I was recently contacted by Underground Xpress, a local Tampa underground video program that covers local music, local bands and other local talents. The creative epicenter and host, Lady Grace, agreed to an interview about Underground Xpress.
How and when did UX start?
I took up videography in July of 2008 and wanted to start an internet video podcast as a learning project. Music immediately came to mind as the main concept because I have spent the majority of my life supporting the local music scene. I wanted to stick with something that I love but I also didn’t want to limit the focus to just music. The words Underground Xpress came to mind because I knew that I would want to cover more than just music and support all sorts of underground arts.
Now I had the idea, the name and I knew how to do the video podcast. Now all I needed to know was whether or not I could pull the whole together. Host it, film it, edit it and so on, when I was really only just learning everything for the first time. So…I got a video camera and a friend and I went to a concert that night to film it and interview the band. I guess we needed to see what we were made of. That night we interviewed and videotaped our first band. and as they say…. The rest is history. Now UX is on public access and the internet and it is becoming the newest source for Underground artists to be supported and promoted locally and nationally on the world wide web.
What inspired you to start Underground Xpress?
I have loved concerts, art, and artistic expression in general my entire life. I wanted to be able to share local arts and music with the less fortunate people who cannot make the shows due to various circumstances. I am also inspired by a force that I myself cannot even identify. But when you love something, you will work so hard on it and so much on it that you don’t even realize you just spent your entire day on one thing. And when you do realize that you just spent the entire day on that one thing, it most likely makes you smile because you are blessed with doing something that you love.
The viewers and the fans are also extremely inspiring – because I am able to share new music, new artists and many other things that people may never have known about if it were not for Underground Xpress. It is an inspiration in itself to watch the talented people I work with everyday and share their message with the world via my medium.
Supporting local businesses and venues in the underground scene is also an inspiration because in economic times like these it is always good to look out for your neighbor…especially the one serving the shots! The biggest inspiration of all – being able to provide entertainers who work so hard and for so little with a lot of promotion through the TV and the internet on the show, in addition to the video being a medium they can keep for free and use forever and ever to promote their work.
Why public access television?
When UX started last year, it was never intended for television. In my eyes, the wave of the future is ALL internet based video. I am happy to have public access, but the internet would still be my first choice. The show had been on the internet as a podcast for about three months, when I learned that I could go to TBCN and have it air on cable at no cost to me. I immediately got myself through the TBCN process and got Underground Xpress approved to be on the air.
Season 1 started in January 2009 and Season 2 is almost here – beginning in April 2009. I always air the shows on the internet afterwards so that anyone who is on UX can get the ultimate exposure. In the end, I am very grateful to have TBCN as an additional outlet for the artists, but I myself could live without the deadlines, and the rules and regulations (not my thing!)
The residents of the City of Tampa and unincorporated Hillsborough County residents can currently view our programming on Verizon cable channels 30 and 36, Bright House Networks cable channels 949 and 950 and Comcast cable channel 20.
Residents of Temple Terrace and Plant City cannot view our programming because their franchising authorities opted out of having a public access channel for their constituents.
Have you considered branching out into other media? If so, what?
Yes – many many things. We are planning a LIVE internet production where people will be able to call in or chat with us real-time. We want UX to be National as many people who come across our my space and other internet outlets want to watch the show and do not have the channel. I am hoping to broadcast with several other local channels that air further out into Pinellas county or possibly even Video on Demand.
What has been the most rewarding experience of doing UX?
Wow. I didn’t know just how difficult a question like that might be. There are so many times I feel rewarded on a daily basis and yet so many times I have wanted to quit at the same time. But to be fair – there isn’t just one rewarding thing. One, is when I receive email from the viewers saying they loved the show or that they are grateful because I introduced them to new music or arts etc. That is an INSANELY good feeling.
Two, when the artists/musicians I work with are truly thankful and appreciative to me for all of the hard work that goes into making them shine. Three, sitting here right now and remembering that first day we went out to start UX and knowing that somehow or another I actually did it. I orchestrated an innocent school project into what it is today. People usually watch the show, see me as the host and of course it doesn’t occur to them that I do anything more than smile at the camera. The accomplishment of being the editor, the producer and the host and actually making something worthrwhile – that is the most intense feeling of accomplishment I have ever known.
What big events do you have coming up?
May 30th, 10 bands, Location TBD in Tampa, FL – Fundraiser!
How many people are involved in UX?
There are about 10 random crew. Not everyone works all the time. Mostly me,
Lady Grace, and my new addition Miss Nikki.
Then we have Aaron (camera)
Alison(photos)
Jen(fliers, photos)
Dirty White Boyy (photos)
Reggie Regg(studio crew)
Daniel Specht (camera)
David Dean (camera)
Greg Beltz (camera, set),
Jason Orama (camera)
Kitty Kat (photos)
How do you typically find stories to cover?
I find things through networking mostly. When I go to one show I meet numerous people. I usually see new bands that I really like and want to cover or run into people on websites such as myspace. I get a lot of invitations to cover things from just about anyone, but I am very selective and I try to determine the absolute best ways to get the best footage when we are out. I try to keep UX diverse, fun, high energy and give it a zesty tang that you find yourself craving all the time.
If UX suddenly received an influx of funding, what would you want to do with it?
I really need more equipment. I would also like to buy a UX bus! That is definitely something I would spend the money on first. But yeah- equipment and software!
Have you given any acts their first big break? If so, who?
Esky 420 was playing for open mic night. We have now made him a mascot musician on season two of UX in addition to booking him several nice gigs with pay. He recently told me that UX has done more for him than anyone. Another musician on our show by the name of Bradly Akeman, was playing on you tube with settings like his bathtub, shower, etc. We alas booked him some gigs after being on our show and soon after he did several things like playing with Michael Johns from American Idol and another TV appearance on Channel 10.
Has there been any major difficulties or problems in running UX?
Running anything by yourself from the ground up requires money. That has been the biggest set back. The time and effort come naturally from my passion and the passion I breathe into those who help me make it all happen. The first season I edited every bit of footage myself, hosted, produced etc. For season two I have decided to have two additional hosts and I took on an editor with a lot of experience to help take the show to an hour. So with that said, I think no matter what problems may arise, I will somehow conquer and defeat – for this is my path.
Given what you have going on now, where do you see UX in a year?
We should be very well known on the internet, branched out into several other television markets and possibly teamed up with several other media outlets.
How about in 5 years?
I hope to be the next MTV. But I always want to remember the little guys.
What do you like and dislike about the Tampa market?
I think we have a great scene here. I’m not going to get into the dislikes because I am sure all markets have their negative aspects.
Are you currently looking for help or extra staff for UX? If so, how do prospective minions contact you?
We are always looking for help. Videographers/editors – Send inquiries to undergroundxpress@gmail.com
Where can UX T-shirts and other swag?
Currently shirts are a donation of $10 or more and can be ordered through our website on undergroundxpress.com
