Some fun for a dreary Monday. The video for Katy Perry’s new single This Is How We Do. This is the most recent release from her new album Prism.
It is pretty wacky and out there. Let us know what you think.
Tag Archives: Music
Leonino Naked Tunes | Music Profile
Band/Artist: Leonino (aka Jorge González)
Location: Berlin, Germany / Santiago, Chile
Styles: Pop
Similar to/RIYL: Scott Walker, Kate Bush, Dolly Parton, The Blue Nile, Serge Gainsbourg
CD: Naked Tunes
Release date: September 15, 2014
Accolades:
– Amnesty tour 1988 with Sting , Peter Gabriel, Tracy Chapman,
Bruce Springteen.
– Bogotá en Armonia festival 1988 with Jose Feliciano, Miguel
Mateos, Toreros Muertos .
– Estadio Nacional de Chile 2003 , 2 nights 80.000 people each one
as the only act. Estadio el Campin de Bogotá 2003 2 shows 70.000
people each night with no support. Same thing in Medellin,
Bucaramanga and Cali.
– Shows in 10 towns in Colombia, 11 in Peru, 4 in Bolivia, 10 in the
USA including a festival on Staples Center in L.A., 7 towns in
Ecuador and more than 30 in Chile.
-Albums: Records sold with Los Prisioneros and solo efforts,
around 2 million units sold.
– The Chilean society of songwriting rights , SCD gave to Jorge
Gonzalez in 1997 an award as the best pop songwriter of the
decade.
– Chile: winner “best song, best album, best act ” both in 1986 and
1990.
Production:
All songs are produced by Leonino at Krossener Studios, Berlin, mixed and mastered by Tobias Freund (except There Is a Light, mixed by Matthew Styles-Harris).
Bio:
As leader/vocalist of Los Prisioneros–the most iconic Chilean rock band ever and front-runners of a new musical resistance to Pinochet’s dictatorship that burst through in the mid 80’s – Jorge González became idol and voice for an entire generation of oppressed youth, reaching the pinnacle of fame not only in Chile but throughout Latin America. Never afraid of stating his opinions with sarcastic humor and raw talent, he guided the trio through a series of best-selling albums full of bile and discordance. It was a journey that began with the disenchantment of straight-forward punk-a-billy and meandered through different song structures, including an occasional excursion into ballads and other cross-genres, and the use of samples, keyboards and electronic sounds.
After the first four albums – and with them having conquered a transversal fan base–González ventured into a prolific and eclectic solo career, which once again consecrated him as an innovator and a genius composer, raising his signature tell-it-like-it-is lyrics and his particular crooning style to new levels of adoration. With an incipient electronic scene rapidly developing in Santiago in the early 90’s, he was involved in several releases progressively exploring into dance music (Gonzalo Martínez y Sus Congas Pensantes, Los Updates, Los Sampler…) and eventually moved to Germany in the 00’s, where he has continued working in close circle with a group of notorious musicians from Chile and abroad.
Jorge González is now back again as Leonino, with an intimate set of new songs accompanied guitar (in English) featuring collaborations by brothers Pier and Juan Pablo Bucci, Mariano Scopel, Argenis Brito, Martin Schopf, Tobias Freund and Miguel Toro. All songs are produced by Leonino at Krossener Studios, Berlin, mixed and mastered by Tobias Freund (except There Is a Light, mixed by Matthew Styles-Harris). This album is for Gia. Published by HR in an edition of 500 copies.
Absurd Observations a portrait study of Bestival exploring ‘The Art of Dressing Up’
© Kent Mathews and Dan Smith
Absurd Observations:
A portrait study from Bestival exploring “The Art of Dressing Up”
By Kent Mathews and Dan Smith
23rd July – 10th August 2014
The appeal of Bestival seems to grow each year attracting free-spirits and music lovers alike and creating a truly unique experience for all who attend. Having been the first music festival I ever went to, I jumped at the chance to attend a photo exhibition which has set out to encapsulate the beautiful and bohemian vibe Bestival go-ers can’t seem to get enough of. Held at the Proud Galleries in Camden. ‘Absurd Observations’ features studio portraits taken from Bestival’s book, ’The Art of Dressing Up’ The portraits are a vivid and offer a stylish insight of Bestival go-ers in all of their fancy dress glory taken by photographers Kent Mathews and Dan Smith.
Both hailing from London, Mathews and Smith have carved out very successful photographic careers. Having originally studied Art, Kent Mathews then went on to graduate in Film and Photographic Art. He then went on to work as a fashion and portrait photographer travelling the world and creating an impressive international profile for himself. Dan Smith initially started out in Biology but changed his direction to photography focussing on fashion photography. Smith then went on to work for iconic titles such as Face and Untold and contributing to British Vogue, Vanity Fair and Harpers and Bazaar. Mathews and Smith being friends for years were both keen on collaborating, and it was their love of Bestival which led them to The Bestival Photo Studio.
© Kent Mathews and Dan Smith
It’s no surprise really that Bestival continues to go from strength to strength every year as it really is like no other festival. It’s hard to pin it down to one thing when it comes to what makes it truly special but there are a few stand outs what with the magical setting and fun touches such as the WI tea tent and Wishing rave tree, but one of its main feature’s that definitely sets it apart is that it was not only the first festival to incorporate fancy dress but is now the biggest fancy dress party in the world. Every year, Rob and Josie Da Bank, the founders of Bestival, come up with a theme and on the Saturday hold a fancy dress parade for everyone to show off their weird and wonderful creations, (usually with an equally exciting artist on the main stage), my particular favourite soundtrack was The Village People. Its incredible how something as simple as fancy dress has helped create this aura surrounding Bestival and it’s a vibe that is felt by anyone that attends. Evidently, it was the extravagance and extremities of Bestival go-ers and their fancy dress efforts that spurned Matthews and Smith to want to encapsulate this feeling and so The Bestival Photo Studio was born. Mathews explains, “Our goal was to photograph the beautiful mayhem of Bestival goers in a studio setting out of the context of the festival. We approached the portraits with a formulaic methodology and dead pan expression in order to give the body of work a consistency and a feeling reminiscent of a scientific study.”
© Kent Mathews and Dan Smith
To create that truly authentic ‘Bestival experience’, the exhibition was underscored by the legend that is Rob Da Bank with a slideshow of the portraits projected onto the bricks of Proud Galleries. There is something truly mesmerising dancing to the sounds of Bestival whilst watching these ‘dead pan expressions’ which Mathews refers to, dressed in the most extravagant, ridiculous, coolest, silliest and down right hilarious costumes. It’s always a thrill when one of your favourite artists pops up looking silly and fantastic in fancy dress but personally, it was the true beauty and effort of the regular festival attendee which is inspiring here. Mathews and Smith have steered well clear of the ‘off your face’ cliché that usually frequents the average festival go-er something that is bandied around in media so much these days and it just goes to show that their perspective is much more powerful and really captures and stays true to the essence of what makes Bestival one of a kind.
© Kent Mathews and Dan Smith
Absurd Observations will act as a prequel to Bestival and will give the general public a chance to see the photographs which have set out to capture the true essence of such an enchanting and surreal world. The exhibition is free and will run from 23rd July-10 August 2014. As well as this, signed prints are available through the proud website www.proud.co.uk.
Proud continues to be one of the most visited destinations in London boasting three galleries, two live music venues and three Cabaret clubs and continues to expand.
Proud Galleries
The Horse Hospital Stables Market
Chalk Farm Road
London
NW1 8AH
keshini misha.
The Hertz Complex – No Control
Following brilliant reviews and international airplay for ‘Maybe I Know’ and ‘Bassy’, from their forthcoming EP ‘A New Habit’, we’re highlighting another track from the EP that shows a very different side to the band.
No Control is stripped back to focus on Neil O’Keeffe’s vocals, a simple yet utterly beautiful song that contrasts perfectly with the lo-fi fuzz guitar and shimmering Post-Punk creations the band are known for.
Neil O’Keeffe (lead vocals, guitar) and Paul Keane (guitar) have a songwriting partnership that transgresses borders. Hailing originally from Cork, Ireland, they have set up camp in the emerging artists’ haven that is Deptford, London.
Here they draw on a mix of influences from their Irish roots to bands such as The Chameleons, Joy Division, Whipping Boy and Howling Wolf, resulting in their own eclectic version of post punk. Joining Neil and Paul are Benjamin Balan (drums) and Chris Keelan (bass). Originally from Canada, they form a solid, driving rhythm section that provides the foundation to The Hertz Complex’s dynamic interlacing guitar work.
The four-piece aim to bring a forgotten passion back into music and this musical salvation has certainly been delivered – an ever-growing army of fans, festival appearances and a headline slot at LA’s legendary Whisky A Go Go are testament to that fact. The Hertz Complex’s highly anticipated debut EP comes on the back of news that one of their songs will be featured in a movie soundtrack, another sure sign that this band are making music that is essential listening.
The Courtesans Genius Video
We have the video for The Courtesans’ latest single, ‘Genius’.
This hard-hitting video considers the never-ending, unattainable portrayal of ‘the perfect woman’. With unavoidable advertising and mounting social pressure from both sexes, we too often witness childhoods ending all too early in favour of cheap lipstick and chicken-fillet bras as young women rise to the bait of their own growing insecurities overtly and subliminally governed by outside sources.
Beyond this, we find the anti-ageing army of surgery toters, trading botox and collagen injections that prey on the insecure and the vulnerable. Slimming pills, eating disorders, false hair, false nails, false person, false life. To conform is never enough for as we are judged and criticised for our differences and shortfalls so too are we judged and criticised for owning a beautiful face or a curvaceous body.
The clip sees the band – our four overtly-individual heroines – being burned at the stake for refusing to sacrifice their own opinions of how beauty should be perceived and how this should remain the property and under the control of the individual. Covering tattoos with skin-coloured paint does not alter the truth of what lies beneath the paint and indeed beneath the skin.
‘Genius’ will be released as The Courtesans debut single on 25th August and available from all your favourite online retailers. It’ll be shortly followed by their long-awaited debut album ‘1917’.
Indie Band Boy+Kite Wants To Marry You
To celebrate the release of their two new singles “Either Way” and “Turned Sideways”, indie quartet Boy+Kite will host pop-up wedding events around the U.S., kicking off in late September.
The on-the-spot weddings are open to all couples that want to tie the knot without all the fuss. The officiant, cake, and champagne are included in your ticket, along with Boy+Kite, who will be there to serenade you and your true love on the big day.
For more information, go to http://www.boypluskite.com
Westfield’s Launch ‘We Are LDN Summer’ Campaign
To celebrate the launch of Westfield’s ‘We Are LDN Summer’ campaign, running 16 July – 31 August, visitors to Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City will be treated to six weeks of London’s best in class of dance, music, art, food, children and fashion themed activity. 
Each themed week will showcase the capital’s finest free dance workshops, musical performances, art exhibitions, culinary demonstrations, children’s activities and style sessions along with competitions and offers from Westfield’s dining, entertainment and leisure retailers. Whether you’re out for a spot of shopping, enjoying a delicious meal or soaking up the sun, Westfield has all your summer bases covered.
MUSIC WEEK (21 – 27 JULY)
West & East London Talent, Various Stages, Daily
The very best of London musicians, choirs, writers and performers will be showcasing their talents across a variety of stages at Westfield London and Stratford City. The Mayor of London’s annual busking competition will also be taking place during this week so get front row to see the capital’s next big star!
DANCE WEEK (28 JULY – 3 AUGUST)
English National Ballet, 30 July at Westfield London, 31 July Westfield Stratford City 11-4pm
Children can experience the love of dance firsthand with this exciting workshop hosted led by the English National Ballet, featuring the enchanting tales of Coppélia, Swan Lake and Nutcracker.
Big Dance, Westfield London, Mon 28 July, Fri 1 Aug, Sun 3 Aug, 11-5pm
High energy performances and have-a-go workshops from Big Dance at Westfield including street, Brazilian, Jazz and swing.
IMD Legion, Westfield Stratford City, 3 August, 12pm
Check out East London dance crew, IMD Legion as they show off the talent that made them famous on Got To Dance, Nickelodeon, Ashley Banjo’s Street Crew and CBBC Fridays.
ART WEEK (4 – 10 AUGUST)
East vs. West Art, Westfield London, Daily
Curated in associating with Jack Jones of The London Collection, the exhibition brings together a selection of established and emerging artists to promote the cultural richness and diversity that West London has to offer. This exciting collection will feature a mix of contemporary painting, photography and sculpture.
Kids Arts, 6 August Westfield London, 7 August Westfield Stratford City, 11-4pm
Wednesday 6 August is a dedicated kid’s art’s day. Kids are invited to come down grab a painting easel, a beret and a paint brush and hone their skills.
Live Graffiti, Westfield Stratford City, Throughout the day
Check out the week long interactive live graffiti artwork supplied by Graffiti Life. Become part of the daily mural or get your own graffiti name tag giveaway!
FOOD WEEK (11 – 17 AUGUST)
Cooking Demos, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City, Daily, See website for details
Enjoy free, daily masterclasses with L’atelier des Chef, the leaders in fun, energetic culinary classes.
Kids Cooking Day, Westfield London 13 August, Westfield Stratford City, 14 August, 11-4pm
Kids are invited to try and be the next Jamie Oliver at Kids Cooking Day. Kids can try their hand at making finger sandwiches and pies.
Foodie Festival, Westfield London, 16 – 17 August
Top off a week of gastronomy at Westfield London with a weekend foodie festival. Located in the al-fresco surroundings of The Southern Terrace, retailers and guest vendors will be sharing their tasty treats to shoppers.
KIDS WEEK (18 – 24 AUGUST)
Dinosaur Train, Westfield London: 19 August, 11am, 12noon, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm,
Westfield Stratford City 20 August, 11am, 12noon, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm
Beloved Nick Jnr programme, Dinosaur Train, is coming exclusively to Westfield! A UK first, Buddy the tyrannosaurus rex and his adopted pteranodon family will be entertaining their fans. Free wristbands collected from 9am.
My London Girl Lessons, Westfield London, Daily, 12 – 5pm
During kids week, retailer My London Girl will be holding free in-store arts and crafts such as dolly hair braiding, friendship bracelet making and decorating trinket boxes.
Kids Arts & Crafts, Westfield Stratford City, Chestnut Plaza, Daily, 11-5pm
East London themed kids workshops and activities organised by Iced Gems Events, including games, making and decorating bags, jewellery, ceramic plates, clothes, giveaways, competitions, and face paint. Fun for all ages every day!
The Kick Off, Westfield Stratford City, Outside Café Football, 21 August
Think you could do better than US goalie, Tim Howard and the 16 goals he saved? Try your penalty shootout skills with Café Football.
FASHION WEEK (25-31AUGUST)
Style Sessions, Daily, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City (see website for schedule)
For the forward-thinking fashionista or those after some styling advice, Westfield London will be hosting open style sessions from Westfield’s retailers and team of personal stylists.
PLUS, SAVE THE DATE FOR…
ABBEY CLANCY AT SCHOLL EXPRESS PEDI BEACH
Westfield London, The Atrium, 18 July, 11am
As the official ‘feet’ of Scholl, Abbey Clancy will make her exclusive, star appearance to open the glorious indoor beach on the morning of Friday 18 July
SCHOLL EXPRESS PEDI BEACH
Westfield London, The Atrium, 18 – 19 July, 10am – 7pm; 20 July 12pm – 6pm
The Scholl Express Pedi Beach is set to be the perfect pit-stop for your pre-holiday speedy summer pedicure. Let the Scholl pedicure team tend to your tired soles with a free express pedicure using the Scholl Velvet Smooth range to give you soft, beautiful feet in an instant.
ALEXA CHUNG BOOK SIGNING
Westfield London, The Atrium, 12 August, 12.30pm. Signing for 1.5hours
Fashion’s It girl, Alexa Chung, will be make an appearance to sign her aptly entitled book, It. A collect of writing, doodles and photographs, It has been a huge success with Alexa’s army of fashion and style followers.
BIG HOUSE
Big House, Westfield Stratford City Daily, 11-6pm, Sunday 12-6pm
Daredevil visitors to the Big House can hang from the window ledges by their fingertips with not a care in the world. Well, it will look like you can! The Big House is nothing but an optical illusion. Give it a go and share on social media to trick you friends!
Don’t forget to have your picture taken with the great big WEST and EAST letters to pledge your allegiance to #WestLDN or #EastLDN on social media.
Introducing stickybackplastics | Music Profile
stickybackplastics is all about about dark, bluesy, heavy hooks with a noise-rock undertone. Grinding riffs, brooding basslines. Epic vocals. Music to make your hair stand on end. The York-based alt-blues three-piece are- Roz Walker (guitar) and Heather Niven (vocals), alongside Dom Smith on drums.
The band came together with a simple desire to create music to soundtrack the world’s best and worst heartbreaks.
Stating their influences as Garbage, PJ Harvey and Portishead, the band are “driven by a shared desire to create great guitar and blues-driven rock music that emotes any type of emotion in the listener”.
Roz and Heather met at a way-too-grown-up garden party in deepest North Yorkshire, and quickly realised they had a great synergy for all things creative.
Vocalist Heather says: “There is something instant, forceful and immediate about singing, there is an excitement and passion like nothing I get from painting. Have you ever had goosebumps from looking at a painting? Music reaches a different part of you.”
Roz and Heather have been working together as artists for a number of years before their began exploring their collective musical potential. The track on the debut EP were built by Roz a number of years ago, and they’d been looking for a drummer to turn their work into a proper band. Following a number of meetings over the years between Heather and disabled entrepreneur Dom Smith within York’s vast creative network, a friendship grew that led to him becoming the drummer and perfecting the trio.
Their debut EP, a self-titled introduction to stickybackplastics recorded at The White Rooms, York, UK, is available on Bandcamp: http://stickybackplastics.
In the coming months stickybackplastics will be releasing an EP of remixes, followed by a new music release by the end of the year.