Męånwhįlę

This goes without even needing to be said, but in the realm of music, there are songwriters, composers, producers and beat-masters that help to create what we hear as pure genius. They are not always the front man or the lead singer of the band, and in fact, they are often silent as a whole. Producers can be a part of the team though—not unlike Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (Ryan is the producer/partner in the duo), and these beat-masters are pretty darn vital in music, and in hip-hop especially. Unfortunately, people forget that there’s a person behind the beat they’re bobbing their head to. Allow me to introduce you to Meanwhile, one of the individuals you can thank for supplying some awesome rhythm to this great Empire.


Name: Meanwhile

City of Origin: Riverside.

Recent releases: Dangerous Durag Music (Produced By Meanwhile, for Stevie Crooks).

Kindred Spirits: Madlib, Alchemist.

Websites: meanwhile7.bandcamp.com

Frequents: The Common Ground (Riverside), The Machine (Pomona), & GCS (Pomona).



How did you begin your journey in music-creation?

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has been supporting me the past two years. Much love to all the fans new and old. I honestly woke up one day and said I wanna DJ & I taught myself. Starting from doing [little] house parties. Now I DJ for the DA of Riverside. I’m a contracted NAACP DJ. Dreams do come true and while you’re working at them, you might not notice your accolades until you step back and realize, “Yo, I been busting my ass.”



Can you elaborate on your stage name, Meanwhile?

Well I started out under the moniker DJ Meanwhile. But I didn’t just wanna be classified as a DJ and have a box put around my talents. Nowadays I just go by Meanwhile (usually stylized with infinity signs on each side.) The way I created the name was when I worked on my music it was very personal. You might not always notice me but I’m close at hand. “Meanwhile” is a moment in time. “Meanwhile” is the Beginning and the End. “Meanwhile” is everything and nothing.



What releases have you worked on that you’d love to tell us about?

Right now we are in the works of the next Dirty Suspect project. But solo wise, I’m in the midst of my compilation album all produced by me. Look for it around late winter. But singles, I’m working with my bros Qwa & Thrive Heavy. Catch my production skills on their next projects.



What other Inland Empire artists should we keep our eye on?

Dirty Suspects, Kasino Gang, I.B. (You’ll usually hear him on my projects. He’s my right hand man and co-producer.)



What is your ultimate goal with your music?

My ultimate goal with this music is to eventually do movie scoring with my productions.



Meanwhile at D.I.Y. Music and Fashion Fest 2013 at The Glass House, 248 W. 2nd St, Pomona, (909) 865-3802; www.theglasshouse.us. Aug 31. 5PM. $10-$15. All ages. - Kim

On Saturday, August 31st, the friends over at Brick To Ya Face present their third annual DIY Music and Fashion Fest, set to take place at the Glass House in Pomona, CA. This year’s lineup includes a who’s who of the Inland Empire Hip Hop scene, with notable acts, Yung Miss, Noa James, Stevie Crooks, Curtiss King, Waju, DCxDCxDC, Cam Gnarly, Pheo, and headlined by the Hair God himself, Speak!. With its focus on music as well as fashion, the DIY Fest has witnessed constant growth as it heads into its third year. For the fashion aspect, curated independent designers are sought, and given the opportunity to showcase their styles alongside a night full of performances and a sure to be packed, assorted crowd. If you still feel like we didn’t hit you with enough info, check out the promo vid from Noa James above.

Purchase Tickets HERE

The Glass House
200 W. Second St.
Pomona, CA - Jorge

I can't get my waves up, because I've had locks for over a decade now. Sorry, little kid from tose doofy Internet videos - Meka