4 Mar 2013

DIARY: MØ LIVE AT ELECTROWERKZ


I had the pleasure of attending my first gig of the year last week, watching Danish artist MØ perform at Electrowerkz in Angel, London. Another formidable example of Scandinavian pop music's ever-rising talent, Karen Marie Ørsted treated us to a wonderfully energetic set with a most youthful and carefree hour or so of eclectic electropop.

The venue was like an open warehouse consisting of the stage room and adjacent to it a lounge-type area with a bar, sofas and foosball table (which kept us highly entertained by the way). We were fortunate enough to witness MØ so effortlessly execute her music from the front row in what was a perfectly intimate little gig. Smoking outside afterwards, she told us that an album was in the works though admittedly taking its time, but if we can comfort her at all it's that we enjoyed every track she played and I'm thoroughly excited to hear it all produced on a record.

2 Mar 2013

MAG: ECKO SS5.1SL1


From: Yanko Design

This product, given a lovely name that just rolls off the tongue, infuses traditional with the modern from its luxurious styling to its premium materials. The SS5.1SL1 (which stands for Surround Sound 5.1 Special Leather version 1, obviously) by bespoke audio company ECKO has undergone a leather makeover, designed by Luke Anthony Firth, crafted ever so beautifully. Capitalising on an increasingly popular fetish of the leather-meets-tech quality, a gorgeous balance has been struck in the resulting aesthetics, which includes polished brass finishes and tonal stitching. And all of that before even mentioning the sound quality that is housed within the surround sound plus sub system. Sheer heaven.

MAG: ADIDAS SKATEBOARDING BUSENITZ VULC

From: Flatspot

I saw these last month, new Spring 2013 colourways for the Busenitz Vulc by adidas Skateboarding. The navy pair looks attractive I thought, complemented excellently by the hits of gold accents. The sneakers are of suede upper and are fitted with a strong vulcanised gum outsole. I think I want a pair.

1 Mar 2013

DIARY: FEBRUARY FADED


February was a crazy month. Deadlines aplenty amongst periods of heavy work. But then it always is isn't it... Sure enough I slacked behind on the Blog here (after what was actually a really active month with 24 posts in 16 days), but I would have liked to have kept going. After all, I set the Blog up with it in mind to keep a record of my day-to-day, very much including the busyness. So, sorry self.

During that time though, I excelled in my latest university project with a campaign for the London Underground that I probably got a little too excited with actually. Victate's 2013 collections are coming together beautifully, as well as a 2012 overview publication being printed as we speak (as I type). And I've been wearing our new jeans, EXP001, pretty much every day impatient to see the slightest glimpse of fade or wear appearing. Most importantly perhaps, I controversially added a 17th board to my Pinterest page (gasp), focussing on lovely print, magazine spreads and layouts. Hell yes. Do check it out.

And thus my daily input of rambling shall continue this March if you wouldn't mind reading. Ta.

15 Feb 2013

DIARY: FALLING BEHIND


When I had my idea and vision for what my current university project would become, I was really optimistic and keen to get going, even at the start of this very week. But this week hasn't quite materialised how I'd expected it to, filling up my time with other things like work and play (basically anything that wasn't study). Procrastination you could say. I am not pleased with myself and I thought I'd give myself a public telling off. So fucking concentrate and do it. (Yes sir...)

My recent books order included this pictured one for TfL's superb programme, which plays a key role in my very project that I must work on. I love "Art on the Underground" and let's just say I hope I can add to it somehow. Now I really must get back to work. Really.

MAG: TRICKER'S FOR NORSE PROJECTS BLUCHER

From: Hypebeast

In the latest collaboration piece between Tricker's and Norse Projects comes this Officer's Blucher shoe in two colourways. Is it not absolutely stunning?! Shit.

The shoes have a clean minimal leather upper on what looks to be a real comfortable crepe sole contrasting in colour for the brown pair or black on black the other option. It's got an internal leather lining and waxed cotton lacing too to complete this excellent utilitarian model. It just looks so good, both of them. With such premium quality, considered functionality and traditional execution, the price tag is steep at €436. But my god it's tempting...







From: Selectism

BLOG: ELEPHANT MAGAZINE ISSUE 12


Quarterly magazine on contemporary art and visual culture, ELEPHANT, edited by Marc Valli (the man behind niche bookshop Magma), has been around for over 3 years now and I bought myself the London issue for Autumn 2012. Attracted to the layout and print quality of the significantly sized publicaton with 208 pages of A4, I chose this issue as it provides a unique review on the art offerings of Britain's capital. I haven't read through it yet but flicking through the beautiful print, it's clear to see (and feel) the high value placed on the physical tactility and visual stimulus that magazines are excellent for. Precisely the kind of publication that stirs my love for print design.




MAG: LANA DEL REY BURNING DESIRE VIDEO



My mysterious and weird princess Lana Del Rey has had a relatively quiet start to 2013, but that hasn't bothered me one bit with the knowledge that I will finally be seeing her perform live later in the year. But yesterday she released this new video for "Burning Desire", a track that's been used in collaboration with Jaguar's new F-Type drive. It doesn't follow her previous motion pictures' amateur, vintage style of video, instead showing a flawless Lana looking beautiful with some real teasing shots. "I've got a burning desire for you baby" indeed.

MAG: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE SUIT & TIE VIDEO



JT's return is without a doubt in full swing (of love...) and the momentum continues as he releases the official video for the album's debut single "Suit & Tie" with JAY Z. Coming in the same week as a second track being unveiled, which is a killer R&B ballad "Mirrors", music fans around the world are experiencing an absolute high. There are some good albums on the way over the next few months but this one is for sure the one I'm most exciting about. "The 20/20 Experience" arrives on March 19 in a month's time and you get the sense it's going to be epic.

Oh, and I didn't even get to talking about the video. Probably goes without saying that it's fucking cool. Justin Timberlake just cannot not look fly. And it's such a good tune!

13 Feb 2013

DIARY: WEARING NEW CLOTHES


The satisfaction of going out in fresh gear is a feeling that will probably never wear, despite the almost disposable rate at which we get over new clothes as being new. I was lucky enough to be reminded of that sensation this week, as I strutted out the door in a pretty virgin outfit. The look included Albam's Alpine Harrington jacket, Muji corduroy shirt, Grenson Archie Vs, and of course Victate's very own denim! Pleasing.

MAG: SIGUR ROS WORLD TOUR 2013



Sigur Rós kicked off their world tour this evening and this video provides a glimpse of what to expect with "a brand new live show and new songs" as they travel the globe with an 11 piece band. The backing track is a snippet from a new song "Brennisteinn", with that killer rumbling drop which I'm digging. Unfortunately I don't have tickets to go but a friend of mine does, who I don't know too well except that she has excellent taste in music. I'm just hoping one of her friends drops out huh...

MAG: MØ GLASS NEW VIDEO



This is the new video by young Danish artist MØ for her track "Glass". From Copenhagen, her music is youthful and artistic providing more evidence to back the trend of modern Scandinavian talent. I'm actually going to a small gig of hers at the end of this month and I'm very excited. Should be a fun evening of good electronica and powerful synth drops.