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January 30, 2011
in Portraits Of SeattleIshmael ButlerSeriesShabazz Palaces
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Portraits Of Seattle #19 Ishmael “Butterfly” Butler aka Palaceer Lazaro

Ishmael Butler shot @ Pacific-Standard

Ishmael “Butterfly” Butler aka Palaceer Lazaro is making some of Seattle’s most exciting music right now. After the news that they recently signed to Sub Pop Records, myself and many others are anxiously awaiting the full length release from his group Shabazz Palaces. Shabazz were surrounded with mystery during 2010. Originally they stayed out of the spotlight and granted limited interviews and no photos revealing their identities. The press buzz grew and grew leading up to their first big performance at NEUMOS. Ishmael had already come from a historic Hip Hop past. I don’t need to dwell on it but his former 1990’s group Digable Planets will always have a special place with me and remind me of the first Hip Hop I got into. Ishmael joined forces with Tendai Maraire to form Shabazz Palaces. The two create a really unique mix of live drums and heavy MPC beats that when paired with Butlers delivery is unmatched.

Ishmael has utilized Seattle’s creative community in so many ways with the Shabazz Palaces project. First off, by using local designers Dumb Eyes for their unmistakable artwork/website/packaging which has really created a recognizable aesthetic for the band. The music itself has been produced in part by local producer Erik Blood (Better known in shoe gaze/indie rock circles). Their first official music video also has local roots. Although it was shot in Watts, CA the director Kahlil Joseph is a Seattle native making big moves in the film world. Lastly, the groups recent decision to sign with Sub Pop keep’s them tied close to the community that has really embraced them.


I wanted to also include a live video from this past year’s Stranger Genius Awards. Shabazz Palaces received the first ever Genius Award for Music granting them $5000 and a chance to close out the Moore Theater Ceremony. The performance was arguably their best yet, using some choreographed stage movements, wearing wild masks, and bringing out Seattle’s THEESatisfaction to join them on several tracks. I’m looking forward to see what 2011 brings for Ish & Shabazz. I recently spotted him in a VANS avant garde promo piece & in the alt music magazine The Wire. There really is no telling what he has up his sleeve next. (Portraits taken at Pacific-Standard)

Shabazz Palaces shot at Pacific-Standard

Writer Andrew Matson asked Ishmael the following 3 questions as part of the Portraits of Seattle Project:

1. You’ve performed in Seattle and New York City with Seattle duo THEESatisfaction, which includes two women who are about 15 years younger than you. Is it challenging making art with younger people? Do you sense a generation gap in that particular collaboration?

Uniform time while useful for things like arranging meetings and paddle boat rentals is proudly of no use to us dynamic electromagnetic kindred beings who love. The generation gap is a public pool on a 100 degree day, I swim.

2. Have you ever played tennis, and if so would you consider yourself “a threat on the court”?

I’m nice with rackets. Shouts out to the Philadelphia tennis School in circa ‘83. I played tennis once or twice with Downtown Julie Brown, I smashed her. Hon. mention, Gael Monfils.

3. Coffee, tea, or neither? Any preferences?

Both bro. Slightly honey’d mint. Cappuccino brown sugar. And never exclude Chai again bro. That’s a threat..

Notes:

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