POTLUCK  (May 2007) | Interview By: Eddie Gurrola

       Dubcnn recently caught up with Humbolt County duo Potluck to discuss their new album, “Straight Outta Humbolt,” which is available now. In this exclusive interview, we discuss their collaborations with E-40, The Luniz, and Bosko, how they made it in a region without a rap scene, and their plans for the future.

As always we have the transcript for you to check and please feel free to send any feedback regarding the interview to: eddiegurolla@dubcnn.com

 

Interview was done in May 2007.

Questions Asked By : Eddie Gurrola
 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dubcnn: First, would you like to introduce yourselves to the readers of Dubcnn, and let them know a little bit about yourselves?

Thanks for having us. It’s UnderRated and 1 Ton. What up!


Dubcnn: When did you guys come together to form the group Potluck?

We first met at a DJ tryout in ‘95 or ‘96. We both were picked to do the club’s hip-hop night. Since we did the night together we became friends and went on to making beats and songs. Although we were always the main members of Potluck, over the years, there were about 10 people in and out of the group. We are the remaining 2.


Dubcnn: You guys are based in Humboldt County, which is not known for its rap scene. Do you feel it was especially difficult to break out as artists in an area where there aren’t many rappers, or do you feel it was an advantage to the extent that you guys could potentially dominate a market?

It works both ways just like everything does. There are good and bad things about living in Humboldt and trying to make it as a rap group. Our first CD, “Humboldt County High,” came out in 2001. We were basically the first local rap CD in the music store. We quickly became the #1 selling CD in Humboldt. This was cool for a jumpstart but the market is so small [that] we had to go on tours to survive.


Dubcnn: You collaborated with E-40 and Bosko on your new album “Straight Outta Humboldt.” How did this collaboration take place?

We met Bosko through a rapper in Portland, OR by the name of Cool Nutz. Bosko made some beats for us and then E-40 did the collaboration. We actually met 40 from doing a lot of shows with him. He was feeling our music and the collaboration we did with him is one of my favorite songs we’ve ever made.


Dubcnn: What was it like working with E-40, Bosko, and The Luniz on this album?

Working with 40, Bosko, and the Luniz was crazy because all 3 of them were people I grew up listening to. Now we are making songs with them and coming out with quality material. It’s like a dream come true!


Dubcnn: From your experiences, what do you feel is the key to breaking out of a region, and getting national recognition?

One word. Shows! We’ve toured with Tech N9ne, Twiztid, E-40, KMK, King Spade, Living Legends, Blackalicious and more, I can’t remember off the top of my head. Being able to play in front of these groups’ fans is what exposed us to new fans. This ultimately is putting us on the map. If someone comes up to me and says “I’ve never heard of you until tonight, and now I’m buying your CDs,” that’s the best feeling in the world.


Dubcnn: For all the aspiring rappers out there, what is the best advice you could give them about pushing their name and getting started?

Once again it’s the same thing. Do as many shows as possible. But, be sure that you are ready to do so. We made 200 songs before we ever did a live show and it helped us tremendously. Doing shows and being horrible is worse than not doing a show. If you love making music, you will figure your way into the business.


Dubcnn: Is there a new album in the works, and are you guys featured on other upcoming albums?

We are featured on the new Twiztid record and we are also on the Big B CD. I’ve got beats on the new Twiztid, Blaze, Big B, and Kottonmouth Kings upcoming CDs. We are also working on a new record. It’s gonna be a good year for Potluck.


Dubcnn: Where can people go to find out more about you?

You can check us out at: MySpace and Suburban Noize Records


Dubcnn: Anything else you would like to say?

Thanks to all the fans for showing their support. We appreciate it! Without them we wouldn’t have the inspiration to keep it moving! Also, everybody at Sub Noize that helped us with putting out the record and putting us on tours! Peace!