Hello, welcome to another entry of the Phile. So, how are you? Thanks for reading. Did you have a good President's Day on Monday? For those of you that don't know, that is a day when we celebrate history by getting great deals on mattresses. I’m glad we have a day for the presidents, but shouldn’t we have a day for Congress when the Senate and the House can kick back and not worry about getting anything done? Oh, wait. A lot of people have Presidents Day off, especially people who work for the government, like postal workers — and investment bankers. It's a three day weekend for most people. Remember President George Bush? Everyday was a three day weekend for him. At Epcot, there's a new venue opening called Pixie Hollow, which is not to be confused with Pixie's Hollow, which is something completely different. On Sunday it's the Oscars, and everyone in L.A. is gearing up for them. The limos are running, the champagne is popping, the Botox is flowing. Speaking of the Oscar's, did you see the ad Windows put out to tie in with the Oscar's?
I am proud of myself, I saw two of the 10 movies that are up for best picture this year. I was trying to figure out which one I wanted to win, and have decided finally. Here is a screen shot from the movie I want to win best picture, even though I think The King's Speech is gonna win. Harvey Weinstein may want to get his speech ready.
And now, from the home office in Port Jefferson, New York, here is this week's...
Top Ten Signs Arnold Schwarzenegger Is Preparing To Act In Movies Again10. State of the State address was in 3D.
9. Rash of dialect coach suicides.
8. Switched back to liberal Democrat.
7. He's getting 20 text messages an hour from Tom Arnold.
6. What do you mean by "again"?
5. Passed a new bill legalizing steroids for actors.
4. Government in California beginning to function again.
3. Sylvester Stallone is a nervous wreck.
2. Script for Conan the Sexagenarian found in locker at Gold's Gym.
And the number one sign Arnold is preparing to act in movies again...
1. Just completed an 8-year acting class in Sacramento.
Today's guest is a hip-hop artist from Indiana, whose latest CD "One Verse At A Time" is available on iTunes. Please welcome to the Phile... Hum.V.
Me: Hello, man, welcome to the Phile. Should I call you Hum? Hum.V: You’re giving me free press, Jason. You can call me whatever you’d like as long as it’s some derivative of my last name Humrichouser. Hummer, Hum.v, Hum, or The Man. Those are all fine, Jay.
Me: I have to say first, congratulations on the new baby. You must be very busy at the moment. man. How is the baby doing?
Hum.V: Now that’s a great question. You know people always love to talk about their kids, and I’m no exception. Morgan Lynn is unbelievable and has changed my life more than anything I’ve ever experienced. You just look at life differently you know? Everything is put into perspective and you realize what is really important.
Me: You're from Indiana, right? Is that where you live now? Are you originally from there?
Hum.V: I’m originally from a small crummy ass town in Ohio called Ashland. I was born and raised there, then moved out to Indianapolis to attend/play football at Butler University, and I never looked back.
Me: I checked out your music on your website and downloaded your stuff from iTunes. I am not that into rap, but your rap is pretty cool. Kinda like a laid back Kid Rock. Is he one of your influences?
Hum.V: Eh, not a huge Kid Rock fan, although I respect his talent as a musician and his hustle in the industry. He’s definitely original. My influences are almost too broad to list. They are all over the music spectrum. I love Hip Hop (Outkast, Eminem, Kid Kudi, Jay-Z), but I also love John Mellencamp, Breaking Benjamin, and God Smack. Pretty broad spectrum for sure. I love music in general.
Me: I read you opened for The Roots. That must of been a big thrill for you, Hum. How long ago was that? What do you think about them being a late show band on Fallon's show?
Hum.V: I’ve actually opened for the Roots three times and all were ‘big thrills’. We played with them twice in Indianapolis and once in Milwaukee. They are great guys, and I love their music too. One show I recall was actually at Clowes Hall on the Butler University Campus, and it was a great performance. Black Thought, in my opinion, is an over-looked and underappreciated emcee in the game. I think that them being on Jimmy Fallon, for them, was a the best decision they ever made. I actually read an interesting article on that move. They’ve toured non-stop for over 12 years. Anyone would have chosen to make more money and stay home, close to family instead of being out on the road.
Me: Who else did you grow up listening to?
Hum.V: All I listen to is my own stuff. I’m an ego maniac.
Me: What about Jurassic 5 or The Beastie Boys?
Hum.V: I love the Beastie Boys. Who doesn’t? I love love love J5. My group (Cleptoz) and I actually opened up for them on several occasions too. One time about 4 years ago we played with them at the vogue and since we killed it, they asked up on stage and we performed a song with them. It was awesome. Chalie Tuna is one of my favorites for sure.
Me: Rap has changed a lot since the 80's and 90's like most music. What do you think of the new rap artists now? It's all about sex and violence, right?
Hum.V: I agree with you in the sense that it’s not what it was, but I certainly don’t think “It’s all about sex and violence”. There are some great/positive/intelligent rappers out there, you just have to find them. Lots of the Mainstream rap is garbage and its jammed down our throats by corporate radio. Trust me, There is lot of horrible rock out there too (Nickelback). In this day and age there is so much music to choose from you can be very selective. Yes, some rap is all about sex and violence, but I don’t choose to listen to that.
Me: When did you first start to get into hip hope and rap? I cannot think of any other rap artists from that part of the country. The only musician I can think of from Indiana off the top of my head is John Mellencamp.
Hum.V: I fell in love with hip hop music when my sister turned me onto Dr. Dre’s “Chronic” and Snoop Dogg’s “Doggystyle”. I’ve loved hip hop ever since. I won my first rap contest in 6th grade when I wrote an ant-litter rap about not polluting the earth. Remember, I grew up in Ashland OH and Cleveland was only 45 minutes north. Bone Thugs N Harmony were from Cleveland. They were my biggest inspiration when I started rapping.
Me: You started off in a group called The Cleptoz, right? How did that group get together?
Hum.V: We met in college. BC lived behind me and started off as my DJ. Dizzy Young was in my Music Business class, go figure. We just fell into place.
Me: Do you prefer to be a solo act?
Hum.V: I like writing and recording solo music much more because I don’t have to rely on others. I love what I talk about on my solo records and find it much easier to express myself through music as a solo artist. As far as performing, I love having the Cleptoz with me. They are my two best friends in the world man. I’ve toured the country for years with those two.
Me: I mentioned that I purchased your albums off from iTunes, "Simple Man" and "One Verse At A Time"... how do you think those two albums are different? I know you've been working on new music, Hum, any new albums planned?
Hum.V: Ahhh, I love that question. I can’t even compare those two albums because I love them both so much. However, the production and mastering on OV@AT is much better. Plus, that album was done when I was going through my botched deals with Capitol and Universal so there is a little more edge on that album. Of course, I have another album coming out. If you love music like I do, you never stop making it. It’s in my blood. By the way, my new shit is so hot it will melt your face off.
Me: Will the new project be up on iTunes?
Hum.V: Everything I do is on iTunes because I like $ and no one buys CD's anymore. Its all downloads. Plus, since I’m not a major, I get 85% of every download. “Look In Your Eyes” was pay day.
Me: Hum, I checked out your website and you wrote the most amazing tribute to your dad. Your mom and myself have been good friends for years, and I know she is very, very proud of you. What was your parents reaction when they first started to hear your music?
My mom speaks very highly of you too, Jason, and I certainly appreciate your friendship with her. She is incredible for sure. I honestly, consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world because I had two caring/involved parents who loved and supported me no matter what I did, my whole life. My father, who passed unexpectedly two years ago, is the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. He taught me that you can make positive music and still be affective. He also taught me that hard work is pays off, which is has in my music career. He taught me that the worst thing in the world is being lazy and unmotivated. He showed me that you have to constantly be setting new goals in life. He taught me to stay true to myself and not to think twice about people trying to bring me down. Also, that people trying to bring me down, are simply envious. I love my parents more than anyone could ever know. May he rest in peace and look down on me with proud eyes.
Me: Did they ever see you live in concert?
Hum.V: They were so supportive, I can’t even remember how many times they’ve seen me play. Many many times that is for sure. In my song "Simple Man" I have a lyric that goes “I’ve seen so many places and saw so much take place, but nothing could replace the look upon my mother’s face. That night I did her song, I saw her in the crowd. There’s nothing better than making her and my father proud. And that’s a feeling that money could never purchase, a feeling so overwhelming that everything else seems worthless.”
Me: Your mom Melody is a huge "Star Trek" fan and an avid golfer. Are you a Trekkie as well and did you take up golf? You could be the first golf rapper.
Hum.V: Honestly, I tried getting into golf and I just have the patience or time. It takes like 5 hours to play 18 holes. Do you know how much you can do in 5 hours? I’m just not into it. As far as "Star Trek" I’d rather punch myself in the face than watch an episode.
Me: I have to say first, congratulations on the new baby. You must be very busy at the moment. man. How is the baby doing?
Hum.V: Now that’s a great question. You know people always love to talk about their kids, and I’m no exception. Morgan Lynn is unbelievable and has changed my life more than anything I’ve ever experienced. You just look at life differently you know? Everything is put into perspective and you realize what is really important.
Me: You're from Indiana, right? Is that where you live now? Are you originally from there?
Hum.V: I’m originally from a small crummy ass town in Ohio called Ashland. I was born and raised there, then moved out to Indianapolis to attend/play football at Butler University, and I never looked back.
Me: I checked out your music on your website and downloaded your stuff from iTunes. I am not that into rap, but your rap is pretty cool. Kinda like a laid back Kid Rock. Is he one of your influences?
Hum.V: Eh, not a huge Kid Rock fan, although I respect his talent as a musician and his hustle in the industry. He’s definitely original. My influences are almost too broad to list. They are all over the music spectrum. I love Hip Hop (Outkast, Eminem, Kid Kudi, Jay-Z), but I also love John Mellencamp, Breaking Benjamin, and God Smack. Pretty broad spectrum for sure. I love music in general.
Me: I read you opened for The Roots. That must of been a big thrill for you, Hum. How long ago was that? What do you think about them being a late show band on Fallon's show?
Hum.V: I’ve actually opened for the Roots three times and all were ‘big thrills’. We played with them twice in Indianapolis and once in Milwaukee. They are great guys, and I love their music too. One show I recall was actually at Clowes Hall on the Butler University Campus, and it was a great performance. Black Thought, in my opinion, is an over-looked and underappreciated emcee in the game. I think that them being on Jimmy Fallon, for them, was a the best decision they ever made. I actually read an interesting article on that move. They’ve toured non-stop for over 12 years. Anyone would have chosen to make more money and stay home, close to family instead of being out on the road.
Me: Who else did you grow up listening to?
Hum.V: All I listen to is my own stuff. I’m an ego maniac.
Me: What about Jurassic 5 or The Beastie Boys?
Hum.V: I love the Beastie Boys. Who doesn’t? I love love love J5. My group (Cleptoz) and I actually opened up for them on several occasions too. One time about 4 years ago we played with them at the vogue and since we killed it, they asked up on stage and we performed a song with them. It was awesome. Chalie Tuna is one of my favorites for sure.
Me: Rap has changed a lot since the 80's and 90's like most music. What do you think of the new rap artists now? It's all about sex and violence, right?
Hum.V: I agree with you in the sense that it’s not what it was, but I certainly don’t think “It’s all about sex and violence”. There are some great/positive/intelligent rappers out there, you just have to find them. Lots of the Mainstream rap is garbage and its jammed down our throats by corporate radio. Trust me, There is lot of horrible rock out there too (Nickelback). In this day and age there is so much music to choose from you can be very selective. Yes, some rap is all about sex and violence, but I don’t choose to listen to that.
Me: When did you first start to get into hip hope and rap? I cannot think of any other rap artists from that part of the country. The only musician I can think of from Indiana off the top of my head is John Mellencamp.
Hum.V: I fell in love with hip hop music when my sister turned me onto Dr. Dre’s “Chronic” and Snoop Dogg’s “Doggystyle”. I’ve loved hip hop ever since. I won my first rap contest in 6th grade when I wrote an ant-litter rap about not polluting the earth. Remember, I grew up in Ashland OH and Cleveland was only 45 minutes north. Bone Thugs N Harmony were from Cleveland. They were my biggest inspiration when I started rapping.
Me: You started off in a group called The Cleptoz, right? How did that group get together?
Hum.V: We met in college. BC lived behind me and started off as my DJ. Dizzy Young was in my Music Business class, go figure. We just fell into place.
Me: Do you prefer to be a solo act?
Hum.V: I like writing and recording solo music much more because I don’t have to rely on others. I love what I talk about on my solo records and find it much easier to express myself through music as a solo artist. As far as performing, I love having the Cleptoz with me. They are my two best friends in the world man. I’ve toured the country for years with those two.
Me: I mentioned that I purchased your albums off from iTunes, "Simple Man" and "One Verse At A Time"... how do you think those two albums are different? I know you've been working on new music, Hum, any new albums planned?
Hum.V: Ahhh, I love that question. I can’t even compare those two albums because I love them both so much. However, the production and mastering on OV@AT is much better. Plus, that album was done when I was going through my botched deals with Capitol and Universal so there is a little more edge on that album. Of course, I have another album coming out. If you love music like I do, you never stop making it. It’s in my blood. By the way, my new shit is so hot it will melt your face off.
Me: Will the new project be up on iTunes?
Hum.V: Everything I do is on iTunes because I like $ and no one buys CD's anymore. Its all downloads. Plus, since I’m not a major, I get 85% of every download. “Look In Your Eyes” was pay day.
Me: Hum, I checked out your website and you wrote the most amazing tribute to your dad. Your mom and myself have been good friends for years, and I know she is very, very proud of you. What was your parents reaction when they first started to hear your music?
My mom speaks very highly of you too, Jason, and I certainly appreciate your friendship with her. She is incredible for sure. I honestly, consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world because I had two caring/involved parents who loved and supported me no matter what I did, my whole life. My father, who passed unexpectedly two years ago, is the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. He taught me that you can make positive music and still be affective. He also taught me that hard work is pays off, which is has in my music career. He taught me that the worst thing in the world is being lazy and unmotivated. He showed me that you have to constantly be setting new goals in life. He taught me to stay true to myself and not to think twice about people trying to bring me down. Also, that people trying to bring me down, are simply envious. I love my parents more than anyone could ever know. May he rest in peace and look down on me with proud eyes.
Me: Did they ever see you live in concert?
Hum.V: They were so supportive, I can’t even remember how many times they’ve seen me play. Many many times that is for sure. In my song "Simple Man" I have a lyric that goes “I’ve seen so many places and saw so much take place, but nothing could replace the look upon my mother’s face. That night I did her song, I saw her in the crowd. There’s nothing better than making her and my father proud. And that’s a feeling that money could never purchase, a feeling so overwhelming that everything else seems worthless.”
Me: Your mom Melody is a huge "Star Trek" fan and an avid golfer. Are you a Trekkie as well and did you take up golf? You could be the first golf rapper.
Hum.V: Honestly, I tried getting into golf and I just have the patience or time. It takes like 5 hours to play 18 holes. Do you know how much you can do in 5 hours? I’m just not into it. As far as "Star Trek" I’d rather punch myself in the face than watch an episode.
Me: I have to ask you about the "Tighty Whities" song. It's a duet so to speak with you and another rap artist, right? How did that come about?
Hum.V: "Tighty Whities" was just a mix tape we did for fun that turned out to get a ton of downloads. A mixtape, for you older folk, is where you do a bunch of snippets over other people’s music that’s hot at the time. We slayed that mix tape. There is a song on there where I rap a tribute to my father over U2’s “With or Without You”. One of my favorite songs I’ve ever done. I went to the studio to hear the mix of it, and my producer surprised me. Dizzy Yung from Cleptoz had recorded a verse on the song. I cry every time I hear it.
Me: Hum, thanks so much for being on the Phile. You are welcomed back any time you want, sir. Why don't you plug your website while you're here?
Hum.V: Jason, I can’t thank you enough my man. Its been real. Again, I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I have the usual myspace page... www.myspace.com/humvmusic and www.myspace.com/cleptoz. Plus, I have a new website with a bunch of new FREE music. www.thisishumv.com. Also, on a more personal level, add Greg Humrichouser as a friend on Facebook.
Me: I wish you continued success and hopefully we can meet soon. Maybe I can try and get you to do a show here in Orlando. Take care, Hum, and keep up what you are doing. Don't let anybody try and change you.
Hum.V: Jason, the feeling is most certainly mutual. Thanks for taking an interest and for your time. Your blog/website is incredible. Maybe I’ll get some additional downloads from this, huh? I’m in Orlando at least twice a year visiting my mom. Plus, now I have a 3 month old whom I’m sure will love Disney in a couple of years. Even if people tried to change me, they’d fail. I’m arrogant, stubborn, conceited, vain, and over-confident to the core... just ask around, Jay.
Hum.V: "Tighty Whities" was just a mix tape we did for fun that turned out to get a ton of downloads. A mixtape, for you older folk, is where you do a bunch of snippets over other people’s music that’s hot at the time. We slayed that mix tape. There is a song on there where I rap a tribute to my father over U2’s “With or Without You”. One of my favorite songs I’ve ever done. I went to the studio to hear the mix of it, and my producer surprised me. Dizzy Yung from Cleptoz had recorded a verse on the song. I cry every time I hear it.
Me: Hum, thanks so much for being on the Phile. You are welcomed back any time you want, sir. Why don't you plug your website while you're here?
Hum.V: Jason, I can’t thank you enough my man. Its been real. Again, I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I have the usual myspace page... www.myspace.com/humvmusic and www.myspace.com/cleptoz. Plus, I have a new website with a bunch of new FREE music. www.thisishumv.com. Also, on a more personal level, add Greg Humrichouser as a friend on Facebook.
Me: I wish you continued success and hopefully we can meet soon. Maybe I can try and get you to do a show here in Orlando. Take care, Hum, and keep up what you are doing. Don't let anybody try and change you.
Hum.V: Jason, the feeling is most certainly mutual. Thanks for taking an interest and for your time. Your blog/website is incredible. Maybe I’ll get some additional downloads from this, huh? I’m in Orlando at least twice a year visiting my mom. Plus, now I have a 3 month old whom I’m sure will love Disney in a couple of years. Even if people tried to change me, they’d fail. I’m arrogant, stubborn, conceited, vain, and over-confident to the core... just ask around, Jay.
That about does it for another entry. Thanks to Hum.V for a great interview and to his mom, Melody for hooking it up, as the kid's say. The Phile will be back next Wednesday with rock musician jsin. Yep, that's how he writes his name, all in lower case. Thanks for reading, and as always, spread the word, not the turd. Don't let snakes and alligators bite you. Bye, love you, bye.
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