BLOG: JUNE 2013 ISSUE MAGAZINE PURCHASES

June is upon us and I've got myself a couple of the latest zines, discounted at Magma last night thanks to the Seven Dials Shopping Party. Amongst my regular subscriptions (though not actually subscribed to) Monocle and Apartamento, I picked up the new-ish offering in the realms of alternative periodicals called Offscreen for the first time. Now on its fifth issue, I thought it's proven itself in the market and thus a good time to purchase and read.

Offscreen features the lives of people, designers and the like, who spend their working hours on a computer screen. The very idea that a piece of print explores the digital ways of life is a wonderful sentiment to the art and I'm fully behind that notion. "We invite you to turn off your device, grab a cup of coffee and meet their makers off screen."

The beautifully printed A5 publication, stiff and heavyweight, includes essays, interviews and photography, compiled into one lush production with layouts and typography that I so passionately enjoy. They've made the most of the Calluna font and its gorgeous ligatures, all culminating in a super fine looking product, and one that's right up my street. I've only read the Editor's Note and gently flicked through the 151 pages, but it appears to be a well-considered, well-written and well, wonderful little magazine that seems to be doing everything right.

MAG: ST ALFRED x ASICS GEL LYTE III

From: Highsnobiety

New collaboration item from Asics and Saint Alfred, yes or no? I actually quite like it, not usually a fan of the often bulky and repulsively vivid Asics sneakers (except one they did with Ronnie Fieg a while ago, a pink pair) but I think the light grey suede and subtle hints of teal work well. Especially on top a gum sole, I love some of that. I must say the tongue looks a bit yonic – can't just be me that thinks that – but otherwise I reckon this Gel Lyte III is solid. Available from June they say.

MAG: ALT-J TESSELLATE COVER BY ELLIE GOULDING

Ellie Goulding's done a couple of cover tracks lately, with stunning versions of "Hanging On" and "High For This" by Active Child and The Weeknd respectively. Now she's dropped this gorgeous take on "Tessellate" by none other than alt-J, making it three out of three for covering musicians I love myself. Featuring that familiar Xaphoon Jones chillwave beat and some sexy saxophone tease, it's another awesome cover by my favourite English blonde – superb.

DIARY: MONTHLY PHOTOS 5.13

 

MAG: CHVRCHES NEW SINGLE GUN

Brand new single by CHVRCHES, this is the massive tune "Gun", with which the band continue to show off their talent for epic hooks and pop genius. The song received its first airplay last week on Huw Stephens' Radio 1 show, and this week it's the Hottest Record of the Week by Zane Lowe, so clearly getting a lot of well-deserved love from the industry big guns (pun always intended). I've been eager and fortunate enough to have been able to see CHVRCHES perform live twice now – most recently at Field Day, for which a full Blog and photoset shall follow soon – and they really are something special. With the debut album planned for September, every little news is of huge excitement for me and this single is a massive one.

MAG: VICTATE SHOPPER BAG PREVIEW

From: The Victicious Cycle

We've spent the weekend printing up these little gems, and Edward's been adding some final details, for what is an imminent release of this new tote bag. The ideal companion for a summer retail spree, the Shopper comes in two print colourways, both handprinted onto black bodies of heavyweight canvas, as the monogram design returns in a fresh new look. Stay tuned for purchase details soon.

DIARY: LANA DEL REY LIVE AT HAMMERSMITH APOLLO

Ah finally. On Monday just gone, I had the pleasure of witnessing one Lana Del Rey perform live at London's Hammersmith Apollo. You know I'm a massive fan and supporter of the beautiful Ms Grant, and I'd been looking forward to this gig for such a long time. I had the tickets in my hand for about six months and I've been buzzing all week. With such high expectations, I was well aware of the very real possibility of disappointment, but how glad I was that it didn't even come close to materialising so.

She was absolutely magnificent, perfect you might say. I have no idea how certain people have concluded that she's a poor performer, not a clue – she used the stage brilliantly, the video backdrop was typically Lana, the chemistry (and indeed quality) between the band was superb with such rich, raw arrangements of the already mellifluous music, and ultimately Lana Del Rey can sing. Tip-toeing out in a short white dress, she sang ridiculously well; tingling lows and haunting highs just so beautiful and enrapturing.

The set was a decent hour or so, covering just about every song I'd longed to hear live, and I think I spent the entire time with my eyes glued to her movement, ears alight and heart pumping. I was mesmerised, lovestruck perhaps, and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. It's hard to say what my favourite concert to date has been, and I wish I'd have been closer to the stage, but Lana Del Rey was just amazing on Monday and may be my number one experience – she certainly didn't disappoint. I'm determined to see more of her shows, desperate even, and cannot wait for the next opportunity.

I was born to see Lana Del Rey live, then die. I'm convinced so.

BLOG: DAFT PUNK RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES

From: Pitchfork

The fourth studio album by Daft Punk was released on Monday, as the whole world knows, and it's been a regular choice for me for a fortnight now (thanks to the iTunes stream preview a week earlier). I've heard a lot of different thoughts, and there's certainly plenty of it, so now I'd like to weigh in.

I think the album is great, I cannot stop listening to it. The groove, the funk and that rich, warm vibe throughout the record is superb. The lead single "Get Lucky" is undoubtedly one of the best in the album, a complete immersion of summer colours that magically seems to capture every sense. I think you can understand the disappointment aired by some diehard day-one fans perhaps, considering it is quite a noticeable change in sound from the so-called pioneers of electronica. However, I'd argue that this album is very much in the realms of electronica, and an impossible outcome to achieve without their past achievements, with the genre ingeniously recreated by real people and raw instruments. For me, they've just evolved the genre big time, bringing the sound to a far greater live, three-dimensional capacity. And besides, with a career spanning twenty years, some change (I prefer progression) is natural and expected. The fusion of influences found in this record is really special and unique, and literally a real joy to listen to.

So it's much recommended. And I'd even recommend you fly to Japan to purchase it, in order to get an exclusive 14th track. Every song contributes to the grand, epic, spectacualr tale that is "Random Access Memories".

MAG: CHVRCHES FULL LIVE SET ON BAEBLE MUSIC

 >> Watch the full video at Baeblemusic.com

This is no news, a video released in March, but the first of its kind on the internet – a full live set by CHVRCHES, and in HD! Seven brilliant tracks by the Scottish trio, performed live at Hype Machine's Hype Hotel in Texas, full of energy, great hooks and synth heaven.

I'm very glad to have come across this footage, a fine reminder of their London show that I highly enjoyed last month. And this coming weekend, I will be at Field Day festival, where this promising new band will be on stage at, along with some other very cool talents. Tickets are still readily available so take a look at the lineup, you'd be silly to miss out.

MAG: TOKYO CITY SYMPHONY FOR LOVE TOKYO

What an incredible piece of visual work. Celebrating the 10th anniversary for Roppongi Hills through this stunning interactive experience is "TOKYO CITY SYMPHONY". With a very neat webpage to accompany the video, it's a campaign that aims to show off the explosive and energetic dynamism of Japan's capital (not that the city's preconceptions aren't already of excitement and evolution). As a bit of design, this is just beautiful work.

BLOG: ENGLAND HOME KIT 2013 BY NIKE

From: Designboom

Nike have revealed England's brand new home kit for 2013, their first for the nation. Now you know very well that I was highly fond of Umbro's strips for us, but things change, and that's cool – especially when that change is good. There's no doubting Nike's expertise (and dare I say wisdom) but I've just been wary of a non-unique offering, just a white version of everyone else's kits. But these first images that have been released look very attractive. Almost a continuous progression from Umbro's simplified range, this new shirt is sharp, clean and very astute; there's a sense of heritage here that's not been lost to the big firm that is Nike, fitting too for The FA's 150th anniversary. The shirt has hits of navy, red and gold on a luxuriously white base that I reckon should stand out triumphantly amidst the clutter of others. Yeah, I like it.

BLOG: MS MR DEBUT ALBUM SECONDHAND RAPTURE

MS MR are a duo from New York, making the music that I love. It's a genre that I struggle to put a name to, but one that the likes of Poliça, Banks, MØ and even James Blake have been gracing. Indie, post-folk, experimental, synthpop – chillwave? – whatever it's called, it's my favourite sound of the moment and so I am delighted that, this week, MS MR have released their debut album "Secondhand Rapture".

I only found out about these guys from a remix of their track "Hurricane" by CHVRCHES (which is excellent by the way) but boy am I glad to have discovered them. I've heard the album through about a dozen times now and it's a stunning set. Sorry that I can't portray it properly, describing music is not my forte, but listening to and enjoying music is, so you can take my word for it.

They're playing the Electric Ballroom in London on July 17 and I shall be there. Here below is the official (and second) video for the afore mentioned lead single. And also watch them perform on TV for the first time last night.

MAG: DAVID BECKHAM ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

From: David Beckham

Following in the recent footsteps of Paul Scholes and Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham has now announced that he too will be retiring from football at the end of the season. My all-time favourite footballer, an idol and a hero of mine. At 38 though, whilst his playing days may be over, his career is far from finished.

DIARY: WORK REVIEW 5.13

I realise I've not posted much about my own work and day-to-day as much I'd hoped to. In recent weeks, and indeed months, I've endured heavy periods of busyness, deadlines aplenty and work work (as I like to call it) mounting all the time.

At university ~

I'm actually pretty much done with Year 2 of university now, having handed in a lot of projects and assignments in what was a short space of time up to last week. I was actually part of something that became bigger than we imagined, having been shortlisted for the RSA Student Design Awards. I along with two coursemates developed and submitted a piece of earlier work to fulfil one of the briefs and we've been fortunate enough for the judging panel to have liked it. We'll see where that takes us but I'm chuffed to even be considered a finalist.

New work ~

Now, the reason I have no more class to attend is because I will be starting my placement as a 'designer in residence' come June. I'll be part of the team at London studio [re]design who work with sustainable design as a key priority and often collaborate with the design community to effect such change. It's run by a lovely duo who I met a few weeks back and I'm very excited to commence my work with them, to learn from living professionals, participate in live practice and of course share a little of my own modest talent. Again, more to follow for sure.

Victate ~

Busy as ever, we're preparing for a host of summer goodness. A tough period for both myself and Edd as our studies tend to reach a climax around this time (especially him who's just casually revising for dentistry exams). Of course the Summer '13 range is at the forefront of our work, as the pieces are being readied as I speak (type). For those that came down to our pop-up store with NYLC Supply last month will know some of the tricks we got up our sleeves! And speaking of which, there's a project I'm working on for the afore mentioned brand that will come to fruition pretty soon actually. We're working to get a feature on an upcoming publication, and as a piece put together by an inside member of the Victate team, I can assure you it won't be like anything else we've done with other press. That's all for now, but do keep up with our various social media outlets. I understand our Instagram following is increasing rapidly – perhaps related to the silly photographs of us embarrassing ourselves...

From: Instagram @victateclothing

Right now ~

And finally at this very moment, I'm working on some more work temporarily for a certain brand's design overhaul: new website, new brochures, new everything. Which means I've had the wonderful task of recreating a million colour swatches this week. No need to bore you with the details.

Wow I didn't at all intend for this blog entry to be of this nature when I started half an hour ago. As you know this Blog is primarily for me to use as a recording tool, and any readers are an added bonus. So I'm sorry if you just read this all, because you probably haven't taken much out of it right. I do appreciate your following though, so thanks.

MAG: MØ NEW SINGLE WASTE OF TIME

To be released on July 7 is MØ's new single "Waste Of Time". This is an unofficial video for the sassy electropop tune, put together with some black and white self-shot footage. I think she actually had it playing on the projection screen behind her during her gig a couple months back. Anyway it's a great song and, I repeat, her style is so super cool and I cannot wait for news of an album.

BLOG: CHELSEA ALL-TIME TOP GOALSCORER FRANK LAMPARD

MAG: LANA DEL REY YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL

The video for Lana Del Rey's latest track penned for The Great Gatsby soundtrack, a massive song visualised in her classic style. It's a film I much want to see with Leo and the gorgeous Carey Mulligan starring in an epic story. And of course the countdown is very much on until I finally see Lana herself live, just over a fortnight until her London show. (FYI I will still love you when you're no longer young and beautiful.)

DIARY: FREE ISSUES OF PRINT THIS WEEK

I picked up these publications over the past week or two, all free. "Caffeine" magazine was launched in February and since that success, their second issue can be found in coffee shops all over London in a neat deal where distribution can reach its primary audience best. It's a lovely production, stylishly put together, featuring articles and interviews for coffee lovers to mull over during their, well, coffee breaks.

Next up is "One Thing I Know", a free book collating the views and stories of leaders in the creative industry from across the globe, offering sweet insights and personal advice for the rest of the community. Again, served up in beautiful A5 spreads of delightful layout, it's looks an interesting read. My copy arrived yesterday and it has that tasty new-book-smell. Oh did I mention it's free?

The third of this spontaneous series is "Velo 2nd Gear" by Gestalten, not exactly new anymore but a much loved favourite amongst the cycling crew. It's a proper book with fantastic photography celebrating the bicycle culture and its joyous crossovers with other arts. I was fortunate to receive this through Victate, thanks to that photo making the cut for a full A3 spread on pages 22-23. Hells yes.

DIARY: CHVRCHES LIVE AT VILLAGE UNDERGROUND

Oh how I'd been looking forward to see these guys perform! Ever since a friend showed me "The Mother We Share", I have been utterly hooked to the synthpop sound of CHVRCHES. A Scottish band of three, influenced by all things cool and living modestly as all (emerging) artists should, their take on somewhat of a synths trend is original and on point. With classic electronica, hip hop, indie alt rock vibes amongst it, and tied together by smart lyrics sung by the voice of an angel, the outcome is one of greatness. I've introduced the band many times before already so I don't know why I'm elaborating unnecessarily at the inevitable risk of repeating myself too, sorry.

But you get that I like them, because that's important. They played the Village Underground in Shoreditch last Monday and it was hands down the most enjoyable gig I've been to all year. 

With a perfect view of the threesome's setup we were treated to a very fresh, body-rocking set, not once lacking in delicious hooks and beats that were quite frankly irresistibly good. Having only released a handful of songs to date, most on the night were new and unheard, very likely off their upcoming debut album which we were told will be arriving in September. I bet you a tenner it's going to be a stunning album.

MAG: DRAUGHT DRY GOODS CARD CARRY

From: Selectism

These card wallets from Draught Dry Goods are made from supple 3oz vegetable tanned leather, hand-sewn with waxed linen edges and finished with copper foil embossing. The result is one beautifully poised product of quality and simplicity. Very tidy and well-balanced, the handsome wallet is available in the two pictured colourways, each at $65.

BLOG: MARSHALL MONITOR OVER-EAR HEADPHONES

From: Cool Material

These are the latest headphones from Marshall, a name that resonates with expertise and reliability in the sound market. The Monitors are over-ear headphones in solid black with rather luxurious gold details, showing a clear desire to look good as well as to produce top quality sound. I love my current Bose set (running for a good four years now) but I couldn't say they were particularly pleasing to the eye. Zound Industries president, Konrad Bergström, talks about considerations of more than just functionality but of a holistic approach to design in its broadest scope. And I do love the coiled cord, double-ended and detachable, with mic and remote integrated too – just the way I like it.

Whilst I've not tried them out, these Monitors do look the part, and again Marshall is a brand you can trust. I am sure these would be a more than suitable replacement for my Bose OEs when the time comes.

DIARY: MONTHLY PHOTOS 4.13 PART TWO