Artist: Random Abiladeze

Album: Indubitably!

Label: Self-released

Rating: 4

If there is one thing that comes out clear in Sacramento hip-hop artist Random Abiladeze’s new album, it is frustration. The artist has taken about as much as he can from record executives, idiotic listeners who misunderstand his music and living among an ever present fakeness. His lyrics and tone of voice are filled with honesty instead of petty anger or detached sarcasm.

Indubitably! is about a man trying to sincerely figure out and deal with all these people around him. It is a testament to Random Abilideze’s self-proclaimed talent that he does not resort to resentment. What is most refreshing about Random Abilideze is his lack of “fronting,” he honestly raps about what he deals with. He is also not aggressive or assaultive, instead relying on insight and criticism. The highlight of Indubitably! is track four “Walk Into My Office” which is a back and forth between Random Abiladeze and a record executive (played by another artist) trying to get Random to sign on with his label. The chorus of the song is “Walk into my office, I will make you star” which sounds cynical and humorous at the same time. The last 30 seconds of the song includes a hilarious parody of modern mainstream hip-hop filled with club beats and auto-tune, sung by self-aggrandizing artists by the names of Swaggy McFly and McSwagger. The songs also includes the brilliant line regarding Swaggy McFly urging his listeners to call him a “swaggit”.

What a listener will get from this album is that Random Abilideze handles himself with a sense of humility that most other hip-hop artists do not and that he manages to stand out from the shuffle of independent, poetic, frustrated, socially-conscious artists out there.

Give these tracks a listen: “Walk Into My Office”, “Brainwashed” and “Let it Go”

For fans of: Nas, Tupac, Common

– Rudy Sanchez

Artist: Demi Lovato

Album: Unbroken

Label: Hollywood Records, Inc.

Rating: 4

Perhaps one of the only Disney-originated stars with actual vocal talent, Demi Lovato brings not only a powerful sound, but also an inspirational story to the table.

Her first album after taking a break from her show on the Disney Channel and from the public eye, Unbroken has tracks that range from personal to dance-floor beats. Long awaited by her “Lovatics” (what she calls her fans) and the music industry, this album serves as a comeback story as well as a personal “thank you” to her fans.

The album has 15 tracks, with artists such as Dev, Missy Elliott, Timbaland and Jason Derulo making appearances.

With “Skyscraper” released as the first single, many would expect the rest of the album to be as jaw dropping. However, it seems as if Lovato’s writers feel that she needs to be singing about being someone’s only “shorty” and how someone doesn’t reply to her text messages. Nonetheless, the majority of the album is still quality, possibly serving as a taste of what Lovato is planning for the future.

Give these tracks a listen: “Unbroken”, “Lightweight”, “All Night Long”

For Fans Of: Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson

– Elizabeth Orpina

It has been around for some time now; it has its own rules, language and culture. Chances are, you probably never knew about it. It’s the breakdancing club at UC Davis.

If you have never heard of breakdance, otherwise known as b-boying, it is a form of popular style of street dance which combines elements of the hip hop culture. The dance style developed in New York in the ’70s where informal dance battles on the streets would take place.

The UCD Breakdancing Club started nearly five years ago by students. The founding members found themselves barred from dancing in public places. After going through the petition process, the club became official and dancers were given a space to move and be free. The club is now in the hands of senior Japanese and communication major Laurence Bacud and junior biotechnology major Jake Zieve.

As of now, the club is an informal and casual one – meaning any one can join or show up at any time, although there are certain unofficial conditions one must adhere to.

“[Newcomers] have to be willing to learn from other people, you have to ask, have to be active in what you want, you can’t be passive,” Zieve said.

When one enters the breaking community one will find a number of terms and definitions needed to operate amongst other B-boys and B-girls. Any newcomer will be quick to learn about “biting”. Biting is defined as taking or stealing any other dancer’s moves and this is something breakdancers of all skill sets do.

Senior exercise biology major Lani Fung, also known as The Gymnast for her particular dancing style, advises that one should avoid biting unless they want drama.

“Cyphering” is another term easily picked-up once one enters into the world of breaking. A “Cypher” is usually when a group of dancers form a circle around any two dancers who must show their skills and moves within this circle. A dancer can find themselves in a one-on-one battle in a cypher, albeit in a relaxed and casual way where there is nothing really at stake besides a dancer’s potential credibility. It is also advised to never bite during a cypher.

The last and most important part of breaking is musicality. Musicality is as defined by members in the club as a way to feel the beat of the song. A dancer has to move to the beat and timing of a song as well as just feel the music. For co-president Bacud, musicality is the most philosophical aspect of breaking where a dancer has to be in tune with a specific song.

“The dance has to hit the idiosyncrasies of the song,” Bacud said. “It’s more than moving; it’s where it becomes more of a dance and a dance form.”

The UCD Breakdancing Club has performed and won at the Davis Dance Revolution (DDR), a campuswide dance competition that has taken place during Picnic Day, two years in a row. The club won their first time in the dance supergroup category with other Davis dancing teams Mobility and Popping Club. For the 2011 DDR, the Breakdancing Club received first place along with the $1000 prize.

Although DDR is taken seriously and the club trains rigorously for, it is only a small aspect of the club.

“[DDR] is not the sole reason the club exists,” Bacud said. “Performing in front of 1000 people, a sold out crowd, what other time do you get that opportunity? We put on a great show, everyone loves it and members get to bond during the hardships.”

While certain events are taken seriously, breaking is most importantly about fun and self-expression for the club members.

“[It’s] much like writing a poem, instead of words, you’re portraying yourself through song, in an infinite way you take the music and do what you’re feeling” Zieve said.

UCD Breakdancing Club meets and practices at the ARC Pavilion every Monday and Wednesday from 10 p.m. to midnight. Their practices are open to those willing to learn. To find out more about the breakdancing culture and community, watch the 2007 documentary Planet B-Boy. To find about upcoming events and all things break dancing check the website www.bboy.org/forums/event-listings/.

Rudy Sanchez can be reached at arts@aggie.org.

There is a fear that all college students share – graduating from college. It used to sound great: pursuing your dream job, making great money and making use of that degree that you slaved over for four years. That was before the economy crashed and kept crashing. Now, when students think about graduating from college, all they see is a blank page. New paths now have to be carved out and that truly is scary, creating something of your own with no instructions or guidance on exactly what you’re trying to do.

But do not fear! There are creative individuals who graduated from the UC Davis design major, as well as the textiles and clothing major, who are more than happy to impart their advice for all the fearful readers on campus about the future and all the surprises it has waiting for you.

Sarah Kim graduated in June 2008 with a B.S. in textiles and clothing. She is currently an assistant editor of Antenna Magazine in New York City. She credits the many different courses that she got to take for her major such as chemistry and accounting for making her well rounded for the job she now has.

“Our major was relatively small, which made it really easy to start networking before even leaving Davis,” Kim said. “Not to mention, my advisor Joan Chandler was the absolute best.”

Kim got her job as an assistant editor at Antenna, which is an international men’s lifestyle, product and fashion magazine, by starting out as a freelance fashion assistant and advancing forward. It’s a stressful job, as she has a hand in everything in the magazine.

“I do everything from coming up with ideas for the magazine, going to press previews for different types of products and places, writing, traveling, to packing and unpacking boxes, staying late nights in the office and then some,” Kim said.

The job isn’t easy but Kim loves what she does.

“Life after college, it’s real,” Kim said. “There’s a weird self awareness, or self questioning maybe, because you’ve only measured yourself to your peers and suddenly you’re in a completely different ball game. Life after college is intensely scary, truly eye opening and makes you feel small, but in a good, humbling kind of way.”

Katrina Chan, who has just recently graduated in June 2011 with two B.A.s – design and sociology – organizational studies – feels the same way about life after college. Chan is currently working as a graphic design and ticket specialist intern at Disney Ticketing. She designs the graphics on the tickets that customers purchase throughout the day.

“Life after college can be pretty scary,” Chan said. “There is this common misconception that you are suppose to find your dream job and know what you are supposed to do after you graduate. That is entirely false. It is still a learning process even after you graduate to find and rediscover what you want to do in life. I’m still figuring out what I really want to do”.

Chan got to her current position by having completed the Disney College Program in Fall 2008 at the Disneyland Resort where she worked at the entertainment sector. A lifelong fan of Disney, Chan had always dreamed of working for Disney one day and took all the opportunities she could get to fulfill her dream.

Rebecca Wendlant and Matthew Hatfield, on the other hand, have taken crafting new paths to a different level. Both run their own businesses; Wendlant has a custom design and sewing business which is located in her home while Hatfield created his own clothing program which does orders online.

Wendlant graduated in June 2006 with a B.S. in design with an emphasis in fashion and textiles.

“The design program taught me how to design a garment that was not only functionally appropriate for its intended use but also innovative, creative and exciting,” Wendlant said. “The professors I worked with encouraged me along this more artistic path and helped me develop my design skills.”

Hatfield graduated with a B.A. in graphic design with an emphasis in visual communication in 2010.

“My degree didn’t prepare me for my day job in the warehouse but it fully prepared me for what I want to do which is to start a clothing company,” Hatfield said.

All the graduates agree that the design program in Davis has prepared them in their jobs and what they want to do for the rest of their lives. However, that doesn’t mean they still don’t have advice that they’ve picked up from years of experience after college.

“Don’t think you have to do exactly what you’ve had planned because the fact of the matter is, it’s probably not going to go your way. And that’s okay. Be genuine and work hard. And always follow up,” Kim said. “Do yourself and your future employer a favor and google Bobby Hundreds. Just work hard, it’s not hard work. Just soak it in.”

Chan, on the other hand, suggests that students find other ways to put their work out there in the public as a way to find out their individual goals.

“If you can keep a fun and professional blog about your life, it will give an insight to employers to let them know what kind of person you are,” Chan said. “It also shows that you are able to communicate effectively through the web. Always have an updated online portfolio to show to your employers. Success is not a destination; it’s a journey. It’s still a learning process throughout your whole life even after you graduate.”

In the same vein, Hatfield agrees that finding individuality through self-discovery is one of the first steps to finding success in the business.

“Learn everything and develop a style,” Hatfield said. “Be the perfect version of yourself, don’t be held back by rules and expectations and fears, give yourself permission to do whatever it is you please. Make your own job and use the online world to promote yourself. It’s a million times easier than handing out a resume to everyone you meet. Trust me, money will find you. You will go hungry, look for change under the cushions and crash at your friend’s house because you are homeless. But hey, that’s college anyways.”

But even among those somewhat bleak but realistic words of advice, everybody agrees on one fundamental thing.

“Be happy. There is literally nothing so terribly important that you can’t approach it without a smile on your face. Worry about bills, credit ratings and sleep when you’re 50. Right now you are young, beautiful and full of the brightest ideas. Chase every opportunity that comes your way,” Hatfield said.

MICHELLE RUAN can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.

You may recognize her from the NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” where she impressed Ellen DeGeneres. Or perhaps, you may know her as the first International World Female Beatbox Champion and the West Coast Beatbox Champion for both sexes. Butterscotch, with “smooth like Butter … hard like Scotch” as her slogan, specializes in singing and beatboxing. Influenced by jazz, classical, hip-hop and R&B artists, she is internationally recognized for performing with a range of music legends as well as performing in as many countries as she can.

Performing in Davis for the first time in four years, Butterscotch returns to her hometown to headline the Jazz and Beat Festival at The Natsoulas Gallery on First Street this Saturday at 8 p.m. The performance is free.

MUSE had an opportunity to catch up with Butterscotch in an e-mail interview. Here is what she had to say:

MUSE: Who are your favorite artists to listen to?

Butterscotch: My favorite artists to listen to are Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Erykah Badu, Jamiroquai, Billie Holiday, Chopin and Beethoven.

What is your favorite song of the moment?

“Moon and the Sky” by Sade.

How did you learn to beatbox?

I had a friend in high school, Natomas Charter Performing and Fine Arts Academy (in Sacramento), who was an amazing beat-boxer. His name is Leejay Abucayan. I thought it was the most amazing thing live. He taught me the basics and I added it to my musical style.

How was it meeting Ellen and performing on her show?

It was awesome meeting Ellen. She was really sweet and performing for her was an honor.

Where was your favorite place to go on tour and perform?

Everywhere in the world is so different so it’s very difficult to pick out a favorite place. But, I really love Hong Kong and Australia. 

If you could duet with one other artist, who would it be and why?

I would love to do a duet with Stevie Wonder because he is the most incredible musician and singer.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I see myself still touring around the world, composing music for films, producing for other artists and living life to the fullest.

What is your ultimate goal in the music industry?

To create something unique and inspire that anyone with a dream, passion and motivation can do anything. My life experiences, thus far, have proven so.

How does it feel to be back in Davis and performing after four years?

I’m really excited to be back in Davis again. I have a lot of friends and teachers from town who I haven’t seen for a long time. They saw me struggle back in the day and helped me get on my feet when I needed it the most. This one is for them. 

ELIZABETH ORPINA can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.

MUSIC

Souterrain

Today, noon to 1 p.m., free

The Quad

Just as their name suggests, Souterrain’s sound is all about soul and folk melodies. Laura Norton, Sam Shirley and David Sachs make up the band. Despite have only three members, Souterrain packs a lot of sound as Norton’s voice is extremely smooth and Sach’s upright bass is full of depth. Today, on the Quad, Souterrain will play a free set. Grab your lunch and check out this unique trio.

Butterscotch

Saturday, 8 to 9:30 p.m., free

Natsoulas Gallery, 521 First Street

Have you ever tried beatboxing? It’s hard right? Well, try to beatbox and sing at the same time. Butterscotch, the R&B singer, pianist and beatboxer who was featured on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”, can do the seemingly impossible of beatboxing and singing simultaneously. Today, at the Natsoulas Gallery, Butterscotch will perform a free show. This performance will be her first appearance in Davis in almost four years. Also, don’t forget to check out MUSE’s interview with Butterscotch before you head over tonight.

THEATER/MONDAVI

k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang

Today, 8.p.m., $21/$33/$38.5 (students)

Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center

In 2009, she sold out the show at The Mondavi Center. And today, k.d. lang returns to the main stage to bring an outstanding repertoire of sound. If you’ve never heard of Lang before, she is known for her versatility with her unique vocal abilities and song choices. Tony Bennett, another familiar face at the Mondavi Center, has claimed to be lang’s biggest fan.

Rising Stars of Opera

Friday, 8 p.m., free

Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center

It’s accepted that many students are intimidated to check out Mondavi Center performances due to the obstacles of simply affording tickets. But on Friday, the hall should be buzzing with happy college students who will be getting in a free show which features the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra and Adler Fellows. Tickets are limited, however, so make sure to come early or check with the ticket office to see availability before showing up.

POETRY/LITERATURE

The 5th Annual Davis Jazz Festival: Beyond the Beat Generation

Friday to Saturday, varying, free

The Natsoulas Gallery, 521 First Street

The annual festival has been going on for a few weeks now. However, Friday continuing into Saturday will be the official conference day for the event. Poetry contest winners, live music and appearances from renowned poet Neeli Cherkovski are among some of the events to take place.

ART/GALLERY

Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) exhibit

Today to Nov. 20, 11:30 to 5 p.m., free

Pence Gallery, 212 D St.

An alter display made up of decorated skulls doesn’t necessarily have to feel morbid and creepy. The Mexican cultural celebration Day of the Dead (or Dia De Los Muertos) is a tradition that pays tribute to deceased family members in an uplifting way utilizing varying forms of art. Artists Alison Smith, Amanda Lopez and Malaquias Montoya are among some of the featured artist for the Day of the Dead exhibition currently displaying at the Pence Gallery.

UYEN CAO can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.

Remember those days where the world felt overwhelmingly large? When there was no Facebook or iPhones to distract us? Do you remember having a “secret” place that you would wander around after school to embark on your daily “adventures”? This feeling was so light. Everything was less complicated and life’s possibilities were endless. Do you remember that scene in Peter Pan when Wendy says: “My parents wanted me to grow up” and Captain Hook responds, “Growing up is such a barbarous business, full of inconvenience … and pimples”? 

Well, I would’ve said back to Captain Hook, “I don’t want to grow up! Ever!” 

Things are pretty heavy these days. It’s not easy living the life of a college student. There are too many sleepless nights where we’re up late worrying about midterms, projects, tuition, bills, bills and more bills. Why sit around and paint, write or make music when you got rent to pay? 

I guess it’s a completely legitimate excuse not to just “bum around.” I do think, however, that the only way to keep sane is to stop once in a while and cater to our creativity. Like everything else, it’s something I think everyone has regardless of whether they are aware of it or not. 

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” 

We’re in a world where we put ourselves into categories: you’re an engineer, you’re a doctor and you’re an architect. At what point can we say we’re more than one?

Also, I’m not speaking explicitly about the conventional mediums of art – you don’t have to know how to read music or to use oil paint “the right way” to be creative. I think it’s about how we go about problem solving and approach challenges. You rarely see a seven-year-old pick up a crayon and say, “I’m not a drawer, I can’t draw, so I’m not going to do it.”  Nope, they just pick up the box of crayons and go at it.  

I guess where I’m going with all of this is that I wish a lot of us were more inhibited when it came to letting that inner child come out. It’s that artist within all of us – it’s the kid with a crayon drawing all over the walls and getting yelled at by our mothers. It’s that kid that would pick up a pile of leaves and pretend to play kitchen on the top deck of our imaginary pirate ship. Whether you’re a science or math major, I think if we all put this creative mindset in how we approach the world (with good common sense of course), you’ll be surprised at how much happier you’ll be.

One of my favorite novels of all time is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. Every time I read the novel, I get this unbelievable feeling – it’s a strange mixture of nostalgia and joy. I had never cried and laughed while reading a book before. Foer’s writing in the novel captures the endearing nature and innocence of the main protagonist, nine-year-old Oskar Schell, who lost his father in the tragedy of Sept. 11. Foer’s use of fragments and run-on sentences mirrors the exact way a kid’s mind would work. It’s absolutely precious. Foer reminds me that I never want to loose that way of thinking – a way of thinking that is so innovative and imaginative. And for the rest of this column, I would like to share with you favorite passage from the novel. Be prepared to smile.

“What about little microphones? What if everyone swallowed them, and they played the sounds of our hearts through little speakers, which could be in the pouches of our overalls? When you skateboarded down the street at night you could hear everyone’s heartbeat, and they could hear yours, sort of like sonar. One weird thing is, I wonder if everyone’s hearts would start to beat at the same time, like how women who live together have their menstrual periods at the same time, which I know about, but don’t really want to know about. That would be so weird, except that the place in the hospital where babies are born would sound like a crystal chandelier in a houseboat, because the babies wouldn’t have had time to match up their heartbeats yet. And at the finish line at the end of the New York City Marathon it would sound like war.”? 

UYEN CAO would like to know what is your favorite animated film! Let her know by e-mailing her at arts@theaggie.org.