The Maintenance Crew
“It’s cleanup time”
- Why the name Maintenance Crew?
It’s Maintenance Crew because we wanted a name that best represents where we come from. All Three of our parents are working class citizens, and the neighborhood which we are from is mostly middle class. We wanted a name that best represents us, our community, and pay homage to our parents.
- Tell us a little about the dynamic you have, from the two MCs to the DJs, to the live band. How does each individual create Maintenance Crew?
Maintenance Crew is two Mc’s/Producers (Chantalism and Ubiquity) who is heavily influenced by Jazz, 90’s Hip Hop, and drum driven sounds. We were Poets before MC’s and Dj’s before producing. As individuals we both contribute to Maintenance Crew half and half, sometimes Chantalism would make a beat and Ubiquity would add on and finish or vice versa. When the beat is conducted, we sit down and think of what the beat is telling us to write about, and that’s how we get our topics. We never write on our own, it’s always the two of us in the studio and Kash is sleeping on the couch.
As far as our live band goes, “The Mcdonaldlize Trio” is the live interpretation of our sample based music. The Trio brings our music to life and it gives our performance more energy.
- You were formed in 2002-2003. The past year or so, you have been gaining a lot of buzz. What happened?
We began making music as a group late 2002, and released an E.P entitled “Everything Was Simple”. It was a 10 song conceptual E.P, heads were interested for more so we followed up with “Eternal Sunshine of the Simple Mind, 2004”. We only pressed 300 copies, and all of a sudden cats from France, Australia, Germany, and Amsterdam are hitting us up like “your shit is dope” and we are like damn how the fuck they get a copy? Cause we don’t remember sending out any promos. I guess cats from Chicago was putting it on limewire and sharing it through the net. Then it was only right to release a second album cause folks were demanding it, “Simple is, the Way its Spoken” our 2005 release. And the music is still spreading…
- What tools of promotions have helped Maintenance Crew gain a solid fan base in Chicago?
A whole lot of FREE CDRs and word of mouth. We hit up teenagers more than the yuppie hip hop bar scenes. We try to do and promote a whole lot of all ages shows because its more fun and hip hop is more fun when people are actually there to see you perform not because there a PBR special at the bar.
- One of you guys owned a cafe in Chicago that revolved around visual art. Running the business – what type of business concepts do you relate to your music business?
We don’t run our music as a business, we believe beauty is free and that thought is carried on through our music. As long as we make back the money we put into making the product then after that the music FREE.
- Just like visual art speaks to the viewer, what message do you think your listeners get from your music?
We think our listeners get a sense of freedom with each and everyone of our albums. We bring that raw hip hop and we are honest with the materials we put out. And we think our listeners feel that, that’s why they keep wanting more.
– You recently worked with a videography production company to create a music video for “Yellow Rain”. How important is it to have professionalism and quality in your any of your projects?
Professionalism and quality is very important, No one will take your art serious if you as in artist don’t present yourself as a professional. And as far as music goes, quality is everything (meaning quality sound/material).
- What’s in store for Maintenance Crew in the near future?
We are into releasing our third album; Plain & Simple “The Peoples Album” which is due this summer (July-ish). And Chantala “Chantalism” Kommananivanh’s art work will be launching in Chicago art galleries this summer also, so look out for that.
- How can we learn more about you guys and your music, and most importantly how do we purchase your music and merchandise?
People can find us on www.myspace.com/maintenancecrew and www.main10crew.com, also if people are interested in Chantalism’s artwork; visit www.chantalism.com If people haven’t seen our two music videos, please visit www.youtube.com/maintenancecrew Titled: “Yellow Rain” and “Eternal Sunshine” both directed by Jessie Santiago for www.fishbowlmediachicago.com
- Thanks for your time. Good luck to you guys. Any last comments for your fans or aspiring artists?
We just would like to thank everyone for giving us the good ear and to all those who come out to the live shows, Thank you all for all your love and support.
Peace,
Maintenance Crew/ Mcdondaldlize Society
(Chantalism, Ubiquity, & Kash)
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.