D-Sisive – When We Die We Die Together
Directed by Davin Black for 235films. Produced in co-operation with MuchFACT, A foundation to assist Canada Talent.
From the album: D-Sisive | Jonestown 3.The Dream Is Over
Produced by Muneshine
D-Sisive | Knoblich|The Complete ’08 Comeback Special:
2008.
I awoke from a deep hibernation. Asleep for close to seven years. A sink full of dirty dishes and the Beach Boys masterpiece, Pet Sounds, successfully played the role of alarm clock. I was switched on. Ignoring the morning breath and bed sores, I ran with a creative explosion that would reign the next 5 years of my life.
I abandoned what I refer to as my Laundry Room period, but could never forget it, as I would spend half of a decade documenting it.
The words poured out of me. I couldn’t turn the faucet off even if I wanted to. I found my voice and it was the perfect time to say something with it.
Let The Children Die was to be my debut. Urbnet, my record label, wanted to release something right away. Something to wet appetites. Something to remind people I was still alive. We rushed out an EP. The BOOK [Ballad Of Orville Knoblich]. I had already released a re-working of the Iggy Pop classic, The Idiot, telling the story of a relationship between a man and his prostitute love. The Idiot:Hijacked fell on deaf ears. Understandable, since I hadn’t released music in so long. I hoped The BOOK wouldn’t suffer the same fate.
Fortunately, it didn’t. It laid the foundation for what would result in seven critically acclaimed albums over the course of five years, and a platform for my voice and I. It also gave me my first Juno Award Nomination for Best Rap Recording in 2009. This was also the year I developed my addiction to releasing new music.
In November of 2008, I decided to release a mixtape of features, selections from The Idiot:Hijacked and The BOOK, as well as songs that were recorded for the EP, but didn’t make the cut. On January 1st [2009], with help from the incredible DJ Grouch, we released Knoblich|The Complete ’08 Comeback Special [a play on the legendary 1968 Elvis Presley television special].
In May of this year, The BOOK will celebrate its fifth birthday. I feel it’s the perfect time to re-release this time capsule of a moment that defined the artist I am today. And the perfect time to admit I have a thing for Elvis-themed mixtapes.
Also, feel free to pay what you can for this, if you can. I’ve given away a lot of free music. With this one, the option to pay is there if you feel the need to. ☺
“He’s cool, but his old shit is better.”
Sleep tight.
derek.
D-Sisive | Jonestown 3.The Dream Is Over [FREE Download]
Album Producer: Muneshine
Music has never been my therapy.
Maybe it’s because my past tragedies are the foundation for most of my work, but I’ve never been able to relate to an artist who credits his|her music as therapeutic. I’ve always had to dig. Time travel. Back to memories I wished I’d never remember again. Fortunately, and unfortunately, that’s never the case. We can suppress them. Pack them away in Tupperware. But they always come back. In dreams. The shower. During movies or songs. Smells. Meals. Something always seems to trigger them when you least expect it. This is why creating, intentionally fishing, could never be therapeutic for me.
Banana Bread [a song on Jonestown 3] was inspired by a fan’s letter telling me she asked her grandmother to pray for me. The opening lines brought me to an afternoon I spent with my father. He was telling me about the day my grandmother, his mother, died, and how he morbidly felt satisfaction. I felt sickened, and let him know. He told me ‘don’t make judgment calls on what you haven’t lived.’ I never took into consideration what he was put through. My grandmother was an alcoholic of the worst kind. She was also the most beautiful person when sober. But that’s always the case.
Writing about that story reminded me of what I went through with my father, who also eventually died because of alcoholism. History repeated itself. I didn’t experience a tenth of what he did. He was distant, but wasn’t abusive. He always made sure I was taken care of, but was selfish with his self-abuse. That’s what I had to deal with. Revisiting this was far from therapeutic. Nothing was lifted off my chest. In fact it made me feel worse. But I believe this is necessary for my art.
“Some people must go to extremes to get the world in balance for themselves. Some can’t bear bright lights, so wherever they go they search for the dark; they turn the lights down, anything to sustain some level of comfort.” -Julian Schnabel
This has always been my process. And always will. If you want to dance, listen to the radio. Escape. We all need to dance at some point in our lives. Even I’ve done the Lambada once or twice, as horrifying as that is to imagine. But we also need to come back down. And I’m fortunate enough to say I’ve been there waiting for you when you landed.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
And here she is…
D-Sisive – Don’t Turn The Lights Out (feat. Neverending White Lights)
- Latest video/single from the album “Run With The Creeps (TheD-LuxeEdition)”
- Video produced in co-operation with MuchFACT, A foundation to assist Canada Talent.
- Directed by RT for The NE.
- D-Sisive is releasing his latest mixtape “Jonestown 3″ on November 18th.
- Release event on November 17th at The Rivoli in Toronto on November 17
D-Sisive – Run With The Creeps (TheD-LuxeEdition) by URBNET
D-Sisive | WhenWeDieWeDieTogether [New Single | Jonestown 3]
Between 2005-2007, while crawling through my ‘laundry room’ period, I found myself spending a lot of time with Rufus Wainwright’s music. I was late in discovering his music, but a viewing of the Cigarettes & Chocolate Milk video on MuchMoreMusic had me hooked. I bought every cd he had released up to that point.
‘Want One’ had a major impact on my life. ‘Oh, What A World’ especially. The delivery of that song was unlike anything I’d heard. I was obsessed. I’d stand in front of my speakers and close my eyes, like Tom Hanks’ character in Philadelphia, and would conduct the orchestra. I knew every lyric. Every note. I would later reference the song on my own, Laundry Room. Listening to Rufus Wainwright gave me something to look forward to. Sharing a flight in Australia with him, and cornering him in the Sydney luggage pick up to find out he was a kind person, would only heighten my obsession. I can sincerely say he helped me through shitty times.
Years later, cleaned up and actively creating music, I was promoting my album, Vaudeville, on Q with Jian Ghomeshi. While getting ready to leave, I overheard one of the producers say Wainwright was going to be a guest the following week. I begged him to let me come in to watch. I promised I would behave and sit quietly on the sofa, trying my hardest to not be a creep. I was granted permission.
Like a 14 year old New Kids On The Block fan, I wrote him a letter. I explained what I was going through and how much his music helped me fight through it. I let him know about the lyric reference and taped the letter to the jewel case of my first release, The BOOK. I placed the letter and cd in a small gift bag and made my way to the CBC studios.
On the subway I imagined the best case scenario. Rufus would reply to my letter. Touched. He would also be blown away by my music. So much so that he would invite me into the studio to record a verse for him. That would lead to us clicking. Undeniable chemistry. A friendship that would eventually lead to me and my girlfriend joining him and his husband in New York. We’d do some recording. Plan our upcoming tour together. But that was a small part of the friendship. It felt real. I was anticipating it.
I arrived minutes before him. He walked in with his publicist and another assistant. He was obviously tired. I was nervous. I kept my promise and sat quiet. Near the end of his interview, unable to find the airport courage I had in Australia, I struck up a conversation with his publicist, instead of speaking with him directly. She had a slight attitude. Annoyed. Looking back, I don’t blame her. She promised to give Rufus the cd. He walked out of the interview and out of the studio, and just like that, he was gone.
Days went by. No contact. Years. Nothing. And here we are today. Still having a teenager’s dream in my thirties. Not far from the one’s I would have in my teens, at fantasy Circle concerts that were less a member and Kardinal, Saukrates and Choclair needed a replacement. There I was in the crowd. Every lyric memorized. Ready to go. Invited on stage. “Sure, Kardi! I’ll join your group! Call you Jason? Sure thing, Jason!” High five!
Everyone wakes up from their dreams. Most never materialize. But they sure do feel real when you’re having them. There’s still time for us yet, Rufus.
The Muneshine produced, WhenWeDieWeDieTogether, is the first release from my newest album, Jonestown 3:The Dream Is Over [released: November.18.2012].
[D-Sisive] ..If Everyday Was Halloween | A Short Film Inspired By Asian Elvis
This was all a coincidence.
One amazing coincidence.
Asian Elvis was recorded, waiting for its release. I was reminded of an annual festival that takes place in Collingwood, Ontario, a 2 hour drive from my home in Toronto. Elvis Fest! I had to go. It was important for me to spend a day taking in the surreal fandom of Elvis Presley. My obsession was sky high, spending over a month watching documentaries and youtube videos on the King, getting my mind prepared for the writing of the new record.
This would be the perfect closing celebration.
Dan Jardine, who I’ve worked with in the past, brought along his camera. You never know what kind of funny shit we’ll see. We went beyond funny. Weird. Surreal. Strange. Romantic. Emotional. It was a heavy day and fortunately, Dan captured it all.
I’m just as proud to present this documentary as the actual mixtape itself. I can’t thank Dan enough. He’s an amazing talent and I’m fortunate to be aligned with such a great artist.
I hope you like this.
<3
Derek
.
Special Thanks: Collingwood, On. Elvis Festival. Lucio De Rose. Melanie Moore. Elliott Smith. Clams Casino. Low. Elvis Aaron Presley.
.
D-Sisive.
D-Sisive | Asian Elvis [The Mixtape] | FREE Download!
Well, whaddaya know! New music from D-Sisive. We haven’t heard new music from him since the early eighties. When Bruce Cockburn way the Mayor of Moosejaw. Pre-Tom Cochrane’s burning barbwire tattoo, wrapped around his left thigh. Around the time “Stomping” Tom Connors placed 5th in the Cape Breton 5k National.
The good ol’ days.
It’s been over two decades since we’ve heard his nasally high-pitched tone. The wait is over. He’s back! He meaning I. I’m him, writing this thing because my hired press release writer ran off with my $700 e mail money transfer. I think he was one of the guys in Too Bad To Be True [TBTBT]. Remember them? They had a video where they built a boat.
I wanted a real press release for this one. One where I exaggerate my achievements. Mention my awards/nominations. Use adjectives like ‘ground breaking’, ‘long awaited’ and ‘smash hit’. But that would be lying and those press releases are kinda shit. Plus, nobody really reads them anyways.
So here I am.
Asian Elvis.
Back to my kleptomaniac ways. Stealing everything I can find. I wanted to rap over some of my favourite songs. So I did. Now I play the waiting game. Not for success, but for the next 10 million dollar lawsuit. I know Mac Miller’s lawyer, so I’ll be in good hands. Did I mention I’m a lawyer [name] dropper? Swag!
On this one I write about being depressed, hating the music scene, drugs, being better than everyone and French people over music by Beirut, Elliott Smith, Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, Sonic Youth, A$ap Rocky, MGK, Cage, The Beatnuts, House Shoes, Danny Brown and Aloe Blacc.
I also have one original song, One [desolate], produced by Muneshine [who also joins me on a song], which is pretty heavy. I wanted to add a few bonuses as well. My MCA tribute, Adam, and another original, Victory Parade, which I released around my Juno Nomination announcement.
I’m really proud of this one.
So, if you have a blog and like this record, please post it. This is my only attempt at marketing. If you know someone with a blog, let them know. If you know any of the above artists’ lawyers, keep this far away from them. If you see a boat with TBTBT spray painted on the side, please make a citizens arrest.
Hope you like it.
<3
Derek
D-Sisive | Suicide Heaven …from Asian Elvis
nobody likes coldplay.
that’s all i gots.
hope you like.
<3 Derek
The Antiheroes – The Rebels (Listen Up) Featuring D-Sisive
“You know those cliche rap videos? This isn’t one of them.” -The Antiheroes
“If this doesn’t blow up I…I don’t even know.” -D-Sisive
“Definitely some innovative shit.” -Rich Kidd
The video is directed by Briin “Briin?” Bernstein and Daniel AM
Rosenberg and is one of the most cutting edge and craziest hip hop
videos you’re going to see all year. It is produced by Jason Kennedy
and Briin “Briin?” Bernstein for The Artcraft Zoo.
D-Sisive | Behind The Graceland Gates
It’s 7:30am and I’m sick.
I can’t remember which order the two lines above go in. Press Release first, or second. I hope I chose correctly. The last thing I want is to ruin this thing by choosing the incorrect order. They have to be on separate lines. Never on the same. It wouldn’t look business enough if they were. Official business. Is that why we call these things Official Press Releases? Do journalists receive UNofficial press releases from worms trying to break into the biz? It’s important you know know what press releases are authorized or not. I once watched an UNauthorized documentary of Morrissey and it sucked shit!
What I’m sending you is an AUTHORIZED documentary. 4 minutes long. The making of a song off my new mixtape, Asian Elvis. I’m in it, therefore it’s fully authorized. Official, like this Press Release. If you come across any UNofficial documentaries about myself, please, let me know asap! I don’t want you watching anything that sucks shit. I hope you don’t think this video does. 
It was directed by Daniel Jardine. He’s incredibly talented.
Also, I wrote For Immediate Release. Please, don’t throw this in the “I’ll release this later” pile if you have a blog, or music news thingy. That is, if you choose to post it. It would be awesome if you do.
I hope you’re feeling better than I am.
I hope you like this video.
<3 Derek
D-Sisive – The Busker
The circus has left town. I’m home, with nothing but memories. Some will stick forever. Others, I hope will disappear. The circus was fun. We all prefer a certain ring over the others, but we always make the best out of our least favorites.
The lion tamers were daring. The trapeze artists were beautiful. The clowns? Well, they were just clowns. Squeezing into their Volkswagens and driving anywhere they could get attention. Always laughed at. They invite the laughter. They believe the laughter is what keeps the wheels spinning. Nobody wants to pose for photos with the sword swallower, but the sword swallowers are never laughed at. Nobody wants the signature of the flame swallower, but the flame swallower is never mocked. Their lives are risked, but they can never be the face. The clowns on the other hand…They’re the stars! Shining bright. Painted red smiles over their chapped lips and yellow teeth. They’re easily accessible. Not everyone can lick fire. But everyone can giggle and somersault.
The Greatest Show On Earth!
I’m home. With a brand new sword. The Busker. A song produced by Techtwelve, and a video directed by Dan Jardine.
On April tenth I will release a deluxe edition of my most recent LP, Run With The Creeps. 6 new songs. And extended version of The Stranded. A cover of Dee Dee Ramone’s Funky Man, as well as an unexpected/powerful collaboration with Neverending White Lights. Along with the four songs are 4 tape recorder demos recorded in 2008. Brian Wilson recorded minutes after the most important dish washing session of my life. The demos truly represent the beginning, fitting perfectly with Run With The Creeps’ closing chapter.
If you order now, you will immediately receive a copy of The Busker.
Hope you like.
Derek
@dsisive
A Letter From D-Sisive
I’m the happiest boy in the world!
Tuesday morning I was given a wonderful present. The Juno Award Nominations were announced and I was fortunate to get my third. Best Rap Recording for Jonestown 2: Jimmy Go Bye Bye.
I spent the day in celebration mode. Congratulation texts/e-mails. Sneaky Dees. Heroin. Disco dancing. Bar room brawling. Giving my self stitches, fixing up my gash courtesy of Bruce Cockburn’s butterfly knife…
*advice. never pronounce his surname the way it’s spelt. he doesn’t find it funny. ask my scar.*
…and that was the day. The night was spent with the posse in the studio, creating a few presents for my faithful supporters. Presents in the form of song. Wonderful song. Glorious song. Two song. Songs. Whatever. Victory Parade and Ghetto Bastard [NaughtyByNature:Hijacked], both produced by Muneshine, were written, recorded and mixed in one night. Well, I didn’t write Ghetto Bastard. Treach did. You get what I’m talking about!
Victory Parade is straight monster. As the kids say…I went in! And maybe there’s a little clue in the last line. Clue for what? Find out!
Ghetto Bastard is one of my favourite songs of all time. Naughty By Nature is one of my favourite groups. They’re also the reason I wear my pants the way I do. “Hey! Derek pooped his pants!” Or… “You should buy a belt!” Idiot. I’m wearing a belt. How else would they sag so perfectly, goof? All pants aside, recording this song brought me back to my bedroom mirror. Hat on backwards, rapping into my brush. I couldn’t keep up. Twenty years later, I still can’t. Hence the slower beat. Treach…This one’s for you!! Why stop there? Why get two gifts when you can have three? I’m proud to present my newest rap music video for The Invisible Man, featured on my newest album, Run With The Creeps. The video was directed by Alex Colthart for Raw Footage. It’s D-Sisive in raw, performance mode. I even sweat a little. It was warm in the boiler room!
And if you’ve go nothing to do, head over to http://www.derekchristoff.com and check out my new Podcast, The Unknown.
Listen. Watch. Love. Hopefully in April I’ll have a new trophy for my china cabinet. Of course I have a china cabinet. Where else would I put my china?
Kisses,
D
Derek Christoff|The Unknown|EpisodeOne
Hopefully you don’t hate it.
It’s my new radio show! Well, it’s my only radio show. In fact, it’s not on the radio, so, it’s not really a radio show at all. A podcast? I like saying Radio Show more. Tarzan Dan never had a podcast. So…It’s a radio show. My Radio Show!
The Unknown.
I called my radio show The Unknown because I plan to tell you shit that’s unknown to you. Originally, it was going to be an hour of my favourite songs. But after a conversation with Orin Isaacs, who’s producing the show, we came up with something a bit better. I realized there’s already one Ryan Seacrest. And he’s gorgeous. Why try to step on his toes? I’d rather step on my own toes.
Each episode will feature two songs. Two songs by two artists that inspire me. Along with those songs, I tell the story of said inspiration. That, and lots of laser sounds! Radio is full of laser sounds!
I’m nervous about it. Excited. Nervous excitement! You have no idea how hard it is to read out loud. Not an easy task. I can rap for long periods of time. With ease. But reciting from a notebook page? Hard as fu*k! I hope you don’t think it sucks!
NobodyWithANotepad.com Link:
Derek Christoff|The Unknown|EpisodeOne by DerekChristoff
D-Sisive – Run With The Creeps
Album Street Date // Digital – Nov 15, CD – Nov. 29.
D-Sisive is on tour in Ontario this month.
Album features Birdapres, Cadence Weapon, Motem, Muneshine, Adam Bomb, Fresco P & Jay Malinowski.
D-Sisive – GG Allin
100 compliments can be presented to you, but that 1 insult has the power to completely ruin your day.
Two bloggers earned that small victory against me a few months ago. When critiquing my last album, Jonestown 2, explaining why my music shouldn’t walk amongst the artists eventually short-listed for the Polaris Music Prize, they succeeded in throwing me off slightly with their jabs.
One called my writing ‘uninspired’ and ‘lazy’. Said I relied solely on pop culture references and humor. There was no substance in my verses. He made me feel like an episode of the Family Guy.
The other called my writing ‘juvenile’. He was annoyed by the excessive foul language I used and felt my writing belonged in the hallways of a high school. Not out of the mouth of a 31 year old. He made me feel like Andrew Dice Clay.
Seth McFarlane is one of the highest earning writers for television. The Dice Man once sold out Madison Square Garden, selling millions of records in the comedy genre. Regardless, I’m neither of those.
A handful of fans came to my defense, causing me to feel proud with a pinch of embarrassment. One of the bloggers took back a few of the jabs and said he’d check out my other music. I respect that. The other was…well, I didn’t follow up. Probably twisting the whiskers of his beard, listening to an ambient record while writing another letter to a television network.
My new single, well…My first single from Run With The Creeps, GG Allin, is dedicated to them. Dedicated to, not inspired by. Dedicated to those who don’t get what I’m trying to do. Not everybody will. Not everybody should. Not everybody will like it, and I understand that. I’ve been faced with much worse than those two bloggers. The scars and bruises in the video represent something.
Apologies for not using the radio edit in the video.
My album release date has been pushed back one week. November 8th. One Week…Like that time Pacey Witter from Dawson’s Creek and I rode our motorcycles around Canada because he had cancer.
Pacy: We must have made a wrong turn. We’re in New York! Derek: New York? Pacy: Yeah, the Big Apple! Derek: No. This is an apple pie shop off of the 401, you fucking idiot! Ohhhhhhhhh! (flicks cigarette at Pacey)
FART NOISE!!
…He’s a Family Guuuuuuuuuuuuuy!
Continue cheerleading for the safety nets.
Derek
D-Sisive – GG Allin by urbnet
The Antiheroes (Flex x Sha Prince) – The Rebels..Listen Up (Featuring D-Sisive)
New Leak off the Antiheroes (Flex x Sha Prince) upcoming album “This Is FreeDUMB” dropping Sept 23rd on iTunes and all other Digital outlets.
Download Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?x9rmcb32air4phb
Deezuz releases “Aleister Crowley”, 3rd video from AMMMO album
Deezuz feat. D-sisive – Aleister Crowley (produced/directed by Stuey Kubrick)
D-Sisive – Graffiti Wall (Deadmau5:Hijacked)
“(City name)! Make some noise if you’re with me!”
Groans. Laughs. Blank stares. Heckles.
They were not with me, and I shouldn’t have been with them.
I knew the show was going to be a challenge the moment I entered the venue for sound check. This was not the type of venue I’m used to. The floors were swept. The glasses were clean. The air was fresh. This place was classy.
The strobe lights. The dress pants. The perfectly trimmed facial hair. The smoke machine. The females. These people were not here to listen to my suicide anthems. They were here to party. To drink. To dance. I couldn’t provide the soundtrack.
I performed Laundry Room with a forced enthusiasm, but felt nauseous.
Golf claps followed every song. It wasn’t until I announced my final one that I was met with an eruption of applause. Applause, not for the opening notes of West Coast. Applause for me to hurry up and get the fuck off stage. I wanted off as badly as they wanted me off.
I thanked the audience. They thanked me for leaving. I weaved through the patrons, staring at my shoes. Embarrassed. About to vomit. A hand touched my chest.
“Bro. That shit was tight. Lyrics, bro. Lyrics.”
I thanked him.
“Bro. The problem is nobody here gives a fuck about lyrics. They wanna dance. They wanna fuck. They need beats, bro. Puff Daddy shit! Make ‘em dance.”
He was right. He spoke from the heart. The heart hiding behind the silver dragon roaring across the chest of his Ed Hardy t-shirt.
I had to make them dance. But to make them dance, I had to trap the mau5.
It was time to hijack!
D-Sisive – Graffiti Wall (Deadmau5:Hijacked) by urbnet
Sweatshop Union – ‘The Bill Murray’ (EP)
March 1st marked the release of Sweatshop Unions’ most ambitious record to date, The Bill Murray EP. There’s nothing else like it. Bill says so. The experimental concept album is best described as a runaway mushroom trip through the cosmos. Call it outer space jukebox music.
Released on Urbnet Records The Bill Murray EP features guest appearances from D-Sisive and production from Sweatshop and Rob The Viking. Hands down the Billest.
D-Sisive releases new album Jonestown 2: Jimmy Go Bye Bye
Hello friends.
My new album, Jonestown 2.Jimmy Go Bye Bye, is finally here. It’s the album I’ve always wanted to make. Instead of contrived quotes and a list of the past years achievements, I’d rather thank the people who helped make this album the masterpiece that it is. I apologize for using such an arrogant adjective, but that’s how I feel about this LP, therefore I retract my apology. 
If it weren’t for Muneshine, Darryl & Janusz (Urbnet), Timbuktu, Ghettosocks, Norman Krates, Adam Bomb, Lil’ Jaz and Pink Eyes, Jonestown 2 would not be. Two failed release dates and a number of re-writes were the results of insecurity, developed from the response received from my last LP, Vaudeville. It held me back from releasing this project. I felt I lost it.
Then I wrote ‘If I Live To See Tomorrow’. The single that brought everyone back that I lost with Vaudeville. Muneshine and I hit the studio, and the people I mentioned above bent over backwards to help me create this record.
This isn’t much of a press release. It also isn’t a reach for pity.
“Take Jonestown, take it all…Take my catalogue, I don’t want your cash : Just listen to the songs..That’s all I ask : I’m tired of writing for the walls…” -If I Live To See Tomorrow
I hope you likey.
Derek
Pigeon Hole ft. D-Sisive “Light Show”
The video is directed by Stuey Kubrick and was shot in the basement of the Astoria on the downtown east side of Vancouver. There are cameos by Moka Only, Sweatshop Union, Birdapres & more.