Center of Gravity Kelowna

CENTER OF GRAVITY

Center of Gravity photo gallery

by Contributed - Story: 78788
Aug 5, 2012 / 3:45 pm

Center of Gravity 1

Photo: Contributed - Evan Roberts

Photo: Contributed - Courtney Haines

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Center of Gravity 2

Photo: Contributed - Chris Gardiner

Photo: Contributed - Courtney Haines

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Yelawolf gets personal with Kelowna

by Mark Stone - Story: 78768
Aug 5, 2012 / 1:36 pm

Castanet Exclusive: Yelawolf Review and Interview
Center of Gravity
Saturday, August 4th

Where Old School Meets New School

I have a confession to make: I still love rap music. I’ve been listening since 1986 and haven’t been able to give it up as one of my favorite genres of music. When I heard Yelawolf was going to play at Center of Gravity, I was excited to see him – as he is one of rap’s rising stars – but I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve heard a few of his songs, the ultra catchy Let’s Roll (with Kid Rock) and Daddy’s Lambo, but otherwise I didn’t know much about the Alabama rapper.

Yelawolf took the stage right on time at 6 pm last night, and for the first three songs the media were invited to capture video footage of the show. I had planned to stay for those first three songs and then sneak away to get something to eat, when a crazy thing happened: I couldn’t tear myself away from his energetic stage show. As each song progressed, Yelawolf cranked up the heat higher and higher, and I had to stick around.

It was clear that the 32-year old rapper, who recently signed to Eminem’s Shady Records, truly appreciates rap’s roots. Yelawolf (real name Michael Wayne Atha) doesn’t rely on flashy pyrotechnics or dancers to distract from the authentic talent of two turntables and a microphone, the old school saying representing one DJ and one rapper.

After performing 5 songs, Yelawolf’s DJ – DJ Craze – launched into a DJ solo that worked the turntables faster than anything I’ve ever seen. The DJ solo in a rap show brought me back to the old school days of seeing Will Smith perform with DJ Jazzy Jeff, before he became an actor and when he was known as the Fresh Prince. Half the fun of seeing a Jazzy Jeff/Fresh Prince show was Jeff’s turntable spectacle, and although DJ Craze’s solo was much shorter, it was no less amazing. Craze is the only DJ in history to have won the DMC World DJ championships 3 years in a row, and his performance last night proved his worthiness of the title.

After Craze’s solo, Yelawolf launched into a fantastic Beastie Boys tribute medley, dedicating it to the recently deceased Adam Yauch (MCA). When you have a rapper that can pay homage to one of rap’s greatest acts and genuinely do them justice without sounding like a copycat, you know you’re witnessing a great talent.

Another great highlight is when the ‘wolf stood at the top of the fence separating the stage from the crowd, and proceeded to jump into the throngs of fans watching the show. He continued to rap while crowdsurfing, which has got to be a talent all to itself.

I’ve seen my share of rap shows in my day, and – this is not hyperbole - Saturday night’s Center of Gravity show ranks up there with the best of them. Any rap fans that couldn’t make the show really missed out on something special.

******

I sat down with Yelawolf right after his show, and here is how our Q&A went down.

Photo: Contributed - Mark Stone

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Definitely the Beastie Boys; the earliest hip-hop that I heard was License to Ill and I was just inspired by it. I had never seen that energy and sound like that. As far as other inspirations, UGK, of course Shady, Big Krit… but it’s not just hip hop. I also like classic rock, like old school… I love Fleetwood Mac, Lynyrd Skynrd, Zeppelin, The Doors.

How do you learn to do what you do?

Yeah I just practice a lot, I don’t really focus on one style. I just like different aspects of the music as well, not just the rap.

Do you do any of the production?

Yeah I’d say about 90% of the time I’m producing the music that I make. Someone comes into the studio with a programmed track and I’ll take it and make musical arrangements and beats. I’ve had to learn that I am a producer. I give a lot of credit to programmers and beat makers. Learning to arrange music, to do a track, producing a song, making beats, it’s really important to get involved with everything. I even like to get nerdy with things and get into using software, but it has to be gritty sh*t as well. I have to tweak it.

What are you looking forward to in the next while?

I’ve got a lot of sh*t coming out. Trunk Music Returns is coming out, a 5-song EP, County Cousins with Big Krit, a lot of stuff... big tours. Then once my North American Tour wraps up, I can concentrate on making more music.

Is it hard to be away from your family?

I’m a good father, I take care of my babies. I want to set an example. Nobody in my family, for many generations before me, has ever had this opportunity so I have to stay focused. I’ve worked really fu**in hard to do what I do, and I want to give my family more opportunities and they will appreciate the sacrifices I made.

When did you know you made it?

I don’t know, man… I don’t know. I really don’t know if I made it. There are moments in time that have really been highlights, and each time I get out there I try to set a new standard. Let’s see where I’m at in five years.

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COG: Volleyball and Basketball

by Contributed - Story: 78773
Aug 5, 2012 / 6:54 am

Live on Castanet, watch the Shaw produced finals:

3 p.m. Women's Volleyball Final
4:30 p.m. Men's Volleyball Final
6 p.m. 3 on 3 Basketball Final

Here's a sample of what you can expect.

Center of great basketball.

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BMX air time over COG

by Contributed - Story: 78774
Aug 5, 2012 / 6:05 am

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What you're missing at COG

by Mark Stone - Story: 78763
Aug 4, 2012 / 4:43 pm

Center of Gravity is well underway in downtown Kelowna, and everyone is enjoying all that this summer's biggest event has to offer.

Castanet spoke to the event organizers who wanted us to warn people heading downtown tonight to park in designated areas only, as parking rules are being strictly enforced.

Don't have tickets? Here's a quick peek at what you may be missing Saturday afternoon.

Look for more updates and photos throughout the weekend.