Category Archives: edsel dope

EDF.org Merch Roundup: January 2024

I’ve got that shopper’s eye again, so it’s time for another EDF.org Merch Roundup! If you’re unfamiliar with the Merch Roundup, it’s quite simple: I choose my picks for the best of Dope’s merch store. We’re looking at the Machine Killer Tour’s 2nd leg on the horizon, so now’s a great time to get merch to prepare!

As always, a disclaimer: no one is paying me for my opinions! I don’t get a commission if you buy any of this. These are just items I like and want to highlight on EDF.org.

dope shirt

2022 Logo Shirt

You know, there’s something to be said about the classics. You’ve got that iconic Dope logo… what else do you really need? And as someone who has a few shirts from this merch store, I gotta say… they’re some of the most comfy shirts I own. So you’ll be classic AND comfortable.

Flag Shirt

Another iconic Dope logo: the flag logo. I’d really be hard pressed to name something more quintessentially Dope than this.

Believe Mug

One of these days, I’ll do a Merch Roundup that doesn’t have a mug. Today’s not that day. You can always use another mug in your collection. I picked this one because I’ve always found that fiery zero logo quite cool. Plus you’ll be repping quite an awesome song.

Dope Null Shirt

Yes indeed there is a shirt with only the Dope Null logo. However, this is merch from the Rise of the Machine tour AND it’s on sale as of this writing. The addition of the text logo is a nice touch.

And that wraps up the January Merch Roundup! Hopefully my picks inspired you to grab something interesting from the merch store. Click here for past Merch Roundups!

A Closer Look: Ecco Studios

If asked to identify what Edsel Dope is most known for, the majority of fans would without a doubt say “vocalist for Dope.” With good reason! Seven studio albums, a slew of music videos, and many successful tours around the world have ensured Edsel’s enduring legacy on the music scene.

That being said, there’s more to this rock icon than meets the eye. Edsel’s influence and talent stretches further than some fans realise. And today, we’re introducing a new series to bring attention to those ventures!

Welcome to “A Closer Look”, where we highlight the other aspects of Edsel’s multi faceted career! We’re starting with industry titan Ecco Studios. What is it, what do they do, and most importantly: how is Edsel involved?

A disclaimer: I fully admit I am not savvy with this sort of tech! I understand what it does, but please do not look to me for an expert viewpoint. With that being said, let’s get into it.

Ecco Studios: A Leader in its Field

ecco studios

Ecco Studios is a Los Angeles based 3D/4D capture stage. If like me, you were wondering what the difference is between 3D and 4D, here’s a breakdown:

  • 3D captures the shape and structure of things in three dimensions: length, width and depth. Instead of just a flat picture, you can also discern how far away something is.
  • 4D does all of the above, but also adds the element of time. It captures how things move and change.

In simple terms, Ecco Studios uses 3D and 4D data to capture incredibly lifelike and realistic digital representations of humans. They’ve worked with industry powerhouses like Industrial Light and Magic and EA, and their work spans from movies to video games to TV. The company produced this video with TV’s Terry Crews that showcases a bit of their process. I recommend you give it a look as it really is very insightful!

As I stated above, I’m not even going to pretend I know the ins and outs of the tech side of things, but the examples are simply stunning. If you told me the below was a real person and not digitally created, I would have believed you. Look at the level of detail present. You can even see the pores on his skin.

Edsel’s Role in the Company

What’s Edsel’s role in Ecco Studios? In his own words, he’s COO and co-owner of the company. What’s a COO? A chief operating officer is responsible for the day to day admin work of a business. This squares with what Edsel mentioned is his job function in the Drinks with Johnny podcast. (Click the link to go right to the section where he speaks about Ecco Studios: from its founding to his day to day work with the company!)

To quote the man himself when describing the dynamic with his business partner: “I’m gonna help surround you with all of the resources that you need, the team members that you need, and I’m just going to let you work. And I’m gonna handle all the bullshit that gets in your way on a daily basis.” So in essence: he’s the one doing all the administrative tasks necessary for a business to function!

Scratching the Surface

I couldn’t possibly go over everything Ecco Studios does in one article. We’d be here all day, and even then I’m positive I’d leave something out. If you’d like to learn more about them, you can visit their website at eccostudios.com and read a bit more about the capture process!

I hope you enjoyed this closer look at Ecco Studios, and have a bit more of an understanding of what Edsel does outside of his music career! Click here to read more from the A Closer Look series.

Mixed Update: Whole Lotta Edsel

Hope the holidays were good for everyone. I’m back with another Edsel filled mixed update. Let’s get right into it!

Gallery Update: Dope – “Dead World”

  • EDF Photo has been updated with screen captures from Dope’s video “Dead World“. Since this IS just a teaser, sadly I don’t have too much to tell you about this video. I have my own theories about what this video is calling back to, but since those are just theories I will keep them to myself. Who knows, maybe we’ll be treated to the full video sometime soon!
  • If you’ve not seen this video, click here to watch it on Dope’s official Youtube channel.

Gallery Update: Dope – “Best of Me”

  • We’ve also updated our gallery to include caps from “Best of Me“. This video features MMA fighter Juliana “Killer” Miller. She was also on a show called “The Ultimate Fighter 30“, which she won! That win netted her a UFC contract, so hey! Good on her. We love to see it. It’s also worth mentioning this is the second of the videos in this update where we see Acey Slade, since he also appears in Dead World.
  • If you’d like to watch the video, click here and watch it right on Dope’s official Youtube channel. And yes, I know I keep harping on this, but sub if you aren’t already. You’re there anyway, might as well. I know some of you out there are watching and not subbing – it really does help when you subscribe!
  • Plus, you don’t wanna miss out when Dope uploads a video, right? Yes, I’ll be here yapping about everything Edsel does and you can find it out from me, but I need to sleep sometimes too. Sub and hit the notification bell so you never miss an upload.

Graphics: Wallpaper and GIFs added

  • One new wallpaper has been added to the Wallpaper section. It’s quite simple, but Edsel doesn’t need fancy ornaments. He shines on his own. Click the image for the full size, or to see this and more of my work, click here.
edsel wall
  • Four gifs from the Dead World video have been added.

That’s it for this mixed bag of updates! We’re coming into the new year soon, and I’m looking forward to being here to bring Edsel’s fans nothing but the very best. I hope to see you right here with me.

Edsel Interview Directory Launches!

edsel interview directory

I’ve done a revamp of the Edsel interview section on EDF Photo: it is now the Interview Directory! The Directory is simply a curated collection of Edsel Dope interviews all in one place. In the Directory, not only can you browse our screencap collection, you can go right to each interview by following the link in each album. It will take you right to the original source! As I’ve said before, I want EDF.org to be your ultimate resource for the support and appreciation of Edsel Dope. Now, it’s never been easier to get your Edsel fix!

Curious about the update? Here’s the complete list of what’s been added to EDF Photo.

Gallery Additions:

Please support the content creators in the Directory by watching their videos with the links to the interview provided in each album! All credit is to them, I simply screencapped the interviews and gathered them in one place. Looking at the screencaps isn’t a substitute for seeing the real deal, so please do check out the interviews when you can. Edsel is always an engaging and entertaining person, and these interviews show that and then some!

You will also be able to access the Interview Directory via Edsel’s biography page. I’m in the process of overhauling a lot of pages on the site and that one’s on my list.

It’s always my hope that you enjoy this site as much as I enjoy running it for you. If you ever want to reach out, please feel free to do so here. While I do have social media accounts for EDF.org, I prefer people follow Edsel on socials and not me. So I don’t really publicize EDF’s socials a lot. But you’re always free to contact me there too: I’m edseldopefanorg on Tiktok and Instagram.

Machine Killer Tour 2nd Leg Starts Feb. 1st!

Machine Killer Tour

The second leg of the highly successful Machine Killer North American Tour starts February 1st in Myrtle Beach, SC! Dope joins Static-X and Sevendust on this explosive jaunt across the United States! This is a second shot to see certified rock and metal legends if you’ve not already. Guys, I was at the Atlanta stop and I can attest: this show is WELL worth your time! I had an absolute blast!

VIP packages are still available! I also took part in the VIP Bus Hang add on – if you can swing it, this is an incredible experience. I had the honour and pleasure of meeting Edsel during, and found him to be very sweet and gracious. If you’d like to read my thoughts about the Machine Killer Tour stop in Atlanta, I wrote it up awhile back here on EDF.org.

I could make a slick video or write any number of flowery words to try to convince you to get tix to this show, but talent always speaks for itself. Check out this video I took in Atlanta! Yes, it’s off our Tiktok… don’t you dare judge me.

@heytocristina

I dont need a fancy ass video to convince you to go see the Machine Killer Tour when it rolls into your town. I COULD make one, but why?? This electrifying performance speaks for itself. I was at the Atlanta stop and it was incredible! Interested? Check dopetheband.com for info and how to purchase! #dope #dopetheband #edseldope #dopearmy #dopeband #music #bloodmoneypartzero #metal #machinekillertour #thetabernacle

♬ original sound – heytocristina

Looking for tickets? Check out Dope’s official site right here, and for VIP packages, click here.

Flashback Sunday: Dope – Bus Invaders

For your Flashback Sunday today, I’ve got a fun one for you. Ever wondered what the inside of a tour bus is like? Of course you have. Did you know there’s a Youtube channel where you can have a peek inside of one?

Digital Tour Bus takes you inside the roving residences of your favourite musicians, and Dope was featured on their platform in 2017! Dope – Bus Invaders takes you inside Dope’s tour bus to see what life on the road is like for the legendary rockers. If you’re not familiar with Digital Tour Bus, it’s a bit like what MTV Cribs was, but for tour buses. Same basic concept – famous person shows you around and you ooh and ahh. So if you liked MTV Cribs, you’ll probably like Digital Tour Bus.

This video has a few notable things about it, for one… our guy himself is giving the tour! He’s very engaging and funny, as always. Additionally, Acey Slade also makes an appearance in the video! I won’t give away too much, but it’s an entertaining watch for sure. Dope also did these videos on the channel: Dope – Tour Tips and Dope – Tour Pranks.

If these videos interested you, why not check out the rest of Digital Tour Bus’s offerings on their Youtube channel? I admit, I’ve watched quite a lot of their stuff! It’s actually really interesting to see what essentials people bring with them as they crisscross the country.

Looking for more Flashback Sunday articles? Click here!

Dope Shop Holiday 2023

I happened to be poking around the Dope website when I noticed a section called Holiday 2023. Of note: you can buy gift cards for the picky people on your list that would rather do their own shopping in Dope’s merch store. They come in denominations up to 200 USD, and honestly guys? I’d look into this if you’re buying for a Dope fan in your life and don’t quite know what to get them. Maybe they can look through my past Merch Roundups and get some ideas while they browse!

Also within the Holiday 2023 section are the various bundles Dope Shop offers. With price points from 99 USD to 124.99 USD, I really think this is an awesome deal for what you get with it. And you get a lot with it! This might actually be a metric fuck-ton of merch. The bundle could also easily be split into multiple gifts, if you wanted. Plus uh… you’ve been good this year, right? Even if you haven’t, keep some of the merch for yourself! Tis the season, after all.

I’ll be keeping my eye on the merch store, I’ve got a feeling we might see some new drops on the horizon. There’s also quite a few things in the Sale section that may or may not be going in my cart. (This one in particular – that shirt is rad.)

The Essentials: Dope (The Albums)

Dope has a habit of putting out consistently excellent music. We all know that. But which albums are the ones we’d recommend to those starting out in the fandom? Which ones are the best of the bunch? The bar is already shockingly high, and with seven studio albums to choose from, the question is difficult to answer.

Today on The Essentials, edseldopefan.org attempts the monumental task of ranking our favourite Dope albums. Links to listen to each release are included, via Dope’s official Youtube channel. (You know the drill: sub if you haven’t already – it really does make a difference!)

A disclaimer: I’m not a professional reviewer by any means, but I am a long time fan. What all reviews have in common is they are just one person’s opinion. If you would have chosen differently, great! Differences of opinion make conversations about music more interesting. What a boring world we would live in if everyone agreed on everything all the time.

With that out of the way, let’s hop right into it!

American Apathy

Released: July 26, 2005 // Listen?
  • I admit, the fact that this album is so nostalgic for me is part of the reason why it’s ranked so high. Truthfully, this record was what made me fall in love with the band! American Apathy is often overlooked in the conversation about Dope’s albums, and that’s kind of a bummer. This is the album responsible for No Way Out, I’m Back and Survive – and all three are pretty essential Dope tracks. (Always is also on this album, which remains one of my absolute favourite Dope songs) In interviews from the time, Edsel stated American Apathy is an album that doesn’t take itself so seriously, which actually makes me like it even more. I’m dying on this hill: this album doesn’t get enough credit, it’s awesome. In fact, you should go listen to it immediately. Or at least… after you read the rest of this article.

Blood Money Part Zer0

Released: February 23, 2023 // Listen?
  • To hear me talk sometimes, one might think I listen to nothing but Dope all day. This is not the case, but I digress. We were all waiting a long time for this album, and in that time I listened to a lot of music from other artists. Some awesome, some lousy. When Blood Money Part Zer0 finally dropped, I listened to it from start to finish for hours without skipping a song. I genuinely do not remember the last time I did that. One of my favourite things about Blood Money Part Zer0 is how the record goes for it with new ideas while still remaining true to Dope’s style and aesthetic. Of particular note to me are Dope’s take on “Lovesong”, along with “Parasite” and “Row”, with all three songs feeling both fresh and familiar. People change and grow, that’s a good thing! We love to see it.

Blood Money Part 1

Released: October 28, 2016 // Listen?
  • When asked to name Dope’s most iconic album, many fans point to this one. It might arguably be the band’s most well known work: Blood Money Part 1 was Dope’s highest charting album in the US (ranking at number 27). It also produced some of their best known songs: Selfish, Hold On and of course, Blood Money were all on this album. To this day, the videos for these three songs are some of the most popular videos on Dope’s official Youtube channel. Blood Money Part 1 also has low key bangers like Lexipro and Numb alongside the eternal classic 1999, making it a must listen for any Dope fan.

No Regrets

Released: March 10, 2009 // Listen?
  • The fact that I named my hosting domain undevoted.org might be a clue to this album’s place in my heart. (undevoted.org is what hosts EDF.org, after all…) I’ve found that if people don’t name a song off Blood Money Part 1 as one of their faves, it’s usually something from No Regrets. And with good reason – this album has a lot of great stuff. Violence, Addiction and My Funeral were standouts on this album, as were the title track and Best for Me (both personal anthems of mine). Its simplicity is its strength. No Regrets is the kind of balls to the wall rock that Dope is known for: put it on and crank it up loud.

So, what do you think? Were your favourites on this list? Have your say at any time by contacting me. Until next time!

Flashback Sunday: Heavy New York Interview

For today’s Flashback Sunday, we’re looking back at an interview with Edsel with Heavy New York. For those unfamiliar with Heavy New York, here’s how they describe themselves on their Youtube channel:

Alex Haber of Heavy New York takes you on a journey through the Heavy music through many artist interviews to discuss their songwriting process, inspiration, creative energy, hometown scenes and the metal community itself.

In the interview, Edsel talks about Dope’s start in NYC, his inspiration and lyrical process, and a whole lot more. Check out the interview, and if you like what you see, why not sub to Heavy New York on Youtube? You can also visit their website at heavy.nyc.

Misc. Updates (Graphics, screencaps, ect)

A few little updates for you today. For those in the US, happy Thanksgiving! Consider this my gift to you. And if you live elsewhere, it’s still a gift for you. Just… not a Thanksgiving one.

Wallpapers

  • Three Wallpapers have been added to the Wallpaper section. Your desktop needs more Edsel, and I’m here to deliver.
  • I’ve been obsessed with making more media relating to the Lovesong video and had the idea for that one kicking in my head for awhile. The wallpaper is a bit of a different visual aesthetic than people are used to for Dope, but that’s not a bad thing. You could say that for the video itself, too. Change is good! We support Edsel wherever his creative mind takes him.
  • Simply click on the previews to get the full sized wallpaper, and if you’d like to see all my offerings click here.

GIFs

  • Two gifs from the Lovesong video were added.

Screencaps (Now or Never)

VIEW SCREENCAPS ON EDF PHOTO // VIEW VIDEO

  • 46 screencaps of Dope’s Now or Never video have been added to EDF Photo. This tends to be a video fans either haven’t seen a lot of or don’t remember, and that’s really a shame. Before Lovesong came out and unseated it, Now or Never was actually my favourite Dope video. (Coming in second isn’t anything to be ashamed of though!) I’ve linked the video for you to check out if you haven’t, or it’s been awhile since you’ve seen it. I really recommend that you do!

Site Cleanup

  • I’ve been going through the site and giving some pages a facelift and improvements. You might not notice them right away, but I hope you appreciate it none the less. I’m always working on making this site the very best it can be for you.

And that’s about it, I know this update was a bit all over the place. It’s the result of me working in the background for the past week. Please enjoy!