CHIRP: The Chicago Independent Radio Project

Erik Roldan writes

Artist Interview: Yea Big & Kid Static

Yea Big + Kid Static are the coolest, nicest guys in Chicago Hip Hop right now. With a debut album and constant gigging keeping them busy, Think Pink Radio caught up with them amidst the work work work.

TPR: Where are you from, how old are you and what neighborhoods do you live in?

Yea Big: I am originally from the magical town of Kankakee, Illinois, where the river runs strong and the streets are paved with love. I will be 26 years old next month. I currently reside in the Andersonville neighborhood.

Kid Static: I’m from Chicago, I’m 25. I grew up in South Short. Lived in Pilsen for a while, and currently live in Humboldt Park.

TPR: As a music act with their first album having just been released, how are you adjusting to the changes in technology and the way music is distributed?

YB: We’re trying different things and going with the flow, trying to figure out what works best for us. For example, our first full-length was released on CD and digitally (iTunes, Amazon, etc.). But we’re most likely going to release our next full-length through digital means only, along with a very very limited run of special CD’s available at shows. We’ve also recently put out a 7” vinyl EP, a 3” CD single, and a couple of limited run mash-ups that are only available at shows. We like the limited, tour-only releases. And I think fans like them too because they sell pretty well. But as far as mass distribution is concerned, going all digital makes the most sense for us right now.

KS: It’s definitely a weird time to be releasing music right now. We’re kind of fortunate in the way that we started releasing music after digital distribution became such a huge part of the industry. The days where a small act has to press as many albums as they need to sell are gone. I think our next album release being done almost totally digitally, will work out beautifully.

TPR: Do you expect to make any money off of record sales?

YB: No. But I do expect to break even some day soon.

KS: Eventually yes. Not currently because we’re just starting out but I do hope a day comes where I can make some money.

TPR: Does the idea of giving away your music seem like a viable path for a career as a musician?

YB: Absolutely not. Record sales may not add up to much, but every little bit helps. We know money can really only be made through licensing and playing shows, but we’re still going to try to sell our recorded music, whatever format it may be on.

KS: Giving music away totally? As in for free all the time? How does one make a career without receiving money in exchange for a product or service? I don’t think thats a good idea.

TPR: How have people reacted to your status as a bi-racial rap act?

YB: There are so many other aspects of our act to take into account at any one time, i.e. my costume (the jogging outfit), the way we sound, our stage show (which includes wicked-awesome choreography and so much energy and activity that I frequently make myself want to throw up), not to mention our height difference (haha), that I’m not sure people give a shit that our skin tones aren’t the same. Honestly, other than a handful of offensive YouTube comments (which included both racist remarks and extremely homophobic remarks) our bi-racial status has never come up. I’d like to believe our generation is past all that nonsense, despite what internet trolls want you to believe.

KS: I don’t really know. When people smile and dance at shows, I’m pretty sure they’re doing it because they like us, not because one of us is a black dude and the other one is white. I don’t think people care.

TPR: Do you consider your sound part of a “Chicago sound”?

YB: Not at all. There is no “Chicago sound.” There is way too much different shit going on in this city to lump it all under one descriptor.

KS: This term keeps coming up but I’m really not sure what it means. What is the “Chicago Sound?” If the sound of Chicago is a noise made up of the collective ruckus that swells and abates every day creating a cacophony of sirens, breathing, traffic, steps on concrete, music, joyous exultations, cries of anger, rubber screeching, signal boxes clicking, wheels on rails, etc., then yes, we are part of the “Chicago Sound.”

TPR: where can someone find out more about what you’re up to?

http://www.myspace.com/yeabigkidstatic

http://www.myspace.com/jibdoor

above: The video for Yea Big & Kid Static’s The Life Here has racked up close 300,000 views on YouTube!