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Get Ripped With Lance Herbstrong
Nothing says summer like a good old-fashioned comedy, and this summer’s box office hit is Ripped, a movie about two cannabis consumers in the ’80s who smoke some cannabis and are transported to a present-day era. Dub and mashup artists Lance Herbstrong wrote their first original song, also entitled “Ripped,” for the film, and it has boosted their popularity to new heights. CULTURE chatted with Kamal Soliman, who produces, performs live electronics and also plays percussion in the group, who talks about Ripped and the bands’ recent success.
How did you guys get started making music, and what inspired your lyrical themes?
I have been making mixtapes my whole life, and always wanted to become a DJ. I was a NYC rave kid in the ’90s and loved nothing more than to hit the dance floor to a good beat. As I found my way into live music production as a career, the DJ dream took a backseat to reality, which was fine. After my first few tours with Thievery Corporation as their tour manager, I realized they had so many great songs they didn’t play live, and I was inspired to do something with one of these tracks. I recognized that their song “Meu Destino” went well with a Manu Chao song, “Mi Vida.” I enlisted Bill Sarver to help with the mashup. After people heard the song we call “Manu Destino,” everyone flipped over it. Thievery Corporation’s record label, ESL Music, hired us to remix two more of their artists and bought the songs. At the time, we still didn’t know what this project was, so naming our band was kind of a joke.
Do you all have any touring or exciting projects in the works right now?
Pete [DiStefano, guitar] is always touring and making a living as a guitar player. Although right now he is becoming an addiction counselor to help those who struggle, as he did in a former life. He is excited and passionate about helping others, and we know he will be a tremendous source for good. I am tour managing Damian Marley full time. We’re currently finishing our African and European tour. Marley’s new album comes out in two weeks and we are eager to share the music and perform the new songs. It’s an exciting time to be working with him. Bill [Sarver, engineer, production, DJ, Ableton] has taken some time off work and we are looking to finish our fourth album before he goes back to full time employment. The release of Ripped and Bill’s new found-time are giving us the push to get busy once again.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
The three of us are all greatly affected by music, and our individual and collective tastes form the basis for what Lance Herbstrong is all about. We are a remix and mashup band that pays tribute to our favorite songs and artists. For me, I’m inspired greatly by reggae, classic rock and electronic. Pete appreciates all things, but favors classic rock, the blues, Bob Dylan and The Dead. Bill is into the heavier industrial stuff, but also appreciates classic rock and electronic. Collectively, our tastes all agree on the songs we choose. Some of the acts we all admire and appreciate are Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Manu Chao, Thievery Corporation, Jane’s Addiction, Prince, Pink Floyd and N.I.N., to name a few.
What was the inspiration for the music video, and how did you get involved with the film Ripped?
I received a text one day from Midi Soliz, who’s both a friend and badass fashion designer and wardrobe producer for film and TV. She mentioned she was working on a stoner film that wanted a band to film a scene in the movie and asked if we were interested. We definitely were. So she put us in touch with the director, Brad Epstein, and after that we were on board. Then Brad came to us and said, “I know Big Daddy Kane. We should get him on board, too.” Next thing I know, Kane and I are discussing how to best record his vocals and which mic to use—the special one from all his old hits, or something new? Of course, the old one!
How do you feel about cannabis legalization so far? Would could be done better or differently?
It’s an exciting time for legalization. It can’t be stopped, just temporarily slowed down. And all the advancements on the medical side are even more important. The world and the U.S., in particular, have a pharmaceutical problem, and it would seem that the medical marijuana and legalization campaigns can really help here. Local governments need to do a better job of insulating their own legal state’s agenda from the federal laws which are holding back the whole industry. Damian Marley is making a big push into the cannabis industry and it’s interesting to see the evolution of his own company with respect to how the business can operate legally and comply with the current laws we have in place. I think long time users of cannabis can do a better job of selling their agenda by being responsible recreational users. All eyes are on the cannabis world right now, so don’t give anyone who wants to fight our cause an excuse to point a finger and judge.
What inspired you to work cannabis into your music as a theme, and how does cannabis help your artistic expression?
Cannabis plays a big part in the creative process. I think it’s safe to say that it plays a big part in most artist’s creative process. It allows you to see or hear things from a different perspective, to find an appreciation for something you may not have recognized before, to enjoy something a bit more thoroughly. Without cannabis, I may have never found the motivation to spearhead this mission we call Lance Herbstrong. As I get older, I use it less in large crowds and more in private settings, as it really causes my mind to go off and running. Oftentimes, I prefer to be alone or with close friends when smoking it.
What is your favorite strain?
I’m not too hip on the latest strain names. It’s hard to keep up! But, I prefer strains that pick me up and give me energy.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for taking the time to speak with us. We hope you enjoy the music we’re creating!
