By: Erin Dyer
Turquoise Jeep Records consists of a group of musical risk-takers. They quickly became a YouTube sensation with the catalytic release of the music video, “Lemme Smang It,” which has had over 9 million views since its 2010 release. After releasing their first album, “Keep the Jeep Ridin’” and numerous additional music videos, the public has really taken a liking to their creative talent. Blake Jones and I had the opportunity to ask Turquoise Jeep some burning questions about their performance at FPSF, Smanging it on the lawn, synchronized dancing, and Donald Glover.
FPH: First off, let us say how much we thoroughly enjoyed having you last month at FPSF 2012. What are your sentiments of the festival?
TURQUOISE JEEP: Much love, we appreciate that! We loved the festival and what it represents, bringing all different genres of music in beautiful downtown Houston. It was a good hot day to be outside performing for our fans. We had a lot of fun, It was a great event!
FPH: When and where did the roots of Turquoise Jeep come together?
FLYNT FLOSSY: Well most of us were already friends or crossed paths while being in the business. One day I got real tired of being limited creatively. So after a heated argument I had with an Exec, I just decided to branch off. I was surrounded by so much talent: singers rappers, producers. It only made sense to start a label. So I met up with my long time my long time friend Whatchya and the rest is history.
FPH: Where does the term “Turquoise Jeep” and any other exclusive terminology come from (Smang it, Shuyamouf, etc.)?
TJ: Words such as Smang, Shuyamouf, etc. have been words weve always used in our everyday vernacular amongst ourselves. We’ve always been creating new words and phrases. Our songs just let people experience our world…Turquoise Jeep in particular, Floss says came in his sleep. Turquoise is a cool color– a representation of serenity– and if you hang with any of us you’ll know we’re all real laid back and chill. We all ride for one another and continue to move forward no matter what, which is where the Jeep part comes in.
FPH: There have been numerous comparisons of Turquoise Jeep to bands that are seen as jokes (like Die Antwoord). Are you guys serious about your music, or is it all one big parody of specific music genres and trends?
TJ: Yeah, we heard of the Die Antwoord comparison, I believe their music is different and dope at the same time. I think people just don’t know how to categorize our music. That’s why we created our own genre EMB (Existing Musical Beings)– we believe in total creative expression. So, however we feel or whatever we experience, we will just make a song about it. Whatever feeling it evokes from our fans is completely cool with us. As long as they Keep the Jeep Ridin’.
FPH: A question for Flynt Flossy: In “Lemme Smang It,” you say you “Smang it everywhere from the bed to the lawn.” Have you really Smanged/Smung(?) it on the lawn? We gotta know. And, was it the front or the back yard?
FF: Haha, good question. I don’t think I can say. A certain lady friend of mine might read this and know I’m talking about her. BUT if did ever happen, it would have been in the back yard (wink, wink).
FPH: You guys have a few songs and videos with Donald Glover. What is your connection to him?
TJ: We actually met in Texas, doing a show together at Fun Fun Fun Fest. He let us know he admired our work and that the feeling was mutual. He’s a real cool, down to earth dude. Definitely wouldn’t mind collaborating more in the future.
FPH: Do you think Pretty Raheem could stand up against other R&B stars like Usher, Frank Ocean, etc.?
TJ: Most definitely! Raheem is a superstar. The word “Pretty” in Pretty Raheem doesn’t only represent his swag, it represents his serenading voice. It’s a very powerful voice that can send chills down your spine.
FPH: When you ask the ladies how they like their eggs, which response is most common: fried or fertilized?
TJ: Actually, the ladies always say fertilized!
FPH: How do all the synchronized dances come into play when performing live?
TJ: Our dance moves play a big part in our live performances, we just believe that our fans come to see us put on a show unlike any other. We believe it separates us from other performers because we are dedicated to our music and live show. Our fans know our dance moves according to what song is being played and they dance like they are right on stage with us.
FPH: Any big future plans for Turquoise Jeep?
TJ: Well, besides our growing clothing line, right now we have the West Coast leg of the tour that we are preparing for with endless rehearsals. We are in the process completing the second album, KEEP THE JEEP RIDIN’ Vol 2. The rest of the stuff is going to be a surprise, so just be sure to follow us on Twitter @TurquoiseJeep and subscribe to our Youtube page, Turquoisejeepmusic.
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If you missed Turquoise Jeep at FPSF 2012 (or even if you didn’t), they’ll be performing at the BIG ASS SUMMER PARTY (along with B L A C K I E, Limb, Dave Wrangler, Poor Pilot, Mystery Flavor, Free Radicals, Jon Black, Khruang Bin, DJ Meshak, and Nick Greer and the G’s) on Saturday July 28 at Fitzgerald’s. All ages, doors open at 5pm. Tickets are only $5 for 21 and up, $10 for under, and can be purchased at the door. Be there, or cry yourself to sleep night after night in regret.
Fitzlivemusic.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/182299571901573/
