THE PROCESS

The Process Meets Ghetto Priest played on the BBC again!

2011-11-18T18:06:00.001-08:00

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST CONTINUES TO RECIEVE RADIO SUPPORT AROUND THE WORLD!

The Process Meets Ghetto Priest played on the BBC again!

Monday Nov 14 BBC Radio 6: Legendary Punky Reggae DJ Don Letts Culture Clash Radio - The Don's selections cross time, space and genre. (Don Letts is a British film director and musician. He is credited as the man who through his DJing at clubs like The Roxy brought together punk and reggae music.)

Two days left to listen!

KFAI - 90.3 FM Minneapolis - 106.7 FM St. Paul celebrated the 30th Anniversary of ON-U Sound on 9/14/2011, The list of ON-U stalwarts appearing on the big show included: Dub Syndicate, Creation Rebel, Voice of Authority, Prince Far I, Little Annie, Garl Clail, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Barmy Army, Singers & Players, Bim Sherman, Deadley Headley & Rico Rodriguez, Little Axe, London Underground, Dr. Pablo, and Missing Brazilians. On top of this they included AMS remixes of Primal Scream and The Process & Ghetto Priest!

Click here to listen!

#10, The Process / Ghetto Priest "The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed".

94.9 CHRW (London Canada), World Charts for the week ending November 1, 2011.

Playlist here!

KUNM 89.9 Albuquerque, Santa Fe "Overnight Freeform" Program played Congo Natty (Well Toasted Mix) from THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST October 24!

Other Transmitter Include:

KUNM 89.9 Albuquerque, Santa Fe.

KBOM 88.7 Socorro

KRRT 90.9 Arroyo Seco - Taos

KRRE 91.9 Las Vegas

KRAR 91.9 Española

K220EM 91.9 Nageezi

K213ET 90.5 Eagle Nest

K216CU 91.1 Cuba

Playlist here!

Holding on in the Top 10, CKXU 88.3MHz - Lethbridge International For the Week Ending: Tuesday, October 18, 2011: The Process & Ghetto Priest The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed.

Playlist here!

Sat Oct 8th 2011 KDHX 88.1 FM St. Louis, MO "Tropical Riddims Program",

Played The Process Meets Ghetto Priest “Adrian Sherwood Dub Mix” from The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed.

Playlist here!

The Process and Ghetto Priest taking over all available frequencies!

Last but not least check out this Video montage of the Peoples Revolutions spreading the world in 2011, set to

"Spread the Money", by THE PROCESS

Joint Venture Sound System - live Polish National Radio

2011-10-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

Joint Venture Sound System - live Polish National Radio Czworka played
The Process Meets Ghetto Priest The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed and a ton of new On-U Sound and other cool stuff!
Click the link to watch!
JOINT VENTURE SOUND SYSTEM feat. VJ MAJONEZ
Audio-visual live attack in ‘Czworka’
5th Sept 2011, 21.00 – 22.00 (first part)
Polish National Radio Channel 4 ‘Czwórka’

PLAYLIST: (just the video part)
Crispy Horns & Prince Far I - Bedward The Flying Preacher (dub)
Crispy Horns& Prince Far I - Bedward The Flying Preacher
The Process Meets Ghetto Priest - The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed
Juakali - Revolution Now
The Rootsman & Bongo Chilli - Read Your Bible
The Rootsman & King David - 21st Century
Tippa Irie & the Far East Band - Big Talk
Gogol Bordello vs. Tamir Muskat - J.U.F. Dub
Lee Scratch Perry - From the Secret Laboratory (Kosine remix)
Ranking Joe with House of Riddim - Too Much Confusion
Download the Radio Podcast HERE!

More News!

The Process Meets Ghetto Priest is #3 For the Week Ending: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 CKXU 88.3MHz -Lethbridge International.
!earshot : charts : CKXU 88.3MHz - Lethbridge AB : International : 11/10/2011

The "Tropical Riddims" program on WORT 89.9FM Madison, Wisconsin played 3 Mixes from “The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed” The Process Meets Ghetto Priest Sat Sep 3rd 2011.The Process and Ghetto Priest taking over all available frequencies!

New Video: The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed, The Process Meets Ghetto Priest (Adrian Sherwood Mix).

2011-10-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed, The Process Meets Ghetto Priest (Adrian Sherwood Mix, Featuring Congo Natty aka Rebel MC).

THE PROCESS® have just received a 2011 ASCAP PLU$ SPECIAL AWARD

2011-09-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

David Asher and Garrick Owen of THE PROCESS® have just received a 2011 ASCAP PLU$ SPECIAL AWARD.
The award is given to writer members of any genre whose performances are primarily in venues not surveyed; and/or writer members whose catalogs have prestige value for which they would not otherwise be compensated. This is the 11th consecutive year Asher and Owen have received this cash/recognition award.

‎The Process Meets Ghetto Priest Hits # 8 on Canada's NATIONAL Campus and Community Radio International Charts!

2011-08-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

The Process Meets Ghetto Priest The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed‎

# 8 at Canada's NATIONAL Campus and Community Radio International Charts!

The Process & Ghetto Priest Taking over all available frequencies!

!earshot

The National International Chart

For the Week Ending: Tuesday, August 9, 2011

1 Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo The 1st Album Analog Africa

2 Various Red Hot and Rio 2: Nova Tropicalia eOne

3 Da Cruz Sistema Subversiva Six Degrees

4 Aline Morales Flores Tambores e Amores Self-Released

5 Ziggy Marley Wild & Free Tuff Gong

6 Seun Kuti And Fela's Egypt 80 From Africa With Fury Knitting Factory

7 See-I See-I Fort Knox

8 The Process / Ghetto Priest The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed Temple Gong

9 Youssou N'Dour Dakar - Kingston Universal

10 Sergent Garcia Una Y Otra Vez Cumbancha

Dr. Strange Dub's Review of The Process Meets Ghetto Priest

2011-06-17T21:12:00.001-07:00

"A sublimely powerful masterpiece.....that comes in six different flavors -- each with its own point of emphasis. No one sings more powerfully about Ras Tafari than The Process' David Asher, and this is complemented so well by the subtle, rootical vocals of Ghetto Priest, and the tasty toasting of Congo Natty. Quite a trans-Atlantic collaboration on an idea that took root and grew in many directions."

Dr. StrangeDub has been a DJ at KFAI-FM since 1996. The good Doctor is the host of the Echo Chamber -- which pounds and soothes the brain with the heaviest dubs, the most conscious roots, and funkiest club beats on the planet. Join Dr. StrangeDub & co-host DJ Baby Swiss in the Echo Chamber.

Dr. StrangeDub
http://www.kfai.org/echochamber
http://www.myspace.com/doctorstrangedub

The Saginaw News: The Process releases international collaboration with England's Ghetto Priest

2011-05-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

Courtesy PhotoArtists involved in making "The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed" are, from top clockwise, Ghetto Priest, The Process, Adrian Sherwood, Congo Natty, Skip "Little Axe" McDonald and David Harrow.

By Sue White | The Saginaw News

Published: Monday, May 16, 2011

For three years, David Asher has spread the word, talking about an international project, a collaboration with a brain trust of musicians and producers in Great Britain, a recording that would take The Process out of this world.

Anyone who knows The Process knows there is no one like Asher to drum up some enthusiasm — in another age, he might have traveled with the Ringling Bros., rounding up audiences for the coming circus.

And “The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed” is a reality now, the collection of mixes and a bonus track available on the website www.cdbaby.com and at Records and Tapes Galore in Saginaw.

Don’t listen for it on local radio stations soon, though the Rastafarian-influenced tune is getting play on England’s BBC and stations in Windsor, Ann Arbor, San Francisco, Portland and Houston. But be warned, once you hear it, it’s going to rattle around your head for a long time to come.

“I found The Process via MySpace,” Ghetto Priest said of the Vassar-based band, talking via e-mail from England about the project totally carried out through the Internet. “When I listened to their music, and saw it was a rock band open-minded enough to play reggae music, I thought of it as an interesting challenge and possible collaboration.”

Asher sent Ghetto Priest, a Rastafarian himself, a link to the film, “The Footsteps of the Emperor,” about Emperor Halie Selassie’s exile in England in the 1930s, Asher said, and within two weeks, Ghetto Priest sent back a vision of where he saw the song going. It was a tribute, Asher said, to “the courage of the emperor of Ethiopia who never lost his faith that God and right would prevail over the forces of evil.”

Soon after, guitarist Skip “Little Axe” McDonald and vocalist Mikki Sound, producers Adrian Sherwood and David Harrow and rapper Congo Natty AKA Rebel MC joined the mix and it began to grow.

“It started as a single and then took on a life of its own,” said Asher, who with bandmates Garrick Owen, Bill Hefflefinger, Gabe Gonzalez and Seth Payton worked with local producers Gee Pierce and Bernard Terry at their studios on the recording, featuring Hefflefinger’s arrangements.

In the meantime, Ghetto Priest was laying down tracks at Sherwood’s On-U Sound Studios in London with McDonald and Sound. And electronic music producer Harrow, now living in Los Angeles, did his own “Dub-step” take on the piece, adding it to McDonald’s reinvention of the song and Sherwood’s three mixes, including one that pulled in Congo Natty to “toast” over the tracks, a Jamaican style of talking over the instrumentals, similar to rap.

“We ended up with six mixes — and a bonus track, ‘Ghetto Life,’ from Ghetto Priest’s upcoming album, ‘Sacred Ground,’ ” Asher said, adding that The Process’ own version embraces the blend of high-energy rock with the warmth and passion of reggae the band’s fans have come to expect.

Ghetto Priest, considered one of the most flamboyant and creative performers on the London music scene, Asher said, is known for pulling the rhythm of the street into his music. And it didn’t take long for him to tap into The Process as well.

“I grew up listening to all kinds of music, so for me, differences are no obstacle, or even a barrier for that matter,” Ghetto Priest said.

As for the process — the American and British musicians have never met — “in this technological digital age we live in, physical distance is no problem,” he said. “I suppose it would been a great vibe for all involved, working at the same time in the same place, but due to the situation, we made good with what we had.”

The Process’ recordings survived a fire in Pierce’s studio, Asher said, and a transfer to Terry’s place in Flint, so a digital collaboration was one of the easiest parts of the process.

“You don’t have to be in the same room to create anymore,” he said, talking about how Ghetto Priest would send a verse and he’d add a few more and a bridge. “In the end, it lived up to everything we hoped and more. It was almost mystical, the way it all came together, very star-crossed.

“It couldn’t have happened without God’s hand in it.”

The Process has turned its attention on its own music for the moment, Asher said, as attention builds on “The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed.” He’d like to go to England at some point and meet the people who’ve worked so closely with him on the project.

There are no plans for another collaboration at this point, he said, “but I’d like to do more work with them. It’s still hard to believe Adrian Sherwood was involved; I’ve admired his work for many years.”

Ghetto Priest says the same.

“I have no great plan to collaborate, but if it happens, and the artist or musician reflects what I do, that’s cool!”

Michigan Bands: Music Review: The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed; The Process Meet Ghetto Priest

2011-05-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

Music Review: The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed; The Process Meet Ghetto Priest

"The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed; The Process Meets Ghetto Priest" is a seven-track EP from the Saginaw, Mi based roots-reggae rockers, five of which are alternate mixes of the title track by London reggae artists and producers Congo Natty and Adrian Sherwood, and American artists and producers Skip "Little Axe" McDonald and David Harrow. The seventh "bonus" track is "Ghetto Life", a sneak-peek release from Ghetto Priests forthcoming record, "Sacred Ground" (On-U Sound Records 2011). Both songs are worthy additions to any reggae collection. Your DJ will know what to do with the rest.

The Process will be appearing for their second release party Saturday, May 7th @ The Elbow Room in Ypsilanti. The show starts @ 9:00pm.

Band: The Process
Website: www.theprocessonline.com
Recording: The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed; The Process Meet Ghetto Priest (2011 Temple Gong Recordings)
Members: David Asher,Garrick Owen, Bill Heffelfinger, Gabe Gonzalez, Seth Payton
Additional Mixes & Performances by:Ghetto Priest, Little Axe, Adrian Sherwood, Congo Natty, David Harrow.
Produced by: Negus Dawit & The Wizard Of Light (see last photo insert for actual credits)

review by Mitch Phillips, April 2011

Hail The King Of Kings, Praise His Name -

It occurred to me on first-listen to the title track of "The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed; The Process Meets Ghetto Priest" that reggae music, particularly the Rastafarian variety, may have more in common with God-fearin, Jesus-luvin' Christians than it does with dope-smoking, dread-headed stoners. Of course, The Process are neither, but 'Judah does give a nod to bible-inspired traditions of Judaism and Christianity.

The lyrics of the title track are replete with references to "Jah" (Jaweh or God), "Babylon" (that bustling land of confusion - you're soaking in it) and "Zion" (generally, any "promised land"). Even the title itself is lifted directly from the book of Revelations:

Revelations(5:5) 'and one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.'

In this case, however, 'The Lion of Judah' refers not to the biblical son of Jacob or to Jesus, but to the Orthodox Christian Emperor of Ethiopia who appears on the cover; Halie Selassie I (i.e. Ras Tafari Makonnen), who ruled from 1930 to 1974.

Selassie is recognized as the returning biblical messiah to certain mansions of the Rastafari tradition who purported his divinity when news of his coronation and official titles (i.e. "Conquering Lion Of The Tribe Of Judah", "King Of Kings" and "Elect Of God") reached Jamaica. By tradition, Selassie was the 224th Ethiopian emperor in an unbroken line of succession dating back to King Solomon and The Queen of Sheba - and, at the time, the only black independent monarch in a heavily-colonized Africa.

Selassie appears in the sepia-toned cover photo of the CD in full military regalia, complete with a safari-style helmet and an officer's cape befitting nobility. He stands triumphantly with one foot perched upon his latest "trophy"; presumably a cache of chemical weapons used against his people by Mussolini's Fascists who invaded Ethiopia in 1935. Selassie's triumph must have been short-lived, however, as he was forced into temporary exile shortly thereafter.

In 1936, the deposed emperor addressed The League Of Nations, pleading for help and moral sanity from the body and to make good on its commitment to collective security and help defend his people. Although considered to be one of the greatest speeches of the era, it resulted in only 'partial and ineffective sanctions' against the Italians.

His words did, however, earn him another title: Time Magazine's "Man Of The Year". But more importantly, it lay bare the moral hypocrisy of The League Of Nations (and, I'd argue, the U.N. to this very day) and it's members who were clearly motivated only by self-interest.

"God and history will remember your judgement," Selassie declared in his speech.

Those words would prove to be prophetic, particularly in regard to the decades of Rasta-centric roots reggae that would follow, propagating Selassie's pastimes with religious zeal to an infectious, skanky rhythm that would capture the imagination of the world.

God, History, Conscience

"The Lion Of Judah Hat Prevailed" is a worthy musical testament to Halie Selassie. Ghetto Priest sings that narrative with reverent humility ;

"1892 a child is born, in a ancient land called / Ehtiopia, in the province of Harar / Lij Tafari he is named, a divine personality / Crowned the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, ....By His name RastafarI"

The lyrics continue in the best tradition of socially conscious roots-reggae, proving The Process, if not intergovernmental organizations, have remained loyal to their stated mission since 1992, '...to fight ignorance, apathy and social retardation' - albeit against overwhelming odds (see American politics and television). If only our leaders were so steadfast and determined.
Asher points a finger with the lyric:

"The rich fall into temptation and foolish hurtful lust / Greed envy and craving for power, drowns men in destruction / Propaganda is only a tool, just a tool of the foolish / Take heed, and beware of jealousy / life is not in the abundance of possessions..."

But equal to the history and the social conscience of this track is the praise, which ascribes all the mystical qualities befitting a divine entity to Selassie. It's here I find similarities to Christian pop & rock, where exaltations are heaped-on in biblical proportions. Ghetto Priest sings:

"Standing like patience on a monument, smiling at grief
Blood sweat and tears for the sake of peace
He sits upon the highest regions, overlooking all
the harder they came is the harder they fall"

Asher sounds like a shaman with an attitude over a skanky, staccato clav:

"When I see the lightning and I hear the thunder
I know man and woman have made a blunder
Jah makes the winds His messengers, flaming fire His ministers
At his word the mountains rose and the valleys sank down"

Finally, the chorus marches you on to the summit with an urgent proclamation:

The Lion Of Judah hath prevailed!
Hail The King Of Kings praise His Name (praise His Name)
The Lion Of Judah hath prevailed!
The footsteps of His Majesty is not in Vain (not in Vain)

Spirituality, history, social justice - not exactly the kind of subject matter you'd expect from a group of folks who are so often depicted as dope-smoking, dread-headed slackers by pop-culture media. In light of that, I suppose I'll have to reconsider my pre-conceptions about Christian rock and pop music. Some other time, maybe.

Three For Five From Two

"The Lion Of Judah..." follows The Process' 2006 release, "Weapons Of Mass Percussion" which really only included two new songs ("Rasta Soldier" and the percussive instrumental "Weapons Of Mass Percussion Pt.2") and a litany of dub mixes and re-mixes that relied heavily on previously released material. Like it's predecessor, 'Judah', unfortunately, is light on new songs.

This record includes no less than five re-mixes of the title track, which were created over a three-year span by a host of artists and producers in Saginaw, Flint, London and LA. Exactly who needs five mixes of the same song is a question probably better left to DJ culture than to me.

In any case, there's a flavor for every palate; a "Chilled Mix" with American bluesman Little Axe (aka Skip McDonald, aka Bernard Alexandar), a "Well Toasted Mix" featuring London jungle producer and toaster Congo Natty (aka Conquering Lion, Rebel MC, Blackstar, Tribe Of Issachar, X Project, Ras Project), two versions by London dub producer Adrian Sherwood (one featuring Congo Natty and one pure Dub) and finally a mix by the restless and elusive David Harrow (he's recorded dozens of top artists in as many genres and pseudonyms).

On second thought, if you have the opportunity to work with this calibre of producers and performers, why wouldn't you release five versions of your new song? Hedge your bet. While "The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed; The Process Meet Ghetto Priest" may be light on the scale, don't complain 'cause you're getting the good shit here.

Everything Is Different In The Ghetto

The seventh and final "bonus" track is "Ghetto Life", a sneak-peek release from Ghetto Priest's forthcoming record, "Sacred Ground" (On-U Sound Records 2011). Ghetto Priest (aka S.G. Townsend) co-wrote and co-sings on the title track and appears in Harrow's mix as well. If "Ghetto Life" is a fair representation of the Priest's work, you'll want to catch the full-length when it drops sometime later this year.

Track By Track

For sound samples click here.

1. The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed - The vocals of Ghetto Priest fall like rain over the keyboard motif while David Asher roars on like the thunder to a skanky, percussive clavinet, then builds to the triumphant declaration of the chorus. The synth-stab programming of Bill Hefflefinger and the heavily-affected guitar wanderings of Garrick Owen ride on the bedrock rhythm provided by Gabe Gonzalas and Seth Payton. Unmistakably, the sound of The Process.

5. Adrian Sherwood Dub Mix - Here things take a turn for the trippy. The verses are stripped from the mix, leaving only heavily affected back-up vocals and Asher's chorus. Emphasis is given to the guitars and some freaky spaced-out synth pads.
2. Little Axe "Chilled Mix" - Like it's name implies, this version dials it back a bit, dumping the synth-stabs and adding shuffling, brushed drum sound to the mix. The keyboard motif is replaced in the chorus with a squelchy fuzzed-wah guitar and a lead is tagged onto at the end ala Carlos Santana.

3. Adrian Sherwood Mix Featuring "Congo Natty" - Timbales take over for the drum kit. In addition to the original vocals, Congo Natty is added in the mix, "toasting" (kind of a mono-melodic vocal riffing) lightly over the verses which have been rearranged chronologically, beginning with Selassie's birth. The squelchy-fuzz-wah guitar from the Little Axe version is still present, as is the heavily-affected guitar of Bill Hefflefinger and Garrick Owen. Delay and echo are added selectively to the back-up vocals.

4. Congo Natty "Well Toasted" Mix - Here 'Natty riffs to his heart's content - I imagine a Rasta soldier tromping through the brush, Armalite slung over his shoulder, muttering whatever verse comes to mind to stave-off boredom and bolster his faith along the way. You'd think he was born there until he lets-on with a thick British accent for half a line, "I come from-a London where we cannot be tamed-a." Sherwood mixes the timbales a bit wetter, as well as the back-ups vocals which seem to echo out into the darkness.

6. David Harrow Mix - Like the dub mix, emphasis here is given to syth pads with the addition of a bass-heavy patch and sheer echo effects which add some breadth and headroom. The chorus is given the (a'hem) lion's share of space, repeating again and again - even when the music has dropped off completely.

7. Ghetto Life by Ghetto Priest - A battery of timbales takes you directly to the chorus: "Everything is different in the ghetto," Priest sings to a grave and plodding tempo. The verses illustrate that fact in a variety of ways, but one line sums it up: "What's good is bad / what's bad is worse / living with this ghetto curse." A lonely melodica riff elicits the visage of some forgotten street that leads to nowhere, emphasizing the soul-sucking desolation of his surroundings. 'Priest gets inside his lyric, sounding dejected by his surroundings, until desperation takes over and his voice rises high and clear above the "ghetto stream" where, perhaps, hope might be found. Strategically-placed vocal samples and synth pads add contrast. A delay-enhanced polyrhythmic high-hat keeps the whole thing moving along very nicely.

Links

The Process on michiganbands.com

The Process on Facebook

The Process on Blogspot

The Process on MySpace

The Process' Official Site

More Radio Support for THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST!

2011-04-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST, THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED continues to gain radio play across the globe.

‎89.1 WIDR-FM Kalamazoo, Michigan played "THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST" (2 mixes) Apr 26 - 12:53 PM.

KTRU 91.7 FM played THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST 04/13/2011 ktru Houston is Rice University’s student-run radio station.

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST was featured on Chuck Foster's "Reggae Central". 4//21/11 90.7fm Los Angeles 98.7fm Santa Barbara 93.7fm San Diego 99.5fm Ridgecrest/ Chinalake & streaming globally online at KPFK.org

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST "The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed played on WCBN 88.3 Ann Arbor 4-18-2011.

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST was featured on Radio Mega 99.2 Lyon France, Monday 04-04-11. Prince Thierry at the controls!

THE PROCESS & Ghetto Priest taking over all available frequencies!

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST AT ROUGH TRADE

2011-04-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

For our friends in London, you can now purchase

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST: THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED

At ROUGH TRADE!

Rough Trade West

130 Talbot Road

London W11 1JA

T: 020 7229 8541

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST NOW AVAILABLE AT ERNIE B'S REGGAE

2011-04-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

The Process Meets Ghetto Priest:

The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed

is now available through Ernie B's Distribution!

Ernie B's is the one-stop distributor of reggae vinyl & CD's! They stock virtually every reggae music item from around the world (1 million+ items in stock). No other company has a reggae selection that comes close. They are also the most efficient and customer-friendly distributor in the entire music industry.

Purchase THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST at ERNIE B's!

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST PLAYED ON THE BBC

2011-04-17T17:28:00.001-07:00

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST PLAYED ON THE BBC,

Saturday, April 16th!

On The Wire is a radio programme broadcast on BBC Radio Lancashire.

It is presented by Steve Barker and is the longest running program of it's kind on the BBC!

Download the Mp3 Podcast!

Robert "Bo" White's Review of THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST in REVIEW MAGAZINE

2011-04-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

FROM REVIEW MAGAZINE ONLINE

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST

"The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed"

The Process Release a New CD of Power and Beauty

From Issue 724 (Published April 14th, 2011)

Written By Robert 'Bo' White

I’ve always liked The Process and the incredible full body blast sound that heats you up like a nuclear meltdown whenever you catch them live, or through recordings. The Process has never strayed too far from their unique vision of reggae music and their molten embrace of social consciousness and spirituality. They have a tenacious grasp on a perspective that music can be more than just another silly diversion.

This is all good and true but our airways and information highways are clogged with the stuff that keeps the public isolated, uninformed, and preoccupied with meaningless spectacles such as sports, instant celebrity, and mass-produced disposable culture.

It seems that the more we are plugged in, the more we are tuned out. So unplug your X-Box, I-Pod, DirectTV and Notebook and listen to the real thing. The Process creates astonishingly complex and beautiful music in layers of sounds and rhythms with a voice that speaks an uncompromising truth.

This is the thinking man’s soul music - warm, passionate and political. Even if you don’t ascribe to Rasta principles and practices or the deification of Haile Selassie, you will still be able to dig the music. If you are Rasta, well. You are there.

The Lion of Judah CD is a seven track gem that was three years in the making. It was a painstaking labor of love featuring an international cast of characters including Ghetto Priest aka Squids from London’s eclectic music scene, Skip McDonald from Sugarhill Records house band, seminal techno wizard David Harrow, Adrian Sherwood from the UK Reggae scene, Congo Natty aka Rebel MC and, of course, the members of The Process including Seth Peyton.

The CD was recorded in London, Los Angeles, and Michigan. It was worth the wait. This is one of the most thematically rich and concise bodies of music to emerge since Good Morning Magpie by Murder by Death or John Mellencamp’s No Better Than This. The Process are motor city metal madmen that will take it to you like a full body slam and then pick you up, dust you off and punch you in the face - musically speaking. You may not realize what just happened, but you will beg for more even though your face is bloody and your body is bruised and aching. This is a modern spiritual music. Listen to the gospel.

The music and lyrics are inspired by the story of Haile Selassie’s life and his belief that God’s spirit would prevail over the forces of evil. This is heavy karma in the day and age of never ending war. In Rasta culture, the Lion of Judah represents Emperor Haile Salassie of Ethiopia. Rastafarians hold that Selassie is a direct descendant of the Israelite Tribe of Judah through the lineage of King David and Solomon and that he is the Lion of Judah mentioned in the Book of Revelation. (Revelations 5:5).

The EP contains all of the original mixes of The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed – Little Axe Mix, Adrian Sherwood mix, Congo Natty’s well toasted mix, Adrian Sherwood’s Mix plus a bonus Dub-Step version by David Harrow. There is a bonus track entitled Ghetto Life by Ghetto Priest from his upcoming CD Sacred Ground.

The Music:

The disc opens with the original mix of The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed with David Asher and Ghetto Priest switching off on vocals. The sound is pristine with just enough echo and the vocals mixed up front. There is a solid interplay of instruments with the rhythm section, bass and percussion mixed back and echoed guitar.

Version two is a Chilled Mix worked out by Little Axe. This mix has a softer sound with an emphasis on mixing the sweet harmonies up front in the mix. The drum machine is less effective but never interferes with the message or overall sound. Skip McDonald’s guitar work is splendidly understated. He riffs in an economical melodic style that gives this mix emotional grit.

Adrian Sherwood is the featured producer on the next three mixes. This one features Congo Natty on vocals with Asher. The rhythm section is used to greater effect on this mix. Drum/percussion and Bass lines are more prominent. Natty has a raspy rapping style that drives the power of the message.

Sherwood’s “Toasted” mix brings Congo Natty back in a free-form rap of the Rasta gospel and praise His name. This is the only version that strays from the original lyrics written S.G. Townsend, David Asher and Garrick Owen. There is more of an electronic/synthesized vibe to this mix. It sounds great and Congo Natty’s inspired vocals elevate this version to an almost perfect mix. Sherwood’s final effort, “The Dub” mix - is primarily an instrumental workout that experiments with empty spaces, echo, electronica and synthesized surges of sound and fury

David Harrow mixed the sixth and final version of the Lion of Judah. It is slowed down and has abrupt stops and starts with some wah wah guitar mixed with synthesized squibbles, blurts and conga beats. At times the vocals are accapella and echoed giving this version a minimalist edge

Bonus Track: Ghetto Life by Ghetto Priest from the forthcoming Ghetto Priest CD “Sacred Ground”

Ghetto Life has a sparse arrangement to an unobtrusive reggae beat with occasional electronic doodlings. The musical backdrop includes a somber keyboard riff that weaves in and out of the mix. The vibe is laid back but the lyrics tell a tale about the horror of poverty, violence and exploitation. The contrast is powerful. Ghetto Priest sings in a distinctive tenor that is reminiscent of Sting during the heady days of The Police. A masterful performance!

The Lyrics

It is essential to the overall experience of the CD to know the words that support the music. The lyrics are repeated in each of the six mixes with some degree of variation

The Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed

Standing like patience on a monument, smiling at grief

Blood sweat and tears for the sake of peace

He sits upon the highest regions, overlooking all

the harder they came is the harder they fall

When I see the lightning and I hear the thunder

I know man and woman have made a blunder

Jah makes the winds His messengers, flaming fire His ministers

At his word the mountains rose and the valleys sank down

The Lion Of Judah hath prevailed

CLICK HERE to buy the CD or Downloads.

The Process Meets Ghetto Priest Receiving Radio Play

2011-04-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

The Process Meets Ghetto Priest: "Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed: is receiving radio play on the following stations so far:

KFAI 91.3 Minneapolis & 106.7 Saint Paul.

The Echo Chamber features selections from "THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST: THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED",

as well as more tunes from THE PROCESS and lots of other great music.

Click the link for The Echo Chamber program 4/6/2011 to stream the show!

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CJAM'S DUB, ROOTS REGGAE, DUBSTEP, AND MENTO SHOW...

HEARD EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT FROM 10 P.M. TILL MIDNIGHT ON 99.1 FM IN WINDSOR & DETROIT OR WWW.CJAM.CA

April 08 2011

(Right click and Save-As) to hear the program.

--------------------------------------

The Luver Edition

www.luver.com

Hosted by Don Campau

www.doncampau.com

April 2011

No Pigeonholes is a program of underground, independent and home recorded music presented on several different stations.

Radio Marabu hosts the European Edition, KKUP broadcasts the show to the San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas,

and The Luver.com plays the show every Tuesday night at 8 PM Pacific Time.

Each show features different material.

Listen to past podcasts of No Pigeonholes:

http://doncampau.podomatic.com

This includes KKUP, Radio Marabu and past shows on The Luver.

------------------------------

Purchase Compact Discs of The Process Meets Ghetto Priest: "Lion Of Judah Hath Prevailed

HERE

Purchase Digital Downloads

HERE

i-Tunes

HERE

Just Released: THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST: THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED!

2011-03-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

At Long Last, Just Released:

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST: THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED!

Featuring: LITTLE AXE, ADRIAN SHERWOOD, DAVID HARROW and CONGO NATTY AKA REBEL MC.

Over three years in the making, recorded in LONDON, LOS ANGELES and MICHIGAN.

The new 7 track EP is finally unleashed on the world!

Click this link to BUY THE CD and hear sound samples.

Go here to BUY DIGITAL DOWNLOADS and hear sound samples.

To buy the release on i-Tunes GO HERE.

Go here to read ABOUT THE ARTISTS involved in the release.

Visit this link to read the AMAZING STORY of the making of

"THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED!"

Don't let this extraordinary and unique recording fall off your radar!

Check out THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST:

THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED!

On TEMPLE GONG RECORDINGS™.

THE PROCESS has received Four Nominations in the 2011 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS!

2011-03-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

THE PROCESS has received Four Nominations in the 2011 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS!

Outstanding Reggae/Ska Artist/Group:The Process

Outstanding World/Reggae/Ska Vocalist: David Asher

Outstanding World/Reggae/Ska Songwriter:David Asher

Outstanding Urban/Funk Musician:Gabe Gonzalez – ( drums )

Friday, April 15th, 2011 will mark the 20th Anniversary of the Detroit Music Awards.

The Awards are Held at the Fillmore in Detroit.

2115 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48201-3469

Voting members may cast their votes at www.detroitmusicawards.com

Thank you all for your support!

ABOUT THE ARTISTS Involved in "THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED".

2011-03-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE ARTISTS involved in "THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED".

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST

--------------------------------

THE PROCESS:

The infectious grooving sounds of Detroit's legendary rock reggae sensations THE PROCESS are making believers of the masses with their blend of high energy rock and the grooving warmth and passion of reggae. On a mission to fight ignorance, apathy and social retardation, THE PROCESS has been at the center of attention and controversy , while breaking new ground with their uncompromising attitude and performances. THE PROCESS catalog of recordings crosses barriers and breaks down stereotypes that will keep even the most discriminating listener interested.

--------------------------------

GHETTO PRIEST:

Ghetto Priest aka Squidz is one of the most flamboyant, creative performers to have emerged from the London music scene in the past few years. Like the community from which he hails, Ghetto Priest is a man at ease with multiple musical visions. Walk through the streets of London and you begin to grasp the flow and the rhythm that has produced his unique sound. It’s a community of exchange; African/Caribbean and Irish, Asian and English, each mixing and informing the other, lending beats and grooves, keeping things fresh and new.

--------------------------------

SKIP "LITTLE AXE" MCDONALD:

Little Axe is the alias of Skip McDonald, a blues performer whose list of credits also included work on some of rap music's most influential records. As a member of the Sugarhill Records house band, Skip, along with Doug Wimbish and Keith LeBlanc played on a number of the most seminal records of the era, including the Grandmaster Flash classics "The Message" and "White Lines." After exiting Sugarhill's ranks, the group worked at Tommy Boy Records, where they teamed with producer Adrian Sherwood to develop his famed On-U Sound. Sherwood subsequently convinced the trio to relocate to London, where they were rechristened Tackhead and fronted by vocalist Gary Clail. By 1992, McDonald adopted the name Little Axe and returned to the blues of his youth, albeit a brand of blues informed by his latter-day musical experiences.

--------------------------------

DAVID HARROW:

Producer and programmer David Harrow is one of the busier and more elusive figures in techno, often shrouding his assorted activies under a variety of aliases. Among Harrow's earliest projects was a remix of the 1990 Depeche Mode hit "Enjoy the Silence". He later collaborated with artists ranging from African Head Charge to Psychic TV to Gary Clail, and also worked with the On-U Sound System and Andrew Weatherall. He also recorded under the guises Technova and James Hardway.

--------------------------------

ADRIAN SHERWOOD:

Long one of the most influential and innovative figures on the U.K. reggae scene, producer Adrian Sherwood and his famed On-U Sound label pioneered a distinctive fusion of dub, rock, and dance that made waves not only in roots circles but also in the pop mainstream. Since the mid-'80s, Sherwood is among the most visible producers and remixers in all of contemporary music, working on tracks for artists as varied as Depeche Mode, The Cure, Simply Red, Sinead O'Connor, and Ministry. He became involved in industrial music, producing tracks for Cabaret Voltaire, Skinny Puppy, KMFDM, and Nine Inch Nails, and although On-U Sound continued to reflect its leader's eclectic tastes, the label has remained a top reggae outlet. Sherwood has recently released two solo albums on Peter Gabriel's Real World imprint.

--------------------------------

CONGO NATTY A.K.A. REBEL MC:

Congo Natty A.K.A. Rebel MC is an English jungle producer and toaster.

The '80s popster turned proto-jungle revolutionary was born Michael West in 1965 in London. He formed "Double Trouble" in the early '80s with Michael Menson and Leigh Guest, releasing the ska-pop hit "Street Tuff." Rebel MC later gained fame in England as a pop/rapper, but by 1991 he had released "Black Meaning Good", an album that presented jungle with hardcore techno married to dub basslines and ragga toasters such as Barrington Levy and P.P. Arnold. His 1992 singles "Rich Ah Getting Richer" and "Humanity" also showed the new direction. "Code Red" -- released as Conquering Lion -- became an outright jungle smash in 1994, bringing the jungle movement to the British masses.

The Amazing story behind the making of "THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED"

2011-03-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

THE PROCESS and GHETTO PRIEST, RELEASE “THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED”

A New seven track EP from Detroit’s premier Reggae Rock band and London's Sublime and Enigmatic Vocalist GHETTO PRIEST.

It was three years ago, on a January morning, when the seeds of “The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed” were sown.

In London, Ghetto Priest, always one to embrace and explore new collaborative possibilities, approached THE PROCESS vocalist and writer David Asher, with an idea to work together.

Considering the exciting proposition, Asher sent Ghetto Priest a video link to "The Footsteps of The Emperor,” a British film about Ethiopian Emperor Halie Selassie, “The Lion of Judah,” who, in the 1930s, was exiled to England, where he escaped the forces of fascist Italy who had occupied his country.

Inspired by Selassie’s story, Ghetto Priest emailed his “Lion of Judah” vision to Asher. Ghetto Priest saw "The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed" as a musical tribute to The Ethiopian Emperor’s courage and unwavering faith that God’s spirit would always prevail over the forces of evil.

Less than two weeks later, Asher received a first “THE LION OF JUDAH” mix from Ghetto Priest, who was inviting Asher to add his own verses to the composition.

With the help of PROCESS bandmates, Garrick Owen, Bill Hefflefinger, Gabe Gonzalez and Seth Payton, Asher and the band made a series of demo tracks with Asher singing all the vocal parts.

Now, with a number of assembled tracks in hand, the group recruited Billboard Charting Producer Gee Pierce to cut a first full version of “THE LION OF JUDAH,” which was immediately sent back to London for Ghetto Priest’s review.

Joining Ghetto Priest in the ON-U SOUND studio, were guitarist/vocalist SKIP "LITTLE AXE" MCDONALD (formerly of the Original Sugar Hill Records house band) and MIKKI SOUND, who arranged and sang backing vocals.

Pleased with the song’s continued evolution, McDonald asked to do the next re-mix himself, re-cutting all the instruments, and adding his inventive interpretation to the song.

Reconvening in Flint Michigan, with Platinum Producer Bernard Terry, and the London sessions vocals, THE PROCESS then mixed it's version of the track.

At the same time celebrated British electronic music producer DAVID HARROW, now based in Los Angeles, remixed a wicked “Dub-step” version of “Lion” for inclusion on the release.

The final pieces of “THE LION OF JUDAH” puzzle came together when Dub producer ADRIAN SHERWOOD brought in bassist GEORGE OBAN, and Junglest CONGO NATTY (A.K.A. REBEL MC) and mixed three alternative “THE LION OF JUDAH” tracks.

Using elements of both THE PROCESS, LITTLE AXE, and CONGO NATTY, SHERWOOD brought another creative perspective to “THE LION OF JUDAH” party, resulting in a Vocal Mix, a Congo Natty “Toast,” and a Trippy-Dub version of the tune.

The EP (extended play) also contains a bonus track, "Ghetto Life" from Ghetto Priest's forthcoming "Sacred Ground", his full-length album produced by Adrian Sherwood for On-U SOUND.

So now, let us present: The Process meets Ghetto Priest, Featuring Skip “Little Axe” McDonald, Adrian Sherwood, David Harrow, and Congo Natty ... A statement to all who hear, friend or foe, that Emperor Haile Selassie I Hath Prevailed.

-Dave Hogarty

Coming in March 2011: THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST

2011-02-23T19:00:00.000-08:00

Coming in March 2011 on Temple Gong Recordings:

THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST: "THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED".

Featuring Skip "Little Axe" McDonald, David Harrow, Adrian Sherwood & Congo Natty a.k.a. Rebel MC.

A special 7 track extended play. Stay tuned for release information very soon!

Shaolin Sound System 2011 White's Bar Schedule

2011-02-05T05:25:00.000-08:00

Shaolin Sound System is a joint venture between David Asher and Seth Payton. Specializing in Reggae, Ska, and Dub Music, with an emphasis on music from the "Golden Age" of Roots Reggae.

Rock & Reggae Madmen

2011-01-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

By Judy Seifert Staff Writer

VASSAR – Rock reggae’s madmen, The Process, are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year and part of that celebration is a rare appearance in their hometown of Vassar.
The show is set for Saturday, Jan. 15, at The Vassar Bar, 120 E. Huron Ave. The cost of a ticket is $5.

“We are really looking forward to seeing our friends and family at the Vassar show,” said David Asher, who heads up the group. “It’s been three years since we’ve been back. It will be fun.”

During his 20 years, the band has released an impressive catalog of music beginning with “Mystery Babylon”, “Bald Head Vex”, and “Craven Dog”.

According to critics, the group’s music is groundbreaking, an innovative fusion of rock, reggae and metal. Some of the songs from these releases have become instant classics and fan favorites.
The Process was formed in 1989 by Asher, the group’s vocalist, with Garrick Owen on guitar, and Bill Heffelfinger on bass. Gabe Gonzalez, formerly of George Clinton’s P-Funk All-Stars, now completes the group on drums.

The group has performed in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
“Our concerts include the use of lasers, props, costumes, theatrics,” Asher explained. “Our awe- inspiring finale of Pigman is legendary.”
The band was recognized as Outstanding Reggae Group in the Detroit Music Awards in 2007.

They are currently working with producer Adrian Sherwood.
Sherwood is best known for his incredible live shows with his On-U Sound Record label, Asher said. Sherwood has produced Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Skinny Puppy, Ministry, Dub Syndicate, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Tackhead, Ari Up of the Slits, and phenomenal Jamaican artists Prince Far I, Mikey Dread and Bim Sherman, among others.
The group will release “The Process Meets Ghetto Priest, The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed,” this coming spring. The CD was recorded in London, Los Angeles and Michigan.

You can also check out their website at www.theprocessonline.com, or www.myspace.com/theprocessmusic.

Reggae stars, The Process, coming to Vassar Bar

2011-01-06T13:38:00.000-08:00

The Process, from left, Bill Heffelfinger, David Asher, Garrick Owen and Gabe Gonzalez, celebrates the band's 20th anniversary Saturday, Jan. 15, at the Vassar Bar, 122 E. Huron in Vassar.

By Sue White | The Saginaw News

A rather spirited night followed The Process — David Asher, Garrick Owen, Bill Heffelfinger and Gabe Gonzalez — as the members headed for the Vassar club where they’ll celebrate 20 years of rocking reggae next weekend and give fans a taste of what’s to come.

“This is Pigman’s hometown,” said Asher, the band’s lead singer, as he pulled up a chair in the dimly lit stage room. “This is where it all began.”

OK, not exactly the Vassar Bar — playing there is a first for the self-proclaimed Rock Reggae Madmen. Opening for them Jan. 15 are Neighborhood Muscle and Thick as Thieves.

“It’s so much fun to have you in,” said Jerry Warner, who, with his wife, Karen, owns the bar.

“We never thought you’d say yes,” Asher said, laughing.

“We’re more agreeable than we look,” Karen Warner said.

The Process has raised a few eyebrows through the years, and not just for the novelty of finding a pocket of reggae in this rural Tuscola County village. There’s Pigman, of course, the towering pink porker that serves as the band’s mascot of sorts, along with the skull and the dreadlocks and Heffelfinger’s Kabuki makeup.

From the start, Process stage shows were performance art, from dramatic entrances to sweeping light shows. And its music, fueled by Asher’s lyrics, engaged the mind, introducing concepts that took it beyond the concert halls to festivals at the now legendary Rainbow Farm, where a stand-off with police left its founders dead in 2001.

It has been a long journey with more than a few twists and turns, but nearly a dozen albums later, The Process looks ahead to a new round of opportunity, one that could take it to Europe in coming months.

“I’ve got a good feeling about this,” Asher said of the collaboration that began with a Brazilian publicist named Micki and grew to include Skip McDonald, Ghetto Priest, Adrian Sherwood and Congo Natty.

“It’s a great cast of characters, coming from different directions, and with the help of the Internet, it all came together in the real world. Ghetto Priest is a visionary artist, and he’s got this R&B side, beautiful ballads. Adrian is amazing. They would send three or four tracks from Great Britain, and we’d do our tracks, working with Bernard Terry and with G Pierce before he had that terrible fire in his studio.”

Europe’s “Godfather of Techno” David Harrow worked on the mix, and — God willing, Asher said — the seven-song extended play “The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed” will come out this year.

“We should be over in England,” bassist Heffelfinger said. “As soon as some have their passports,” Asher added. “We’re getting along, even without the support of a label. We’ve done it ourselves.”

Seth Payton will sit in Jan. 15. “He’s our unofficial fifth member,” Asher said. “He’s always there with whatever’s needed.”

Former drummer Sam Metropolous is expected to stop by, too, though Arik Aneszko, who was the first to play the skins, lives in Chicago now and might not be able to come around.

As for the core of the group, “I’ve known Bill since high school,” Asher said, “and Garrick lived right around the corner.”

“But he was seven years older than I was,” said Owen, who first took up guitar when he was 13 after seeing one in a store window while shopping with his grandma in Sarnia. “She didn’t buy it for me, but I did get one shortly after that. David came around to see my sister, but then he heard me play and we started working on a band together.”

The Process started as a cover band, back in the 1980s, playing Iggy Pop, Cream, a little Rolling Stones; that influence is still there, particularly in the album “Pop O.D.: The Songs of Iggy Pop.”

“Then we finally decided to go original with our reggae,” Asher said. From the beginning, with “Mystery Babylon,” there was an undercurrent of social reform, anchored in the Rastafari movement. More a way of life than a religion, the Jamaican-born ideology embraces the Christian trilogy while standing up for truth, rights, justice and equality. Reggae artists are often the movement’s most visible spokesmen, and its support of marijuana use, as in The Process’ “Jah Made the Herb,” its lightning rod of sorts.

Gonzalez, whose credits include performing with George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars, brought still another element to The Process.

“He livens the show up, and changes the vibe from show to show,” Asher said.

“I’m really rock, but I like to change it up,” said Gonzalez, who lives near Detroit. “I’ll evaluate the record, but might throw in a dance hall beat when we’re live.”

“It’s like Bad Brains, that same type of energy,” Owen said.

“He continues to amaze us,” Asher added.

And The Process continues to gather accolades, if not mainstream success. They’ve appeared in everything from High Times to Guitar World, Modern Drummer and The Beat. Heffelfinger, who works with high school bands in Vassar and Grand Blanc, was also profiled in Gothic Beauty for the Goth field routine that took the Bad Axe school band to the state finals when he was its director.

Band members have four corporate endorsements, Asher said, and the band has won numerous honors, including two prestigious Detroit Music Awards and ASCAP nods for 11 years running.

“That brass ring has been so very close,” Heffelfinger said.

They’ve collected memories, too, such as the time, driving home at 2 in the morning, their straight-stick Horizon hit a patch of ice and spun out, taking them within inches of plunging into a deep ditch full of ice-cold water.

“That was maybe 10 years ago, during a snowstorm where the drifts were 4 feet high,” Asher said.

Then there were the concerts, playing Detroit’s Renaissance Center, the Rainbow Farm festival “that was just like Woodstock,” Heffelfinger said, along with showcases in New York City and Los Angeles. Check out the album “Live in Los Angeles,” along with the compilation “Detroit Music Awards 2003 Nominees” to relive the moments. Others sure to surface in Jan. 15’s musical retrospective come from “Craven Dog,” “Blood + Bones” and “Weapons of Mass Percussion,” Asher said, along with “Rasta Soldier.”

The band is reissuing back copies of the early albums, “but when we’re live, there’s an energy level that transcends anything we’ve recorded,” he said. “The power that comes when we’re together raises and elevates the music.

“The live shows are our specialty,” Owen agreed.

Looking back on it all, “we’re not rich but we’re richer in a different way,” Asher said. “We’re smart enough to know that God’s wiser than some people give him credit for, and that this has allowed us to do things on our own terms, the way we wanted to do it.”

They’ve seen a lot of bands come and go in those 20 years, Asher said, and they’ve spread out on their own as well, Asher working as a DJ on occasion and Gonzalez preparing for the release of his own solo projects.

But the best, they promised, is yet to come.

“We’re more polished now; we’re more professional,” Asher said. “You’ll see a real progression at the anniversary show. We know a little more of what we want now, and we have the focus. It’s by the grace of God we’ve been going this long; we’ve taken a lot of unexpected journeys along the way, but it’s brought us to where we are today.”

• What: The Process 20th Anniversary Show

• When: 9 p.m. Jan. 15

• Where: Vassar Bar, 122 Huron, Vassar

• Admission: $5

Review Magazine: Musical Lions of Judah, The PROCESS Celebrate 20 Years

2010-12-23T07:02:00.000-08:00

Musical Lions of Judah:
The PROCESS Celebrate 20 Years of Groundbreaking Music & Social Conviction with 20th Anniversary Show on January 15th
By Robert E. Martin

Read the article at Review Magazine Online here.

Few musical groups performing in the Tri-Cities over the past 20 years have remained intact and consistently evolved to create a defining musical legacy; but true to form, the Vassar-based reggae/rock warriors known as The Process are the exception to that rule.

Consisting of songwriter, vocalist, and visionary spiritualist David Asher, guitarist Garrick Owen, bassist/arranger Bill Heffelfinger, and ex-P-Funk drummer Gabe Gonzales on the pagan skins, The Process have not only survived but more important, flourished as an all-original group, writing and performing their own material while pursuing a very defined musical and cultural vision that truly places them in a league of their own.

To celebrate 20 years as a vital, creative, and ground-breaking musical & social force in the mid-Michigan area, The Process will be staging their 20th Anniversary Show on Saturday, January 15th at 9:00 PM in their hometown of Vassar at the Vassar Bar, 122 Huron Avenue. Special guests will include Neighborhood Muscle and Thick as Thieves, which offer fans and newcomers a rare and intimate concert experience.

When I first met David Asher back in 1989, we ended staying up until the wee hours of the morning as he explained to me the power, basics, and history of Rastafarianism – a Jamaican ‘way of life’, more so than a religion; which I found to be fascinating, as the stereotype of most Rastas is that of a dread-locked, dark skinned, bone-smoking shaman.

Rastafarianism is much about recasting society. When the grid and the iron and the bars closed in on societies everywhere, the Rastafarians loosened themselves from it by refusing to work for Babylon, which is the equivalent of being taken into slavery. Basically, they cast themselves as the Lost Tribe of Judah and their deity exists in the form of the Emperor Haile Selassie.

Beginning in 1991 with Mystery Babylon and leading through Weapons of Mass Percussion, released in 1996, The Process have released ten stunning albums that mix rock, reggae, wisdom, and insight into a blender that seeks to break down barriers and claim fresh territory.

So on the eve of their 20th Anniversary gig, it seems fitting to sit down with Asher to discuss the trials, tribulations, in-roads, and landmarks of this vital musical force on the verge, as I was soon to learn, of breaking in a very big way internationally.

Review: You’ve been carrying the torch and walking the gauntlet against global totalitarianism and the New World Order for two decades now. From Nixon to Noriega and now with the mess in Afghanistan, do you have a sense of foreboding about the state of world affairs?

Asher: Actually, my mood is optimistic. We’ve kicked against the darkness and tried to shed a little light on things; but yes, a lot of the leaders you reference are like a gallery of evil masks, but they all fail. I’m always hopeful and optimistic. Humanity is ultimately flawed, but ultimately we also have the potential to be divine, in spite of our human nature.

Review: Have your objectives for The Process changed since when you first started the band 20 years ago?

Asher: The basic inspiration has not changed, nor our desire to express our need to communicate truth, human rights, justice and equality. Our message in the beginning is still our message now. What has changed is the ways to say it.

Review: If the message hasn’t changed, is it harder to restate it?

Asher: I don’t think so. Rastafari inspired a lot of the music to me and it’s like an unending stream that keeps flowing and refreshing one creatively, so you don’t get stale. I get frustrated that we don’t have the money constantly coming in to record new material, but people I’ve admired for years share that frustration. We keep writing new material, though.

Review: A lot of sacrifice is involved with any type of art and The Process has definitely sacrificed; yet remained steadfast with your message. You’ve kept at it and have developed an impressive legacy over two decades and are still based in the mid-Michigan area. Plus you get feedback from all over the world. How have your audiences expanded?

Asher: Thank God for the Internet, you know! In terms of units we sell more online and the same amount at live shows as we ever did. What I’ve noticed is that five people want to buy a disc at a show, 10 more will follow suit. It’s human nature. In terms of our fan base, the USA is still our biggest country and Michigan our biggest state. The second is the United Kingdom.

Review: What’s going on with your latest project? I understand you have some heavy hitters involved.

Asher: It’s very exciting and started three years ago when I was visiting my parents in Florida. While I was on mySpace, I wrote the guy handling the Tackhead page, and he introduced himself as David Hogarty, a publicist and writer from Florida, who worked with both Tackhead and Living Color. We got to be friends and he’s worked with Al Dimeola and wrote for a Jazz magazine and gets very excited about art.

Through him I was introduced to Micki, this Brazilian girl that works with legendary Dub Producer Adrian Sherwood, who’s worked with artists as diverse as Lee Scratch Perry, Primal Scream, Nine Inch Nails, and Sinead O’Connor. He is also the founding father of legendary dub label On-U-Sound.

I admire that label the most because it was pivotal in fusing reggae with punk rock, which kind of formed the template for The Process sound. From that point things snowballed. That same weekend I met Ghetto Priest – this amazing singer from London who possesses an amazing palate of sound. He has a voice like Nat King Cole that is amazing. So I wrote to him and he wrote back and we both admired each other’s work.

Micki works with Skip MacDonald, from the original Sugarhill gang and before I knew it, Ghetto Priest sent an email to me saying, I’m feeling a collaboration coming on. What can I do?’

I started getting brain block and then he sent me an MP3 the next day inspired by this video about Rastafarians living in a Roman town during Mussolini’s reign that were in exile from the Italians entitled Footsteps of the Emperor. He sent me the phrase, ‘The lion of Judah Shall Prevail’ and then sent me a bridge to the song the next day. From that I pieced a song together and wrote the third through fifth verses, which I sent to London, and they sat there for a while.

We couldn’t figure where to record, so he fished around and finally spoke to Adrian, who agreed to record the tracks at On-U-Sound. Micki got Skip MacDonald involved with production, who did a mix with Bernard Terry over the summer. Meanwhile Micki and Skip did backing vocals on some tracks, which was amazing, because those guys played with Mick Jagger and Jeff Beck. Skip did the whole mix and then finally, David Harrow from the On-U-Sound collective hit me up and said he wanted to mix our tracks.

Harrow was one of the busier and more elusive figures in techno, often shrouding his activities under a variety of aliases. Among Harrow’s earliest projects was a remix of Depeche Mode’s Enjoy the Silence; and he later collaborated with artists ranging from African Head Charge to Psychic TV. When Harrow visits Germany today, he is hailed as ‘The Godfather of Techno’.

So throughout this amazing network, we’ve got some collaborators on our new tracks and all of this should blow up shortly. We’re in negotiations with a German label and hope to have the new disc released before the spring.
The title will be The Lion of Judah Shall Prevail.

Review: Let’s talk about the rest of the members in The Process. Garrick Owen and Bill Heffelfinger have been with you since the beginning. Can you share some impressions about working with these guys in terms of ways they surprised you with their contributions?

Asher: They constantly surprise me because they’re such great musicians they make it look easy, even when it isn’t. They both know their theory and there isn’t a lot of ego, even though they are both flamboyant characters and unique in their own way. They’re both Leos, which I know how to deal with. My parents are Leos. Garrick and Bill are like two towering lions roaring away, so I let them rip. But I’m a Rastaman, so I like to be around lions.

What gave us a second life was getting Gabe Gonzalez. His history with P-Funk is legendary, but he’s a rock drummer fundamentally. I was watching him play with Funkadelic on youtube the other day, doing Maggot Brain. He’s an amazing rock drummer and there’s not a lot that he can’t do.

Review: If you were going to rank your top three gigs over the past 20 years, what would they be?

Asher: That’s a tough one. I’ve enjoyed a lot of them. I really enjoyed the Rainbow Farms gig, which wasn’t our best, but because of the significance of what it represented. (Editor’s Note: Rainbow Farms was a collective that was raided by the DEA and ended in violence, with the owners of the collective murdered during the height of the Drug War).

Hearing the crowd sing to Craven Dog and that sound coming back to us was amazing. I didn’t know most of these people, but they knew our music. Plus there are dozens of little gigs that were great. We’re really blessed. A lot of the musicians from the days that we started are still around, but not a lot of groups have lasted this long. Why we have I really don’t know. I guess it’s the grace of God and the message we try to put forward.

Review: Let’s talk a bit about the Rastafari religion. What has it brought to The Process?

Asher: Well, I don’t consider it a religion but more a way of life. It’s not like Christianity. It wakes me up and activates my mind and puts me into action in the NOW. It’s like a direct connection to the creator without edicts. I’m like a gentile among the Rastafari, but there are many mansions in the house. I’m not so strict about certain edicts, but some I am. Basically, it’s allowed me the freedom to find my own spirituality. It offers a freedom that orthodox religions don’t afford. At times I’ve succeeded at times I’ve failed, but being flawed is human. It continually fascinates me and I’m always finding new things about it, or pictures and stories that I’ve heard.

When I was working at an eyeglass place a few years ago, this guy came in who was a friend of Peter Lawford – his drive back in the sixties. He would drive with the Kennedys. Anyway, he got to drive Haile Selassie one day back in 1963 and he said that he was a ‘little man but bearing a presence on him like no other man’. He also told me Selassie had this little dog and the two of them spoke in a language – an animal tongue – which I think is amazing.

Every time I speak with someone that met Selassie, they tell me similar things – that he was ‘more than a man’. I think it’s a focused radiance. You see it in photos of him. You can’t hold your gaze on those eyes.

Review: How about outrageous rock ‘n roll moments? Do you have any memories of things that stood out over the past 20 years of performing with The Process?

Asher: I remember this naked hippie slide at Rainbow Farms and this gigantic fat woman sliding down an oily slide while we were performing, which was pretty outrageous.

Review: You mentioned the Rainbow Farms gig, but what about other shows that stand out?

Asher: The Rock a Rolla Benefit was important. (Editor’s Note: Rock-a-Rolla Records was a music store chain that sold paraphernalia and in the early 1990s was closed down and raided by Saginaw County law enforcement. This was one of the first ‘seizure’ cases prosecuted in the area and the case wound up in Judge William Crane’s court.)

It made me angry that our Process tapes and CD’s were seized by law enforcement from Rock-a-Rolla. Basically, they seized our property and never gave it back. How many people those tactics have injured is disheartening.

Review: You also pioneered a lot of local approaches when it came to promotion back in the early 90s by putting together shows featuring three or four bands, as opposed to a night with one act at the clubs.

Asher: Yeah, the scene was different back then and we sponsored a lot of groups. Not a lot of clubs allowed us to bring in original music, so we were one of the pioneers. We didn’t change the scene single handedly in the tri-cities, but we had a lot to do with it. And a lot of bands started up because of our example. Many have told me so.

Review: Any other thoughts you’d like to share on the eve of this momentous 20th Anniversary gig?

Asher: Yes, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Seth Payton, who’s our unofficial fifth member and a versatile musician, whether playing keyboards, percussion, horn, or bass.

Apart from that, I’m excited for the future, more so not than when we started. The walls are starting to come down. England will be our next frontier. We’ll be jumping the pond. We’ve performed in L.A. and New York City, so it’s the next move.

Coming in early 2011: THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST

2010-10-13T15:21:00.001-07:00

Coming in early 2011:
THE PROCESS MEETS GHETTO PRIEST
"THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED"!
Featuring Skip "Little Axe" McDonald, David Harrow, Adrian Sherwood & Congo Natty a.k.a. Rebel MC.
A special 7 track extended play. Stay tuned for release information!

THE PROCESS® have just received a 2010 ASCAP PLU$ SPECIAL AWARD

2010-09-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

David Asher and Garrick Owen of THE PROCESS® have just received a 2010 ASCAP PLU$ SPECIAL AWARD.

The award is given to writer members of any genre whose performances are primarily in venues not surveyed; and/or writer members whose catalogs have prestige value for which they would not otherwise be compensated. This is the 10th consecutive year Asher and Owen have received this cash/recognition award.

THE PROCESS to work with legendary producer ADRIAN SHERWOOD

2010-09-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

Breaking News... THE PROCESS to work with legendary producer ADRIAN SHERWOOD.

Adrian is best known for his mind-blowing productions, releases and incredible live shows with his On-U Sound Record label and sound system, as well as his influential productions for Dub Syndicate, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Tackhead and phenomenal Jamaican artists including Prince Far I, Mikey Dread and Bim Sherman, among many others.

Over the years, Adrian has also brought his production skills to releases and remixes for the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Primal Scream, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Skinny Puppy and a long list of other renowned musical artists.

Adrian has signed on to mix two versions of "The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed", the forthcoming single by THE PROCESS and GHETTO PRIEST.
The single also includes contributions from acclaimed producers David Harrow (Technova, Depeche Mode) and Skip "Little Axe" McDonald.
Stay tuned for updates!

Arts, Beats & Eats 2010

2010-09-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS Live In Concert

ARTS, BEATS & EATS FESTIVAL, ROYAL OAK MICHIGAN 2010

THE PROCESS to perform at Arts Beats & Eats!

2010-08-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS to perform at Arts Beats & Eats!
Fri Sep 03 10 04:00 PM Royal Oak, MI US
Downtown Royal Oak, Royal Oak, MI, US
Friday 9/3 @ 4pm on Vince & Joe's Stage.

Ford Arts, Beats & Eats, presented by Citizens Bank was founded to celebrate the quality of life in Oakland County by offering a culturally unique presentation of artists, musicians and food exhibits, from the Metro Detroit area, and throughout the United States. In November of 2009, Arts, Beats & Eats announced it would be moving from its former location in the City of Pontiac to Downtown Royal Oak.

The festival was designed to provide outstanding family entertainment at a very low cost. In 2009 the festival added an admission fee. This $3 admission fee supports the festival and community as follows: .25 to Arts Advocacy, .25 to the City of Royal Oak, and 50% of the remaining admission fees to 13 local charities after gating costs. For a list of non-profit partners that will share our admission fee, click here. To date, over $2 million raised by Ford Arts, Beats & Eats has been donated to charity.

Now entering its thirteenth year, Arts, Beats and Eats has celebrated many successes, including attracting large crowds each year, earning top rankings for its juried fine arts show, securing top national entertainment, and providing unique interactive programs for the family. Past music performers at Arts, Beats & Eats have included Brian McKnight, Montgomery Gentry, Live, The B52's, Wilco, The Isley Brothers, Collective Soul, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Martina McBride, G Love & Special Sauce, David Benoit, Jodee Messina, Blues Traveler, 38 Special, Rick Springfield, and many more. The festival has something to offer to everyone, in a child-friendly, safe and secure environment.

http://www.artsbeatseats.com/

2010-07-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS LIVE IN CONCERT

Blue Water Fest
Friday, July 16, 2010
8:00 - 9:00 PM
Downtown Port Huron MI
The corner of Glenwood Ave. between 10th St. and River St.
Port Huron, MI

The Blue Water Fest is free of charge with more than 100,000 spectators expected and will feature non-stop entertainment, activities and special events. Included will be a wide variety of national and local music talent on four stages; a juried fine art fair; a kids’ stage, carnival and arts and crafts; an outstanding display of sailboats; as well as delectable culinary offerings from some of the region’s most renowned restaurants and caterers.
The Process July 16th performs Friday at 9:30 to 10:30
http://thebluewaterfest.com/

"Jah Made the Herb" by THE PROCESS is featured in a new film release!

2010-06-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

"Jah Made the Herb" by THE PROCESS is featured in a new film release!
"Island of Fantasy". Premiere Thursday, July 1st @ Capitol City in Hollywood!
Save the date!
Visit the website for the film and watch the trailer HERE!
For information on attending the premier click HERE!

THE PROCESS to perform at Detroit River Days

2010-06-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS performs at The Detroit River Days Festival.
Fri. June 18th 9:30-11:00pm on the Verizon stage!

Presented by the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, the 4th Annual River Days is a one-of-a-kind festival taking place along the Detroit Riverfront – from the Renaissance Center to the new Milliken State Park. The festival kicks off on Friday, June 18 and culminates on Monday, June 21 with the Target Fireworks. River Days is a celebration of Detroit’s river, history and cultural with activities on land and water, including tall ships, live music, sand sculptures, river tours, carnival rides, jet-ski demos, kids activities, delicious eats and much more! Admission to River Days is $3 this year to support the non-profit Conservancy.

DETROIT RIVER DAYS

Update* New single from THE PROCESS and GHETTO PRIEST

2010-05-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

Esteemed UK Producer David Harrow a.k.a. James Hardway has thrown his hat into the ring to do a remix of the forthcoming single by THE PROCESS and GHETTO PRIEST, "The Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed".
David's extensive career includes working with artists as diverse as Genesis P Orridge, Adrian Sherwood's On-U Sound stable of artists, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart, Technova, Depeche Mode and many others!

Also providing a custom mix of the single is legendary Guitarist, Vocalist and Producer/Arranger, Skip"Little Axe" McDonald.
Skip is a hip-hop pioneer, performing in the original Sugarhill House band. He has performed as a session musician on countless recordings.
He is perhaps best known for his contribution to the On-U Sound musical collective where he has performed as a member of Tack>>Head, and added his soulful signature sound to recordings on the labels roster of groups such as African Headcharge, Dub Syndicate, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Strange Parcels and his own blues dub project "Little Axe".

Ghetto Priest aka Squidz is one of the most flamboyant, creative performers to have emerged from the London music scene in the past few years. Like the community from which he hails, Ghetto Priest is a man at ease with multiple musical visions. Walk through the streets of London and you begin to grasp the flow and the rhythm that has produced his unique sound. It’s a community of exchange; African/Caribbean and Irish, Asian and English, each mixing and informing the other, lending beats and
grooves, keeping things fresh and new.*
*From the On-U Sound Website

The single is expected to be released in the fall of 2010.

THE PROCESS receives two Nominations in the 2010 Detroit Music Awards.

2010-03-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS has received two Nominations in the 2010 Detroit Music Awards.
Outstanding Reggae/Ska Artist/Group- THE PROCESS
Outstanding World/Reggae/Ska Songwriter- David Asher
If you are a voting member, please vote for THE PROCESS in these categories in the World Music Section of the ballot..
The Detroit Music Awards are held Friday April 16th 2010
At The Fillmore Detroit
2115 Woodward Ave,
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 961-5451
See you at the Awards!
For more information visit The Detroit Music Awards Website

Michigan reggae group organizes Haitian benefit concert

2010-02-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

Michigan reggae group organizes Haitian benefit concert
By Sue White | The Saginaw News
February 12, 2010, 8:55AM

Join members of the reggae-infused rock band The Process as they help put on a Help for Haiti Benefit Concert on Feb. 21 at Pit and Balcony Community Theatre, 805 N. Hamilton in Saginaw.David Asher felt helpless, “just in despair,” he said, as he watched the tragedy of Haiti’s earthquake unfold on television and the Internet.

“The poor children, the looks on their faces,” said the lead singer of The Process. “It was so crushing to see.”

Never mind that the reggae-infused rock band that started its musical journey in Vassar is firmly rooted in the music of the Caribbean. Asher said he needed to do something on a personal level to empower himself and chase that feeling away.

Working with Chris Palmer of Taken Under Productions, he came up with Help for Haiti, an all-ages benefit concert, to be held Feb. 21, at Saginaw’s Pit and Balcony Community Theatre. Joining The Process are John Vasquez and the Bearinger Boys, MacArthur, Cornpone and The Banana Convention. Asher said a few others are trying to fit an appearance into their schedules.

And it’s not the only such event in the works. From 10 a.m. Saturday, March 20 to 1 a.m. Sunday, March 21, White’s Bar at 2609 State in Saginaw will host Give Love: A Haitian Earthquake Relief Benefit Concert.

Keef Courage and Temporary Limbs are among the performers raising funds for World Vision and Three Angels Children’s Relief.

Rebuilding Haiti will take time, but Asher said he wanted to get something together soon and help meet some of the devestated country’s immediate needs through the American Red Cross. Along with the $10 admission, a portion of CD and merchandise sales from Help for Haiti will go to the cause.

The bands have donated their talents, and Pit and Balcony and HyperMan Productions have reduced their typical fees for the event.

“Haiti’s music is quite different from what we play — it’s very polyrhythmic — but all kinds of Caribbean music and culture have held a fascination for me,” Asher said. “You’re going to hear a variety of music at the benefit, too. The Bearinger Boys and Cornpone are great bands; I can’t wait to hear them myself.

“I’ve never done a show with The Banana Convention, but I’m a big fan of Shar Molina, so I’m excited to have them aboard. She’s a diva in the new sense of the word, a performer who dominates the stage.”

Asher will sit in with a reunion of Process bandmate Bill Heffelfinger’s progressive rock band from the 1980s — MacArthur — fronted by Ben MacArthur.

“They put out two albums, in 1979 and in 1982 or ’83, that were very popular in Europe,” Asher said. “It’s still the original line-up playing, except for the drummer, and you’re going to hear some new material and some from the old days.”

The Process is at work in the recording studio as well. Working through the Internet with a team in London that includes legendary dub music producer Adrian Sherwood, Sugarhill’s Skip McDonald and Ghetto Priest, the group will soon debut a new single, “The Lion of Judah.”

“I’ve followed this collective, these people with the do-it-yourself ethic, since the 1980s. And I can tell you that their emphasis on going out with your own sound inspired me to move forward with my own music.”

And now, he says, he hopes to use it to give something back.

“If you don’t like going to bars, if you’re not into the smoke, here’s your chance to hear some great bands in a setting that won’t scare you,” he said. “We’re just hoping that it’s very successful and that we can make a small dent in the things happening over there in Haiti.”

WANT TO HELP?
What: Help for Haiti Benefit Concert
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21
Where: Pit and Balcony Community Theatre, 805 N. Hamilton, Saginaw
Admission: $10
Info: (989) 754-6587

Help For Haiti Benefit

2010-02-07T11:17:00.001-08:00

Craven Dog Reissued

2009-12-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

THE PROCESS is pleased to announce the long awaited reissue of Craven Dog in digital format. Tracks include Jah Made the Herb, Tree Of Life, Beggar and 10 more!
Click here to purchase the digital reissue of Craven Dog.

Mt. Clemons Music Fest

2009-09-12T04:30:00.000-07:00

FREE* NEW RELEASE FROM THE PROCESS!

2009-08-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

For a limited time, Fans of THE PROCESS will be able to download a six song, live concert, digital release.
"THE PROCESS: LIVE AT THE MACHINE SHOP" was recorded January 1st 2009 at The Machine Shop rock club in Flint Michigan. The bands first Flint appearance in over 10 years was captured in all its raging glory and is presented here FREE* for your pleasure. Enjoy!
(* Only those who register as a "Fan" and join our mailing list can get these exclusive tracks.)

GO HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PROCESS MACHINE SHOP LIVE!

THE PROCESS RECEIVES FIVE NOMINATIONS IN THE 2009 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS!

2009-03-28T04:33:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS has received FIVE NOMINATIONS in the 2009 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS!
Nominations include:
Outstanding Reggae/Ska Artist/Group THE PROCESS
Outstanding World/Reggae/Ska Instrumentalist Garrick Owen
Outstanding World/Reggae/Ska Recording THE PROCESS: LIVE VASSAR THEATER DVD
Outstanding World/Reggae/Ska Songwriter David Asher
Outstanding World/Reggae/Ska Vocalist David Asher

THE PROCESS would like to thank our friends, fans and families for their support.
The Awards are held Friday April 17 at The Fillmore in Detroit.

Interview with David Asher of The Process at Three-Mile Spiral

2009-03-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

[We're trying out a new thing at Three-Mile Spiral: an interview conducted through G-mail Chat. It seemed to work out grandly and I was fortunate enough to catch up with Dave Asher of The Process to discuss his band's work and related issues. Enjoy.]

3-MS: Welcome to Three-Mile Spiral.

Dave: My pleasure, Marc.

3-MS: So, I've been listening to several Process CDs to get ready for this interview; at the moment, Dub Instructor. You guys have built quite a library. Is it fair to ask which is your favorite?

Dave: Well, personally, a favorite is hard to pick. However, I do love the trilogy of CDs we did with Gee Pierce: Craven Dog, Blood and Bones, and Weapons Of Mass Percussion. I guess Blood and Bones captures what we do best though.

3-MS: I know what you mean about having a favorite. My favorite poem is always "the most recent one." ... How did working with Gee come about and what do you think he adds to the projects?

Dave: Well, way back in 1992, when we were working on our 2nd album Baldhead Vex, the production team at the studio where we were working had a falling out. So we went looking for somewhere to finish the project. Gee didn't have a compatible set-up with them, but we kept him in mind for a project up the road and I'm glad we did. His genius is on all levels of production. He is a very exacting but supportive engineer. He draws the best performance out of you in a manner that accepts nothing but the best from you, while being very encouraging.

3-MS: Since you mention Blood and Bones, I have a few questions about that release. First of all, I think it's my favorite, especially "Spread the Money." ... But my question is, as three of the songs were previously released [“Run Them Down” from Baldhead Vex, “Rap Down” from Mystery Babylon and “Rasta Calling” from Live in Los Angeles], I'm wondering what made you want to revisit these pieces?

Dave: Our reason for wanting to redo a couple of those songs was that we felt they could be bettered, production-wise. Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, as well as many other reggae singers have a habit of “reversioning” songs. I was very happy with the new versions. We have some plans to re-cut some other tunes soon, as well.

3-MS: In my review of the DVD (Live at The Vassar Theatre), one thing I noted along these lines was that some of the old songs now felt like fully-realized structures and in comparison, the original versions are like blueprints. Does that make sense?

Dave: Well, the energy seems to come through live. In the studio, you try to perfect things. When you go out live you just play, you know ...

3-MS: Yes, I think with most bands (at least my favorites) it's the live show that really captures the essence of the band. ... With The Process, it seems that this is partly the energy and passion, but another important part is the aspect of theatre. How vital is the theatrical side of your performance in getting your message across?

Dave: Well, funny that you mentioned that. I've just been joined by Bill Heffelfinger [bass/keyboards/programming for The Process] and Seth Payton [of the ska band Stamp’D]! Bill is Mr. Production, you know. But I think the theatrical part of the performance was always there: before the lasers, lights and props. The passion becomes the theater. ...

3-MS: Well, give them both a big hello for me.

Dave: They say hello back.

3-MS: So would you say that the theatre serves to further the impact of your songs ... or are you just having fun?

Dave: You know it’s both, of course!

3-MS: Speaking of Seth, that brings me to Weapons of Mass Percussion, since Seth and a couple of the other culprits from Stamp'D appear on that. ...First question, though, what was the seed of the idea for this record?

Dave: Well, to look at the original concept, our releases were intended (by myself anyway) as a sort of double trilogy: Mystery Babylon and Baldhead Vex were versioned for the Dub Instructor album. It was always my intent to make Craven Dog and then another album and then a dub release, which became Weapons. But in the meanwhile, the Internet happened and then 9-11 and the so-called "War On Terror." These things gave the release a much different shape.

3-MS: Those events seemed to change everything. ... What are your thoughts on the melding of music and political activism?

Dave: Well, to me music is the real weapon of the future. Look at how reggae music helped to raise the world’s awareness of Apartheid and to overthrow it. I have a newspaper clipping I saved with the headline "Marley Music Crumbles Berlin Wall." That about says it.

3-MS: It's like Woody's guitar saying "This Machine Kills Fascists!"

Dave: True, true. ...

3-MS: On Weapons of Mass Percussion, you seem to pull out all the stops; pushing your style out of its normal range (if there ever was such a thing for The Process) and breaking new ground on many fronts. ... Is it your "White Album?"

Dave: I would say Craven Dog is more like that, style-wise. Weapons is like no other record I know of... Maybe it has a debt to Byrne and Eno’s Bush of Ghosts or African Head Charge.

3-MS: Am I hearing some Battlestar Gallactica Cylons sampled?

Dave: Yes. It took forever to clear the samples, that’s why the record took so long to release. It was a year in pre-production, also: gathering samples and sound bytes on the web.

3-MS: Time well worth it: Something chilling happens by mixing Bush with science fiction villainy. It somehow gets to the truth of the situation.

Dave: HAHAHA! So true, it IS unreal. But sadly the truth is stranger than fiction as well. When he says, "A mushroom cloud ..." Wow!

3-MS: I remember distinctly when I heard him say that -- it was one of the most terrifying moments of my adult life. It's that moment when you realize that the pilot of the plane you're on is completely, dangerously insane. ...
Earlier you mentioned Craven Dog. Which brings me to what I'm guessing is one of your most-known songs "Jah Made the Herb." I wondering if you have any comment on Michigan passing Medical Marijuana?

Dave: Well, the people have spoken and people who are truly sick can now get the medicine from a real Doctor. It only seems fair and decent.

3-MS: Amen to that. ...
More of a general question now. Is The Process a reggae band?

Dave: Really, I would say we are a rock band that plays reggae. The reggae ethic drives us though. A do-it-yourself kind of vibe.

3-MS: I'd have to agree. ...
Do Bill or Seth have any comments they'd like to sneak in?

Dave: Ask ‘em something and we will see...

3-MS: Bill: In a nutshell, what's the difference between Bill on-stage, shredding wraith and Bill off-stage, hard-to-imagine guy?

Dave: He says he'll get back to you.

3-MS: Fair enough. ... Seth: Are you ever going to pay alimony for our love-child?

Seth: Not without a DNA test!

3-MS: Bitch. ... Anyway, back to a serious note (or not), Dave, do you have anything you'd like to add, or is there anything we haven't touched on that you want to hit?
(No pun intended)

Dave: You know that’s how I … roll. … Well, I really enjoyed this chat, Marc. It was a lot of fun.

3-MS: Definitely. Thanks for your time. ...
Last question: If you had the chance to speak directly to these three people, what is your message for Bush, Obama, and Bob Marley?

Dave: To quote Proverbs Chapter 12, Verse 2: “A good man obtains favor from The Lord but a man of wicked intentions, HE will condemn.”

3-MS: So justice will come?

Dave: In Jah's time and on HIS timetable.

[Check out The Process here.]

Visit The Three Mile Spiral Online

MARLEYFEST AT THE RITZ

2009-01-07T16:09:00.000-08:00

02-07-2009 at The Ritz
3400 Hoover Rd.
Between 9 & 10 Mile, Warren, 48089
Cost: $5.00
Bob Marley birthday tribute with Three Peace and more!
THE PROCESS performs at 8:00 PM.
Be sure to catch Stamp'D at 7:00!

The Machine Shop 02-01-2009

2009-01-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

These pics from THE PROCESS show at the Machine Shop in Flint were taken by Steve at Snapdragon Photography.

THE FLINT JOURNAL: RETURN OF THE PIGMAN

2009-01-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

The Process bring their brand of theatrics back to Flint
THE FLINT JOURNAL

Jan 1st 2009
By Timothy Flynn

It's been a while since reggae rockers The Process regularly graced the stages in the Flint area. But guitarist Garrick Owen said the band has fond memories of the time it once spent gigging around town.
"We consider it our base and starting point," said Owen. "We cut our teeth at the Capitol Theater".
While the group was once a regular musical fixture around here, Garrick and his bandmates in The Process- vocalist David Asher, bassist Bill Heffelfinger and Drummer Gabe Gonzalez- have spent the past 10 years building a statewide and national following, developing their mix of reggae and straight forward rock along the way.
Owen said local fans who haven't caught the band in a while can expect to see a much more refined show.
"We're still in the same vein, but the quaility of the songwriting has gotten better over the years," he said.
For his groups return to Flint, Owen said he's happy to hit the Machine Shop on a rare night- one not devoted to hard rock or metal. Instead the venue will present the "Marley Rock & Reggae Jam" a celebration of influential Rastaman Bob Marley.
The Show also includes Detroit's Lake Effect and East Lansing's Red Herring.
The Process, which plans to perform a few Marley covers Friday, has always combined a solid work ethic with a keen sense of promotion since forming in the early '90s.
"We put everything out ourselves," Owen said. "We work on a smaller budget, but everything comes out well."
They group has matched its long line of self produced CDs with plenty of national press, string endorsments and Detroit Music Award Nominations.
"Something like that, you just get involved with the community," Garrick said of the music awards.
"We got the nod and actually won. We've been nominated eight years in a row, Winning "Best Reggae Band" in '07. So we've been on the ballet and going to awards shows for almost the last decade."
Also likely to return to the area Friday is Pigman, one of the many mascots The Process has incorporated over the years, thanks to a fondness for costumes and props.
When naming the bands theatrical influences, Garrick listed a few of the usual suspects.
"I grew up liking people like Kiss and Alice Cooper." Garrick said. "We like using costumes and giving people a show".
The Process will play the Machine Shop on Friday.

Marleyfest At The Machine Shop!

2008-12-22T14:02:00.000-08:00

Friday 01-02-2009 9:00 at The Machine Shop
3539 S Dort Hwy, Flint, Michigan 48507
Cost: $5.00
Bob Marley birthday tribute with Three Peace and more!

Pics from the DVD release

2008-12-01T15:22:00.001-08:00

These fan pics are from the DVD release November 29 at Indian Barry's in Bay City. They were taken by longtime friend of the band Roxual Barger.
The night kicked off with a David Asher DJ set. Thanks go out to Born who also performed and club owner/sound mixer Barry Kane.

Andre Smith Crosses Over

2008-11-28T18:12:00.000-08:00

THE PROCESS family sends our heartfelt sympathy out to the family of Andre Smith. Andre was a gifted man of God and a dear friend to THE PROCESS.
He performed with the band live and played guitar, keyboards and backing vocals on our releases CRAVEN DOG and WEAPONS OF MASS PERCUSSION.
As a member of the UBEU Production team, Andre was a talented studio engineer and arranger. Most of all he was a great friend with a beautiful spirit and a smile that could make your day. We will miss him being in this world. Thank you Andre, your work here is over, fly away home.

Film captures Process of stage extravaganza

2008-11-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 20, 2008
SUE WHITE
THE SAGINAW NEWS

If there was a retro feel to The Process' standing-room-only show last March at the historic Vassar Theatre, it was totally by design.
The Pigman -- guitarist Garrick Owen in an oversized pig head -- returned to the stage, as did the Skullman, the embodiment of a 1,000-year-old Ethiopian holy man.

The music, lead singer David Asher and drummer Gabe Gonzalez locked a powerful fit of ''Rasta madness'' and bass player Bill Heffelfinger and Owen flying high, embracing the scope of the rock-reggae band's existence.

And the journey continues in a DVD that captures the experience in its multi-media entirety. Catch it Saturday, Nov. 29, at the official DVD release party at Indian Barry's in Bay City. Also performing are the band KMJ and Born.

''It is a very theatrical production,'' Asher said of the homecoming concert on the stage the band first played in the early 1990s. ''We wanted to bring back the feel of, say, Alice Cooper or Peter Gabriel.''

That comes across in full fury, falling just short of aroma-vision in its riveting blast of lasers, vintage film and rolling banks of smoke. Gary Bredow, Lavel Jackson and Art Bissonette worked behind the scenes, he added, to pull it all together.

''We had to bring our own stage in, so we were there at 9 in the morning, and we were working until 2 in the morning tearing it down,'' Asher said. ''But to see how it looked from the audience, that's always a kick. A little weird the first time, watching yourself on a big screen, but then I was more relaxed about it.

''It captured us chronologically; it documented the event.''

And that's the one criticism. While the live segments are professional in every sense of the word -- this is the crew behind the documentary ''High Tech Soul'' -- there's an awkward transition between songs.

''Some wanted to baby-sit the filmmakers through the process but I say to let them do what they know how to do best,'' Asher said. ''We could have tinkered with it, but I don't know if that would have made it better.

''The word is getting out on the DVD -- it's available on CD Baby or on our Web site www.myspace.com/theprocessmusic -- and everything we're hearing is very positive. It's good.''

REVIEW OF THE PROCESS LIVE DVD AT THREE MILE SPIRAL

2008-11-08T15:19:00.001-08:00

New on DVD: The Synesthetic Madness of The Process

“We’ve been possessed by this otherworldly soul that this band has.
It pulls us along. It’s got a spirit of its own; beyond us.”

–Dave Asher, discussing his band, The Process,
during a 2001 radio interview by Marc Beaudin
(CAGE Sessions – On the Air, WUCX 90.1 FM)

It’s been a lot of years, a lot of shows, a lot of recordings, since I first saw The Process perform in a mid-Michigan bar back in the late-late 80’s. But what immediately hooked me at that initial show is just as evident today: These guys mean what they play. They mean every note, every word, every drumbeat and guitar riff. They mean every ounce of muscle and soul that they freely spend each moment that they are on stage.

To be in the audience at one of The Process’ shows, is to have your mind, heart, and body taken apart and put back together in a slightly better way. Your senses merge and you see the music; hear the lights bouncing off the walls; taste the moment.

The next best thing to being there in the flesh (and soul) has recently been released on DVD: The Process: Live at the Vassar Theater.

First of all, I want to commend the seldom-thanked in the music business – the folks behind the scenes of this production. The technical aspects of this release are extraordinary. From the direction of Gary Bredow, to the live mix by Art Bissonette, the live recording by Lavel Jackson, the camera work by Bredow and Per Franchell, the lighting and sound by Bissonette Sound, the filming and editing by Big Bang Films, the cover art by Steven Gotts, the photography by Rick Morrow, and the production assistance by Tim O’Brian, Chuck Harrington and Seth Payton; every part builds perfectly to a Whole, which provides the optimum showcase for the talents of the band.

And what a band. This recording offers a seamless sound and energy created by four people who, by all indication, share a common soul. With David Asher on vocals and guitar, Garrick Owen on lead guitar, Bill Heffelfinger on bass, keyboards, programming and backing vocals, and Gabe Gonzalez on drums; they are, individually and as a group, at the top of their form. Mature and consummate musicians who’ve lost none of the edge and passion of their younger days.

The DVD consists of a concert of 10 songs, old favorites and new gems both, and it kicks off in signature Process style: a blaze of lighting and fog effects through which bleeds their hopped-up rendition of Wendy Carlos’ haunting and exhilarating “Title Music to A Clockwork Orange.” Glimpses of the musicians are seen in ultraviolent flashes of light. The relentless drumming; like a jet engine preparing for take-off. The tension builds.

And just when you are about to either rush the stage or run like hell, the music breaks into “Blood Runnings” from Craven Dog. A man appears with a skull for a head and covered in a brilliant Rasta robe, like an ancient, long-dead Ethiopian King. He stares into the audience – into and through each person – and now it’s clear: there’s no turning back. The concert has begun.

Song after song, culled from the vast library of Process material, is expertly and whole-heartedly presented. The evolution of each is remarkable, and it seems that their original studio versions were blueprints, and these are the fully-realized structures: architectural masterpieces; holy temples and towers of defiance against all negative forces – all evildoers, downpressers, and craven dogs. The songs are history lessons, incantations, and calls to revolution – danceable social justice and rockin’ revelations. The musicians push their instruments beyond the boundaries defined by standard rock or reggae. They’ve fused these along with funk, rap, and jazz, and raised up a new entity – something that can only be described as “Processian.”

My only issue with this DVD is that the transitions from song to song could be smoother. I would prefer if the camera were kept rolling to capture the incidental material between numbers – to give us more of a live concert feel, and more of a glimpse into the personalities of the band. But this is a small complaint that is quickly forgotten once each song kicks in.

The recording closes also in signature Process style: the resurrection of “Pigman.” Part myth. Part nightmare. Part parable. … He possesses Garrick. The guitar becomes a weapon. … Twenty-seven dogs run wild in the woods. … Death, mayhem, and badass rock’n’roll. … Oink. Oink. … Pigman’s in heaven.

And so are you.

Buy The Process: Live at the Vassar Theater on CD Baby
Visit The Process online
By Marc Beaudin
(Novelist, poet, playwright, scenic designer, theatre director, actor, activist, anarchist, mountebank, pirate on sabbatical, part-time rabblerouser, full-time cloud-watcher.)

Visit Marcs' Blog: THE THREE MILE SPIRAL

REVIEW MAGAZINE: The PROCESS LIVE: Vassar Theater

2008-11-07T05:54:00.000-08:00

The PROCESS LIVE: Vassar Theater
Exceptionally Recorded DVD Chronicles Musical Warriors in Their Prime.
DVD Release Party Slated for Indian Barry's November 29th

By Robert E. Martin
REVIEW MAGAZINE

With the possible exception of the wedding band Ceyx, no other musical outfit in the tri-cities have remained as intact as the Vassar-based reggae/rock warriors known as The Process. And being essentially an all-original group, writing and performing their own material while pursuing a very defined musical & cultural vision, this is a band of brothers that truly is in a league of their own.

On a cold and grey March evening earlier this year, The Process booked the beautiful Vassar Theater to perform a sold-out concert showcasing the broad yet precise expansiveness of their music, which served as the perfect setting for a live concert video recording of the 70-minute set.

Entitled The Process – Live @ Vassar Theater and produced by Big Bang Films & the Process, from the opening musical swell of Blood Running to the re-focused delivery of what has become their 'signature' song, Pigman, this is undoubtedly one of the best recorded and professionally edited video releases to hit the market in recent memory.

Directed by Gary Bredow for Big Bang Films with sound & lighting and a live mix courtesy of Art Bissonette from Bissonette Sound, the live recording techniques employed by Lavel Jackson for Mobile Studios set a landmark for the way videos should be filmed, with plenty of tight shots and a focus upon the stage (as opposed to the audience, which often detracts from most concert films).

David Asher's vocal strength has solidified over the years and the flow of his writing grown deeper with age, while guitarist Garrick Owen achieves new levels of sonic accuracy. With the estimable skills of bassist/keyboardist and programming genius Bill Heffelfinger and all group energy focused through drummer Gabe Gonzalez' relentless attack, this DVD does what a concert video is supposed to – frame the accomplishments of the group into a context is not only memorable, but chronicled for posterity.

The Process will be holding a special DVD Release Party with a performance at Indian Barry's on Saturday, November 29th. Copies of The Process LIVE: The Vassar Theater can also be obtained by going to their website at www.myspace.com/theprocessmusic

THE PROCESS LIVE DVD FOR SALE NOW ONLINE!

2008-11-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

...The ultimate Process Live Concert Experience!
THE PROCESS® Live In Concert at the historic Vassar Theater. The DVD features blazing performances of some of the groups best known songs, as well as a spectacular film and laser light show. If you love the band, or even if you have never seen them live, this DVD documents what the buzz is all about.
A must have!...

First Review of the Live DVD!

2008-11-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

DVD Review: The Process Live @ The Vassar Theater
Mitch Phillips Michiganbands.com

One of the best things about The Process Live: The Vassar Theatre, I think, is the fact that I didn't have to drive all the way to Vassar, MI to see it. That's right. Thanks to the wisdom of The Process and the fine production work of Big Bang Films the entire show was captured and released on DVD for you - and lazy local music dorks like me who rarely leave the cave anymore. But why spend the gas money when I can watch it from my couch?

Click "read more" below for a short review and all the relevant links.

1st Annual HALLOWPALOOZA Russell Industrial Center

2008-10-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

1st Annual HALLOWPALOOZA Russell Industrial Center
With: THE PROCESS

10-29-2008 18:00 at 1st Annual HALLOWPALOOZA Russell Industrial Center
DETROIT, 48239
Cost: $20.

10-31-2008 12:00 at 1st Annual HALLOWPALOOZA Russell Industrial Center I-75 to 94 take Clay Exit BUILDING ONE 5TH FLOOR, DETROIT, 48239 Cost: 20.00 4 Free Beer FUNK ROCK TECHNO HOUSE ELECTRO HIP HOP MUSIC!!!! 1ST 200 FREE WITH COSTUMES-HOST 4 COSTUMES ZIAM BETWEEN 6-9 FULL SERVICE BAR & FOOD 10 D.J.
’S PLUS= 7 BANDS-EMILY RODGERS & FRIENDS,UNITED SOULS, GIANT SLYDE, BLACKMAIL,THE PROCESS,ENEMY SQUAD, BENNY STOOFY, & DAVID WINANS PI ALSO LIVE HIP HOP= DJ DEZ,NICK SPEED,DANNY BROWN,& FAT RAY COSTUME CONTEST, PRIZES, 1O KEGS ALL U CAN DRINK,ADULT ENTERTAINMENT EMPLOYEES FREE ENTRY

Fan Pics From the DVD Release

2008-10-15T17:47:00.001-07:00

These fan pics from the DVD release last Saturday at Whites Bar in Saginaw were taking by good friend of the band Sam Lingenfelter.

THE PROCESS DVD RELEASE

2008-10-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

10-02-2008
For Immediate Release:

Reggae rock group THE PROCESS will release it's live DVD "THE PROCESS: LIVE VASSAR THEATER", filmed at the historic venue last March.
The release party will be held at Whites Bar (2609 State St Saginaw, MI 48602),
Saturday October 11th at 9:00 PM.
The DVD features blazing performances of some of the groups best known songs,as well a a spectacular film and laser light show.
Opening the event will be guests Ben MacArthur and Friends.

SONG LIST FROM THE DVD:
Blood Runnings
Jah Made the Herb
Craven Dog
Rapdown
Rising Up
Mist Of Time
Rasta Soldier
Run Them Down
Spread the Money
Pigman

THE PROCESS interviewed live on WDUM this Friday

2008-09-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS will be interviewed live on WDUM, The University Of Detroit Mercy's Radio Station, The New 91.9 CS this Friday at 7:00 PM.
Listen to the interview live on the internet at www.udmercy.edu/cstradio
Click the link to hear the interview live this Friday.

"Blood Runnings" from THE PROCESS: Live Vassar Theater DVD

2008-09-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

"Craven Dog" from THE PROCESS: Live Vassar Theater DVD

2008-09-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS SURFACES!

2008-08-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

NEW SHOWS/DVD RELEASE PARTYS FROM THE PROCESS!

Saturday 09/27/2008 9:00 PM - Indian Barry’s

505 E Midland Street Bay City, Michigan 48706 US

THE PROCESS Live In Concert with special guests Rocktropolis.

Join THE PROCESS for the Bay City release of our new Live In Concert DVD!

Saturday 10/11/2008 9:00 PM - Whites Bar

2609 State St Saginaw, Michigan 48602 US

Join THE PROCESS Live In Concert with special guests MacArthur

for the Saginaw release of our new Live In Concert DVD!

Shaolin Sound System

2008-07-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

Shaolin Sound System is a joint venture between DJ ASH RA (David Asher) and Seth Payton. Specializing in Roots Reggae, Dub, Ska and Modern Dancehall music, with an emphasis on music from the "golden age of roots reggae".Contact us to DJ your club, event or private party today! Please add our Myspace to your friends, Thank you!

SHAOLIN SOUND SYSTEM

New Live DVD from THE PROCESS

2008-06-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

The audio is now mixed for the new DVD release from THE PROCESS!

The DVD includes 11 blazing songs from the band filmed live in concert at the historic Vassar Theater last March.

Stay tuned for updates on the release date!

THE PROCESS AT THE GHS STRINGS WEBSITE

2008-04-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS is excited to have our own webpage on the GHS Strings site.

The site features Photos, Music and More.

GHS Strings is the first choice for many of the worlds most renowned professionals.

THE PROCESS is honored to be endorsed by this world class company.

VISIT THE PROCESS AT GHS STRINGS

THE PROCESS RECEIVES TWO DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS

2008-04-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS has received two nominations in the 2008 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS

Nominations include:

OUTSTANDING REGGAE/SKA ARTIST/GROUP-THE PROCESS

OUTSTANDING WORLD/REGGAE/SKA VOCALIST DAVID ASHER, (THE PROCESS)

The Detroit Music Awards will be held on Friday April 25, 2008 at the Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave. in Downtown Detroit. The main awards show will commence at 7:00 pm with doors opening at 6:30.

A HUGE THANK YOU!!!

2008-03-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

I would like to personally extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped to make last Saturdays show at the Vassar Theater a success. Special thanks to Bissonette Sound, Seth Payton and Stamp'd, Chuck Harrington, Aaron Lenk, Tim James, Lavel Jackson for recording the show and Gary Bredow with Big Bang Films. Also a huge thank you to Tim O'Brian at the Vassar Theater for all his unflinching support. I also would like to extend my love to my Brothers-In-Arms in THE PROCESS, Garrick, Bill and Gabe. To all of our friends, fans and family who made it out to the show, your support meant more to us than you could ever know. Much love to everyone, David

A marque-worthy return Sunday, March 09, 2008

2008-03-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

A marque-worthy return Sunday, March 09, 2008

SUE WHITE THE SAGINAW NEWS

Several dates stand out in the history of the Vassar Theatre, an art-deco movie house that first opened its doors on Dec. 26, 1937.
For example, a mural painted on the lobby wall recreates the long lines waiting to see its first feature, Barbara Stanwyck in ''Stella Dallas.'' Flood waters in 1986 reached more than halfway up the movie screen in the theater dubbed ''The Jewel of the Thumb,'' though you wouldn't guess it today.
''I asked why anyone would build a theater at the lowest point of a town known to flood, and people told me that in 1937, that's where everything was happening,'' said owner Tim O'Brien. ''That was the place to be.''
And in 2005, about 15 years after he purchased the movie house at 104 E. Huron, O'Brien opened the doors on a fully renovated theater with the Tom Cruise sci-fi adventure, ''War of the Worlds.''
But for The Process' David Asher, the defining moment was a night in 1990 -- or was it 1991? -- when the newly formed rock-reggae band took its show to the Vassar Theatre stage.
On Saturday, March 22, he and bandmates Garrick Owen, Bill Heffelfinger and Gabe Gonzalez will return, with psychedelic films, more than 30 music-synchronized lasers, a pig head and lots of music. The band Stamp'd, along with Aaron Link and Jim Perkins, will open the show, which begins at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $6.
''We've stayed in touch, and it was over a few beers that we thought it would be fun to do again after all these years,'' O'Brien said of the homecoming. ''And this was one of those rare beer discussions where it still sounds good the next day. We're welcoming our hometown guys back to where it all began.''
The theater was built by Howard and Stanley Smith for $50,000, though most people today remember Harry Smith as the man who kept it in operation.
''When I was a kid, coming here for movies, the film would keep breaking, and we'd yell, 'Pedal faster, Harry, pedal faster,''' Asher remembered. ''It was 'Battle for the Planet of the Apes,' and the place was dingier, but it had the same clock and the same look.''
The theater, sitting at the very bottom of the hill in downtown Vassar, has gone through a number of changes since then, not all for the good. At one point, an owner even sold it to the city of Vassar for $1, long before it came into O'Brien's possession. O'Brien scheduled a few events, such as The Process concert 18 years ago, after buying it in 1990, but his Green Acres Cinema in Saginaw and the State Theatre in Bay City took up more of his attention.
Ultimately, it was the Vassar house that paid off, though he says he still regrets not bringing the State to its full potential. While not as opulent as the Temple or as versatile as the State, the 371-seat Vassar Theatre does have its own charm, from the vintage feel of the women's bathroom to Jerry Ragg's towering murals.
''Old theaters are always a work in progress,'' O'Brien said. ''Even when you're finished redoing everything, there's something that's ready to be done over again. It's a long and exhaustive process.'' The Process' show isn't likely to launch a string of live performances -- ''First-run films are our bread and butter,'' O'Brien said -- but it is part of a trend among theater owners, of finding ways to reach new audiences.
The Saginaw 8 in Kochville Township tapped into live broadcasts of performances from the Metropolitan Opera. Fashion Square Cinemas kept the box office hopping with concert films featuring Hannah Montana and U2. Cinema Hollywood in Birch Run hosts Battle-of-the-Bands competitions, coupled with first-run movies.
On the live front, Pit and Balcony Community Theatre is looking for ways to build on the recent crowd-pleasing tribute to ''The Last Waltz,'' featuring mid-Michigan musicians.
And the Temple Theatre in Saginaw and the State in Bay City have filled schedules with a blend of live performances and films both art and classic.
''It's the first time since we reopened that we've done anything like this,'' O'Brien said. ''We're not making any money on it, of course, but if the demand is there, the potential to do more is, too. This is a good way for us to gauge the interest.''
The Process comes with a long history as well.
''Bill, Garrick and I grew up together right on top of the hill in Vassar,'' Asher said. ''Bill and I used to play in a crib together, that's how far back we go. Garrick lived around the corner; he was seven years younger, but he had a sister, Patty, who was really good-looking, so we knew the family.''
The band, with its Rastafarian roots, soon emerged from its small-town beginnings, building an audience around mid-Michigan, and in time around the country and most recently in Europe. Gonzalez replaced original drummer Arik Aneszko, who moved to Chicago, but The Process is working its way toward its 20th anniversary relatively intact.
Seth Payton from Stamp'd is one watching The Process closely, hoping to achieve the same with his own band.
''We started so young, we never took our music seriously until we were too caught up in other things to pursue it,'' said Seth Payton from Stamp'd. ''We were 14; we were just bouncing around.'' ''Life happens,'' Asher agreed. ''You can't put your life on hold. The power will take you where you should be, the power that comes from God.
''We had a showcase once with Virgin Records, and I think today, the way a major label redesigns you, that we probably wouldn't be here today if we had signed.
''The Internet has been very good for us. It's made the world smaller. We can record from all over the globe, we can write music with people in London, we can get our music to people everywhere.''
And sometimes, Payton added, it's good to get back to your roots.
''I have the greatest admiration for The Process and the way the guys are sticking it out, doing things their way,'' O'Brien said. ''I'm glad they're coming back to where it began, too. They've really pulled it all together.''
Sue White covers entertainment for The Saginaw News. You may reach her at 776-9601.

Tim O'Brien and The Process Roll Out the Red Carpet at THE VASSAR THEATRE

2008-03-07T05:19:00.000-08:00

Tim O'Brien and The Process Roll Out the Red Carpet at THE VASSAR THEATRE.

REVIEW MAGAZINE

By Robert E. Martin, Photos by Rick Moreau, Band Photo: Gotts

As an aficionado of film, beauty, and the miraculous synthesis that occurs upon the silver screen when a film is viewed by a community within the wondrous walls of a restored movie palace, as opposed to the drab concrete walls of a multiplex, Tim O'Brien is decidedly in a class all his own.
A former owner of The State Theatre in Bay City and Green Acres Cinema in Saginaw, O'Brien purchased The Vassar Theatre back in 1990 with a dream of restoring it to its former glory.
After investing over $500,000 and well over 13 years of his life, O'Brien executed the restoration almost single-handedly and re-opened the theatre in November 2005, where it continues to run feature films weekly.
O'Brien believes that where you see a film is as important as the movie itself and apart from the restoration, he has seen that the venue is equipped with professional 35 mm film projection and premium Dolby Digital sound enhanced by four 18 inch JBL subwoofers and 14 surround speakers.
On Saturday, March 22nd, O'Brien will be hosting a different type of entertainment at the restored venue when he brings fellow Vassarites The Process into the theatre for a Live Concert at 7:00 PM with special guests Stamp'd for an 'all ages' show.
The Process will be filming their next live DVD 'Urban Guerrillas' at the venue and encourage everyone to become a part of history and experience the unique fusion of a 'Rock Reggae Implosion' and laser light show within the walls of this historic venue.
Recently I caught up with both Tim O'Brien and The Process' David Asher to discuss the significance of this unique fusion of performer, venue, and artistic vision.

Review: Having realized your dream of restoring such a grand old Dame' of a building to its original splendor, what does it feel like to walk through the doors each day?

O'Brien: I've been walking through these same doors for seventeen years during which time I've worn many different hats. At times I've been the designer/architect, carpenter, electrician, plumber, booth technician, dry waller and much more.
I'm now consumed with the day-to-day operations of the theatre, which doesn't leave much time to continue the restoration details that still need be addressed. When I walk through the doors on any give day, I see more work than time will allow. Of course at this point, I'd rather be selling movie tickets than sanding drywall.

Review: What's it feel like doing this show in your hometown of Vassar in this restored jewel of a theatre?

Asher: Well it is a dream venue. Tim O'Brien is a very determined man who made it his project to restore the theater over more than a dozen years. This is our first show in our hometown since our last show there in 1991. Bill Heffelfinger, Garrick Owen and I all are originally from Vassar. We have lots of friends and family I hope make it out to the show from all over!

Review: What is the most challenging component of keeping an entity like the Vassar Theatre going?

O'Brien: The biggest challenge is perhaps the same as for any small town business in a troubled economy: keeping the operation viable and competitive by offering products or services to meet your customers demands while maintaining a tight control over costs.
Unlike a restaurant whose menu may cater to many different tastes, a single screen movie theatre lives or dies according to the movie du jour. It is essential to offer a breadth of programming that is embraced by the community. It's always a challenge.

Review: Weapons of Mass Percussion was nominated for a Grammy and has received considerable attention. Do you consider it your most successful endeavor and what have The Process been up to lately? Are you back in the studio?

Asher: Weapons has been very successful but I think a lot of that has to do with the band reaching "critical mass" after nearly 20 years together. Of course all of the attention has been a great blessing. I really like all three of the albums we did with Gee Pierce producing. "Blood and Bones" has sold very well. I also like "Craven Dog" a lot and hope to reissue it again soon. "Weapons" is a very timely album, with a lot of spooky sound bytes from the so-called "War On Terror". It is a real departure in terms of the sound of the band, even though it is a remix project.
Receintly, we started out own pre-production studio and we will finish the tracks up with Gee Pierce in Saginaw. We have been working with a couple of different artists in London as well.

Review: How did that come about?

Asher: Well, such is the power of the Internet. One is an amazing female artist I met named Mikki who is helping out with vocals on our new single, due to be released later this year. Her parts for the single are being recorded in London. She is working on her first album, with Skip McDonald (Sugar Hill Gang, TackHead, Little Axe) producing.
We also wrote another song for the single with an incredible singer from London named Ghetto Priest. That man Ghetto Priest is so much what music needs right now to me. He does very diverse styles of music, from reggae to rock to hip hop and he tours all over Europe.We actually wrote a song together online, a duet called "The Lion Of Judah". It really turned out great. I had never worked in that way before and it felt very natural.

Review: Can you calibrate the success of the theatre since its restoration? Has it been financially successful and do you get a different form of appreciation from customers because of the work and dedication you've shown to the venue?

O'Brien: In defiance of the pundits that predicted our demise, I'm happy to say that the doors are still open and business continues to grow. Nobody gets into this business or stays in it that is not willing to live off of popcorn and peanut butter, but that's the only way it will work.
This is a different type of movie experience than can be had at the multiplex. People largely come here because of that difference. It is very gratifying when a customer returns to the theatre after many years and lights up when they describe their first date or first kiss here. One guy told me a childhood story about how the movie he was watching was interrupted so that the management could announce the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
I guess it is that history - that place in the local heritage that makes these theatres special.

Review: What is the significance of the Process event and do you anticipate doing more of these types of shows?

O'Brien: I hosted The Process first in a concert seventeen years ago when I first acquired the theatre. This is a sort of "homecoming" in that we're welcoming the band back on stage in their hometown theatre all these years later. It's interesting that we're still plying our respective crafts after all this time, although we've both benefited from the wisdom that can only come from experience.
I have an immense respect for David Asher and The Process for their passion and dedication to their music. Theirs has not been an easy road to travel, but their fresh original work continues to be recognized and appreciated in ever-larger circles. I hope that this event will help to advance that.
If this event is well received, I would certainly like to continue to explore the potential for more live entertainment and alternative programming in addition to film.

Asher: Well this is a very special show, as we are filming it for an upcoming DVD release. We have a very impressive laser light show with more than 30 lasers on a big truss and they all work together with the music. It is awesome. Plus we will be using our animated films, on the big screen, which we have not used in a long while. If all goes well, perhaps we will have the chance to bring other performers into the venue. I hope so.

Review: Having been involved in the theatre business for so long, what is your definition of a successful theatre'?

O'Brien: A successful theatre is one that continues to thrive - to entertain and enhance the culture of the community - while being self-sufficient.
Most of the old theatres are now transitioning into the public sector where they are "saved" by a 501c3 corporation comprised of people who know as much about restoring and running theatres as the local bump shop. These groups are often able to access millions in public and private monies, which finance huge restoration projects that would not be possible or practical in the private sector.
Volunteers and boards of directors who do not have a vested interest in the operation run these "community" theatres. In many cases, the theatres do not generate revenues sufficient to meet their overhead (especially where paid staff is employed) and continue to be dependent on private donations and tax dollars in the form of grants.
While none of this is a bad thing (and certainly better than the wrecking ball), it is vastly different operating a classic historic theatre in the private sector where those few that continue to exist, do so only because the owner/operator is willing to give much more than take. When people wax nostalgic about their childhood experiences seeing movies in their hometown theatre, I think this is what they have in mind.

Review; Any words to the fans?

Asher: Well I would love to thank them for the wonderful support they have given us through the last 17 or so years. Without them it would not have been possible to keep The Process going. I hope to see you all out at the show so I can tell you all in person how much we love you all!

More Pics of Vassar Theatre

Tickets for The Process Live in Concert at the Vassar Theatre are only $6.00.
The Vassar Theatre is located at 140 E. Huron in downtown Vassar.

For more details call the theatre at 989-823-4000 or go to

http://www.theprocessonline.com/

THE PROCESS IN THE METRO TIMES

2008-03-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

THE PROCESS IN THE METRO TIMES

"Wow. A picaunt mix of arena rock and Rasta.

Jamaican soul meets Anglo Strut and its good!

Cred alert: Drummer Gabe Gonzalez pounded behind George Clinton."

03/07/2008 08:00 PM - Hamtramck BLOWOUT ’08 Motor City Sports Bar 9122 Jos Campau Hamtramck, US
THE PROCESS takes the stage with Gabe Gonzalez’s Old School Detroit Funk D&B Ghetto Metal Unit ENEMY SQUAD celebrating a ten year re-union performing "The Blowout" also 2007 D.M.A. winner The Process which also features Gabe Gonzalez.The performance will be dedicated to Sean Tonak a.k.a.Ojibiwa

THE PROCESS IN CONCERT AT THE VASSAR THEATER SAT MARCH 22ND

2008-01-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Fifth Avenue Media
David Asher
davidasher6@sbcglobal.net
989-598-4122
Fifth Avenue Media Presents,
THE PROCESS Live In Concert.
Vassar, MI.
February 6, 2008 - After years of performances across North America, Internationally acclaimed Rock Reggae Band, THE PROCESS, will perform their first hometown show in over 15 years on Saturday, March 22nd at the gloriously restored Vassar Theater.
THE PROCESS, recipients of a 2007 Detroit Music Award for "Outstanding Reggae Group", is also in contention for three 2008 Grammy Award Nominations, including, "Song of the Year" (Rasta Soldier, Radio Edit),"Pop Instrumental" (Metarons Cube) and "Vocal Performance by a Group Or Duo" (Rapdown, Extended Mix).This special live performance by THE PROCESS will feature a state-of-the-art Laser Light Show and be filmed for an upcoming DVD release that highlights the band’s remarkable 17-year career.
Joining THE PROCESS for this must see performance is special guest, "Stamp'D", a band who's music features a blend of Jamaican Reggae and Ska, with a full horn section, as well as an upbeat rock sound. The beautifully restored Vassar Theater, located at 140 E. Huron Rd in Vassar, Michigan, is very excited to present THE PROCESS as the first live entertainment to grace its' stage since 1991. This will be an all ages’ show.
Tickets available in advance or at show time at the Vassar Theater Box Office.

THE VASSAR THEATER:140 E. Huron Road.
Vassar, Michigan 48768
Phone: (989) 823-4000
Date: Saturday March 22nd
Time: 7:00 PM.
Admission: $6.00

Review Of "Weapons" At Dubflash.com

2007-12-17T07:57:00.000-08:00

Check out this review of Weapons Of Mass Percussion at Dubflash.com

Artist:
The Process
Title:
Weapons Of Mass Percussion
Rating: Four and A Half Stars

Review date:
2007-12-09
Detailed review:
The Process is a rock / reggae band from Detroit in the United States of Babylon. The first thing you notice is that this album looks anything but reggae. On the cover a drummer with a scary machine helmet and on the backside of the cover a picture from the band. And guess who’s part of the band? Gene Simmons, the singer from Kiss. Or maybe not him personally but a big fan as he’s rouged (or maybe even “rogued” (insider joke!)).
Seeing that, I thought: what the heck could this be? Sceptically I put in the CD… and was blown away! Literally, of course. The album contains several crucial live played reggae riddims with a marvellous bass sound (not very deep but extremely groovy!) and this Kiss-imitator surely knows how to play some heavy e-guitars which don’t disturb at all. In fact, this might be the first time ever that I enjoy e-guitars. Usually, I’m not a fan of guitars. Maybe, because I failed in learning to play them and instead moved to the bass. ;-)
But anyway, there are 10 tracks on the album + 4 additional remixes. These, I think, could have been left out as well because they don’t add much to the album. But the 10 original tracks are what is important.
It starts right away without any introduction or “warning” with a rough tune called “Rasta Soldier” (radio edit?) with some rock-drums and smooth guitar melodies. The vocals didn’t go to much into my head. Following is the smashing “Osama Forgotten”, one hell of a crucial riddim which I am constantly listening to for many weeks in a row now. I just love the bassline, it drives me mad (in a positive way). A special thing in this song (and also in the following ones) is that there is an extensive use of samples, most dealing with the current American Way of Life after 11th September 2001 and the following events. Listen carefully and learn. You will also have quite some good laughs when you hear Lady George Doubleu Bush speaking. It’s really fun. No, actually, it’s sad.
So, better continue with the CD: “The Logic Probe”, a fast skanky (in the reggaeish sense of the word) tune with some female vocal contribution. Reminds me of 80s reggae played by former punk bands. The good ol’ times for some… “Metatron’s Cube” is next and it’s again deeply grooving with a tough bass, heavy dubbing & FX and killer skanks.
“Tetragammatron” starts again with a nice 80s synth part and then continues with yet another deep groove plus crazy effects. I really like this mix of 80s rock and reggae here. Usually, I would think this cannot be meant serious but well, even I am proven wrong from time to time (this is meant to be a joke, just for the ones who still don’t understand my way of writing; unfortunately you’re in the majority but well…).
“Subsonic Temple”: Upliftment in full effect. Sounds like a contribution from heaven (not the religious heaven but somewhere way above the surface of our more or less blue planet). Good mood music without having to use the cliché of sunshine reggae or similar. Not here, folks. Just serious stuff!
“Vortex 4”: wow. What shall I say ? It kicks off with a heavy metal style guitar intro which is just great. Who would have guessed that I would say such once? But here, it’s true. I feel like Beavis & Butthead when they saw a (for them) good song on TV and banged their heads like madmen. The rest of the song is as groovy as the others with more crazy effects and samples. Until at the end, the guitars come in again. Woah, me love dis!
“Evildoers Stamp’d Out In Dub”: Sh*t! Now they even add celestial blazing horns to their music. I can’t believe it. As Marge Simpson would say: “Now I heard it all.” Positive madness.
And then we have the title track in two parts: “Weapons Of Mass Percussion”. This tune is in a way special because the music itself is not real music. In fact, the instrumental is quite annoying me. But I think that this is wanted because this song has a message. And therefore, the main ingredient are the vocal samples from Bush, “specialists”, TV reporters and whoever. Together, a story is told. A story about how crazy Babylon is. My favourite quotation: “It’ll take time to restore chaos.” Guess who said it? The same one who is afraid of a mushroom-cloud.
OK, this shall be enough about this album. I have to skip back to “Vortex 4” now. It’s been too long since I heard it the last time. *listentoheavyeguitarsnowandhaveawickedsmileonmyface*
The band claims about themselves: “The Process® catalog of recordings crosses barriers and breaks down stereotypes that will keep even the most discriminating listener interested.” While this sounds totally exaggerating as it should be in a self-description, I must say that this time it’s actually true. Even I like the heavy guitar parts and there couldn’t be a more discriminating person against screaming e-guitars than me. ;-)
What shall I say? Well done, mates. And folks, get this album and let it infect you like it infected me. Nuff said.
The album receives 4 and a half stars because the bonus tracks are not so good and therefore, I take off half a star. Get this album if you’re interested in a “different” kind of reggae, too.
Check http://www.theprocessonline.com/

Fan Pics From Saturdays Show

2007-12-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

These pics are from Saturdays show at Whites Bar in Saginaw.

Thanks to Rocky and Karla for the pics!

GHS Artists, THE PROCESS, receive 3 Grammy Nominations

2007-11-19T06:21:00.000-08:00

From the GHS STRINGS WEBSITE
Rock Reggae Madmen THE PROCESS have received three Grammy Nomination Contentions in the 2008 Grammy Awards.

The songs included are:
SONG OF THE YEAR: "RASTA SOLDIER-RADIO" BEST POP
INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE: "METATRON'S CUBE"
BEST POP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP W/VOCALS:"RAPDOWN EXTENDED MIX".
In 2008 the 50th Grammy Awards will take place on February 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. This will be a milestone for the Grammys and the Recording Academy. Nominations will be announced on December 6, 2007.

"Weapons Of Mass Percussion", the bands seventh release has gained airplay on the BBC in Britain, in Spain, France, Belgium and Portugal as well as the US.

THE PROCESS also gained it's fourth corporate sponsor this year with the endorsement of GHS Strings. The band is also endorsed by Pintech, Axis and Silverfox Percussion.

With swelling radio support from around the world, the band is gaining attention and praise from fans and media alike. THE PROCESS continues to fuel the fire of musical awakening already spreading around the world! Do someone you love a favor... GET PROCESSED!!

New CD from THE PROCESS Underway!

2007-11-12T17:43:00.000-08:00

Work has begun on the new CD by THE PROCESS. The CD of new songs is the groups 7th studio album and the first produced in the bands own studio, as well as studios in London. The album will include collaborations with renowned UK Artist Ghetto Priest and other London based artists.

Stay tuned for more details!

http://www.theprocessonline.com/

Review: "Weapons Of Mass Percussion"

2007-10-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

Music Review: "Weapons Of Mass Percussion" by The Process

by Michiganbands.com Mitch Phillips

The anticipation of hearing new music from The Process came loaded with expectations based entirely on 2002's "Blood & Bones", a great collection of reggae gems that I put among the best local records I've heard in the past ten years. So I couldn't help but hope for a repeat performance on their 2006 follow-up, "Weapons of Mass Percussion". And a repeat performance is pretty much exactly what I got - just not in the way I expected. -Mitch
Band: The Process
Website: http://www.theprocessonline.com/
Recording: Weapons of Mass Percussion (2006)
Members: David Asher (vocals, guitar, keyboard, programming, FX), Garrick Owen (guitars), Bill Heffelfinger (bass, keys, programming, stick), Gabe Gonzalez (drums)
Produced by: Gee Pierce & The Process
Mixed by: Gee Pierce & David Asher at UBeU Productions, Saginaw (except track 1 mixed by Lavel Jackson, tracks 12 mixed by Albadore Sound Systems, track 13 & 14 mixed by Gabe Gonzalez)
Mastered by: Horst @ Studio Germany

Expectations & Fresh Ears

Instead of a collection of entirely new songs, The Process offer only one, a gem-worthy opener (albeit a poorly mastered one) called "Rasta Soldier" which easily holds up among their best songs and has already been nominated as a Grammy contender (whatever that means). What's left are thirteen tracks of re-mixes, mash-ups, extended cuts, techno flirtations and "dubs" - almost all of which rely heavily on previously released material from "Blood & Bones" and "Craven Dog" (you can read a review of "Blood & Bones" here). I have to admit being bit confused and disappointed on first spin, but that's because I have no experience with "dub", a sub-genre of reggae that builds on instrumental versions of existing material. According to Wikipedia, dub mixes add percussion and sound effects to 'da riddim' so as to take advantage of bass-heavy sound systems. Singer David Asher says he wanted to do all that and more."I wanted to take a chance on this release and try something brave, something unique from plain old remixes, " Asher explained in a recent message. "Thats why I gave some other producers free reign on some tracks."Those other producers include Albadore Sound System (Flint's own Michael Absher) whose remix of "Run Them Down" reminds me of late-night liquid radio jams and G-Dub's back-to-back Old School and Techno remixes of "Rising Up" which are geared more to the dance-club on Ecstasy crowd.

Techno-Battery Operated Drop Machine

In addition to the various samples and synth patches on nearly every track, electronic drums are featured prominently on this record - as you might expect from the title. That theme reaches its apex on "Weapons of Mass Percussion Pt 2" (track 10) on which drummer Gabe Gonzolas unleashes a battery of synthetic steel, squishy sound-effects and pressure-relieving sighs. Geek t.v fans will appreciate the sonic americana included on this disc, such as drops from Star Trek's Jean Luc, Battlestar Galactica's vocally-challenged Cylons and even a quip from The Transformers. And where else but a dub mix could you find The Three Stooges sharing time and space with what sounds like an auto-tuned Muslim call to prayer? Probably the most unique sample on the disc (visit http://www.theprocessonline.com/ to hear it loop).

Weaponized Planes And Misguided Aims

Perhaps the most memorable moments for casual listeners will be the haunting voices of 9-11 air-traffic controllers whose voices appear on "Osama Forgotten" (track 2) and "Evil Doer's Stamped Out In Dub" (track 8). Both tracks revive the surrealism and confusion of that strange day when our skies went quiet and our future seemed completely up in the air. But the defining moment of this disc is the title track, "Weapons of Mass Percussion", in which hypocrisy-exposing sound-bytes of George Walker Bush and Donald Henry Rumsfeld are juxtaposed to illustrate their disdain for the truth and the American people. It's a necessary reminder of how scare tactics and outright lies led to the illegal occupation of a foreign country in the name of pre-emption, or regime-change, or liberation, or promoting democracy, or whatever this week's "official" explanation is for that resource-grabbing, treasury-looting, grunt-abusing, civilian-shredding debacle in Iraq. Whatever the reason, you certainly can't pretend it had anything to do with Saudi nationals flying planes into buildings.

Conclusions In Food Metaphor (or "Gimme the usual, Mr. Phillips")

So if the music were a meal, "Weapons of Mass Percussion" would be a stew of choice ingredients borrowed from previous releases and invigorated with fresh, exotic spices, its many flavors only revealed with time and attention. But like most dishes made from leftovers, it's never quite as satisfying as the original feast (with the exception of "Rapdown" which never tasted so good). Though it may not inspire the private highway sing-a-longs I enjoyed so much with "Blood & Bones", in its proper context, say attending to some repetitive task in the privacy of your own room while enjoying your favorite controlled substance, "Weapons of Mass Percussion" will certainly keep you company and add a rebellious flavor to your buzz. So unitl The Process whip up their next fresh batch of songs, which I'm told they're already cooking up in their brand new studio, you can certainly chew on this.

Mitch Track Listing:

1. Rasta Soldier (radio) - great tune but over-driven mix challenges my ear.

2. Osama Forgotten - FAA recordings of Air Traffic Control over Rasta Soldier rhythms and Garrick Owen's shreddings.

3. The Logic Probe - Cylons dub over "Run Them Down" beats.

4. Metatron's Cube - More space-cadet samples over back beats with a promise to challenge ALL terror.

5. Tetragammatron - More Rasta Soldier rhythms under sound effects, synths and samples.

6. Subsonic Temple - Rasta' beat continues while a ghostly call to prayer is bracketed by sci-fi-ish effects.

7. Vortex 4 - Spread The Money" serves as sound bed for echoes and sound effects. Ghostly call to prayer returns.

8. Evildoers Stamped Out In Dub - Midi-trumpets by Stamp'D climb over rasta beats and various synth stabbings.

9. Weapons of Mass Percussion - Direct confrontation of The Big Lie using hypocrisy, humore & hyer-percussive beats.

10. Weapons of Mass Percussion Pt. 2 - Gabe Gonzalez plugs in and goes bananas on the Pintech Drums.

11. Rapdown - (extended mix) Gets me to dancing every single time - even if I'm sitting.

12. Run Them Down - (Albadore Sound System Mix)

13. Rising Up (G-Dub - Old School) percussive, herky-jerky robot dance mix.

14. Rising Up (G-Dub - Techno) hyper-percussive gallop propels this version along a time-lapsed technicolor freeway. Shouldn't forget to mention Michelle Shaw's amazing back-ups on this track.

THE PROCESS® Receives 3 Contentions in the 2008 Grammy® Awards

2007-10-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS® has received 3 Contentions in the 2008 Grammy® Awards Including:

SONG OF THE YEAR
"RASTA SOLDIER-RADIO" THE PROCESS

BEST POP INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE
"METATRON'S CUBE" THE PROCESS

BEST POP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP W/VOCALS
"RAPDOWN EXTENDED MIX" THE PROCESS

If you are a Grammy member please support THE PROCESS and cast your vote for us in this years awards!

In 2008 the 50th Grammy Awards will take place on February 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. This will be a milestone for the Grammys and the Recording Academy. Nominations will be announced on December 6, 2007.

www.grammy.com

THE PROCESS LIVE RADIO INTERVIEW ON KUCI 88.9 FM

2007-09-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

Vocalist David Asher of THE PROCESS will be interviewed live on KUCI 88.9 FM Irvine California on the Uptown Top Rankin Show by DJ Big Jim.

The interview takes place Wednesday October 3rd at 11:00 AM Pacific Time, 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Be sure to tune in!

Click here to stream the interview live online!

UPTOWN TOP RANKING has been on the air since the spring of 1997 on KUCI 88.9fm in Irvine, CA. Every Wednesday 10a-1pm PST, U.T.R. brings you three hours of complete reggae music including Roots, Dub, Dancehall, Lover's Rock, Rock-Steady, Ska, and Rockers Riddims including many international reggae artists. The two hosts are dedicated to keeping the audience up to date on the latest releases from the Reggae music genre as well as all of the classic tracks you love.

Over the past two years they have had many crucial on-air interview sessions with reggae greats such as Apple Gabriel , Michael Rose, Donald Manning, Bunny Ruggs of Third World, Mikey Dread, Issac Haile Selassie, Garth Dennis, Selwyn Brown and David Hinds of Steel Pulse, Dr. "Cosmo" Fraser, Fire and Brimstone, Prince Buster, Pablo Moses, Clinton Fearon of the Gladiators & Boogie Brown Band, Half Pint, Lloyd "Bread" McDonald of the Wailing Souls, Lee Jaffe, the legendary producer Jah Man Swaby of 129 Beat St. fame, Ras Otis "Obey Jah" White, Ras Shiloh, Marley's Ital Chef- Gilly Gilbert,plus many Southern California reggae artists including Zema, the Isouljahs, Kurt Mahoney's Roots Foundation, Upstream, and Jah Mark and the Soul Shakers, 420 Band, Badfish, Carribean Pulse, Kyng Arthur, Rascallin and they have interviewed several authors like David Katz "People Funny Boy" Joy Harjo, Norman Stolzoff "Wake the Town", Robert Roskind "Rasta Heart", Lee Jaffe & Roger Steffens "One Love: Life with Bob Marley and the Wailers".

2007-09-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

David Asher and Garrick Owen of THE PROCESS® have just received a 2007 ASCAP PLU$ SPECIAL AWARD. The award is given to writer members of any genre whose performances are primarily in venues not surveyed; and/or writer members whose catalogs have prestige value for which they would not otherwise be compensated. This is the 8th consecutive year Asher and Owen have received this cash/recognition award.

THE PROCESS NEWS

2007-08-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS has begun work on a new album. The new release is the groups 8th self produced album and the first produced in our own studio. The album will include collaborations with renowned UK Artist Ghetto Priest and others. Stay tuned for more details!

THE PROCESS is being featured tomight in Spain (23:00 to 01:00) on the Barcelona Guitar Experience radio show. The program in its tenth season also features a long and funny interview to the Marotta-Cides-Orleansky trio (Stick players Guillermo Cides & Irene Orleansky and the Robert Fripp-Ani di Franco-Elvis Costello-Suzanne Vega-Tony Levin-Cher-Peter Gabriel-Paul McCartney's drummer Jerry Marotta).Two songs from The Process will be on air.

Fan Pics From Fridays Show

2007-08-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

These fan pics from Fridays show at the Kingfish on the dock were taken by friend of THE PROCESS Chuck Harrington.

Interview With THE PROCESS

2007-07-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

Interview With THE PROCESS

Bill Petzold of the Vassar Times recently ran 20 questions by THE PROCESS
Check out Bill's interesting unedited interview in full below:

FOR DAVID:
You always advertise your band as "Detroit's Motor City Madmen of Reggae". Being a native Vassarite, are you ashamed of Vassar (wink wink) or do you just get sick of explaining where the hell Vassar is to people?

Well Bill its actually "Detroit's Rock Reggae Madmen"!
It is true that many people have no idea where Vassar is, even people here in Michigan. When you explain to someone from somewhere else that the band is from Michigan, they automatically say: "OH DETROIT", so it is just easier in terms of imprinting our identity to the world. Plus we have deep Detroit roots. Our drummer Gabe Gonzalez (of George Clinton's P-Funk All Star fame) is from Detroit. We have performed in Detroit hundreds of times and have had dozens of nominations over the last few years in the Detroit Music Awards. We have been featured on two CD compilations of Detroit Music and been members of the Detroit Musicians Alliance. THE PROCESS is also one of the very few bands from outside Detroit to actually win a Detroit Music Award.
(THE PROCESS was voted "Outstanding Reggae/Ska Group" in 2007 and Asher was voted "Outstanding World Songwriter" in 2005).

How many Process members are from Vassar? (You, Bill and Garrick, correct?)

That's correct. Gabe joined six years ago.

Did you start out playing Vassar shows quite a bit? Please give me a little background about your "salad days" in the late 80's in Vassar. If you have any good anecdotes about a good (or bad) show that occured in Vassar. Something funny that happened? PG Please!

One story I can recall is when the band played at the Vassar Theater in 1991, one of our very first shows. Tim O'Brien (the current owner), had (against his better judgment) booked THE PROCESSS and another band. To be fair to Tim, he has always been a big supporter. However, the other band he hated! I'll never forget him poised like a Mantis, standing over the power cables, ready to throw the switch and cut the power! It was a dramatic moment. He was taking care of Business, even back then. I have a lot of respect for Tim and what he has accomplished with the Theater, he has alot of discipline.

FOR GARRICK:
When were you featured in the guitar magazines? Dates please.

I was featured in the international music trades, Guitar World (May 2004) and Guitar Player (Oct 95).

(Owen has also been featured on the www.truefire.com website. The site includes Owen's lesson and others from GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE and is also available on a CD entitled "365 Daily Doses Of Nutrition", with lessons written by B.B. King, Metallica, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Johnson, David Torn, Pat Martino, Jeff Beck, Django Reinhardt, Ry Cooder, Duane Allman, Danny Gatton to name a few of the artists featured).

Please tell a little about the Origin of Pigman?

Lots of people have asked me over time, "Whats the deal with Pigman"? "Pigman" was an old pig farmer that lived on a desolate stretch of local back road near our hometown. He was always surrounded by a pack of barking dogs, everywhere he went, which was only up and down the road. Pigman lived without electricity or running water, in an old trailer in front of his pigpens. Local rednecks from the town tormented Pigman by shooting his pigs from across the river with bows and arrows, driving by his house at all hours honking their horns and by stealing his pigs to roast. He actually was a General Motors Executive who walked away from it all, few people knew that about him."Pigman" eventually died...he was found dead in his trailer by a neighbor. When they did the autopsy, they had to actually cut the socks off of his feet...Despite this, we're sure there was still a spot for him in "Pigman Heaven".

How did the GHS sponsorship come about?

David approached GHS's Chris Walters with our current press kit. Chris took him on a tour of the facility in Battle Creek where the strings are made. The endorsement came shortly after that. GHS is our 4th corporate sponsorship. THE PROCESS is also endorsed by AXIS, PINTECH and SILVERFOX PERCUSSION. GHS/ROCKTRON is a great company to work with and we are excited about the opportunity.

FOR BILL:
How long have you been a band director?

Twelve years. Three in Davison and nine in Bad Axe.

Please tell about the awards the Bad Axe band has won under your leadership:

We have qualified for MCBA STATE MARCHING BAND FINALS for seven years in a row and finished 4th place in the state in 2004.
The Junior High and High School Concert Band have received first division honors at MSBOA District band festival for the past eight years.
The High School Wind Synphony has received superior ratings at Ovation Music Festivals in New York City, Orlando and Chicago.
Also the Marching Band was featured on WNEM TV 5 in 2004.

Magazines the band appeared in?

I, myself was selected the Michigan representative for School Band and Orchestra Magazine's "50 Directors who make a difference".
The Bad Axe Hatchet Vanguard Marching Band was featured the international magazine "Gothic Beauty" in 2005.

How does directing a HS band compare with performing/writing/programming for the Process?

Teaching 5th through through 12th grade music students can be very rewarding but it is also a challenge from day to day. I attempt to expand their musical knowledge by teaching from many different time periods in history including baroque, classical, romantic and right up to modern day rock music.
Writing and arranging original music for THE PROCESS is very rewarding and also a challenge to expand on new musical ideas. Performing our music live is always very rewarding and enjoyable.

I remember something about you working on a symphony, how did that turn out?

The symphony turned into a single symphonic suite and was performed by the Davidson High School Orchestra in 1998. The actual symphony is not yet completed but I hope to finish it in the future.

How much influence did your dad have as a Vassar band teacher on you becoming a band director?

My Father and Mother were great influences on me as a child. I remember going to many football games and band concerts at Flint Hamady High School when I was young. I got to meet a lot of his students and seeing his marching bands, with the motorcycle through the fiery hoops and the majorettes with the flaming batons! This all inspired me to explore my own creativity at an early age.

What were the dates of Mr. Heffelfinger's tenure at VHS?

He taught at Vassar High School from 1949 until 1964 and moved to Flint Hamady from 1964 to 1985.

DAVID AGAIN:
Origin of your skeleton costume:

I've been told it is Ethiopian Coptic Priest robe. I found it at a shop called Akebulan on Greenfield Rd. and Seven Mile in Detroit many years ago.

What is the significance of the "military-style" outfits you've worn in the past?

Army clothing is comfortable and utilitarian. I respect the soldier so I wear his clothes.

What kind of charity work has the band done?

Not as much as you might think. We have done Relay For Life Cancer Benefits and we did a benefit for the Red Cross after September 11th 2001. We have also done events against Civil Forfeiture. However, we are open to ideas, so let us know what you have in mind.

Your lyrics are rife with socio/political themes, how has 9/11 and the War on Terror affected what you do?

Well, to be frank, "Weapons Of Mass Percussion" would never had turned out the way it did had 9/11 not happened. I found that I really did not have to comment too much myself. I just let the ghostly voices from the radio and television tell the story of what is happening all around us.

How important is it to be involved politically in trying to affect positive change in the world around you?

Well I would say you do have to be involved in the world around you and work for positive change. I'm a bit fed up with politics at the moment. It seems to me the two parties are like Pepsi and Coke. One is a little sweeter and one has a little more bite but they are essentially the same.

If possible, please compare/contrast Beggar (the song about AIDS) with what you guys did with Weapons of Mass Percussion.

Beggar from 1996's Craven Dog, was (like alot of our stuff), lifted from the headlines. The person in Beggar is based on a story I read in Time Magazine. He was a street person begging for money claiming he was sick. However, he really wasn't sick, just greedy. Then he gets mad when confronted with the truth of his scam..
"Weapons Of Mass Percussion" is literally ripped from the headlines as we used recorded current events to tell the story of the album.

And finally, a softball: what is it like to be a kid from Vassar and play shows in Hollywood and New York?

Really, New York and LA are just like any other towns. New York audiences are a little more freaked out by a band from Detroit. Los Angeles audiences love it more then most. I myself am going to London this fall to meet up with some amazing producers and artists to plan for our new CD. It is our 9th self produced CD and our 1st produced in our own studio. Most of of it will be recorded here and some in London.

Why do you think a group from a small town was been so creative and prolific?

I think people in the Mid-West are so creative because they HAVE to be. I mean you have to find something to do! Ha Ha!

Fans Pics From Saturday's Show

2007-07-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday THE PROCESS performed a rare hometown show at the small, legendary local venue Whites Bar. There was much love felt from our friends and fans in the house! Thanks to Bo White and Tim Avram at Whites and our good friends in Stamp'D for sharing the bill with us.

THE PROCESS LIVE IN LOS ANGELES REISSUED!!

2007-06-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS has just reissued the live recording

"LIVE IN LOS ANGELES".

Culled from two radio performances in 1999 and 2001 recorded live in concert on

KXLU FM in Los Angeles.

The CD is the first part of a planned reissue series of the bands back catalog, so stay tuned for futher updates!

CLICK HERE TO BUY LIVE IN LOS ANGELES

THE PROCESS SUMMER SHOWS (SO FAR)

2007-06-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Shows:

Jul 5 2007 6:00P David Asher Djs Reggae at the Kingfish 6:00 PM
1019 North Water Street., Bay City, Michigan 48708

Jul 12 2007 6:00P David Asher DJs Reggae at the Kingfish 6:00 PM
1019 North Water Street., Bay City, Michigan 48708

Jul 19 2007 6:00P David Asher DJs Reggae at the Kingfish 6:00 PM
1019 North Water Street., Bay City, Michigan 48708

Jul 21 2007 9:00P THE PROCESS LIVE IN CONCERT AT WHITES BAR
9:00 PM Saginaw 2609 State St, Saginaw, 48602

Jul 26 2007 8:00P David Asher DJs Reggae at the Kingfish 6:00 PM
1019 North Water Street., Bay City, Michigan 48708

Aug 2 2007 6:00P David Asher DJs Reggae at the Kingfish 6:00 PM
1019 North Water Street., Bay City, Michigan 48708

Aug 3 2007 7:00P THE PROCESS LIVE IN CONCERT AT THE KINGFISH
1019 North Water Street., Bay City, Michigan 48708 7:00 PM

Aug 9 2007 6:00P David Asher DJs Reggae at the Kingfish 6:00 PM
1019 North Water Street., Bay City, Michigan 487086

Aug 16 2007 David Asher DJs Reggae at the Kingfish 6:00 PM
1019 North Water Street., Bay City, Michigan 48708

Aug 23 2007 6:00P David Asher DJs Reggae at the Kingfish 6:00 PM
1019 North Water Street., Bay City, Michigan 48708

Aug 30 2007 6:00P David Asher DJs Reggae at the Kingfish 6:00 PM
1019 North Water Street., Bay City, Michigan 48708

THE PROCESS IN ASCAP PLAYBACK MAGAZINE

2007-05-29T10:45:00.001-07:00

Stepping Out

The Process The infectious grooves of Detroit, Michigan's renowned rock reggae band The Process continue to gather fans in their wake. Founded in 1989 by vocalist David Asher and guitarist Garrick Owen, and joined soon after by bassist/programmer Bill Heffelfinger, the band's commitment and prowess soon established them as a force to be reckoned with. Currently holding the The Process's grooves together is P-Funk All Star drummer Gabe Gonzalez, who no doubt helped to inspire the title of the band's most recent album, Weapons of Mass Percussion. The band just won the 2007 Detroit Music Award for "Outstanding Reggae/Ska Group." Visit http://www.theprocessonline.com/.

NEW THE PROCESS ONLINE STORE

2007-05-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS has just opened an all new ONLINE MERCHANDISE STORE

At the new store you can buy THE PROCESS apparel such as T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Hoodies and Hats, as well as lots of other cool and creative THE PROCESS Stuff.

CHECK OUT THE PROCESS ONLINE STORE!

THE PROCESS Endorsed By GHS STRINGS!

2007-05-09T00:23:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS has just been endorsed by GHS STRINGS! We are excited by this latest sponsorship and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with GHS, whose excellent products have always been our choice.

GHS STRINGS

The Process earns Detroit Music Awards honor

2007-04-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Process earns Detroit Music Awards honor
Monday, April 23, 2007
THE SAGINAW NEWS
The Process, a band that took root in Vassar and often performs around mid-Michigan, received the Outstanding Reggae/Ska Artist/Group honor at the 2007 Detroit Music Awards from the Motor City Music Foundation.
Bob Seger, Iggy Pop, Alberta Adams and Nadir were among other performers who received honors Friday at Detroit's State Theatre.
The Process -- David Asher, Bill Heffelfinger, Garrick Owen and Gabe Gonzalez -- received five nominations in this year's competition. And even though the foundation named Asher the Outstanding World/Reggae/Ska Songwriter in 2005, he went into the competition knowing The Process faced strong competition among Detroit-based groups.

The bands latest release "Weapons Of Mass Percussion" has won critical acclaim.

THE PROCESS WINS AT THE 2007 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS!

2007-04-21T04:35:00.000-07:00

THE PROCESS was just voted

"OUTSTANDING REGGAE/SKA GROUP" in the 2007

DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS!

THE PROCESS would like to thank our friends, fans, families and supporters.

You have stood by us through good and bad times over the years and we would like to express our love and gratitude to you.

The Awards were presented 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, at the State Theatre, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

Visit The Detroit Music Awards page to view the complete list of official winners .

Saginaw News Podcast

2007-04-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

Catch THE PROCESS vocalist David Asher on the Saginaw News Podcast
"Catch the Muse with Sue At the News". Asher discusses developments with the band and future projects.
Go here:
Catch the Muse with Sue at The News

THE PROCESS Receives Five Nominations In 2007 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS

2007-03-03T22:44:00.000-08:00

Nominees for the 2007 Detroit Music Awards have been announced and voting is underway.
THE PROCESS® has just received Five Nominations in the 2007 Detroit Music Awards!
Nominations include:
OUTSTANDING REGGAE/SKA ARTIST/GROUP
OUTSTANDING WORLD/REGGAE/SKA INSTRUMENTALIST: GARRICK OWEN, (GUITAR (ELECTRIC)) - THE PROCESS
OUTSTANDING WORLD/REGGAE/SKA RECORDING: "WEAPONS OF MASS PERCUSSION"
OUTSTANDING WORLD/REGGAE/SKA SONGWRITER: DAVID ASHER, (THE PROCESS)
OUTSTANDING WORLD/REGGAE/SKA VOCALIST: DAVID ASHER, (THE PROCESS) .

The Motor City's diverse musical talents will be honored once again at the annual Detroit Music Awards, which will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, at the State Theatre, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

David Asher THE PROCESS 2007 Interview

2007-02-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqJT9867ppI

Pics from the last show

2007-02-22T17:18:00.000-08:00

These pics are from last Friday's show at Clutch Cargos in Pontiac (with Goddesses Of the Veil). They were taken by our long time friend and former drummer Arek Aneszko. This night was Gabe's birthday!

Pete Mossener filled in on Bass for Bill who had the flu!

Congratulations to Arek and Monica on new baby Kyle!

THE PROCESS ON THE BBC!

2007-02-13T02:37:00.000-08:00

The Process was just featured on the "On the Wire" radio program on the BBC Radio 1.

Heres a link to the playlist from Dec 30th.
And the show can be downloaded with this link: HERE
Right-click and choose "Save Target As" (assuming you are using Internet Explorer).
Thanks to our friends Steve Barker and Brian Planet Jackson at the BBC.
(Also thanks to Dr, Strange Dub at THE ECHO CHAMBER on KFAI-FM (90.3 Minneapolis/106.7 St.Paul). On 6-28-2006.

About On The Wire
On The Wire was first broadcast on 16th September 1984. Check Radio 1's playlists for that month – compare and contrast. Way back then there was no such thing as 'dance' music, hip-hop was confined to NYC and LA and the UK was in the grip of the New Romantics. Smashy and Nicey still ruled at fab FM and the London dance mafia were still with their mums shopping for shells. Reggae was apparently dead.On The Wire’s first guests were Adrian Sherwood who provided its now legendary theme tune and collaborator Keith le Blanc, who had earlier launched ‘Malcolm X’ on the world via Tommy Boy. The week after it was Depeche Mode and in the December a three hour live special with Mr. Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry still fresh from torching the Black Ark a couple of years earlier.And so it went …… through the eighties as On The Wire slowly built a reputation beyond Lancashire and the North West, throughout the UK and onwards, before the internet, via cassette to the outer reaches, Greece, Sweden, Australia, Italy, USA ….. The show was fairly expansive: releasing a compilation ‘Bugs On The Wire’, putting on The Fall free at Clitheroe Castle when 2,500 people turned up, an Xmas party at the Ritz in Manchester including Sherwood with Gary Clail, 808 State, A Guy Called Gerald, Little Annie and a heavily pregnant Neneh Cherry absconding from a Bomb the Bass gig. First radio plays for in the UK for Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson and the radio premier of 808 State’s ‘Pacific State’.As the Nineties turned OTW was under threat from the BBC as new leaves were turned – but at the last minute the show was saved by the BBC board pegging the show as a ‘unique BBC product’. But the heady days of three hours on a Sunday afternoon were over as in the BBC speech and sport ruled. And so OTW has wandered the airwaves within the BBC schedules ever since, freeform radio before the term was invented.In the last few years there has been a reduced flow of luminaries through the OTW studio. Those listeners with us at the start whilst at college are now in their forties with families. Many friends have come and gone over the years but the show is ‘trodding on’. Quieter guests in the recent past have given us wonderful studio sessions, including Kelly Joe Phelps, Alvin Youngblood Hart and Jeb Loy Nichols – as the show developed a quaint obsession for Americans using two christian names. Lately Jim and Fenny in Blackburn have helmed the show whilst Steve contributes from Beijing with the invaluable help of Christiaan Virant, American exile and co-founder of the China-based nu electronic unit fm3. Andy ‘Madhatter’ Holmes and the big man, Pete Haigh, have provided years of peerless effort on the once-a-month Funkology. Jimbo, the current engineer and techno-wiz, took over from the eminent Jethro known on the net as ‘Culf’ who in turn took over from Mikey Martin who started in his early teens as the original studio wizard. Big shouts must also go to Dom and Bob, the Blood and Fire boys, and the Baked Goods team who have both blessed us with a regular supply of great tunes in their guest appearances, and lastly respect is due to Alex Fenton for his wonderful work on the website without which OTW’s inexorable march to world domination would prove impossible. After three glorious years of commercial webhosting, The On The Wire site is on the road again from whence it came - but it will never die! On The Wire was 20 years old on 16th September 2004.Steve Barker – Beijing December 2003

After St. Valentines Day Bash featuring 22 Belly Dancers

2007-02-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

Clutch Cargo's
65 E Huron St, Pontiac, MI 48342
Presents
Friday February 16, 2007 @ 8:00
After St. Valentines Day Bash
featuring 22 Belly Dancers
Performing Live: 1592, Cowboy Messiah, The Process, 1st Dagree and special guest Liz Larin hosted by DJ Red
Special Event
18 and over welcome
$24/Advance or $28/Day of Show

FAN PICS FROM LAST SATURDAYS SHOW

2007-01-24T17:03:00.000-08:00

These pics were taken last weekend at the bands return to homeground show at the Hamilton St. Pub in Saginaw by Pete "Rocktropoulos". It can be fun to play smaller venues when it is a warm hometown crowd as it was this night!

THE PROCESS INTERVIEW IN ROCK STARS GLUED

2007-01-24T05:14:00.000-08:00

Check out this intereview with THE PROCESS singer
David Asher in this weeks ROCK STARS GLUED

Check out this interview with THE PROCESS singer David Asher in ROCK STARS GLUED
1. How did you come up with the name "The Process"?
MY FRIEND ERIC MCKENDREE SUGGESTED THE NAME FOR US. ORIGINALLY HE HAD WANTED TO START A COLLECTIVE OF SOME TYPE BUT NEVER DID MUCH WITH THAT IDEA, EXCEPT THAT HE DESIGNED OUR FIRST TWO ALBUM COVERS. WE KIND OF RAN WITH THE NAME AND ESTABLISHED IT.
2. How long have you been together, and how did you meet?
THE PROCESS HAS BEEN TOGETHER SINCE THE LATE 80'S. GARRICK OWEN THE GUITARIST AND I STARTED THE BAND. BILL JOINED US IN 1991 AS WE WERE MAKING OUR FIRST ALBUM. I'VE KNOWN BILL SINCE WE WERE BABIES. GARRICK WAS A YOUNGER KID WHO GREW UP AROUND THE CORNER FROM MY HOUSE. GABE (GONZALEZ FROM GEORGE CLINTON'S P-FUNK ALL STARS) JOINED 6 YEARS AGO.
3. Who were your musical interests growing up?
I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE BEATLES, TRAFFIC, GROUPS LIKE THAT. I STARTED TO LOVE BOB MARLEY IN HIGH SCHOOL AND THEN LATER IGGY POP.. GARRICK AND BILL WERE BIG ALICE COOPER FANS. BILL LOVES DAVID BOWIE AND CURTIS MAYFIELD AS WELL.
4. What is the music scene like in Detroit Michigan?
DANGEROUS, VIBRANT AND SUFFOCATING AT THE SAME TIME.
5. How do you promote your bands and shows? WE PROMOTE EVENTS WITH A DEVOTED NETWORK OF FANS AND FRIENDS AND EVERY TOOL AT OUR DISPOSAL. WITH PRINT MEDIA AND THE INTERNET. WE TRY AND DO IT ALL.
6. Who does your writing? One person, or do you collaborate?
MOST OF THE SONGWRITING CHORES ARE DONE BY MYSELF AND GARRICK. BILL HELPS OUT WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS AFTER THE SONG IS FLESHED OUT.
7. How hard is it for you to get your music out there being a Reggae band?
WELL WE ARE A ROCK/REGGAE BAND THAT CAN ROCK OUT QUITE HARD IF NEED BE. THE TRICKIER THING IS BEING AN "ORIGINAL" BAND. BY ORIGINAL I MEAN BEING TRUE TO YOURSELF. PLAYING REGGAE CAN MAKE US STAND OUT A BIT BUT WE PLAY THRASH, DUB, FUNK, METAL. WE PLAY MANY STYLES.
8. You had a great review in Real Detroit. How is that for you as a band to read great reviews like that?
IT DOES HELP VALIDATE SOMEWHAT BUT I THINK WE WOULD JUST PUSH ON WITH OUR VISION ANYWAY. THAT REVIEW WAS NICE BECAUSE THE ALBUM WAS A BIG RISK IN TURNS OF A CHANGE IN DIRECTION INTO HARD DUB AND TECHNO REMIXES.
9. Where do you see yourselves as a band in 5 years?
GOD WILLING WE WILL STILL BE HERE MAKING MUSIC THAT SATISFIES US AND OUR FANS. HOPEFULLY WE CAN CONTINUE TO GET OUR MUSIC TO THE PEOPLE AND FIND DISTRIBUTION THAT PAYS US WELL ENOUGH TO KEEP WORKING. I HAVE SOME PLANS TO TACKLE SOME RECORDINGS IN JAMAICA SOME TIME.
10. Make your own Concert Bill. Who would be on it, and why?
WELL ARE THEY HERE, OR BEYOND FLESH? IF HERE, STEEL PULSE OR LEE PERRY. IF BEYOND, WELL, THE WAILERS. CAN'T FORGET BUNNY WAILER IN THE HERE AND NOW THOUGH. I LOVE TACKHEAD AS WELL. HAVE TO HAVE THEM THERE!
12. Give us a little background on yourselves musically.
BILL IS CLASSICALLY TRANED, GARRICK TOOK LESSONS FOR A WHILE. I'M PRETTY MUCH SELF TAUGHT. ALL OF OUR PARENTS WERE MUSICAL. GABE GONZALEZ GREW UP AROUND GEORGE CLINTON AND P-FUNK. THEY USED TO REHEARSE IN HIS GRANDMAS BASEMENT WHEN HE WAS LITTLE.
13. How do you feel myspace has helped or hurt the music industry?
MYSPACE HAS HELPED INDEPENDENT MUSIC BY ALLOWING A TOOL FOR PEOPLE TO CONNECT. IT IS A HUGE BOOST TO INDEPENDENT ARTISTS WHO ARE TRYING TO GET HEARD BY A WIDER AUDIENCE.
14. What is a goal you would like to achieve this year?
TOURING EUROPE SUCCESSFULLY. THERE ARE SOME PLANS IN THE WORKS.
15. If you could be a super hero........What would you be and why? "WONDERMAN" LEE "SCRATCH" PERRY, A REAL LIFE SUPER HERO. WE SHOULD ALL DO WHAT HE DOES AT 70!!
16. As always, the last question........What does music mean to you?
MUSIC IS THE WEAPON OF THE FUTURE. MUSIC IS A TOOL FOR POSITIVE CHANGE. MUSIC MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME. IT IS OUR LAST GREAT HOPE.

Corey Robinson Crosses Over

2007-01-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Corey Bernard Robinson 11-21-1971 12-29-2006

Corey was a dear friend to THE PROCESS for many years. While we mourn with his other friends and family, we celebrate his life and the blessing he was in ours.

Remembering an artist with passion and heart
FLINT JOURNAL COLUMN
FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITIONFriday, January 05, 2007
By Doug Pullen (Edited)JOURNAL COLUMNIST

Talk to people who knew Corey Robinson, and they'll tell you about his passion and heart.
Robinson, 35, a popular tattoo artist and former SSG Collective vocalist, died of congestive heart failure Dec. 29 at Hurley Medical Center.
People sing praises for Robinson, who died at Hurley Medical Center, nearly three years after a heart transplant.
Though he spent the last two years of his life in Petoskey, Robinson was a Flint product, a local music habitue, former bouncer at the Back Room (now the Loft) and vocalist for the experimental SSG Collective and Albadore Soundsystem. But he made his mark as an in-demand tattoo artist, both on his own and with Consolidated Ink and Steel. He was also a strong advocate for safety in his profession.
"If you didn't know him, he could scare the hell out of you," says Michael Absher, the local club DJ, former public radio jock and SSG frontman who bears two of Robinson's tats, including one on his butt that was applied live on a pirate radio station several years ago.
"He was a burly guy, a big bear of a dude," Absher recalls. "But he was an absolute sweetheart."
Friend and fellow Flint expatriate Johnnie Walker describes Robinson as "a big brother," whom he met "hanging out" at shows at The Lobby and other underground rock spaces in the '90s.
Later, Walker was a groomsman at Robinson's wedding. When Walker and his girlfriend moved to Petoskey a few years back, Robinson saw how good their lives were and decided to join them.
Robinson had a big heart, Walker notes, and it just grew bigger the sicker he got.
"He made friends with some Native Americans here. He'd sit there and have them sing songs and tell them what they were about," says Walker, who is organizing tonight's Flint memorial. "He was trying to learn. He knew his time was coming. He made sure he told me he loved me."
Music used to be a "fun thing" for Robinson earlier, Absher observes. But as his health problems mounted - he had hip replacement surgery last year, and was due for another - the reggae-loving Robinson's growing harmonica skills late in his life suggest it took on a more serious role.
"He had recorded some songs with Michelle (that) were on his computer. They were prophetic almost," Walker says.
A college fund is being set up for Robinson's children, Devon and Sydney.

If you'd like to share your thoughts with friends, families and fans, go to:
http://www.legacy.com/Flint/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=20504733
To hear hear Corey Robinson's Rasta chanting on "Downpressor" go to:
www.myspace.com/albadoremusic