HOW
LIGHTS
ARTIST YOU SHOULD KNOW
DELIVERS A MESSAGE
GOTYE THIS GENRE窶船EFYING ARTIST IS MORE THAN SOMEBODY YOU USED TO KNOW
WILLIAM BOLTON
ON LOCATION INSPIRATION NICO MARINO
inspirer.nu ISSUE 12 / NOV 2012
Inspirer Magazine
Contents 4 Album Reviews 6 Gotye 11 Artist You Should Know 13 Austin City Limits 16 Lights 22 Malaya 26 Christiano Lanza 30 Location: Inspiration 32 Trill91 36 Presidential Ladies
ALBUM REVIEWS BY JOSEPH BECKER Donald Fagen Sunken Condos Lost within a bit of the old Steely Dan nostalgia, Donald Fagen returns to the scene with his latest solo album Sunken Condos. “Slinking Thing” is tiptoes on some smooth Moody-Funk grooves, which seems to embody the direction of the album. “I’m Not The Same Without You” is in many ways an ode to the days of Becker and Fagen though he preaches of his evolution without the weight of an old partnership. Fagen introduces a spruced up cover of Isaac Hayes’ “Out Of The Ghetto.” “Good Stuff” teases with it screechy guitars and mesmerizing piano bantering. Fagen hasn’t lost his edge in all the years of his career. And his voice is as smooth and crisp as it was in the days of old. Overall Rating: 4/5 Flying Lotus Until The Quiet Comes
Deadmau5 Album Title Goes Here
It’s like melting onto a hypnotic canvas when listing to Flying Lotus’ (Steven Ellison) newest work Until The Quiet Comes. The clamoring bells and whistles of each track captures on a Hardcore/Jazzy sentiment of a nearly Vangelian attitude. “Heaven” has this Chilled Lounge taste complemented by an ecstatic booming bass. It seems Dubstep as infiltrated even this gem on the track “Sultan’s Request.” Erykah Badu makes an appearance on the abstract “See It Thru.” “ The Nightcaller” and “Electric Candyman” are an experimental brand of the French new wave House experience with the latter featuring the enigmatic Thom Yorke. With out a doubt this album will be featured on many marijuana-induced trips.
It’s much the same now as it ever was in the world of Deadmau5 a.k.a. Joel Zimmerman. Heavy neurotic bass lines, primal riffs, Dubstep wobbles and a dosing of Glitch it all seems too mundane on Album Title Goes Here. With that being said, how can you not enjoy the insanity of it all? Time and again you find yourself listening, dancing, dissolving into the tunes. At nearly nine minutes long ‘The Veldt” takes on a more Progressive/Ambient direction much like its predecessor “Strobe” from the album For Lack Of A Better Name. “Maths” riff takes on a very Daft Punk face, so much so, that it might be perceived as one of the boy’s tunes if not for blistering bass line following the 1:00 mark. This album is in no way a brilliant or significant but for all the EDM fans out there it will be fun.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Overall Rating: 3/5
Ben Gibbard Former Lives
Carly Rae Jepsen Kiss To say “Call Me Maybe” isn’t a mega pop would be a lie but to say it is in any way fit to have received such an outburst of favor within social groups would also be a lie. The song is in a word disgusting and directly attributable to the decay of Pop music. Ultimately, the song has spawned an album Kiss and a Canadian princess in Carly Rae Jepsen. Owl City makes an appearance her on the Dance-Pop track “Good Time.” Things slow down when Justin Bieber joins her on the acoustic “Beautiful.” The rest of the album is a wash of head thumping riffs and splashy choruses. Too often in modern society are stars being made off catchy hooks, cheap lyrics and electronically enhanced vocals. Kiss is the culmination of that very ideal and unfortunately it is one of many.
The mastermind behind Death Cab For Cutie and former beau to Zooey Deschanel has released his solo debut album Former Lives. The album is a delirious array of emotionally arousing lyrics, guitar driven instrumentals and Gibbard’s hot-blooded vocals. “Bigger Than Love” is a feverish duet between Gibbard and Aimee Mann. Gibbard makes things rather Folky on the majestic “Lily.” You find yourself immediately aroused by the McCartney (Wings years) “Duncan, Where Have You Gone.” Ben takes us down on the subtle acoustic song “I’m Building A Fire.” Ben Gibbard has created something haunting and all too beautiful in his debut.
Overall Rating: 0.5/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Beth Orton Sugaring Season
Six years since her last album Comfort For Strangers, Beth Orton has retuned to us bearing her latest creation Sugaring Season. The album renews Orton’s flavor of Folk, which has been the mainframe of her career. “Dawn Chorus” is trippy Folk tale enhanced by a mystical chorus and zealous accordion. “Something More Beautiful” falls into place upon a Bluesy riff that sneaks in and out as Orton pours out her soul through her withered voice. “See Through Blue” surprises the ears with its chirpy piano driven melody and Orton’s bouncy vocals. Orton has a God given gift for music and story; luckily we are the recipients of that gift. Overall Rating: 4/5
by Lauren Laveria Christiano Lanza is the owner and creator of the hair brand product Lanza. After multiple hair show conventions with models being recruited to have their hair done on stage for viewers to see the products that are available, his hair care line has been a massive hit. As well as creating a wonderful line of products for women of all hair types to use and love, he has also created his own iPhone apps centered on the art of hair. I was able to speak to him and discuss the current progress of his entrepreneurs, technological progress, and just all around what he is currently working on today.
What made you decide to create an iPhone app? Christiano Lanza: I have been in the hairdressing industry since 1994 and currently run my own education company. Once a year my team and I create a step-by-step photo shoot of modern and salon friendly hair techniques, including the areas of both cutting and colouring. As my teaching is exported internationally, I use visual aid during my demonstrations and workshops. With this in mind, I began to think of further ways for participants to interact with the curriculums and existing imagery. I thought about how creative industries such as hairdressing attract visually-minded people who also like to touch and feel. I understand that technology has a big say in the future of education in our craft, and I predict a lot of creative industries will follow this same pattern by using Apple products as a creative tool [to] share knowledge. How are you advertising your applications? Lanza: I have currently been enjoying my main success on social networking sites in addition to directly recommending the app in my courses and seminars and shows. The links to the app store and reviews have increased my content for advertising on social media. I currently have links set up with Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, LinkedIn, VK, most of which can be found on my website. I also use YouTube and currently have around a 1,000 hits. My main target is Twitter and our aim is to reach 5,000 followers over the next 10-12 weeks. How do you think the apps will increase your brand awareness? Lanza: Apple is currently the largest and fastest growing company in the world. Its marketing strategy is clear and simple, and their products are easy to use. I understand their brand awareness, and more importantly, it works in synergy with my company’s philosophy of design and functionality.
What research did you do to make the app compatible with your business? Lanza: My experiences in the industry have led me to opportunities to be a part of the elite Vidal Sassoon creative team. During my time as a director in London’s advanced academy, I quickly understood that videoing step-by-step haircuts and colours require a large team and big investments. I also researched how hairdressers were using DVD techniques. Each DVD is around £60 and appears to be collectible items to the devoted client. I also asked clients how often they watched their DVDs, which was surprisingly not very often, and in many cases they are only viewed once. iPhones are incredibly practical, however, they do have one negative aspect! They hold less memory. The decision to create step-by-step images, as opposed to video, resulted in minimal storage with maximum information. It is mobile and accessible to iPhone users worldwide at the touch of a button; it is affordable and environmentally friendly compared to printing. Do you plan to upgrade or change your application in the future? Can you even do that? Lanza: It is possible to upgrade the iPhone at any point. My companies plan is to build an archive of individual curriculums to help expand the awareness and credibility in the hairdressing industry. How do you think the concept of your iPhone application can benefit other industries? Lanza: I believe creativity and creative minded people can benefit from the success of smart phone applications, in addition to the endless opportunities to share these ideas around the world. It’s incredibly visual and as the world becomes more complex, we appreciate simplicity more and more. Sharing ideas also attracts buyers in the industry and as a result they can preview methods and inspirations in the making.
Is your investment in app development profitable? Lanza: More companies are investing in smart phone technology, and with it comes a whole new generation of app designers. Once the app is in the iTunes app store, it can be a permanent domain, providing you pay the yearly subscription of $99. Creating an app can be a lot of work and I would say that all the hours accumulated are non-profitable from a short term perspective. I spend a great deal of time travelling and teaching around the world, so for me it is the perfect way to pass the time whilst I am on planes trains or automobiles. In truth, we create these apps because it is our passion to create something unique. The team and I will continue to share the latest trends and methods in the best way possible. We hope to hear your feedback on app store. A third educational app will be released in November 2012.
location: inspiration BY KARA NIXON PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICO MARINO
A
re you location-scouting spots in Orange County, CA? Nico Marino, a fashion and lifestyle photographer, ensures he show The O.C. is not just stucco and stop lights. He is on a mission to find the most obscure spots to take photos of pretty girls. Whether it’s an open field or an abandoned skate pool, Marino proves that inspiration can be found everywhere and anywhere. Speaking about how his photography work began the 25 year-old says, “My first gifts I remember were big art boxes full of oil pastels, crayons, watercolors and pencils. I love creating. As I grew up with access to different technologies and found out there was different way to express myself, I naturally branched out into different areas of art including pottery, theater, and eventually photography.” His first step into photography was through using Photoshop, editing other peoples’ photos,but then realized he wanted to start doing it with his own photos. “Taking that step wasn't that hard because my father is a photographer/videographer and helped me out with different gadgets and tutorials,” Marino says of his early days. He currently uses a Canon Rebel xTi camera and loves shooting with a 50mm 1.8 lens. The highlight of Marino’s career (so far) happened early. He worked with Santa Ana Unified School District and images he shot of their dancers were used on programs for the recital at Santa Ana High School. More than 800 were created and distributed featuring his work—the sheer numbers were inspiration enough. Marino has other sources of motivation: the shoot itself, the energy created on set, other photographers
and their photographs. His parents inspire him first and foremost. His mother is a dancer and his father is a videographer,. Marino said, “As for the Masters [of art] I am genuinely influenced by Pablo Picasso and his take on reality. It showed me that it was what you saw that was the truth and not necessarily what was presented originally. Maybe as a contradiction, I also like the works of Renaissance artists for their natural approach to what they saw. Their use of light and dark, color, and perspective really help me form a basis for what I value in my artist aesthetic.” He is also inspired by Terry Richardson for his high energy and feel in photos, Annie Leibovitz for her use of light and dark to create an image that relies on great understanding of the fundamentals, and Bryant Eslava, whose dedication for photography creates a magical feel to the photos he produces. Marino’s final pieces of advice for upcoming photographers are to network and shoot constantly. Whether it is with models, stylists, location scouts, or even other photographers, “People will help you... they will teach you new things, but you'll see what works and what doesn't,” he says. Shoot any time you can, not because every photo is going to be good, but you can learn from what makes them look bad. It is all about what can make the photo better, stand out, and make someone wish they took that photo. No matter where he is or what he’s doing, Marino is constantly on the search for inspiration for his work. “When I'm out with friends at a new bar or hiking in the Cleveland National Forest, I'm always looking for new locations,” proving that beauty (not to mention a good photo shoot set) truly is always around. Marino is an inspiration that gives hope for future photographers and artists alike.
“My first gifts i reMeMber were big art boxes full of oil pastels, crayons, watercolors and pencils. i love creating. as i grew up with access to different technologies and found out there was different way to express Myself, i naturally branched out into different areas of art including pottery, theater, and eventually photography.�
TALKING FASHION DREAMING WITH
OF
DESIGNER TRILL91
HAER BRAIN SCHEMES
Trill 91, the owner and designer of Haer Brain Schemes, can catch anyone’s attention with his ability to turn art into fashion and still make one feel as if he’s a part of the stylish “in crowd.” His unique designs of funky characters, shapes, and colors placed on fabric make him a designer/ artist not too be overlooked. Trill grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and for the most part always lived in apartments in rougher parts of the city. As a young child, he loved to draw and create. Soon after he turned 17 he moved to Orlando, FL and where he has been bouncing around living in random places, being homeless, couch surfing, all while trying to keep his main focus on the arts. Being young in the city sidetracked Trill with a daily party life (including drug use) while dreaming up quick, money-making ideas. Soon enough, he had the idea to start his own clothing line.
by Lexington Dash
“Haer Brain Schemes is what the name stands for,” says Trill. “Basically an off the wall idea, and that was also the niche for the brand name.” Trill never had enough money to idolize vanity very much, but he always stayed true to a passion for fashion keeping a fresh pair of shoes.. “Now things are different, yet the same, I retrace my steps and old interests to fuel my new ones and put myself in a position of power and full control over my wishes and self-proclaimed genius ideas of yesterday’s,” he says. See what goes on in that wondrous skull of Trill 91:
LD: What inspired yo
T: I wanted to try my h ready acquired art techn a medium of my interes dynamic art styles a about them. I was alway make tees but after so research I saw the flexib once I learned some mo of course, basically I wa going to make cloths for c
LD: How did you come lin T: I came up with the n and connecting the d trying to capitalize off of using my imagination to of my own for one comm consum
LD: Where do yo T: Mostly daily encounte ion to new toys to real casts by TV stations, new
LD: What’s your favor T: The brain, of course to that of the Fibonacci a bold mustache where face. The idea is to repres plex, thinking. Be origi wi
you to become a clothing designer? hand at enhancing my alniques and skill through st. I love streetwear with and a sort of rare appeal ys told in school I should ome contemplation and bility I had as a designer, ore hands on experience anted to do more if I was consistency and lifestyle appeal.
e about the name of your ne Haer Brain schemes? name just brainstorming dots from what it is I was f with my art. That being piece together interests mon goal, pleasing mass mers with similar tastes.
ou find your inspiration? ers with news from fashlife shit going on broadwspapers, and websites.
rite item you’ve created? e, it has a pattern similar i spiral on the inside and e a mouth would be on a sent sophisticated, cominal is its representation ithout words it says a lot.
LD: What is something you would wear on a typical night out? T: One of my tees or a plain tee and/or graphics from another streetwear line, some jeans and some sneakers. Pretty much always keep strapped with my SnapBack [hat] and a few accessories. LD: When you see one of your creations on a person or on the Internet what goes through your head? T: It feels good I just think my work is paying off the more I see people grasping the intensity of my stuff. LD: What colors work best for you? Any you’d rather not wear? T: Not big in [to] cream or white, [one can] catch me in dark shades for the most part. LD: Describe a few things you always have with you. T: My iPhone, wallet, some business cards and occasionally art supplies or gear/accessories. LD: What are some of your favorite labels? T: SUPREME, MISHKANYC, BAPE, SSUR, HUNDREDS, FRESH.I.AM… I’m big on dope threads. LD: Who are some of your fashion idols? T: More so inspired by crazy artists like David Choe than fashion geniuses. LD: In your own words, what is inspiration? T: The empowerment one gets after being intrigued something that already is. LD: And what’s next for HBS? T: GROWTH [and] IMPROVEMENT.