--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--

UNITY IN THE UNDERGROUND: Bringing Together Lovers of Electronica, Hip Hop and Art for a Great Cause

MARCH 3, 2005, HOLLYWOOD - In its sixth year, ArtWallah kicked off its 2005 Festival season with its highly anticipated benefit party and concert entitled “Up From the Underground: 2 Rooms, 2 Vibes” at Boardner’s of Hollywood. This year’s party had a distinctly unique flavor and theme—recognizing the underground and emerging artist, as well as survivors of the Tsunami. The concert was emceed by Sri Lankan spoken word artist D’Lo with lively urban flair. She delivered her words with an infectious energy that was emblematic of the fusion of cultures represented that night. Sounds of South Asian and electronic beats from the indoor dancefloor mixed with hip hop rhythms and renegade lyrics from the outdoor stage, bring together diverse music-lovers and partygoers from all walks of life.

 

Keeping with the underground theme, ArtWallah selected artists with differing roots and audience bases. When asked on his thoughts regarding this blending of cultures,

DJ Trident expressed, “We’re all living in our own diaspora; this is LA, we’re all Angelinos. It’s about being urban, it’s about being us, it’s about sharing.” This echoed the universal sentiment of the night.

 

Taking center stage in the outdoor room was a confluence of musical forces driven by a socio-political message of acceptance. First up were Noah and the Renegade Soldiers who pumped the crowd and got the room movin’ and groovin’ with dynamic lyrics that spoke of honesty, diversity, and unity. Shortly after Noah, an energized crowd was treated to the unparalleled battle rapping skills of Trek-Life inspiring some audience members to bust out their best breakdancing moves. Trek’s self-described philosophy is “to be yourself, to strive for the best that you can be, to know that there are no limits in life, and to express who you are by giving 100%.” Between live performances sets outdoors, DJ Milhouse Scoop filled the night air with an eclectic mix with an undertow of funk and soul.

 

Indoors, audience members swayed to the smooth sounds of DJ Rokfresh who blended an aesthetic mix of soul and house peppered with Bollywood beats from the old school. DJ Trident followed up who managed to spin the disparate genres of drum n’ bass with jazz and old Hindi movie scores in seamless transitions without dancers missing a beat on the dancefloor.

 

Platforming emerging artists and shedding light on work off the beaten path has always been ArtWallah’s mission. The benefit party continued in this vein while additionally highlighting ArtWallah’s similarities to other underground movements, namely that of the cultures of hip hop and electronica. When approached about his motivations as a DJ, Milhouse Scoop echoed the necessity of platforms and described his goals as “trying to expose people to left-of-center music.”

 

ArtWallah’s mission has not only aimed to support the emerging artist, but also the established non-commercial artist. The grassroots community that has transpired around these artists bridges people together, allowing for an exchange of ideas and creative leads. Sonny Virmani, a director/producer, loved the benefit, “I have some things in the works and need to meet more Desi actors and people in general. Can't wait to go the Festival!” Another partygoer by the name of Thomas affirmed ArtWallah’s importance as “a great meet-and-greet kind of place that is a wonderful platform for artists.” As each year passes, ArtWallah strengthens its platform for the artistic and political individual to express himself with unparalleled freedom. It is amidst this liberty that “Up From the Underground” continues to reverberate the ArtWallah Festival message, attracting artists and groups from all walks of life to join under the umbrella of grassroots arts and pulsating beats.

 

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