Michael Myers

All My Bags Are Packed, I’m Ready To Go

Here I am, sitting in an empty room, trying to figure out how sleeping is going to possible for the next couple days. Everything that I own, including my car, was just sent back to NC. All I have are two suitcases and one small bag… a dream and cardigan.

My boss was recently in Colombia setting up a project that focuses on education through radio, specifically esl programs. I got a call from her last Tuesday at 12:30 AM while on stage at LIV performing with Mambo Sauce. All I could make out was “get on skype now!” So I drive home (after stepping on stage to freestyle once more) and get online. A couple hours later my plane ticket was booked. Six days to pack my life up. 

I’m heading down there as a contractor to help produce these radio programs. I will be the lead song writer as well as acting as the main character in the show, Louis, a 14 year old boy who just moved back to Colombia from the US. Louis travels around Colombia looking for a bird, and while traveling explores the different types of music throughout the country. It will be my job to write and perform songs that teach the audience, primary school spanish speaking children, how to say things they would learn in an English 101 type class. I will also be assisting an English class on the university I will be working for.

Okay, no biggie. I can write music and pretend to be a 14 year old. What about not speaking the language though? I’m going to be the only person from my company there for 4-6 months. Where am I going to live? As a part of my pay I asked for a place to live and food to eat, but I still haven’t been told where I’m sleeping or what I’m eating. There is a pretty good chance I’m going to end up living in a dorm again… which is going to be way too awesome.

So in 30 hours I will  be on a plane heading towards Barranquilla. I’ll promise to be smart about the decisions I make if you promise to download my new song tomorrow.

Peace! -If you want to contact me my skype name is addictive.nature-

World Wide

Synister John from Trinidad and Tobago hit me up and asked if I wanted to get on a track for his groups new project. This is actually the second artist in T&T (the other being St. Ans) I have worked with. I have no clue how they found me but I’m glad they did! Similarly, there is a group of people in Colorado (most of which are in high school) that support my music really hard, and I’ve never been there and only know one person that has.

It’s awesome how music can build bridges and how internet can make the impossible happen. I was talking to my friend online the other night and he was on a plane… I wonder how much is too much??

Check the Synister and Addictive Nature track “Love of the Game” out on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/video/video.php?v=481044583133

Crossroads

I am at a crossroads in my life right now. Today is the first day of my companies fiscal year. I have opportunities to take up an administrative position for this next year which would be the “safe” move. I also have opportunities to get field experience. One scenario puts me in Juba, southern Sudan to do filming and run a FM radio station for three months. Another lands me in Barranquilla, Colombia where I would assist studio engineers in the production of educational radio programs… and most likely teach english on the side.

I am the only person in my office that has not had field experience (be it Peace Corps or working for a project). So I’m thinking about taking the risk, turning down the “safe” position, and seeing where life takes me. This month will undoubtedly be one to remember…

Doing Work!

DJ Complete just put out his latest mixtape. The concept behind the joint is basically highlighting dope songs from national and regional artists that haven’t found their way into the mainstream media outlets. I’m featured on two songs on this project, which you can download for free at http://www.djcomplete.com

This mixetape was made to feature music from the roster of artists that will be forming at Signal Fest 2010. Signal is a music festival primarily dedicated to electronic music which occurs annually in the chapel hill / carrboro area of North Carolina.  For four days you can walk the streets and attend shows and parties at all of the best venues in the area. KO Kid was one of the artist performing this year, and we did a song together for his last project that was featured on here. Download this mixtape here: http://weareyourheroes.com/index.php/2010/09/the-official-signal-fest-2010-mixes/

Leighton

Growing up I was always afraid to have a girl… well I still a little am haa. I was afraid of not being able to relate to her, not being able to teach her the things I know like I would a boy, and of course having to deal with her getting to know guys. Then I met Leighton, my little 3 year old cousin, who changed my life. She loves me unconditionally, is supportive of anything I do, and always wants to know whats going on in my life. I’ve spent a lot of time with her and realized that when I do settle down and have children it would be a a blessing to have a girl.

Leighton is my number one fan and can actually sing a few songs on my last album. She gets really upset when she is in the car on the way to school and my aunt and uncle don’t play my cd haaaa. She actually gets upset when my cd is on and one of my features starts rapping, because it’s not me. She has my heart… and anyone she doesn’t like doesn’t have a chance of sharing it with her. I will be making a song about Leighton so she can sing about herself very soon. Watch out for it!

RIP Pac

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Y9-JlSRXw&fs=1&hl=en_US]

This video changed my life. It showed me how to tell a story that people aren’t ready to hear, yet can’t help but love. Be honest, nothing is easier to relate to than humanity… we all feel helpless, we all want justice, and at the end of the day we all have to fight for ourselves. The key is, once we start fighting together things might change. Find something worth fighting for, someone worth fighting with, and watch your life change for the better.

“lets change the way we eat, lets change the way we live, and lets change the way we treat each other. See the old way wasn’t working so it’s on us to do what we got to do to survive.”

Mike Lights- “Brights On”

The first time I met Mike Lights we got in a fight on a basketball court. That was four years ago at UNCW. It’s irnoic that the same competitive spirit that made us clash now brings us together. A year ago I ran into Lights at an In-Store 9th wonder was doing in DC. We briefly talked music, exchanged numbers, and I went home. The next day we were in the studio working on music.

After touring NC together, shutting down shows from the Cats Cradle to the Soapbox, I could tell his future was bright. His stage presence matched his work ethic, both phenomenal.  When we returned to DC Lights became a monster.  He always had the drive in him, but all of the sudden he started going double time. The studio became his home.

It’s time for Mike Lights to be introduced to the world.  His debut mix tape, “Brights On”, is dropping August 30th under 855 Music Group. This Sunday there is a private listening party to kick it all off.

Check out the promo video for the mix tape: http://vimeo.com/14020476

The Milk is Black

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ud4NB1mwTE&hl=en_US&fs=1]

Black Milk performed last night in Chinatown in the Gibson Guitar Center. This small loft had guitars hanging from the walls, old school jukeboxes lighting up the floor, and a pretty lady in the back giving away free Heineken. Add one of the best producer/rappers out right now and a crowd of only 50 people and you have one hell of a night.

Mike Lights was asked to film this event and brought Stephen Greenwood and myself in before the show started, so we got to see everyone warm up and act extra important as people came in. Remember, the best way to make people think you are a “somebody” at a hip-hop show is to never smile or look impressed. Forget that noise, I was having a good time.

Rather Unique

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI4eGbxsbE4&hl=en_US&fs=1]

This is probably the fourth trip I’ve made so far this year by myself. I’m blessed to get the opportunity to travel, but it’s a little strange doing it dolo. Sooooo I tell the camera what’s on my mind…

“I have goals I use rap as a latter to reach/ the drums clean my soul, the words lather the beat/ success is the subject matter I teach/ white boy bad as ever, I’m rather unique”

Have “Patience”!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhcPPfJKs8I&hl=en_US&fs=1]

Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley teamed together to create one of the best lyrical songs of our generation… “Patience”

I’ll throw up quotes when I get the chance… but listen close to this one. Nas’s verse is crazy! Damian’s verses should be locked up! This is the kind of song that makes me love rap. It also makes me feel like I’m in a movie when I’m driving around listening to it which I love. Stimulates mind and body. Peace