this 'DJ/Producer period' I also self-released 2 EPs of original instrumental compositions, the second of which received airplay at over 300 college stations and charted at 32 stations, placing at #8 on the CMJ ADDS CHART (2001). I amassed so much credit card debt pressing and promoting my CD that eventually I had to declare bankruptcy. Around this time I began to incorporate hand drumming into my DJ sets, setting up the bongos right next to the turntables and playing them simultaneously. In certain circles I began to be known as 'that Jew with the big hair that plays the bongos while he DJs'. In 2002 I did a small tour of the West Coast, doing my turntable/bongo performance in LA, San Francisco, Fresno, and several small towns in Oregon. Back home I started a weekly Monday night residency (with DJ/beatboxer Jase Mason) called THE BEATDOWN at the Black Betty in Williamsburg. It was at these Monday nights that I first began to step out from behind my turntables/drums, and get on the mic. I would do some freestyling, beatboxing, tell some jokes - I was developing the JG alter-ego persona which now has Anti-Hoot attendees often wondering 'God, what is WRONG with him?' In 2003 I moved to Williamsburg and began to be interested in the guitar again. I started goofing around with freestyling and beatboxing while playing guitar. With the bombing of Iraq and the 'War on Terror' in full-effect, I found I had some things I wanted to say, so I began writing some songs. The first one was a protest rant called 'Welcome To The End of the World'. I began to draw my tiny hieroglyphesque drawings on my clothes, instruments, everything; and spray paint my own logo on my shirts. The line between my life and my art blurred, and I am forever changed. I am a walking piece of art. Whether I end up achieving 'success' and 'fame' or not, I will be making music and art until my last day.
"He spray-paints his name on his
tattered shirts, makes videos
about himself, plays guitar, DJs,
and draws on supermodels. He's
JOSHUAGABRIEL, an ill-defined
artist-musician whose creativity
oozes into obscure forums."
-VILLAGE VOICE
"This music demands and inspires
close attention"
-NEW YORK PRESS
"Joshuagabriel is one of those
artists who is possessed of a vision.
Who knows what he wants to hear
and by God is going to create it."
-SPLENDID.COM
