Coachella is just two days away and I am ready for the dance-off! To help get you in the mood (and in case you missed the screening at Winter Music Conference) check out THE ELECTRO WARS documentary from director Stephen Vasquez. The doc provides some compelling commentary on the current electro dance scene and features folks like DJ Premier, Diplo, Justice, Spank Rock and our friends The Electrolightz.
Absolut Vodka has collaborated with Spike Jonze to bring you his latest creation: I’m Here | A Love Story In An Abolut World. The film is a short 30min love story between two robots living in LA and you can watch the movie in its entirety (and for free) on their website here. These types of collaborations are initiatives I’d like to applaud and see more of, a partnership that is mutually beneficial to the arts and the brands, while it doesn’t lose sight of either party’s integrity. Besides, Spike Jonze is one of my favorite directors ever and I appreciate anyone that empowers his geniality. I’m Here is the latest materialization of Jonze’s ability to personalize an unseen & unconscious reality, while delivering a beautiful tale of selflessness and unconditional love. A must see!
When I saw Dennis Hopper on the news this week it deeply saddened me and reminded me of how big a fan I am of his craft. The clip above shows Dennis from his early days. Currently, in a battle for his life against cancer I prefer to share more of a living tribute and send our well wishes to Dennis and his family. I can only hope that the rumors are true and the MoCa museum will be featuring an exhibit dedicated to the photographer’s ’60′s period pieces. Dennis Hopper starred in such film classics as Rebel Without A Cause, Easy Rider (which he co-wrote and won Best Original Screenplay at Cannes), Blue Velvet and Apocalypse Now. Hopefully, more people will also be able to share and experience Dennis Hopper the photographer, painter and sculpture.
The White Stripes are coming to a town near you with their documentary Under Great White Northern Lights. The feature is not to be missed, and if you are in LA, there is still some tickets left for the showing on March 15th at the Egyptian.
In the summer of 2007, shortly after the release of their 6th album Icky Thump, The White Stripes headed north of their hometown of Detroit to embark on an ambitious journey across Canada. The plan was to play a show in every province and territory in Canada, from B.C. to Newfoundland to Nunavut. “Having never done a tour of Canada, Meg and I thought it was high time to go whole hog…from the ocean to the permafrost” says Jack White. “We wanted to play out of the way towns that don’t usually get shows…the shows are better, it’s better for the people, it’s a better experience, it’s way more unique, something interesting is going to happen…hopefully.”Jack White is a true rock star, the Johnny Cash or Bob Dylan of our generation. He turns simplicity into greatness. At some point in the documentary, Jack mentions that one of the reasons they are successful in what they do is that he is good at being creative inside a box (so true!!). He continues to say that having all the colors in the world on a palette is what kills creativity. Interesting outlook, I never thought of it that way.
Ooooouch!
Copyright Criminals explores the craft of music sampling from the rise of hip-hop to its current state. The documentary provides interesting view points from various perspectives of the industry including Chuck D from Public Enemy to seminal D.I.Y producer Steve Albini. The film questions, ‘Can you own a sound?’
Sample culture is ultimately pop culture and I think this debate is a very interesting one. Can you own a sound? I’m still not sure what side I am on. I don’t think you should prevent or inhibit artistic expression yet somehow the original creator should still be compensated. I’m not saying we should only create art to make money but those that do should at least get the recognition and respect they deserve, ask the funky drummer himself, Clive Stubblefield.
What is even more interesting to me is where technology is taking us. Sample culture, hip-hop and its cut-and-paste ethos are driving innovation and art beyond sound. Pop culture is multi-media and we live in a multi-media world. Audio and Video. What we should really be asking is not ‘Can you own a sound?’ but what ownership of art for the creator really means?
Ronald McDonald, The Colonel, The King and Jack walk into a bar strip club, get down in the city and do it right. The Rad Omen take Man Night to another level in ‘Rad Anthem,’ and it ends the way any good night of partying should – by covering each other with ketchup and mustard at Carney’s! I can’t wait to check out more from these guys. Can you guess who plays The King and what Hollywood rocker is under the Jack in the Box? (Hint: check the Tats).
Oh the moon! Doesn’t she get us all?!
More was written and directed by Mark Osborne in 1998 and was the first short film to be shot with an IMAX camera. The short animation has garned numerous nominations and awards, including Sundance, SXSW and The Oscars. 12 years later, this clay production is still beautiful to watch while proving to be a timeless piece with a message that anyone can learn from – in your searchs and conquers, don’t lose sight of who you are, don’t let go of what is really important in life. “Eligia” by New Order is the music bed for this work of art and the song manages to take an already amazing creation to a higher level. More has been called the “best short ever created” and I am yet to come across one that proves it wrong.