What if there was a group of individuals who, upon seeing the dismal display of "talent" on the radio each week, decided to do something about it? What if that group decided to not sing about guns and violence, but talked about the enjoyable things in life? What if all of this was rolled into a six-member super-group that did all of the above over irresistible beats? May I introduce your ears and minds to Allciti.
"The best example is a good example," states Ryan Perez, 20-year-old member of Allciti. "We are sick of the mediocre shows here in Calgary, and want to step up the game."
First performing at a Reggae Festival, Allciti began just this past February, and already they have their eye, and hearts, set on a bright future using hip hop as their outlet. Last Call is their latest gig, designed to deal with negative issues, including the poor outlook most students have on the thought of going back to school. Their dream is for Last Call to become an annual event that kids can get hyped up for by the end of summer, instead of being mopey over strapping on the backpacks once again.
These are not just wildly thought-up situations. "Not only do we provide entertainment, we organize events. We are like a company rather than a musical group."
With their use of creatively constructed music, Allciti hopes they can connect with people around the world as a well-oiled machine — contrary, and ironically, to the capitalistic society existing today. "There is no such thing as superstars," says Perez, who sees the group as a musically oriented group with a common goal. "We do not want to be just a marketing ploy."
Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, The Roots and The Black Eyed Peas are examples of what the group considers what music should be about, as it once was in the first place. "They all share a common skill, you know? They are able to touch everyone, actually have a heart, and are able to communicate with others. They're not afraid to go against the grain."
Very conscious of the come-and-go tendencies of the music industry, Allciti is well aware one day the grain will rub a different way by a different style of music. Yet they are prepared for that day, ready to claim their title as the non-commercialized sensation that survived the fall of hip hop, and eventually plan to branch out into different genres of music, connecting with an even wider audience.
"We want to maintain long-lasting relationships around the world."
