“We can either try to make this artist community better or leave,” explains Prism Fest founder Jake DeHaven on his organizational motivation. “I thought a grassroots organically grown, almost a ragtag group of artists would be a fun event to put together.”
Chris LaBella, the Madison hip-hop producer, who along with his partner Norwei, helped propel Trapo into the spotlight, is talking about the challenges of living in a smaller music market.
Phil Paphamovich & Thomas Stavlo
The echoes of Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana and Garbage can still be faintly heard in the walls of this scruffy lo-fi building on East Washington Avenue. If you look really hard, there may even be the remnants of a stray guitar pick or two wedged into the floor. According to Madison musician and historic building renovator Phil Paphamovich, the old Smart Studios building is coming back to life in the form of a community events space christened Press Play.
