+ turn out in Baton Rouge, LA, a place not ventured by Two Fresh before, their positive vibes were pouring through my computer screen while reading the responses to my questions. I wish I could put their experiences into words but I will let the interviews do the talking.
First up, drummer Colby Buckler:
1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING THE DRUMS?
My grandfather played drums and got my dad started up when he was three and my dad did the same with me. Got me started in alot of jazz and eventualy evolved into many other styles.
2. WHEN YOU AREN’T PLAYING DRUMS FOR TWO FRESH, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO USUALLY PLAY?
When i get a chance to play by myself i usually play breakbeats and alot of fast paced stuff. I play a very wide variety of styles not easily put into a category. I just play what im feelin at the time. I try to work my rudiments as much as possible.
3. WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
I stumbled upon Breakscience with adam deitch at trinumeral this year an was blown away. Been checking out alot of adams stuff since then, his style is really unique. Dennis Chambers has also been a big influence of mine since i was little. Johnny Rabb is also a huge influence. My old drum teacher taught him the hour before my lesson and he used to give me sticks every week. when i finally checked his stuff out i had no idea he was as good and well known as he is. Definitely opened my mind to a whole new world of drumming.
4. WHERE, IN YOUR OPINION, WAS THE BEST PLACE YOU GUYS PLAYED AT?
Camp Bisco we played between Pretty lights and STS9 in front of 7,000 people. deff was huge for us. a week later we played wicker park festival in chicago, IL for 4,000. as far as a one of out headlining shows goes, we just got 500 people in baton rouge, LA on thursday. Pretty good for have never played in baton rouge before.
5. HOW LONG HAVE YOU & THE TWINS KNOWN EACH OTHER? AND WHEN WERE YOU RECRUITED TO JOIN THE TWO FRESH TEAM?
We grew up together in Nashville, TN since high school. the twins and i got really close a couple years ago when we started playing alot more music together. The twins played alot of house parties in summer of 08 and i set up and played with them at a few of them. They ended up adding me on in late November 08 and started touring in january 09.
…and the production geniuses, Kendrick and Sherwyn Nicholls:
1. AS A MUSICIAN WHO WOULD BE SOME OF YOUR GREATEST INFLUENCES?
Some of influences include J Dilla, 9th Wonder, Pnuma Trio, and my homey Jables. The list really goes long because of the amount of producers there are out there, as well as old soul and funk musicians.
2. WHEN WAS TWO FRESH ADDED TO THE 1320 RECORDS FAMILY? AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR SINCE BEING A PART OF THE LABEL?
We were added to 1320 records in September, they were kind enough to help us drop our first release ” The Baker’s Dozen.” Being on the label is awesome, We’ve met so many artist we’d never think we would get to kick it with, and share knowledge with. It’s also really cool to see all the different styles of music everyone’s into. Definitely broadens our musical tastes as well.
3. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF COLLABORATING AMONGST THE 1320 CREW. ARE THERE ANY PLANS FOR SOMETHING WITH YOU GUYS?
We never really plan stuff like that, but its always dope to play music with your friends : ) The collabs won’t stop, its what keeps us musicians fresh and on something new.
4. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE BEST MEMORY FROM THE SUMMER?
Man opening for the Disco Biscuits at the Tabernacle in Atlanta was mad uplifting for all of us. We’d all three grown up going to that place seeing them Sector 9, and last year our homies Pnuma Trio play there. Can’t put enough words to describe the satisfaction of even standing on stage at that venue, let alone play our music for an audience there.
5. AND ARE THERE ANY BIG PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
We’ve got alot of real exciting things in the works, check 1320records.com and our brand new blog checkthetechnique.wordpress.com
6. ARE YOU EXCITED TO GET UP TO BOSTON?
We’re stoked to get up that way. Me and Sherwyn have only been to Boston once, so excited to see what’s good with the city. I’ve heard very good things about the venue, were planning to bring the heat for y’all.
With influences like Adam Dietch from Break Science, J Dilla, Pnuma Trio, and personal friends, these guys will be keeping things fresh to a T. Let’s show these guys what Boston is made of and maybe the next time, STS9s after party will go down as one of their favorite gigs. Be sure to check out Two Fresh’s new blog mentioned in the twins’ interview: checkthetechnique.wordpress.com for news, insight, rising artists, links and more (be patient though as it is just getting warmed up). For everything else Two Fresh, check out 1320records.com, and while you are already there peep at all the other emerging talent this label has to offer. Don’t worry if you can’t make this epic showcase of musical talent, Two Fresh just kicked off their fall tour on October 15th, and will be joining STS9 for more than just this afterparty. Check out the dates below and make sure you are there!
Two Fresh Fall Tour Dates
Oct 22 2009 8:00P Official STS9 Afterparty at Rise Boston, Massachusetts
Oct 23 2009 8:00P AM Only CMJ Party New York, New York
Oct 24 2009 8:00P Bourbon St Ballroom w/ Orchard Lounge Baltimore, Maryland
Oct 25 2009 8:00P Silk City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oct 28 2009 8:00P Official STS9 Afterparty at The World Grotto Knoxville, Tennessee
Oct 29 2009 8:00P Official STS9 Afterparty at Nashwa Asheville, North Carolina
Oct 30 2009 8:00P Official STS9 Afterparty at Zydeco Birmingham, Alabama
Oct 31 2009 8:00P Official STS9 Afterparty at 12th & Porter Nashville, Tennessee
Nov 6 2009 8:00 Senor Fish Los Angeles, California
Nov 13 2009 8:00P Cervantes Denver, Colorado
Nov 14 2009 8:00P Bourbon Theatre Lincoln, Nebraska
Nov 17 2009 8:00P Bottleneck Lawrence, Kansas
Nov 18 2009 8:00P Majestic Theater Madison, Wisconsin
Nov 20 2009 8:00P Beat Kitchen Chicago, Illinois
Nov 21 2009 8:00P Club 2720 St. Louis, Missouri
Dec 12 2009 8:00P Cosmic Charlies Lexington, Kentucky
Notable Tracks:
Interview and article by: Dillon St. Leger
This is a really sick interview, good questions, and i like the smileys
Also, The article is super dope,I wish I was @ camp bisco 8!!!!
xxoo
I never thought I was a hip hop electronic guy. But more and more, acts like Big Gigantic, and guys like Alex B, Pretty Lights, and Eliot Lipp have turned me back to my original passion… SICK beats. These guys Two Fresh should be considered in the same category as these other as they really bring the heat, producing some really awesome tracks in front of your eyes. They absolutely tore the roof off of RISE, I enjoyed their set so much. Downloading the album now
Thanks, ha! Where’s the subscribe button?