July 2011

Mara Hruby


I rarely take the time to write about NEW artists on Muphoric Sounds, something which Im going to try to remedy in the coming year. The last new artists I wrote about were Mario & Malice from Seattle, but here’s a hometown hitter worth listening to. Check out Mara Hruby on Muphoric Sounds and give a shout out to Amanda Lopez, because thats how I saw her.

MARA HRUBY

July Love and Light Switches


The double light switch is a gift for a very good friend, who has helped out me and my crew more times than I can remember. BUT, the individual light switch is yours (yes yours!) if you can tell me which historic Jazz Bassist played on this song/ LP. In honor of one of the best groups ever, hit the comments and you got it.

Inspiration board 9


Top left to right…Dani Jones-dope Illustrator, King-(La Soul Group)The Story, Stic Man (Dead prez)-Workout LP, Kazu Kibuishi-Illustrator/Comic Creator, Joe Olson-Concept artist, Dr. Boyce-Makes some interesting arguments for Black folk/poc, Mara Hruby-talented vocalist, James Morehouse Project-Where TYS recently completed a mural! Shaun Tan-Amazing children’s books illustrator, Jen Wang-Illustrator/comics creator, Open Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano-heavy/mind blowing book! I missed people watching, so this week i sat for an hour or so just watching folks walk by…Oakland Leaf-An organization whom i’m currently working for w/amazing kids/folks/staff. Buddhist prayer letters. Tulips-because brotha’s like flowers too (hint-ladies!). Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Talents”-just finished reading this…amazing!

Again, this is when i talk briefly/show what has caught my eye, ear, or interest recently…

Jazz Portrait 12- Headnodic


The twelfth in a series of drawings, scribbles, or paintings of people I consider to be Jazz and all that it encompasses. If you’re not familiar with Bay Area producer “Headnodic” of the mighty Crown City Rockers/ Mighty Underdog Crew you better ask somebody. Two of my favorite Headnodic beats are “The Drive“, “Something“, and “one from his new lp coming up “Turn your radio up“.

Typography 12 -Kat 010


Just ran into this sister yesterday while she played a gig w/ Headnodic (both from Crown City Rockers) and copped the Natural Phenomenom LP, which i’d been meaning to get for awhile. Two of my favorite joints on her instrumental LP are “Phosphorescent Waves” and “My Mirage” which you can hear on itunes. Or you can visit her site at KAT010.com

Dig this? Check out more type art like this “Turn it Up”

Muphoric Sounds 17


“In my world, full of pleasant dreams , i see a bird”

This is one of my favorite groups of all time! I thought not that many people knew about Cymande when i first picked up their record about ten years ago, but when I heard Wonway playing Bra and some of their other joints I realized I wasn’t the only one who cherished their sound. Please click on the link and go to Muphoric to hear the song I chose from the “Second time around” LP. And please look for their LP’s. They are more than worth it.

IN THE TRUNK