Sean Paper Chaser Williams is a man on the move. Already involved with OSD Radio (the first sneaker talk radio show), and “Just Blame Chad” (the first sneaker related sketch comedy show that two-time Emmy Award winning A Milien Pictures Group has signed on to work with), Sean has a new film coming this summer titled “Know You Got Sole.” We recently caught up with Sean to talk about the soundtrack for that film which is available now, and can be purchased through iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon.com, and Myspace Music.
Sean, my fellow New Yorker, how has the virtual tour been so far?
Thanks very much for having me stop by as part of the tour. It’s been great and the love for the album has grown as the days go on. It’s been a nice mix of people who have love for me and also like kicks and good music.
Ok, lets talk about the soundtrack. Its quite possibly the first album dedicated to sneaker culture, and features some key artists from the underground circuit (Fresh Daily, Substantial, Proper and LoJ to name a few). How did this project come about?
According to Sneaker Freaker (Virtual Tour stop #4) it is. I’m reluctant to say that officially only because I know that after 20 years of making music there is somebody in some corner of the world that just MIGHT have done so already, but if not, I’m happy to have given the folks something they can enjoy and have easy access to. I’m happy for the contribution of all the artists and producers on the soundtrack. They all gave me what I needed for the film, but as time went on and the delays with the film mounted, I realized sitting on dope music (regardless of what it’s for) is a crime. And I refused to commit that crime. It’s funny that the launch of the album will now be the catalyst for the new version of the film which will be out later this year.
The soundtrack is a strong body of work both production wise and lyrically. What influences you as a producer?
My influences over the years have been some of the best in the business, from Dr. Dre, to Premier and Pete Rock, throw in some Rick Rubin, and some of the sonic qualities of other genres of music like Classical and Rock. I play all my music so for those used to music created by samples of other music you have to listen with an open mind. While I’m at it…I might as well tell you that this album sounds ‘INCREDIBLE” in some Beats By Dre headphones (sorry- I love those headphones- lol)
With the culture on an international stage, are there any plans to do an album in another language (Spanish,German, Japanese etc.) showcasing international talent?
I hope to turn Know You Got Sole into a franchise of sorts where I can release on annually with the goal of letting artists from all walks of life express their love for kicks. The 1st one is off to a good start but let’s see what happens. The support for this album has been great so far. If it can become a franchise of sorts that’s really dope.
Mirror, mirror on the wall what’s Chasr’s favorite track of them all? (I’m assuming you now know mine.)
Proper is a great young artist. I honestly have a connection to every song on the album, 8 out of 10 were produced by me, and the other 2 were from Producers and Artists I think have great futures in the business. I happy with how the entire album came together so asking me that is like saying “Which kid is your favorite?” (LOL) Although some parents have an answer for that question.
Its been 5 years since Just For Kicks and the game has changed. What’s new for your film “Know you got sole”?
The goal of this film is to address issues that everyday folks go through when it comes to kicks, be it size issues, colors issues, gender issues, etc. OSD is making this film for the common man. We give a crap about celebrities.
Can we expect any famous faces in the film talking kicks?
Probably not. If any did make it in, it would be because they can relate to some of the issues that the everyday sneaker lover has with the industry.
You’ve been into the shoe game while some people were still in diapers! What sneaker is your all time favorite?
LOL..Well since you put it that way! I make no mystery about the Air Max 1 being my all time favorite on the ORIGINAL Red/ Gray/ White colorway. Beatles commercial and all! 1987 baby! Other colors are cool, but that one changed this entire business.
Poor quality retros have been a big issue over the years. A lot of people feel that it kills the excitement for new retro releases. Where do you stand on the issue?
I get soooo pissed to hear about retro quality when these shoes are being purchased by folks who WALK in them. Let’s be real. Most of the folks who buy J’s DON’T buy them to play ball. When the sneakers were originally released, it was for the purpose of hitting the court to be LIKE MIKE. Those days are long gone. Why are folks who never saw Mike play complaining when they also have no intentions of hitting the court to play in them. If I’m Nike, I’m not going to make the sneakers the way I used to either! For what?! For dudes to chill in? C’mon. How many times have we went to play ball with folks only to watch them take their Js OFF to go play in something else? Then put them back on to leave the court. Most folks who have not been into sneakers for a long time don’t even know what they are comparing the shoes to.
HBO’s how to make it in America. Your thoughts?
Me and my friends have been living a life like that to some degree of another for decades. It looks interesting, but we’ll see where it goes by the end of the season. Most HBO shows kick in at the end of their 1st season.
So the album dropped March 16th, 2010 and can be purchased through iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon.com, and Myspace Music. Are there any plans to distribute a hard copy of the album?
No hard copies will be pressed. This album was created as an internet only release to take advantage of the marriage between sneaker culture and the internet. I want to keep the album within the same realm that most sneaker lovers frequent daily. The same place they shop for kicks is the same place they can get this album.
Where can people go to be updated about the Film’s release, stay informed about your current or future projects as well as follow the OSD crew?
Make sure you hit OSD’s weekly talk show every Wednesday at 9:30 PM EST / 8:30 PM CST for the latest on everything we’re doing. You won’t regret tuning in. We promise! Thanks again to DeFY NY for having me. I appreciate it! WALK GOOD!