Seattle, WA • The Pancake Chef

Date: 07-07-13
Location: Seattle, WA.
Photography by: Luis Valdizon
Words by: M.L. Morris & Luis Valdizon

When in search of true local culture and people in an American city, diners are always a safe bet. They're also very convenient because they tend to stay open 24 hours or lift their locks extremely early in the morning, which typically equals extremely late at night for us. While on tour, we frequent them often, usually opting for the breakfast fare no matter what time of day it is--it just feels right.

Aside from only being open from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. most days, The Pancake Chef is a quintessential American diner: the menu sprawls all three meal groups at all times, the food is as greasy and sweet as you want it to be, the coffee is decent, and the hospitality and service are incredible. But as you probably presumed from its name, the specialty of this local Seattle fixture is their pancakes. The wide variety they offer includes Applejack Pancakes, Golden Pumpkin Pancakes, Michigan Black Cherry Pancakes, Gluten-Free Pancakes and even Potato Pancakes. Basically, any type of pancakes you can imagine, they have. For those looking for something a bit less fluffy, the omelettes and breakfast platters are solid choices as well. Just make sure to try a glass of their fresh-squeezed orange juice to go along with whatever you choose--many thanks to our generous waiter for that recommendation.

Personally, I love the American diner experience because of the people, and The Pancake Chef was no exception. Destinations like this are akin to time capsules. When you step foot inside, it's almost as if you're transported back to simpler times. The pace is slow, the food is comforting and people-watching the regulars and locals is always a fun past time. It's amazing what you can learn by observing and listening to people authentically live out their lives while chowing down on a triple-stack of flapjacks.

Somewhere, UT • Truck Stop: Desert

Date: 06-28-13
Location: Somewhere, Utah.
Photographs & Words by: Luis Valdizon

Traveling through the Utah Desert, we came across a truck stop. The views we took in were majestic and awe-inspiring. I got my camera out and started documenting right away. Something about shooting at this particular location was nearly perfect. David's carefree outfit, the cinematic nature and a much-needed break from driving all resulted in the impromptu photo shoot you see above. We're just a bunch of guys in the middle of nowhere chasing their dreams with an inextinguishable fire under their bellies and desert as far as our eyes could see.

My approach to photographing David has always been to capture him in the most candid way possible, because the David I know exists beyond the media that's out there. These photos are a direct reminder of the perspective I have of him, the perspective I wish everyone could see. He works harder than anyone I know and makes it look easy. Most of the time, it feels like he doesn't have a care in the world, but that doesn't mean the countless hours he spends cultivating his career don't go unnoticed. He's always on his phone working on music, marketing or interacting with fans, and there's nothing and no one that can stop him from doing so. He's a born and bred American hustler.

D-WHY • NEW FRONTIERS (SEASON 01 // EPISODE 02)

Date: 12-18-13
Location: U.S.A.
Film by: Luis Valdizon
Words by: David Morris

In case you missed the first episode (watch it below), New Frontiers is my mini-docu-series that gives my fans an insight into my life and travels. Today, we bring you episode two.

Over the past six months, I have done nearly 60 shows and traveled across the U.S. three times. Luckily, I made the journeys with close friends and was able to document a great deal of it. In this episode, filmed during our summer "Young, Loved, Hated & Broke" Tour, DJ Etrayn and I embark on adventure that involves a $1,000 bet to camp out at Backyard heavy metal festival with no tent or blanket.

Stay tuned for future episodes, where we take you along for the ride during "The Party With Your Friends Tour" alongside Hoodie Allen, Mod Sun and OCD: Moosh & Twist.

Watch New Frontiers Season 01 Episode 01 below.

Gaslight Coffee Roasters • Chicago, IL

Date: 08-16-13
Location: 385 N Milwaukee Ave
Words & Photographs by: Luis Valdizon
Website: gaslightcoffeeroasters.com

In our everlasting search for the best stores, eateries, coffee shops, brands, attractions, etc., during our travels, we look for the mainstays in every town we visit. We look for the places that not only belong in their surroundings, but enhance them. Case in point: Gaslight Coffee Roasters in Chicago, IL. Their location on the corner of an intersection in the bustling Logan Square fits perfectly with the artisanal urban aesthetic of the shop. Their staff is well-known to be experts at what they do, and they deliver their services in an unpretentious, yet beautiful environment. We stopped in on a cold October day and ordered some warm drinks and muffins. We've visited a lot of cafes on tour this year, but from the quality of service and hospitality to the baked goods and drinks, Gaslight is hands-down one of the most superb in the country.

D-WHY • Legacy

Date: 08-14-13
Photo by: Luis Valdizon
Words by: David Morris

This song is unlike any I've released before, but it's me. It's me being real about where I'm at right now in life. This whole EP is. My sound is evolving to where I want it to and this project isn't nearly the final evolution, but it has elements of where things are going. Uniform diversity. Well-crafted, unique songs. Honesty. Relatability. Edge. Catchiness. Quality. Consistency. These are basic principles I go by. I want relate to my fans and potential fans, but at the same time I want them to know the real me, and in turn we can all be inspired.

I'm releasing my new EP, 'Young, Loved, Hated & Broke,' on Tuesday; it's my second official project and the first project I've ever put on iTunes. It's going to be the cheapest price possible, because it's not about the money to me. I want to make an impact on the iTunes chart as an independent artist, and I want to do it with you all. We've all been underrated and overlooked in some way, but life is about sticking together and proving people wrong, right? In return for purchasing the EP, you won't just get the music (which includes an iTunes-only bonus track)...

If you purchase the EP in the first 48 hours it's available (12am EST / 9pm PST Monday night - Wednesday night), you'll get a phone call from me. All you have to do is take a screenshot of your iTunes purchase and email it to DWHYcall@gmail.com. There will be other gifts for purchasing, too. Stay tuned.

- D.