When you first hear the name Shinobi Ninja, you assume that it’s a title of a Sega Genesis video game or a classic Kung-Fu flick. But after you learn that Shinobi Ninja is indeed a band, an awesome one at that, the name becomes a clear nod to their swift and lethal style. A metaphorical UN of music, you easily recognize the various components that come together to make up Shinobi Ninja’s sound. Consisting of members Baby G, Duke Sims, DJ Axis Powers, Terminator Dave, Alien Lex, and Maniak Mike, the harmony amongst its members makes Shinobi Ninja more of a family than it is a band.
The group is a busy bunch, teeming with energy and camaraderie. Polar-fraternal twins Maniak Mike and Terminator Dave are the level headed co-captains of the ship. Baby G, a rambunctious pixie of mischief, is usually at the center of the group’s shenanigans while Duke Sims plays the ying to her yang, appearing more grounded in the face of Baby G’s spritely persona. DJ Axis Powers is the classic quiet type, letting his exceptional skill speak for itself. Alien Lex is a timeless rocker who occasionally gets ribbed for his “star quality.” We caught up with the band on a rainy afternoon at their studio in the Flatiron district where they discussed with us their origin, their musical tastes, and their group dynamic.
Baby G. (NaShish Scott/Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
Maniak Mike. (NaShish Scott/Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
Alien Lex. (NaShish Scott/Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
Duke Sims. (NaShish Scott/Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
DJ Axis Powers. (NaShish Scott/Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
Terminator Dave. (NaShish Scott/Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
Written by Akeem K. Duncan.↓
Akeem K. Duncan (n.): editor in chief; autodidact; despised by most of the staff.
Akeem is our founder. A writer, poet, curator and profuse sweater, he is responsible for the curatorial direction and overall voice of Quiet Lunch. The Bronx native has read at venues such as the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, KGB Bar, Lovecraft and SHAG–with works published in Palabra Luminosas and LiVE MAG13. He has also curated solo and group exhibitions at numerous galleries in Chelsea, Harlem, Bushwick and Lower Manhattan.