The Literates

What's the meaning behind the band's name? (Vyz) We wanted to choose a name that would reflect the type of music we do, entertaining and intelligent. It was a coincidence when I opened the dictionary and pointed at the name "Literate". We all laughed for a second until we actually read the definition which read; Literate: having the ability to read and write, using skill with words. This was  definitely  a word that represented us so we added an "s" to it and that was that.

How the band started??  (A.N.T.I. - "Another Name To Identify") We actually came together in 2005. I had met Vyz through an emcee that he was working with at the time. We were both in different bands and doing shows all over the L.A. area. Soon after, he heard some of my production on early demos that I had done. We ended up exchanging info, he came to my place and after five minutes, it was clear we were on the same level when the first thing he did was grab one of my porn mags and sparked up a bowl. lol

What's the message to transmit with your music?? (Vyz) I guess the best way to describe it is, "eclectic". We are not your typical hip-hop/rap group. We have many different influences that have impacted us as musicians. From the image we have, to the music we do, we never felt the need to follow what people think we should sound like. So every song we do is based on everyday life experiences. With every track comes a new message some may be dark and depressing and others may be happy and bright, much how life is.

What's your method at the time of writting a song?? (Vyz) Usually when I receive a beat, within the first seven seconds I know if its going to bring something out of me. Immediately the rhythm dictates where the song should go, concept wise. If the song doesn't speak to me, I don't do the song. (A.N.T.I.) Usually I just smoke a bowl of grand daddy kush or pop a few pills however I'm not advocating drug use by any means lol. For me, it gets me in a state of mind to reach deep inside and pull something out worthy of giving people a piece of me that they can relate too.

Which is your music influences?? (A.N.T.I.) It's kind of hard to point out a few artists because I listen to so many different genres of music. From hip-hop, metal, punk and even dub step its all good to me. (Vyz) I definitely agree with A.N.T.I. on this one but to name a few from each genre I would say N.W.A., Rage Against The Machine and Bob Marley, 

What plans do you guys have for the future?? (Vyz) We want the world to know who The Literates are. We have already made an huge impact with many fans on our first release, "Don't Sleep" (available on itunes of course lol). Right now we are set to release our second album which will be out early 2011. The best thing for us right now would be to tour as much as we can. North Korea would be nice lol.

Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? (J-Rez) One time Vyz was pissing me off and was having one too many beers before our shows. we had just did one in Texas and I told him not to forget lines which is exactly what he did so I took a shit in a plastic bag and I hid it in his luggage... He was pretty pissed but he never forgot his lines after that. lol (Vyz) lol Yeah, I can laugh about that now but when it happened I wasn't too happy. For me it was one night after our set I noticed A.N.T.I. was picking up on this pretty hot groupie. Brunette, huge boobs n tattoos.... I knew he was going to take her back to the hotel so me and J-Rez left early and stopped by the local market got inside his room and replaced his condoms with a pack of 99 cent " Get Well  Soon" balloons. lololol! (A.N.T.I.) lol The worst part about it was the mission I went on to find more condoms but rest assured I will have my revenge on the next tour.

If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first? (Vyz) lolol now these questions are getting real good! ....Well we wouldn't send A.N.T.I. because he would get lost on his way to look for the nearest brothel... J-Rez is fairly responsible but with his memory he may forget about us... so I guess that leaves me and I know tae kwon do. (J-Rez and A.N.T.I.) lol He's right. (J-Rez) I would probably eat A.N.T.I.'s beefy calves....he's got more meat on his bones anyway. (A.N.T.I.) This is B.S! I take it back! I'll be the one going for help!

Which country you guys would love to play? (Vyz) I would definitely love to tour Europe. I have heard many good things about that place and the fans. (A.N.T.I.) Australia was amazing. We toured it late 2009 but I'd actually love to go back and build a bigger fan base. (J-Rez) I heard Japan has a lot of love for hip-hop it would be a great market for us... plus Vyz knows Tae Kwon Do lol.

With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? (Vyz) Rage Against The Machine. (A.N.T.I.) Metallica. (J-Rez) Lady Gaga & Justin Beiber.

Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? (Vyz) Nooooo.... We should have been platinum years ago lol. Truthfully, as musicians we are never satisfied. I guess how the industry is these days we have to appreciate every fan/show/groupie we get. So basically, we are satisfied with the direction our group is going but unsatisfied with the time that it is taking to become amazing rap super star icons.

Check out more of this band by going to http://www.myspace.com/theliterates