Hello Mr. Tunde Olaniran

TUNDE OLANIRAN: Even with all the time I've had to think about this, I feel like I'm never prepared to answer! The closest thing I can say is transgression is when you break (often unspoken) rules, and the society around you has the power to punish you and does. Then, strangely, the punishment is more intense than the original transgression. 

I don't think I'd call myself an activist specifically. As a person and artist, I try to advocate for equity in spaces where I have power or an influential voice. I also try to create a space at shows or in my records that give other folks a chance to release different kinds of pressure. There's a lot of pressure to conform, to obey. A release lets you survive a bit longer.

I think Flint has a very unique history because it's the birthplace of the labor movement. Paired with the vast amount of wealth generated in Flint during the industrial boom, it led to many liberal models of schooling (Flint had the nation's first community school program) and housing (Flint was one of the first cities to have desegregated housing), so I carry a lot of that history and legacy and I'm proud of that. Flint comforts me when I come home from tour or a show or traveling. 

Detroit is rad because it's a place where people are and have always been trying very innovative small-scale solutions to challenges. I have been attending the allied media conference there every year, and every year it invigorates me as a creative. Detroit is definitely like that friend's house where you spent so much time growing up that you eventually feel like family.

I sell them at shows, but they're very low stock at the moment! I promise to send you one as soon as I have a new shipment.

I quit my job. Now I've got more time to be creative. Honestly the best way to get shit done is to have deadlines that other people are linked to.