Archive for the ‘Music + Art + Movies’ Category
Serial Cut
Serial Cut
1. What is your company philosophy or ethos?
I used to say that "good work calls for better work" and with 10 years working on this, I have to say it's true. We always have it on our minds to make cooler pieces to showcase on our website. We like to make different kinds of projects and only some are innovative and these ones are the ones that we like, especially when we are asked to make something different.
2. Your designers are such forward thinkers/designers. Where do you go for design in- spiration? From which period/style do your designers draw most of their inspirations? Is there particular designer or designers the studio admires? I can get inspiration from anything in life: colour combinations I see on any street but also in nature, any movie or song or just having a look to a 70s book or a vinyl cover- case from my dad's collection, traveling a lot… We here at Serial Cut like all kinds of retro stuff, but we usually make an interpretation, and update the idea, combining it with a contemporary look that fits our style. I don't like the word "modern", I prefer to say "contemporary", as I feel it more accurate of this time period. As for designers, I love the classics: Herb Lubalin, Igarashi or Serge Lutens.
3. What inspired the establishing of the studio?
I started working in agencies and magazines when I was 22, and combined my freelance works with my own clients I've gained while working with other companies. So it can be said that I started the one-person-studio 10 years ago. But there was a moment that I had too many freelance projects so I decided to establish the studio as a physical place. This happen only 2 years ago and was one of the best ideas of my life. Now I can't imagine working for another boss.
Lady Starlight talks about the future of Rock, Lady Gaga, and Taking Risks
Lady Starlight talks about the future of Rock, Lady Gaga, and Taking Risks
By Lisa Kimmey and Joey Grant
Rock and Roll has a new face, and she goes by the name of Lady Starlight. Currently touring with Lady Gaga, Starlight is more than just a face in the crowd. She's more than just any old club DJ too. Starlight has been rocking the New York City club scene for the past decade, and her amazing stage presence, innovative sound creations, and incredible theatrical stage productions are pushing her to the center of the spotlight. And she's just getting started.
Starlight's first experience on stage was for a talent show she entered with a childhood friend. Their lyrical dance rendition of a deep Beatles track called Matchbox from 1964 did not go over as the girls had intended. She recalls, "A Ringo song nonetheless, and I was like, oh my god we're going to win this! No no. That's the story of my life. I always do things way before people are ready for them. And they're very unsuccessful. Finally, everything has caught up now. It was just a matter of time before the world caught up."
I <3 Angelina Jolie
Recently, while promoting her film 'Salt' (which I am SO excited to see) Angelina Jolie gave us some food for thought concerning everybody's 'worry' over Shiloh's new habit of dress:
"I think she (Shiloh) is fascinating, the choices she is making. And I would never be the kind of parent to force somebody to be something they are not. I think that is just bad parenting… Children should be allowed to express themselves in whatever way they wish without anybody judging them because it is an important part of their growth. Society always has something to learn when it comes to the way we judge each other, label each other. We have far to go." – Angelina Jolie (reuters)
Yes we have far far to go Angelina, but with more like-minded people… perhaps not too far.
Get Married on Air – Go for it Bo!
If you're like me, then you follow the Marriage Equality world quite closely. I will
probably be a crazy person on my wedding day. But besides that! Look at this!
NBC is changing its rules to allow same sex couples to participate on its 'Today'
show weddings!!! YAY!
Link –> http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=11121781
If you dont feel like following links:
Original Article By DAVID BAUDER
The Associated Press
NEW YORK
After a meeting with gay and lesbian activists on Thursday, NBC's "Today" show said it is changing the rules for its annual wedding contest to allow same-sex couples to apply for a ceremony conducted on morning TV.
NBC extended the deadline for applications until Monday. Already thousands of couples have expressed interest in the on-air wedding, which the top-rated morning show has sponsored for a decade, a spokeswoman said.
"We're thrilled that `Today' show's `Modern Wedding Contest' now recognizes what most fair-minded Americans have already concluded ? a wedding celebrates love and commitment, whether the spouses are straight or gay," said Jarrett Barrios, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
Viewers plan every aspect of the wedding, from the cake to the clothing styles of attendants. NBC picks four couples from thousands of applicants, and viewers vote on which of those couples will participate.
Same-sex couples have been excluded because New York state law does not allow them to get wedding licenses. But NBC said GLAAD pointed out that a same-sex couple would be able to get a license from another state and still have their ceremony in New York.
NBC said it had listened to voicemails and read e-mails protesting its decision not to allow same-sex marriages. The show considers relations with the gay and lesbian community very important, it said in a statement.
"Moving forward, we ensure that our future wedding contests will be inclusive to all couples," NBC said.
The only time same-sex couples were allowed to apply for the "Today" wedding was in 2005, when an out-of-state wedding was held, said show spokeswoman Megan Kopf. No gay or lesbian couples were among the finalists, however.
Although "Today" viewers will decide which couple to get married on TV, it will choose from among four that "Today" producers screen and put up for a vote. So there's no guarantee that even if same-sex couples apply for the on-air wedding, viewers will have a chance to select one to participate.
GLAAD said it only learned last week that same-sex couples weren't allowed to apply, and issued a "call to action" for members to complain to NBC. Thousands did, the organization said.
Fairy-boy Dreams to Reality: Artist Paul Richmond uses gay and glam to express his own inner diva.
Fairy-boy Dreams to Reality:
Artist Paul Richmond uses gay and glam to express his own inner diva.
By Jake Giles
Mint Male: Can you tell me a little bit about how you became a working artist?
Paul Richmond: My art education began at a pretty young age. By the time I was three, my parents couldn't pry me away from the dining room table where I sat busily drawing myself as a fairy tale princess. They explained that being a princess wasn't an acceptable career path for a boy from the Midwest (which was quite a bummer). However, they also presented a compelling alternative ? art lessons. I began oil painting classes once a week with a fabulous local artist named Linda Regula, who nurtured my creativity and helped me develop as a visual storyteller. Grand portraits of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty followed.
Later, I attended Columbus College of Art and Design, graduating in 2002. It was invigorating to be exposed to so many new ideas and techniques, yet my personal life was a train wreck due to deep-rooted denial of my homosexuality. It took a lot of energy to convince myself I was straight while secretly lusting after every moody art school boy who crossed my path.
Fortunately, the year following graduation was a time for personal growth. I formed a mural painting business with my friend, the amazingly-talented painter Melissa Forman, and she helped set me straight (so to speak) in many ways. She was the first person I came out to, and as I began exploring my sexuality with my artwork, she encouraged me to bring the paintings out from under my bed and start exhibiting them. My work and I have been on parallel journeys of increasing gayness ever since.
Nhojj gives "Love" a different face in new music video
Nhojj gives "Love" a different face in new music video
By Jake Giles
In between videos featuring scantily clad dancers and jam-packed hot tubs, viewers might blink a few times when they see the video for singer-songwriter Nhojj's single "Love." The clip features two gay men in love, doing what gay men in love do: riding a motorcycle, sharing embraces, being intimate. It sounds too progressive to be true. Maybe it's that this is often unseen video content in mainstream music. Perhaps it's the soothing falsetto Nhojj uses to narrate the story. In any case, "Love" took the number one spot on MTV's Music Top 100 Chart, beating out big names like Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. Although he's been making music for over a decade, Nhojj is a recent face in the new wave of openly LGBT artists to hit popular music. After graduating from NYU, Nhojj bought Tascam recording equipment and released his debut album two years later (2001). With his newest album,?Soul Comfort, the Caribbean native hopes to continue changing preconceived notions about the representations of love that are fit for feature in a mainstream music video.
Q: Congratulations on "Love" hitting number one on MTV Music. How did you react to the news?
A: I was surprised, then I was jumping up and down like a kid. Not only am I an out, gay artist, but I'm also an indie artist. "Love" is my first music video, so this is enormously encouraging and rewarding. I hope this inspires other gay artists to stay true to who they are and share more of our stories through music.
Q: Where did the inspiration come from for the song "Love"?
A: I wanted to write the ultimate love song; one that captures the essence of making love with someone you care about. The ultimate experience of love is really beautiful and quite spiritual; it's indescribable really, but that is what art does best: describe the indescribable. I also wanted to capture love's sexiness.
Q: Who were your biggest influences while developing your sound?
A: One of my biggest musical influences was Michael Jackson. I remember singing into my parent's stethoscope trying my best to sound like MJ. Another musical influence was Bob Marley. Growing up in the Caribbean, his message of one love was everywhere. Personally, I really look up to Nelson Mandela. He is the symbol of faith and courage in overcoming prejudice, hatred, and ignorance.
Q: Can you tell me a bit about your songwriting process?
A: It changes from project to project. I've recorded four CDs; with each one I've explored a different form of songwriting. I approached my debut?I've Been Waiting for You like a personal diary. I would keep a little recorder close by and whenever I got a melodic idea, I'd record it and add to it as other ideas came. With my sophomore album "Someday Peace Love & Freedom," I listened to lots of reggae-fusion tracks and let the music inspire my melodies and lyrics.?John Martinborough Coming Home [features] interpretations of songs I grew up singing in church. My latest,?Soul Comfort, started out with the idea of focusing on everything that is good in life and writing about those particular experiences, like love, relationships, spirituality, friendship, sex, solitude, and of course music.
Q: If you could work with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and what type of song would you create?
A: That's a great question. I would work with Carlos Santana. He is such an incredible musician and uses his music to make this world a better place. I would love to create a song that explores how gay and straight people can live together and celebrate our differences.
Q: The video for "Love" has received enormous amounts of praise from the LGBT community for its depiction of gay love. What type of reception did you anticipate from mainstream music?
A: In my heart, I hoped the mainstream would embrace my video showing two men in love, but I honestly didn't expect them to receive it. It's sad to me that some people feel threatened by love that appears in different forms from what they are familiar with. I believe love is always good. But things are changing and this video reaching number one is another indicator that our society is changing for the better. I believe things will continue to change for the better. We just have to keep on believing and working towards this truth.
Q: How has your music been received by both the Black and Gay communities?
A: It's been really remarkable. BET's Soul Sessions congratulated me on being the first black male to win an OUTMusic Award, and news articles about "Love" reaching number one were published in Guyana where I grew up. The comments were really encouraging and supportive. I can't imagine that everyone is supportive, but many people are and I've experienced the same from gay communities. The Advocate and many gay bloggers covered the story. Once again, the comments were so encouraging. It's validation that magic can happen once you live your truth and share it.
Q: Do you feel any responsibility as an openly gay man in the music business to be a role model for LGBT youth?
A: Absolutely, I remember growing up in the Caribbean and not having role models; I didn't see myself or anyone like me. As a result, I felt invisible. It is so important to be visible and see yourself expressed through others. It's affirming and empowering in ways we don't fully understand yet. On my website, I blog about other role models who both LGBT youths and adults can look up to and be inspired by.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish as a professional musician?
A: To have an openly gay album reach #1 on Billboard's top 200 chart. Wouldn't that be a powerful message
of acceptance?
Nite Jewel brings original sound to Chicago's Funky Buddah
(click for facebook invite ^)
Some of the Chicagoans that brought you Outdanced, are presenting 'Reunion' featuring L.A. Based band Nite ?Jewel, for a Chicago debut performance. Ramona Gonzalez is the voice and creator behind this independent pop-dance transcended sound that is Nite Jewel. Trying to categorize NJ ?is nearly impossible, the sound hits notes of the past and but remains future forward, with some funk, disco and vocals that are entrancing and electric. Noted as a breaking artist by Rolling Stone and also the "Queen of lo-fi" by the L.A. times Nite Jewel is must see this Tuesday, May 11th. Also performing live at 'Reunion' is CHANDELIERS, a Chicago band that gives out electronic music with synthetic beats, and a taste of rock. Putting these two bands together is a genius combo for 'Reunion' at the Funky Buddha.
So come out to Funky buddha at 728 W. Grand Ave and check out Nite Jewel and CHANDELIERS. There is free Colt 45 from 9pm to 11pm compliments of Vice magazine. Reunion will also be featuring DJ sets by Jordan Z, Beau Wanzer, Night Moves DJ, Teen Witch and Baby Bamboo. Lastly its hosted by Rene Romero, Stardust
Grafton's seriously badass tattoo show at Hydrate
(click above for facebook invite ^)
Bret Grafton local photographer is showing off a collection of sexy tattooed men. So come out to Hydrate next Saturday. A ten dollar donation to charity gets you a hosted bar from 9 to 1030pm. That mean FREE COCKTAILS for all you varsity boozers. So come for the art, stay for the free drinks, and flirt with some bears.
Newsom's New Voice Wows on Three Disc Set:Joanna Newsom – Have One On Me (Drag City)
Newsom's New Voice Wows on Three Disc Set.
Joanna Newsom -?Have One On Me (Drag City)
by Jake Giles
Though the album title is?Have ONE On Me, it's ironic that singer-songwriter Joanna Newsom gave not one, not two, but?three discs of new music on her latest release. Clocking in at an impressive (but at times overwhelming) 2 hours, each disc contains 6 songs featuring motifs of new love, lost love, and lovelessness. Although the collection is a lot to take in, repeated listens reveal that each disc tells a story about a woman hopeful about her life. She may compare her struggles to a young renaissance dancer, mourn the loss of something she never had, but in the end she emerges independent and ready for what's next.
Darren Jones: "The biggest challenge of art is the unknown"
Darren Jones: "The biggest challenge of art is the unknown"
By: Alysse Dalessandro
Chicago-based artist Darren Jones always been interested in art, but it wasn't until he was laid off from his corporate job that he decided to take the leap and paint full-time. He says his corporate background helps him in the business side of art. Read what he has to say about his artistic inspiration and what he likes about the Chicago art scene.
Mint Male:. How did you know that you wanted to get into art?
Darren Jones:?I can't say that there was a moment where I said "I know I want to get into art", I believe that this was something inside of me that was always been there and it just took years for me to realize that instead of fighting it, to let it go and see what happens, pick up a brush and paint. I worked in the corporate world until I was laid off a year ago and although I was making both work together, I decided it was time to take the leap to paint full time and I have not regretted a moment since!
MM: What kind of training did you go through to be an artist?
DJ: My life experiences, traveling and growing up with a mother who paints in watercolor has been my education to develop as an artist. Experimentation and following that little voice inside the right side of my brain is my formal training as I am a self taught artist.
MM: For someone who has never seen your work, how would you describe it?
DJ:My art is a mix of contemporary, modern and impressionistic where I take everyday elements of nature and but my twist and style to it. I love heavy textures.
MM: I read that your draw inspiration in your work from your mother's garden. Can you describe how you find nature inspiring?
DJ: I really try to find the beauty in everything I see, but with nature there is not need to really search. I love the rawness of nature, the strength and the delicateness that you can find from something so simple as grass to something more complex like an iris or poppy. Nature itself tells some many stories and I like to try to take a snapshot of that story and expand upon it with my art. Many times when I find a location or a scene, I like to blur my eyes to allow the colors and elements meld together to imprint the image in my mind so I can reproduce it on the canvas.
MM: What materials do you use in your art and how does that contribute to the paintings' appearance?
DJ: I use a variety of materials and techniques to create different levels of depth and texture to each piece. I love texture and work in multiple layers to create different pieces of my collection. Many clients immediately want to touch the pieces to feel the art because of the textures. I use a various combination of recycled papers, wood fibers, paper fibers, sand from the beach of my family cottage, plaster, ink and acrylic paints, using a different combination for each piece.
MM: You work has been shown across the world from Australia to the Middle East to Europe and North America. Can you tell me about a particular show that was most memorable for you?
DJ: To me knowing my art is in private collections in countries around the world is one of the most amazing and most memorable. I love meeting people at my shows who are touched or moved by my art and learning their story and about their lives so that I learn what about my art connected with them and that makes me grown as an artist. It is those life moment stories that are the most memorable.
MM: Many artists say they struggle with the business side of their work. What do you find is the biggest challenge of being a full-time artist?
DJ: I think the biggest challenge is the unknown. You can plan all the art shows and openings, paint, paint and paint and hope that your art sells. Many artists say how the economy has effected art sales, but I have found the opposite as people find purchasing art is an investment and are always looking for the wonderful find. Something that has been very helpful for me with that is having a background from my previous life with the corporate world along with schooling in business. I am able to combine both schools of thought, taking the essentials of my education about marketing, sales and strategy and apply them to the business side of my art. You need to put yourself out there in order to sell, but of course the artist in me fights that too because you hope your art would sell itself.
MM: You showed your work at Chicago gay bar Sofo. How does you work relate to the gay community?
DJ: I am always open to showing my work at any venue that will expose people to works that they might not have had a chance to experience original art. I don't like to label artists or art, but being openly gay, I feel has allowed me to open up as an artist. I don't hide behind my art or my life. When I paint, I open up and let the paint flow from my hands and fall on to the canvas as an extension of who I am and not who people want me to be.
MM: How would you describe the art scene in Chicago?
DJ: I feel the art scene in Chicago is under appreciated, undervalued and underestimated but incredible and unexpected. There are so many amazingly talented artists in this city. I think that there can be such a focus on the New York scene, but making it in Chicago, you can make it anywhere!!
MM: If you weren't an artist, what would you be and why?
DJ: So I have already spent most of my life not as an artist, spending it in the corporate world, working in a office and a cubicle or school so at this point I cannot imagine my life being anything else but an artist, it is who I am, it is in my soul — I wouldn't want to be anything else.
