1HR PHOTO SHOOT: Julie A.

1HR PHOTO SHOOT: Alex C.

Culture Collide 2013 Day 1 + 2: Maya Vik, Plastic Plates, et. all

Filter Magazine's Culture Collide Days 1 + 2 on October 17 + 18, 2013 all throughout Echo Park

Some of my pals and I did not make it out the last day, but here are impaired Days 1 and 2. 

Norweigan band Maya Vik 

 (Photo taken by Tony Ung ^)

The other side of Taix

Plastic Plates

To the window! And thanky New Amsterdam!

A session with Just Chris

"I used to be called Tiny, but Tinie Tempah's cousin actually told me to change my name," says Chris Brew who currently goes under the moniker Just Chris.

The UK-born-and-based musician has been in the game for less than two years, but he’s anything but a newbie. 

He delves in musical ghostwriting, but he vows his silence regarding clients.

"I don't wanna mess up my money," the 19-year-old adds.

How long have you been producing music and writing lyrics?

I've been producing music for less than two years. Prior, my timing was off, and all my beats would come out terrible. I started writing lyrics way before I made beats, though. I used to write and write, until I thought this is enough. I never knew how to construct a verse properly, until I watched Chipmunk’s “Who Are You'' music video. I counted the lines he rapped and realized it was 16 bars or lines then a chorus. To be honest, writing was the best way for me to vent because I was going through a lot of stuff. There was no way to air it out, so I would just bottle it up until I’d pour it all out on paper (or on the notepad on my laptop) at night.

Would you consider it an advantage or disadvantage to be a young musician?

I think it's an advantage because If I was around 30, and I had just started making music and releasing demos, I don't think anyone would even take me seriously especially as a rapper. In the comments they'd probably be like 'N-word you're 30, and you're still holding on to them pipe dreams. Let it go.' But because I'm kinda young, it's easier. People see there’s room for improvement. Even if my first song is rubbish, they'd say to themselves “this kid has got time to grow and develop.” However, I do feel because I'm under 20, I still have to gain people's respect in a way.

How do you think your childhood affected your current endeavors?

I grew up in East London where Grime originated, so I was more into Grime artists like Ghetts (formerly Ghetto), Nasty Crew, Pay As You Go, Wiley & Crazy Titch. Those guys were like the hood heroes to me. I never used to listen to American music, but my sister's dad bought two albums, which were Jay-Z's The Blue Print 2 and 50 Cent's The Massacre. I used to bang those albums out daily. I lived on a council estate* so everyone’s hobby was football. There was this beautiful football cage in the middle of the estate, and everyone would come out and we'd have tournaments or play Wembley or 60 Seconds. The funny thing is, I never even wanted to be a rapper or make music at all. I wanted to be a professional footballer and I slyly still do, hahah.

Do you have any guilty pleasure tracks you listen to?

I don't know if this is a guilty pleasure, but I'd say most Calvin Harris songs.

As a lyricist, what words do you live by?

''So I live by a real simple philosophy, if you stay grounded, watch God keep giving you reasons not to be.'' It's a Joe Budden lyric from the song “Get Up.” It's probably my favorite lyric of all time. 

What are some of your projects in the works?

I got this song called “King” produced by my childhood friend Tichy T. It's probably the biggest track to date I've ever recorded--think like a 2017 Kanye. It's futuristic. It's incredible, and it will be the lead single off my forthcoming EP Poor & Poetic.

Any closing words?

The world needs to know I'm coming (not like in a you-know-what way), but like I am so ready to dethrone a couple people. 

Shoutout to Tich, Flame, Ace & Rizz. Big up to everyone that's supported!
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For Just Chris' Soundcloud, click here.

BTS: Aruné K. for Anthem by Henning Winkelmann (NSFW)

Friday, Sept. 27, 2013 at Lattitude 33, etc. Venice, Calif.

I styled a very European shoot with Aruné K. for Henning Winkelmann's project.

From the get go, I imagined the director was looking for Agent Provacateur aesthetics, and that is exactly his inspiration for Anthem: somewhere between the British luxury lingerie brand and Tumblr. 

The full day shoot took place at a condo unit in Lattitude 33 and deceased hoarder cat lady's home in Venice. We got to tour the city a bit more, had lunch at Lemonade, discussed cannibalism and rat meat, went for a coffee run, conspired against the abandoned pussies, threw dead plants at gargantuan spiders, etc.  

Makeup by Jessica Alley

Screen cap by Winkelmann

BTS: Hannah K. (Vision L.A.)

Friday the 13th on September 2013 at The Brewery and L.A. River

Undone

Delinting, disrobing

Golden time

On point..and shoot

A local slides through a hole for easy access

An Asian mob

Don Cheadle? I loved you in Manic.

Abysmal

The harpist distributes his cards

Hamburger helper blues

It's my first month of styling. I can confidently say I have a long ways to go, despite 15 years of taste refinement. I may have easily surpassed my Comic Sans MS and butterfly-print capris days in '00. However, I still have to keep pace with everything in the fashion industry from the latest AY Not Dead collection to Stevie Dance's latest editorial.
Last Friday's shoot with Brandon L. went swimmingly well at the sketchy L.A. River doe. The Vision Los Angeles model Hannah K. is what I refer to as a sweetheart, dark child.. anything, but a ninny twerp.

A session with Guillaume, founder of Cosmonostro

The fourth-month mark for any company can be daunting. Fortunately, Guillaume has been holding it down for his music gallery label he launched on May 5 called Cosmonostro.

For now, the Soulection co-founder and artist who goes by 96 is focusing on building Cosmonostro's catalog of musicians and graphic artists who include Juan Cristobal, Anthony Ellect and Nate James, among others. The full roster of graphic artists and musicians can be seen here.

"Cosmonostro is basically a one-man company, so I do pretty much everything," says Guillaume.

What spirit animal would represent Cosmonostro? 

The world famous xenomorph.

Why did you choose the name Cosmonostro aka "the game"?

Cosmonostro was chosen in a hurry since I still act a bit childish, excited and impulsive. 

I have always loved the names of two contemporary record labels Astro Nautico and Ritmo Sportivo. [Both] sound elegant and mysterious. As a sci-fi enthusiast, the word cosmos naturally pops up in my mind. My second thought was Cosa Nostra. Mixed, shaked and served, came Cosmonostro. The username was available on all social networks, so why not?

The Cosmonostro office is in Brooklille, France. What about Juan Cristobal, Paisley, Sirkri, et. all?

The core of the Cosmonostro roster is French-based, but it’s still an international ecosystem of graphic and music artists.

Do you also produce music?

I was toying around with the idea. I have a feeling I won't be able to match my expectations, so I'll stick to my graphic endeavor for now.

The internet allows us to take a glimpse into all aspects of culture in different parts of the world. How would you say France differs in music production?

I find French music productions cleaner than in most other places. I think of it like a scientific approach, almost an OCD. At the opposite, North America, for example, sounds more free or rough. I do think that the American definition of art is wider than it is here.

When you were a kid, is this what you envisioned yourself doing today?

Definitely not. It was meant to be. I always enjoyed drawing or listening to music, but it became serious just few years ago by coincidence. Life is like a box of chocolates.

Self-portrait of 96 

Do you recall any recent whimsical or notable dreams in relation to the arts?

I don't have any recollection of my dreams, except for nightmares. The best way to describe what I experience would be the collision between Miyazaki and Giger's aesthetics.

What's in store for some of the artists? 

It’s too soon to talk about tours. Shows aren't a priority yet, but it will happen shortly. The main focus is on building a catalog, digitally and physically. Collaborations with other labels have been announced, so there’s more to come. Merchandise is on the line as well, but it won't be treated lightly like the average record label.

What are some music apps, blogs and programs you suggest others look into?

My answers may be off topic, so please bear with me here: But Does It Float, Mandel Bulber and Petrolicious.

Anything else to add?

I'll let the work speak for me here: 96 and Cosmonostro.

- - -
For the Cosmonostro Soundcloud, click here. 
To receive updates on upcoming EP releases, check out the music gallery label's Facebook here.

Q&A with Karl William

Karl William Wandahl, who goes by Karl William, discusses his R&B sound, the rising music scene in Denmark's second largest city and his favorite animal the monkey. 

“[Monkeys] act like adult humans, just more childish,” says 18-year-old William.

The Danish singer is barely legal and comprehensible (during some parts of the interview). However, if you read on and listen to his music, you'll understand why his EP is highly anticipated this September.

Karl William

Are you behind the vocals and the beats?

I do the vocals myself, but I have a great network of producers. I started playing drums, but realized singing is better for me. Shower practicing, you know! 

Who are your producers?

My producers are Tais and Orbit Crew! They have made all the beats for my EP. It's coming soon! 

Since your lyrics are in your native tongue Danish, can you translate a line for us?

It’s very hard to describe it in English. I love when people talk in pictures (metaphorically), so my favorite line’s gotta be with "Ukendt Kunstners" and” “Guld og diamanter/Gold 'n Diamonds." It translates to: "It’s that weak light from a light chain in a window of a barbecue grill." There’s something in that line that just gets me. I don’t know why.

When is the EP coming out?

I hope by next month, but it’s not easy to find out how I’m gonna do it! 

Do you have any musical influences? 

We are about to build up a crew of new artists in Aarhus, Denmark. We are all in the process of making a new sound for the Danish music scene. We are not trying to get a special sound out of it, but we just made one.


Here's William's music video for "Kostumeramt" released last June. 
The song will be one of the four tracks to appear on his upcoming EP.

For more info. on Karl William, visit his Facebook page here.

A session with Max Marshall

If you haven’t heard her voice yet, you have probably seen her creations on Lady Gaga's crown. Despite her background in wig making and fashion design, 21-year-old Max Marshall is back to pursuing her first love: music. According to a Yinka & Friends interview, Marshall can play everything from the viola to the double bass.

The Baltimore-born, London-based singer's first mixtape "Forgive Me" has a track titled "Neva Believe" with a mashup of Rihanna's "Diamonds" and Frank Ocean's "Novacane" over LL Cool J's "Doing It." She officially released her single “Don’t Trip” with producers Electric on Aug. 12.

Here's a little more background on the Cancer sign singer-songwriter.

 "Don't Trip" screen cap

What lipstick do you use in your '90s-inspired music video for “Don’t Trip"?

I was wearing MAC currant liner and one of its famous reds, either Russian Red or Ruby Woo.

What music player do you use? Name some of your most played tracks.

I have an Ion Block Rocker. My most played tracks include Jhene Aiko, James Blake, the new India Arie and Jay-Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail. 

Do you have any hobbies apart from music and wig making?

Something I have always loved doing is creating, whether it be clothing, art or cooking.

Do you have any favorites from the BRIT School such as the late Amy Winehouse, Adele or Jamie Woon, to name a few alumni?

Amy Winehouse will always be a don. Point, blank, period.

"Don't Trip" screen cap

Do you believe that people are born with a musical gift and/or do they also hone those talents through interest and rehearsal?

Musical talents always come to those who have it within them. Then you have people that aren't players, but understand the groove of a song and listen deeper to the lyrics. Music is universal. Therefore, it's in everyone. It's just a matter of delving deeper in yourself to find what moves you.

What’s your current life motto?

Recently, I've had the same motto as I've always had: Put myself first, stay true to myself, speak up when needed and keep my head down and my powder dry.

What can we expect from you?

I'm currently working on an EP, which will be released before the end of the year. There will be loads of new shades of Max painted on these tracks, so stay tuned!

Will you visit the U.S. any time soon?

A stateside trip might happen soon, so I can go check on mom, dukes, my grams and the fam, really. A bit of work wouldn't hurt in New York, too. And Philips is definitely on the list. [There’s] loads of family and friends I've got to reunite with.

For more info. on Max Marshall, visit her official Facebook page here. Watch her music video for "Don't Trip," click here.

FUGUE BTS

Fugue film set in Downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 10-13, 2013

I frantically ran around once, and did a whole lot more of steaming, sitting, snacking, thinking, chitchatting and pantomiming. I survived voluntarily standing by on set four of the five days at Vlad's shoot for Fugue.  

Here are some behind-the-scenes shots of the talented crew and actors from the downtown L.A. loft and Eat Drink Americano locations.