Remember really good house parties? The ones where you are surrounded by awesome friends and solid tunes that you just never want to end? Elliott Brood is that kind of party. They’ve managed to find a way to harness those good party vibes and translate them to a rockin’ live show. Their self-proclaimed “death country” style of music provides a rollicking soundtrack that you can’t help but embrace. Watching their “Bron-Y-Ar Stomp” approach to preforming could get anybody moving and a quick scan of the crowed proved just that. No pleading was necessary to get the crowd singing, dancing and stomping their heels.

For a trio they have a very well-rounded and complete sound and are all multi-talented. Both Mark and Casey interchangeably played various string instruments and Steve often joined in backing vocals. Mark’s vocals however are incredibly distinct. His boisterous Blake Schwarzenbach-esque voice tore through the crowd reaching the very depths of the room. I was looking forward to playing some kitchen utensils during “Write it All Down for You” but apparently silverware is costly and they sounded tight without adding those little extras.

While they put forth an extremely raw and energetic show, it was their stage presence that resonated most with me. For some bands letting their music speak for them in favour of crowd interaction is fine. For the Brood though, their approach is to engage the audience and make them entirely part of the show. From the moment the first chords struck they had the full attention of the crowd.  They chit-chatted as though they were amongst friends, embracing drunken howls while cracking jokes. Because they broke down the barries the stage often creates they maintained full attention even while tuning their instruments. In keeping  with this personal approach to preforming the set ended on a sweet note with “Miss You Now” being dedicated to a friend who was moving away from the city.

What I found interesting about the night was that while some of the Brood’s crowd remained for Calexico, most dispersed after the set and an older crowd moved in. Calexico’s set created a mellow, easy going vibe. Watching them was like relaxing after a long day at the office. There was a lot less energy in the crowd, although you could tell they enjoyed themselves. While their sound is nearly two decades old and they’re certainly talented and experienced musicians, I can see them being appreciated more in an outdoor  festival. Or, as a soundtrack to a Spaghetti Western.

Black Mountain and Quest For Fire @ The Horseshoe July 23

I’m calling it now ladies and gents, rock show of the summer! It had everything you needed from a show: mega loud, mega rammed and mega sweaty.

I’ve always felt like I was born in the wrong era. Rubber Soul is my favourite Beatles album and I find myself unable to take Fresh Cream out of my vinyl rotation. Possibilities of time travel aside, I will never be able to experience the birth of psychedelic rock or the subsequent Haight-Ashbury heydays. Fortunately, there are bands of the likes of Black Mountain and Quest For Fire who share a nostalgia for mid-60s to early 70s psych-rock and sometimes we get lucky and they’ll play a show like Friday and tear the place up.

First on the bill for the night: Quest For Fire. Like many the proverbial side-project-Phoenix rising from the ashes of a now defunct band, Quest For Fire is comprised of two former members of garage rock darlings The Deadly Snakes. Having never seen them I’d heard a lot of buzz surrounding their live performances and they definatelty blew away what little expectations I did have and put on a killer show. A lot of riff-heavy songs with extended instrumentals. Their solos weren’t overly concerned with being technical but were purposeful and effective in building peaks and creating climaxes. With much of their songs hitting near and even above the five minute mark there was plenty of time to pick up what they were laying down.

After such a solid opener the crowd was left thirsty for more and Black Mountain entirely quenched. They played for what seemed like forever, pounding through a set which incorporated songs of past, present and future. Then, when you thought they were finished and it couldn’t get any better they played some more. Total set clocked in somewhere near the hour and forty-fiver mark including a slamming encore. Their songs are skillfully crafted and make great use of textures and layering intersections. Each takes you on a different journey. Some start as a slow burning flame before bursting into a blazing fire while others erupt immediately and carry that jam all the way through.

Steve McBean is undoubtedly a musical genius, but Black Mountain with Amber Webber just wouldn’t be the same. Webber is a hauntingly accurate portrayal of everything a front-woman of the past was, only she stripes down the showmanship aspect and throws all her weight behind her talent. She stands stoic-like behind the mic stand only occasionally moving to hammer the wood blocks or the jingle the tambourine. She was like a sedated Patti Smith or Janis Joplin and her gaze was dead-set on the back of the room, nearly boring a hole through the wall. Yet her indisputable talent commanded so much attention. Webber and McBean’s vocal chemistry is also invigorating despite being seemingly detached. In fact, its almost as though Black Mountain is a sum of its individual parts which somehow manage to coagulate and flawless execute their brand of psych-rock.

Most tracks translated near perfectly in the venue. I will say this about the Horseshoe though; your enjoyment depends entirely on where you situate yourself. Spending the better part of the first half nestled in the front then hanging back by the soundboard for the second half made a profound difference. Sure, you can argue that as long as you hear the band what difference does it really make, but I’d just rebuttal that it makes all the difference. Nothing beats watching McBean pound down on the pedal halfway through “Wucan” to throw into a killer jam session. Nothing!

Words by Kate Masewich

1. What is your dream of happiness?

My dream of happiness is to live a full life, work as hard as I can and die with enough good “god credit” to spend my time in heaven jamming with Rick James, Roger Troutman and all the rest of my idols which aren’t dead yet so I’m not going to name them, it’s back luck.

2. Blonde or Brunette?

Brunette

3. What is the quality you like most in a man?

Loyalty. Can’t really explain it because I’m going to sound like I’m giving a moral lesson, but that’s very important.

4. What do you fear most?

Dogs.. All animals actually.

5. 808s or 909s?

808s. Nothing against 909s or 909 based music though.

6. What’s your biggest regret?

Wow, metaphysical question… I’m not too sure, I don’t really regret anything. I’d rather try and fail than regret something I didn’t try. Maybe I regret not listening to my high school french lessons… I was more of a math and physics guy.

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?

Blizzarts in Montreal. Dave and I spent years going there every friday and it’s still open today. They make the best Irish Car Bombs in town.

8. What¹s the one thing you can’t live without?

7up soda and my talkbox.

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you¹d like to see perform?

Roger Troutman, Rick James and Fleetwood Mac. Actually it would be great to see them perform together, right?

10. What is your favorite decade in music?

Well I’m actually right in between 2 decades that I equally like. 70s and 80s, but I don’t like the whole 70s and I don’t like the whole 80s, so here’s a new decade I created, from 1976 to 1986… That’s my favorite decade, it’s still 10 years and covers much more material than just 70s or 80s. Best of both worlds.

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?

Oh that’s easy, go blind, completely blind any day before loosing hearing. At least I could carry on with music, look at Stevie! (no pun intended)

12. How old is too old?

No age is too old, as long as you have style and grace. You don’t become old you just become vintage. Vintage is good.

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

Family, kids, hopefully still producing or dabbling in music. I can’t wait to become a father, I’m going to be like Joe Jackson (rip) and make my 27 kids form a band.

14. Who¹s your hero?

My new hero right now is Muhammad Ali. I Just saw a documentary on him, and he’s such a cocky, confident, funky dude. I love watching old footage of him just taunting journalists or other boxers, a true legend.

15. What¹s your favourite colour?

My favorite color is Green, my sign is Leo, my favorite fruit is grapes, my favorite pastime is going to the movies.

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?

Well that’s an wide subject, but if I really had to choose one right now it would be

17. Metallica or Madonna?

Madonna of course, although I enjoy quite a few Metallica songs, Madonna takes over especially with her first album. Jellybean Benitez’s production is amazing.

18. What¹s your most hated vice?

Drugs. Ruining people’s lives and your own for 30 minutes of high time…Don’t like that.

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?

Roger Troutman, the talkbox king, has a tragic story. He was killed by his brother (who killed himself on the spot) out of jealousy. He had such a great career, perfected the whole talkbox thing and made it an art. It’s weird because I feel I have something to do with the death of my own idol. Just a little while before he died, something like 2 weeks before, I wanted to get in touch with Roger and I got the contact for his brother Larry Troutman by mistake. I talked to him on the phone and he seemed a bit angry that I wasn’t looking for him. Maybe all the years of Roger being in the spotlight and the jealousy pilled up slowly and I was the trigger… It was literally 2 weeks after! Hopefully it’s not all my fault.

20. What are the top three live shows you¹ve seen in your life?

Bootsy Collins at the Metropolis in Montreal, what a memorable show… I was 16 at the time and I remember him starting the show with a cape and his back to the crowd for a complete song as the intro. He turned around during the second song and people lost it. I have a picture with him from that show. I followed him to this hotel to get my bass signed, which I also still have up on my wall.

Kanye West, in 2005 I think, and it was at The Forum in London. That was back when John Legend was playing keyboards for him. I think that’s the last true hip hop show I saw. Just pure energy and hunger. The crowd was really into it and throwing the typical English “Booooo” sound around, which is a sign of appreciation.

Steely Dan at the Montreal Jazz Festival a couple of years ago. I went alone with Dave’s father and we had a grand time. I couldn’t believe how good Donald Fagen still sounded and how much attitude and sense of humor he has. Their band was really tight and the drummer they had was incredible. Sounded just like the record, no Motifs or Phantoms on stage.

It is a sad but true fact that into every woman’s life a little infestation must fall. For us gals, the existence of pests is as ubiquitous as a trip to the feminine care aisle at Shopper’s and every bit as unpleasant.

These pests come in many forms – an ex who just needs one more chance, a completely unsuitable man we gave some to in a moment of weakness, or a poor sap whose only crime is residing on the wrong rung of the ladder.

Whoever he is, a pest can make a woman’s life a living hell. On the surface he seems like a great guy – he’ll call you just to see how you are, he’ll bring you Tim Horton’s when you’re having a late-night craving, and he is ready and willing to take you out for Valentine’s Day. Problem is he’s calling you while you’re staring at the phone willing the guy you really want to call you. He wants to stay – and will try to bone – after he’s dropped off your Tim’s. And while he might bring you flowers when he picks you up for your Valentine’s date, he’ll spend the whole evening staring at you with this pathetic hangdog look that makes you just want to slap the sh*t out of him.

So what’s a girl to do with a pest? Word on the street is a woman has three choices:

1. Ignore him

A lot of women say that this just feels wrong. It’s mean to ignore people, isn’t it? But are they really that nice? Or are their heads being gassed up by all this attention? I think you know the answer to that.

2. Tell him the truth.

It might be mean, but nothing says go away like a text message saying “You’re annoying and I will never, ever want you. Ever.”

3. Grit your teeth and tolerate your pest until he loses interest and finds someone else to harass love.

Unfortunately, your pest will most likely misinterpret your gritted-teeth tolerance as encouragement. This man is clueless and he lacks the natural filter that distinguishes politeness from vibes.

So I ask the question again – what’s a girl to do?

A couple of months ago I took the question to the streets i.e. Twitter and Facebook. I asked the ladies “How do you deal with a man who’s a pest and won’t leave you alone?” The answers were pretty evenly divided between ignore, tell him to buzz off, and grit your teeth and bear it. So I took it to the men to see if they had anything illuminating to add.  They all said they would tell a pest to go away. Me? I have a different tactic: fall in love with your pest.

I know you’re thinking I’m crazy right now, so let me school you. It is a fundamental fact of dating life that a man wants that which he cannot have. Men get off on the douleur exquise and no one more so than a pest. So why not remove the thrill and faux-fall in love? It’s quick, it’s dirty, it does the job every time. If your pest is blowing up your phone, just pick it up, act thrilled to hear from him, and launch into an ultra-excited diatribe about your day. Make sure you drag it out until his phone battery dies. Pester your pest about his schedule and try to fill every empty window of his time. And instead of ignoring his eyes when he stares at you with desperate wanting, gaze lovingly at him every chance you get.

In other words, give your pest a taste of his own medicine. It works every time.

It was that “time” of the year again;  for Embrace to throw one of the biggest summer dance party’s with a massive lineup, including well known international artists and some of this year’s up and coming local acts to watch for. The third annual TIME Festival sponsored by Red Bull was held last Friday at the Sound Academy and was the start of this week’s “must-go-to shows”. 

I got word shortly before I arrived to the Sound Academy that I was going to interview Diplo, Skream and Benga, and Kingdom so as I was brainstorming some last minute interview questions and I unfortunately missed a lot of local talent that were on the bill too. 

SKREAM & BENGA

I caught up with dubstep heroes Skream and Benga outside the venue to have a little chitchat. The four of us Skream, Benga,  Matt (my cameraman) and myself did the interview infront of the city’s skyline. Matt is  bigger Skream and Benga fan than I am so he started to fire away the questions. Right away the boys got into interview mode and answered every single question with a story almost. I wish I could remember everything that was said but don’t worry, we’ll have the full interview online soon. I squeezed in some of my own questions like recommending me to some new dupstep artists that I might not of heard of. One of their recommendations was James Blake. I told them i’ve heard of him before and absolutely love him! They said that I didn’t need any recommendations if I already knew who he was, and that im apparently up to date with my dubstep game. I thought that it was funny that he would say that because I believe I still don’t know too much about but what I do know is that based off of the success of Skream’s  remix to La Roux’s “In for the Kill” he’s dropping his second full length album “Outside the Box” next week featuring Elly Jackson. I’m really kicking myself for such bad memory of this interview. So much was said and asked, I think my mind was more focusing on how nice Benga’s Gucci backpack was and where could I get my hands on the exact one. I can’t wait for the interview clip to be finally finished. During one point in the interview I asked the boys how to dance to dubstep and they show me what do, it was pretty funny.  
 
 
Quickly after our interview they went on stage and wowed the audience. It seems like the more and more places these boys are going to, the venue, stage, and the crowds keep getting bigger and better. I’ve never seen them live before and I was blown away. They were bouncing off of each other playing massive chunes for the wild crowd. 
 

KINGDOM

Brooklyn boy and Fools Gold’s Kingdom is a very laid back, chill guy. The interview didn’t last too long as it was hard getting him to add on to his answers. For a bit we talked about what he thought of people calling his music “a Brooklyn take on the UK garage sound” and how he’s embraced it. I asked him if he had any upcoming projects  and told me and he  newly releasedan EP “Mind Reader”. I asked him to recommend me some places to check out in NYC like clubs and stuff for music since I’ll be heading over there in a couple of days. He strongly recommended me to check out Santos Party House and briefly talked about his and Dre Skull’s “Club Infinity” nights at Santos Party House.

DIPLO

I interviewed Diplo (Wes as I like to call him) in his washroom. Not the ideal place I had in mind to interview my favourite DJ in the world but we made it interesting and fun. I had a list of questions and topics I wanted to cover with Wes but barely even touched it as I got off topic and talked about what he was wearing instead (a Ben Sherman suit and piano key socks he got from Walmart). 

Peace outtie signs is Wes’ signature pose. 
Mad Decent recently released news that their block parties would reach out to more cities this year. I asked Wes about more information on this. So apparently Mad Decent’s Block Party will be reaching out to New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago over 4 consecutive Saturdays from July 31 – August 21 promises the kids banging music, carnival games, yummy food, super secret guests and all for free. I told Wes that I’ll attending this year’s MDBP in Philly next week. His tip to me was “Wear something sexy, maybe like a bathing suit. It get’s hot in Philly.” So I guess it IS always sunny in Philadelphia. 
I can go on and on about how awesome seeing Diplo in Toronto for the bajillionth time was but I’ll leave you with photos instead. Pictures are worth a thousand words, right? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Super stoked for this Mad Decent’s Block Party. Stay tuned this Saturday on Pink Mafia’s twitter as I’ll be giving you updates live!

Dmoney pres. Cottage Country Vol. 5 by Dougie Boom
Ready for download, streaming or subscription on Dougie’s Boomcast
page: Click Here

Tinariwen — “Kyardardem”

David Essex — “Rock On”

Map of Africa — “Freaky Ways”

Heart — “These Dreams”

Payolas — “Eyes Of the Stranger (Full Length Version)”

The Police — “Walking On the Moon”

Mott The Hoople — “All The Young Dudes”

The Jimi Hendrix Experience — “Burning Of the Midnight Lamp”

Mountain — “Theme For An Imaginary Western”

Donovan — “Hurdy Gurdy Man”

Bob Dylan — “Lay Lady Lay”

David Bowie — “Song For Bob Dylan”

The Band — “Up On Cripple Creek”

Chicago — “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day”

The Black Crowes — “Remedy”

Aerosmith — “Last Child (Home Sweet Home)”

The Beatles — “Come Together”

David Bowie — “Starman”

The Kinks — “Big Sky”

Deep Purple — “Blind”

The Guess Who — “American Woman”

Andrew Allsgood Experience — “Macho Wizard”

Heart — “Magic Man”

Chilliwack — “Crazy Talk (Diggy & Dougie Edit)”

Led Zeppelin — “All My Love”

Shuggie Otis — “Strawberry Letter 23″

Seals & Croft – “Summer Breeze”

Osanna — “Variazione II (My Mind Flies)”

The Clash — “Straight To Hell”

Brian Eno — “St. Elmo’s Fire”

Toto — “Africa”

Rush — “Tom Sawyer”

We don’t get the song from a zambony perspective, but the video sure is gorgeous and the beats are dope and it’s khev, who’s a full-on real-deal musician.

Dye N’ Ices did a remix too, which you can download here:

ZAMBONY (DYE N’ ICES REMIX)

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There is vintage and there’s “Vintage” with a capital V.
The conversation winner, Oh these? Vintage my sweet.
From one devoted follower of fashion to another, a designer vintage find is rather supernal. It’s just honestly divine. Thursday evening, I found myself at the vintage hotspot Dennis’ House of Vintage (1239 Queen St. W.), a contemporary and traditional vintage store. Yes, Vintage, Vintage, Vintage! It’s hot in there, vintage hot. Knee high boots and leather one of a kind dresses screaming my name as if I were Gaga and it were my very own “monster”. Oh and get this, a Vivian Westwood lime green silk blouse…with white hearts on it!
“Vintage.”

Dennis’ House of Vintage , presents a full house of pieces from  as early as the 50s. We’re looking forward to the launch of the new store location in London, September. Yes darlings, England. Vintage fashion trip anyone?

Photos courtesy of Joel Di Giacomo

MBMG threw an awesome 50’s inspired party where classic crooners like Elvis and Buddy Holly were revamped by a flurry of Toronto bands (The Balconies, Make Your Exit, Dinosaur Bones, Gentlemen Husbands, Fox Jaws, Golden Dogs, Black Hat Brigade and others) Maybe I’m biased because it was my birthday, but it was definitely a night to remember. All the proceeds will be going to MBMG’s new record.

Words & Photos: Courtney-Lee Yip

Most will agree the best live shows are the ones where everyone is intrinsically involved. Singing, dancing and feeding off each other’s energy. A party where everyone is invited to attend, something that Casey says the band strives for. “We always tried to make that effort to break down the barrier between the stage and the audience, to have that house party idea. What Elliott Brood does is try to make it a giant house party that everyone can join in. Make it an experience that is worth telling someone. I think that’s the way we got people on our side from the beginning. We’re really comfortable up there and we feel like our fans are our friends and family. It’s a very intimate thing for us, even if it is a big crowd.”

Their sound is as big as the crowds they draw; a combination of many things which shape it’s full body although they’ve taken a simplistic approach. “Mark and I write most of the lyrics and its the kind of music we like. Bob Dylan, Neil Young and oldtime storytelling. At the same time I was raised listening to a lot of grunge music like Dinosaur Jr., Alice in Chains…that sort of loud crunchy guitar. Casey describes in which their sound came to be as “kind of happening by accident, really.” Their level-headedness and creative control allows for their sound to remain, in fact, their sound. The lyrical content is refreshing. They aren’t singing songs of their own pain and sorrows, another nod to their lack of pretentiousness. Instead they write in narrative and take cues from folklore then juxtapose it with their distinct sound. “From the beginning we’ve tried to remove our own personalities from the songs. Its not us, its us telling someone else’s story. Conveying the story, not being the center of it.”

The band has come along way. Since releasing the critically acclaimed Mountain Meadows in 2008 they’ve headlined a tour, been shortlisted for a Polaris Prize and played Whistler for the 2010 Olympics. Yet through the success they’ve remained an entirely humble and approachable band. “We know that this could end at any moment and I think we take it all with a grain of salt. We’re very happy and proud its happening and its an amazing thing. Sometimes you don’t know why, you don’t control it necessarily. We go out and we play as hard as we can. We sweat it up and have a good time and it just seems like people just keep telling their friends about it.” Something that every band strides for no doubt, yet they seem to be surprise that it is actually is happening to them.

As up and down as the journey may have been through Mountain Meadows, they’ve taken that penchant for adventure and incorporated it into who they are as a band using various locations and even objects to round them out. “Mark has always said he considers the room an instrument. Wherever you are it gets into your head and gets onto the tape…it definitely comes through.” Their appreciation for how elements can impact the sound paired with their experimental nature makes them who they are. “We’re never shy about adding instruments that we don’t know how to play.” Evidently so, as they once used a Samsonite suitcase as a bass drum! “At first it was just Mark and myself and I would stomp the floor. When Steve became the drummer he wanted to replicate that as much as possible without it being a huge kick drum.” Although it has since been retired Casey maintains, “you never know, it may come back.”

So what does the future hold for the band? “I don’t know what to tell you about it other than the songs are going to be a little thicker.” He modestly adds, “we’ve learned a lot as musicians and we’re actually getting better! You can expect more traditional songs and some that are definitely amped up. There are going to be songs where you’re like ‘is this Elliott Brood?’ but you’ll hear it actually is..I’m really happy with them, and that’s huge because I hate everything!”

Catch the Brood tonight at the Phoenix playing along side Calexico. More information here. Come join the party, wont ya?

Words by Kate Masewich

Photos courtesy of Six Shoot Records

It’s 11:15 and the room is buzzing. Rumors are swirling around Wrongbar like the ladies room in high school. A few angsty people armed with 3G technology take their frustrations out on Twitter. At one point I actually overhear “Who do Delorean think they are, Britney Spears?” A handful of people throw in the towel, muttering profanities as they make their exit. Others scamper off to the patio at The Rhino to pass the time. The rest who wait it out are completely unfazed and establish a relaxed, easygoing vibe. There are people dancing and enjoying the hospitality – free samples courtesy of the awesome new menu. Then, just like a fairytale, at the stroke of midnight Delorean arrives.

Vocalist and bass player Ekhi Lopetegi chatted with Pink Mafia about the “bullshit” they had to put up with at the boarder which caused the delay. “We had to convince them that Wrongbar was an actual place for a show. Our booking agent and promoter had to send a request to get us back in…we waited for 4 hours!”

Yet the waiting continued as label mates Glasser hit the stage first shortly after the midnight arrival. The collaborative efforts of Cameron Mesirow and Fever Ray’s production members The Subliminal Kid and Van Rivers (who despite the heat was wearing an amazing Harry Potter cloak) have combined electronic with the sugary sweetness of pop, minus all the suck. Mesirow has some serious chops. What she may have lacked in stage presence she more than compensated for with talent. Under normal circumstances this electro-pop outfit would have complimented Delorean perfectly, acting as a catalyst for the night’s energy. Unfortunately it was late and their set was under-appreciated as the attention-deficit audience’s chants of “Delorean” drown the sound.

At 1:30 the crowd is coaxing Delorean to the stage with an enthusiastic slow-clap. The room is instantly engorged by their raw, infectious beats. The mellow energy levels are now a distant memory and there isn’t a still body to be seen. With only a makeshift sound check they resort to sorting themselves out over the first few tracks, but by “Stay Close” they find their footing and sound flawless. To show their appreciate to the fans that stayed they come back for one awesomely sweaty encore.

Their unique brand of indie-house amalgamates rock and electro beats in perfect harmony which is often described as Balearic beats. Lopetegi laminates the fact that he “doesn’t even know what Balearic is!” He pauses for a swig of beer before continuing, “I know what people here think it is, but really they just say it for whatever style of house that is playing.” Call it what you will, just don’t call it chillwave. “Fuck chillwave! I don’t really think our music is for chilling.”

This distinct sound that has warranted an influx in media buzz is a result of a more structured and thought-out recording process over their camaraderie. This didn’t come to them naturally though; they’ve been honing their craft for the better part of a decade. Listening to Subiza, their latest and most defining work to date, you could close your eyes and be somewhere else entirely, unfamiliar yet intoxicating. This wasn’t an attempt to pay homage to the club scene in Ibiza though. Lopetegi insists the island wasn’t the alleged muse behind the album. “We joked that critics would say that. I’ve only been once to Ibiza and it was to the beach, not a club. I spent two days snorkeling!” Instead, Subiza, the country side north of Spain in a Basque town, was where the boys retreated to work on the album. Their maturity and growth as a band and appreciation of the entire composition process was the real inspiration. As Lopetegi explains “before it was just like jamming on a rehearsal stage and adding elements of electronic…eventually we began just sitting down and really working on songs. We spent 2 months at a friend’s studio and family home; we ate great food and played ping pong. Subiza was the only name that made sense for the time that we spent there with these people.”

So kids, like your momma always told you good things come to those who wait…even if it is a school night!

Words by Kate Masewich

Photos: Megs Mulder & Snack

Die Antwoord and Sleigh Bells @ Phoenix – July 20, 2010

I think Toronto offically got “Ninja”ed. Or Zef Fresh.  Whatever you want to call it.  I don’t believe I’ve ever seen the Phoenix so packed or so hyped for a show between two acts.  Twitter and Facebook were blowing up.  The lineup was reaching down the street.  Scalpers were outside selling tickets for between $80-$100 when tickets were originally $18.50.  But was the show all it was hyped up to be?  Well, it really depends on who you talk to, I guess.  Personally I’m going to have to say that I had a blast.  I moshed with a bunch of bros in the back and got a fat lip in the process. Sleigh Bells played a solid set of danceable tracks and if you didn’t come in as a fan, you definitely left one.

However, I think most people in the crowd were there to see Die Antwoord.  Yo Landi and Zef gave the crowd everything they had.  Zef playing up the “Enter the Ninja” video wearing Canadian Maple Leaf boxers and wiggling his dong all over the dang place.  They played tracks from their already released album “$0$” and upcoming EP through Interscope.  However, I’ve talked to some who said they found it boring.  Meh, to each their own I suppose.  Whatever the case may be, Sleigh Bells and Die Antwoord made their mark on Toronto.  They left their mark on me.

(fans)

Words: Ama Scriver

Photos: Vanessa Villanueva

Low Down and Dirty Pitchfork Music Festival Interview — WHY?

During Pitchfork I had the opportunity to sit down with Josiah Wolf from the band WHY? and I asked these six riveting questions to get the low down and dirty from him:

(1) WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT CHICAGO?
Josiah  – I think the summers in Chicago are great.  Chicago isn’t a very good winter city, that’s for sure.  NYC handles the winter much better.  But I definitely love the summers here.

(2) WHAT IS THE WEIRDEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED ON TOUR?
Josiah – Ha, it was actually while we were in Chicago last time.  It seemed like everyone on the road has some seriously epic road rage.  We had just gotten a new rental van.  We’re really conscious about keeping our vans well kept and smelling fresh.  Anyways, these dudes get into a fight with us on the road and minutes later we think we hear what are gunshots. Next thing you know, there is a bolt in our windshield. We can’t confirm that it was the road rage dudes from the road, but we have our suspicions.

(3) WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING FESTIVALS, LIKE PITCHFORK?
Josiah – You get to play to a bigger audience and meet other bands that you’ve possibly been digging.  Make connections and network.  It’s really great from a band perspective.

(4) ARE THERE ANY CURRENT BANDS THAT YOU ARE DIGGING RIGHT NOW AND WOULD RECOMMEND FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTO WHY?
Josiah – I’ve been really into Deerhoof, Dark Dark Dark, The Donkeys and AU.

(5) SINCE PINK MAFIA IS CANADIAN, IS THERE A FAVOURITE PIECE OF CANADIANA THAT YOU HAVE?
Josiah – Canada is a very mysterious place.  I’m really into Kids in the Hall. I think Neil Young is an unsung hero.  I used to be really into Rush way back in the day.

(6) FINALLY, IF YOU HAD TO CONVINCE PEOPLE WHY THEY SHOULD LISTEN TO WHY? WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?
Josiah – I think we have a fresh sound. I’ve heard from our merch guy that people get from our songs that it helps them through tough times and that they can really take something from the songs.  It’s something you can sing along to but overall, just enjoy.

Words by Ama Scriver

Low Down and Dirty Pitchfork Music Festival Interview — Netherfriends

During Pitchfork I had the opportunity to sit down with Shawn Rosenblatt from the band Netherfriends and I asked these six riveting questions to get the low down and dirty from him:

(1) WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT CHICAGO?
Shawn  – I love biking around the city.  The food in this city is great, especially the pizza.  But it’s expensive in Chicago.

(2) WHAT IS THE WEIRDEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED ON TOUR?
Shawn – Running out of gas in our tour van in Mobile, Alabama.  The middle of nowhere.  Drunk off our asses.  We tried to call the police to come and pick us come because we were 2.5 miles away from a gas station, but we ended up having to walk.  It was lame.  But of more recent, we played at a Loft Party in Chicago last night (during Pitchfork) where the owners were selling drugs and didn’t have any drink tickets.  It was a really weird vibe.

(3) WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING FESTIVALS, LIKE PITCHFORK?
Shawn – Getting to play in front of such a large crowd and getting to see as many bands as I like for free.

(4) ARE THERE ANY CURRENT BANDS THAT YOU ARE DIGGING RIGHT NOW AND WOULD RECOMMEND FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTO WHY?
Shawn – esOterica and Tabioca

(5) SINCE PINK MAFIA IS CANADIAN, IS THERE A FAVOURITE PIECE OF CANADIANA THAT YOU HAVE?
Shawn – I had family that lived in Quebec City, Montreal when I was growing up. There was this spring water lake they would bring me to and it reminds me so much of my childhood.  That is Canadian to me.

(6) FINALLY, IF YOU HAD TO CONVINCE PEOPLE WHY THEY SHOULD LISTEN TO NETHERFRIENDS WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?
Shawn – I would have to say the dynamics of Netherfriends is a huge factor. It’s always interesting to listen to something that love created.  For example, I’ve recording 22 songs in 22 states and I’m trying to release them as quickly as possible.  Either 50 limited copy vinyl presses or put them onto cassette tapes.

Words by Ama Scriver

They’re playing the MOD Club  tonight along with Magic Kids and Pearl Harbor. More info on tickets etc, click here.

Also, the video’s kinda a rad throwback.

Let’s hope, like all hipster throwbacks, that this is just a surface, sound thing, and we don’t end up back in the old Joplin/Hendrix/Morrison days when everyone died from drugs and Timothy Leary and Aldous Huxley got stale. Instead, let’s all enjoy the poppy hooks and sunny California imagery and be safe!

1. What is your dream of happiness?
Subwoofers on the floor and true love in the air.

2. Blonde or Brunette?
Brunette

3. What is the quality you like most in a man?
Knowlegde of Crunk history.

4. What do you fear most?
Apocolypse.

5. 808s or 909s?
Always both but if I had to choose, 808s.

6. What’s your biggest regret?
I’m not the regretful type. You live you learn!

7. What’s your fav bar or club in the world?
Heard Plasticman play an old school grime set at Plastic People last year, the sound system there is nuts.

8. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
Insulin.

9. What are the 3 musicians dead or alive you’d like to see perform? It would be intersting to see more producers perfroming their instrumentals or to watch them perform in the studio. Bangladesh, Tricky Stewart, and Timbaland (circa 1998).

10. What is your favorite decade in music?
2010-2020

11. If you had to choose, would you rather go blind or deaf and why?
Blind, because I’m a musician.

12. How old is too old?
Age ain’t nothing but a number.

13. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
MIDI-synched in a beachfront recording studio with Night Slugs crew, Nguzunguzu, and Total Freedom, watching movies projected onto the night sky, zero carbon footprint (somehow).

14. Who’s your hero?
My family.

15. What’s your favourite colour?
Bright royal blue especially when it’s next to beige.

16. What song could you live without ever hearing again?
Kesha, or really any crossover American dance-pop.

17. Metallica or Madonna?
Madonna, she beats Gaga any day, did all that shit first and looked like she was genuinely having fun doing it.

18. What’s your most hated vice?
Coke heads go home!

19. Who is the most tragic figure in history?
Aaliyah.

20. What are the top three live shows you’ve seen in your life?
Ciara, Teedra Moses, Keyshia Cole (Missy Elliott and Lil Kim made surprise appearances).

I was lucky enough to have some friends who lived in Bucktown in Chicago who took me in for the weekend as I flew out on Porter on Friday afternoon.  I was excited and nervous, making my first real trip to Chicago.  The short ferry ride across to the terminal was fantastic.  Let me say this about Porter, FLY WITH THEM! Not only is the Porter Lounge amazing.  You get free food, free drinks and free wifi.  But on the flight, they give you a free wine or free beer.  Now that’s my idea of SERVICE!  The only downside is you fly into Midway Terminal, which is pretty far out.  However, you take the good with the bad.

As I arrived so late into the day on Friday, my wonderful hosts Joseph, Vicky and Anajli decided to treat me to a Chicago staple of Deep Dish Pizza from My Pi and then take me out to a couple of regular haunts in Bucktown.  One of which had punk band General Patton and his Privates playing and $5 Pitchers of beer.  This was up my alley, so we decided to check it out.  The bar was called, “Gallery Caberet“.  Upon arrival, there was a half-naked dude wrapped in a American Flag and a guy dressed up in a Dinosaur costume.  I was told that these were both part of the ‘act’ for the band.  Pretty amazing.  Great intro to Chicago dive bars!

Next up was The Charleston.  Apparently, this is a staple in the area however new owners took it over and made it shitty.  Well, I got that vibe from being in there for two minutes.  The bartender was suck-tastic.  I did however get to try an Urban Wheat beer from Chicago called 312.  I felt like a local.  Rad.  Plus, they had $3 Pints of PBR.  Oh, and the DJ was spinning off vinyl.  But the bar was filled with ‘bros’ to the max.  So you know, not total suck.  Only half suck.

We didn’t stay out too late as Joseph was working at a cute little cafe in the neighbour called Red June on Saturday morning and I had a busy day at the festival.  I highly suggest you check out Red June.  I had this tasty breakfast sammich there before attending Pitchfork on Saturday.  Plus, the iced coffee is amazing.

I had two interviews scheduled that day with WHY? and Netherfriends (those interviews to be featured in tomorrow’s Best In Show).   All in all, Saturday was pretty packed. Apparently, I suck with directions and trying to get to the Chicago Transit Authorities Blue Line (or the L).  Somehow whilst walking there, I ended up at George’s Hot Dogs to grab myself a World Famous Chicago Style Hot Dog, see picture below:

So yea, eventually I made it to Pitchfork.  Can you believe it?! To keep things short and concise about the bands (cos there were many), I’m going to write lil’ blurbs about each one and post some photos.

REAL ESTATE @ 1:45PM – CONNECTOR STAGE
These boys from New Jersey played a seriously solid set.  I was not very familar with them prior to Pitchfork.  Simple, easy and beautifully played indie-pop.  While I don’t think they would be my next favourite band, I think that Real Estate is the poppy, easy-going music that I would want to listen while I was on a road-trip.  A great band to start the day off with and clearly, a winner with the crowd.

DELOREAN @ 2:30PM – ALUMINUM STAGE
So apparently I’m pretty late to hopping on the Delorean train because when I came back gushing about how great these guys were, my friends were all like “You didn’t know about them?”.  Ha.  I guess not.  I fail as being “indie cool”.  Anyways, Delorean blew me out of the water and then some.  For it being so early, they brought the party and got people rocking on.  Don’t trust me, look at the crowd.

TITUS ANDRONICUS @ 3:20 PM – CONNECTOR STAGE
Well, I had heard just before I left for Chicago from my good friend Ian that he went to the Titus Andronicus show at the Horseshoe and it was the “loudest show he had been too”.  So I knew, I couldn’t miss this band.  Whoa, Titus definitely knows how to put on a show.  With the wailing guitar, dedication of a song for someone in the crowd who had traveled from Ohio and making a shout out about being ‘Proud to Be American’ — well, I’d have to say the show and the music raw and wild.  I’ve added Titus to my downloads list.

RAEKWON @ 4:15PM – ALUMINUM STAGE
Raekwon is a funny ass dude.  Why you ask?  Well, it could have been one of many reasons.  One: he called out the audience for being a fat, sweaty man on stage and them not cheering loud enough.  Two: He was wearing a funny small chain.  Not one of those big, gnarly, gangsta ones.  Either way, it was freakin’ RAEKWON THE CHEF!  He murdered it right off the bat with C.R.E.A.M and then kept it rollin’ with his own joints like “Heaven & Hell”. Bonus: he brought out lil’ kids to breakdance with him.  Amazing.

FREDDIE GIBBS @ 7:40PM – BALANCE STAGE
So here is the thing, I didn’t know about Freddie Gibbs prior to Pitchfork.  But my best friends boyfriends knows my affinity for all things hip hop.  So he told me if I knew what was good for me, I wouldn’t miss Freddie Gibbs.  Man, am I glad I took his advice. I want to say that he reminds me of Gucci Mane, but I don’t know if that would be offensive in any way.  Either way, his beats and rhyming style is untouchable.  This is definitely an MC to watch.

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM @ 8:30PM – ALUMINUM STAGE

This was the perfect way to end off the Saturday evening in Union Park because although it had been hot and sweaty all day, everyone bonded together to have one big disco dance party.  It was like James Murphy bonded us all together through the gospel of disco.  Everywhere I looked and turned, people had glowsticks.  People were dancing.  People were singing along.  I was stuck in a sea of people and even if I wanted to get out and leave, I in theory could not. Thank you LCD Soundsystem for making Saturday evening, amazing.

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But what else happened on Saturday in Chicago?  Well, I got my photo taken in the AMEX air conditioned tent where I was chilling between sets and resting.  I think considering the temperature was between 48-50 degrees with the humidity (possibly higher), I didn’t look all that bad.

That night, I had my friends take me out to Lazo’s Tacos for some pre-Boys Town eats.  I decided upon a delicious Beef Burrito, which was only $5 with everything on it.  Holy eff!  Look at this monster sized burrito.

We loaded up the mickeys and headed out to Berlin Nightclub, which my friend assured me was the “go-to” bar in the gay district.  It was pretty bumpin’ however I was shocked to see so many straight hipster couples in the house.  There were lots of beautiful drag queens with whom I wanted to become acquainted with and normally would have, however I think I had a touch of the sun stroke. I did however enjoy watching this dude dance to the horrible techno music they kept playing (which was killing my soul and brain):

If you can’t tell by his eyes… he is definitely high on something.  I’ll tell you this much folks, it ain’t life!  From there, since the techno was hurting my brain,  we went over to The Closet, what is suppose to be a small lesbian bar.  This felt like more my speed.  Kind of dive-ish.  Kind of small.  Playing indie and top 40 music.  Cheap beer.  Plus, I didn’t get the lesbian bar vibe from the place except that it had lesbians behind the bar.  Either way, I liked this place.  Holla!

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The lovely host Joseph not only was a gracious host to me while I was in Chicago.  He did things like packed me a lunch for when I went to the festival on Sunday.  How presh, right?

First, I had to brave the CTA to get to Union Park where the Festival was taking place. Let me tell you this, I know us Toronto peeps bitch about the TTC all the time.  But seriously, don’t.  Not until you’ve taking the CTA.  Case in point:

Getting to and from the festival was a hellish experience to say the least. So seriously, count your lucky stars you weren’t there.  But yes, I finally did make it to Sunday.  To keep things short and concise about the bands (cos there were many), I’m going to write lil’ blurbs about each one and post some photos.

GIRLS @ 2:30PM – ALUMINUM STAGE
I’ve heard a lot of hype about Girls however I didn’t feel like a lot of the hype lived up to their live performance.  Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who felt this way.  A lot of tweets that I read afterwards felt that their performance was very underwhelming.  If I judged Girls solely based off this performance, I’m not entirely sure if I would check them out again.  However, I’m willing to let it slide.

Beach House @ 3:20PM – Connector Stage
Everything about the performance by Beach House was haunting and incredible. Lead singer Victoria knows how to capture an audience with her piercing vocals and the energy was just great. I think the was one of the larger afternoon crowds that I saw for a Pitchfork performance.

Local Natives @ 3:35PM – Balance Stage
What I really loved about Local Natives is that they were upbeat and seemed like they loved every single moment of being on-stage.  The thing is, the crowd loved every single moment of them being on stage.  For that, I enjoyed every single moment of their performance.  It just didn’t seem like there was enough of it. Thankfully, I’ve been won over as a fan.  I’m sure I wasn’t the only one that day.

St. Vincent @ 5:15PM – CONNECTOR STAGE
Everything about this performance was just magical, it made me happy that although I had spent a good portion of the day tucked away hiding in the shade / air conditioned tent trying not to die, that I had come out for this.  It was one of those ‘had-to-be-there’ kind of moments.  It’s too bad you weren’t there.

MAJOR LAZER @ 6:15PM – ALUMINUM STAGE
Holy hell.  This is the third time I’ve seen Major Lazer live.  But this time does NOT compare to all the other times.  I know their festival shows always differ to their regular shows, so I knew I was in for a treat.  But Chinese Dragons.  Ballerinas.  Showers in Champagne.  Skerrit Boy saying that everyone was going to get drunk, smoke a lot of weed and the ladies were going to “GET PREGNANT!!”.  Wow.  Just wow.  Major Lazer blew me away.  I didn’t think it was possible.

Big Boi @ 7:25PM – Connector Stage
Dear Big Boi.  Thank you for giving the crowd exactly what they wanted to hear.  A perfect mix between your newest album and of course, what you knew they wanted… Outkast classics.  I swear, it was the perfect end to the day for me.  Hearing classics like ATLiens and Bombs Over Baghdad performed in a huge festival setting like that just was killing.  Also, apparently they were live video mixing everything.  Craziness.  Big Boi murdered everything and put on a hell of a stage show while doing so.

- – -
So that was Chicago.  So much music.  So much food.  So much cheap beer.  So much amazingness.  So when do I get to go back??

Do you want to know your 4chan? Probably not if it’s coming from the internet “bullying” cult of hilarious virtual destruction. Their lastest victim? 11-year-old Jessi Slaughter (yes, 11 and Slaughter), a prominent member of internet community Stickam, who apparently has loads of h8rz and was forced to make a video blog telling them off. Well, 4chan caught sight of this shameful video and decided to make her their next game of cyber taunting, simultaneously destroying her xcore repertoire and launching her to internet infamy. Because of 4chan’s orders, there was an influx of hate messages sent to her, as well as personal info published for the interwebs to absorb and abuse as they will. Also caught in the mix, a rumourific scandal that a lame singer who calls himself Davhie Vanity (above) from a lame MySpace Hot Topic band Blood on the Dance Floor raped Jessi. With his music, no doubt. At first glance, I thought the accused Sir Vanity was an eclectically-expressive suburban teenage girl, which would have made this that much more entertaining. Some random guy took it upon himself to record a prank call to Jessi’s house and tell her mother that he’s from the police department and investigating these allegations. All of this sounds harsh, perhaps, but the memes that came from this are beyond epic. Video evidence below. MEMES.

The originator:
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“Consequences will never be the same” consequences. If you care for more, there is a relatively catchy dubset remix of this floating around.

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Angry dad says “you dun goofed”:

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Oh, but don’t you worry! Little Jessi Slaughter got right back on her Stickam, proclaiming she’ll “take any fame [she] can get!” Call me 100, but I can’t believe she’s only 11. I wish I, too, had been born on the internet. My pseudonym could be “Mel Amphetamine”. FYI, 4chan were behind the whole “send Justin Bieber to North Korea” campaign. Insert internet culture “epic win” here.

I wonder if 4chan take personal requests.

*  *  *

I refuse to discuss the “Mad Mel” Gibson issue deeper than the heavily-scraped surface, so I will let you comment on this situation if you so choose. It’s basically his publicist-said/her-publicist said vs. tape recordings. Hollywood can has another Russian mail-order bride-spy, Angelina Jolie-lips-wannabe, Nadya Suleman-consequences fame whore? I’m obviously not condoning abuse, but I just don’t care to dissect these peoples’ lives any further than what the alleged recordings have already brought to light.

*  *  *

Teen parents Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston are engaged. Over the past whatever length of time has passed since he impregnated the former governors teenage daughter, it’s been Levi versus baby mama’s mama drama featuring certified shotgun owner something-political Sarah Palin. The two have apparently been butting heads like…like moose in Alaska. But it’s all good, since the 19 and 20-year-old Bristol and Levi went and sold their shit to US Weekly before telling mom. S-Pal is probably still reeling from Levi’s hunk-a-delic Playgirl spread.

NSFW-or-Republicans!

Naturally, this recent engagement news has left many avid Playgirl readers devastated, as well as Kathy Griffin, who is more distraught than Bridget Jones on a lonely Saturday evening. Kathy and Levi have been somewhat of an item in the publicity circuit; Levi had been Griffin’s 2009 Teen Choice Awards date, so that really should’ve solidified the legitimacy of their rendezvousing days. She also took the time to visit him in his native town of Wasilla, Alaska. There was a film crew with her shooting for My Life on the D-List, but I mean, what relationship hasn’t survived the test of having a few grainy, camera-caught intimate moments? Am I right?

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P.S. — Follow me on Twitter, read my blog, read my mom’s blog which she doesn’t realize she’s contributing to, ask me anything, join my “fan” page, and then add my any and every social networking account you can find off Google search results, etc, etc. And if you decide to hate all up on me, I WILL “backtrace” you and the consequences will never be the same.

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Today is the day of incarceration for Lindsay Lohan. The saga continues. Good luck, girl. See you in 90 days — definitely a lengthy period of time.

LL on the cover of the August/September issue of Complex Magazine.

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Until next time…keep fit, and have fun!

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Here are some back steps as to what you can expect from a facial:

• A facial begins with a thorough cleansing with cotton pads or sponges and a product chosen for your skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature.)
• Skin Analysis, a magnifying lamp that reveal various skin conditions.

• Exfoliation using a mechanical or chemical exfoliant. sometimes this is preceded by a steam, or hot towel

• Extraction of blackheads or whiteheads if you want it and need it.

• Facial massage stimulates your skin and facial muscles.

• A facial mask targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature.)
• Application of toners and protective creams.
• Advice on home skin care.

.Variations on the classic European facial include the “mini-facial” (cleansing without extractions) and specialty facials. Add vitamin C, and you have an “age defense” facial. It’s an “oxygen facial” when a mist of pure oxygen is part of the treatment, and a “collagen facial” when special collagen sheets are placed on the skin. An acne facial will pay special attention to extractions. A photo facial is a separate light treatment to achieve specific results like boosting collagen or treating acne. A great place, tried and tested by yours truly is The Tonic Salon located in the core of the Financial District in Toronto. They offer all the previously mentioned types of facials and more, their rates being quite reasonable starting at $75 for a basic cleansing/detox facial. And just in case you’re a little short this month, try some of these facial masks you can whip at home using some very basic ingredients.  And just in case you’re out in Montreal or Vancouver check out Clarins Skin Spa and Vancouver Spas.  So don’t waste another minute and book that long awaited facial as your skin is a true reflection of your inner health.

?

What you do need are friends – girls in the know.

I just jumped ship from Toronto to Finland to kick off the ArtStars* Odyssey, a world tour to uncover the 7 Unsolved Mysteries of the Art World for my web show.

And what mysteries there are – from basement galleries to underground comic scenes – Helsinki is the next Brooklyn and we were there to cover it all.

Should you ever find yourself in the land of the midnight sun (no jokes: it’s sun, all summer), these are the superwomen who saved our asses from tourist hell. They forever have our official ArtStars* Approval.

1. Hannaleena Heiska

Back when ArtStars* was in computer land in Toronto, Hannaleena was our best map sista. The Helsinki-based painter and music scene maverick was the best at filling us in on where to shop and all the best saunas. Props to the Heiska for being our first friend in Finland, for reaching out with a thousand links and veering away from the tacky and overplayed. Her next show is at Gallery Kalhama & Piippo Contemporary in September, where she is showcasing a new film featuring dancers, amusement parks and the Kallio art district.

2. Julia Wiræus

While reporting outside of Galleri Bergman, I had someone approach me – strange in the land of timid Finns. It was Julia. “Where are you from?” she asked, and we’ve been friends ever since. The print and broadcast journalist who is a film critic for Filmjournalen and a city culture reporter for YLE (sort of the CBC of Finland) gave us the who’s-who in clubland. Julia is originally from Uppsala, Sweden, but grew up speaking Finnish – about 5% of Swedes have Finnish as a mother tongue and 5% of Finns have Swedish as a mother tongue. Oh, let’s make out already.

3. Minna Parikka

This shoe designer and fashion world diva is well-versed in the runway world – she knows how to walk the walk, and it isn’t just the heels that have graced the pages of ELLE and Italian Vogue. A true business woman who checks her phone more than her hair, we took a ferry together from Helsinki to Suomenlinna Island for a picnic where she filled us in on her new spring/summer collection (shoes with hot lips, gloves with spill marks and little black dresses). She spent a chunk of time in London, Milan and Barcelona, having lived in London for school, so ask her to reminisce and nothing will stop her trot.

4. Erika Erre

She has draped an electronic toy dog in fresh lamb’s meat, poured out piles of sugar onto gallery floors and collects knives from flea markets – but art aside, Erika Erre, a master’s student at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki and a member of an artist-run space called Oskasenkatu 11, is an art opening scenester who knows everyone. She swept me into her industrial Vallila district studio and stumbled with me into the Sinebrychoff park (a park which is informally a perpetual booze picnic after 7 p.m). By far the nicest person I met in Finland, her next show will be at Huuto Viiskulma this August. Watch out for more meat, sugar and urban interventions – in black hats.

5. 1-800-MOM

Everyone needs a mom away from home and Sari Pesonen, a communications and culture rep with the Embassy of Finland, deserves a Mother’s Day card for putting up with ArtStars*. This art maven gives the best hugs and rocks clogs like nobody’s business. She recommends the best art museums, the best martinis and refuses to pay cover at heavy metal festival after parties. Peek into her picnic basket and you’ll find sticks of reindeer, cranberry crackers and organic butter. Sari loves the drama of ArtStars* drama – and without drama – we’d be nothing at all.

*snap*

“Got no track list unfortunately but I made this mix when I was living in Asia. I was coming home for Christmas and wanted to get all my friends gifts but definitely wasn’t trying to ball out or buy them shit they didn’t want/wouldn’t actually use. Music is an amazing gift. This is all straight soul and was put together with the intention of having  a dope mix you could play around your family. Starts off all hot cocoa and gets more spiked egg nog later on.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Surf Trip Mix* CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

*1. Electric Tickle Machine ‘Gimme Money’: *This track always puts me in the mood to get out of the house and hit the road… or bust open the piggy bank and stock up on strong drink.* *One of my favourite New York bands, but have yet to catch their wild live show which I hear cannot be missed.

* 2. Turbo Fruits, ‘On The Road’: *First time I got to see Turbo Fruits, they were opening for Surfer Blood and stealing the show every night. This must be one the best road trip songs ever written, I defy you to disagree.

* 3. Beach Fossils, ‘Daydream’: *Currently on tour with Bear In Heaven and Twin Sister, Beach Fossils are another great Brooklyn band that can craft an honest mood and take you to the summer year round.

*4. Archie Bronson Outfit, ‘Hoola’: *I just recently became aware of this great group from the UK.  This is how the British do surfer rock, and if you love Foals, you’ll appreciate this new track.

*5. Harlem, ‘South Of France’: *The new surfer rock and garage tunes are all coming out with great stories. All you need are some tasty waves.
*6. Heartless Bastards, ‘The Mountain’: *This is the tune that plays when you commit the perfect crime and get away scott-free while speeding through the Rockies in a convertible salute to freedom.

*7. Turbo Fruits, ‘Mama’s Mad Cos I Fried My Brain’: *This track has such a great old fashioned lyric style. There’s a video of them performing it live in a hotel bathroom, amazing.

*8. Terry Reid, ‘Superlungs My Super Girl’: *So much soul, had to include a great oldie. If you like this, check out ‘Seeds Of Memory’.
*9. Spoon, ‘Got Nuffin’: *An anthem for wasted youth everywhere.

*10. Best Coast, ‘When I’m With You’: *Recently my theme song for Coachella 2010, warm friends and fine summer nights.

*11. O. Children, ‘Dead Disco Dancer’: *This band is starting to get more of the attention they deserve. One of the more catchy tunes to fill the summer.

*12. Broken Bells, ‘Vaporize’:* Still loving this tune, always reminds me of frisbees and sandcastles.

*13. The High Wire, ‘Hang From The Lights’: *Learn to play this acoustic, paint your face, quit your job, move out west, wear sandals, eat potatoes, and let the love in; double rainbow, what does it MEAN!?

*14. Family Of The Year, ‘Surprise’: *Another SXSW darling, great for around the bonfire at the end of the summer.

*15. Laura Veirs, ‘July Flame’: *When I first heard this tune it was stuck in my head for a week, enjoy.

*16. Surfer Blood, ‘Catholic Pagans’: *Surfer Blood had to be included on this list, and this is one of my favourite songs by the group.

*17. Holly Miranda, ‘Waves’: *A song for staring out into the ocean, waiting for your set to come in.

*18. Julian Lynch, ‘Just Enough’: *There is something in the guitar style of this tune that I find very refreshing.  It’s got an Eastern-feel without being Sitar.

*19. Kendal Johansson, ‘Blue Moon (Big Star Cover)’: *A very short cover, but it says all it needs to. When the piano comes in I swear my pupils dilate; the strength of 10 Grinches… plus 2.

*20. Low Sea, ‘Never Yours’: *This new group from Galway are blowing my mind these days. This tune is a bit darker, but uses 50’s and surfer rock influence in a brilliant and haunting way. I suggest you listen to the rest of the album, all gems.

* 21. Zola Jesus, ‘I Can’t Stand’: *Send this to a friend and cheer them up.

*22. Blitzen Trapper, ‘Furr’: *Great storytelling once again, nothing draws you into a song like conflict and unfolding events, (thanks grade 10 English Lit). I don’t know what he’s saying, but I like the way he’s sayin’ it…

* 23. Postdata, ‘Tobias Grey’: *A song for the end of the evening, when it’s time to pack up and head home.

The Good:

This movie was f**king brilliant from start to finish. It was smart, well-made and the acting was brilliant on all account. I didn’t think that Ellen Page would be able to pull off the role, because she tends to be kind of stiff, but I guess she took some acting classes.

Now to the eye-candy. Oh, the eye-candy. Leo, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Joe Levitt and Ken Watanabe. Dear god. These five men are probably in my top 20 hottest actors ever and thank god the casting director put them all in a movie together. They played off each other really well, too, since it’s not JUST about the hotness, guys. Sheesh!

Special effects were awesome, and the only song I really remember hearing was Je Ne Regrette Rien by my darling Edith Piaf, but it was part of the plot so I can’t really comment on soundtrack. I seem to have been to absorbed by hot actors – I mean plot.

I have to point out the greatest thing about the entire plot, because I am an absolute film snob and I LOATHE movie cliches. Ellen Page was the only girl in a group full of guys and there was absolutely NO romantic mumbo jumbo written into the plot at all. Thank you writers of Inception. Thank you so very, very much.

The Bad:

Honestly, the only thing in the entire movie that I can openly criticize is Ken Watanabe’s make-up in a certain scene. If you watch the movie, you’ll know what I’m talking about as I don’t want to give away anything. It was just absolutely abominable and I don’t know how they got away with that.

Anyway, the movie was directed by Chris Nolan, who happened to also direct a little film called The Dark Knight, for those of you who didn’t already know that, so he’s got some Hollywood street cred. You could definitely see his style come through throughout the film, and it didn’t disappoint. I will, however, say that this film isn’t meant for, how should I put this, the “simple” film crowd. It CAN get confusing for those of you who would rather head out to Predators than Donnie Darko, The Matrix trilogy or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind SIMPLY because you don’t get a philosophical film. Yes, it’s entertaining, but like The Dark Knight, there’s a message behind it.

So anyway, I give it a 5/5. Check yourself, before you wreck yourself, babies!

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Runner-Up:

Elizabethtown

Although it didn’t quite make the list, I still feel it necessary to include this movie because I love it EVER so much. Even though I can’t stand Orlando Bloom (the man CANNOT act), Kristen Dunst, the music, the scenery and the premise of the film all make up for his inadequacies (we’ll ignore the Paula Dean cameo, as well).

Yes, it’s another coming-of-age movie, but it’s directed more at people who already think they’ve accomplished everything they need to in life, only to have it thrown back in their faces. The road trip at the end is probably one of my favourite parts of any movie ever and Alec Baldwin’s cameo (just like ANY Alec Baldwin cameo) is pure gold.

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5) The Valley of the Dolls

In 1967, when the film was released, Valley of the Dolls was the greatest selling book of all time, and it’s still one of my personal favourites. The movie centers around three female characters; Patty Duke, Sharon Tate and Barbara Perkins, who each have their own individual demons to battle. It’s the only movie I’ve ever seen Sharon Tate in, and by now, we all know that she was brutally murdered by the Manson Family in 1969, so watching this has a bit of gore-y appeal, for me anyway.

Each of these women play their roles to a tee and I think each of them has issues that we can all relate to. They were a bit objectified and over-sexualized, but I think that’s mostly just part of the story (and maybe a bit of a sales tactic for the film).

This movie is great for anyone who’s into the dark side of Hollywood and fame, drugs, etc, or just a general film buff.

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4) Marie Antoinette

By the always wonderful Sofia Coppola, Marie Antoinette is about the 18th century monarch who was inevitably decapitated at the onset of the French Revolution. The film doesn’t, however, touch on this grim aspect of her life, but rather begins with her leaving her native Austria for France to wed the Dauphin, Louis, and ends with her and her family leaving Versailles right before the proverbial shit hit the fan. I love this movie because aside from having the look and feel of a cupcake, it illustrates to the viewer the other side of being a Queen; the human side of it. Think back to when you were 16 or 17. Were you really ready to rule an entire country? Hell no! You were more interested in clothes, looking hot and having a frigin’ good time! When you look at it from that point of you, it’s a little easier to understand why France had the financial troubles it did during the period, couples along with the fact that Louis XVI just wasn’t “king material.”

The soundtrack for this movie is absolutely wonderful and definitely one of my favourites of all time, plus the cinematography is stunning. And if you’re ever in need of a baking idea, just watch this movie, because I’m always craving pastries and champagne after I watch it.

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3) Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Based on my favourite Truman Capote book (which is actually just a short story) Breakfast At Tiffany’s is probably one of the most beloved films of all time, and a total cliche for this list, but I just had to include it. Being a HUMUNGOUS Marilyn Monroe fan, I remember learning when I was younger that Truman Capote actually wanted her to play the role of Holly instead of Audrey Hepburn. In my opinion, though, I just don’t see anyone as that character other than her. I love Marilyn to death, but I don’t think she could have pulled it off. There’s something about Audrey’s innocence that gives the movie it’s depth and heart, and although Marilyn Monroe wasn’t a slut (unlike the stereotype that’s always depicted of her), that was her reputation.

George Peppard was gorgeous in this movie and of course, who can forget Cat? I’m the biggest cat lady going, so it’s never a bad thing to have a feline be such a central figure in the story. Oh, and props to Mickey Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi, Holly’s Japanese neighbour.

Ps. I love how the trailer pronounces Capote – Capoat, without the accentuated ‘e.’ Sheesh!

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2) Pride and Prejudice

One of my all-time favourite movies of all time, Pride and Prejudice is obviously an adaptation of one of, if not THE most famous chick BOOKS ever. Jane Austen was quoted as saying that this was her masterpiece and that out of all of the characters that she had ever written, Elizabeth Bennet (played gorgeously by Keira Knightley) was her favourite. Anyone who has read the book or seen this wonderful movie can agree. Elizabeth isn’t like other women of her time (late 1700s/early 1800s) and could totally take on any man, rich duchess or even a bumbling pastor.

Now aside from her total awesomeness as a character, this is probably one of the most romantic books/stories ever written. It goes to show us that even though we can start out thinking that someone’s a total asshole, we can sometimes see passed that, to the real person inside. Mr. Darcy is one of the most wonderfully written male characters ever and Matthew Macfadyen plays him so beautifully.

On top of all of this, the cinematography, scenery and music in this movie are probably my favourite of any movie I have ever seen. The music is perfectly cued to all of the scenes and I don’t think I have ever seen the English countryside ever shot so beautifully.

Ugh! I cannot rave about this movie more. Everyone should see it. Male or female.

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1) An Affair to Remember

Cary Grant, the love of my life, can’t do any wrong in my opinion and not only is this #1 on my list, but it’s also very near to my #1 of all time. From start to finish, this is a beautiful film and getting to stare at Cary from beginning to end is just as wonderful.

This was one the first movies to make the Empire State Building and New York City romantic and to allow infidelity to be “ok” when it comes to finding real love. I also love how Deborah Kerr’s character isn’t a sniveling dolt of a woman as so many others before her (in this genre particularly) had been.

I don’t even know how to describe this movie other than a complete tear-jerker. It’s beautiful from start to finish and illustrates romance in a way only old movies can. So very, very lovely.

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