Entries in music (4)

Wednesday
Mar242010

5 Songs You Didn't Know You Loved

Or maybe you did. But I didn't. I found these five through a series I've been doing for Herman Miller's blog, Lifework.

I've been a contributing writer for Lifework (lead by the fabulous Cerentha Harris--she is doing such a bang-up job with the joint!) for almost six weeks now, and it's a blast. I am not only meeting amazing people, but I'm learning a lot. Once a week, I'm doing product roundups (file folders, calculators, paper clips, staplers, laptop cases, tape dispensers, and the like). And on Wednesdays, I post "The Playlist." It's a series about how music plays a part in the work people create--and I tell ya, my iTunes account is starting to burn up with all the new music I've been buying using the recommendations from the people I've been interviewing. Here's a few of my favorites:

1. Walkabout by Atlas Sound from The Playlist: Jenna Park of Whimsy & Spice

I dare you to try not to bob your head back and forth to this little ditty recommended by Jenna from whimsey & spice. It's the perfect song for the beginning of spring. (P.S. That's a pic of her workspace above.)

2. Brandenburg by Black Violin from The Playlist: Markos Moulitsas of Daily Kos

This playlist has received the fastest response thus far--which, if you follow Markos' political blog at all, should be no surprise. Take a listen at this song until about 47 seconds in, when it shifts from classical to hip hop. It's really cool.

3. Cut Chemist Suite by Ozomatli from The Playlist: Nichole Robertson of Little Brown Pen

Nichole--always such a source of inspiration for me--was nice enough to be my very first interview. And she made it easy with her cool music suggestions. I'm glad to have discovered Ozomatli...they make me dance around the apartment (always a good sign).

4. Help, I’m Alive by Metric from The Playlist: Emily Hamma Martin of Orange Beautiful

I am a fan of Emily's work over at Orange Beautiful and dig the slow, sort of could-be-in-an-Apple-commercial quirkiness that comes out in this song. (Look out for playlist from Emily's long-time blogging partner, Laura, in an upcoming post.)

5. Starring by Freelance Whales from The Playlist: Andre Andreev and G. Dan Covert of Dress Code

Summer-y goodness from Andre and Dan of the very-hot design studio (and today's post) Dress Code. Music is a big deal with these former MTV-ers--and it totally shows. (This particular pick is from Dan's playlist; Andre's is just as fun...)

SPACE

I've got lots more great interviews and playlists lined up for Lifework--stay tuned! Hope you dig it as much as I do.

Photograph by Jenna Park

Tuesday
Jan052010

If I were in a band

I'd dye my hair pink, play the bass like a champ, cuss a lot, and have these guys whip up the posters for my gigs.

Micah Smith:



The Small Stakes:



Florafauna:


Kevin Tong:


Aesthetic Apparatus:


Hatch Show Print:


Mat Daly:


All images / websites / content © their respective owners.

Tuesday
Nov242009

Two words I never thought I’d see on my Christmas list: “ukulele lessons”



Can we discuss how insanely inspirational I find these guys from New Zealand's Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqynAAYdLW8&feature=player_embedded]


(The above was filmed in Wellington's amazing Deluxe Cafe, where the orchestra used to play every Thursday morning.)



[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDdwpARNm-Y&feature=player_embedded#]



[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGdJpMfXha4]


P.S. Look for Flight of the Conchords' Bret McKenzie in this one (and bonus points if you can spot him in the first video...).



All images / websites / content © their respective owners.


Thursday
Nov192009

Ways to have a JoanJett-aissance

I've been listening to a lot of early Joan Jett & the Blackhearts stuff these days. She's so loud and mean and tiny and so probably opposite me. But she does inspire me--so here's what listening to Joan Jett makes me want to do (except, um, in my nicer, Southern-raised way).


Write passive-aggressive letters on tasteful graffiti greeting cards!


Screenprinted greeting card, $4.25, L2 Design Collective


Wear cute I mean tough studded belts!


Skinny studded belt, $35, J.Crew



Drink beer! The hand-crafted, home-brewed kind!


Apple Crisp Ale Kit, $40, Brooklyn Brew Shop


Cuss! -ish!


Sterling Silver Oxidized Disc Pendant Necklace, $42, MetalTaboo at etsy.com








Learn to create a classic smoky eye!


Daily Beauty Tip, instyle.com



Play with dolls.


Barbie Joan Jett Ladies of the 80s Doll, $44.95, amazon.com


Write more angry letters on graffiti cards, this time to Mattel about ridiculous Joan Jett Barbie!


Screenprinted greeting card, $2.00, L2 Design Collective



All images / websites / content © their respective owners.