Just So There's No Confusion...



So what is Petri Dish? We define ourselves as “an experiment in culture.” That’s a cute little play-on-words but what exactly does it mean? Allow me to clarify, or at least attempt to clarify, just what it is that we are offering – what entrée we’re providing to this virtual pot-luck.

Culture. Now there’s a loaded word.

We’ve seen the Wire and the Corner, we’ve read the headlines, seen the statistics – Baltimore is a city with a crime problem. Poverty and AIDs are rampant, property theft and homicide threaten peace and Baltimore is developing a reputation Mr. Clean wouldn’t dare touch. So the stereotypes are right – eh, in a way. They’re accurate, but not entirely representative of the city. The rough patches are undeniable, at times overwhelming, but they’re not everything.

This is where Petri Dish comes in. As students of Loyola College, we have a unique perspective: that’s our advantage. We are a conglomeration of ideas, forged in our respective contexts and homogenized in Baltimore. So we’re bringing you Petri Dish as a vehicle for this perspective, a vehicle to showcase the hidden particles of culture hiding in the seams of Baltimore. Let’s explore. The national perceptions of Baltimore are written in permanent ink, but the pen is our tool as well. Let’s flip this city over and examine it belly-first.

Frustrated with the objectivity of the mass media, we’re out to impose well-formed, opinionated dialogue on culture. Our goal is to unapologetically summarize and critique cultural aspects of Charm City and beyond, opening up a forum of discussion. Petri Dish will be a site that promotes interaction and reaction. Don’t like our viewpoint? Bark back!

We can dish it out, but can you take it?

Friday, November 14, 2008

Invisible Inc.

As one of the most notable young spoken word poets, George Watsky has earned his title of “Undisputed Back-Talk Champion” on many instances, being a six-time Youth Speaks Grand Slam finalist and also as a feature on season six of Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry. Beginning at the age of sixteen, the charismatic performer has been bringing his unique blend of teenage angst and profound political insight to new heights, even performing at both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions this year. Watsky has also used his influence to promote environmental activism, working with Robert Redford at Sundance and also with Greenbuild Chicago.

Born in San Francisco, CA, Watsky now operates mainly out of Boston, where he attends Emerson University. While not in class, Watsky tours colleges and universities across the country performing poetry, promoting his respective causes, and beefing with look-alike/George Watsky impersonator Michael Cera. Even outside of his native context, Watsky’s work has translated and manifested itself in new and exciting forms including: a one man stage show called “So Many Levels”, a book and CD set titled after his moniker of “Undisputed Back-Talk Champion”, and his genre-defiant rap group Invisible Inc.

Invisible Inc. was formed in 2007 when Watsky recorded the band’s debut CD with fellow Bay Area performers Daniel Riera and Max Miller-Loran. Riera, a student at Berklee College of Music, is the bands producer, flutist, and bassist – offering an eclectic blend of top-production computer loops and expert musicianship. Featured at both the San Francisco Jazz Festival and the San Jose Jazz Festival, Riera sports an impressive repertoire which includes being named a Young Jazz Composer by the Association of Songwriters, Composers and Publishers in 2004.

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From left to right: Max Miller-Loran, Daniel Riera, and George Watsky (not Michael Cera)




Watsky, of course, brings his sharp-witted tongue and playful diction to the group as lead emcee. Together, the group takes on a unique sound combining the creative juices of hip-hop and jazz to make a delicious cocktail for the ear. Their superb musical talent is showcased in such songs as “Five Finger Discount”, a song entirely in 5/4 time, all the while Watsky’s rapping flirts more with poetry than mainstream hip-hop. “We’re taking it back from whack Cadillac dudes bustin’ shots over silly crap (brrrrrrrrrrat) are you seriously feelin’ that? Let us take a crack at it.” Miller-Loran wonders on the groups’ self-titled debut, showing separating Invisible Inc. from the endless flow of disposable “gangsta” rappers who dominate the scene today. After all, what’s so gangsta about suburban white musicians from San Fran fronted by a half-Jewish emcee with a lisp? N.W.A. never had a flutist.

Invisible Inc. also delves into the realm of politics, offering the insight of three young minds on the forefront of their respective creative engines. The groups’ message is understandably liberal, given their college roots in the Democratic Northeast and pro-green ideals – but their opinions are well-formed and mature. Still skeptical? Check out Invisible Inc.’s self-titled debut on iTunes or MySpace and leave comments below. Also, pick up tour information, check out blog entries and get updates on Watsky’s upcoming solo album (due in 2009) in his website.


Miller-Loran has also performed at the San Jose Jazz Festival as well as being featured on the 99.1 KCSM, the Bay Area’s Jazz Station. He plays the role of beatmaker/trumpeter/keyboardist/emcee in Invisible Inc., utilizing his Berklee education and stint as a member of the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco to round the group into a formidable wave of creation.
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousApril 1, 2010 at 12:54 PM

    Dude....Did you do a band name search of Invisible Inc??? Try to be original, the name is copyrighted. Go back to the drawing board. They have searches for names on Google and Myspace.

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