TroyB Arthouse

The Return of Troy Buck

Troy Buchanan — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:41:28 +0000

I know what your thinking, “I thought you said your official rap name was Troy Buchanan?” It is, but I have also go by Troy Buck. The “Buck” suffix is one my brother and I have carried since our premature years in music and still do till this day. Troy Buck also describes a person who is slightly different from Troy Buchanan on a song (I love talking about myself in the third person by the way). He’s a little more risqué, rebellious, and a true artist. That is who emerges on the next mixtape which the new song below is featured.

When one releases their first collection of music to the world they learn much in the process. New artists go through a lot. Aside from the emotions and weariness of wondering whether people will like your music, and also battling the vengeance of proving those who wrote you off, while not letting that emotion get the best of you – you can also learn quite a bit.

Personally, the three most important things that I learned from Listen To My Tape were: patience and true perseverance. In my eyes, Listen To My Tape was a success. It was a classic collection of music, and by classic I mean, 5 years from now, If I play it back, the quality of the music will still hold up. Which is exceptional, for a new artist who put it together by himself (while getting some help from his brother), acting as his personal manager and promoter. Not many people can take on the roles of being artist, studio staff, manager, and booking agent and PR rep. It’s not easy by any means. It’s a lot of work. I was able to see my way through so much while recording this second mixtape. I wrote and recorded about 20 songs in 6 months. Of course, there won’t be 20 songs on the tape, some just don’t fit the theme that I have created.

What I have for you below kind of isn’t fair – it’s a tease. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a full song, but I want you to know it’s just a taste of what’s to come: representation for 3 new songs that you will be getting up to the release of Thoughtfully Crazy. And I promise, not one of them will disappoint. The first two songs will be up for free download, while the third will be the first official single on iTunes for myself, as an artist, and my label, Stereo Hall Records, LLC. Fall of 2010 will not leave without Troy Buchanan getting another shot to show the world that he is really serious about his music.

I’m showing you what I’ve got.

So without further adieu, my new single, Like A Dream featuring my brother, Sean Buck.

Like A Dream
Troy Buchanan feat. Sean Buck
Producer: Unknown
Engineered/Mixed by: Troy Buchanan

DOWNLOAD “LIKE A DREAM”

Cee-Lo Green says, “Fuck You!”

Troy Buchanan — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:38:21 +0000

And, “Fuck her too!”

Sure that’s a bit crass but the words mean something. They had to come from somewhere. Some emotion or situation sparked inside this man that caused him to make a song about telling a girl to fuck off. I never believed in censorship. If someone wants to use those words to get their point across, than dammit, they have the right to do so. The pun was intended.

The song gives me chills every time I hear it. It hits so close to home, emotionally. It’s also such a masterpiece of a song. In an interview, Cee-Lo said that he feels the song is a work of art. I totally agree with him. It sounds like what could be the biggest song of the year, if not the song to set off the next decade expression art in music. I don’t think I’ve heard anything like this in quite some time. I also believe you probably couldn’t have released a song like this 10 years ago, hell, 5 years ago… Goes to show you how far we have come.

I heard the song when it first leaked to the internet and I was immediately a fan, but I was more curious what kind of visuals would come along to accompany the sound. What you see below, did not disappoint me. It’s classic Cee-Lo. It has some artistic value to it that is Cee-Lo Green, but most importantly its fun. If I can try to draw the right conclusion about the song and video, is that it’s not meant to be taken too seriously, but what’s awesome about the song title is that there is so much meaning behind it. When you say those words in any fashion, you mean something within it. It is the best balance between art/emotional, intention/execution, I have seen in a long time. I applaud him. He’s always been a real talent, and he never disappoints me. His voice and delivery alone on the track is something to marvel.

They just say something to me…

Troy Buchanan — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:38:02 +0000

Sometimes I come across photos from photographers, in the case of this post Michel Comte, and I see a picture, then begin to go into an analysis mode of deconstructing the composition, the subject, etc., much like any artist or lover of art would. Then there are times where I almost force myself to do this. It’s usually because I can’t find the words on why I like the picture, or why I find it so captivating. At that point, I tell myself to stop…just enjoy the picture. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. With these, I just couldn’t find any. I mean, I know I like the artist, but the pictures just drive me emotionally. What they are saying? I do not know. Tongue’s bitten. If I have to really think about it, it’s not worth spending the time to figure it out. Words should just come to you sometime.

I feel that’s the mark of true art – on a personal level. When you connect with a piece and are not totally sure why, but it evokes some sort of emotional response, all you should probably do is allow yourself to come to grips with it. Understand that, you just like it. Simple as that. This is kind of lame or lazy, but it’s like letting the art chose you instead of the other way around…

This is probably my most haphazard post to date. It just is what it is.

Old souls in young bodies.

Troy Buchanan — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:12:28 +0000

Clark Gable is the name of the song. J Nic$ is the name of the artist. The video is golden. I say golden because it carries you back to a young Hollywood, where stars such as Clark Gable once held the throne as the “it” guy. Right now, in Miami, J Nic$ and his comrades of the C9 group/movement, Phresh James, Sean Buck and Lil Champ with Fresh N3rd at the helm, are making a strong presence that can’t be ignored. As their fellow rapper who hails from 561 and has lived in the 954 and happens to support the 305 as well (but oddly no longer resides in either) I consider myself a nomad rapper. One that has talent and sees talent everywhere I go; I become fascinated in our generation of entertainment. It’s refreshingly new. I’m confident enough to say I have what it takes, and I see what I am out to accomplish and I can only hope that it carves out a nook deep enough to make a difference in this thing we call Hip Hop with Stereo Hall Records. C9 is out to do the same. Strength in numbers is their motto. That is the wonderful thing about our generation, we are all self-starters. We don’t give a damn about the esablishments. We pay our respects and our dues (at least I do) and then we let it be know that we are apart of this now. They must share the land, or we will take it.

There is so much music out right now. So much art. So many new filmmakers. Much of it is actually good. There is still a lot of art out there that is, well, just not that good. On the reverse, there are more artists that will be influential than center of amusement. That, I find just awesome. I think that it will be the first to happen that way in a very long time.

J Nic$ is definitely next up in Miami. This video shows something new and different. It think it should be embraced and congratulated. Toast to C9 from TroyB Arthouse/Stereo Hall Records. Salud!

CLICK THE PHOTO TO VIEW THE VIDEO

J Nic$
“Clark Gable”
Directed by: Uncle Luc

Brand Burberry Prorsum

Troy Buchanan — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 04:04:51 +0000

Burberry is one of the most recognized fashion brands in the world. It’s a statement that goes without saying, but tis the part of the statement that states it’s the concept and word brand that I want to call attention to. Branding has become such a fascinating concept to me, and when it comes to fashion there are so many others that are much larger than Burberry that I could have chosen such as, Gucci, Dior, or Chanel. Those are huge in comparison to Burberry, but I feel they have lost their unique sensibilities to their branding missions. Maybe not Chanel so much, but Gucci and Dior have definitely lost much of the style that has made them monsters in the fashion world. Also, I just happen to personally like Burberry more than the three. The “Silent Giant” is what I could equate Burberry to. The special thing about the brand, is that they have their unique pattering as their primary logo. It has been one of the most widely copied trademarks. I believe that when others begin to copy you, you’ve succeeded at branding. Often times I feel like what most fashion brands do, and I’ve seen this mostly with their accessories is copy each other. I can’t say that I have seen Burberry do this. Why would they want to? They have created a blueprint on themselves.

As I continue to delve deeper into being a professional recording artist, I understand that branding is more important than ever. But what’s most important that I find is not what you brand (which in this case is myself), but it’s how you brand. That will separate the men from the boys, and the ones who will succeed at achieving majority recognition. It’s what we all want isn’t it? Well, in order to be a superstar amongst your peers this needs to happen. It’s just a shame that you could take something that you know is terrible in quality, brand it correctly, and it will be huge. Evermore than what’s of exceptional quality. The irony really frustrates me. It just goes to show you that the majority (masses) cannot recognize levels of quality. Or they chose to ignore the fact. So what does all of this have to do with Burberry? Not much at all, but it’s an underlying anomaly that I was trying to parallel between what I’m attempting to do and what is already done. When it comes to quality, between the fashion giants and a the little big giants, it’s debatable. I’m also not as knowledgeable on the fashion world as I would like, to be so technical. So, this is all in how I see it. In my opinion, Burberry overtakes Gucci and Dior in quality. I honestly don’t know where Chanel falls, or any others for that matter. The matter of the fact for me is that I love fashion, but I also love competition. There is a lot of that in fashion…And music…And film. If I have to brand my ass off to get where it is I want to be, knowing that what I have is of exceptional quality, you best believe I will fight hard against those who are trying to trick the majority into believing that what they have is anything better that what I possess. To me, that is a third of what this journey to success is all about.

The word Prorsom, following the Burberry name is a Latin word “Prorsum”, meaning forwards. That is truly noble to include into your brand name. I won’t analyze that, it speaks for itself. How many at the top, even acknowledge the need to move forward? Many that reach the top, plateau during their bask of glory.

And so, I am including Burberry Prorsorm’s Spring 2011 Men’s collection into this post. The style alone looks to have remnants of now, but pushes to newer or nostalgic styles (I spot a futuristic nineties) that take us away from everything we’ve seen in the last 5 years, which has been reproduced so much. They are definitely focusing on coats but the overall style feels familiar but new. I can’t even explain why that is. It’s definitely not hipster, nor chic. Both have had a long run the past few years…I want something a little different. Let’s move forward- yeah brand that.

Power. It’s getting kinda hectic.

Troy Buchanan — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:51:55 +0000

This is one hell of a painting. I can’t stop watching this. It’s so cool. The symmetry and asymmetry in one. The art references, the color, the shooting techniques. How can you not like this?

Kanye West- Power
Directed by: Marco Brambilla

This is why I can’t stop pursuing music. Not only music, but showing the world that I am an artist. No matter what medium I will end up creating in, it will change how you see everything. I promise that. I love art, and I always said that, “Art is everything.”

The release of my next mixtape will be the start of it all. Thoughtfully Crazy- I don’t think they understand me. They probably think I’m crazy. If the shoe fits. So be it. Crazy with good intentions. I don’t think they really understand what I am trying to do. Well, the only way for them to get it. Is to show them. This fall, everything changes. But, since Kanye is in a better position than I am, I’ll let clear the path for me. You have to follow in someone’s footsteps. Most cases, when you do, it’s of someone who has lead. How else would you know how to be a leader? How else would you know how to evolve on what was already done? How will you ever know where you stand, if you don’t put yourself behind who is now, so that you can be next?

It’s getting kinda hectic…

Snap – Power
1990

Paragons

Troy Buchanan — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 03:49:39 +0000

Many times before, I have spoken on how I feel about being apart of a new generation of artists. It’s extremely exciting. I feel that the voices of tomorrow have more to say than those of yesterday. It’s the honesty. It’s the reservation, far from anything that is snide or conniving, or, being in it for the luster. Those particular individuals still do exist, but as entertainment and art evolve, the prior is taking shotgun while the generation still driving takes us to their final destination and allows us to hop in the driver seat for once and induce a change of scenery on the path ahead.

I really don’t want my statement on “the next generation having more to say” be overlooked. I truly believe this. It can be viewed like this: if the increased accessibility of certain technologies are allowing people, who would have never been able to do so before, go out and create art on a level that most times surpasses the commercial market in terms of quality, do you not think those artist had some intention of getting a message they feel strongly about, out there, even if it means doing it without the proper funds, nor being able to recoup anything from it? Sure you have some out there that pick a tool and dick around with it and give us the maddness we see flooding our YouTube and other blog sites. The public is also to blame for it’s prevelance. Same goes for the terrible entertaiment we see and hear on professional level from the corporate companies that control the art platform. We complain, buy into it, and instead of taking the initiative to go out there and find the hidden gems, we keep buying into the gruel they feed us. And that’s why they keep making it.

Alas, we are all human. We can’t be faulted for everything. It’s in our DNA to fuck up. I say it like that because, we really do. It’s only when special artists come around and show us something that we identify with, touch our hearts, captures our souls with the kind of art that makes us say “Man, how did I miss this? This is awesome.” If we only trusted ourselves more. We are hesitant to accept anything new unless it’s stamped with the approval of a name or brand we already know – and it’s a shame.

People will say that no one wants intellect anymore. No one cares about something that’s emotionally involving. We just want to veg. We just want to be entertained. True; in that last statement. But the rest, to me that’s nonsense. Again, we are all human. Just as much as fucking up is in our DNA, so is needing something to identify with. We need something that drives us emotionally in order to grow. Fluff and lack of substance can only take us so far. Remember the old proverb, “Man cannot live off of bread alone”? It’s no different.

If you’ve read up to this point, I’m grateful, because you too believe I have something to say. So do the young filmmakers that inspired this post, Average Joe Productions. I love the irony in their name and the subject at hand – they are just college students. I’ve shown you before their past trailers, and I’ve informed you that they are young filmmakers doing what they love in hope of someone seeing the passion and potential for good things to come. They have not stopped. In fact, they have completed their first short, Paragons. I’m truly impressed with what they have come up with, considering they have no budget, and they use minimal equipment. They rely on telling a story. I often wonder what they could come up with if they ever had the proper backing. They never cease to showcase their know-how to me. I feel they deserve the spotlight. I wish them much success in the future. I know they will surprise a lot of people.

Free Mason? No, Amazing

Troy Buchanan — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:50:13 +0000

I couldn’t resist posting this. After I heard the “Free Mason” song off of Rick Ross’ new album for the first time, waiting to hear Jay-Z’s verse (knowing that he wrote it on the spot, in his head, when Rick Ross played the beat for him backstage after he finished his performance) my head dropped backwards. Just incredible. Excuse me, amazing. It’s a testament to why he is, in my opinion, the greatest rapper living. It’s not just his skill that I feel grants him that title. It’s everything he embodies. He’s an a artist, an orator, a self made millionaire, and probably one of few rappers who have held onto their integrity throughout their entire career. He has been, and will always remain my favorite rapper. Always. And for many reasons that extend beyond fanatics or obsession. He’s someone to look up to. A life influence. Someone who I felt made sense to aspire to be like. Better put, a black man who I felt was important to look up to. We don’t have too many of those left, you know? Rappers have such bad stereotypes that surround them, but when one comes along and has grown up in the industry, showing that you rise from literally nothing and be something, and have class. Most importantly, be respected universally for it. And by universally, I mean acceptance by the white culture. It may sound biased or one sided, but from the perspective of a young black man, that is a big deal. When you are accepted and respected by blacks as a good representative for them, and then whites – you’ve made it.

I can now add Obama to the list of someone to look up to and aspire to be like. But before Obama, for me, it was Jay-Z.

Side-note: This verse is in response to accusations that Jay-Z is a Freemason or “Devil Worshiper” after he released the video for “On To The Next One”

Niggas couldn't do nothing with me
they put the devil on me
I would have preferred if niggas squeeze the metal on me
Rumours of Lucifer
I don't know who to trust
whole world want my demise, turn my music up
here me clearly, if y'all niggas fear me
just say y'all fear me
fuck all these fairy tales
go to hell
This is God engineering
This is a Hail Mary pass
y'all interfering
he without sin shall cast the first stone
so y'all look in the mirror
double check your appearance
bitch I said I was amazing
Not that I'm a Mason
It's amazing that I made it though the maze that I was in
Lord forgive me I never would've made it without sin
Holy water my face in the basin
Diamonds in my Rosary shows He forgave him
Bitch I'm red hot, I'm on my third six, but the devil I'm not
My Jesus peice flooded but thou shall not covet
keep your eyes off my cupboard I'm a bad motherfucker
it's HOV
just say you love it

I’m sorry but that up there, is fucking poetry. You can’t deny it.

Take a listen:
“Free Mason” Rick Ross feat Jay-Z and John Legend

Ms. Hill

Troy Buchanan — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:29:45 +0000

… as she has requested us to call her. Though most know her as Lauryn Hill, or L Boogie – one third of the legendary group, The Fugees, and the most talented female emcee to ever grace hip hop music. Ever. It’s arguable, but I strongly believe this, and I stand firmly behind it.

She has now, finally, after years of self exile from music, returned to recording. I don’t know if this song is new or maybe something she has been sitting on, but it’s so damn relaxing to hear her voice once again. This song is new to my ears so I’m going to call it new. I read in an interview she had with Hip Hop DX, not too long ago, that she has decided to return to recording music and was planning a body of work for release. I’m not how sure how long ago she decided this, because she could have been recording for years and has just sat on it, waiting for the right moment to give it to the world. I often belive this of artists, the fact that they never stop doing thier craft. It’s impossible for me to believe that one can just leave something as cherished as their craft cold turkey. So, that’s why I say, maybe she has been holding on this. It’s a gem and a wonderful taste of what is to come.

Of course Kanye beat me to it, and had it on his blog first. But, what else would I expect? The man is connected in the music world. I would expect him to be the first person all over this song. I mean, he did say that Lauryn’s solo debut, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” was the direct inspiration to “The College Dropout,” and you know what? I’m glad it was. Nevertheless, I feel that it belongs on my blog too. I would like to share this beautiful teaser with you all. I present, the second brith of Lauryn Hill (excuse me, Ms. Hill) with:

Repercussions (2010?)

It’s an old picture…but, I love this one of her. That is a beautiful black women right there.

Ghost In The Machine

Troy Buchanan — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:53:39 +0000

by: Erika Iris Simmons

For some artists, the ability to create is limitless. No medium is the limit. In the case of Erika Simmons’ “Ghost In The Machine” series, she takes something as vintage and nostalgic as VHS and Cassette tapes, rips the guts out, and creates portraits of some of America’s favorite heroes.

What’s most fascinating is her different techniques in creating the portraits. You’ll see in the Traci Lords portrait below, her way of creating blond hair with thin black tape. It’s really inspiring to see when artists are able to create and spot out an idea that is so removed from what would be conventional. That I think is what keeps the culture and the minds of others evolving. Bravo Ms. Simmons.

Traci Lords

Jimi Hendrix

Kurt Kobain

John Lennon

Nick Cave

Alfred Hitchcock

To see more of her “Ghost In The Machine” creations visit her Flickr page.