It is evident by the recent splits of Smashing Pumpkins and Rage Against
The Machine that once a band reaches the pinnacle of their success, troubles
follow. The press seems to flock to the lead vocalist while the musicians
become a melodic backdrop to the front man's spotlight. It's similar to the
late Notorious B.I.G. famous words, "With more money, comes more problems."
Fortunately, there are some cats out there that just enjoy performing and
do not let egos get in the way. The multi-talented Beat Pharmacie, live
musicians for the eclectic Hip-Hop trio the Black Eyed Peas, understand the
essential dynamics of teamwork.
"Working with the Black Eyed Peas was really the beginning of our
development as far as the live show goes," drummer Terence Yoshiaki said.
"Together we demonstrate a multitude of talent."
Beat Pharmacie lives up to the name of their current album amazingly
derived from all sound checks, "Metropolis." Featuring such talent as Black
Eyed Peas' own Apl.De.Ap, Tre from the legendary Hip Hop group Pharcyde, and
Malcolm Jamal-Warner, "Metropolis" is pleasing ear candy.
"We were able to hook up with Malcolm through Printz. Malcolm has his own
poetry project out, titled "Miles Long." Yoshiaki said.
At the center of all musical activity, the troupe has tirelessly been
touring with such greats as Wyclef Jean, Common, and De La Soul. Dazzled by
their numerous talents, Ms. Macy Gray herself invited Black Eyed Peas and
Beat Pharmacie along for her recent tour. The Black Eyed Peas current
single featuring Macy Gray is "Request Line," from their cutting-edge album,
"Bridging the Gap."
Hailing from a variety of places like New Jersey, Wisconsin, Los Angeles,
Northern California and Columbus, Ohio, this rhythmic ensemble is always
innovative. The diverse instrument man Printz Board brings his extensive
knowledge of an array of instruments to the band.
"I just keep adding instruments, everything from an organ, accordion,
trumpet to clarinet," keyboardist Printz Board said.
Los Angeles native George Pajon, jr. adds his calm, cool, and collected
demeanor by way of guitar.
"I bring that Santana/Hendrix edge to every project," Pajon said.
Boasting such influences as Miles Davis, Prince, and John Coltrane, it is
no wonder that Michelangelo Fratantuno, better known as Mike, is a whiz with
electric and acoustic bass.
"I've been interested in music all my life, and have been playing since
the
second grade," Mike said.
The fame factor does come into play with the band, but each situation is
taken in professional stride.
"We definitely appreciate people appreciating us, we don't take that for
granted at all. We're not in the forefront, we are the musicians, and when
people recognize that and give you respect for that it makes you feel good
because we are not the main focus," Yoshiaki said.
Mike feels the same way. "It is a trade off. You may miss a wedding, but
you have to be happy and relish in the fact that not everyone gets the
opportunity to play in front of all these people and get that kind of love,"
Mike said.
Romantic relationships can also falter, although Mike is the only one in
Beat Pharmacie who is attached. He is engaged.
"You are not around your loved ones, and you feel the pressure from them and
yourself to keep the relationship up, especially when you are on tour.
There is no privacy on the road, and you are trying to make a phone call
with 13 people on one bus, and a dog," Mike said.
Champa is soulful song stress Kim Hill's dog. Hill surely gives Jill Scott
and Erykah Badu a run for their money. She can be heard on Black Eyed Peas'
"Bridging the Gap," and more information on her is available at
www.kimmykim.com.
As far as fan love, it is all gravy as long as they show respect.
"It's cool, but it can get kind of annoying because I don't like to be fake.
When whole onslaughts of people are saying, 'good show', it is hard to be
genuine. I like to vibe with people and make real connections," Printz
said.
Terence agrees.
"It can be overwhelming, having a bunch of dirty, sweaty kids come up to you
wanting to talk," Yoshiaki said.
Mike appreciates all of the love.
"We're not famous like other groups, so we have a responsibility to reach
out to the people who listen to our music. It's cool as long as you don't
invade our space," Mike said.
And what music is Beat Pharmacie listening to?
"We are bumping Talib Kweli, Radiohead, Eminem, Common, Jill Scott, Mos Def,
Papa Roach, Sade ,so many people. We don't want to listen to our own music
when we are relaxing, we want to hear other people's stuff."
Well said.
For more information on Beat Pharmacie, check out www.beatpharmacie.com
