Jan. 8th - Weekly Artist Interview - The Hunchback Esquire

The Hunchback Esquire. A rare breed indeed.
As elusive as the Abominable Snowman, but favored by children over candy cigarettes, chewing gum, and wriggly puppies, The Hunchback's 8+ years in the game have chiseled him out a unique "dream-scapes-set-over-break-beats" sound, as well as attracted the attention of many hungry MC's looking for canvases in which to paint their many ideas and words.
Hunchy was so kind as to answer a couple questions I sent his way. Here's what's on his mind today.
Click HERE to bring up his myspace in a separate window, so you can listen to his music while you read his words.


Steige: What 2 tapes are getting the most play in your Walkman right now?
Hunchback Esquire: The 2 tapes would have to be a mix tape, and the great British guru Donovan. You know... the Hurdy Gurdy man song? (Mellow Yellow, Wear Your Love Like Heaven) And the mix tape of course is various hip hop tracks.

S: Why?
HBE: Why? They give me peace of mind.

S: What is the worst job you've done?
HBE: My worst job was definitely Starbucks. The free coffee was cool but the fast food industry is just not for a hunchback ;) It was worse than dish washing at the olive garden.

S: Say you still worked at Starbucks, how would you relax after a long day of serving coffee to chumps like me?
HBE: I like to listen to music and puff ganja to relax. I also make beats and dig for samples... oh and I like to read as well.

S: What is your most treasured possession?
HBE: My most treasured possession is my catalog of beats I made!

S: Where does the name 'Hunchback Esquire' come from?
HBE: Able Danger (Debonaire Dreamer) called me a hunchback one day when I was making beats. That was about 8 years ago. Esquire just came to mind and I thought it sounded great. You think of a hunchback as a ugly disfigured ghoul and Esquire just added class, you know? Some prestige. It just stuck and I stuck with it. It used to be just The Hunchback.

S: What is the worst thing anyone's ever said to you? Has anybody ever told you that you don't actually have a hunched-back?
HBE: The worst thing anyone has ever said to me was that I was going to die a poor, lonely old man... harsh, huh?

S: Sounds like you didn't buy her chocolate on her birthday. It also sounds like most of your stuff is sampled. Yes? Do you play any instruments besides the sampler?
HBE: Ya I can play the guitar, the piano, any mpc beat machine, the drums and a mean harmonica when i get the blues ;)

S: Everyone really enjoyed the 2 tracks you did with us for our TimeZone album, 'History', and 'Summer Kids', and you've got a couple more beats on our upcoming album, "Understanding More About Nothing Than Anybody Ever Thought Impossible". Who are some of the other artists you've been working with lately?
HBE: A few. In fact I sold a few beats to a guy who lives in my city. I also work with the Defiant Intellex, including Quest, Invarious Nature, Earthtone, Kwash, and Adgafsofu Morrow... oh and of course Tweezy.

S: Anything else you want to say?
HBE: Ya, I really enjoy working with you guys. You dudes are genuine good souls and I'm blessed to have you guys rip on my beats. It's been a pleasure so far, I just hope my generosity is appreciated. I know you guys are doing real good with your music career, I just hope I get recognition and then some for my efforts. And I'm sorry i couldn't get the extended version of the caper. My program shat on me ;(

Thanks for all the love guys. I wish we could be closer friends. Cheers and God bless.

Caleb aka Hunchback aka The Beat Tailor aka Queen only on the weekends ;)

S: That being said, the Caper (music by Hunchback, featuring Mat the Alien on the cuts) just started playing on my Walkman, and the rough mix is sounding great! This track, as well as 12 others, (including 2 Hunchback beats,) are all set to be pressed on our upcoming album, 'Understanding More About Nothing Than Anybody Ever Thought Impossible, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Music'.

Make sure to check back next week for more fun words from more fun artists!

-Steige.


If you enjoyed this, make sure to check out our hilarious interviews with Japanese 'rad' artist, Taka Sudo, and Ali Milner!
Don't feel like reading? Check out 5 Bad Album Covers!