27 February, 2011
Creative minimalism in Welt Kompakt ads
Check out these great ads for German daily newspaper, Welt Kompakt. They combine a great sense of minimalism with Facebook-isms that everyone knows. Very great execution of the theme "short. different. printed." Click for detail.
What young designers need to know:
"Focus on your portfolio, not your grades, that’s the thing that will get you your dream job. Learn your practice. No matter how much you think you know about design there’s always more to know. Know your typography in and out, and upside-down, it's the building block to any good design. Learn how to use your computer programs properly but before that, learn how to design without them. Spend all of your free time looking for inspiration but dont expect to find any because it always blindsides you when you least expect it. Take any design related jobs you can and do every single one to the best of your ability. Even if it’s just a birthday card for a friend, who knows it might end up as a portfolio piece."
This advice is from designersof.tumblr.com, a place where designers can share their work with the blog's 22,000+ followers, get tips, advice, network, etc. I agree with all of this, especially the bits about typography, learning how to design without computer programs, and always looking for inspiration. I am a huge fanboy of typography and type design and far too often I see great designs that would be even better if they didn't lack typographic quality. Kerning is my biggest obsession. I could kern for days so when I see designs with sloppy kerning I just want to scream. Having a vast knowledge of typefaces is essential as well. Helvetica is great but everyone and their sister knows that, branch out.
Designing without computer programs is something that I think is becoming an afterthought more and more with young designers (myself included). I'm guilty of jumping right into Illustrator, inDesign, whatever program it may be, and tinkering with a project from beginning to end without spending much time on sketching or processing outside of the computer. It's something I need to work on and I know a lot of my peers need to work on it as well. We are the digital generation so it's easy to go straight to the computer and plug away but your ideation process will lead to stronger results if some sketches and other non-digital drafts are a part of it.
Inspiration is key and finding as much inspiration as possible always helps with creativity. I try to find inspiration in anything and everything around me, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Like the quote said, look for it often but it will always blind side you. I find that driving is a great time to think of ideas and work things out in my head. Some of the best ideas have come to me out of nowhere during my commute. Always surround yourself with as much inspiration as you can but don't be discouraged if it doesn't come to you right away.
If you're on Tumblr I recommend following designersof.tumblr.com. It's a great outlet for displaying your work, getting feedback, and seeing what other people are creating all in a less formal setting.
This advice is from designersof.tumblr.com, a place where designers can share their work with the blog's 22,000+ followers, get tips, advice, network, etc. I agree with all of this, especially the bits about typography, learning how to design without computer programs, and always looking for inspiration. I am a huge fanboy of typography and type design and far too often I see great designs that would be even better if they didn't lack typographic quality. Kerning is my biggest obsession. I could kern for days so when I see designs with sloppy kerning I just want to scream. Having a vast knowledge of typefaces is essential as well. Helvetica is great but everyone and their sister knows that, branch out.
Designing without computer programs is something that I think is becoming an afterthought more and more with young designers (myself included). I'm guilty of jumping right into Illustrator, inDesign, whatever program it may be, and tinkering with a project from beginning to end without spending much time on sketching or processing outside of the computer. It's something I need to work on and I know a lot of my peers need to work on it as well. We are the digital generation so it's easy to go straight to the computer and plug away but your ideation process will lead to stronger results if some sketches and other non-digital drafts are a part of it.
Inspiration is key and finding as much inspiration as possible always helps with creativity. I try to find inspiration in anything and everything around me, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Like the quote said, look for it often but it will always blind side you. I find that driving is a great time to think of ideas and work things out in my head. Some of the best ideas have come to me out of nowhere during my commute. Always surround yourself with as much inspiration as you can but don't be discouraged if it doesn't come to you right away.
If you're on Tumblr I recommend following designersof.tumblr.com. It's a great outlet for displaying your work, getting feedback, and seeing what other people are creating all in a less formal setting.
26 February, 2011
I just finished watching Rubber.
I waited over a year to see it and it was finally released exclusively on-demand today. Thank you Mr. Oizo/Quentin Dupieux, thank you Gaspard Auge (for your cameo and contributions to the amazing soundtrack), thank you Busy P (for your cameo and running the label that introduced me to Oizo). I absolutely loved this film. So many of my friends won’t understand my appreciation for it but I don’t even care. I’m already watching it a second time. I am totally ok with being a fanboy about it too. Mr. Oizo is such an inspiration to me. His style of producing, film-making, and DJing is so refreshing and unique. Much respect.
25 February, 2011
Words to consider
Some phrases I live by and chose to stylize:
As a designer I think these phrases are vital. You truly must create and create often to challenge yourself and grow. You must also remain authentic and set goals as well as reach those goals. If you are not authentic you are not harnessing your full potential. Without goals, where is your work going? It's one thing to make something that just looks cool or aesthetically pleasing but if you don't have a goal in mind or a reason for what you're doing then it has no real value. These phrases apply to any number of disciplines, not just art or design, they can benefit all of us.
Things I'm enjoying at the moment
Spring break is 1 week away which means I have a plethora of things to accomplish this weekend (studying for 2 exams, finalizing 2 design projects, and preparing a presentation). To prevent stress overload, I have been taking some time this afternoon to entertain myself. Let me share with you what I am enjoying right this moment.
Tame Impala - Why Don't You Make Up Your Mind (Erol Alkan Rework).
Great song, really loving the nice balance of indie and dance vibes going on here. The guitar distortion reminds me of songs by Ratatat.
Gucci Vump - Shashtilism.
This is a funky tech house song that makes me feel like I'm back in Europe catching a train through Switzerland or rubbing elbows with locals in Amsterdam. I have been really getting into these minimal techy songs lately.
Let the Children Techno (Compiled and mixed by Busy P and DJ Mehdi)
My favorite French electronic label, Ed Banger Records, just released a compilation. If you have been reading my blog over the years you know how much I love Ed Banger and all of the associated artists. This compilation is fantastic and offers contributions from a lot of DJs/producers outside of the Ed Banger collective as well. Plenty of funky weirdness going on here.
Tame Impala - Why Don't You Make Up Your Mind (Erol Alkan Rework).
Great song, really loving the nice balance of indie and dance vibes going on here. The guitar distortion reminds me of songs by Ratatat.
Gucci Vump - Shashtilism.
This is a funky tech house song that makes me feel like I'm back in Europe catching a train through Switzerland or rubbing elbows with locals in Amsterdam. I have been really getting into these minimal techy songs lately.
Let the Children Techno (Compiled and mixed by Busy P and DJ Mehdi)
My favorite French electronic label, Ed Banger Records, just released a compilation. If you have been reading my blog over the years you know how much I love Ed Banger and all of the associated artists. This compilation is fantastic and offers contributions from a lot of DJs/producers outside of the Ed Banger collective as well. Plenty of funky weirdness going on here.
Rubber, a film by Quentin Dupieux (Mr. Oizo from Ed Banger Records).
I have been covering this film for over a year just waiting with anticipation and it's finally available on-demand tonight. Quentin Dupieux is one of my favorite Ed Banger artists. He's a visionary and has a very unique style of music and film. This movie is about a tire that gains powers and goes on a murderous rampage. It may sound ridiculous to most but the film is really more of a commentary about the whole movie-going experience.
Aside from the above, I'm enjoying the adage.com re-design, my new obsession with Tumblr, browsing friendsoftype.com for inspiration, and scratching things off of my to-do list. I have also been extremely entertained by listening to music while looking at dancing .gif images like this one:
How are you enjoying your Friday afternoon/evening? Anything exciting going on in your world at the moment? Any cool finds? Let me know. I hope you enjoyed the randomness of this post. I often have moments where I'm so entertained by a number of things that I just have to share them with people.
Ciao
23 February, 2011
A little late on this...
But this is a mix that you all need to hear. I loved Luvstep 1 and this is even better. A very solid collection of mellow and heavy dubstep.
Tracklist:
1. Allie
2. Claire Maguire – Ain’t Nobody (Breakage Remix) [UMG]
3. Starkey – Cockroach [Civil Music]
4. Hooray For Earth – True Loves (Rx Remix) [Dovecote]
5. Skream ft. Sam Frank – Where You Should Be [Tempa]
6. Magnetic Man ft. Katy B – Crossover [Sony]
7. Freestylers ft. Belle Humble – Cracks (Flux Pavilion Remix) [Circus]
8. Gemini – Blue [Inspector Dubplates]
9. Yasmin – On My Own (Stench Man Remix) [Data]
10. Afrojack ft. Eva Simons – Take Over Control (Adam F Remix) [Spinnin]
11. Blue Foundation – Eyes On Fire (Zeds Dead Remix) [White Label]
12. Kito & Reija Lee – Sweet Talk [Mad Decent]
13. Blu Mar Ten – Nobody Here (Kastle Remix) [BMT]
14. Starkey ft. Anneka – Paradise [Civil Music]
15. Koreless – Maria [White Label]
16. boyChild ft. Soundmouse – Counting What Ifs [boyChild]
17. Summer
18. dBridge – Rendezvous [Exit]
19. dBridge – City of Lonely Runaways [Disfigured Dubz]
20. Intra:mental – Watching You [Nonplus]
21. Two Inch Punch – Love You Up [White Label]
22. Pearson Sound – Down With You [Darkestral]
23. Gladkill – Eastbound [White Label]
24. Phaseone – Being With You [Lefse]
25. Caspa ft. Mr. Hudson – Love Never Dies [Sub Soldiers]
26. Derek Allen & Top Billin – Suspiria [Mad Decent]
27. Fenech-Soler – Lies (Doctor P Remix) [B-Unique]
28. Cassius – I <3 U So (Trowa Remix) [White Label]
29. DJ Fresh & Sigma - Lassitude (Dillon Francis Remix) [Breakbeat Kaos]
30. Claire Hux - Grab On (Flufftronix Remix) [Unruly]
31. Submerse - Hold It Down [Well Rounded]
32. Psychonaught - One Wish [White Label]
33. Submerse - Downcast [Maltine]
34. Clementine
2. Claire Maguire – Ain’t Nobody (Breakage Remix) [UMG]
3. Starkey – Cockroach [Civil Music]
4. Hooray For Earth – True Loves (Rx Remix) [Dovecote]
5. Skream ft. Sam Frank – Where You Should Be [Tempa]
6. Magnetic Man ft. Katy B – Crossover [Sony]
7. Freestylers ft. Belle Humble – Cracks (Flux Pavilion Remix) [Circus]
8. Gemini – Blue [Inspector Dubplates]
9. Yasmin – On My Own (Stench Man Remix) [Data]
10. Afrojack ft. Eva Simons – Take Over Control (Adam F Remix) [Spinnin]
11. Blue Foundation – Eyes On Fire (Zeds Dead Remix) [White Label]
12. Kito & Reija Lee – Sweet Talk [Mad Decent]
13. Blu Mar Ten – Nobody Here (Kastle Remix) [BMT]
14. Starkey ft. Anneka – Paradise [Civil Music]
15. Koreless – Maria [White Label]
16. boyChild ft. Soundmouse – Counting What Ifs [boyChild]
17. Summer
18. dBridge – Rendezvous [Exit]
19. dBridge – City of Lonely Runaways [Disfigured Dubz]
20. Intra:mental – Watching You [Nonplus]
21. Two Inch Punch – Love You Up [White Label]
22. Pearson Sound – Down With You [Darkestral]
23. Gladkill – Eastbound [White Label]
24. Phaseone – Being With You [Lefse]
25. Caspa ft. Mr. Hudson – Love Never Dies [Sub Soldiers]
26. Derek Allen & Top Billin – Suspiria [Mad Decent]
27. Fenech-Soler – Lies (Doctor P Remix) [B-Unique]
28. Cassius – I <3 U So (Trowa Remix) [White Label]
29. DJ Fresh & Sigma - Lassitude (Dillon Francis Remix) [Breakbeat Kaos]
30. Claire Hux - Grab On (Flufftronix Remix) [Unruly]
31. Submerse - Hold It Down [Well Rounded]
32. Psychonaught - One Wish [White Label]
33. Submerse - Downcast [Maltine]
34. Clementine
14 February, 2011
27 December, 2010
Twitter Dilema
Hello all,
It's time for a random post to fill the void I have left on this blog lately. I wanted to take some time to talk about Twitter which has been my social networking medium of choice for a very long time. When it first hit the web I was apprehensive and didn't understand it completely but that soon changed and I quickly became a fan. Since then I have built solid network, nothing huge, but it's solid and manageable. I follow a lot of advertising and design people/companies which has given me instant access to tons of news and updates in my field. I still think Twitter is extremely beneficial when used properly but lately my interest has begun to fade. I'm not sure if it's just me or if I need to start following more people or what. I like to restrict the list of people I follow to a reasonable number because it gets annoying scrolling for ages trying to catch up with all of the tweets. A lot of what I read on Twitter lately does little to nothing for me. I don't retweet news nearly as often as I used to and I hardly Tweet anything myself.
Is anyone else feeling the same way about Twitter or am I just not "getting it" again? I don't think the latter is the case at all but I'm still curious. There are days when I think Twitter is becoming more and more of a front for people to put on. Buzz words run rampent and some tweets and profiles are just so gaggy. Can't we all be real humans while sharing information without sounding like we're trying so hard? Don't get me wrong though, there are still a number of real people who post quality tweets and links but I tend to notice that the general population on Twitter seems to be going through some sort of intellectual decay or jargon induced stupor. For how helpful and informative the site can be when used appropriately, it's a shame it gets flooded with tweets from the mundane, pointless, or forced categories. Am I horribly mistaken here?
It's time for a random post to fill the void I have left on this blog lately. I wanted to take some time to talk about Twitter which has been my social networking medium of choice for a very long time. When it first hit the web I was apprehensive and didn't understand it completely but that soon changed and I quickly became a fan. Since then I have built solid network, nothing huge, but it's solid and manageable. I follow a lot of advertising and design people/companies which has given me instant access to tons of news and updates in my field. I still think Twitter is extremely beneficial when used properly but lately my interest has begun to fade. I'm not sure if it's just me or if I need to start following more people or what. I like to restrict the list of people I follow to a reasonable number because it gets annoying scrolling for ages trying to catch up with all of the tweets. A lot of what I read on Twitter lately does little to nothing for me. I don't retweet news nearly as often as I used to and I hardly Tweet anything myself.
Is anyone else feeling the same way about Twitter or am I just not "getting it" again? I don't think the latter is the case at all but I'm still curious. There are days when I think Twitter is becoming more and more of a front for people to put on. Buzz words run rampent and some tweets and profiles are just so gaggy. Can't we all be real humans while sharing information without sounding like we're trying so hard? Don't get me wrong though, there are still a number of real people who post quality tweets and links but I tend to notice that the general population on Twitter seems to be going through some sort of intellectual decay or jargon induced stupor. For how helpful and informative the site can be when used appropriately, it's a shame it gets flooded with tweets from the mundane, pointless, or forced categories. Am I horribly mistaken here?
21 December, 2010
The 100 most beautiful words in English...
...according to Robert Beard: poet, dictionary maker, and compiler of word lists for over 40 years.
Ailurophile A cat-lover.
Assemblage A gathering.
Becoming Attractive.
Beleaguer To exhaust with attacks.
Brood To think alone.
Bucolic In a lovely rural setting.
Bungalow A small, cozy cottage.
Chatoyant Like a cat’s eye.
Comely Attractive.
Conflate To blend together.
Cynosure A focal point of admiration.
Dalliance A brief love affair.
Demesne Dominion, territory.
Demure Shy and reserved.
Denouement The resolution of a mystery.
Desuetude Disuse.
Desultory Slow, sluggish.
Diaphanous Filmy.
Dissemble Deceive.
Dulcet Sweet, sugary.
Ebullience Bubbling enthusiasm.
Effervescent Bubbly.
Efflorescence Flowering, blooming.
Elision Dropping a sound or syllable in a word.
Elixir A good potion.
Eloquence Beauty and persuasion in speech.
Embrocation Rubbing on a lotion.
Emollient A softener.
Ephemeral Short-lived.
Epiphany A sudden revelation.
Erstwhile At one time, for a time.
Ethereal Gaseous, invisible but detectable.
Evanescent Vanishing quickly, lasting a very short time.
Evocative Suggestive.
Fetching Pretty.
Felicity Pleasantness.
Forbearance Withholding response to provocation.
Fugacious Fleeting.
Furtive Shifty, sneaky.
Gambol To skip or leap about joyfully.
Glamour Beauty.
Gossamer The finest piece of thread, a spider’s silk.
Halcyon Happy, sunny, care-free.
Harbinger Messenger with news of the future.
Imbrication Overlapping and forming a regular pattern.
Imbroglio An altercation or complicated situation.
Imbue To infuse, instill.
Incipient Beginning, in an early stage.
Ineffable Unutterable, inexpressible.
Ingénue A naïve young woman.
Inglenook A cozy nook by the hearth.
Insouciance Blithe nonchalance.
Inure To become jaded.
Labyrinthine Twisting and turning.
Lagniappe A special kind of gift.
Lagoon A small gulf or inlet.
Languor Listlessness, inactivity.
Lassitude Weariness, listlessness.
Leisure Free time.
Lilt To move musically or lively.
Lissome Slender and graceful.
Lithe Slender and flexible.
Love Deep affection.
Mellifluous Sweet sounding.
Moiety One of two equal parts.
Mondegreen A slip of the ear.
Murmurous Murmuring.
Nemesis An unconquerable archenemy.
Offing The sea between the horizon and the offshore.
Onomatopoeia A word that sounds like its meaning.
Opulent Lush, luxuriant.
Palimpsest A manuscript written over earlier ones.
Panacea A solution for all problems
Panoply A complete set.
Pastiche An art work combining materials from various sources.
Penumbra A half-shadow.
Petrichor The smell of earth after rain.
Plethora A large quantity.
Propinquity An inclination.
Pyrrhic Successful with heavy losses.
Quintessential Most essential.
Ratatouille A spicy French stew.
Ravel To knit or unknit.
Redolent Fragrant.
Riparian By the bank of a stream.
Ripple A very small wave.
Scintilla A spark or very small thing.
Sempiternal Eternal.
Seraglio Rich, luxurious oriental palace or harem.
Serendipity Finding something nice while looking for something else.
Summery Light, delicate or warm and sunny.
Sumptuous Lush, luxurious.
Surreptitious Secretive, sneaky.
Susquehanna A river in Pennsylvania.
Susurrous Whispering, hissing.
Talisman A good luck charm.
Tintinnabulation Tinkling.
Umbrella Protection from sun or rain.
Untoward Unseemly, inappropriate.
Vestigial In trace amounts.
Wafture Waving.
Wherewithal The means.
Woebegone Sorrowful, downcast.
Assemblage A gathering.
Becoming Attractive.
Beleaguer To exhaust with attacks.
Brood To think alone.
Bucolic In a lovely rural setting.
Bungalow A small, cozy cottage.
Chatoyant Like a cat’s eye.
Comely Attractive.
Conflate To blend together.
Cynosure A focal point of admiration.
Dalliance A brief love affair.
Demesne Dominion, territory.
Demure Shy and reserved.
Denouement The resolution of a mystery.
Desuetude Disuse.
Desultory Slow, sluggish.
Diaphanous Filmy.
Dissemble Deceive.
Dulcet Sweet, sugary.
Ebullience Bubbling enthusiasm.
Effervescent Bubbly.
Efflorescence Flowering, blooming.
Elision Dropping a sound or syllable in a word.
Elixir A good potion.
Eloquence Beauty and persuasion in speech.
Embrocation Rubbing on a lotion.
Emollient A softener.
Ephemeral Short-lived.
Epiphany A sudden revelation.
Erstwhile At one time, for a time.
Ethereal Gaseous, invisible but detectable.
Evanescent Vanishing quickly, lasting a very short time.
Evocative Suggestive.
Fetching Pretty.
Felicity Pleasantness.
Forbearance Withholding response to provocation.
Fugacious Fleeting.
Furtive Shifty, sneaky.
Gambol To skip or leap about joyfully.
Glamour Beauty.
Gossamer The finest piece of thread, a spider’s silk.
Halcyon Happy, sunny, care-free.
Harbinger Messenger with news of the future.
Imbrication Overlapping and forming a regular pattern.
Imbroglio An altercation or complicated situation.
Imbue To infuse, instill.
Incipient Beginning, in an early stage.
Ineffable Unutterable, inexpressible.
Ingénue A naïve young woman.
Inglenook A cozy nook by the hearth.
Insouciance Blithe nonchalance.
Inure To become jaded.
Labyrinthine Twisting and turning.
Lagniappe A special kind of gift.
Lagoon A small gulf or inlet.
Languor Listlessness, inactivity.
Lassitude Weariness, listlessness.
Leisure Free time.
Lilt To move musically or lively.
Lissome Slender and graceful.
Lithe Slender and flexible.
Love Deep affection.
Mellifluous Sweet sounding.
Moiety One of two equal parts.
Mondegreen A slip of the ear.
Murmurous Murmuring.
Nemesis An unconquerable archenemy.
Offing The sea between the horizon and the offshore.
Onomatopoeia A word that sounds like its meaning.
Opulent Lush, luxuriant.
Palimpsest A manuscript written over earlier ones.
Panacea A solution for all problems
Panoply A complete set.
Pastiche An art work combining materials from various sources.
Penumbra A half-shadow.
Petrichor The smell of earth after rain.
Plethora A large quantity.
Propinquity An inclination.
Pyrrhic Successful with heavy losses.
Quintessential Most essential.
Ratatouille A spicy French stew.
Ravel To knit or unknit.
Redolent Fragrant.
Riparian By the bank of a stream.
Ripple A very small wave.
Scintilla A spark or very small thing.
Sempiternal Eternal.
Seraglio Rich, luxurious oriental palace or harem.
Serendipity Finding something nice while looking for something else.
Summery Light, delicate or warm and sunny.
Sumptuous Lush, luxurious.
Surreptitious Secretive, sneaky.
Susquehanna A river in Pennsylvania.
Susurrous Whispering, hissing.
Talisman A good luck charm.
Tintinnabulation Tinkling.
Umbrella Protection from sun or rain.
Untoward Unseemly, inappropriate.
Vestigial In trace amounts.
Wafture Waving.
Wherewithal The means.
Woebegone Sorrowful, downcast.
05 December, 2010
Quick update
I have been blogging pretty minimally lately for a few reasons.
a) I am dabbling in the tumblr blogosphere. So far I like it a lot. It's to the point, easy, and often quite inspiring. I still can't decide if I want to switch over to tumblr exclusively or just add it to the list of social networking mediums I use.
b) It's the end of the semester. I have been pretty overwhelmed with school projects lately i.e. group work, designs, presentations, huge papers, more designs, more stress, etc. etc. etc. Things are wrapping up though. This week is the last week of classes then it's finals week (yay).
c) Various other jargon. I have been taking care of business for my internship, organizing other aspects of my life, and trying to live a little on top of everything going on. I went to a Skrillex concert on Friday. The venue was trash and the crowd was annoying but Skrillex was awesome once again. This was followed by a massive DJ set I performed on Saturday, it was truly massive.
In other news, my friend comes home tomorrow from his four month study abroad experience in England! I went on the same program last Fall so I'm eager to see him and talk about the experience. I'm sure the posts will pick up on here over the next few weeks but until then, feel free to kill time by listening to my November mix ;)
a) I am dabbling in the tumblr blogosphere. So far I like it a lot. It's to the point, easy, and often quite inspiring. I still can't decide if I want to switch over to tumblr exclusively or just add it to the list of social networking mediums I use.
b) It's the end of the semester. I have been pretty overwhelmed with school projects lately i.e. group work, designs, presentations, huge papers, more designs, more stress, etc. etc. etc. Things are wrapping up though. This week is the last week of classes then it's finals week (yay).
c) Various other jargon. I have been taking care of business for my internship, organizing other aspects of my life, and trying to live a little on top of everything going on. I went to a Skrillex concert on Friday. The venue was trash and the crowd was annoying but Skrillex was awesome once again. This was followed by a massive DJ set I performed on Saturday, it was truly massive.
In other news, my friend comes home tomorrow from his four month study abroad experience in England! I went on the same program last Fall so I'm eager to see him and talk about the experience. I'm sure the posts will pick up on here over the next few weeks but until then, feel free to kill time by listening to my November mix ;)
25 November, 2010
23 November, 2010
18 November, 2010
The robots are BACK
The upcoming Tron movie and its Daft Punk produced score have been pretty heavily discussed for quite some time now. I am absolutely thrilled to see my idols back in the game and cannot wait to experience the film. Alongside all of this hype comes a world exclusive interview with these visionaries conducted by London based Dazed & Confused magazine. As if that wasn't cool enough, they went ahead and printed the spread in 3D.
This is apparently the only interview the duo will be taking part in regarding their Tron project, an album two years in the making. The soundtrack will be released on December 6th with the film hitting theaters December 17th. You can pre-order the deluxe soundtrack bundle which includes 2 discs, a poster, and a digital album at: http://www.tronsoundtrack.co.uk/
12 November, 2010
Old News
A deliberate anchorman-esque photo taken at BBC Newcastle
A deliberate "Hi Mom, I'm standing in Switzerland in front of the Alps!" photo
1.Your name? ROBERT JAMES (ZARSKE)
2.Where are you from, has it influenced you at all? THE TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA. YES OF COURSE.
3.What do you do? LEARN, DESIGN, DJ, LIVE, LAUGH, CRY, SLEEP, EAT, BREATHE, ETC.
4.How do you do it? SOMETIMES I DON'T. KEEPING A LEVEL HEAD HELPS.
5.Who do you do it with (can be your associates, etc.)? SOLO.
6.What does your art mean to you and what message would you like to get across to your viewer? IT'S A WAY FOR ME TO COMMUNICATE, TO LEARN, AND TO GROW. ART CAN BE FOUND IN ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. SLOW DOWN AND TAKE TIME TO APPRECIATE THAT.
7.Anything special happen in the last year to you (brand etc.)? THE PAST YEAR HAS HAD ITS HIGHS AND LOWS. I HAVE A GREAT INTERNSHIP NOW, SCHOOL IS GOING VERY WELL, AND I'M READY TO TACKLE THE WORLD.
8.How do you feel about being where you're at for your age? I’M CONTENT. THINGS COULD ALWAYS BE BETTER. BUT THINGS COULD ALWAYS BE MUCH MUCH WORSE.
9.Have some of your dreams come true yet? SOME.
Thanks for your time, anything else you want to speak upon? GET IN TOUCH IF YOU NEED A DJ, A DESIGNER, PHOTOGRAPHER, OR SOBER CAB.
02 November, 2010
Albums in rotation: Cudi, Skrillex, and more
I know it has been awhile since I added to this series of posts but I haven't found many albums worth talking about lately. Luckily that changed as of late and I now have some EPs and a few albums to share with you. Let's begin.
Original Sin and Taxman - Penamana EP
I have been waiting for this song since I heard it live back in the spring when Rusko played it during his opening set for Major Lazer. It destroyed the crowd and now it is finally here! Take No More is one of two dubstep tracks on this EP, the other two are drum 'n' bass tracks (not a huge fan of that genre).
Check out: Take No More
Flux Pavillion - Lines In Wax EP
I have been a huge fan of Flux Pavillion's remix's but haven't dabbled into his original offerings as much until now. When it comes to dubstep, I like it heavy and filthy and that's exactly what this EP delivers. Flux Pavillion's signature sound is found in all four tracks, especially on Hold Me Close and I Can't Stop, two songs that have great drops and dirty noise that will make you smile and headbang simultaneously.
Check out: Hold Me Close, I Can't Stop
Downlink - Emergency EP
The first track I heard by downlink was his remix of Swagga. That was quite awhile ago. What he offers now with this EP is a step up from that remix. Emergency includes four tracks varying in intensity. Each offers something special and something I can appreciate so they are hard to rank. Give them a shot.
Check out: Emergency (the little micro wobbles and womps are where its at), The Night
Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Spirits EP
Skrillex aka Sonny Moore, is relatively new on the electronic scene. He got his start in various post-hardcore and metal bands so it's cool to see that he can cross genres and lay down some serious dubstep. I had the chance to meet him at the Deadmau5 concert in Minneapolis. He's a really mellow and down-to-earth individual regardless of his gnarly appearance and various lyrical choices. This is his followup to the successful My Name Is Skrillex EP and offers nine tracks ranging from completely new to a reinterpretation of With Your Friends from his first EP along with remixes of the title track itself. I loved his first EP and I love this. I really enjoy how he chops and manipulates his vocal samples while adding a poppy synth vibe to an overall aggressive product. Each track is quite fun. No wonder it reached No. 1 on the Beatport charts.
Check out: With Your Friends (Long Drive), Rock N Roll (Will Take You To The Mountain), Scary Monsters & Nice Spirits (Noisia Remix)
Also: Skrillex will be returning to Minneapolis on December 3rd to perform at The Loft in Barfly. Be sure to make it out for the show.
Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager
Kid Cudi's first album will always be synonymous with my time spent in England. Particularly the gorgeous days I spent in the pasture next to the castle I called home. It was one of a handful of albums I could listen to from beginning to end and it always fit the mood, location, or events taking place at the time. With that said, you can imagine how excited I have been for Man on the Moon II. I have been looking forward to it so much that I refused to listen to the singles that were released over the last couple months because I didn't want to ruin the experience of hearing it all in full. This new collection of songs does not disappoint. The vibe and overall sound is darker than before and reinforces Kid Cudi's skill and ability to differ from the mainstream. The tracks flow from one another and are grouped in "acts" to tell a story. This makes it hard to pick and choose favorites because, like his first album, I can easily listen to it from beginning to end and I suggest that's how it be enjoyed.
Check out: The album in its entirety
Original Sin and Taxman - Penamana EP
I have been waiting for this song since I heard it live back in the spring when Rusko played it during his opening set for Major Lazer. It destroyed the crowd and now it is finally here! Take No More is one of two dubstep tracks on this EP, the other two are drum 'n' bass tracks (not a huge fan of that genre).
Check out: Take No More
Flux Pavillion - Lines In Wax EP
I have been a huge fan of Flux Pavillion's remix's but haven't dabbled into his original offerings as much until now. When it comes to dubstep, I like it heavy and filthy and that's exactly what this EP delivers. Flux Pavillion's signature sound is found in all four tracks, especially on Hold Me Close and I Can't Stop, two songs that have great drops and dirty noise that will make you smile and headbang simultaneously.
Check out: Hold Me Close, I Can't Stop
Downlink - Emergency EP
The first track I heard by downlink was his remix of Swagga. That was quite awhile ago. What he offers now with this EP is a step up from that remix. Emergency includes four tracks varying in intensity. Each offers something special and something I can appreciate so they are hard to rank. Give them a shot.
Check out: Emergency (the little micro wobbles and womps are where its at), The Night
Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Spirits EP
Skrillex aka Sonny Moore, is relatively new on the electronic scene. He got his start in various post-hardcore and metal bands so it's cool to see that he can cross genres and lay down some serious dubstep. I had the chance to meet him at the Deadmau5 concert in Minneapolis. He's a really mellow and down-to-earth individual regardless of his gnarly appearance and various lyrical choices. This is his followup to the successful My Name Is Skrillex EP and offers nine tracks ranging from completely new to a reinterpretation of With Your Friends from his first EP along with remixes of the title track itself. I loved his first EP and I love this. I really enjoy how he chops and manipulates his vocal samples while adding a poppy synth vibe to an overall aggressive product. Each track is quite fun. No wonder it reached No. 1 on the Beatport charts.
Check out: With Your Friends (Long Drive), Rock N Roll (Will Take You To The Mountain), Scary Monsters & Nice Spirits (Noisia Remix)
Also: Skrillex will be returning to Minneapolis on December 3rd to perform at The Loft in Barfly. Be sure to make it out for the show.
Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager
Kid Cudi's first album will always be synonymous with my time spent in England. Particularly the gorgeous days I spent in the pasture next to the castle I called home. It was one of a handful of albums I could listen to from beginning to end and it always fit the mood, location, or events taking place at the time. With that said, you can imagine how excited I have been for Man on the Moon II. I have been looking forward to it so much that I refused to listen to the singles that were released over the last couple months because I didn't want to ruin the experience of hearing it all in full. This new collection of songs does not disappoint. The vibe and overall sound is darker than before and reinforces Kid Cudi's skill and ability to differ from the mainstream. The tracks flow from one another and are grouped in "acts" to tell a story. This makes it hard to pick and choose favorites because, like his first album, I can easily listen to it from beginning to end and I suggest that's how it be enjoyed.
Check out: The album in its entirety
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