A couple of years ago I taught blogging in a nonprofit center, and there is where I came across a social platform a known as a podcast. A podcast was alien to me, but as soon as I learn of all the benefits, I truly became addicted. I sign up to get notified on a podcast with self-help on writing, building a brand, learning a language and of course blogging. Now with two jobs and my business, I tend to lose out on what happens in the world mainly focusing on New York City. That is when I found my new guilty pleasure, Tales From The Basement.
I reach out to Tales From The Basement (since becoming a fan), and I wanted to get to know more about how the show was created and the owners. Luckily for me, they agreed to a sit and met. This is how it all went down:
Sheismelrose: Why did you launch Tales From The Basement?
TFTB: Prospect and I (Arty) started TFTB so that we could have a voice and some social identity. At the time neither of us had any social media accounts; so we didn’t exist. We both always had strong entrepreneurial spirits and tons of dope ideas, but we let negatively stunt our growth. So, we just said fuck it, time for a change. We did one practice recording, listened to it once or twice and then we just jumped right in and started uploading.
Prospect and I began TFTB so that we could have a voice and some social identity. At the time neither of us had any social media accounts; so we didn’t exist. We both always had strong entrepreneurial spirits and tons of dope ideas, but we let negatively stunt our growth. So, we just said fuck it, time for a change. We did one practice recording, listened to it once or twice and then we just jumped right in and started uploading.
Sheismelrose: Why do you think people tune into Tales From The basement?
TFTB: I think people listen because what we say no matter how outlandish, still sticks with them. We help our listeners escape for a little while; laugh, learn and understand how we feel when we drink Budweiser and smoke Newport. I think the listeners have the same fucked up ideas we do they just don’t have the same platform.
Sheismelrose: What is the meaning behind Tales From The Basement?
TFTB: TFTB has a bunch of meanings. We are recording in a cellar. Filled with rats, leaky pipes, boilers, etc., but we love it. We started from the bottom, literally and when you’re in that place literally and mentally, your views and opinions change. We just always want to stay true to that hungry, grimy, attitude that motivates us and share that with our audience.
Sheismelrose: What is your favorite podcast moment?
TFTB: My favorite podcast moment was when we hit as a hundred listens. I was gassed. I couldn’t believe we reached that many people. After that, I was hooked. It was tangible proof that we were right about our potential and should have done the show way sooner. That realization made it bittersweet though.
Sheismelrose: What has the response to podcast been from the local community?
TFTB: We have got a lot of love from so many great artists and fans. We have also been supplying our loyal listeners with great merch too. Love all the feedback we get, right or wrong but especially the bad stuff. We thrive off it. Lucky for us though we were getting a lot of support from everyone who gives us a chance. We’re always trying to connect with our listeners on a personal level, not just b.s internet trolling. I think it’s a more genuine approach and the listeners seem to appreciate that.
Sheismelrose: Who will you like to have on your show and Why?
TFTB: Obviously the one and only Steven Seagal. That would be the best interview. What hasn’t the man done? Akido master, helicopter pilot, sheriff, dog walker, rock star, you name it he’s done it. We try to adopt that Akido lifestyle in the basement. Seagal 2020!
Sheismelrose: Any plans for the future?
TFTB: We have plenty of plans for the future. First and most important, we’re starting a clothing drive to help our community and victims of all these natural disasters we’ve been experiencing. More dope guest of course. Plenty more merch for the fans and tons of great episodes. Stay tuned.
Sheismelrose: If you have to make a challenge viral trend for social media what will it be?
TFTB: If I had to make an internet challenge. It would be, the weekend no phone or gadget challenge. We spend way too much time on our phones and Ipads and shit. It would be cool to see how some people would react to it. I don’t think most people can do it. No Social media, porn, World Star. That’s a real challenge.
Sheismelrose: Do you think about creating a fashion label other than your cool t-shirts for the brand?
TFTB: We already have a clothing line in the works, and an insanely talented artist/ designer from Romania named Alma. With our ambition, Harlem swag and a little help from Melrose, it’s only a matter of time before everyone gets to be as jiggy as us.
Shout out to Newport and Budweiser all day!!!…@talesbasement
*If you want to buy my t-shirt click here.