DCist Interview: Ramtin Arablouei of Drop Electric
The argument has been made that a city's vibrancy is directly correlated with the strength of its artistic community. Borrowing from this sentiment is DC51, a progressive artist collective based in the District. Recently, DC51 expanded its ranks to include not only visual artists but also musicians. In celebration of this growth, they'll be holding a concert at the Rock and Roll Hotel tonight at 9 p.m. featuring several hip-hop influenced acts: Drop Electric, Christylez Bacon, Godisheus featuring Head-Roc, and the Cornel West Theory.
We caught up via e-mail with Drop Electric percussionist Ramtin Arablouei to get his thoughts on the importance of organizations like DC51 to the local arts scene.
Tell us a little bit about Drop Electric's involvement with DC51.
Drop Electric first became involved with DC51 after we performed at a benefit for the Women's Drumming Empowerment Project at the Belmont House in Adam's Morgan with fellow DC51 act Evil Empire. I knew about the artists in the collective after seeing their work around town for a few years prior to that point. When we started our band a year ago I was really taken aback by how little cooperation and community there was among D.C. musicians. I always had the idea to create some type of collective for D.C. musicians where people could openly collaborate and pair up for shows. About that time DC51 decided to bring in some musicians to its collective. We were asked to get involved with the collective and we jumped at the opportunity. I thought to myself, "Why reinvent the wheel? These folks really have it figured out. I want to be a part of that movement."
Why is an organization like DC51 important?
I think often times the arts and music become way too competitive and do not engender any feelings of community. D.C. has always been a home to progressive, activist art. This is a big reason why I love this city. D.C. artists seem to recognize that they have power to reach people and to help out the community in some small way. Drop Electric always tries to donate a part of the proceeds from it's D.C. shows to a local community based organization. I know that many fellow DC51 artists do the same. This is a great way to nurture the homegrown arts in D.C. and to ensure that more and more artists are given a platform to express themselves.
What is Drop Electric doing to help push the local hip-hop scene?
Drop Electric is not really considered a hip-hop act per se, which is fine. It's the listener's prerogative to define the sound we make however they want. With that said, we are intensely influenced by hip-hop music. For this reason we are big fans of the local hip-hop scene. When we play Rock and Roll Hotel or any other D.C. venue, we always try our best to make sure we have at least one great local hip-hop act on the bill. The biggest thing we do is actually go out to local hip-hop shows and buy the music. I won't even start naming all my favorite local emcees, but I can tell you that I've seen Head Roc and Christylez Bacon live over a dozen times. I only discovered Cornel West Theory lately but was blown away by them.
You mentioned that you think local hip-hop acts don't get the attention they deserve and have even been shut out of some venues. What do you think is holding the scene back?
I think this is a problem in cities throughout the country. Music venues that offer a platform to local acts are often owned and operated by [people] that grow up going to rock shows. Most may only be occasional rap music listeners. This creates a sense of distance. In addition, the general stigma associated with hip-hop makes talent buyers and club owners shy away from working with rappers.
With that said, I think some of the responsibility falls on the hip-hop community and fans. The fact is it's all a money game for owners and talent buyers. These folks are making their living on acts that bring people out to shows. Even if a club owner or talent buyer loves a local hip-hop act, he can't really afford to bring him or her to perform if they are not going to bring out a lot of people. If hip-hop fans came out to support local acts and filled up the venues every time a great local rapper played, then we wouldn't be talking about this. I've heard this from many local hip-hop vets. The other option to combat this is to see a viable mid-size hip-hop venue emerge somewhere in the city. If I had the capital, believe me I'd do it.
What impact do you think the progressive arts/music scene can have on a city like D.C.?
I think a collective like DC51 can create a viable avenue for local artists with a progressive bend to cooperate and collaborate to bring beautiful art to the community. All communities need artistic outlets. If DC51 helps foster those outlets and helps young artists believe there is a place for them in the community, then it will be a great success. Also, DC51 can actually make a tangible difference on the ground by bringing attention to issues affecting the community and to help fundraise to support grassroots movements. There is no separation between politics and music. As my favorite poet, Lucille Clifton always says, "Walking out the door in the morning is a political decision."
What can we expect at this DC51 show?
You can expect some of the most creative and flavorful acts the city has to offer. There will also be art from DC51 artists Decoy, OWEL, RVLTN, and Taxi Gang on display throughout the club. Live painting will also be happening. We'll also have live visuals and a light show during our set. Its going to be an orgy of artistic expression at a great venue. I promise no one will leave without having fun and feeling good about it.
The DC51 Jumpoff Party will take place at the Rock and Roll Hotel tonight at 9 p.m. Featured acts will include Drop Electric, Christylez Bacon, Godisheus featuring Head-Roc, and the Cornel West Theory. $10.