http://www.bluntbeats.com

Now, some time ago, a chap named Machel left a comment here on bluntbeats.com on a post regarding graffiti. We took it upon ourselves (being the inquisitive souls we are) to check out Machels site, called M-DZYN. Needless to say, we were impressed. So impressed, in fact, that we got in touch to arrange an exclusive interview for you lucky people. It’s Agent M on the questions, chattin’ to Machel.

“Hello”
“Hello Y’all”
“Thanks for doing this interview, man”
“My pleasure man, anytime.”

“What are you doing right now?” (I’m at the Carousel Sound Lab studio with the Northern Monkey and the Erbalist….They are watching old Doctor Who episodes, and smoking way too much for any sane person. I’m trying not to buy a Mercedes on e-bay)
“I’m in bed.”

“Right. We’ve seen your site, so we know what you’re about. But for the uninitiated out there, just quickly explain what you do, and what M DZYN is…..”
“M DZYN(M Design) is a Caribbean influenced urban clothing line.”

“First off, it’s good work man. From reading your biog, it would seem you’ve got the academic credentials, and the “street savvy” (to coin a rather cheesy phrase) to make designs that are both appealing, and carry a message. How important to you is it that your work “says something”, in terms of economic or cultural reference or whatever? Personally, I think the ideal is somewhere in between. With music, I like stuff that has feeling, and something to say. But, put simply, if it’s bangin’, then I’ll play it!”
“Thank you. It’s hard work though; hmmm street cred comes from simply living the gully lifestyle day in, day out. The reggae culture and the daily sufferation influences M DZYN”

“I’m really liking your Yardworkz Jamaican-infulenced collection. There’s some real strong imagery, coupled with some bold use of colour, and some spot-on designs. I’m reasonably well-read on Jamaican political history, but for the people out there, tell us what it was that inspired you to do these pieces?”
“Yardworkz is a direct product of ‘The Island’. The people, The Music, The Vibe, This is the Influence,’ Are all elements of Jamaica. All these gives me the visual to create these tees.”

“You’ve also got your womens clothing line, Tease. How’s all that going?” (If you ever need any DJs to play at any female fashion shows, I’m sure we can oblige!!)
“Tease is a sensual celebration of women. (laughs…) And yes, bluntbeats.com DJ’s will be the official DJ’s at the official launch party in the UK!”
“Thats good to know. We’ll hold you to that!”

“Now, when I was looking through your xxtreme collection, I had to comment on the ’80′s track-racing vibe! I’ve gotta ask, what’s your all-time, competition-killing, favourite track car from around that time. For me, it’s gotta be the late ’70s/early 80′s and the BMW CSL’s, or the early Audi Quattro….”
“Well, yeah, all these cars. BMW, Mercedes and Audi kick-ass, but for me the boys from the East man, the Datsun 940(I think it’s the 940), that made way for the Skyline by Nissan.”

“Lets talk beats, very briefly. What sort of stuff are you into, musically? Anything in particular/any classics we can include in one of our radio shows for you?”
“Ok ahh, “War” by Bob Marley (shout out to the M’s of history and RASTA), and
”Beer” by biggie smalls. Yeah, shout-out to all the supports of bluntbeats DJ’s fans that keep it real. This track is to all the haters.”
“Yeah. Biggie is all good!”

“What tunes are you currently listening to? – Whats on the boombox at M-DZYN HQ?”
“The boombox has cultural reggae, both old and new artist(s) like Garnet silk, Dennis brown, Morgan heritage, I-Wayne, Wayne Wonder, Buju Banton(I’m listing to him now). Mixed by StoneLove and Fanta Cee which is the best tape on this side of the pond. I can’t wait for bluntbeats to send over some CDs man! I also listen to some hardcore new dancehall; Munga, Busy, Movado, assassin and Bugle to keep me up when I am working late nites trying to get these DZYNs to look right.”

“Back to design…Now, we hooked up through a shared liking of the work of 3D graf artist Daim’s work, but I’ve never had the chance to actually talk graf with you. A question/difference of opinion that seems to have re-surfaced a lot lately is that as graffiti has be come more and more recognised as an artform, those in art circles seem to be able to tell the public what are “good pieces, and what are “bad” pieces. This is usually based on pure aesthetics. Now, the same people often say that “bombing” (or “tagging”) is a mess, and is therefore “bad”.
“Now, I like to see a huge, fresh, new graf piece as much as the next man, and I do agree that bombing can sometimes look a state (and, Jesus, don’t tag over someone piece!), but surely it’s maintaining that “all city” ethic? It’s like, “how the hell did that get up there?”, and I think thats cool.”
“Personally, I’d rather see a scruffy tag on the side of a train, rather than a multi-coloured piece hanging in a gallery any day of the week. It’s real. The street is it’s gallery. Again, I kinda guess it’s a balance between the two. Art for arts sake, and art with a message. What’s your thoughts on all this?”
“Daim is the man, He and His crew…sick with it.”
“There’s no bad art I think. Most gallery pieces are weird to you and I to look at, and these pieces are like “What the hell is this sh!t”. But that’s art for you. That same weird art is beautiful to someone, and you can tell, cause when it’s the art you can buy a BMW, Mercedes or a Audi. A well though out tag in a neat location is beautiful when its way up there.
My preference is Art with a positive message, all day, everyday. Your favorite song has a message that speaks to you. Visual art is the same thing.”

“A slightly cheesy question, but one I had to ask…..M-DZYN. The future. What can we expect to see?”
“Unwatered down designs, and to keep bring the Caribbean lifestyle to mainstream. Hopefully I can prove this directly if your local UK urban stores would pickup M DZYN and carry the line in there stores!”

“Right….typical blunted questions to follow:”

“Manali Cream or Coffee and Cream?”
“Mmm I prefer cream on her. Ice Cream, Rum cream, Coffee naww coca tea preferably.”

“The Simpsons or The Clintons?”
“Wow, the Clintons, cause they make life living less stressful so I can relax and enjoy The Simpsons.”

“Out with the lads or In with the wife?”
“In with her so “I can put her to Bed, to bed” then out with the lads.”

“Nu-skool Mercedes or Old-skool Maserati?”
Come on, that new AMG brings out the man in you! But the fine wine status of the Maserati is my choice.

“Yourself. In 3 words….”
“Mad R@ss bwoye.”

“Tell us a joke”
“I just did ”

“Okay, thanks for that (!), and thanks for the interview….it’s been a pleasure”
“The pleasure was all mine.”

“Before we go, is there anyone you wanna big up/show love to?”
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Mommie Tavi and the supporters of M DZYN now and those who intend to. Bless-up!

“Nice one, man. Keep up the good work”.