This page summarises a question-and-answer feature published in May 2011 with King Kirk of Sporty Thievz. Answers are paraphrased, and opinions belong to the artist.

Where had the group been?

King Kirk said he stepped back after losing his partner Marlon Brando and retreated to what he calls the Sporty Cave to clear his head. He admitted that he was the one holding up releases, since several finished albums were waiting, and that he simply had not felt ready earlier.

What was coming

Two records were on the way. The first was a solo project, Street Cinema 1.5, subtitled The Sporty Show, and the second was an official group album, Street Cinema 2, intended as a follow-up to the original. Street Cinema 1.5 would feature the other members and some newer artists, and its songs would follow the plot of interlinked skits, so not every track is a story in itself.

Relevance and answer records

Asked whether the group’s music still mattered in 2011, he replied that he makes music for himself and for fans who keep in touch, and called himself indifferent to trends. On answer records, the style that produced No Pigeons, he said the group might do more if a song calls for a male reply, but ruled out reacting to every new release. He noted that the group has mothers and daughters in the family and keeps its humour within limits.

First single and production

The first track was not a formal single but a warm-up called F**K Facebook (Got Me Kicked Out), about how social media got him sent out of the house. He produced his own album, and co-produced Street Cinema 2 with Big Dubez, who was at that time concentrating on production and filming.

Staying in touch

He said he had only just begun taking Twitter and Facebook seriously and invited fans to follow him there, signing off with a promise of a 3D-themed release.

Why the interview matters

For followers of the group the piece works as a status report after a long quiet period. It explains the reasons for the gap, signals two new albums and shows how the artist wanted the group to be seen: as storytellers first, not as followers of the charts. It also reflects the DIY attitude that runs through the rest of the archive, where King Kirk handles production, video and even artwork himself. The mention of 3D glasses hints at a playful, cinematic angle for the new release.

See also the 2013 update, the single and the profile.