Why was wepushbuttons organized and what are its goals in the musical community?
We launched our website last year, all feeling the need to address some issues within our specific music community and how we fit into the arts community as a whole here in Southern Maine. There has been somewhat of a disconnect between all the different aspects of the electronic music scene in Maine, and we want to do our part to make sure that everyone is working together. Artists sharing knowledge with each other, creative collaborations and discovering commonalties between ourselves as electronic artists — these are just a few interests of ours that we actively are pursuing through WPB. Maine (and Portland, specifically) is gradually gaining a reputation as possessing a hotbed of talent, from the unusually large number of talented DJs here to the underground rap scene. We want to fan that fire as much as we can and build on the recognition that Maine is getting. Aside from the regional, national and even international impact we’re working towards, we also realize that the people here in Maine, in our own backyard, may not even realize the depth or breadth of talent we have here. That’s why we’re presenting the 1st Annual wepushbuttons Awards. We’re working to show our surrounding area and the rest of the world that Maine may not have the biggest electronic music scene, but we’ve certainly got one of the most talented.
How are you affiliated? Does it affect your work with other bands you play in?
I have been personally involved with WPB since the beginning and am a co-founder. Being involved so intimately with the workings of WPB has been a great way to share the mission with friends both in and out of the electronic music scene. My DJ, MC and producer friends that I work with know that I’m working to represent them here and beyond, and my collaborators and bandmates in other genres now have an understanding of electronic music where there perhaps was none. The “cross talk” in my musical career that has happened as a result has been really phenomenal.
How has local electronic music evolved over the past decade and where is it going?
I’ve lived in Portland for over seven years and seen monumental changes in the way this city views its talent. There’s a greater variety of music happening than ever before. The closure of several large club venues has caused many patrons to seek out other places to dance and lounge, and that has been great for the club DJs. Smaller rooms are seeing more action. The hip hop scene here has grown from something on the fringes to an undeniable presence. The people who have been “driving the bus” in the electronic music community are getting front-page recognition for their efforts, instead of just being faces in a club.
We’re at a fascinating tipping point. The population of Portland is growing, and with the new people comes new understandings of the cultural place that electronic music has in arts and entertainment. This growth could bring about a significant change in the scope of what we can do at WPB and as performers and artists. As time and technology move forward, we at WPB believe electronic music will continue to present itself not just as valid, but as the musical art form of now.