“In the ’90s, when we all met in Vancouver, underground music was hard to find. You really had to dig for it. So that’s how we all met, digging for this underground music. And we found this strong bond between us. We all have a variety of personalities,” Kyprios said adding members bring a variety of education, songwriting and production skills to the table.
“For example Dusty Melo brings a lot of levity. And he’s a sick producer and MC. He and Marmalade feed off of each other,” he enthused, lavishing praise on all of his group mates.
“I’m good as a utility man. I’m not the best, but I’m a pretty good songwriter. And I think I’m pretty good for morale,” he said, cautiously praising his own talents. He’s used to working on numerous projects simultaneously.
“I’ve been busy on tour, writing music for a play, recording and getting ready to tour again. I’m living the dream,” enthused Kyprios, who along with Mos Eisley, Itchy Ron, Dusty Melo, Conscience, Metty and Marmalade, make up Sweatshop Union. The play he was working on with Stylust is a production about gangs for Green Thumb Theatre called ‘Cracked’ which is about a freestyle MC who loses everything because of his crystal meth habit.
“It’s been really well received,” he said.
As well, Kyprios has released a solo CD called 12:12, from which he said he’ll be performing a few tracks from during a half hour solo set at the show.
“My solo CD is more internalized about my personal relationships. It’s more personal. A lot of Sweatshop Union material is more externalized about more world events and politics
All of the members of Sweatshop Union have solo projects on the go.
“We always encourage them,” Kyprios said adding the members all bring their unique voices to the collective.
“Collectively there are seven people who all have all have different ideas of what is good. So we choose what is good for Sweatshop Union. You can’t bring a heavy metal rock song and put it on a Sweatshop Union album” Kyprios said adding because all of the members are always writing, there will soon be enough material for a new Sweatshop Union CD.
“It’s got to gell with the overall feel,” he continued adding he is excited about being on the same bill as three time DMC world champion DJ Dopey.
“It’s a pretty prestigious honour. He’s even played with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. This is going to be the first time I’ve been on stage with him,” he said.
“Get your ass down and come out and see the show. It’s going to be a great time.”
The show begins at the Blarney Stone at 9 p.m. tickets cost $10. Subway is also on the bill.
—By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat, Editor
