1. What's SAFETY ROCKS about?
EP: Public Safety is the one issue that effects
everyone. Everyone listens to some type of music.
We thought if we merge these two ideas to help raise
awareness in our community. We just better our
odds in a real emergency.... We all should be smart,
prepare and plan for an emergency.
HC: We have been living on "Orange Alert" for what, nearly 5 years now? We have to address how the climate and
safety levels of the city have changed also since 9/11.
2.Do you think safety issues are a major concern for the average
everyday New Yorker? And if so / not, why?
EP: I think Public safety is a backburner issue.
People don't want to think about what can happen.
The writing seems to be on the wall with the natural
disasters of the past few years i.e Katrina and the
Tsunami.
HC: I think safety is in the back of a lot of New Yorkers' minds, at least in our peer group, but gaining the knowledge
on how to be prepared can be a bit intimidating to some. It can also feel like "another job" when at the end of the day, most
folks want to come home and relax, not have safety drills with their families and roommates.
2. Why do you feel this festival is a good way to convey your message?
EP: We see this as a "community
shout out" to everyone who loves music to wake up about
Emergency Readiness. Just to know what to do.....
We also would like to assist the America Red Cross and
the Office of Emergency Management in it's mission to
"Save a life".
HC: There is so much time in-between acts when you are out at a show to have conversations, pick up information
and interact with people. It's the perfect environment. When I lived in the Bay Area, there was this band called CONSOLIDATED
and they used to give almost political lectures in between every song. It was really heavy, but you know what? You knew you
were going to learn something new everytime you saw them! Plus - this may be a lot of folks' last time seeing a show at CBGB"ssince
it is closing soon. We wanted to pay homage to that as well.
3.
Who is your target audience?
EP: 18 to 35 year old New Yorkers..... This festival is
as diverse as NYC. Rock to Dub, Pop to Noise to Hip
Hop,..... Diversity is our strength.....
HC: Ever Since ROCK THE VOTE it has been proven that there is a large demographic
of young people in this country who like to be entertained on some level while also learning about political and social issues.
I see this as another way to make information more accessible while also having a fun night out. It's one of the main reasons
we really worked to get our event into CBGB's, who have always been a youth-friendly all-ages venue.
4. How did you go about selecting the artists involved?
EP: There are friends and friends of friends who all wanted to support
our cause......
HC: Many bands we've met through the years as well as on myspace.com - some quite well-known for their poiltical
and community involvement, like Ricanstruction, for instance. We wanted the diversity of the line-up to reflect the diversity
of the city.
5. What are some of your own personal safety issues and concerns
for New York City?
EP: I worry about those who will need help in the time of
an emetgency the most.... Seniors and people with
physcally handicaps. Who will knock on their door
during a black out of fire to make sure they are ok???
Every household needs a plan. Every office needs a plan. Everybody needs a plan.
HC: New York is a melting pot but there are a lot of people here who do not speak English as well as many Yorkers
who do not speak Spanish. I work with the public and knowing a second language really comes in handy. It's a strong communication
tool and I would like to see it implemented. It could be something as simple as The Post or Daily News featuring an article
on Emergency Phrases and Communication Tips in Spanish and English (and Chinese as well).
6. What would you like people to walk away with after attending
the festival?
EP: A bit more knowledge about being prepared for an emergency.
Knowledge about where to get the basic infomation, for example
http://www.Readyny.org
HC: A better understanding of small things we can all do to be more prepared. Ellis has us all carrying flashlights,
for example.
7. Are there any specific agencies in the city you would like to
work with?
EP: American Red Cross of Greater NY, The Office of Emergency
Management and the
Mayor's office
HC: I would like to work with those agencies and link it to the school system. When I was in school we had to learn
CPR as part of our Physical Education. I'm curious to know what kids are exposed to these days.
8. Whom do you feel is doing a good job regarding safety in New
York City?
EP: The OEM, ARC and the Office of the Mayor. FDNY and NYPD
HC: Definitely The Mayor's Office. The programming on WNYE Channel 25 is pretty amazing. The ysupport many community
events behind the scenes, in a way.
9. What's the octopus about?
HC:
An octopus has "8 Arms" (8RM). Each arm can be doing a different task.
10. If Mayor Bloomberg or Governor Pataki came to you guys with
a substantial budget, what would be your next move, ideally?
EP: I would like to be able to reach out to all urban communities
using music to make
people think about being ready.
HC: In addition to working with the school system, I would definitely like to organize some public and open-air
events, targeting neghborhoods where this type of information is much needed but maybe not so readily available. Libraries,
Community Centers, Youth Centers, places like that.
11. How can people find out about what you're doing? (contact info,
links, etc)
EP: www.myspace.com/8rmfestival and www.myspace.com/safeny
HC: Come to the show! July 26th CBGB's! Or you can write us at 8rmfestival@gmail.com and we will keep you posted.
