User:Blasphemous God/Levels Below

Levels Below is an independently & collectively run non-profit ‘artist’ outlet, concentrating on exposing the efforts of D.I.Y. music, painting, drawing, poetry/writing, film, radio, and visual of various genres. With virtually no boundaries, Levels Below shadows a field of fluid sound, carrying constants of passion, talent, and human development. Based out of Burbank, CA, Levels Below holds live music events and independent artist forums. The main attraction produced and distributed by Levels Below is a bi-monthly self-published zine featuring articles relevant to the DIY subculture; poetry, free-verse writing, prose, underground art, vegan recipes, social commentary, consumer awareness, unedited interviews, and general expressions of a visual and word based nature.

Magazine
Levels Below Magazine is a monthly Self Published magazine. Each issue features articles that are relevant to the D.I.Y. subculture. The magazines content ranges from poetry, underground art, articles on the misinformation of the american people, to vegan recipes and the atrocities in the food industry.

The magazine is accomplished bi-monthly by acquiring volunteer submissions from poets, musicians, writers, journalists, and artists of various nature. The magazine is assembled by Mike Wetzel, Dan Copeland, Eddie Ramirez, and Aaron Higgins - all of whom have written several articles for the zine. The magazine has published articles/interviews with several active key figures in the underground artist scene, such as: Seawilltell, Quincy Clemons of Unyenz (NYC), Razorhoof, Russell Thomas of Gorilla Blood, D Bene Tleilax, Adrian Vitale (Australia), Daniel Brin (American Journalist), and Alen Esmaelian, have all been featured in past issues. The following is an excerpt from 'An Introduction to Levels Below', which can be found on the Levels Below Blog site (currently being converted to an Official Website):

"We’re super excited on this first issue of postmodern animal-driven thought; a folded & stapled collective of social commentary; an Artistic DIY arson for the fiery in mind. A lot of productively geared heads have come together to make this first issue happen, please be sure to at least check it out, give it a read, and catch a glimpse of what’s going on amongst a multiplying people, coming together for Art and Life’s sake. Why wait for Art Galleries, Band performances, parties and organized events to bring us together? Something collective, social, physical, thoughtful, sharing, and artistic is going on everyday of the month with Levels Below! At Levels Below, we understand that artists, bands, writers, journalists, photographers, film-makers, etc. completely rely on an audience. However, we also feel that the ‘audience’ has something to offer. Just because some heads are not part of booking/playing shows, or organizing an event to showcase his/her work/craft/passion, does not mean that these people do not have an abundance of talent and/or something artistic to offer. Shows, Events, Gigs, etc. are growing increasingly more and more difficult to arrange, due to an advanced trend of ‘in-it-for-themselves’ promoters, costly venue commitments, Clear Channel takeover, overpriced door fees, and a diminishing appreciation of the actual arts. It’s time we abandon the tired debilitated ways of interjecting ourselves into what we call our ‘passion’. If we have something to say, WE SHOULD SAY IT! If we have something we want people to see, WE SHOULD SHOW IT! If we have the desire to share, WE SHOULD HAVE THE FORUM TO SHARE!!! Aesthetics, and everyday application of spiritual expression outside and within the regions of space surrounding us, are not simply but a choice, they are a means. Levels Below is an open forum for expressing your vision/perception of the ever-moving Life force we are ALL undeniably a part of. Look at it as a series of blank pages, holding thoughts and expression in place for show-and-know. We encourage ALL to be a part and want YOU personally to consider this an invitation to participate!"

Release Events
Levels Below celebrates the release of each issue with a self organized music & art event of various genres such as, live bands, spoken word and poetry, live and showcased art, independent film screenings and many other celebrations of the D.I.Y. culture. The first three release shows have been held at The Steel Pit Sports Bar & Grill in Tujunga, CA. - featuring performances from bands such as, Weasels Exist, Demonora, Payote, The Boat Times, The Bengsons, Last Round Down, Next Of Kin, and News From Nowhere. All of these events have been held for free and are welcome to all-ages.