A few weeks ago, I interviewed two Guerilla Union producers (at the GU office!) as an assignment for my music class. It went so well that I was offered the opportunity to work Cypress Hill’s “Smoke Out” Festival! The position I was given was artist signings—I had to chase the artists around after their sets, in their trailers, or at the meet-n-greets, & get them to sign 30 posters, which are given as memorabilia to the Guerilla Union key-sponsors & producers.

This experience was amazing! With the exception of Mobb Deep & Cafe Tacuba—whom were the two artists groups I REALLY wanted to meet (tear)—I got to meet just about everyone else in the line-up. 

Nipsey Hussle was in the room that I arrived to check-in at.

I was also at the artist meet-n-greet table with Fashawn, Sublime, Cypress Hill, Low End Theory, Wolfgang Garter, Schoolboy Q, J Rocc, and other artist. (My assistant, Patricia, was asked by a fan for her autograph—people didn’t know who we were or why we were there, but we looked pretty important).

We visited artists trailers, including Wiz Khalifa’s—& Amber Rose was there, too!—and also got to hang out with Thievery Corporation.

Korn was the hardest artist group to hunt down, but we caught them at their GIGANTIC tour bus after their set. 

Some other artists that I also met include: The Dirty Heads, Ritmo Machine, Daedelus, & Nocando.

I can’t stress how much fun I had working artists signings—although (I must admit) I wasn’t familiar with some of the artists.

Since I was representing Guerilla Union, I had to be professional w/the artists and therefore didn’t get any pictures, posters, or autographs for myself (“DON’T GET STAR STRUCK!”). Nonetheless, meeting all of these artists was enough for me!

I’d like to send out a special thanks to Karlo Arenas & Akiko Moritake for the opportunity, & Jelani Kimble, whom was my supervisor & assistant. 

Now that I have gotten a taste of live production & the “behind the scenes” to my favorite music festivals, I am looking forward to collaborating in future Guerilla Union events. 

Paid Dues 2012, I can’t wait!