05.05.09

Lots to talk about...

Been back for a couple days now and finally getting a chance to catch up on everything in my life. Sorry for not being faster with these updates, juggling all that I've had on my plate lately has been a pretty massive task. Also, I've been snowboarding like a madman! With the ending of the season I've been trying to get as many runs in while the snow is still around. Gotta shout out the folks at Burton, they hooked me up pretty major. I've been making use of all my new gear and learning to shred the pow like a pro. I might even bounce over to S. America this summer to keep it going... We'll see, I'm super addicted though. For more on my snowboarding career, check this! Launch Snowboard Canada

Before I continue, I wanna mention it's time once again to cast your vote for Americas Best DJ. This is voted on by people like you, so I need a hand. Last year I came in 4th (still stoked on that... but...), it's important you get out there and let em know what time it is. Please take 2 seconds and vote for your boy. Click here to vote!

So... The Australian tour...

Man, can I just say how amazing it was (and ALWAYS is) over there! I love it! I played The Big Day Out Festival as well as some side shows. So fun. For those of you who don't know, the BDO is kinda like the Lollapaloza, or Coachella, of AUS. In Sydney I played to 15k+ people in this huge tent, shit was crazy packed! Check the clip.

I also went to New Zealand, Taipei, Singapore and literally spent one night in Bangkok (8 hrs), where I did a show, ate Thai food AND happened to see an elephant walking in the street, classic! Asia was dope. The crowds were really into it, and the people who took care of me out there are some of the coolest people I've met in a long time. Shout out to the Liquid Lifestlye crew (you are...), my man Don, Matt and Dennis, Gareth in NZ and Trent in Aus - Thanks for everything. I've added some photos from the tour on myspace too, make sure you check em out.

A couple other things, I printed up a limited edition shirt for summer. They are in the store, swing by and grab one before they're all gone. I've also thrown up the "Work It Or Leave It" track for download, enjoy that one, it's a personal favorite. Speaking of downloads, I am working on releasing another live set, just been going through all the sets I've recorded and am trying to find the right one to put out there. For the old school crew, the Acid Regin mix is on it's way, just wanna get the live set in motion first. Will probably have those ready for the next update (which won't take as long, I promise). I will also be dropping some pretty major news next time so please keep an eye out for that, big things are happening over here.

As always, thank you all for your continued support.

Oh, and yes, it's true... I am on twitter.

Peace,

Z-TRIP

01.12.09

2009 starts off with a bang and a new mix!

On New Years Eve I was set to do a show with Mix Master Mike in Aspen, Colorado when earlier that day we get word of a bomb threat at the bank a couple blocks away. At first we were like, yeah, whatever, some kids fucking around. After further investigation and many hours later the cops decided it was a real threat. Apparently a 72 year old Aspen native snapped and tried to rob a bank with explosives, leaving a ransom note explaining there were more bombs planted around the town. We end up having to evacuate the club around 10:30. Thankfully we were able to pull together a little impromptu house party in the hills before it turned midnight (kinda turned out to be the shit, actually). Me, Mike and DJ Klaw got to freestyle for 30 or so folks all night long. I believe there is video tape of this too... For more on the bomb threat, Google “Aspen bomb threat new years eve”.

On to other news... I'm about to hop on a plane to Australia for the Big Day Out Festival, as well as some other dates in Asia, and New Zealand. Before I go, I wanted to drop this new mix on you. Here's a little background on it. Back in October I put together my Obama mix in hopes of spreading the message and getting the guy elected. A month ago I was asked to spin in DC during his inauguration, but due to my Australian tour already being confirmed, I was unable to commit (damn!). Anyway, last week I was contacted by MoveOn.org to put something together for an email blast they are doing for the lead up to the inauguration. I came up with Victory Lap: The Obama Mix Pt. 2. This one is a bit more on the celebratory side. It's my way of congratulating all of us for electing what I think is the right person for the job. We made history and I'm proud to be a part of that. Yes, my friends, it is time to celebrate, but please don't lose sight of the mess we are still in. We have to continue to pull together and make moves... Still plenty of work to do.

Before I go I want to shout out my homies NASA (the group, not the space program). They have an album coming out called The Spirit of Apollo that I did some scratching on. The list of guests is pretty heavyweight: David Byrne, ODB, E-40, Tom Waits, Santogold to name a few. Check out this video for the song "Money" I worked on. Shepard Fairy and Syd Garon (the guy who did Q-Berts Wave Twisters) put it together:

N.A.S.A. "Money" feat. David Byrne, Chuck D, Ras Congo, Seu Jorge, & Z-Trip from Paul Griswold on Vimeo.

Also, while were on videos, you should really check this one out. I saw it the other day and almost pissed my pants.. shit is funny as hell:

Lastly, I have some new shirts that I'm running off for summer, I'll throw them in the store as soon as I get back from this tour.

Be safe, ya'll...

Z-TRIP

11.06.08

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO STOKED!!

We did this!

I have so much swirling around in my head about it all that I haven't been able to sort anything out yet. I've been getting so many phone-calls and email from around the world—friends, family, people reacting to the mix. I've been trying to respond to everything, but it's taking a minute. I'll post something more in-depth soon....

11.03.08

There have been over 100,000 downloads of the Obama Mix so far! If you haven't heard it yet, you can still get it right here:

http://djztrip.com/obama/

And here's the first of what will hopefully be many celebrations:

Click image to view larger

Peace,

Z-Trip