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Los Angeles / Underground / OpenSource Resistance
Los Angeles / Underground / OpenSource Resistance Meeting; A Trent Reznor / Nine Inch Nails / Exclusive Experience
http://opensourceresistance.net
U2 | Electrical Storm
The sea is swells like a sore head and the night it is aching, Two lovers lie with no sheets on their bed, and the day it is breaking.
On rainy days we go swimming out; On rainy days, swimming in the sound; On rainy days we go swimming out. You’re in my mind all of the time, I know that’s not enough, if the sky can crack, there must be some way back, for love and only love.
Art In The Streets: The Geffen Contemporary MOCA Los Angeles
APRIL 17–AUGUST 8, 2011 / THE GEFFEN CONTEMPORARY AT MOCA
A little teaser inside MOCA’s upcoming Art in the Streets show at the Geffen Contemporary site.
The Museum of Contemporary Art presents Art in the Streets, the first major U.S. museum exhibition of the history of graffiti and street art. The exhibition will trace the development of graffiti and street art from the 1970s to the global movement it has become today, concentrating on key cities where a unique visual language or attitude has evolved. Following MOCA’s presentation, the exhibition will travel to the Brooklyn Museum, where it will be on view March 30–July 8, 2012.
Art in the Streets will showcase installations by 50 of the most dynamic artists from the graffiti and street art community, including Fab 5 Freddy (New York), Lee Quiñones (New York), Futura (New York), Margaret Kilgallen (San Francisco), Swoon (New York), Shepard Fairey (Los Angeles), Os Gemeos (São Paulo), and JR (Paris). MOCA’s exhibition will emphasize Los Angeles’s role in the evolution of graffiti and street art, with special sections dedicated to cholo graffiti and Dogtown skateboard culture. The exhibition will feature projects by influential local artists such as Craig R. Stecyk III, Chaz Bojórquez, Mister Cartoon, RETNA, SABER, REVOK, and RISK.
A special emphasis will be placed on photographers and filmmakers who documented graffiti and street art culture including Martha Cooper, Henry Chalfant, James Prigoff, Steve Grody, Gusmano Cesaretti, Estevan Oriol, Ed Templeton, Larry Clark, Terry Richardson, and Spike Jonze. A comprehensive timeline illustrated with artwork, photography, video, and ephemera will provide further historical context for the exhibition.
Direct Resource Link // The Stupid Mammals
Images Provided By // Redridinghood
Melissa Auf der Maur : xMADMx
From Ms. Auf der Maur on Winter Solstice (Love This Too…); A Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse to land on Winter Solstice. We are lucky to be alive for this once in every 400 year occurrence. Snow Witch embraces the snow, while 2010 says goodnight and The Hunt of 2011 begins… This Would be Paradise……… xoxoxom
OUT OF OUR MINDS TOUR – Melissa Auf der Maur Live at the HIGHLINE BALLROOM, NYC NY Thursday March 3 2011
Foo Fighters | The Best Of You
This song and film for “The Best Of You” (I specifically hate calling these ‘Music Videos’) has meaning on so many levels, it is worth noting. And this is just One simple example in an impressive concentration that is Foo Fighters (Wikipedia) Art, Culture, Influence, Music, Style; Foo Fighters redefine those and absolutely evolve and innovate as simply, true, fun and consummate Artists. Please see how this One Tune shows their progressive complexity of a simple question; Is someone getting the best of you? Now indulge and answer that of yourself?
Support Foo Fighters // Visit their site by clicking the image above!! Below This Short Film are the lyrics!! *Enjoy.
Foo Fighters // The Best Of You // Lyrics
I’ve got another confession to make, I’m your fool
Everyone’s got their chains to break, Holding you
Were you born to resist or be abused?
Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best of you?
Are you gone and onto someone new? I needed somewhere to hang my head, Without your noose; You gave me something that I didn’t have, But had no use;
I was too weak to give in, Too strong to lose
My heart is under arrest again, But I break loose
My head is giving me life or death, But I can’t choose
I swear I’ll never give in, I refuse
Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best of you?
Has someone taken your faith?
Its real, the pain you feel; The life, the love you’d die to heal; The hope that starts the broken hearts; You trust, you must, Confess
Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best of you?
I’ve got another confession my friend, I’m no fool; I’m getting tired of starting again, Somewhere new
Were you born to resist or be abused?
I swear I’ll never give in, I refuse
Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best of you?
Has someone taken your faith?
Its real, the pain you feel
You trust, you must, Confess
Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best of you?
Fin | A Short Film | By Alex Hofford
‘I Shot Hong Kong’ Film Festival, People’s Choice Award, Hong Kong, July 2009.
‘Fin’ is a short film about the barbaric practice of shark-finning in developing nations so that consumers in Hong Kong and China can eat shark fin soup at their weddings, company banquets and celebrations. The sometimes graphic movie aims to show why sharks, as the ocean’s apex predators, are necessary to keep the marine ecosystem in balance. The film also bears witness to the ignorance of the shopkeepers selling shark fin in Hong Kong, as well exploring why Chinese people eat shark fin soup in the first place. ‘Fin’ was shot on location in Mozambique, Yemen, and Hong Kong and includes underwater footage from Indonesia and Fiji.
Fin from alexhofford on Vimeo.
Openland | A Defasten Film
Openland (dir. Patrick Doan, a Defasten film, 2009) trailer re-cut HD from defasten on Vimeo.
“Openland” is a cinematic docufiction guided by issues surrounding micro states and its derivative definitions. Through intertwining interviews, meta-narratives, and digital landscapes, Openland unfurls a dialogue between consciousness, individuality, and collectivity.
a DEFASTEN film | music by Andrew Coleman | written, directed, and produced by Patrick Doan
The Cove : Take Part
Inspired by the Oscar-winning feature documentary THE COVE, stars from film, TV and music band together to help save Japan’s dolphins.
Please sign the petition and help us get the word out, http://www.takepart.com/thecove
Estevan Oriol + SA Studios
Danny Trejo aka Machete lowriding with Mister Cartoon from SA Studios Global on Vimeo.
This Is War; Thirty Seconds To Mars
This is so symbiotic and a perfect example worth highlighting, in conjunction with my last post in regards to independent music; however in this case the other point made of how ridiculously fabulous it is to witness new, innovative and creative ways to compliment direct digital, download music and the death of printed/packing waste. Digital packaging is the new medium, the vibrant cool; and like a good friend and mentor of mine, David Carson was quoted with the birth of Marvin Scott Jarret’s RayGun Magazine as “The End Of Print.” And this was at least 15 years ago now.
First, a congratulations to the boys in Thirty Seconds To Mars. Jared, Shannon and Tomo are real good people. (The guys do various, fantastic online efforts as well; for instance Jared’s Blog) I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them a few times at events whilst my Collective Days. Passionate and imaginative, progressive, artistic, activists and with deep conviction; however they just walked away with the European Music Award for Best Rock Band. Their transmission report; “Thirty Seconds To Mars picked up their 4th MTV European Music Award in Madrid when they were announced the winners of the 2010 Best Rock Band Award. Huge thanks to the Echelon family for voting relentlessly the past couple months to secure the win!”
This is a band worth every effort. And this Post specifically relates to their studio album This Is War and it was just recently re-released as a Deluxe Edition. What I am noticing is this new effort in packaging w/incentives for fans/consumers with Digital Deluxe LP’s. Underworld did it two month’s ago with an Apple/Independently released Digital Interactive Booklet with Barking. The images here are from Thirty Seconds To Mars Apple iTunes LP of This Is War – which is also loaded with images, videos, information galleries, etc. And this is where the new demand for digital creativity is going to obviously bloom. Digital publishing is going into a renaissance phase of building/creating within the digital asset infrastructure, even more than we are seeing right now… look at Mobile Apps, Apple’s iPad, iPod; iCouldGoOn… Google just recently gave all of their employee’s a flat cool $1,000.00; Forbes Report (Google is even taking care of the taxes.) and a 10% raise in January. Note that an estimated 10% of FaceBook employees are from Google, and there has been an apparent mini-exodus going on.
It’s just re-enforcing my perspective with the value and explosion of the digital commerce engine; Welcome to the Machine. And if you wanted a bang for your bucks nowadays, support the on-line communities and commerce and show a demand for change that eventually reduces redundant waste of packaging, shipping, fuel; the list grows. Myself and many of my friends and collaborators have professionally shifted off of Print and doing more and more of direct digital content creation; I seriously am watching the magazine stands begin to disappear. It’s exciting to anticipate where the new influences will evolve within these dynamics.
REMIX.NIN.COM
remix.nin.com Project | NIN -Me, I’m Not (Polymadness Remix);
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Available for download;
In understanding the compilation of this track, the polymadness remix; Trent Reznor has been a Musical Vanguard in so many ways. In short, he has a social musical collaborative project, remix.nin.com And within this community various musicians of all different facets are given access to Digital Multitracks which are designated specifically for remixing and evolving his musical creations. Simple Genius. I will explain later.
A brief history and perspective, as this post will also serve with many resources/information. I am constantly asked if I still am involved in Music? The answer is simply yes; I have been more elusive in what I do and accomplish in regards to Music, yet I have never truly stopped. I was one who had a knack for music, as far as my Mother can remember. And at the ripe age of 15-17yrs I was professional, ASCAP License and performing at Los Angeles staples, The Roxy, The Whisky and Troubadour amongst others. As I have evolved, as has the Music Industry – I have been doing more behind the scenes work; Ambient/Electronica Originals, European Artist Remixes, Sound Design and Editing for Film/Video, Soundtrack Scores, Producing + Programming and the occasional set in Sessions with actual instruments. My primary is the Bass and secondary Drums/Guitar.
As to the state of today, it amazes me how accessible Music Production has become. From the days of condensing an 8-Track Mix to a 2-Track Audio Tape is so far gone. I am one of those Artists that disagrees entirely with most of the positions of the RIAA, and I know a ton of other Musicians that agree. We are know in the vast Ocean of Information sharing; and all forms of Art are meant to be accessible to all. Yes, we have all witnessed the rise, fall and re-invention of Napster and let’s also look at companies like Beatport and the massive Apple’s iTunes.
The reason I say that the Music Industry (and anyone directly involved with it will confirm) is turned on it’s head is for a number of reasons. First, most (tangible) sales of Music comes from big-box retailers like Target and Wal-Mart. The percentage is staggering and they only allow “approved” artists/albums in their stores. Secondly, since the transition of Discs vs. MP3′s is an obvious; and with Apple, Amazon, etc. is all offering a plethora of direct/immediate Music purchase. However, my last point is very valid; The rise of independent/self-produced productions, internet sales especially for established Independent Record Labels (Worldwide) and the strategic success of Artists’ breaking from Contracts and selling direct to consumer’s via their own Sites.
There are a batch of Artists that have been pioneering in this effort and I am pleased with what is becoming an added effort. When Artists sell direct they are riding them selves of wasteful packaging, yet becoming evermore creative with incorporating exclusive tracks, interactive booklets and video presentations. Radiohead was one of the early one’s to attempt this and with great rewards (They did a name your own price campaign); realize the money is now going directly to the Artists’ and not the useless middle-men and they can be more in power of being charitable which is what their true consumer’s want. Other successful stories is Underworld doing a pre-release of Barking with full video booklet and they surface occasional web-only specialties. Nine Inch Nails also did a web-only Free Download of 1,000,000 (I believe it’s still available) and then released in a limited number release; and they are also running a remix.nin.com Podcast with constant updates of other mixes.
It has become amazingly easy to produce quality Music today. With Apps like Logic Studio and GarageBand (Apple bought Logic from Germany’s eMagic). You now can easily Analog to Digital or Direct Digital Input and you are underway; and the quality and production capabilities are breathtakingly easy to use. Even Podcasting has become a hobbyist event. My Midi Keyboard, PreSonus FireBox and Logic is all I need. And I will be dedicating more time to surface other NIN Remixes, original scores and Music.
The Black Fish
As reported in and Editorial/Commentary by The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society – I was intrigued in fact to learn more for myself (and others). Here is a brief excerpt of the report;
Commentary by Captain Paul Watson.
Who and what is blackfish? We do not know. In fact, until the report that dolphin holding pen nets had been cut in Taiji harbour and a release to that effect was posted, we had never heard of this group. Our team on the ground at Taiji were caught by surprise when angry Japanese fishermen confronted them and they were questioned extensively by police. What we have found out is that Blackfish is a European group and that they indeed did send a team of divers to Taiji, and that nets on the dolphin holding pens were in fact cut. Scott West, our director of investigations is a trained law enforcement officer. He carefully analyzed the situation and the evidence, and he has confirmed that the nets were cut. He also confirmed that no dolphins were freed unfortunately. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society believes that opposition to the slaughter of the dolphins in Taiji must include a diversity of approaches. We support all groups opposed to this slaughter and it is not up to us to judge, to condone nor condemn the methods of other groups and individuals. Full report here.
They in fact do exist and will allow their own site, presence and actions speak for themself; Enter The Black Fish.
SURU : Los Angeles
SURU (which means “hand printed” or “print by hand” in Japaneses) is a concept retail store and brand. The vision is simple: combine the world of art and fashion into a retail store that caters to today’s ever growing demand for high end street wear and fashion forward consumers.
I stumbled upon this fresh new venture on Melrose Avenue and had to get the word dropped. You must go…!! If you are fan of the influential, rare-art prints, exclusive vinyls, limited-edition books + apparel – or just a solid purveyor of the finest in the true contemporary/progressive Art World… Than this the place. Listen, I was truly impressed; Nice vinyls off all kinds, Staff was excellent and knowledgeable, scored myself a signed copy of Estevan Oriol’s Book and a signed Book on Saber… (w/o an MSK/AWR)!! The shop is reportedly owned + pioneered by Joseph Hahn (Linkin Park) who also happens to be an ArtCenter College of Design graduate. The Gallery is unbelievable and wish many successes their way, as I will be attending many of the exclusive events they plan.
Barking;
As reported on Underworld Live;
Underworld’s ninth studio album, Barking, is released into the world today. You might have received your copy in the post if you ordered the deluxe edition the Lemonworld elves had a few deranged days packaging them for you last week (see picture above) when the mail order stock took over every available space in the office.
In other Barking news, the record hit No 1 in the Japanese international chart last week which everyone is over the moon about.
Last week, Karl was interviewed for the Guardian’s music podcast by the right lovely Alexis Petridis. You can hear it or download it from here.
Finally, if you haven’t seen this, worth a read a really interesting article on John Warwicker and the tomato/Underworld relationship as seen through nearly two decades of record sleeves. Click here….
