Sikadime

“Try and speak ‘bout Niagara without mentioning me/ I wear the title of Ambassador, nobody disagrees,”-(Show Them What U Got). Sikadime had rapped that line with so much confidence for his 2006 indie album Rejuvenated not knowing what would lay ahead.

Four years later, Sikadime is back with a new album “Carpe Noctem” to be released October 2010 on Cypress Hill affiliate label Latin Thug Records and management from Drake’s Young Money label. After spending most of 2009 and 2010 performing gearing up for the release, it is no surprise why Sikadime is becoming your favourite rapper’s favourite emcee/producer.

Starting from scratch for Sikadime was a mild shock for people when he went out on his “I’m A Nobody Tour”. The tour consisted of anything and everything from house parties to small venues and even going stateside for 3 dates in New York City. Careful eyes of the industry kept an eye on the 26 year old from Welland, Ontario. What was he capable of doing next?

Aside from sharing mic duties with artists such as B-Real of Cypress Hill, Mellow Man Ace, Dan-e-o and more, Sikadime’s production has been highly sought out for his soulful hard hitting anthem blend production for multi-platinum Canadian artists such as Tru-Paz to Canada’s favourite lyricist Dan-e-o.

Websites:
www.sikadime.com - Pain TV

Since we have this great device called a computer, many rappers and people in the industry today have dedicated themselves to creating their own tracks by using software, ending up giving us a type of music that isn’t really “natural,” or original, but rather, obviously manufactured, right? However, other groups and artists decide to create their sound doing it in another form, playing instruments on their own or with a band, creating unforgettable and/or really entertaining melodies.

Holy S *** t, It’s A Free EP by Canadian rapper Sikadime is proof of what he spoke up, in both cases. The album starts immediately with “Good Times” sounding good old school in more ways than one. The drums and what it seems to be a trumpet has a kind of Bill Crosby sound mixed with some 80s and 90s hip hop. It has a simple rhythm but can make you dance and sing along.

“Where I’ll End Up” continues with this vibe. Again the bass, drums and trumpet come together to create something very catchy and entertaining. This is joined by the effects and rap that could compete with the greats of this genre.

“Between The Moon & NYC” has some childish voices that add some elements of innocence to the track, as if it were a nursery rhyme. Again we have a tribute to the Big Apple.

“The Essence” on the other hand is the opposite of what we have heard so far. It has several ingredients including a little gangster vibe in it. Snoring and piano elements and the drum… it is simple but with enough energy to hook you up.

In conclusion, we see the other spectrum of this diverse genre taken from soul and gospel. Unlike the electronic sound of our times, Sikadime’s latest EP is pure old school in its finest. The production is well done too. - Vents Magazine

Since we have this great device called a computer, many rappers and people in the industry today have dedicated themselves to creating their own tracks by using software, ending up giving us a type of music that isn’t really “natural,” or original, but rather, obviously manufactured, right? However, other groups and artists decide to create their sound doing it in another form, playing instruments on their own or with a band, creating unforgettable and/or really entertaining melodies.

Holy S *** t, It’s A Free EP by Canadian rapper Sikadime is proof of what he spoke up, in both cases. The album starts immediately with “Good Times” sounding good old school in more ways than one. The drums and what it seems to be a trumpet has a kind of Bill Crosby sound mixed with some 80s and 90s hip hop. It has a simple rhythm but can make you dance and sing along.

“Where I’ll End Up” continues with this vibe. Again the bass, drums and trumpet come together to create something very catchy and entertaining. This is joined by the effects and rap that could compete with the greats of this genre.

“Between The Moon & NYC” has some childish voices that add some elements of innocence to the track, as if it were a nursery rhyme. Again we have a tribute to the Big Apple.

“The Essence” on the other hand is the opposite of what we have heard so far. It has several ingredients including a little gangster vibe in it. Snoring and piano elements and the drum… it is simple but with enough energy to hook you up.

In conclusion, we see the other spectrum of this diverse genre taken from soul and gospel. Unlike the electronic sound of our times, Sikadime’s latest EP is pure old school in its finest. The production is well done too. - Vents Magazine

Who’s Sikadime?

Just a dude from Canada with a notepad, a mic and ambition. Pretty much a big fun loving enjoying life kinda guy that makes dope albums. Everytime I get asked this question, I feel like I gotta dig deep down and soul search lol.



How did you get started in the music scene?

I started very young, released my 1st cassette album when I was 10 years old. Started producing music on a RadioShack drum machine, Casio Keyboard and a Tacam 244 4-track recorder when I was 8 or 9. Learned piano from a neighbor when I was 7.



What’s the story behind your stage name?

Sikadime came about when I fumbled over words in a rhyme “sick of dimes in my pocket” and out came Sikadime. Was writing it back then as Sika 10 because I later learned “Sika” is “little deer” in Japanese. So pretty much it’s a unique name. Anybody can be mc this and Lil this but to have a unique nickname that has become a recognized stage name-that’s pretty awesome.



What are your music influences?
I grew up on Motown like anyone else, but I’m a big Prince fan. A lot soul records my parents have or had because I inherited them but also a lot of hip hop too. My pops was in the Navy so my dad’s military buddy’s would be bumpin Ice-T, Cypress Hill, House of Pain and my mother was more East Coast with LL Cool J, Heavy D.



What’s the message you are looking to spread with your music?

Plain and simple: dope rhymes, dope beats = dope album. I come from a social worker background so I dabble on social stuff but not too much because really everything had been done or said, why repeat it? I was once was told I rap about everyday regular joe schmo stuff that a regular dude can relate to from friends, heartbreak to family, my success to my failures ,fears, love, working a job to wanting to achieve more out of life. Just real everyday stuff.



Rewind. You have been working on this record for 4 years! How it has been the writing and recording process? How you came out with the album’s title? Any official release date in mind?
Ayatollah and I came together on my Carpe Noctem album, he produced a joint called “Walk With Me” and that was in 2008. He has one of my albums & was like “Sika, we need to do a full album, your voice, my beats”. It was around the time I started to get some shine, the older heads in the game noticing me and it was like “ok I’m down, let’s do this”. and the title Rewind came about on phone call.

The writing process has been long because I dropped other albums in between there, went back to college and got my diploma, went on a couple tours, pulled this way and that way, writer’s block -ya know and Ayatollah moved and had his things going on. The recording process has been at various spots and we are going to wrap up the final touches for both the documentary and album out west.

We are still in talks about when an official release date will be in 2013 but it won’t be too far down the road.



What’s your method at the time of writing a song?

I really don’t have one. One day I’ll be thinking of rhymes, do a little freestyle with nobody around and say shit, I wish I wrote that down. Then some days I hear the beat and think of the chorus first. Then there are days where I write 4 lines down and never come back to it until a month later.





What has been one of the funniest moments you have been or took part while touring?
There has been so many. I got stories with LAX Airport Security to having my crew leave me all alone to walk around Manhattan back to my hotel room but on the walk, I ran into celebrities and a movie set, so the joke backfired on them because they missed out on cool experiences. On the road, I meet a lot interesting folks. Coolest moment still is having the guy who played “Leatherface” in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies give me a shout out and props.



Are there any plans for the future we should be aware of?
Yes, I have an ep to finish from my homie Jeff Spec. Going to revisit my group Bad Luck Club with Jay Plot for some tracks. Definitely Rewind is the main focus right now, especially the guest appearances.



Where can we find more about your music?

iTunes and other digital stores, at my website www.sikadime.com I have a free downloads section or cop physical albums from me at shows.



Do you feel like you’re moving on the right direction?

As my dude Choclair said “Made to move mountains”. I feel I’m getting there. It has been a long road to travel but I hope the fans don’t mind that I did some sightseeing on the way. - Vents Magazine

Location: Welland, Ont.
Further Reading: www.sikadime.com

About the nominated track/album:
Honestly, I can't remember which track I submitted because it was around the time I was doing promo for when my new album They Missing Out When They Not Here came out.

The process was cool because like other independent artists I use all means, like SonicBids, for example. I was living and working in Toronto at the time and saw the posting about the TIMAs.

The album They Missing Out When They Not Here means just that! I finally let go of all the people that were negative in my life, copped the motto "good meals, good company, good sleep" and started applying it to everyday life. Now those negative people are well. . . just missing out.

I chose the album because its a coming of age with some feel good music. The singles granted me a chance with my first promotional headlining North American tour (Night of Your Life Tour) this past February/March 2012.

What makes good music?
I always say it like this: honesty, vulnerability with a big splash of feel good rhythms and lyrics that everyday folk can relate to. Think about it, everybody on the face of the planet has one song that speaks to them like it is their own personal theme music. Example: Gotye nailed it with a song like 'Somebody I Use To Know'.

Future plans:
Well, I recently got married, so my wife and I are still planning our honeymoon. I'm getting back in the studio soon to work on a new mix tape and album. Been writing a lot and looking to get back into doing shows – not full out tours like I have done, just some fun smaller crowd shows for an intimate meeting with fans.

Last words:
Big shout out to Raz Mataz Magazine for the interview and a big shout out to the Toronto Independent Music Awards. Shout out to all the nominees, I look forward to meeting all of you, network and see live performances.

Follow your dreams and all the success you can achieve small or big - Raz Mataz Magazine

Welland, ON’s Sikadime isn’t your typical hip- hop artist. The 27-year-old has been releasing music independently and through various record labels for the past seven years. In that time he’s released 12 solo albums of his tweaked version of ‘90s west coast hip hop and toured through Canada, Europe, and the United States.

While he’s yet to break through into the mainstream, he’s received plenty of recognition from those within the hip-hop industry, including members of Cypress Hill (he contributed a verse on “Ride Out” from the group’s co-vocalist B-Real) and Sweatshop Union. He’s also won a number of awards and has shared the stage with Choclair, D12, Maestro Fresh-Wes, Onyx, and others.

After releasing his last album, Chronicles Of Eli Razar, Sikadime moved to California in an effort to get more exposure. While we’ll have to wait to see if that pays off, there’s always his dozen other albums to spin in the meantime. - Canadian Musician Magazine

Welland, ON’s Sikadime isn’t your typical hip- hop artist. The 27-year-old has been releasing music independently and through various record labels for the past seven years. In that time he’s released 12 solo albums of his tweaked version of ‘90s west coast hip hop and toured through Canada, Europe, and the United States.

While he’s yet to break through into the mainstream, he’s received plenty of recognition from those within the hip-hop industry, including members of Cypress Hill (he contributed a verse on “Ride Out” from the group’s co-vocalist B-Real) and Sweatshop Union. He’s also won a number of awards and has shared the stage with Choclair, D12, Maestro Fresh-Wes, Onyx, and others.

After releasing his last album, Chronicles Of Eli Razar, Sikadime moved to California in an effort to get more exposure. While we’ll have to wait to see if that pays off, there’s always his dozen other albums to spin in the meantime. - Canadian Musician Magazine

Two decades after blowing up with Cypress Hill, B-Real is still going strong. On The Harvest, Vol. 1, the veteran MC shares the microphone with an extended crew of up-and-coming artists. Though they are pretty much complete unknowns, most of them impress with razor sharp flows and concise, streetwise lyricism. Three of them hail from Cali, but the majority represent distant locales from all around the globe, including Japan, Spain, Pakistan, Australia, France, Italy, Brazil, and the Netherlands. Production comes from the Audio Hustlaz, who cook up some truly nasty beats, full of nicely chopped samples and perpetually rugged drums. B-Real's trademark nasal steez still sounds great, and the young rappers all come correct. Highlights include "Ride Out" with Sikadime, "Streets Wanna Know" featuring Yama, and "We On It" starring the Lost Angels Crew. It's a rock solid mix from a true legend, and an excellent forum for twenty game-spitters on the come up. - iTunes

Sikadime is a bright and hard-working hip-hop artist originally from British Columbia. He now finds his home in the Niagara Region of Ontario. He began rapping and writing his own lyrics back in 1992 as a way to communicate and connect with people and make friends. He moved from place to place quite a few times and being the new kid at school wasn’t easy. Hip-hop became a natural outlet for him. Some of Sikadime’s influences include Naughty By Nature, Cypress Hill, House Of Pain, Mellow Man Ace, Choclair, Heavy D & The Boyz, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.

Over the years that Sikadime has been performing, he has had some memorable shows with acts such as D12. The night he opened for them a number of young ladies joined him onstage and danced with him as the beats pulsated throughout the venue. Sikadime said of that experience, “I like people being on stage with me because it’s a chance to let the fans get to see what I see and experience my ultimate high-I can't explain it.”


Sikadime’s proudest moment so far is getting recognition in the form of a gold plaque. He was recently rewarded the honour to commemorate the sale of more than 5,000 copies of the single “Rejuvenated” from the album of the same name. Some advice from Sikadime for those looking to get started in the hip-hop music business is, “Get your education first, be open to learning, get to know some legal, be prepared to work and I mean work hard if you want it.” Working hard is something Sikadime does best.

He has had many accomplishments over his 15-plus year career including being signed to Latin Thug Records in 2007 and producing/appearing/recording over 30 albums so far. Over the past year he was featured on B-Real’s album “The Harvest” on a song called “Ride Out” and has released his own albums called “Carpe Noctem” and “NUMB3R5.” In the future, Sikadime would like to work with Insane Clown Posse because he says, “The juggalo family was crazy love shown to me this past Halloween at the Bank Lounge in Niagara Falls with So Sick Social Club and J. Reno and with me producing the theme song for the horrorcore movie "The Musick" this past year, definitely would say ICP.”

Last on Sikadime’s list of achievements is to win a Juno award. He has submitted his work for the 2011 awards ceremony and has received news that he will be a judge for the upcoming awards. As of right now, Sikadime is busy promoting his latest releases and will be in Europe early 2011 for the “Seize the Night” tour. For tour dates, news and more information on the hip-hop artist Sikadime, check out www.sikadime.com or www.myspace.com/sikadime - Becky Arscott

Peace Magazine got in touch with me after my European January tour and talked a bit about the new album NUMB3R5 - Peace Magazine 2011

By Lyndsay Brown

Sikadime Has been on his hustle since elementary school and feels he has been the most slept on rapper. He has traveled around from Toronto, Niagara Falls, and L.A. His group got signed to “Death Row Underground a subsidiary of Death Row Records” (explained in his myspace bio) for only a short time. At the moment he is in Niagara Falls and a runner up for 6 nominations at the Niagara Music Awards! Constantly on the move he came to Toronto to tell us about his nominations, read on and find out who is getting greedy…

How does it feel to be nominated for 6 awards?

Feels good; finally some recognition. Shamon and Dan-e-o were featured on “Strong Hold” (2007 single) , one of the tracks that is up for a nomination. I look up to those guys like role models. It's an honor to be nominated on a track with them.

How did you get nominated for the awards (votes, hits, requests)?

- I did 6 admissions; this year is gonna be like the Juno’s
- Rogers is sponsoring it, and I met with the committee
- Online voting for the Peoples Choice Award

Have you had any nominations before?

-No…lol if it counts…I got an “ Outstanding Student Award” in elementary school; me and a few guys wanted to get out of doing a performance, by doing a Christmas rap (we didn’t think that the teachers would like “rap” part)! The teachers ended up liking the song, so we performed it!

What do you think the secret ingredient is/ was regarding the nominations (track/ video)?

- Rejuvenated (CD) is doing good
- Ayatollah ( producer) says Rejuvenated is the realest album
- I appeal to everyone; if you like the music, you like the music. if you don’t, then you don’t!

Which award are you hoping to get: Original Song of the Year, Original Band/ Artist of the year, Album of the Year, Hip Hop Group/ Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and People’s Choice Award?

-I’m gonna be greedy and say all 6!

How has your life changed since the nominations?

-Cool feeling; it’s only the second annual, so I’m coming in on the second one! Hope I win them all. Maybe next year ill be up for ten, I don’t know.

Who else is doing their thing in Niagara Region that you know of?

-Los Tha Don, Jeanyus Studios, Team Offense, KAC Himself, Femapco, Produece, Fancy, Verbal, Hospitals, Rsonal, Moofreak, Apokalypse, and Aye Druw ect.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

-Be on the look out for Carpe Noctem a new album I’ve been working on for the past few years.

SIKADIME LINK-
www.myspace.com/sikadime

- HOOKEDUPB Online Magazine

In the hip hop circles he hangs with in L.A. and New York he's been called "the Crazy Canuck" but fans of Tristan Amison know him best as Sikadime.
The 23-year-old up-and-coming artist and producer from Welland-yest, the Rose City - has been turning lots of heads lately south of the border.
"It was slow taking off... but it's just been a whirlwind these past few weeks," he says from his Denistoun Street apartment overlooking the city's recreational waterway.
Earlier this month he was in a Los Angeles studio where he laid a track with B-Real and in the process, he says, becoming the first Canadian to be part of hip hop's Cypress Hill family which has put forth such acts as House Of Pain & Xzibit.
"Cypress Hill started the careers of a lot of people," he says. "Just being affiliated with that name is a big thing." Amison speaks not boastfully, but very humbly. Of B-Real, he says, "His guidance has made me a better artist."
Amison remains grounded. He knows first-hand the ups and the downs. His own family comes above his musical aspirations. At one point in his 12 year effort to make it big, he pushed aside his musical career to take care of his ill father at home.
It was the music collection of his father and mother that sparked Amison's interest in hip hop and influenced his style which he describes as "backpack rap with an edge."
One recording act referred to him as a cross between Kanye West and Ice Cube. "Those are big compliments when they give me that," he says, again with modesty. Amison dates his music career back to age 11 when he bought his first keyboard and a two-track recorder. He was living in Victoria B.C. at that time and it wasn't until 1998 that he settled in Niagara.
The Sikadime alias he adapted from a childhood recurrance.
Living nearby a convenience store, he always returned with a pocket full of change. Then speaking with a lisp that dropped the 's' from dimes, he would often tell his mom he was "sick of dime in my pocket."
In 2003 and at age 18, a fresh engineering and multimedia production graduate of the Institute of Recording Arts Canada, Amison with his group Tha Pacolyps signed a deal with Tha Row Underground( a subsidiary label of Death Row Records). Six months later the label folded and the bands album From Nowhere to Somewhere was shelved.
"Don't wait around for the labels. Do it yourself," he remembers soon after being told of how to go about getting his music out.
So, he went out on his own, researched the industry, tapped existing industry contacts and made new ones.
His song "What Kind Of Man Am I" recieved regular airplay on XM Satellite Radio channel 66, and caught the attention of hip hop types in New York City.
Things slowed when he returned to his ailing dad in Welland and focused on writing a full length album.
In late 2006 he released Rejuvenated, a disc with a guest appearance from Moka Only of Swollen Members fame.
His first fully independent release, Amison did all the song writing and producing, work to get it pressed at Sony Music Canada facilities and to have it distributed to CD Plus stores across Canada.
This year, nearing the successful end of his five-year plan to be signed to a label, distribute an album nationwide and make a video, Sikadime was considering another hiatus.
He made a lot of sacrifices, seen empty pockets and hotel beds across the U.S. and Canada, put his social life and closest friends on the sidelines.
Now working at the Sitel call centre in St. Catharines, he was thinking about "a regular period in my life," enrolling in Niagara College's health sciences program. "I guess whatever it is about me being the Crazy Canuck worked for me," Amison says.
With B-Real in L.A., he laid down vocals for a collaboration on his upcomin album, The Harvest.
He's pushing to get on his songs added to a video game soundtrack, a medium that has played off in big royalties and exposure for other independent artists.
"Hopefully, getting a June(Award) in 5 years" is where he sees himself down the road.
Knowing school will always be there to fall back on if necessary, he says making the wise choice for now to forgo that "regular period" of life and forge ahead with hip hop.
"You only live once, you might as well do it." - Welland Tribune(Osprey Media, Nov. 29/2007)

15 year veteran of the Canadian hip hop scene. Affiliate member of Dan-e-o’s crew Monolith. Dropping my 30th album Carpe Noctem August 17, 2010 on Sikadime Productions/IndiePool/Latin Thug Records/E1. Been signed to Sen Dog of Cypress Hill and Mellow Man Ace’s start up label Latin Thug Records for last 3 years. I have worked with on collaborations with Moka Only, Mellow Man Ace, B-Real of Cypress Hill, Metty The Dert Merchant from Sweatshop Union, Dan-e-o and many more. I’ve opened up on tour for D12, Danny Diablo & Skarhead, DJ Quik and many more. I’ve been producing tracks lately for Mulitplatinum selling Canadian Urbnet Records artist Tru-Paz on their new ep and new album coming out soon.
I also have 2 more albums in the works, one with legend producer Domingot( Big Pun, Krs-One, Kool G Rap) called “Numb3r5? and another with producer Ayatollah(Mos Def, Styles P, Cormega) called “Rewind”.
Most people call me a phantom because one moment I’m in a room with you, you turn your head and I’m not there again -I’ve been known to mostly work behind the scenes. I’m an assistant manager to Mellow Man Ace and DJ Ralph M of Funkdoobiest, tour manager for early 90's rappers such as Candyman, Ahmad and Domino.
I’m Canadian. 25 years old. Originally from Victoria B.C., live in Niagara Falls area of Ontario but also call Arleta California and Bronx NY home as well. - Peace! Magazine