Greenville Scene

by: Michelle Hannon

www.myspace.com/cultureprophet

GS: Michael, you’ve started several bands like Le Chevre and Auburn. Is Culture Prophet the main one you’re focusing on now? Who else plays with you?

Michael Barksdale: Culture prophet is the main focus as of now because it’s the only live act I have. Sean Neuse plays drums in Culture Prophet and I play drums in his band Backseat Dreamer. Le Chevre and Auburn are both recording projects for now unless something changes where I can perform those outfits live.

GS: I’ve heard that your shows really pack out the venue. It’s sort of dance crowd right? I have to say, if you can make Greenville dance, (and I don’t just mean in the “we’re all drunk and this cover band sounds great” way) - more power to you. I wish there was more dancing at shows.

MB: I never have understood why anyone would want to go to show and just stand there. Especially if the band is a dance-y band. I’ve been to shows like 4 or 5 years ago in Atlanta and Athens that were dance shows and all those kids were just standing there. The people I went with and myself would be dancing like crazy and of course all those other people would be staring at us. As for this town dancing, well the whole dance thing is a craze right now so its a hot ticket- the dance show idea. I have always felt like if you are into your music from a visual stand point, then as long as the music is energetic people will be energetic the same way as you. This is pretty much the sole creative idea behind Culture Prophet. We want to show people the freedom of being able to have fun and dance at a show.

GS: Now, Culture Prophet seems different than some of your other bands. The genre is different of course, but it seems purposefully over-the-top.

MB: Culture Prophet began as a project for me to combine my love for early electro, new wave, disco, and rap music. It has since reached a different point. Now there is a scene evolving that is very big and its also getting better and better everyday. The music that is being created around this scene of electronic music is so inspiring for me to keep creating and be a part of it as much as possible. As for ‘over the top’, thats one of the key elements I think for this genre of music whether it be with the music itself or the visuals that connect it.

GS: After doing something like Le Chevre, how did you come to start Culture Prophet? And who are some of your musical influences for CP?

MB: I have been a DJ for a long time now and I have always loved some of the forms of music that revolve around that as well. Mostly that of the early stuff like: Debbie Deb, Depeche Mode, New Order, Pretty Tony, etc. Also rap music like Wu tang clan, Dr. Dre, 3-6 mafia, etc. I have always been very much on the electronic side of music in all forms whether it be the new wave of the 80’s up to the rap music of the now. Dance music has always been heavy on the list of influences for me but not that of the techno rave music. I have always leaned more towards the analog older style because it just has more soul.

GS: What is your goal for Culture Prophet?

MB: The only goal for Culture Prophet is to evolve the idea of freedom into people via music and art. Everyone needs to have fun and open their minds of to every form of expression.

GS: Have you played any out of town shows? What has the response been like?

MB: We have played a number of out of town shows. So far our best response has been in Charlotte at the Milestone. Culture Prophet has a stage presence that is very connected to a crowd and if the crowd doesn’t connect well then it’s just awkward. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. Sometimes awkward can be awesome, but for the audience it may just make it weird for them.

GS: You have a cd or two for sale, correct? I really like the new artwork.

MB: Culture prophet has no CD as of yet. I have teamed up with Adil at Gemini to create the Spludge Design Company which is the whole look behind Culture Prophet. I am not very talented in the visual creation of things but I have very grand ideas in that realm. Adil is able to create almost through me using my ideas mixed with his talent and his borderline insanity (and mine as well). The end result, I must say, has been over-the-top pleasing for both of us and everyone that has seen it.