The Shiny Planet Project

In Nigeria everybody loves fashion!

2012-02-19T08:30:00.006-08:00

Oroma Cookey-Gam (25), Head Designer and Creative Director behind the Nigerian ALALI Boutique, made one thing clear: Although Africa has got a large amount of poverty, fashion here is not only for the extremely rich spoiled peeps. As Oroma says - with capslock on: "IN NIGERIA EVERYBODY LOVES FASHION! From the local 'okada' (mass transport bike driver) man and the woman selling in the market, to the career woman in the boardroom - everybody is in tune and aware of fashion in their own way."

Cookey-Gam during her show @ Lagos Fashion Week

Missing out on glamour

Seems pretty obvious actually. Just as in the Western part of the world, fashion is not only for snobby peeps. And just as it is here, there are particular brands for the jetsets, for the rich and for the "poor". Well, Alali Boutique is one of those brands which is affordable for an average income. One of those brands which is actually accessible for the public. Although, according to Oroma, the makers of these accessible designs, unfortunately miss out on the glamourous part of the fashion bizz.

"Different designers cater to different echelons in society. It naturally follows that the higher up you deal in, the more glamorous your job is!", she explains. "So sometimes I wish ALALI Boutique was a bit more upscale and expensive but yea, I love my job!" Being accessible is the mission of Cookey-Gam.

Oroma wants 'to make stylish clothes easily accessible to every Nigerian'. According to herself, she has got a long way to go. And of course she is determined to get there.

Local fabriques

Alber Elbaz of Lanvin, is a designer that totally is like an example for her. "I'll probably die to work with him!" Cookey-Gam is a big fan of this guy because of the magical way he works with fabric.

Cookey-Gam simply LOVES fabrics. She gets them at the local Nigerian markets. This way, she supports the local efforts as much as possible. The drawback of this local purchase, are the limited stocks of these shops. Fabriques always played a major role in her designing processes. BUT these days she changed her focus. "I'm trying to not be too enslaved to fabric as it can be distracting."

"Sometimes I wish ALALI Boutique was a bit more upscale and expensive but yea, I love my job!"

Proud grandma's
Cookey-Gam has got some fashion blood in her vains. Her grand ma was a tailor. "She is really proud of me", Oroma says. Understandable! This 25-year old designer just launched her next collection. This Pre Fall Collection is called Colour Me Pretty. It stands to celebrate Nigeria's tropical climate and the beauty of their year-long summer season. Last year, Oroma was one of the finalists of the MTN LFDW awards. An awardshow at the fashion week of Lagos, Nigeria. Reason enough for grandma to be proud of her grandchild.
The other Oroma grandma, has never been into fashion. But now she is. The name ALALI is made up by her. It was the nickname she gave Oroma ever since she was born. Oroma explains that it means a child born in October or a child born in a festive season. " I loved the name but used to pretend like I hated it."

Some pieces of the new collection

A piece of her new collection

During ALALI Boutiques show @ Lagos Fashion Week

Space for newfound freedom

2012-02-17T08:22:00.004-08:00

It has been a while but The Shiny Planet Project is back! Time for a new dose of glitters. Time for a new lay out. Time for some shine.

Spaces

The best place in this dynamic Universe though is definitely wherever there are friends and family you love", according to Francisco Colon. "Also good music, good food, and a lot of smiles are very essential."

He and Duke were actually the "founders" of Spaces. They both aimed for a place to fully express themselves. Some free space maybe? Well so, Francisco and Duke shook hands and started writing their own songs. They found a new freedom.

The others Jake, Nathan, Ian and Jason came later. "They bring some fresh perspectives!", according to Francisco.

Speaking of new perspectives. "Our society is science illiterate.", according to Francisco. "People don't understand the advances of science and as a result of that are either scared or just couldn't care less. People do not realize how much of our current day technology wouldn't exist without science. People are more concerned with the immediate smaller picture. It's scary when you talk to someone and they truly believe scientific discoveries are things you
can choose to believe or not believe."

This mindset of people inspired Spaces while making the album Nothing Exists but Atoms and the Void (2011). As Francisco says it: We were inspired by the amazing discoveries of human beings who didn't understand the universe and strived to move forward towards knowing where we come from."
The album is full of energy. It would be the perfect background music for being in a rocket which takes you to the galaxy atmosphere which is on their cover. These colorful masterpieces are made by Mark Malazarte.

"Get over yourselves!", says Francisco. If you ask him, "The world would be a much better place is humans weren't always so damn self-important. Our species could use a little humility."

Check out their BANDCAMP / FACEBOOK
About that Facebook page: Spaces is gonna give their album away to every 10th person who likes our page. Spread the word!

Cinema Foursquare

2012-02-05T01:19:00.000-08:00

That was a good night! Last friday there was the Jameson Film Experience.. A mysterious event, mysterious location, mysterious guests, mysterious everything actually. And it still it some how!

Although there was an overdose of snow that harrassed Holland, the attendance was great. SchieCentrale, an massive old shed, was the location-to-be. This industrial building was very conducive to that whole mysterious feeling. Great choice!

The movie itself, fit perfect in the atmosphere of the Jameson Film Experience. It was The Hunter, a movie about the dangerous jungle track of Martin. He is sent by an bio company to track the last Tasmanian tigers. It is a some how "into the wild" movie with a mysterious twist. Must see!

Extraordinary movie @ extraordinary location

2012-02-02T02:38:00.000-08:00

Well, Filmlovers might be happy! The International Film Festival in Rotterdam is going on. A whole week enjoying movies and stuff. How sweet. It is the 41st on line! IFF is writing history.

Well and a couple 100 years ago - 1780 - there was a guy named John Jameson. He is the creator of some legendary liquid, Jameson Irish Whiskey. His hometown was Dublin, the center of the whiskey-world. John was a good guy, who took good care of his employees.

Those two legends, the International Film Festival AND John Jameson are the source of another legend-to-be; The Jameson Film Experience. During the IFF the Jameson Film Experience shows 'extraordinary films on extraordinary locations'. That must be extraordinary sweet.

The film they will show is called The Hunter. It is about Martin. Martin is is going on expedition on behalf of some kinda mysterious bio-tech-company. He is going a hunt for the last Tasmanian tiger. Seems to be a pleasure itself to see the movie, seen the cool nature shots of Tasmania.

So; the climax of the story: there is an epic movie, on an epic location, arranged by these names, served with legendary whiskey. Picture perfect.

Wanne ba ithere? You should check their facebook page!

The freak photographer

2012-01-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

The weirdest people of society were her favorites. Diane Arbus was a famous 70'ies photographer from New York. She ever started her artists career as a painter. She could not stand the smell of the paint though, so she quit.

Arbus loved "freaks". Nudist, trans-sexuals, giants and dwarfs. She shot lots of portraits of those who were seen as ugly. Someone compared Diane's work as giving a grenade to a child; she shot booming pictures! Diane was seen as one of the most important representatives of the society criticism/ social documentary-making photography.

Songs as sweet as a pineapple

2012-01-27T15:01:00.001-08:00

She is born in 1994, loves babydoll dresses and butterfly-pasta. Her hometown is on Fuerta Ventura but she loves London as well. Unicorns are her favorite animals and violin her favourite instrument. This chick is the realisation of sweetness. She covered several songs with sugar and glazed them into honey-sweet songs. Just like candy, do not take an overdose. Her music is delicious when you take it in the right proportion!

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://pineappleprincess.bandcamp.com/track/pineapple-princess"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Pineapple Princess by Cristina Quesada&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: "I've always received a lot of support from people I love, which is the most important thing."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?

A: "Wars, hunger and natural disasters."

Q. What is the best place on earth?
A: "There's no place like home!"

Q. What makes you happy?
"My family, all those people who are next to me, beautiful days, nice songs, films, having fun, forgeting any trouble I might have on my mind, and a million things more!"

Q: If you had a megaphone with a worldwide reach, what would be your message?
"Stop in the name of Love!"

SONGTEXT
If You Wanna Be Happy (Jimmy Soul)
If you wanna be happy

For the rest of your life,
Never make a pretty woman your wife,
So from my personal point of view,
Get an ugly girl to marry you.

A pretty woman makes her husband look small
And very often causes his downfall.
As soon as he marries her
Then she starts to do
The things that will break his heart.
But if you make an ugly woman your wife,
You'll be happy for the rest of your life,
An ugly woman cooks her meals on time,
She'll always give you peace of mind.

Don't let your friends say
You have no taste,
Go ahead and marry anyway,
Though her face is ugly,
Her eyes don't match,
Take it from me she's a better catch.

cred

Illustrations that challenge your fantasy

2012-01-12T05:17:00.000-08:00

The work of this artists leaves so much over to the imagination. All the white space on the paper challenges your fantasy. Johan Gustavsson is the name behind these simplistic coolness. He was born in Sweden, 34 years ago. He is kind of an globetrotter, he did his art school here and another year in Finland. After these years he left Scandinavia, destination The Hague, The Royal Academy.

Although it is not seen in his work, this illustrator is font of ugliness. He told VICE about the importance of ugliness in his work. His extraordinary theory is inspired by a quote of a Swedish professor. It is about the energy and beauty of broken and dirty stuff. He takes the example of a broken coffee cup and how cool this broken cup is compared to his clean and perfect companions.

Johan's work is on the walls of Liefhertje en De Heer at The Hague at the moment. It will be there until next friday / 2012, 20 January. So hurry up!

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?

A: "I think one thing leads to an other. So, probably my parents giving me pens and paper. Got compliments from friends and teachers in elementary school.. And I guess so on."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?

A: "Oooh, soooo much mess! What to choose? The global extreme right wing up-rice would be a good start. And I really hope they we find a free energy source soon."

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "My summer house on the beautiful island Åland in Finland."

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

A: "Love."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

A: "I don’t think I would want to send my message to the whole world."

FreddeGredde: The rising of a Swedish You Tube star

2012-01-10T02:58:00.000-08:00

More than million views, his videos got. In the year of 2009 a Swedish YouTube-star was born. FreddeGredde's productions on YouTube were ridiculously popular. Titles such as “32 songs in 8 minutes” and "‪The TV Theme Medley" became Swedish absolute YouTube favorites. Sitting on his red couch with a guitar, a lovely voice, and his keyboard, he impressively mixed the theme songs of world's most famous TV shows.

But - this national video-entertainer turned out to be not just another-YouTube-thing. This guy has got some serious talent! "Beside me", was the first published FreddeGredde-made song. There was some disappointment, some criticism. But most of all there was shit lots of love for this brilliant song. Nowadays he launched his first CD, named Thirteen Eight. A somehow sweet mix of powerful rock and progressive sounds. It is simply an explosion of good energy!

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?

A: "Wow, that's a hard question. I've just always been interested in creating things, to learn things, to be able to do things. And making popular YouTube videos was one thing to cross off the list."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?

A: "All kinds of stupidity, like war, greed, wastefulness."

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "I think it's more important what people you have around you, and that you're healthy, have food and all that stuff.. Rather than where you are located."

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

A: "Hmm.. Possibly video games with friends."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: "I don't think anything I'd say would solve anything. So I might as well take advantage of that crazy offer and tell people to visit freddegredde.com!"

Designer Albert Jan Metselaar: Rebellion in icy silence

2012-01-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?

A: "Create, Love, Change, Collaborate, Express, Attitude."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Restrictions created through greediness ."

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "My Imagination. An extraordinary view out of my studio at the beach that not yet exist with nice people and lots of cool stuff."

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

A: "Simple things in life.
- Making nice work and collections.
- Have fun with friends, people.
- Living in a nice environment.
- A nice view and Imagine. - The freedom to philosophize and love."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: "I will not generalize.
Stay cool have respect and show your self some attitude, Peace!"

LULLATONE: Lullabies and other mellow melodies from Japan.

2011-12-29T04:19:00.000-08:00

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?

A: "We get inspiration from lots of little things.

- Finding four leaf clovers;

- sunlight coming in our studio window;

- postcards from friends;

- origami paper;

- a gust of wind blowing leaves around;

- and our son Niko!"

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "There are so many amazing things happening all of the time. I wish we were able to all slow down for a moment and admire them."

Q: What is the best place on earth?
A: "Our tiny backyard in the summer with a BBQ going, the baby pool set up and a few Tom Collins in our hands."

"I wish we should slow down for a moment and admire the many amazing things happening all of the time.."

Q: What makes you happy?

A: "Making stuff!"

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: Instead of a megaphone, it might be nice to whisper to someone
"You're awesome; pass it on"

Check their Bandcamp & Facebook

STAR Q&A: Manuel Vilches

2011-12-27T03:53:00.000-08:00

He shoots the rough reality of beautiful hearted Africa.

Manuel Vilches Benítez, Born @ 20.02.1960, Hometown: Málaga (SPAIN)

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: "Travel the world showed me other realities. Poor and humble people received me with open arms. Hearts were beautiful and beautiful. I decided to do an exhibition to raise money to help people in Africa, hence the birth of my Dubabu Association. Now I give lectures and presentations about Africa and bring humanitarian aid.
>> He creates glitters for Africa throughout his non profit organisation DUBABU.

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "The injustice to increase the wealth of the most powerful!"

"Poor and humble people received me with open arms!"

Q: What is the best place on earth?
A: "One in which human beings can feel free.."

Q: What makes you happy?

A: "The smile of a child."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: "Treat all human beings as you would have them treat you.!"

Psychedelic pop productions by NYC-located lady duo Lunic

2011-12-22T01:45:00.000-08:00

LISTEN HERE&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://lunic.bandcamp.com/album/far-away-single-2"&amp;gt;Far Away - Single by Lunic&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: Kaitee: "The fans. I started out writing for myself. But now I write for them."
Megan: "Definitely the fans. The appreciation we see in return makes it worth playing and writing."

"The best place on earth is in the ocean!"

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: Kaitee: "War. Sometimes I imagine how beautiful the world would be if people could just stop killing."

Megan: "Disease and I guess the whole state of the world at this point."

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: Kaitee: "My bed! Sometimes I get overwhelmed with deep thoughts and heavy philosophy. My bed is the one place on Earth where I feel like I can hide out from people. The place to be safe from the trials and tribulations of the day.
Megan: "In water or the ocean. Particularly the warm part of it in the Caribbean. I feel so free and weightless and warm there."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be the message?

A: Kaitee: "Stop Killing!

There is so much fighting going on in the world. I wish people would look up for minute and question what they have been raised to think and believe. Parents/governments are not always right."

Megan: "I would have to agree with Kaitee."

Check his MySpace, Bandcamp & Facebook
>> They are working on their new album, Future Sex Drama, coming summer 2012. Here is a trial!

STAR Q&A: Jenny Kloszynski

2011-12-20T00:52:00.000-08:00

She covers chicks in gold with her Cleopatra-ish constricted creations.

Fashion Designer Jenny Kloszynski, Born @ 21.11.1983, Hometown: Oberhausen (Ruhr-area), currently based in Berlin

Pics by Roberto Rodriguez

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: "The love for clothing and expression was always a personal thing. Entering the field of fashion actually was something I struggled with. The major drawbacks in the industry and the antisocial ways of working held me back quite a while. Finally I decided that flinching is not an opportunity. So I started my way into fashion. I hope that one day I am in a position to make some changes.."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "The mess made by fashion. Abusing people to enlarge our own prosperity is something that needs to be changed immediately. With more and more collections every year designers dictate a constant need to buy new clothes. Less money is spent on a single garment but the claim for the newest design stays. Nowadays, most people should be aware of this, but mostly don't have the money to spend it on fair products. This way of thinking increases our throw-away-society. It is maximising the massive pollution of the environment due to fashion.."

"With more and more collections every year designers dictate a constant need to buy new clothes."

Pics by Roberto Rodriguez

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "I love travelling and I think in every new country or place I find a best place. To name some:
- breakfast on the roof deck of the 'Eden house' hostel in Tel Aviv during sunrise;
- the beach in a worm country with a sea that has waves;
- In the woods when it has rained before.
I think my favorite place would allways be somewhere outside and/or with my family and boyfriend."

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and b
A: "Making me happy is very easy.

- a picture of a baby animal;
- some nice words someone says;
- a cute ganny on the street;
- my sister visiting me in Berlin.
Last moth my friends and boyfriend gave me a voucher for a guinea pig and a rabbit. I jumped and squeaked like a child. The most exciting day was probably when I first sent out my graduation collection at Fashionclash this year. The happiest and most relieved moment afterwards, when I was told that i had been elected for 'De Lichting' at Amsterdam Fashionweek."
>> De Lichting selects the best academy graduated students of one year in 1 central catwalk show at the Amsterdam Fashion Week.

"When I got a voucher for a guinea pig and a rabbit, I jumped and squeaked like a child!"

Pics by Roberto Rodriguez

Rachel Louise: works "hardcore", sings as a superstar and is the most promising artist of the region.

2011-12-19T00:31:00.000-08:00

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?

A: "I''ve always been so happy making music and singing songs. So at an early age I decided that that was what I was gonna do. Not just for a hobby, but making it my career. It's a huge challenge but I love doing what I love and trying to avoid a regular day job."

>> To see her shining in real life: 21 December 2011 @ Tivoli, Utrecht

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Poor people stuck in circumstances that rich people like us can help eliminate."
>> That is why her glitters go out to Rehoboth Organization in South Africa.
This is a home for kids without mom and dad - sick because of AIDS. Can it be worse?
This house is a home for these darlings. Check their needs to contribute some glitters :)

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "It seems like Hawaii is. I've never been there but it's one of my missions to go there. I want to lay on the beach for two weeks drinking cocktails."

"I love doing what I love and trying to avoid a regular day job"

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

A: "Next to the obvious answer of making music, I am happiest when eating and drinking great food and wine while spending time with my family and close friends."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: I would like to almost force my theory of: make others happy so you'll be happy yourself.

So give and you will be given.

I think if we all would live by that, the world would be a perfect place :) "

Check her MySpace, Bandcamp & Facebook

Star Q&A: Youths on Skates

2011-12-15T04:46:00.000-08:00

A fresh highschool certificate ánd a fabulous full-lenght LP in the same pocket

Youths On Skates: Daniel Garrett Willis & best friends, Born @ 15.8.1994, Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://youthsonskates.bandcamp.com/album/youths-on-skates"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Youths on Skates by Youths on Skates&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: "People no longer need powerful business connections, vast sums of money, and immense knowledge of music composition to start bands anymore. The music technology becomes more available for cheap and the internet is expanding rapidly as a source for finding new and interesting music. There are some great things that have come out of the "internet generation". One of those things is Best Friend Records. Most of the artists on BFR are under 20. People fresh out of high school are making records. They are forming amazingly supportive musical communities instead of just buckling under the pressure of soul-less profit-driven major labels."

>> Best Friend Records is a non is a not-for-profit record label, "dedicated to fueling local artists so they can keep creating the music we love".

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Although for now I try to stay out of politics, some issues are so obvious I simply have to have an opinion about them. One of these issues is deforestation. I genuinely believe that there are much better alternatives to wood as a natural resource. It's about time we find a balance between nature and industry. We have crossed the line, it's time to give back to the environment we're destroying. "

>> That is why his glitters go out to Arborday Foundation. This non-profit organization plants inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They aim to make the world greener and healthier today, and for generations to come. What you can do is buy a tree or give a tree to your friends.
Tip for nice christmas present maybe?

"Some issues are so obvious I simply have to have an opinion about them.. Issues like deforestation."

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "Cincinnati, OH. But this isn't true for everyone. It's been subjectively determined that there are more livable cities where there is more to do. It's just that Cincinnati home for me. The thing I love most about that it's a difficult city to be prejudiced about. Not a lot of people know what to expect when they come here, and I think they all leave pleasantly surprised."

"It is a band where I'm really the only permanent member"

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

A: "Collaborating! I write probably about 90% most of the music and lyrics for Youths on Skates, but I never do anything without asking someone what they think first. My close friends know exactly what all the songs sound like way before they're actually released because I'm constantly showing people what I'm working on and taking their criticism. Often the contributions are so small it's difficult to actually find a reason to credit them in the liner notes for my release. That's why I don't call Youths on Skates a solo project. It is a band where I'm really the only permanent member. It's just a lot of fun to take the mentality of "it takes a village to raise a child" to music."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: There's this video of the band No Age doing their song "Everybody's Down" in some guy's basement. It was the last song in their set, so the drummer/vocalist Dean Allen Spunt was doing his thank yous, and right before they start the song, he says
"And, uh, go start a band, please".
That is such a simple and inspirational message.

Check his Bandcamp & Facebook

Star Q&A: Branko Popovic

2011-12-14T02:19:00.000-08:00

This innovative designer awakes the inner hero

Initiator of Fashion Clash & Designer Branko Popovic, Born @ 30.04.1983, Hometown: Zagred (CROATIA)

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: "The urge to express my self. Create beautiful things and connect people together ."
>> see his collection Unsung Heroes

Pics by Kris Micallef

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Hunger and all wars."

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "HOME."

"I'd like to get rid of all wars"

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

A: "Sun, music, friends, nature, art, traveling, eating and life in general."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: "Let's celebrate life, not waste it!"

His glitters go out to Fashion Clash
By organising fashion projects, FASHIONCLASH aims to create a platform where ‘young’ designers/artists can present their work to a diverse international audience. FASHIONCLASH shows fashion in the widest sense of the word. A broad range of disciplines that link to fashion, like photography, fine arts, illustration, video, textile and product design are invited to take part in the projects.

"We have so many dreams that could contribute in making this world a better place!"

>> See Glitter Agenda 8, 9 & 10 June 2012 @ SAMdecorfabriek Maastricht

Pics by Kris Micallef

Check his Website

STAR Q&A: Wild Honey

2011-12-13T01:48:00.000-08:00

Euphoric laid-back indie songs by a pure musician from Madrid

Wild Honey: Guillermo Farré @ 28th January 1980, Hometown: Madrid

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: "I love listening to music and discovering new songs. I’m inspired by the songs of other people."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "I’d get rid of selfishness."

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "I love the neighborhood where I live in Madrid. And any other place on earth where I can have a good time with some friends."

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

A: "Listening to a beautiful song in the middle of a movie that I’m enjoying, at a cinema theatre, makes me really really happy!"

"I love any place on earth where I can have a good time with some friends."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: If the megaphone would reach the whole universe, I’d shout “Is there anybody out there?”

Wild Honey's glitters go out to Peludos

An organisation of a friend, to take care of animals that have no shelter. Buy one of the super hip Tees with cool illustrations - and share your love with the homeless animals.

Check his MySpace, Bandcamp & Facebook

Glorious unpredictable dreamy electropop by an "unpredictable flicker"

2011-12-11T06:09:00.000-08:00

Radio Wire Empire: Matthew D. R., Born @ may 1991, Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?

A: "Pain. Love. Not wanting to be a slave to expectations..

I'm not sure I'm consistent enough to 'shine', I'm more of an unpredictable flicker."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Stupidity and complacency."

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "A warm bed with the person you love."

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

A: "Courtesy. Not having to speak. Intelligent conversation. Biscuits & gravy. Coitus. A rhythm section that can hold it down (I'm looking at you Bonzo & JPJ). Friends & whiskey. Hot, sticky, humid weather. Mellotron. Silence. My girl. Bright clothes. No clothes."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: "everybody, please shut up!"

Check his MySpace, Bandcamp & Facebook

STAR Q&A: Athina Kazolea

2011-12-09T05:11:00.000-08:00

Impressive images of a far-far-away reality in Ethiopia

Athina Kazolea, Born @ 25 January 1958, Hometown: Athene, (GR)

Exhibitions:

10/2011 – 03/2012 @ SOME/THINS Gallery, Paris (FR)

01/2012 @ Museum of Photography, The Middle East project.Thessaloniki (GR)

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: "A great self-interest excitement in discovering worldwide cultures and initiating into their particular aspects."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Fanatism. Fear and terror imposed on people based on their dissimilarities with others."

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "The one rendering safety and certainty in peaceful social survival."

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

A: "Little ordinary simplicities, a sunset' s gaze holding hand with my lover, music, sincere everyday food,making the other happy." "

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: "Liberté, égalité, sexualité!"

STAR Q&A: Sheep, Dog & Wolf

2011-12-08T03:14:00.000-08:00

Homemade music by mellow one-guy-band with a guitar, drums, percussion, vocals, saxophone, clarinet, cello, euphonium and more.

Sheep, Dog & Wolf: Daniel MC Bride, Hometown: Auckland (New Zealand)

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "I'll say that wherever I am, as long as I have friends, music and some means of making it, I think I'll be happy. Sounds cliched, I know, but as Hugh Masekela once said "Home is where the music is.""

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

A: "Lots of things! Friends, family, music, really good food, dancing, sleep. Seriously though, sleep is awesome."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: "I'd probably stutter for a while, trying to think of something. Then people would realize I'm just as confused as they are and probably wouldn't listen. And then I'd probably just say something lame, like "Guyyyys, can't we all just get along?"

Download his EP here @ Bandcamp

STAR Q&A: Rue Royale

2011-12-07T04:56:00.000-08:00

A musical love-couple with the perfect sweet sound for cold days like these.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rue Royale, Hometown: Nottingham (UK)

#COMETOSEE tomorrow 8 December '11 @ Patronaat, Haarlem (NL)!

A golden gig with Black Atlantic AND Kim Janssen!

09 We'll Go on Alright by Rue Royale

Q: Welcome in Holland!
Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: We both grew up in artistic and musical families. It's what we know. We are busy busy busy bumble bees doing what we do fot a potentially selfish reason actually: WE JUST LOVE IT!"

pic by Stukafest

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Thoughtless use of resources and treatment of others."

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "Home!"

Q: What makes you happy?

A: "Good food & good wine."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: "Treat others as your would want to be treated!"

Printscreen of AmsterdamAcoustic video

LIVE GLITTER: Face Value @ TENT Rotterdam

2011-12-06T04:18:00.000-08:00

Four local artists; just they, them-selves and their art.
Exhibition Face Value @ TENT Rotterdam with Bertjan Pot, 75B, Sophie Krier, Marga Weimans. / Until 8 January 2012

Nowadays, the dollar-signs are even seen in the eyes of artists. To afford their daily bread, commercial work seems unavoidable. These four local artists though, went back to the basic of the artist being. Face Value in TENT Rotterdam (NL) is a collection of autonomic pieces. No sponsor, no principal, no beneficiaries. This exhibition gives a pure view in the mind of the artists.

Product designer Bertjan Pot
A copy of his creative playground.

Mr. Beanbag -with moustache - how lovely is that.

Graphic designers 75B
Dancing straws.

Tons of smiling faces

Fashion designer Marga Weimans
Crocodile Skin Vintage Birkin Hermes Bag, 25 x 35 cm, € 20.000 (waiting list)

Designer Sophie Krier
“Field Essays and other stuff that keeps me awake lately.”

For more sweet events @ TENT check GLITTER AGENDA

STAR Q&A: 7oi

2011-12-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

A mishmash of epic electronic beeps & beats from Ísafjörður.

Musician/Producer Jóhann Friðgeir Jóhannsson a.k.a 7oi, Born @ 8 december 1981 Hometown: Ísafjörður, Iceland

Opnaðu by 7oi

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: "Growing up in the small town of Ísafjörður has been the biggest part in my motivation to begin with. Since it's a bit remote you get more enthusiastic about discovering new things outside of your tiny world. When the internet finally arrived, that was a turning point in my search for inspiration. Today, though, the internet distracts me more than it informs me.

What makes me shine the most are my two wonderful daughters. I don't need anything more in life than just hanging around with them."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Politics. Simple. Is there anything else that has made more harm to the world? Well, capitalism too, but those two have kind of fused into the same pile of crap. Also, I'm sorry to say this, as many people will totally disagree with me, but religion in general has caused so much harm to this world as well by putting people into groups which are in conflict with each other because each group thinks it's opinions on life are truer than the others (ding ding ding).

Oh, and pop culture has become a bit silly, but then again, I might just be getting old.."

Yup by 7oi

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "Home. There will never be a better place."

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

A: "My family. Ignoring the news of the world. I know it seems selfish of me not wanting to hear disaster stories of others. And not to follow political developments in governments.

But try it out for yourself!"

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: " People, please. Grow up!We humans have this great gift of the human mind and spirit. Lets not waste our energy on something that doesn't matter, use it on something that does. Me, I have my family. What do you want to use yours on?"

his glitters go out to Japan Earthquake Relief Fund
The people of Japan have always been good to me, and I just feel I owe it to them.

Check his website and Soundcloud

LIVE GLITTER: Heavy Merry Finland

2011-12-03T03:01:00.000-08:00

The creative product of growing up in a Finnish village anno 80/90ies.
Heavy Merry Finland @ Roodkapje, Rotterdam (NL) - until 4/12/11

These seven artists have one thing in common, a childhood in a Finish village. That does speak to the imagination. Imagine dark streets, lots of trees and sweet tiny houses with candles behind the heavy curtains. There is a little boy, drinking hot chocolat. Flashes of a TV light the room. A muscular Sylvester Stylone seems to steel the show.

The artists behind 'Heavy Merry Finland' all translated their cultural roots of growing up in small Finnish towns in the 80's and 90's. Their mysterious nostalgic art is shown to public at Art gallery Roodkapje at Rotterdam (NL).

Besides these Finnish glitters, there is the Architecture for One Euro project. For only 1 euro, a pro architecture will use his wisdom about design. NO project is too small. There mission is too make architecture accessible for anyone.

So run, leave the stuff u are working on, and jump on the train to Rotterdam to get a glimpse of Finnish art. The exhibition is only till tomorrow. Don't forget 1 euro for a golden advice about how to pimp your house.

Ville Pirinen

Sanna Jarvela Inspired by the sound of oldschool Finnish hits of her childhood, Sanna made these illustrations.

Annika Kivi Blurring the line between photography and illustration, Annika's images create a dreamlike atmosphere.

Maria Heinonen These are selfmade souvenirs of Maria's life.

LIVE GLITTER: Fool's Gold

2011-11-30T17:03:00.000-08:00

An upbeat indie sound with an African twist that provokes happiness and dancing feet.
Fools Gold, Hometown: LA
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Fool's Gold - Wild Window

Le Guess Who, the source of epic sounds. Last weekend, Utrecht was blessed with this sweet festival that brought the creme de la creme of the international indie scene to Holland. Such as the American Fool's Gold, they played in Tivoli on saturday night. This band lead by Luke Top produces very danceable rhythms. With guitarist Lewis Pesacov on his left and the multitasking Brad Caulkins on his right, he did magic. Percussionist Salvador Placencia increased the African effect. Drummer Garrett Ray took care of the upbeat character. The overdose of positive energy absolutely provokes happiness and dancing feet.
Fool's Gold, on behalf of Utrecht, see you later?

To experience the Fool's Gold vibe yourself, check Glitter Agenda

STAR Q&A: Claudia Varioso

2011-11-29T01:29:00.000-08:00

Legendaries in your pocket. David Bowie, Elvis or Clint Eastwood as paperdolls. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Claudia Varioso, Born @ Hometown: Genoa (Italy)

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: "Mainly the illustrated posters from the 1^st half of the 20^th century. And ‘graphic fiction’ artists such as Adrian Tomine."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Oh, where to begin with this one? Too many to mention. But to pick just one: Oil, and everything that’s done in its name and/or for it."

Let David Bowie rock on your kitchentable.

Q: What is the best place on earth?

A: "Anywhere where there are trees. The more, the better. Though I also like big cities, like Tokyo, San Francisco, Berlin."

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

A: Small things- food, films, illustration and everything in between.

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be

the message?

A: "Wow, this is tricky! How about:

“People of the world, unite and take over!”

to paraphrase Morrissey?"

Organise a clothingswop between Elvis and Clint Eastwood!

Check Claudia's online shop @ ETSY

LIVE EVENT: Snoeiharde shit

2011-11-27T05:41:00.000-08:00

Last friday night, there was some serious dancing in Utrecht. Snoeiharde* shit - has been promised by the organization. And so we got. An oldschool distrubtion center - named Vechtclub, a few km out of the center - was the perfect location. Dubstep, house and electro sounds banged through the concrete room. DJ Ed Paris from Leipzig (GE) and local dj Screaming Soundsystem trew some "snoeiharde shit". Dreamy visuals by Skinfiltr8r were the finishing touch.

* snoeihard = Dutch word for something like: "disproportionate hard"

This "snoerdharde" shit..

.. made the crowd move "snoeihard"..

Gotta beat that beat.

Take a breath, put on some lipstick, dancingshoes, whatever..

.. for some more "Snoeiharde Shit!"

Some social scenes outdoor..

Well - and even some "snoeiharde" shadow dancing..

More pictures will be online soon @ http://www.facebook.com/theshinyplanetproject

STAR Q&A: Summercamp

2011-11-26T04:31:00.000-08:00

The indie sound of these two is as cool as a one of those epic old school summercamps.

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musicians Elizabeth Sankey and Jeremy Warmsley, Hometown: London (UK)

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A:"Mostly we just really enjoy doing it! It's great fun to write songs and tour."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "What a hard question! Racism and prejudice? Or just violence in general.."

Q. What is the best place on earth?

A: "There's a great cafe near our house in London where we spend a lot of happy hours. But since

We started touring we've discovered too many new places to mention!"

Q. What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

"Making music and watching films."

V. If you had a megaphone with a worldwide reach, what would be your message?

"I don't think I would send a worldwide message.. It would be very intrusive. I don't know enough bout all the people of the world to know what they would hear."

Their glitters go out to Shelter from the Storm

At Shelter from the Storm they don’t waste time and energy worrying about whose responsibility someone is. They just provide a warm bed, a lovingly cooked dinner and breakfast for 36 guests, 18 men and 18 women a night, 365 days a year. They started with one night in the crypt of a church. Now they’re the only year-round homeless shelter completely free to guests. They don’t get a penny from the government. SENT GLITTERS

SUMMERCAMP plays at EKKO tonite (26/11/11) at the Le Guess Who Festival @ Utrecht (NL)

For more gigs check: Glitter Agenda

Check out their MySpace

You should definitely check out their supercool website! http://wearesummercamp.com/

LIVE GLITTER: Rats on Rafts

2011-11-25T05:23:00.000-08:00

These four guys from Rotterdam are kind of a hip version of an 80'ies indie-punkband

On the occasion of Le Guess Who - the edition of Club 3voor12, 'Hollandse Nieuwe' yesterday - was kinda special. Rats of Rafts were one of the candidates to rock on the Dutch Le Guess Who-stage. Together with four others bands, they warmed up the crowd up for the festival which will take over the city of Utrecht this weekend.

Suggestions for earlybird christmas shoppers

2011-11-24T04:44:00.000-08:00

The first Christmas shoppers are spotted in town. You kinda recognise those shoppers on Christmas purpose. Mom and daughter - and auntie - arm-in-arm on a hunt. Armed with a bunch of those big paper bags from a warehouse. Dad is walking behind them with the heavy boxes from the electronica store. He carries the men presents.

A research of the British Centre for Retail Research shows that an average household spends freaking 600 whole euro’s on this “happiest time of the year”. The champion Christmas shoppers in Europe are the English. An average bank account in the UK is 748 euro lighter after Christmas time. The second spot on the list is for the Swedish. And just as the Dutch coolness fits – they spent “only” a frugal 448 euro. Four hundred-forty-eight euro. The consumer society in all its glory.

Dear December, when the city centres are transformed in a Christmas paradise. The shelves are full with bling bling – which actually does fit the shiny planet concept perfectly. And – obviously - the presence of this nostalgic stuff seems not available for discussion. Keep the tradition alive.

BUT here is a suggestion for a shining Christmas time without spending those hundreds of euro’s. Here it comes, hold on your chair: visit a second hand shop. The nostalgic-topia! Boycott the warehouse. The second hand store is the real valhalla for interesting Christmas presents. Oldschool tableware for sweet sis, phenomenal artbooks for grandpa, retro Barbie for the baby cousin. And an average secondhand store has got a Christmas department. Pimp your Christmas tree for only a few coins!

(see pics for a recent catch at the second hand store @ utrecht (NL)

Post @ comments your must-go second hand store - anywhere on this planet.
TIP: This is a cool one @ Utrecht Kanaleneiland: De Zolder / opening 1 December

STAR Q&A: Julien Mier

2011-11-23T03:23:00.000-08:00

Imagine yourself happily swimming around in a gloomy underwater world, his eclectic compositions might be the background music.
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Producer & composer Julien Mier, Born @ 21-01-1989, Hometown: Hilversum (NL)
If You Are by Julien Mier

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A:"My motivation is the hidden little things in life.
When I was a little boy I've played a lot in the house of my great auntie in France. One day I found a little hidden room in her immense house. There was a small piano in this room with a metronome on top of it. I secretly took the metronome with me in our luggage. After playing a lot with the ticking and tacking sound I found out that the piece of wood in front of the mechanism was loose and I found a tiny little matchbox inside, probably in there for about 50 years with a note inside.
It was one of those treasures in life that coincidently comes into your life. It made me realize that the subtlety of it is something very rich and positive. This is a mark of my music, to put it down in a lot of detail."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "The biggest is that garbage dump floating around in the north of our planet three times the size of Texas. However, that's only concrete mess I have to say.

Morality, respect and freedom of speech are nowadays far from being perfect. Illusions by politics of rights is something that needs to be more transparent instead of being dirty and misleading."

Q. What is the best place on earth?

A: "The places that are hardly untouched by humanity. If I could, I would be 24/7 about ten miles under sea level to swim around the gloomy, magical creatures of the ocean. I prefer water above air because everything is more dense and for some reason you feel connected between creature and creature.
However I have a strange attraction to dirty and filthy cities like Bangkok because they make people realize that happiness and serenity can be found at places where we don't look. Often caused by a chain of coincidence."

Q. What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

"When I'm pushed in another state of mind. Which I often search in creating music. When I'm there it's almost like losing space and time in a hole of my pockets. I find happiness in subtle things. Little random events.
As it happens all the time, I'm quite a happy man, I guess".

V. If you had a megaphone with a worldwide reach, what would be your message?

"Do what you do best and stop trying to be the person you can't be."

Julien plays at DB's tomorrow nite (24/11/11) at the special edition of "Hollandse Nieuwe" presented by 3voor12 and Le Guess Who.
For gigs check: Glitter Agenda

Check out his Soundcloud / MySpace

STAR Q&A: Gijs Kast

2011-11-22T12:30:00.000-08:00

This Dutch illustrator - is like a detector for the glitters in ordinary daily life.
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Illustrator Gijs Kast, Born @ 30-12-1983, Hometown: Amsterdam

Gijs' masterpiece is the book BOHNHASE. This book is based on his life in a so-called “problem area”. According to the Dutch media, is was kind of a horribel getto. Gijs - on the other hand - saw the affluence of the neighbourhood. His mission was to illustrate the charm of the area. Some research among his neighbours, showed him the undercover labour market up there. All those peeps seemed to have some kind of business. Mr. Harry was plumbing, Miss. Annie knitting.. That gathered all their – functional – data and made an undercover version of Yellow Pages.

Currently, Gijs is located in Istanbul. In the middle of the Turkish society, he is producing a new book. It is kinda like a illustrated documentary, about the Turkish people..

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: "To show people there is beauty in' ugly' things"

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Chihuahuas, especially dressed up chihuahuas.
BUT - I like to draw them.
So they can stay.."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be the message?

A: "LOOK!"
Allways a good idea. Observate the world like Gijs does and get inspired. Let's start with a look on his epic work a his website.

STAR Q&A: Ntjam Rosie

2011-11-21T02:34:00.000-08:00

Music is in the veins of this sweetsweet afrosoul-singer - who is determinded to make a difference.

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Afro soul singer Ntjam Rosie, Born @ 18/03/1983, Hometown: Rotterdam (NL)

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A:" It all starts with God giving me the gift of music. To be a musician is my calling. So in one way, it doesn't feel like I need motivation to do it, it comes naturally. It's a very spiritual and personal experience for me.

I hope my music helps people feel their true emotions. Life itself is a motivation for me to make music! I hope to inspire others in a positive way with what I do."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "I wouldn't know where to start or end.. This world is a big, big mess and it's our own fault.
The planet's pollution, the abuse of children and innocent people all over the world."

Q. What is the best place on earth?

A: Anywhere near my mother, father, brothers and sisters. My beloved ones.

Q. What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones.

Music, food, fashion, photography, art in general, nature and chocolate!

V. If you had a megaphone with a worldwide reach, what would be your message?

"Treat people like you want to be treated, with love."

her glitters go out to Cordaid

They help people all around the world to rebuild their lives after disaster has struck. I think that's amazing. A little for you, is a lot for someone else across the globe.

Check her website & MySpace

And to see her shining on stage; check the GLITTER AGENDA for dates&places

LIVE GLITTER: Streetart by Louise Both @ Perron026, Arnhem

2011-11-20T04:18:00.000-08:00

Take a good look on your right when you enter Arnhem trainstation.
There is a massive Indian horse on warpath, and it says "hi".
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She has never ever done this before but this is definitely a good piece of street art. And the result is probably not dedicated to the paint she uses from discount store Action.
Louise Both is working on a massive painting, a horse, an Indian horse, on warpath. It is standing besides a totem pole. This streetart is a call for some brave warriors to prepare their talents and join the creative scene of Arnhem.

Louise is working on this for a 5 days now. The plan is to finish it in two more weeks. Unfortunately will this three weeks of painting not last forever. It is made on the building of Perron026. This old trainstation is now a breeding ground for creative minds. The previous ticketcounter, kiosks and other shops are transformed into nine workshops. Designers, painters and other artists work, exhibit and sell their stuff here in the next few months.

There will be a day that the building will be broken down.. With the horse and the totem pole.
That day, the horse will go back into the wild to find some more warriors..

CHECK: The website of Louis Both & Perron026

STAR Q&A: Silas

2011-11-19T05:08:00.000-08:00

Imperfect portraits from people and animals in a mysterious atmosphere somewhere near the rainbow.

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Painter & illustrator Silas Schletterer, Born @ 27/01/1976, Hometown: Rotterdam (NL)

Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?

A: "I was born to create! Making art or making music is what I can and what I must.
If I can not do that, I would be very sad.. "

Q: Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Animal cruelty. I 'd like to get rid of all those fuckers who mistreat
cats, dogs, bears, bulls or whatever animal..."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach,
what would be the message?

A: "Check out my art!!!"
Q: We will mr Silas!
Check his website and buy one of his dreamy pieces

For a real life experience of the work of this talented guy, come to Walls Gallery. This gallery in Amsterdam (NL) will show a fresh painting from the 27th of November until the 27th of January.
See; the Glitter Agenda
Silas is also working on some new paintings for a duo exhibition with his friend Martine Johanna. The show will also be at Walls Gallery in late may. Well, look out for that one as well!

LIVE GLITTER: Alexi Murdoch @ Tivoli Utrecht

2011-11-18T04:22:00.000-08:00

Nostalgic songs, written by an English gentleman on some romantic wooden boat, somewhere - in Scotland.

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His performance on stage of Tivoli Utrecht, was kinda incognito. But his nostalgic sound unmasked the face behind. Alexi Murdoch, a British, cute, singersong writer. He seems to be a real gentleman, very modest and kind-hearted. Several times he thanks the crowd for showing up tonight. Well, "No thanks!", mr. Murdoch, "it is a pleasure to be here, seriously." Given the common silence and intention, every single person in the room would agreed to this.

Although Alexi is born in London, raised in Greece and Scotland, studied in USA. This is where he still lives - parttime though. Other days he finds himself on a wooden sailing boat on the remote west coast of Scotland where he spends his days writing and working. Never been there, never seen it, but well, i guess this workplace explains the nostalgic style of his music. Logically lots of glitters found their origin on this special spot.

To date, Murdoch has released two proper recordings and one soundtrack! Nine of his songs where used for the movie, Away We Go. The nostalgic vibe of this movie totally fits his music. Some songs are played on several scenes in Grey's Anatomy or for the adventures of Lincoln's in Prison Break. All the songs by Alexi Murdoch are "homemade": all self-released on his Zero Summer Records label. That's how he roles. This dude deserves a tremendous applause.. And so he got, in Tivoli, at Utrecht.

Check his website & myspace