Wax Roof

At 588,000 views, this 20 minute documentary exemplifies what I have to contribute as an individual. All sounds and instrumentation are original recordings of myself, working with input from the film team to ensure music and film enhance each other.

"On the streets of Inglewood, only one name rang louder than the constant din of the jets overhead, Tako. Not a rapper nor an athlete, his exploits were infamous, sparking admiration and fear amongst gangs, citizens and police alike. But infamy begets prosecution.

Now from 150 miles south, across the Mexican border, Tako watches his son Rucci build his own legacy, using nothing more than his voice and lyrical ability to garner the same respect he once had. And now Rucci’s primed to be the next artist to rise from LA’s recent rap renaissance. This is the story of Tako’s Son."

Led a team of 5 to create a film score, live set, and original soundtrack pressing to vinyl.

"Formed by Wax Roof (myself), the scoring team for the film is made up of multi-instrumentalists from across the Bay Area who all produce and compose. With each member trained in Jazz, Classical and Gospel, as well as modern production and beat making, the unit is able to create largess with their productions simply by tapping their own strengths. Their collective work includes catalogue with stars such as Smino, Sango, DJ Fresh, Xavier Omar, Murs, Saba, Elujay, Rexx Life Rajj, Daoud, Caleborate, and Dave B. As well as working with Vice, Fader, Snap Judgement (#1 podcast, 2015), Lyrical Lemonade, Hip Hop DX, XXL, KQED, and NPR Tiny Desk and MTC.

Wax Roof guitar, bass, piano, horns, composition, production, scoring

Andrew “Bearford” Benford
piano, drums, composition, production

Waymond McKissick
vocals, piano, drums, composition, production

Carl Nash
piano, arrangement, composition, production

Anthony Mills-Branch
bass, saxophone, guitar, piano"

“Amidst the Black population’s current fight against gentrification, police violence, environmental racism, and public health disparities, Tales of The Town: The Film serves as a reminder to Oakland’s Black community of our rich history of struggle and determination against the many manifestations of racist-capitalist oppression and exploitation. Through the stories of people who have called this place “home” since the 1930’s, the film strives to not only preserve radical history, but to use it as a guide to create positive action in the present day!”