Change, progression, passion. Never settling and questioning everything. The truth hurts and people bullshit to soften the blow, but honesty gets to the bottom of things.
Were you always this passionate about speaking out or was there a pivotal moment (or a few) in your past?I've always found the need to speak my mind. Sometimes it gets me in trouble, but I've regretted more the times I've kept my mouth shut over anything I've ever said. I see wrong doings on a daily basis. You gotta call people out. We are all responsible. I guess one of the most memorable times would be at an antiwar protest in L.A. years ago.
Tons of us marched down the streets till we came upon a stage with people speaking. I liked what they were saying and how people were focused. I felt there were a lot of things that could have been said that were left out, but everyone has their own agenda. I thought, “Imagine taking a bigger purpose to a bigger crowd. And I really started pushing my music and reading more. I still have a lot to learn and a ways to go. I think it's bigger than weed or this and that. People need to wake up to the reality of what's going on around us. Like the oil spill. It's time to take responsibility and hold people and corporations accountable. Take it back to the basics, the roots; elevated mental and physical health and education will get rid of a lot of our problems. Instead of selling people shit to fix them, teach them to avoid situations all together.
Well, I was out taking photos for some projects and just happened to see those cops chillin’. I had extra cardboard and wrote "Our taxes hard at work" and hurried over while Wackoe took the shot. They saw us and came over. The one cop asked what was on the sign. I showed him and they both started talking shit, asked where we were from. I said Fontana and they cracked jokes. They told us they were on an undercover assignment. Dip shits, if you ask me.
When Organic Lifestyle Magazine interviewed you in August of 2008, you said that you had not signed with a record label. Has this changed and/or are you interested in signing? Have any record labels approached you?No. I have F.U.S. [Forever Unsigned] tatted on my forearm. If someone wanted to put some cash on an album and get a return on that project, I'm all for building. But I would never sign a one-sided contract and rep someone else’s agenda. I have my own dreams. I started my own label, even got a website being built for it where people can log on and download free compilation CDs with well known artists where I'll release all my
What else are you involved in with your life (graphic work, hobbies, family, etc.)?
My daughter just turned two on April 9th. She fills my days with smiles and laughter. I do graphic design—been doing it for over a decade. I graduated from Platt College in a few months. Love being creative through any outlet. I design for Chronic Candy, Aqua Lab, Chronic Glow, Dragon Chewer, and more [www.wix.com/stevecaprio/steve-caprio]
What recent projects have you been involved in?I just recorded a song for a compilation CD being released in France called Anti Chemicals on a Karikature Beat featuring Awol One (Shape Shifters) & Eternal (Wu Tang Killah Bees) with Roach cuts. I also did a song called Ride for Passion for Ride Snowboards new Superpark video edited by 6/11 on a Chet One beat and again with cuts from Roach the DJ. Got a track with Azma on the next Westnile III album. Just sent a bunch of tracks over to Joe at Transworld for snowboard videos. I'm also putting together the Every Vote Counts Tour. It's gonna be about 20 shows through-out San Bernardino County registering voters and educating
I had an idea, came across a cool spot and made some phone calls. The Purple Haze Music Festival was born. It was an all day (the hottest day of the year) festival with performances by Gabe the Musical Mammal and myself, Eek A Mouse, Awol One, Chapter 11, Inhale, and a dozen others. We were fortunate enough to have Bruce Margolin, Kris Krane, Jack Herer (R.I.P.), Kandice Hawes, Lanny Swerdlow, and so many others come out and speak at it. Picture a tie dye stage with great music,
Music is my life and a hustle like any other. I've been able to travel, meet people and see crazy stuff, but I think those things can happen to anyone. You definitely get to see people at their best and worst. A lot of people pretending and a lot of others just expressing creativity. But, to each their own. I think whatever profession you're in, you just gotta be ready. It's all about timing
What producers do you work with?
I get beats from Dj Abzorb, Chet One, Cinco, Bobbi Lo, Andro, Doughboy, Hanna Handycat, Xavier Chavez, Samur (Sea Horse Sound Studio) and Karikature
What artists do you yourself listen to?My iPod has Stevie Ray Vaughn, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Dead Prez, Grateful Dead, early Outkast, Jimmy Hendrix, Devin the Dude, Fleetwood Mac, Cali Agents, a rare Stigma track, Joe Walsh, Neil Young and a bunch more. A lot of instrumentals that I write to.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
Do you and embrace change. There's over 300,000 people in my city alone. You move 10,000 albums a year at $10 a pop and you got loot. With the internet, it's easier than ever. Just gotta use your imagination to stand out. Most people are so worried about getting signed.
I assume it's for bragging rights cause they're gonna do everything you can do for yourself, but with more money, which means more debt and less creative control.
What are your goals in regards to your profession and any others you’d like to share?Play with my daughter and nieces, watch them grow up. Learn, grow, build. Show the world that anything is possible and not everything has been done. Still a lot of ground to cover. People think everything’s been done, but it hasn't.
Do you have any sponsors?I Path Shoes, Dragon Chewer, Skullcandy, Phatt Ass Glass and Allgreensrx.com
Any last words?Obama's been bullshitting about marijuana and needs to let out all the patients that are behind bars (Epp, Emery and so on) and drop the idea of Michele Leonhart as head of the DEA. BP executives need to be held responsible for all the damage they've done and we need to stop offshore drilling tomorrow. Those rigs don't lower our gas prices. Stop firing teachers. That's the last thing we should be doing. Life is good, we're still free. Eat healthy, exercise. Never give up your right to bear arms and embrace the everyday gifts that are easily overlooked. Take the time to stop and watch the sunset. If people think you're crazy, then you're on the right track. Buy American. One love.
How can people hear your music or contact you?www.wix.com/stevecaprio/ominous-words
www.myspace.com/ominouswords
www.facebook.com/stevecaprio 
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