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Spotlight on local music: The Ump

(Real) Name: Daniel Kapchinsky, aka The Ump Hometown: Whistler, B.C. Where does your stage name come from? A friend told me I looked like an umpire (because I had a black collared shirt and black ball cap on).
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(Real) Name: Daniel Kapchinsky, aka The Ump


Hometown: Whistler, B.C.

Where does your stage name come from?

A friend told me I looked like an umpire (because I had a black collared shirt and black ball cap on). Later, when I needed a producer name I thought I liked the umpire idea, but The Ump sounded official. And it rhymes with bump.

So, is music a full-time gig for you, or do you also have a day job?

I work a day job. In the day, a saucier mixing sauces at Earl's and at night producing rap beats and mixing tracks.

What's your "Whistler story?" (When did you arrive and what brought you here?)

Nearly born in an ambulance on the 99. Squamish birth certificate, Lions Gate baby. Lived in Whistler since I was a month old, my mom has been here since the early '70s.

What do you love about this place?

It is my hometown; I know almost everyone. The scenery and that B.C. cush.

Anything you hate about it?

Scenesters and trend inconsistency.

When you aren't on stage, where can people find you hanging out?

In the Alpine Underground (a.k.a. my home studio) producing futuristic, new age, west coast rap music; Pristine Greens wiffle golf course, boning up for the KLUS CUP; Pemberton shooting range, shooting targets/skeet.

How were you introduced to hip hop?

I was first introduced to hip hop at about 11 through mainstream sources like MTV. Stuff like MC Hammer, Kris Kross, but soon after that Dr. Dre and Snoop were on the pop charts. After I got into rap, then I got into the more underground artists from there through friends and various rap magazines.

How did you move from listening to hip hop and to making it yourself?

I had started to DJ at age 16 and was interested immediately in the production side of the music. At first I would sample off of records and CDs and make my own drums. As my taste in music evolved so did my direction of production. I began making 100 per cent original backing tracks instead of sampling.

What are your thoughts on Whistler's local hip hop scene, today?

Compared to 10 years ago when I was rockin' the fake ID going to Context underground hip hop shows every week, I feel the scene is lagging a bit. There are some nice local cats doin' their things in Whistler, but my style is a lot different from theirs. Nowadays people hear a certain sound and think that because you make rap music you think you're a gangster or are a gangster. I feel it is important to represent where you are from, so sue me if I like a harder more aggressive approach.

Do you play many gigs in town?

Not enough, my promotion is lacking.

What's been the most memorable performance of your career?

The CHOP IT record release party on April 26, 2005, and the second 2008 R&B Jamboree.

I understand you're just getting ready to release your second album - "American Muscle Canadian Hustle" - this summer. Tell me a bit about the direction you took with this CD.

I wanted to make an album you can listen to every song start to finish.  Every song could be a video track! Slow jams that feel fast, Music to hype you up for whatever you are into. Remixes of almost every song, something for everyone.

How are your lyrics and approach to hip hop received outside of Whistler?

I think my music might be received better in other places, for example in the USA. My genre is closer to what is commercial down there. The Canadian rap scene is a lot like the political scene. The west coast isn't represented very well. That is what I am trying to change.

Hit shuffle on your iPod - what are the first three songs you come across?

I don't have one - I must be the only person on earth. I'll go three favourite songs. Snoop Dogg - "Ain't No Fun," UGK - "One Day," E-40 - "Heaven or Hell."

What musician (alive or dead) would you like to perform with?

Roger Troutman, R.I.P.

What are your musical goals?

The goal for this year is to make some good high def music videos for the new album and hopefully get some play. Ultimately, I want to make a living off of my music. I am looking to sign a distribution deal, and maybe even break into the production for hire game. I am planning to tour, as well.

Do you have any projects on the horizon right now?

I have another album in the works for 2010 and a good friend Grim Reefah The Beat Botanist is releasing his mix tape later this year featuring artists from  Vancouver, California and Alabama and myself. I helped make a video for the Telus 72-Hour (Filmmaker Showdown) this year titled, "The Ump." And I am also in process of planning my first full-length movie from Alpine Underground.

Check out The Ump's sound at http://www.myspace.com/thaump.