DagoBot is back with more PAXPrime coverage. While there, he got to interview Mega-Ran and K-Murdock:
If you were to make a list of the best team ups from any genre, who would make the cut? Would it be Captain America, Wolverine & Black Widow from ‘Uncanny Xmen’ #268. The Spiderman/Black Cat issues written by indie auteur Kevin Smith. Brainiac & Luthor. The under appreciated Power Man & Iron Fist.
What about when it comes to music. Did the ambitious ‘Watch The Throne’ by Jay-Z & Kanye live up to expectations. Are you old-school and have ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell on repeat. Did the love child of Adult Swim, Danger Mouse and MF DOOM ‘Danger Doom’ rock your world.
In gaming cannon, we have been treated to brawlers that show case characters from popular franchises (Super Smash Brothers, Soul Calibur & Kingdom Hearts) and even crossover clashes of Xmen vs Streetfighter and the ultimate Marvel vs Capcom.
Adding to the pantheon of super powered amalgams of video games, hip-hop, monomyth ethos and overall goodness is Random (A.K.A. Mega-Ran) & K-Murdock. I caught up with the dynamic duo at Pax Prime last month to get their thoughts on mashups, their artistic vision and party rocking out of body experiences.
Hey guys! First off, tell us a little about yourselves.
K-Murdock: My name is K-Murdock… and basically i’m a music producer/audio engineer/self-proclaimed RPG Master/avid watcher of anime/dreamer/and proud fan of the Chicago Bears.
Random: Name’s Raheem, was a teacher for the past 6 years, finally decided to spread my wings and try this music stuff full time. Born in Philadelphia, now residing in the Valley of the Sun.
What first got you each interested in music, and who were some of your favorite acts and musical influences growing up?
R: I had really creative friends. My buddies all created new game ideas, comics, and even music. We all decided one day to try our hands at music, and the rest is history! My first experiences with music were in my mom’s household… she would always have old soul records playing. Being from Philadelphia, arguably one of the birthplaces of soul music, I had a lot of interest in that sound. My mom loved Marvin Gaye, and I have to cite him and Stevie Wonder as two of my biggest inspirations. Once Hip-Hop hit the block though, it was all over…Ha. LL Cool J is my favorite and most influential artist, even to this day.
K: I grew up listening to my lots of 80s R&B as thats what my mom was playing in her car when we would go out. Artists ranging from Anita Baker to Luther Vandross, I know the catalogs too well. That factored with me trying to be as cool as my cousins who got me into hip-hop. I had a nice range of music to influence me, but it all changed once i heard A Tribe Called Quest’ Low End Theory in 91… that was my biggest influence and reason i got into hip-hop and music making.
With each of you having a various influences in hip-hop and rap, what was it like coming together and meshing styles to create your sound?
R: Its a really cool thing, we’re a lot alike in a lot of ways… we both love video games and hip-hop and those were our common grounds. But his sound is something so lush and spacey, that it’s a sound that I’ve always wanted to capture but didn’t know how… I produce as well, occasionally, but have been blessed to have some great minds in my corner.
K: It was pretty natural from my point of view as Ran and I share many of the same influences. It’s always cool when i hear him speak on emcees as his biggest idols the same way I cite producers like Pete Rock or Q-Tip or DJ Spinna. We have so much in common that again, it made it very easy to do music, which is probably why we stay creating together. It’s easy, and when u find that kind of chemistry where its that fun, you dont let it go!
How would you describe your music?
K: Progressive hip-hop, nuff said!
R: I call it “New Retro.” A little old and a little new…Spontaneous. Fun. True. Unpredictable. Witty and inspirational. If you were to put video games, the 80’s, hip-hop, soul music, jazz and stand up comedy into a blender, you’d have something close to The Random Experience.
Tell us about ‘Forever FamiCON’ , how did this come about? What got you guys together for this project?K: Basically, I was working at XM Radio hosting my radio show Subsoniq and got a package from Ran. In it was ”The Call’ and ”Mega Ran’, both were dope but naturally I had NEVER heard anything like Mega Ran. Coincidentally at that time I was formulating the concept for Forever FamiCOM, which was originally gonna be an instrumental album. After I heard Ran do what he did and make it sound cool and conceptual…I hit him on myspace and the rest is history!
R: It’s a great story, and K told that one perfectly.
What did you think of the reception the album got when it finally dropped? And what was it like gaining a following within the ‘nerdcore’/chip hop/chip tune’ genre
R: The reception totally surpassed my expectations. Seems like I always say that, so maybe I need to start raising my expectations…Ha. To see the love it got from video game publications and sites that I’d been reading for years is just amazing. I’ve had fans tell me that “Dream Master” made them cry. That they knew exactly how I felt on “Drop The Load.” Fans have drawn us amazing art, traveled out to the shows from crazy distances, made videos, remixed the songs…Wow. The fan support has been phenomenal, we were able to tour off of it once, and now we get to do it again. It’s a very amazing and humbling thing.
K: I’m still being integrated into the ‘Nerdcore’ fold. But, from my touring with Ran the last year, I can say undoubtedly that Nerdcore fans support on a level thats beyond humbling…. and a way that makes me resent the lack of support many true hip-hop fans show. Hip-hop is a lot of talk, but the Nerdcore fans put their money and hearts where thier mouths are. It really makes you feel appreciated. I’m happy I am allowed to rep on their behalf. The reaction the album got is a testament. It’s brought out closet nerds who are equally big hip-hop heads as they are gamers like me & Ran… thats been real cool to see. I’m honored to be part of that.
K-Murdock…this one is directed at you.. What ‘equipment’ do you use for your music production?
K: I used to use an Akai MPC 2000xl for like 10 years till a homie who is a beta tester for Native Instruments put me on to the Maschine in 2k9 and now I’m all about that, its the hub of my prod setup, coupled with lots of analog synth VSTs and of course a nice library of records and samples.
How would you describe your musical evolution?
R: The evolution of Random has been a slow and steady one. It’s strange, but when I listen to my old music, I almost don’t even recognize that person anymore. That’s a GREAT thing in my opinion. It’s only been 5 years, and my music has taken me to places I’ve never dreamed of it going. So the sky’s the limit for the future. My mind is in a completely different place when I sit down to make music now…I’m able to draw inspiration from the smallest and strangest things these days. I think I’ve really grown as an artist in ways I’ve never thought I could have.
K: For me, It was meeting Raw Poetic from my group Panacea in 2003. I gave him a beat CD of traditional boom bap tracks but the one beat that I through on at the end of it was the one he loved. It was some experimental sh!t. It became our first recorded song- Birdfeather. RawP encouraged me to experiment and really delve deep into the anime and video game influences. It helps make my music stand out i guess, so I definitely “thank him for lettin me be myself”.
What other projects have each of you worked on or been involved with?
K: Basically I’m known for working with my aforementioned group Panacea, but i also have produced for Grammy nominated artists Raheem Devaughn and done remixes for a wide array of major and indie label artists too. You can peep my discography on my site: http://neosonicprod.comR: Well, in addition to the “Mega Ran” series of albums, I’ve been working on my Random solo albums and mixtapes. Most recently “TeacherRapperHero” volumes one and two, which are out now and free. In March we released “Black Materia” with producer Lost Perception and my past albums include “The Call,” “Patches and Glue,” & “The 8th Day’. The next two albums in the works are “The Memorandum” with Phoenix rapper Mr. Miranda, and “Language Arts” which will release next year. I’ve worked on this album longer than anything I’ve ever done…it’s gonna be good.
You recently completed a ‘Kickstarter’ funded tour in the UK, tell me a little bit about that? How did it go for you guys?
R: It was an amazing experience! I’m so thankful to be able to say that we not only went to the UK, but KILLED out there! I almost didn’t want to come back. We felt a lot of love and made some lasting friendships out there. Can’t wait to go back and do it even bigger.
K: It was great, for me I’m 3 for 3 on Kickstarter and love what it does. Erasing the middle man between an artist and he or she’s fans. We got some amazing loyal fans and it showed. The fans that werent going to the UK, helped us because they believe so much in what we do musically, very humbling. The trip was great, but I spent too much money as the dollar carries no weight…but the experience was priceless.
What was the first gaming system that each of you owned growing up?
K: Atari 2600, but my fondest memories was when I got my NES in 86.R: I had an Atari 2600 as well. I was late to move onto NES, so I was the last one on the block still playing Atari while the other kids played Gyromite and Duck Hunt. Ya know what, the last generation of 2600 games were actually really impressive!
What is your present console of choice?
R: I have a PS3 and Xbox 360, but I just got into PS3, so I’ve been catching up on the classics. Playing God of War 3 and Infamous now…waiting patiently for Uncharted 3!K: PS3 mainly. My 360 has crapped out on me with the RRoD for the 3rd time!
What would be the most ultimate ‘mash up’ of a game?
R: I would love an RPG that contained stealth action techniques, like a Metal Gear Solid…That would be cool.K: Maybe a Dance Dance meets final fantasy game… not saying I’d wanna play that but it be pretty ridiculous I’m sure.
What game are you currently playing?
K: I’m still playing Fallout New Vegas, I do these character builds based on other game characters and am currently trying to make Marcus Fenux from Gears. Some others that I have done are Agent 47 from Hitman, Dante from DMC, Sheva from RE5. Its fun to me and honestly, I’m just waiting for Deus Ex.R: Playing God of War 3 and Infamous now.. waiting patiently for Uncharted 3!
If I was someone who has never seen you guys rock live…how would you describe one of your shows?
R: It’s an out of body experience, literally. I don’t know where the energy comes from, but it’s always high octane and loads of fun. I do a ‘freestyle’ at every show, so the song topic and direction changes depending on what I see. It really helps to personalize the experience. Everyone leaves the place sweaty, but there’s no regretful feeling afterwards.K: It’s energy and lots of crowd participation. As much as the crowd gives us, we give right back. It’s on some Venom symbiotic stuff. Seriously though, the highlight is ALWAYS Ran’s live freestyle hands down.
Not including yourselves, who are your favorite acts to listen to currently?
R: I’m a huge fan of Deftones, I can listen to their stuff all day long. Right now in heavy rotation has been the new Jill Scott album, Kanye West and Jay-Z.K: I’m a die hard and old school hip-hop head, which sounds old to even say. I usually listen to the same best of Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul CDs I have when I’m not listening to my own stuff for mixing references. I do love the Flaming Lips on a random note.
What can we expect from you guys over the rest of this year, and beyond?
K: New Forever FamiCOM DLC 2, the final one. Before we do our follow-up Sega-themed album in 2k12. A few other secret projects in the works too and lots of shows.R: More shows, more music…Forever FamiCOM DLC2, which was all fan commissioned tracks. That will be coming soon. Mega Ran 10, the album will hit right after tour and then K and I will get started on the next album for next year. So much stuff!
Is there anything you’d like to promote or plug?
R: Yes, get the new Mega Ran 10 single “Pump It Up” feat. Adam Warrock here! http://megaranmusic.com/track/pump-it-up-feat-adam-warrock also, see ya on the road with MC Chris, MC Lars and Adam.K: just want to say peace to my homie Random, shouts to all the other artists I work with, and thank you to the fans for helping me live my dream. Any and everything u need to know about me and my music is at: http://flavors.me/Neosonix and again http://neosonicprod.com
Mega Ran & K-Murdock are on tour now! Catch them when they are in your city…
http://megaran.com
Forever Famicon DLC 2 is available now…
http://megarankmurdock.bandcamp.com/releases
Dagobot is Mark Dago, a badass nerd musician in his own right. You can check him out on Twitter and on Bandcamp.