Greetings. So, just wanted to check in and let you guys know what’s been going on. Kirsch just got back from Vegas on Friday. He was there for a week with the boys from Reason Clothing at the Magic Clothing Convention. While he was there, he managed to spread the word on SY, and meet some interesting people. He ran into Talib Kweli (my dude), and Travis from Gym Class Heroes and had great conversations with both of them.
Speaking of clothing, I just ran into my man Micah at the Gin Mill the other day. His company ONLY NY, is doing their damn thing in the NYC street wear scene. From the little bit he could tell me about his upcoming Spring ‘08 line, sounds like he’s on to something special.

A young man by the name of Kid Cudi opened for us at S.O.B’s this summer. Seems as though he’s done quite well for himself since then. He’s blowing up on the scene and his new single Day ‘N’ Nite is intelligent, smooth, and incredibly catchy. Props to Cudi!

I spoke with Speaks last night on the phone for the first time since he’s been gone. He sends his regards to all of his fans, and explained to me that mohawk in french is “cok”. He says he loves asking the French if they like his big handsome “cok”. That’s what it is.

-NickName

What it is people? If you can, go pick up the most recent issue of TimeOut New York (1/26-2/6)….open the cover and there I am. Call me Front Page Name. I want to thank Kate Lowenstein at TimeOut New York for printing my words. Also, a big thanks to Big Nogs at Nike for hooking me up with those exclusivo kicks.

Furthermore, I had a six hour studio session with both Lynas and The Record Breakers last week. It’s always fun to get the SY creative think tank together to further the progression of our music. I’m hyped to get these new hit songs out!! Check back soon for updates.

-Name

Click here for the the link to the interview or right click and download this image.

I want to start out by thanking all of you who attended Friday’s show at Don Hill’s. Dash and I both agree that this was our best show to date and we are so proud to have rocked out in front of such an amazing crowd. The feeling was euphoric, and it was a perfect way to send us into the new year. Shout outs to Reason Clothing’s DJ Price for holding down on the 1’s and 2’s, and providing clothing for the event, along with Drukker Enterprises and Ezra Wine. We appreciate your contributions, and thank you for helping us look like fly motherfuckers.

Moving on…the feeling around the SY camp is that ‘08 is going to be a year of monumental growth for our music and company. In 2007, we released a Bad News album, were nominated for an independent music award, and opened for Lupe Fiasco, amongst many other great achievements. Obviously, we hope to build on those things and hit the road running.

Dash will be leaving for Switzerland on Sunday, which, no doubt, will be a sad moment for myself and the rest of SY. However, during the next five months that he’ll spend overseas, he will continue to make music, perform, and give the rest of the world a taste of our flavor. I, myself, will be releasing a solo project sometime in April or May, and will continue to perform and make music in NYC until then. At the moment, we have a few projects in the works. We are also currently atop the leader board in OurStage.com’s PLUG Independent Music Awards competition to perform at the PLUG Awards in March. We won’t know if we’ve been picked until late Feb., but keep your fingers crossed.

On behalf of Screw York I wish you all the best in the New Year. , Take it, hit it, and pass it around.

-NickName

On Friday, December 28th, D Speaks and NickName are accompanied by their live band as well as the most lovely singer of all time, Jade. Expect to hear plenty of tracks from the critically acclaimed “The Name Speaks Volumes”, some throwbacks from the first two albums, and a lil bit of new stuff. Be sure to vote for “The Name Speaks Volumes” for Hip-Hop Album of the Year on the Independent Music Awards website.
Jade is opening and DJ Price from Reason Clothing is spinning after the performances to keep the party going. Listen to a live performance and then party with us all night. Don Hill’s is one of our favorite spots; the drinks are cheap and delicious, the times are fun, and the memories are…. blurry.

You’re all family, we love all you. Come celebrate at our holiday party.

Doors open at 10:30, Show starts at 11:30

Last Tuesday, I did a little guest spot with the neo-funk band Mugwump. It was a great show to be a part of, and also to watch. They are becoming one of the great musical collectives in NYC. Jade performs with them on the regular, and it is always a pleasure to hear her sing. For anyone who doesn’t know, check them out here. Besides, nearly half the band has gotten down for my new single Look Away, which I performed for the first time at the Knitting Factory on Monday. Shout out to Lynas for holding the sound down, and bearing with me as I rerecorded the “Look Away” vocals four times. Peace to everyone that came out to support us on Monday and all the other acts that rocked the stage - Pittsburgh Slim, Blesstenation, and Jet Lag Gemini.
Our next show is at the end of December, and about a week after that, I’m out to Europe for a while…but stay up on ScrewYork.com for info on the NEXT BAD NEWS SHOW, our NEW YEARS EVE PARTY, and my GOING AWAY PARTY on January 5th.

Props to the Bay Area’s Zeph and Azeem for beating us out for the hip hop album of the year . I still think we should of won the award, but its all good. Besides the VOXPOPULI vote is still going on, so if you haven’t already done so, show some love by going to the Independent Music Awards
Love, Peace, and D. Speaks