Spawgel: Locals Without Confines
By: Jerry Miller
Serving as two of the four essentials of Hip-Hop, the MC and DJ represent the voice and the rhythm that propels this genre of music to unbelievable heights. While independently they can be a force, together they make for a compelling movement of thoughts and beats that are like drugs for your ears. Everyone who is a major player in the game today once began as a local, destined to make a name for themselves by any means necessary. Our city is no different as Indianapolis boasts an abundance of aspiring artists and producers aimed to put their city on their backs as well as the map. Roj Mahal and Dameeon of the group uniquely named Spawgel have been working feverishly to plant their flag in the soil to claim dominance in Indy’s Hip-Hop scene. In their near six year journey together, Spawgel has blessed countless open-mic performances and rocked venues such as the Walker Theater, Jazz Kitchen and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. We caught up with Roj and Dameeon in their studio here in Indy to rap about a number of topics ranging from music, the local scene in Hip-Hop and what is in store for the dynamic duo.
Jerry: The name of your group is unique, much like the music that you both create. What is the meaning behind the name?
Dameeon: The name Spawgel serves for a play on words, meaning to reverse the seven deadly sins (sloth, pride, acedia, wrath, greed, envy and lust) in order to improve overall as a human being.
Roj Mahal: In other words, you reverse the sins in order to win.
Q: That is very distinctive! So what has Spawgel been up to with 2013 coming to a close?
A (Roj): We have just made the album entitled Sepentary available for download a few days ago. My mixtape entitled Project 37: Mind/Heart is also ready to download that boasts 37 tracks from a surplus of producers and artists. The album SpaceMan is also available with Dameeon producing a majority of that album.
Dameeon: There have been numerous mixtapes produced this year and all are available through our websites.
Q: One of the major roadblocks that local artists face is not being able to break through, for a number of reasons. How have you been able to deal with issues such as lack of support and radio play?
A (Roj): To be honest, we haven’t been focused or concerned with not being on the radio. Not being part of the “machine” has allowed us to be organic and in terms of support, we have gained a huge following through the internet. Resources such as iTunes and Twitter have engaged our fans unlike any other radio station could.
Q: The local scene here in Indy has great potential but, struggles to come out of the blocks and make a run for nationwide recognition. What do you believe is the root cause?
A (Dameeon): There is a lot of blockage here in the city, meaning that artists that are dealing with self issues and are unwilling to grow alongside other artists. This city has growing with so much talent that it could very well be the next New York in terms of being a Hip-Hop Mecca. To truly share with other artists would, in my opinion get us past just “sounding and being local.” We’ve come across a plethora of talented individuals that would be a force if united.
Q: And what makes Spawgel stand out from its rivals?
A (Dameeon): Our production methods are one example. One of Roj’s albums was done solely from his iPad. While we utilize the studio, we also use unconventional tools to get the job done.
Roj: By seeing into the future and remembering past times, we represent humans worldwide through creative, political and psychedelic Hip-Hop music.
Q: What would you like Scoop readers to know and expect from Spawgel in 2014?
A: (Dameeon): Our first event of 2014 will take place at Fletcher Place Art and Books as part of Localmotion on January 12th. I also will have my official website available in 2014. Check me out!
Roj: There are an infinite number of studio albums in the works for 2014. We’re a boiling pot for music so get yourself a plate!
Contact Info:
Roj Mahal: www.therealrojmahal.bandcamp.com
Twitter @rojmahal
E-mail:[email protected]
For booking: (317) 748-1208
Dameeon: soundcloud.com/Dameeon
Twitter @dameeon
soundcloud.com/DYFE
