Sabzi and Geo from Blue Scholars sit down and answer our burning questions in this week’s Hot Seat.
1. Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
Sabzi: Honestly, the craziest thing about touring with us is that nothing crazy ever really happens.
Geo: We’ve managed to avoid alot of bullshit on the road. Which means we’ve also avoided some potentially exciting, memorable stories and near-death experiences (knock on wood). Let’s see.. early in our touring history a meth-head bumrushed the stage in Spokane during our set and tried grabbing the mic from me while security stood there and did nothing. We cut the set short and the promoter tried to duck out without paying us.
2. What type of college class would you’d most want to take and why?
Sabzi: Something to do with writing, because these interview answers are terrible.
Geo: A Philippine film class. Because it’s damn near impossible to find copies of classic Philippine films outside of the Philippines except for a handful of colleges
3. What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
Sabzi: Honolulu. but honestly, I think half the people I know would beat you up for saying that it’s “in America.”
Geo: I dig New York and the SF Bay Area. I can only take in NYC in spurts of 2-3 days before I feel overwhelmed. The Bay because I got so many folks out there and there’s good Filipino food everywhere. But I’d have to say Honolulu, my childhood stomping grounds, is my favorite.
4. What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
Sabzi: “Always trust your gut, unless your gut is a filthy liar” - Vesal
Geo: “If you’re good at something, never do it for free.” - The Joker
5. What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
Sabzi: New dancehall, old reggae, the Discovery LP, Jawaiian classics, At The Drive In, and a bunch of random cuts from a Seattle based label called Cloud Nice.
Geo: There’s an “EP” renaissance happening in the Seattle hip-hop scene right now: The Physics, Grynch, Dyme Def, GMK… D. Black’s “Ali’Yah” album is real dope.
6. The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
Sabzi: “The Trial Of Colonel Sweeto” by Nicholas Gurewitch
Geo: I’m in the middle of Milan Kundera’s “The Joke” and constantly in and out of Chekhov’s short stories.
7. What’s the first concert you ever saw - how was it?
Sabzi: I really can’t remember. but i did see Sting in the elevator of a Miami hotel when i was about 5. i pressed all the buttons on the way to the lobby and he called me a “little bugger.” at least, that’s the story my mom tells me.
Geo: I vaguely remember seeing Sir Mix-A-Lot at a local music festival around ‘91-’92. I was 12, with my family and not really paying attention.
8. What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
Sabzi: The laptop, the plug for the laptop, and an outlet. by the way, isn’t it annoying when people pronounce “laptop” as “labtop?” man, that’s annoying.
Geo: My journal, a good book, and clean underwear.
9. Who are your major musical influences?
Sabzi: Most of them are musicians. the ones who write songs or play an instrument are particularly influential.
Geo: I’ll listen to anything and everything. But I’ll always carry a love for classic mid-’90s hip-hop, film soundtracks and Baroque classical music.
10. Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
Sabzi: TOWNFOLKHELLA.
Geo: Yes: check out my film blog at www.prometheusbrown.com!
