Press Play> Vol.10 Transit - Hip Hop

There is so much to like about Transit and his video Calgary (above). Where to begin? I can't remember who tweeted the YouTube link or what was written in the tweet that inspired me to click on it but I did. And as soon as the video kicked in, I was hooked.

• The song - It's a great song - pure and simple - with a great groove. It does what every good song in any genre does; it tells a story. 
• The visuals - Calgary looks amazing. It looks like a real honest to goodness cool beautiful city. People who visit our burg notice that but I don't think many of us who grew up here realize how big and cool it's getting until we see it reflected in a video like this.
• The stereotype - It takes an immigrant (!) like Transit to come out and say it - we're not all cowboys - even though many of us have known that for years. When I lived in Ontario, people would find out I was from Calgary and assume they knew my politics, attitude and taste in music. They assume Calgarians are anti ... uh.. well.. anti a lot of things that suggest sophistication or tolerance. And I would have to educate them. In this video Transit just comes out and says it. He sings "We're not all cowboys" because we're not.  
• The mayor - How cool is it that Transit thought to ask and how cool is it that the Mayor @nenshi said yes.
• The voice - Jann Arden's appearance in this video is the icing on the cake. What a treat to hear her voice like honey dripping through the beat and then soaring above it. It just works so well. @jannarden is a Calgary icon, a Canadian star, an old school voice next to an up-and-comer singing. She sings the praises of a city not usually know for its arts and music.Plus there are images and names dropped of a whole bunch of indie and hip hop artists that are buzzing in YYC.  

I chased down Transit @transitrants on twitter and I asked him to Press Play> and I am happy to post the results. 

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? 

Wale featuring J.Cole – Bad Girls Club



WHAT IS THE RECORD OR MAYBE TWO, OR THREE OR FOUR THAT INFLUENCE YOUR MUSIC THE MOST?

Atmosphere - You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having and Shad - T.S.O.L

WHAT IS THE FIRST RECORD YOU BOUGHT? 

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - Actually I didn't buy it, I stole it from my older sister and ended up playing it too much and I wrecked it.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE COVER TUNE? (SONG AND COVERED BY WHOM?)

Elise Roller

When I Grow Up by the Pussycat Dolls covered by Elise Roller. She completely slows it down and adds a different feel to it and it makes a normally garbage song enjoyable.

WHAT IS THE RECORD YOU COUNT AS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Any Young Jeezy record is a guilty pleasure for me. It’s definitely not my style of rap but every now and then I like listening to it and pretending I’m a thug.


CURRENTLY WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE RECORD TO LISTEN TO ON THE ROAD?

Manchester Orchestra - I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child



WHICH OF YOUR RECORDS IS YOUR FAVOURITE ?

My latest CD 22. It’s not out yet though…

WHAT IS A RECORD YOU BOUGHT THAT YOU WISH YOU DIDN'T?  

Jay-Z  - Kingdom Come --- It’s not even that it was that bad of a record but after coming out of retirement and all the hype behind that, I got so excited for it to drop. When it came out, I skipped school (I was in grade 12) and walked 45 minutes each way in the rain to HMV. As soon as I got home and heard that track he did with Usher I wanted to cry.

Transit on Facebook 

Find him on MySpace