Photo by: Flickr.com
Editors note: Kyprios is a member of the Canadian rap group Sweatshop Union. On March 23, they played a show at the Marquis theater.
You all came from different groups and are also balancing solo careers- What does that add to the group dynamic?
Kyprios: I think that the most positive thing that comes out of it is that it gives more opportunity for people who haven’t heard our music to connect with it. You never know who will be able to connect with the music or how they will find it. For all of us, this is about the team first, even when promoting the individual subgroups it’s with the hope that we are raising awareness of Sweatshop Union, and adding to the base of people who will listen and appreciate.
You guys are really politically and socially conscious. How does that play into the derivation of your name—Sweatshop Union?
Kyprios: The name is basically that in the larger part of the world, specifically to us, especially in North America someone is always just working for somebody’s else’s name, you have a boss who works for a company, who has a boss who works for a corporation. The sweatshop is just a metaphor for the fact that we are all working for somebody else, and just like in a sweatshop, where you are putting in so much labor and getting a minimal wage, it’s generally not a fair split. Ten years ago when we stared this we were all in this state of mind where we just wanted to do this for ourselves. We wanted to work and drive and create something that was our own.
What are some of the issues you guys see as the most important to drive to the surface of Americans and Canadian consciousness in your music?
Kyprios: For me specifically-not speaking for the group, because I think that this answer could be different for any of the guys-it’s to question everything. Teachers, the people around you, artists. Get to the root of everything around you that’s important in your life. Find that understanding of what it really is about. Get to that discovery on your own. Question your government, representatives of your town, county, even college. If you are just sitting there complaining, then nothing is ever going to get better for you. You need to take the time to understand and talk to people who can make the change.
What is your favorite part of being a part of Sweatshop Union?
Kyprios: It’s really satisfying when people get it. When the things you are trying to do, trying to espouse, trying to say, are appreciated. Its comparable to a comedian getting on stage and trying new material to be met with a laughing audience. When people appreciate the message that’s really the best part.
What is the best part of touring?
Kyprios: Touring has become more difficult over the years. It’s hard to live a regular life. It becomes important to focus on the positive factors. We have been touring the U.S. for only two and half years, and so there are still a lot of places we have never been able to go. So the most exciting part is meeting new people seeing new faces. But at the same time, in cities we have toured in multiple times, like Denver or Salt Lake City, it’s nice to see familiar faces, having somebody you know who can make it more like home.
