What is your name and role within the band?
J Fiji Azzam; Lead MC in ADDverse Effects.
How did you start?
I was introduced to Boyd (Drummer/Band leader) through some mutual homies, back in 2012, in Norman, OK. We were offered an opening slot at a local venue and had 10 days to prepare. We nailed down a 45 minute set that turned into an hour due to the main act showing up late. By the end of the set the place was going nuts. Boyd was actually playing bass that night but our drummer was going on tour and Boyd had wanted to play drums and lead the band anyway. We decided to form a proper band and see it through to the next level. The original lineup was:
Myself- MC
Boyd Littell- Drums
Benja Farber- Bass
John Calvin Abney- Guitar
Michael Stafford- Keys
Since that time we’ve gone through a few lineup changes with Boyd, Benja, & I remaining the constant founding members.
Where are you based?
Portland, OR.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
As a band we write several different ways. Most of the writing is done during practice sessions when we have the opportunity to develop new songs together in real time. This helps to catch the most genuine vibe sometimes. Our practice spot also doubles as a demo recording studio which allows us to track parts and piece them into a rough idea I can take back to my home studio and load in to Ableton. We’ve made great tracks both ways it’s really just a matter of what the track needs and how much time we have. Quality is the most important aspect in creation so we don’t rush anything.
What are you working on right now?
We are about 8 tracks into our next project. We’ve hit a rad creative stride with our newest Portland members, Vince (guitar) & Spencer (keys), and we’re going to ride that wave as long as we can. Hopefully we’ll end up making 20-25 tracks and picking the most cohesive ones for the album.
What is your gear setup?
Full Live Hip-Hop Band:
Drums-Bass-Guitar-Keys/Synth-Vox
sometimes we’ll have DJ Timmy B join us on the decks.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
I’m big on the outdoors. My partner Kelsey and I do a lot of backpacking, camping, kayaking, fishing, etc. The Pacific Northwest has been perfect for our hobbies. The outdoors has always been a phenomenal refuge to clear my head of the bullshit from the everyday grind. Everything I do affects my music.
How would you describe your music genre?
Live Hip-Hop.
Do you know any music theory?
Learning more everyday.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to continue building ADDverse Effects to it’s full potential while working on some side projects including a anime influenced cloud rap act Benja & I formed called Cloud Castles. Look for our first si hole to be released sometime this Summer.
How did you get into music?
I started writing poetry when I was 10 as an exercise to calm my ADHD. A couple years later I found Bone Thugs N Harmony, Outkast, & UGK. I was instantly hooked, especially on Andre 3000’s introspective lyrics and poetic delivery. That’s when I started writing lyrics.
What are you listening to at the moment?
The new Kendrick Lamar album ‘Damn’ has been on repeat. new Future Islands and Gorillaz have also been in rotation. At this moment I’m in the car listening to Mastadon ‘Leviathan.’
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
Andre 3000
Rakim
The Roots
Tribe Called Quest
De La Soul.
When are you playing next?
Saturday May 27th
Portland Prom at Star Theater Portland, OR.
Please feel free to include any extra info.
We are members of the Portland Live Hip-Hop Collective, Hive Mind Collective along with Tribe Mars, Korgy & Bass, Two Planets, & The Pariahs.
We are currently up for (top 5) Best Local Band and Best Hip-Hop Artist in the Willamette Weeks Best of Portland 2017 Readers Poll. If anyone would like to aide us on our quest register (very easy) & vote for ADDverse Effects here in both categories: http://wweek.secondstreetapp.com/l/BOP-2017/Ballot/Entertainment
