Ida No and Johnny Jewel of Glass Candy

It’s stories like the one I am about to share that restore my faith in humanity!  On February 10, 2012, Portland’s Italo disco-duo Glass Candy performed a very exclusive show at the Tribeca Grand Hotel in New York to kick off Fashion Week.  When the evening began, I had no idea what I was in for.  A couple of my friends, whose advice I listen to, are really big fans of Glass Candy, so I assumed with that knowledge I would also like the band.  That was the understatement of the year!  Adhering to my wacky rule of discovering a band’s music for the first time as they are performing it in front of my eyes, I loved Glass Candy from the second they stepped on stage.  Lead singer Ida No, who changes her look for each show, looked fabulous in a style that was reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and musician Johnny Jewel’s great beats could get the harshest critic shaking their moneymaker on the dance floor.  As described so accurately on their Wikipedia page, their music could be filed between Olivia Newton-John, Suicide and Schooly D!

Ida No of Glass Candy

After their hour long set was over, the band invited my friend and I to come and hang out with them and spending time with Ida No and Johnny Jewel was such a pleasurable experience.  A great thing about Glass Candy is that not only do they make great music, but they have an inspiring DIY esthetic that affords them the luxury of getting to connect with fans across the world while maintaining creative control of the business aspects of their music.  They design their own art work and often sell their music directly to fans at their concerts.  As a result, they’ve been able to maintain a loyal fan base across the globe and have cut out the unnecessary middle man.  Most importantly, Glass Candy is all about spreading the love and not the hate!  It’s infectious and one can only wish and hope that this outlook on life spreads across the body of rock and roll!

Johnny Jewel of Glass Candy

I spoke with Johnny Jewel and Ida No at great length after the show and we talked about everything from music to their basic spiritual beliefs.  Both Johnny and Ida are so grounded, so grateful and so great!  It was an absolute pleasure talking to them about the feelings they get when a fan shares with them one of their great Glass Candy moments.  I also enjoyed speaking about the trappings of fame and what people like Lady Gaga and Lana Del Rey must be going through when the world has built them up only to tear them down.  Another great thing about Glass Candy was they also enjoyed hearing my view point on things instead of the usual ego-stroking that so many rock stars can’t seem to get past. Before the night was over, we were joined by Alan Palomo of Neon Indian and he was lovely to speak with as well.  At nearly 3 in the morning, it was time to say good night and I told Ida and Johnny that I’d be back to see them and that I found their energy and enthusiasm inspiring.  I highly recommend you check out Glass Candy’s music and support a band who make music for musics’ sake!  Thanks again Glass Candy!

Ida No of Glass Candy and G

Johnny Jewel of Glass Candy and G

Ida and Johnny – thanks for a night I won’t forget and I cannot wait to see you again!  Respect!

Share/Save

On a walk through the streets of New York City, you’ve probably seen and stopped to look at the trippy and visually pleasant art of Street Grapes. Maybe you didn’t know the artist, but now that all changes!  Read on to find out more about Street Grapes!

The Energy Field by Street Grapes

According2G: Tell us a little bit about your background.

Street Grapes: I immigrated to the states about 5 years ago from Russia and have been living on the East Coast ever since.

Street Grapes

A2G: Can you tell us some of your heroes/influences?

SG: I am influenced by many art forms, ranging from Russian folk art to classic graffiti art. A lot of my artwork is done for rather aesthetic purposes, though I do try to put meaning into all of my work. Some of my art you could call illustration. Stickers though, are my way of getting my work out.  It’s my propaganda – easy and convenient.  All artists of the world [are inspirations]. There are those individuals, of course, who stand out on my list, but I don’t like to consider anyone my favorite; every artist has something beautiful to offer. The images, the sounds and the people which I encounter every day inspire me. Everyone has a story to tell.

Stack of Street Grapes stickers

A2G: What’s on your Ipod/Netflix?

SG: I listen to music all day,every day.  Not a day goes by when I don’t listen to a song.  My music library ranges from The Beatles to The Chemical Brothers and J-Live, I like variety. Some of the movies you could find in my library are Fearless, Smoke, Fight Club and many more.

Street Grapes

A2G: What’s the best thing to happen to you as a result of your art?

SG: Meeting many enthusiastic and interesting people throughout my journey in art. Making connections, discovering new perspectives. It’s like constantly digging for records, searching for new things.

Street Grapes & BilliKid collaboration in NYC

A2G:  Any memorable moments from doing street art?

SG: I remember once hanging out with a few friends on a warm summer night, and later going out to put up some posters around town. I spotted this really nice place near the local hipster hangout area; the place, the crowd and vibe were all right. As I started to glue away, a girl came up to me and asked me what I was doing, and that she really liked the artwork. She told me that she has seen my work all around town, and has been supposedly looking for me for a while. She said she really wanted to know who the person behind Street Grapes was. She pointed out her stickers right next to mine on the back of a sign right near us. We talked for a while. It was nice meeting a fan on street while out and about.

Street Grapes

A2G: Any close calls?

SG: Oh yes, some very close calls. No matter what you do in life, there will be risks.

Street Grapes and Stickman in Philly

A2G:  Is street art a crime?

SG: Today everything is a crime - isn’t it? Some people do really feel that way, that street art is a crime, and nothing else. That doesn’t bother me; people can have their own opinions. I feel like in the end, the majority appreciates what I do. I love doing what I do, and I love sharing my art.  I just happen to be doing it in an unconventional way. The thing with street art is that sometimes it can become a thrilling sport. Sometimes you get caught up; we all do at one point.

Street Grapes sticker in Philly

A2G:What is the message you are trying to convey in your art?

SG: I just want to make people question my work. The more intriguing I can make my artwork, the better.  There is no particular message. I have never tried to take on the political or rebellious agenda. I want to inspire people with my work – whether it is through my eccentric stickers, or though my more thoughtful design and painting work. I want to motivate people to look for more, look further.

Street Grapes painted paddle from Pongtopia! art show

A2G: What is your favorite medium for art?

SG: All of my work has hand drawn foundations.  I don’t think I would ever want to switch over to a digital pad.  There is just a special feel to doing things by hand. All of my design, I first hand draw with India ink pens. I love the possibility of a pen, a simple, yet such a useful tool. Acrylics would have to be my favorite medium though; I love painting. When I paint I am less worried about perfection and perfect, clean lines unlike in my design work. Painting allows me to focus on expression while keeping my style.

Street Grapes

A2G: Any rituals before going out at night?

SG: I like going out with friends.  I hate going out by myself.

The Tree of Balance by Street Grapes

A2G: Future plans?

SG: Keep doing my thing, while exploring new things and taking on new journeys. Hopefully becoming more professional and organized about my art career. I want to take on new projects, bigger projects, try new things. Sometimes I get tired of my graphic and digitalized art work. I want to set aside more time for painting; move on to bigger scales.

Street Grapes

Thanks again Street Grapes!  You can find Street Grapes’ work on the streets of New York and you can also stay connected to Street Grapes on Facebook and Flickr.

Share/Save

Cate Le Bon

On February 9, 2012, Welsh singer Cate Le Bon performed at New York’s Mercury Lounge.  Telling the audience how much fun she was having seeing us “hot pieces of asses,” Cate Le Bon played an hour long set that featured songs from her records “Me Oh My” and 2012′s “Cyrk.” If you are unfamiliar with Cate Le Bon’s music, here’s a brief primer.  First off, she’s not related to Duran Duran lead singer Simon Le Bon (ha!)  Musically, she is a folk/pop singer who has a unique, haunting and powerful voice (think Florence Welch mixed with Bjork) and her subject matter is dark and is heavily influenced by her young experiences of pet death.  She’ll be playing in Hoboken, New Jersey tonight and invited everyone to come “on tour” with her, so check her out if you are in the area!

See the set list after the jump.

Cate Le Bon Set List. Now property of the G Archives.

Share/Save

Gary Oldman and Geoffrey Dicker

Gary Oldman is a class act!  The actor was in New York to speak at the Walter Reade Theater for “An Evening With Gary Oldman” on February 8, 2012.  He’s been in so many great movies and his versatility as an actor shines through in every performance. He spoke about how he finds the rhythm of the characters he portrays, which he said is very musical to him as he figures it out.  He also spoke about being in the Batman and Harry Potter franchises (and a video of that will be coming soon, so stay tuned!)  It was great watching him speak as he is so smart in his approach to acting.  His biggest advice to aspiring actors is to do the work (and do your homework/research) and he said that if you cannot be on time, make sure you are early!  Pearls!  I met Gary Oldman before the talk and he was super cool.  He even signed my ”Sid and Nancy” DVD too!  Thanks again Gary!  Good luck at the Oscars this year.  I am rooting for you!

Gary Oldman

Share/Save

Ari Lankin - "Particles and Waves" at StumbleUpon. Thursday, February 16th, 2012 6-10 PM

New York!  Save this date and time:  February 16, 2012 from 6-10 PM.  Ari Lankin will be exhibiting works from various facets of his diverse styles of art.  “Particles and Waves” will be opening at StumbleUpon headquarters in, SoHo, NYC (located at 73 Spring Street between Crosby and Lafayette) in Suite 206 and you should not miss it at any cost!

For more details or to schedule a private viewing with the artist (which I cannot recommend highly enough), visit Ari Lankin’s official website.

Share/Save