Believe it or not, Hip Hop does live here in the Woodland/Sacramento area. I was invited to the "Detox Box" by the very talented producer, Monsrock, located in south Sacramento this past week. I've been listening to Cash Dreed (Monsrock and El Rob) since I recently started working with E.C (See previous work with E.C here) and I've instantly become a fan. Especially since both originally resided in my home town of Woodland, Ca. We'll be working side by side from here on out and I couldn't be happier. All three of these guys have equal or more talent than most musicians you hear on a day to day basis. This is just a start, but "Studio Sessions" will be an on going documentary leading up to shows, album releases and much more. If you like what you see, subscribe on youtube or vimeo to follow us climb our way to the top. If you don't like what you see, give it another shot and see if you like it. If you don't like it after all that, I'm man enough to sit here and say, watch it again and again until you like what you see.
Vimeo link:
Click HERE
Studio Sessions Part 1
I couldn't wait to get into Mons' studio and see how these guys get down. Fresco, a very talented artist, was first up. You couldn't meet a nicer person. Very easy to work with, he was not shy from the camera and lyrically sound. He seems to do a little bit of everything. We only captured one verse, but after one day of working along side Fresco, I'm really looking forward to hearing what comes from this artist in the future and I look forward to working with him again soon.
On deck was El Rob. Taking nothing away from anyone who needs more than one take to lay down lyrics on a track, but Rob does not need more than one attempt to nail a song. What you see in the video is what really happened. Monsrock made the beat on the spot, played it and Rob laid down the entire song in one try. He later laced the track with some doubles, but for the first take, there are no smoke and mirrors, and no editing involved. That was the real deal. To say the least, the song itself is quite impressive. Rob said he doesn't like to waste time, apparently, you can hold Rob to his word.
I Can't wait to film some more of these Studio Session videos. There are some big things on the horizon for Cash Dreed. I can't mention exact details, but know it is going to be good. I will make sure to keep everyone up to date with what is going on, but please stay tuned, you will definitely not want to miss out on what is coming.
You can find more info on Cash Dreed and E.C at coldtwelvers.blogspot.com
and cashdreed.blogspot.com
You can contact me here, or through email at LocalStreetHero@gmail.com
Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy!
-Andrew
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
2010 TDPSC Round 1 Ver. 2.0
With a new track that inspired a new video, but no new footage, I went back and did a super quick montage of the last video. Here is a simple, but awesome montage of the 2010 ThunderDrift ProAm Series Competition:
TDC Rnd1 Ver 2.0
As you can see, or in this case hear the music produced by E.C is nothing short of amazing. With this video, we some what resurrected E.C's "Brewer's Sessions Vol. 2" and brought a classic back to life. With such high demand, we have made this single available for all to download FOR FREE. CLICK THIS LINK and enjoy the complete song which features E.C, Dame-O-Supreme, Clev-R and Jhyles.
Thanks for supporting local artists!
-Andrew
TDC Rnd1 Ver 2.0
As you can see, or in this case hear the music produced by E.C is nothing short of amazing. With this video, we some what resurrected E.C's "Brewer's Sessions Vol. 2" and brought a classic back to life. With such high demand, we have made this single available for all to download FOR FREE. CLICK THIS LINK and enjoy the complete song which features E.C, Dame-O-Supreme, Clev-R and Jhyles.
Thanks for supporting local artists!
-Andrew
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
2010 ThunderDrift ProAm Series Competition - Finally!
First off, I am sincerely sorry for taking so long to complete this video. I set out to do more for this video than I've done in previous ones, and it really opened my eyes on how much work is really involved when multiple people are needed for a project. I never intended on taking this long to complete this video, but with busy schedules, music being produced, me trying new things, getting extremely sick, oh and dealing with the regular daily routine really dragged the project on much longer than expected. I can only hope the drifting community can accept this video for what it is, a big risk on my part for taking a totally different approach to it, and understand that it took many people to finish this project, all of which have had zero drifting experience prior to this. I joked around when I started this by saying this video would be broadcast ready. Meaning a 22 min video giving a network 8 mins for commercials. Well, I guess the joke is on me. I kept an eye on that, just teasing with the thought, and the final result actually came out just above 21 mins. I hope you enjoy the video, but I also hope you are interested in what went on in the making of this video. Whatch the video, and please return here to read up on what took place during the past few weeks.
Enjoy
http://vimeo.com/10221152
Music
I really wanted this to be a true independent video and using commercial music that I did not have the rights to would totally go against that. The first call I made was to the very talented Producer, Eddie Z. It was an easy decision. Not only is Eddie a talented Rapper and Producer, but he lives only a few mins away from me here in Woodland. He created the music so seamlessly. I gave him the mindset I had and a few "drift terms" and out came the "ThunderDrift Theme". Need I say more? I was ecstatic when I heard the first cut. Soon after, he quickly produced what I called "Bracket Beats", for the back ground music I needed. For more of Eddie Z's music, please visit his page at
I was pretty content with the music I had, but like a $20 bill next to a chip you find in your couch, EdotC comes out of no where with more music. Hailing from Alameda, EdotC blessed me with some of the nicest beats I've ever heard from a local underground Producer. I listened to his first album entitled "Fresh Brewed Music" and instantly fell in love with the track "EdStrumental". After I was given the green light to use the instrumental, EdotC passed along some randoms for me to use. In those "randoms" as he called it, I found another gem by the name of "Stop Hold" the remix from DBG featuring - Cash Dreed and EdotC and produced by Monsrock. I wish I had the excuse to play the entire track, but I only needed to loop the first 8 bars. You can find more music from EdotC, Monsrock and the whole crew at:
Be on the look out for a release from this camp coming this summer!
Sally Sidewayz
What can one say about Mrs. Sidwayz? Well fresh off the set of NBC's show "Trauma", Kenyon Page fit the character just right. Once Kenyon arrived back from Treasure Island where they were filming Trauma, we started talking about what direction we would go in. I don't know where I got the idea for a Drift enthusiast from Camden, but some how it worked. I remembered Kenyon holding an entire conversation in a British accent as if she had grown up in London, so I asked if she could pull off the entire video in that form. With no hesitation, she jumped right into character and got to work. Now, before this project, Kenyon knew nothing of drifting. No drift cars, previous movies, terminology, nothing. After a few scripts I wrote for her, she was able to get a handle on things and delivered a more than adequate performance. With Sacramento's own Lindsay Rickman lacing up Sally with the fresh wardrobe, Mrs. Sidewayz was set. A huge thanks to Kenyon for making time and jumping into a project with out knowing what to expect.
Putting Sally Track side
From the video, you can see that I am no expert on Green Screen. With out the help of Franco "Steve" Leopold, the picture quality would not have been no where near what it is. Steve has been my mentor for a while now and is always willing to help. Normally, he is the one calling the shots and I'm just trying to listen, learn, and follow directions. This time around, I was behind the camera and the man in charge. Steve came through HUGE with help on lighting up the set for the green screen footage. Its a bit amazing how much ones brain can know. It seems that Steve can teach you anything you need to know when it comes to film making. He set up the lights, gave me a tutorial, and really helped this video get to the next level. Big thank you goes out to him for helping out with such a busy schedule.
Editing
This is the part I like. I have (almost) everything I need and its time to get to work. Text and intros are something I really wanted to pay more attention to. Its no secret, you can view any of my previous videos and see that my text effects and things of that nature are sub-par. I finally dipped into Apple Motion on this project, and what a program that is. I built the moving brackets and tandem titles in Motion. I know I know, anyone who has dealt with Motion is probably laughing at the fact that I am proud of those two Motion projects, but to me, they are MUCH better than anything I have made before which has opened up so many doors and the creativity will soon be spilling out of this computer. Other than that, it was a fairly easy edit. No quick cuts, no special effects, just a video showing you what is going on. Something I haven't seen since an old NCDA video from years ago. To the best of my knowledge, a drifting video with all this has never been made for NorCal Drifting. Although there are many parts that could be much improved, I can be proud that my name is on this one.
Here are some behind the scene photos
When in a pinch and in need of a sound booth, make your own:
The Audio work station:
Numerous cups of tea, chi and what not:
Green Screen Prep:
Sally Prep:
Filming Green Screen:
Enjoy
http://vimeo.com/10221152
Music
I really wanted this to be a true independent video and using commercial music that I did not have the rights to would totally go against that. The first call I made was to the very talented Producer, Eddie Z. It was an easy decision. Not only is Eddie a talented Rapper and Producer, but he lives only a few mins away from me here in Woodland. He created the music so seamlessly. I gave him the mindset I had and a few "drift terms" and out came the "ThunderDrift Theme". Need I say more? I was ecstatic when I heard the first cut. Soon after, he quickly produced what I called "Bracket Beats", for the back ground music I needed. For more of Eddie Z's music, please visit his page at
I was pretty content with the music I had, but like a $20 bill next to a chip you find in your couch, EdotC comes out of no where with more music. Hailing from Alameda, EdotC blessed me with some of the nicest beats I've ever heard from a local underground Producer. I listened to his first album entitled "Fresh Brewed Music" and instantly fell in love with the track "EdStrumental". After I was given the green light to use the instrumental, EdotC passed along some randoms for me to use. In those "randoms" as he called it, I found another gem by the name of "Stop Hold" the remix from DBG featuring - Cash Dreed and EdotC and produced by Monsrock. I wish I had the excuse to play the entire track, but I only needed to loop the first 8 bars. You can find more music from EdotC, Monsrock and the whole crew at:
Be on the look out for a release from this camp coming this summer!
Sally Sidewayz
What can one say about Mrs. Sidwayz? Well fresh off the set of NBC's show "Trauma", Kenyon Page fit the character just right. Once Kenyon arrived back from Treasure Island where they were filming Trauma, we started talking about what direction we would go in. I don't know where I got the idea for a Drift enthusiast from Camden, but some how it worked. I remembered Kenyon holding an entire conversation in a British accent as if she had grown up in London, so I asked if she could pull off the entire video in that form. With no hesitation, she jumped right into character and got to work. Now, before this project, Kenyon knew nothing of drifting. No drift cars, previous movies, terminology, nothing. After a few scripts I wrote for her, she was able to get a handle on things and delivered a more than adequate performance. With Sacramento's own Lindsay Rickman lacing up Sally with the fresh wardrobe, Mrs. Sidewayz was set. A huge thanks to Kenyon for making time and jumping into a project with out knowing what to expect.
Putting Sally Track side
From the video, you can see that I am no expert on Green Screen. With out the help of Franco "Steve" Leopold, the picture quality would not have been no where near what it is. Steve has been my mentor for a while now and is always willing to help. Normally, he is the one calling the shots and I'm just trying to listen, learn, and follow directions. This time around, I was behind the camera and the man in charge. Steve came through HUGE with help on lighting up the set for the green screen footage. Its a bit amazing how much ones brain can know. It seems that Steve can teach you anything you need to know when it comes to film making. He set up the lights, gave me a tutorial, and really helped this video get to the next level. Big thank you goes out to him for helping out with such a busy schedule.
Editing
This is the part I like. I have (almost) everything I need and its time to get to work. Text and intros are something I really wanted to pay more attention to. Its no secret, you can view any of my previous videos and see that my text effects and things of that nature are sub-par. I finally dipped into Apple Motion on this project, and what a program that is. I built the moving brackets and tandem titles in Motion. I know I know, anyone who has dealt with Motion is probably laughing at the fact that I am proud of those two Motion projects, but to me, they are MUCH better than anything I have made before which has opened up so many doors and the creativity will soon be spilling out of this computer. Other than that, it was a fairly easy edit. No quick cuts, no special effects, just a video showing you what is going on. Something I haven't seen since an old NCDA video from years ago. To the best of my knowledge, a drifting video with all this has never been made for NorCal Drifting. Although there are many parts that could be much improved, I can be proud that my name is on this one.
Here are some behind the scene photos
When in a pinch and in need of a sound booth, make your own:
The Audio work station:
Numerous cups of tea, chi and what not:
Green Screen Prep:
Sally Prep:
Filming Green Screen:
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Good things come to those who wait.
This has been the longest drifting project I've worked on so far. Even longer than ASB last summer. Usually, I have everything I need right when I get home from an event, but for this one, I wanted to do more than just the regular "run of the mill" drift montage. I'm still waiting on paper work from ThunderDrift organizer Geoff Pitts, music from Eddie Z. and I still have more footage to shoot. So please be patient on this one, it will be a one of a kind video for NorCal drifting. I'm thinking about using a Twitter account as a bulletin board for the blog and to keep everyone up to date on what is going on over here. Be on the look out for that, but in the mean time....
Click the link below!
http://vimeo.com/9667321
Click the link below!
http://vimeo.com/9667321
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Thunder Drift Jingle Bells Jerift Event 2009
Thunder Drift is one of the very few organizations in the area that has held an annual full track event every year for the past three years. Each year seems to get better and better. The schedule was no different then previous years, open practice Saturday, Drift Competition Sunday. Only this year's Sunday Competition was a little different.
Xander Newell, seasoned Drifter/Judge, came up with a different type of competition that I feel made the day much more enjoyable, and probably one of the better events I've been to. Definitely the most exciting drift event to film since All Star Bash this past summer. The categories for winning prizes varied from "Longest E-Brake Slide" to "Milk Chocolate Award", which went to the whitest car that ended up the brownest.
Drivers knew where the judges were, but didn't have strict "drift criteria" to focus on. They didn't have to worry about scoring points and getting 1st place. Picture an open track event where there is no pressure, only pressure from yourself to push yourself harder, and at the end of the day, you get prizes for having fun. That is the best way I can describe it and I can tell by the driver's reaction to each award, they had a blast. I had tons of fun being there as well.
The sprinkling rain and fog made for a hard shoot. I faced similar conditions in Marina for UFO's event, but that was on a close skid pad. Trying to focus in on cars at far distances at much faster speeds was a little bit harder. Luckily, I didn't have to color correct as much in this edit, so I was able to release it sooner. I did not plan on using the award ceremony that I filmed in this video, but it felt like it went well and told a bit of a story. Shaky camera and BAD angle of the awards being handed out made me want to skip that, but I think I made the right choice. For future events, I will make it a point to place myself in a better position to get these types of shots.
This years annual event marks one full calender year since we lost a fellow drifter. David Andrew Kula participated in last year's Jingle Bell Jerift Event. A tragic accident following the event last year would turn out for the worst. No, it was not reckless driving or misbehaving behind the wheel. Kula used a pacemaker, but I'm unsure if that was determined the cause of death. Instead of focusing on our loss that night, I'd rather have everyone who knew David remember the time we had with him. From what I remember, he was a really chill guy. Didn't seem like anything could ever get him riled up. Real relaxed dude, and the drift world will miss you. Rest in peace, or better yet, Slide in Peace, friend.
-Andrew Zaragoza
Video: http://vimeo.com/8347246
Xander Newell, seasoned Drifter/Judge, came up with a different type of competition that I feel made the day much more enjoyable, and probably one of the better events I've been to. Definitely the most exciting drift event to film since All Star Bash this past summer. The categories for winning prizes varied from "Longest E-Brake Slide" to "Milk Chocolate Award", which went to the whitest car that ended up the brownest.
Drivers knew where the judges were, but didn't have strict "drift criteria" to focus on. They didn't have to worry about scoring points and getting 1st place. Picture an open track event where there is no pressure, only pressure from yourself to push yourself harder, and at the end of the day, you get prizes for having fun. That is the best way I can describe it and I can tell by the driver's reaction to each award, they had a blast. I had tons of fun being there as well.
The sprinkling rain and fog made for a hard shoot. I faced similar conditions in Marina for UFO's event, but that was on a close skid pad. Trying to focus in on cars at far distances at much faster speeds was a little bit harder. Luckily, I didn't have to color correct as much in this edit, so I was able to release it sooner. I did not plan on using the award ceremony that I filmed in this video, but it felt like it went well and told a bit of a story. Shaky camera and BAD angle of the awards being handed out made me want to skip that, but I think I made the right choice. For future events, I will make it a point to place myself in a better position to get these types of shots.
This years annual event marks one full calender year since we lost a fellow drifter. David Andrew Kula participated in last year's Jingle Bell Jerift Event. A tragic accident following the event last year would turn out for the worst. No, it was not reckless driving or misbehaving behind the wheel. Kula used a pacemaker, but I'm unsure if that was determined the cause of death. Instead of focusing on our loss that night, I'd rather have everyone who knew David remember the time we had with him. From what I remember, he was a really chill guy. Didn't seem like anything could ever get him riled up. Real relaxed dude, and the drift world will miss you. Rest in peace, or better yet, Slide in Peace, friend.
-Andrew Zaragoza
Video: http://vimeo.com/8347246
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thunder Drift Mustache Style Full Track Drift Event
You can't really get a grasp on how big Thunder Hill Raceway is until you try walking around the track. Even though I didn't reach every end of the track, the few spots I did venture out to, really left me winded after the long up and down hill walks. Made me wish I had left some equipment at home. After viewing the footage, I felt the angles I got were a little bland and dull, but hopefully at least the drift community can appreciate it.
The day consisted of a lot of good drivers on Thunder Hill's 15 mile course and a lot of great mustaches. Sorry, you won't see any in this video, but I wish I did capture some of the great staches that day. "Mustache Style" was just one of many fun themes Geoff Pitts can cook up. Drivers actually received a $20 discount if they came with an upper lip sweater. Mustaches only. All other facial hair had to be removed or drivers would not receive the discount. I wonder what Geoff will think of next. Be sure to check thunderdrift.com to see when the next crazy themed event will be.
I honestly had a rough day shooting. I've never been out on course with my camera before, I feel the some what boring footage shows that. I have to thank Geoff Pitts for the media pass that was provided to me. I feel this will give me the experience needed to film an event like this in the future. I hope you enjoy the video and please send me comments, positive or negative. You can reach me here, on vimeo or at localstreethero@gmail.com.
Video:
http://vimeo.com/7810774
Thanks,
Andrew Zaragoza
The day consisted of a lot of good drivers on Thunder Hill's 15 mile course and a lot of great mustaches. Sorry, you won't see any in this video, but I wish I did capture some of the great staches that day. "Mustache Style" was just one of many fun themes Geoff Pitts can cook up. Drivers actually received a $20 discount if they came with an upper lip sweater. Mustaches only. All other facial hair had to be removed or drivers would not receive the discount. I wonder what Geoff will think of next. Be sure to check thunderdrift.com to see when the next crazy themed event will be.
I honestly had a rough day shooting. I've never been out on course with my camera before, I feel the some what boring footage shows that. I have to thank Geoff Pitts for the media pass that was provided to me. I feel this will give me the experience needed to film an event like this in the future. I hope you enjoy the video and please send me comments, positive or negative. You can reach me here, on vimeo or at localstreethero@gmail.com.
Video:
http://vimeo.com/7810774
Thanks,
Andrew Zaragoza
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Andre Williams, Jingle Ball Star Search
Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6m90pOAm1U
Background info:
Its been a while since I've had something to post up here, I do apologize. I've been working with Vchi Studios and learning SO much. Filming different things than I'm accustomed to, but still enjoying every second of it. So much so that I've ventured on a solo project of my own. Filming, directing, editing, etc etc, the conclusion, I hope to do this for the rest of my life. I recently hooked up with the extremely talented Andre Williams to put together this gem.
Andre is not your average Joe. He has one of the best voices you will ever hear, but do not let that voice fool you. This artist can submit beautiful music, and put you in a submission hold. Andre trains and is a well balanced Jujitsu student. He trains along side professional fighter David Terrell in Santa Rosa, CA on a regular basis. In this video, Andre showcases some of his techniques, but we couldn't film all of them. You never know when an opponent is watching trying to get an edge. Even as good a fighter Andre is, when it comes to music, you really can see what a talented individual he is. To watch him pick up a mic, no warming up, no play list, nothing, yet still sing as if he had been doing it all night. Its seems so effortless when watching him produce such perfect vocals. I had some camera mic issues, but you still can hear how great of a singer he is.
Andre is competing in 107.9 The End's "Jingle Ball Star Search" competition. Out of 100 plus contestants, Andre has made it to the top 10! The voting has already started, but I wanted to help out a good friend. It pains me to see someone like Andre not being able to make music everyday because of not getting "that shot". We sought out to try and get Andre some exposure, let everyone know him a little better, and GET MORE VOTES! Hopefully after watching this, you will be convinced enough to log onto http://www.endonline.com/pages/5482860.php and register and vote for Andre Williams. He could use every vote possible. Please take the time to register and vote, maybe this could be Andre's big break and we can all help a local man come up in this music industry.
I had so much fun making this, I hope you all enjoy it. Again, please go to www.endonline.com and click on the "Jingle Ball Star Search" link. Or go to http://www.endonline.com/pages/5482860.php
Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6m90pOAm1U
Background info:
Its been a while since I've had something to post up here, I do apologize. I've been working with Vchi Studios and learning SO much. Filming different things than I'm accustomed to, but still enjoying every second of it. So much so that I've ventured on a solo project of my own. Filming, directing, editing, etc etc, the conclusion, I hope to do this for the rest of my life. I recently hooked up with the extremely talented Andre Williams to put together this gem.
Andre is not your average Joe. He has one of the best voices you will ever hear, but do not let that voice fool you. This artist can submit beautiful music, and put you in a submission hold. Andre trains and is a well balanced Jujitsu student. He trains along side professional fighter David Terrell in Santa Rosa, CA on a regular basis. In this video, Andre showcases some of his techniques, but we couldn't film all of them. You never know when an opponent is watching trying to get an edge. Even as good a fighter Andre is, when it comes to music, you really can see what a talented individual he is. To watch him pick up a mic, no warming up, no play list, nothing, yet still sing as if he had been doing it all night. Its seems so effortless when watching him produce such perfect vocals. I had some camera mic issues, but you still can hear how great of a singer he is.
Andre is competing in 107.9 The End's "Jingle Ball Star Search" competition. Out of 100 plus contestants, Andre has made it to the top 10! The voting has already started, but I wanted to help out a good friend. It pains me to see someone like Andre not being able to make music everyday because of not getting "that shot". We sought out to try and get Andre some exposure, let everyone know him a little better, and GET MORE VOTES! Hopefully after watching this, you will be convinced enough to log onto http://www.endonline.com/pages/5482860.php and register and vote for Andre Williams. He could use every vote possible. Please take the time to register and vote, maybe this could be Andre's big break and we can all help a local man come up in this music industry.
I had so much fun making this, I hope you all enjoy it. Again, please go to www.endonline.com and click on the "Jingle Ball Star Search" link. Or go to http://www.endonline.com/pages/5482860.php
Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6m90pOAm1U
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