9 Apr 2013

BLOG: PARAMORE NEW ALBUM

From: Paramore

With surviving a heavy fallout being the perception of many, Paramore have released their fourth studio album this week as a now three piece act. I can only see it as a natural progression though – life happens and here are a tight group of people talented in expressing and reflecting that. And this self-titled album perhaps succeeds in that very art of music, as they show far more than just gradual adaptation and growing maturity, but really excelling with their surroundings and it's almost like a phase of evolution that has taken place.

So it's no surprise that the band is shocked themselves by their own sound for this product. Drawing inspiration from all across the genre-scope, they have naturally experimented and explored aplenty, producing a stunning blend of musical variety that keeps the band current and accessible, whilst not for one second discarding their wild, fiery, youthful sounds of the past. Fans will be comforted by familiar rages of emotion but with such a wide range of influences directing their aesthetic, the rebooted Paramore is a very exciting monster indeed.

The latest single "Still Into You" may well be the most pop track on the record, but there's much more to get your taste buds going on this 17-track LP, all held together by a trio of raw interludes that make sure this is a wonderfully well-rounded piece of work. You can watch the new video below and the album is a must-buy for me, the Paramore journey seems only just to have begun.

MAG: VICTATE FOR FRANK151

From: Frank151

Have a read of our interview for New York based magazine Frank151, words by EDWRD. We went on a day out through the streets of Soho before hitting the Brixton studio of our friend and stylist Ayishat. My good old tote bag makes the header photograph, worn with my favoured Muji parka and Victate EXP001 jeans.

8 Apr 2013

MAG: VIVA JAPAN x ROBERU KOWAKI FOR IPAD MINI

From: Roberu Leather Factory

New in for Spring/Summer 2013 at Japanese leather house Roberu is this collaboration piece with VIVA JAPAN, a company dedicated to all things Made In Japan. This iPad Mini Zip Clutch Bag, called "KOWAKI", allows for storage up to A5 size with pockets for custom use, perfect for light luggage in an urban lifestyle. Smooth zip movement and Roberu's renowned leather quality ensure a luxurious feel, with two smart colourways available either in caramel or wine red. The lookbook does it sweet justice too, showcasing it in all its glory as a real style accessory, and of course with potential for great wear and ageing. 





MAG: RHYE OPEN SOHN REMIX VIDEO



A gorgeous video for a gorgeous song, this is the music video for SOHN's remix of "Open" by Rhye. The raw, soulful original is transformed into a rich, warming remix by the talented musician that is SOHN. It's just the kind of sound that totally encapsulates me and this video is fittingly cool with visual textures and vibrant colours.

MAG: THE GREAT GATSBY TRAILER



The new film directed by Baz Luhrmann, out May 16 in the UK, not only stars two of my favourite actors in Leonardo DiCaprio and the lovely Carey Mulligan, but also features an epic soundtrack made up of a very current list of respected artists put together by Luhrmann and executive producer JAY Z. It includes a specially penned track by my personal paramour Lana Del Rey, as well as songs from the likes of The xx, Nero, Emeli Sandé, Gotye, Florence + The Machine, will.i.am, Beyoncé and JAY Z himself. Wow. The film itself is an amazing adaptation of a classic American story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald set in the 1920s, and it seems to have all the necessary ingredients to be a stunner. I definitely wouldn't want to miss it.

BLOG: DARREN HEALEY INSPIRATIONAL STATIONARY




From: Darren Healey Portfolio

A lovely set of illustrations from graphic designer Darren Healey. Whilst unimpressed with the misspelling of 'stationery', I do like this fun series of colourful and inspiring depictions of some staple items (pun always intended).

DIARY: JFC COOL SLEEPOVER 04.13

Back from camping with the boys, I've had a day or two to reflect on what was a highly rewarding trip to the riverside in Marlow. We've taken the boys to the countryside twice before, but it was the first time to do it in such a cold season (hence the name Cool Sleepover).

Now trust me when I say it was extremely tough, with temperatures fluctuating a minute range around freezing. I basically spent 72 hours wrapped in a dozen layers, everything to Heattech long johns and padded down jackets. But as is always the case, the boys we took (17 this time) provided so much warmth for me and the other Coaches – their strength, character and togetherness at times overwhelming us with pride. Exaggerate you I not; the way they handled living in such harsh conditions, how they challenged the activities including rock climbing heights and wet kayaking lessons, and of course the fun that they created in doing so is extraordinary. A group of fighters they are, who just never fail to impress me.

I must add that these three or four days were physically the most draining experience I can remember and I worked damn hard, but I won't dwell on that, as I feel only a sense of satisfaction and gratification right now. As usual, I'll now sit down to produce a movie for our trip, but before I can do that we have the small matter of Easter Holiday Club to tend to, three full days of team training as we begin preparations for the annual round of summer tournaments. A proper fortnight packed with JFC activity of all varieties huh. I tell you it's a great little job I have.

4 Apr 2013

DIARY: OUT OF OFFICE




I've just completed my packing as we head off for our three-day camping trip tomorrow with 16 JFC boys. Layer after layer after layer is my thinking. Today was absolutely crazy as three of us coaches went on site to prep for our stay, including van hire and tent erection (having raided Asda last night for groceries and general stock). Tent building was mental – think gale-force winds, freezing temperatures and damn fiddly structures. I feel knackered already and the trip's not begun yet. Oh and as it's a Wednesday we had to rush back to give the evening lesson as usual. Shit son.

But I must say. It's going to be a great trip. The boys are excited and for sure we're gonna have fun. I'll be offline for a couple days and I think that's another thing to look forward to. Ok bye.

3 Apr 2013

MAG: MØ PILGRIM FOR YOURS TRULY



Performing on camera for Yours Truly, this is Danish synthpop artist MØ with her killer track "Pilgrim". I had the pleasure of seeing this girl do a gig here in London a couple months ago, and she is just effortlessly pitch perfect with such style and confidence. She's announced some more dates coming up around the world, as she prepares the debut album that I so eagerly await.

2 Apr 2013

MAG: JESSIE WARE WILDEST MOMENTS FT ASAP ROCKY



With her debut album readying for its US release this month, Jessie Ware has unveiled the audio for her remix with ASAP Rocky for "Wildest Moments". It's a gorgeous album, "Devotion", filled with sultry sounds, mellow throwback beats and of course her captivating vocals. America shall be impressed, no doubt. For fans over here in the UK, the album will presented as a special re-release with four extra tracks including this collaboration with the New York rapper, the Gold Edition is out on April 15.

MAG: BLOCCO STOOL BY NAOTO FUKASAWA FOR PLANK

From: Dezeen

Following last year's Blocco chair, a series of stackable stools is next in the family designed by Mr Naoto Fukasawa for Milanese manufacturer Plank. Made from ash, the stool comes in natural lacquer, black stained lacquer and three matt colour finishes of grey, white and blue. Its proportions are lovely.

DIARY: MISCELLANEOUS PHOTOS 3.13 PART TWO











1 Apr 2013

MAG: CHVRCHES NOW IS NOT THE TIME VIDEO



With their new EP "Recover" released last week, CHVRCHES have been making a real name for themselves both here in the UK and across the pond too, greatly appreciated for their refreshing synth sounds and infectious humbleness. The trio from Glasgow today revealed this video for Pitchfork, performing "Now Is Not The Time", the third track on the EP. As I've said before, I'm seeing these guys live at the end of this month and I am so so thrilled. With a quarter of the year up, I'm fairly confident that CHVRCHES may very well be my favourite artist of 2013. Now is most definitely the time to check them out if you haven't already.

BLOG: GRAND LOCK BY MATHIEU GUSTAFSSON



From: Mathieu Gustafsson Design

Produced by Swedish furniture brand GRAND is this beautiful new cabinet designed by Mathieu Gustafsson, who himself runs his own design office in Stockholm. I don't know how to best describe it, but the cabinet holds real presence without actually screaming out for attention, it's got a lovely balance to it. The main focal point is the ball clasp locking mechanism, inspired by a handbag's construction, with it concealing and subsequently revealing the stunning pine veneered interior shelving. Its beauty is subtle and I think the product photography does the item great justice too, allowing the quality to really speak for itself. Safely pinned to my Cool Design board, this would fit my future (dream) loft excellently.