This strange short film set to Feist's "The Water" reminds me of where I am right now.


I adore Feist's latest Metals. Can't wait to see her at Bonnaroo.

 It wasn't until my visit home in October that I discovered Hey Rosetta! from out east. Oh to be in London...   

Dan Mangan's newest album Post-War Blues has been on my rotation in recent times. I mostly chose this video because I dig his Canada Post uniform shirt. One day I hope to score one for myself.

I had completely forgotten about Matt Pond until I was going through my old hardrive on account of some past music nostalgia. The Dark Leaves will forever remind me of my reflective walks in Crouch End. It always seemed to be sunny during those moments. Heavy sigh. I was going to post a video live video where Matt's obviously injured himself (as shown by the sexy gym shorts), but the sound was too muffled. The kaleidoscope is pretty awesome. 

This song was repetitiously caught in my head. No matter how many sidewalk karaoke sessions it emerged in, it stuck with me for weeks. This music video disturbs me.

ISOLATION LEADS TO...

I've been going stir-crazy in the forest. Since moving back home, resuming my teenage life residing with my parents, I've been bored out of my mind. I've decided to fill the London buzz void with home projects. The room I've been staying in has been begging for reorganisation. In it's present state, it simply isn't liveable. The closet is jammed with old storage boxes, my grandmother's clothes, stuffed animals and old photo albums. My belongings straight up don't fit. And I still have four giant boxes arriving by boat in a few weeks time.

My new office is in their open concept living/dining area. Productivity is not feasible when my mother is shaking her bootay on the other side of my screen, trying to get my attention. 

I spent the morning researching book shelves. I was amazed at the crafty ones people have come up with. Here are my favourites. 

Then I got hooked on seeking small office ideas, which led me to find great little houses for the back garden, thinking perhaps my mum and stepfather should throw one of these together!

I've done a good series of sketches, planning out how to transform the small room in order for it to be conducive to a working environment as well as encompass all my things. They have veto'd any drilling, so I've had to reconsider how to do this neatly. We have almost a house full of furniture stored in various places, so tonight I will go on a hunt to see what pieces I can incorporate. 

I've been enjoying the idea of building my old 'rustic' shelving. I mean, I'm in the bloody forest, there must be some slabs of useless wood lying about. These seem so easy to assemble (or find) and yet shops like Anthropologie are charging $2,000 for these pieces (round one at least).

See the 'before' state of my room plus my six year old skill level sketches below. 

Plotting closet organisation. 

General plan overview (initial)

Second draft

2D rendering, super professional!

Genius idea to shift pieces around for more storage space. 

Desk arrangement version 2.

LONDON LIVING NO MORE

Well, I've left the buzzing culture behind and relocated to the country. I don't think I want to change the name of this blog however. Everything I post is the result of my experience in that phenomenal city. How I miss it's vibrancy.

So I shall post some music that I discovered during my time there.

What I'm listening to at the moment...



The new Maccabees album is fantastic. Vastly different from the last. It seems they've adapted their style to suit what's popular in music right now. More melodic and atmospheric than upbeat and foot–tapping. Love the woodsy scenery in their short film (below). If you have a fear of feet, don't watch!

 

 I was a huge fan of Kristin Gundred when she was in Grand Ole Party, so I was surprised to find how mainstream the Dum Dum Girls are. This damn song is always in my head though. Bloody catchy.

 

I have been digging the new Band of Skulls album Sweet Sour as well. Finding myself walking along singing the title track.

 

I absolutely adore Lisa Hannigan. I also happen to love this video, despite the whole thing taking place in the bath tub. She has great simple ideas for videos. The one for "What'll I do" (second down) was a filmed during a rollercoaster ride.

  That's it for now. I'll return with some Canadian discoveries!

Album Artwork + Melodious Magnificence

I adore John K. Samson's new album cover.



I believe it is the handiwork of Albertan printmaker Jeanette Johns. Check out some of her work.

Have a listen to one of brilliant John K's new songs from the album. It's beautiful. As are his stories.

EONS HAVE PASSED.

I apologize for my lack of posting. Most of my recent time has been spent waiting. I had a few job interviews, made it to the shortlist, but could never seal the deal. Sadness. The website has been finished, I believe. I sort of stepped out to concentrate on finding work before the ability to remain in London expired. So Hussain has done a brilliant job of taking on the whole project. Have a look at the finished site.

So what does fate have in store for me?

I'm currently taking a month-long holiday hiatus to figure out my next move. I know the struggle I will have to endure to stay in my favourite city, and the reasons keeping me there aren't enough when weighed against what is awaiting me here in Canada. Ultimately life will be easier and more fulfilling if I return. The solitary motivating factor is that I could start my own business. There has been an idea lightning storm rocking my brain and considering the endeavor has made me blissfully happy. I have some solid support behind me, so I realize that this is what I must do.

And with that, I would like to share the logos I have been working on. I only spent a few hours throwing it together so it's not perfect, but I am quite partial to it.



I think I prefer the circular version. It really depends on the building's signage availability. I've had a browse at a few commercial spaces, and one has a very long rectangular board space, and the other has virtually no space at all (the neighbour has occupied it all!).

I will keep updating the progress, as well as any design work that perpetuates from the process. The next stage will be speaking to a financial advisor, so I'm a few steps away from any further designing! Exciting!

GOOD GIG!

Not much has been going on lately! I have just been preoccupied with pumping out CVs and going to interviews, and some shifts at work.

We've had the pleasure of a string of Charlene Soraia shows, and she was back again last week.

I finally made a couple of my own videos, though all taken from my post at the door (hence they aren't very good!).

Look out for a song called "Animal" by Miss Soraia, someone else shot her playing it last month before she finished it, so to give you an idea... have a listen!

(My not so fantastic recording)

Charlene was supporting James Apollo, who was also fun to listen to! The Cadbury Sisters were sandwiched in between the acts and treated us to lovely harmonies accompanying acoustic guitar. They didn't play this Dusty Springfield cover, but I dig it!

Here's a little James Apollo for you! I missed what I considered the best song he played, but you get the idea.

More ear treats!

Sorry for the absence once again! Life seems to whiz by me in a blur and before I realize, it has been months!

Last night we had a particularly great show at the Lamb. A miss Charlene Soraia graced the stage for the second time in the past two weeks and pretty much blew the audience (along with myself) out of the water. Not only is she an absolutely incredible guitarist and vocalist, but she's extremely kind and hilarious to boot!

Have a listen.



Another performer that I really enjoyed was Sam Airey. He's a lovely fellow with a voice reminiscent of a classic English singer.
Go listen to more.