Catch Away
05/05/2013 10:09 AM
It's been a while since my last update, which means I've been a one hella busy bee.
In a week, I will be leaving the country for more music event adventura.
If you want to keep up with my trip from London,UK to Porto, Portugal (Amsterdam probably last since I have an overnight lay over), best way is to follow me on Twitter or Instagram.
Still have loads to do before my departure so here are some highlights since the last post:
Voodoo Doughnut Portraits - I asked Voodoo Doughnut if they'd donate their infamous treats for a photo series with touring musicians, and you can see some of the results so far by clicking on the title or the picture below of Ski Lodge. I will make a dedicated page as soon as I find the time!
The Deer Tracks - The world is full of wonder and loveliness waiting to be discovered, and this Swedish duo is one of them. Check out the video interview below and photos/review of their kick off North American tour in Portland at BPM.
Efterklang - One of my favorite bands and not because they make good art but also because the Danes are so damn likeable. Photos and review over at Prefix, including some failed L.E.D. balloon shots. But sure had fun kicking them around like a soccer ball afterwards.
More show coverage - click on the name to go to music sites (all with photos, some with videos, some with review, some with all three):
Adam Green & Binki Shapiro
Indians
Chelsea Light Moving
Iceage
Ducktails/Widoswpeak
OMD
Low
Phoenix - so Brooklyn Vegan never got around to publishing photos of the opener, Mac DeMarco and this video:
Palma Violets - freakin' low lights
Chad Valley/Ski Lodge/Renny Wilson
Spiritualized
And couple of Album Reviews:
NEØV - Orange Morning
Girls Names - The New Life
That's about all I have time for now.
Cheers!
In a week, I will be leaving the country for more music event adventura.
If you want to keep up with my trip from London,UK to Porto, Portugal (Amsterdam probably last since I have an overnight lay over), best way is to follow me on Twitter or Instagram.
Still have loads to do before my departure so here are some highlights since the last post:
Voodoo Doughnut Portraits - I asked Voodoo Doughnut if they'd donate their infamous treats for a photo series with touring musicians, and you can see some of the results so far by clicking on the title or the picture below of Ski Lodge. I will make a dedicated page as soon as I find the time!
The Deer Tracks - The world is full of wonder and loveliness waiting to be discovered, and this Swedish duo is one of them. Check out the video interview below and photos/review of their kick off North American tour in Portland at BPM.
Efterklang - One of my favorite bands and not because they make good art but also because the Danes are so damn likeable. Photos and review over at Prefix, including some failed L.E.D. balloon shots. But sure had fun kicking them around like a soccer ball afterwards.
More show coverage - click on the name to go to music sites (all with photos, some with videos, some with review, some with all three):
Adam Green & Binki Shapiro
Indians
Chelsea Light Moving
Iceage
Ducktails/Widoswpeak
OMD
Low
Phoenix - so Brooklyn Vegan never got around to publishing photos of the opener, Mac DeMarco and this video:
Palma Violets - freakin' low lights
Chad Valley/Ski Lodge/Renny Wilson
Spiritualized
And couple of Album Reviews:
NEØV - Orange Morning
Girls Names - The New Life
That's about all I have time for now.
Cheers!
Future
02/02/2013 06:33 PM Filed in: music video
While the music world is perpetually refreshing My Bloody Valentine site tonight, I am avoiding the Internet super traffic and be amused by everyone going frantic. I suppose there was a time where I would have partaken in such frenzy, but these days, there is too much good music hidden in every chasm - why waste time with an unstable site when that album is going to be there - now and forever.
In the meantime, maybe you'll check out the latest single, "Future", by my favoruite Finnish band, Delay Trees. And as a shameless self promotion, watch the music video I made for the song that premiered at Under The Radar (another goal accomplished). This was like the most stress-free music video to make - just goes to show you, it's really not about the video, but about the band. Thanks to my Finnish friends for letting me run with it.
My "statement" on the Vimeo page.
You can also stream "Future" and read my little blurb at QRO.
In the meantime, maybe you'll check out the latest single, "Future", by my favoruite Finnish band, Delay Trees. And as a shameless self promotion, watch the music video I made for the song that premiered at Under The Radar (another goal accomplished). This was like the most stress-free music video to make - just goes to show you, it's really not about the video, but about the band. Thanks to my Finnish friends for letting me run with it.
My "statement" on the Vimeo page.
You can also stream "Future" and read my little blurb at QRO.
Travelessness
Guess I should "say" something before the first month of the new year ends…
For the first time in my life I am not riddled with depression and continue to refine my "au naturale" starch-free vegan diet yet have been plagued with the fatigue. Not sure if it's the short daylight hours and the lack of sun or my thyroid (though I take vitamin D and eat seaweed) … or maybe I am suffering from travelessness! Otherwise, life is pretty kind to me.
Here are photos from my first concert of the year: Niki & The Dove. I wasn't too familiar with their music but being Swedish already gets you a passing grade in my test. The music is darker than how their facade presents, and I love Malin's voice - kind of reminds me of Kate Bush. Here's a concert video:
And here's a video I did for HairapyPDX with help of my friend, Veronica Rose, who did the production audio and as so often happens - a talent in the video. This was a bartering deal - I usually can't afford to go to a salon and nice that it's also organic and run by friendly Ernest.
Well, you can see what else I was up to via my social media sites (ugh - wish I could delete Facebook but need it while I am the "small guy"). I'm getting too tired to type anymore. Signing off 7:47pm/19:47
For the first time in my life I am not riddled with depression and continue to refine my "au naturale" starch-free vegan diet yet have been plagued with the fatigue. Not sure if it's the short daylight hours and the lack of sun or my thyroid (though I take vitamin D and eat seaweed) … or maybe I am suffering from travelessness! Otherwise, life is pretty kind to me.
Here are photos from my first concert of the year: Niki & The Dove. I wasn't too familiar with their music but being Swedish already gets you a passing grade in my test. The music is darker than how their facade presents, and I love Malin's voice - kind of reminds me of Kate Bush. Here's a concert video:
And here's a video I did for HairapyPDX with help of my friend, Veronica Rose, who did the production audio and as so often happens - a talent in the video. This was a bartering deal - I usually can't afford to go to a salon and nice that it's also organic and run by friendly Ernest.
Well, you can see what else I was up to via my social media sites (ugh - wish I could delete Facebook but need it while I am the "small guy"). I'm getting too tired to type anymore. Signing off 7:47pm/19:47
2012 Concert Videos
12/29/2012 07:35 PM Filed in: concert videos
I started videoing concerts not because I am a videographer by trade, but because I needed an audio-visual aid to help me write my reviews. These are mostly shot with Canon 60D with internal mic one step above mute. So they are not meant to be professional productions (no time and budget), and a pale substitute for the actual experience. But still, I can look back and be reminded of the wonderful experience. I went to about 30 shows plus two five-day music festivals and here are 12 most memorable shows of 2012. And of course there were several shows I didn't get to video so this list is not a "best concerts" list but pretty damn close. More at my YouTube
Fredrik “Inventress of Ill (and Everything)”
17 Feb, The Red Vic House, San Francisco
Last year, I traveled all the way to Malmö, Sweden to catch one of my favorite bands (and most underrated), Fredrik, in their hometown. This year, they embarked on a five-day California tour. This show was their final show at the historic Red Vic Theater on Haight which was laid to rest, but opened its doors for a private performance BYOB style. Wish the lighting and audio could’ve been better. They didn’t play my favourite song from their latest album (Flora) this time around so here’s my second fave.
Porcelain Raft “Dragonfly”
15 April, Doug Fir Lounge, Portland
The first of two times I caught Mauro in concert this year. “Dragonfly” is perhaps my fave PR song, and the insect also has a special meaning personally. This song became so much more poignant on stage and after the show. I played this video probably everyday for a month!
Lotus Plaza “Strangers”
7 May, Doug Fir Lounge, Portland
I’ve seen Deerhunter at Sasquatch last year, and Atlas Sound open for Broadcast at Doug Fir the previous year. While Bradford Cox still proves to be the alpha genius, Lockett shines on his own, and he’s unassuming persona is so damn likable. Overall, it was one of the most enjoyable shows of the year. Though the most memorable part of that night was the photo shoot afterwards (It was amazing how high Lockett could jump!).
STRFKR “Bury Us Alive”
28 May, Burnside Skatepark, Portland
Srtarfucker could be the poster band for hipsters, but these guys come across as genuinely humble and nice.
So nice that they put on a free show on Memorial Day, which allowed me to finally catch them live. (I tried to get in one of the three Portland shows end of last year to no avail.) Now Only if I can get an interview...
Mark Gardener with Sky Parade “Vapour Trail”
22 June, Star Theater, Portland
From the first time I saw “Like a Daydream” music video as a kid, I was in love with Ride. But I never got to see them live before they decided to go kaput. But at least I had the good fortune of interviewing Mark, and hear him sing one of my all time favourite songs. Warning: super shaky video from a drunk camera gal.
Liars “Brats”
7 July, Doug Fir Lounge, Portland
After a rather subdued and rushed interview, it felt good to hear the songs from one of my favourite albums of the year quake the speakers.
Franz Ferdinand “Michael”
10 August, Wonder Ballroom, Portland
This was the first time seeing the Scottish band on stage. I caught them play in a record store about 7 or 8 years before their big show that night but couldn't afford as a student to make it to the concert. Definitely one of the best shows of the year. Ridiculous how many good bands come out of a country with the best curry fries.
Wild Nothing “Paradise”
08 September, Ted’s, Portland
Filmed during Musicfest NW, I was excited to catch the Captured Tracks showcase, and especially Wild Nothing. Jack and his band (different lineup from the Gemini tour) surpassed my expectation - turned out to be one of the best live performances of the whole fest and at a dive venue at that.
Holograms “Hidden Structures”
19 September, Mississippi Studios, Portland
This was one of my favourite moments of 2012. We had an informal and hilarious interview that went over an hour. It helped that I had couple of my buddies by my side. Unfortunately, only about 20 people showed up! But these Swedish lads weren't counting numbers; they were happy to be in US after overcoming several obstacles.
Delay Trees “Gold”
26 October, Telakka, Tampere, Finland
Sometimes you take a chance, and it pays off. I wasn’t sure if going to Finland in late October by myself was worth my time and money. I encountered several mishaps and inconveniences but in the end, the lovely Finns made the trip totally worthwhile. And the best memory was provided by Delay Trees at this show. They had just released their second LP, but this song from their debut album stayed with me for weeks (it still does). I discovered a band that I know will be one of my favourites for years to come.
DIIV “Geist”
3 November, Iðnó, Reykjavik, Iceland
I caught DIIV in September during Musicfest NW. The half an hour set flew by, and I couldn’t wait to catch them again. The lighting was dark and shitty for video but being there was exhilarating. Guess my pinned up hair was slapping an Austrian journalist from Berlin.
Sigur Ros "Hoppípolla"
4 November, Laugardalshöllin, Reykjavik, Iceland
The second time I caught this otherworldly band this year. In Portland, they played at an outdoor venue which is always a treat. This time, we were squeezed into a bland stadium, but the performance was definitely superior in their hometown. I wished I had arrived earlier and brought my 70-200mm lens!
Fredrik “Inventress of Ill (and Everything)”
17 Feb, The Red Vic House, San Francisco
Last year, I traveled all the way to Malmö, Sweden to catch one of my favorite bands (and most underrated), Fredrik, in their hometown. This year, they embarked on a five-day California tour. This show was their final show at the historic Red Vic Theater on Haight which was laid to rest, but opened its doors for a private performance BYOB style. Wish the lighting and audio could’ve been better. They didn’t play my favourite song from their latest album (Flora) this time around so here’s my second fave.
Porcelain Raft “Dragonfly”
15 April, Doug Fir Lounge, Portland
The first of two times I caught Mauro in concert this year. “Dragonfly” is perhaps my fave PR song, and the insect also has a special meaning personally. This song became so much more poignant on stage and after the show. I played this video probably everyday for a month!
Lotus Plaza “Strangers”
7 May, Doug Fir Lounge, Portland
I’ve seen Deerhunter at Sasquatch last year, and Atlas Sound open for Broadcast at Doug Fir the previous year. While Bradford Cox still proves to be the alpha genius, Lockett shines on his own, and he’s unassuming persona is so damn likable. Overall, it was one of the most enjoyable shows of the year. Though the most memorable part of that night was the photo shoot afterwards (It was amazing how high Lockett could jump!).
STRFKR “Bury Us Alive”
28 May, Burnside Skatepark, Portland
Srtarfucker could be the poster band for hipsters, but these guys come across as genuinely humble and nice.
So nice that they put on a free show on Memorial Day, which allowed me to finally catch them live. (I tried to get in one of the three Portland shows end of last year to no avail.) Now Only if I can get an interview...
Mark Gardener with Sky Parade “Vapour Trail”
22 June, Star Theater, Portland
From the first time I saw “Like a Daydream” music video as a kid, I was in love with Ride. But I never got to see them live before they decided to go kaput. But at least I had the good fortune of interviewing Mark, and hear him sing one of my all time favourite songs. Warning: super shaky video from a drunk camera gal.
Liars “Brats”
7 July, Doug Fir Lounge, Portland
After a rather subdued and rushed interview, it felt good to hear the songs from one of my favourite albums of the year quake the speakers.
Franz Ferdinand “Michael”
10 August, Wonder Ballroom, Portland
This was the first time seeing the Scottish band on stage. I caught them play in a record store about 7 or 8 years before their big show that night but couldn't afford as a student to make it to the concert. Definitely one of the best shows of the year. Ridiculous how many good bands come out of a country with the best curry fries.
Wild Nothing “Paradise”
08 September, Ted’s, Portland
Filmed during Musicfest NW, I was excited to catch the Captured Tracks showcase, and especially Wild Nothing. Jack and his band (different lineup from the Gemini tour) surpassed my expectation - turned out to be one of the best live performances of the whole fest and at a dive venue at that.
Holograms “Hidden Structures”
19 September, Mississippi Studios, Portland
This was one of my favourite moments of 2012. We had an informal and hilarious interview that went over an hour. It helped that I had couple of my buddies by my side. Unfortunately, only about 20 people showed up! But these Swedish lads weren't counting numbers; they were happy to be in US after overcoming several obstacles.
Delay Trees “Gold”
26 October, Telakka, Tampere, Finland
Sometimes you take a chance, and it pays off. I wasn’t sure if going to Finland in late October by myself was worth my time and money. I encountered several mishaps and inconveniences but in the end, the lovely Finns made the trip totally worthwhile. And the best memory was provided by Delay Trees at this show. They had just released their second LP, but this song from their debut album stayed with me for weeks (it still does). I discovered a band that I know will be one of my favourites for years to come.
DIIV “Geist”
3 November, Iðnó, Reykjavik, Iceland
I caught DIIV in September during Musicfest NW. The half an hour set flew by, and I couldn’t wait to catch them again. The lighting was dark and shitty for video but being there was exhilarating. Guess my pinned up hair was slapping an Austrian journalist from Berlin.
Sigur Ros "Hoppípolla"
4 November, Laugardalshöllin, Reykjavik, Iceland
The second time I caught this otherworldly band this year. In Portland, they played at an outdoor venue which is always a treat. This time, we were squeezed into a bland stadium, but the performance was definitely superior in their hometown. I wished I had arrived earlier and brought my 70-200mm lens!
Fin Reflexion
12/22/2012 06:38 PM Filed in: interview | concert photos
I'm sure for many of you, it feels a lot like Christmas… but I keep forgetting Christmas has yet to pass.
I usually visit my mum and the family in Florida for Xmas, but this year we decided to do our once/year visit during Thanksgiving to save some $ on air tickets.
Maybe I'll wander around Portland like a ghost on Christmas Day and observe the further entanglement that is the mystery of life… since all volunteering positions have been filled. Or maybe I should keep working on the footage I videoed in Finland.
But here's one I finally finished (well, I could make it better but time, time, time…): it may not look like the most time consuming of my video interviews to date but sure was a challenge cutting down 1:20 min of footage to @15min and trying to balance the three different representatives.
This interview on Soliti label was purely a labor of love and a pretty costly one at that.
Musicians may not make much money but many of us music journalists don't make any. I suppose the industry takes advantage on both sides… but I would gladly empty my bank account to do it again.
Watch it below and you can read my intro, stream and download tracks at Prefix.
I don't anticipate taking anymore concert photos before year's end so here's a summary of 2012:
Been discovering a lot of music from this year too late but here are eight albums that had affected me each in their own way (click on image):
And I did some other stuff but with short daylight, I am lazy… and there's always Google and Twitter if you really want to know.
So as this dimension keeps chasing the future, I hope we are a bit more wiser and kinder.
Sigur says animals are for petting, not for eating!
I usually visit my mum and the family in Florida for Xmas, but this year we decided to do our once/year visit during Thanksgiving to save some $ on air tickets.
Maybe I'll wander around Portland like a ghost on Christmas Day and observe the further entanglement that is the mystery of life… since all volunteering positions have been filled. Or maybe I should keep working on the footage I videoed in Finland.
But here's one I finally finished (well, I could make it better but time, time, time…): it may not look like the most time consuming of my video interviews to date but sure was a challenge cutting down 1:20 min of footage to @15min and trying to balance the three different representatives.
This interview on Soliti label was purely a labor of love and a pretty costly one at that.
Musicians may not make much money but many of us music journalists don't make any. I suppose the industry takes advantage on both sides… but I would gladly empty my bank account to do it again.
Watch it below and you can read my intro, stream and download tracks at Prefix.
I don't anticipate taking anymore concert photos before year's end so here's a summary of 2012:
Been discovering a lot of music from this year too late but here are eight albums that had affected me each in their own way (click on image):
And I did some other stuff but with short daylight, I am lazy… and there's always Google and Twitter if you really want to know.
So as this dimension keeps chasing the future, I hope we are a bit more wiser and kinder.
Sigur says animals are for petting, not for eating!