Fergie & Fife

My Message to Shaping Sound on Opening Night

2013-05-19T19:02:00.000+01:00

Before Shaping Sound officially opens tonight, I want to take a minute to talk about the richness of what this experience has given me and what spending 5 weeks with a group of dancers like them has taught me.

I've always known that fundamentally, I lead a cerebral life. I'm a writer. I'm mostly by myself. And if you asked where life exists, I'd easily be able to answer that life happens in the brain; in my mind. I barely use my body. In many ways, I'm uncomfortable in it. But at the very least, I largely see it as the vessel which stores and facilitates my mind. (Special thanks to hands and fingers for the typing skills.)

I don't live in my body. In fact, I rarely even experience physical contact with other people. But these guys... man. These guys. They live so fully in their bodies. In every way. The way they relate to each other, to the world. The hugs I've gotten these past weeks.

And more than being inspired by the work they do-- truly one of the most beautiful things I've seen on stage, in 10 years of working in live entertainment-- they have inspired me to be aware of how I live in my body. And to live in it. Get out of my head and into the physical space I'm lucky enough to occupy with those 16 ethereal, funny, drastic, precise, beautiful beings.

More thanks than I can say, guys. For the lessons, for letting me be a part of it-- one of the best professional and artistic experiences of my career. I'm utterly invested in your success.

Saturday Intermission

2013-05-18T23:20:00.001+01:00

Friday Links Brought to You by My Boyfriend, Albert Camus

2013-05-17T20:17:00.002+01:00

Are you the busiest ever? That's how I feel. So bring it straight to the links. I'm off to have lunch with my old college girlfriend. Haven't seen her since her wedding in 2005!! Have a fabulous Friday!

- My friends in Edi alerted me that my church is for sale! WHAT!?
- I bet my friends say this about me.
- This sounds about right. Oh sleep. Oh depression.
- Six Feet Under style end of The Office
- My buddy Mark Fisher's new website for Mark Fisher Fitness.
- 15 great Sylvia Plath quotes
- This.
- Glad this whole mess got cleared up...at least on Disney's website!
- I like a lot of those dating shows, but I'd watch this one.
- Speaking of dating, my other cosmic boyfriend, Camus, is celebrating the centenary of his birth this year and even has a new book out-- The Algerian Chronicles. Not bad for someone who died in 1960. He's like Tupac.

London 1927

2013-05-16T19:22:00.000+01:00

I think about place and belonging a lot. I often feel out of place. Or caught, maybe is a better word, between two (or more!) places. Not part of this, not wholly a part of that. And I suppose time and timing is another big component of the idea of "place" especially as it pertains to belonging.

Perhaps my London near-miss of a life was all to do with timing. I wonder what it would be like if I went back now, or a year from now. And while I think living in London in 1927 might be a bit out of the realm of possibility, it's nice to daydream about-- especially if this footage of the Big Smoke from British film pioneer Claude Friese-Greene is any indication.

The captions are almost as lovely as the footage. And in case you love the song as much as I do, it's "Parasol" by British indie-rock collective, Jonquil.

Neil de Grasse Tyson at Rice's 100th Commencement

2013-05-15T18:55:00.000+01:00

This past week, Rice graduated it's 100th class, wrapping up a year's worth of Centennial celebrations. And Rice couldn't ask for a more fitting speaker to bring it all home than astro-physicist badass, Neil de Grasse Tyson. Not only did his wife graduate from Rice (Baker!) but he embodies Rice's marriage to NASA and the American spirit of exploration, commitment to the future, and to the great unknown.

I don't feel like I live in that America. But I'm glad Tyson is around to remind us to keep pursuing the unknown, the spirit of innovation, of advancing, and of defining the universe-- and thus, the universal. That our pursuit of these things is tied to so many other important aspects of our perspective.

I often miss my time at Rice, and what it represents. But this was one of the most stinging.

Congrats, class of 2013!

Tigerlily is THREE

2013-05-14T21:35:00.000+01:00

Happy third birthday to my favorite human, the one and only Miss Tigerlily. No one on Earth makes me as happy, as easily as this crazy girl. I was with her on her actual BIRTH day, and I'm wishing we could hang out an invite some fictional characters to a tea party on military time today. But alas, duty calls. Rain check, Tigs! Hope your costume for the day is extra wacky!

Like The Ceiling Can't Hold Us - Pete & Suzie's Wedding

2013-05-13T18:38:00.001+01:00

As you may have gathered, I've been to many, many weddings. MANY. Between 2003 and 2005, I went to 26 weddings in 24 months. And the hits just kept coming as I got older. But this little shindig was one of the loveliest and most packed with adorable details of any that I've attended. And one of the only weddings where I didn't have to travel! What a fun night!

Food trucks, local jams, streamers and swirly straws, personalized chalkboard mason jar drinking glass labels and a venue with killer ambience. (I don't just mean the perfect LA sunset lighting and exposed brick. This was hardcore LA at its finest. I'm talking hoopties with floor-pounding bass rolling by during the vows.) All this, plus the most unbelievably statuesque bride, and what you had was and unforgettable night. The actual manifestation of the coolest Pinterest board, only better because it had my friends.

Pete & Suz, I love you guys! I was so honored to be there celebrating young and life-long love!

I'm gonna dance to this & this today and remember how fun Saturday night was. And all my people say Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah.... like the ceiling can't hold us.

On Mothering Day

2013-05-12T13:53:00.000+01:00

It's no secret I'm not a massive fan of this holiday for personal reasons. But I do like to mark this day every year by thanking the women who serve as my surrogate mothers.

Since I moved to LA, Susan Damante has been a treasure. Having a Buddha-mom like her is a blessing. My Godmother, Lucie, is always shining with her special blend of bright golden love & F-bombs.

And then there's Dena. What a funny little twist of fate to end up with a surrogate mom who knows me so well, helps me in just the right way, and often seems psychically plugged into my brain. It's no wonder my friends call her my guardian angel.

Mothering is a verb to me. A lot of people are mothering and nurturing a lot of people all the time. This day is about that for me.

Plus! For fun, check out this photog mom who dressed her kid up like all kinds of inspirational women.

Wedding!

2013-05-11T20:48:00.000+01:00

Let's get Pete & Suzie married!

Pete & Suz's Wedding Weekend Links!

2013-05-10T19:59:00.001+01:00

All my NY friends are in town for Pete and Suzie's wedding. So exciting showing them lots of my favorite things about LA and enjoying the sunshine. Here are your links!

- Have you seen Pete's awesome photography website? He's amazing.
- Spanish pronunciations of LA neighborhoods are making a comeback?
- This is why I didn't stay in NYC when I came back to the US.
- Also, Patti Smith says NYC has closed its doors to artists. Kinda agree.
- The medium model for writers. All about living medium.
- These kinds of articles never get old to me.

- Finally, Alexander Skarsgard. You're welcome.

Modern Day Clothing For The Romanov Kids

2013-05-09T18:34:00.000+01:00

First of all, I think it's obvious that Tigerlily needs pretty much all of this. But look at this amazing Latvian line of children's clothing, Aristocrat Kids. The product photos look like a little modern update of Olga, Tatiana, Maria & Anastasia.

The website will greet you with the soothing sounds of birds chirping-- perhaps in the garden of the Winter Palace.

I want to dress children in this. OMG, Baby Fever. I have to stop now. Have a lovely Wednesday! (Thursday? Oh, man. I don't even know.)

Shaping Sound's Jaimie Goodwin & Derek Hough on DWTS

2013-05-08T19:12:00.001+01:00

A lot of my work with Shaping Sound has been focused on the four co-director boys, but it's time I give a shout out to at least one of the ladies. They are all beautiful and amazingly talented. Last night provides an apt opportunity to show off the leading lady of Shaping Sound, Jaimie Goodwin. The entire tour show is based on the idea of Jaimie's dream. But last night, she danced in a crazy, topsy-turvy world with Derek Hough on Dancing With the Stars to Kerli's song, "Walking on Air."

Le Sigh. So good. Happy hump day.

Want To See - Sontag Reborn

2013-05-07T23:55:00.000+01:00

There's only a few people whose endless thoughts I don't mind listening to. Once of them is Susan Sontag. That's why when I'm in NYC in June, I'm hoping to catch this at NYTW. Based on Sontag's journals and adapted by performer Moe Angelos, this sounds like the perfect way to spend an evening on my old block.

Performances run through June 30th.

Music Monday - MS MR - Secondhand Rapture

2013-05-06T18:38:00.000+01:00

New York-based duo, MS MR have been releasing critically praised singles since about this time last year. They've drawn comparisons to Kavinsky and even Florence + The Machine and have been remixed by pretty much everyone. They've also spent much of the last year touring with Jessie Ware.

Next week, we finally get a full album: Secondhand Rapture. But you don't even have to wait that long to stream the whole album before its May 14th drop date. Listen NOW here.

Welcome to the innner workings of my mind...

Some of my fave remixes by CHVRCHES & NICITA:

And the original:

Manufacture New York & Bob Bland on CBS News

2013-05-05T13:04:00.000+01:00

My lovely and visionary friend, Bob Bland, was on CBS news for her extraordinary efforts on behalf for local manufacturing of clothing products in the US, and specifically in New York. I'm so on board with her Manufacture New York.

Here's a snippet from the new program:

There was a time when clothes worn by Americans were also made here. By 2011, more than 97 percent of the clothes sold in the U.S. was made overseas. Fashion designer turned apparel advocate Bob Bland explains why in an interview with "CBS Evening News" Saturday anchor Jim Axelrod. She's behind Manufacture New York, a new initiative to bring clothes manufacturing jobs back home.

It's not a good deal if the true cost is someone dying in the process.

Scottish Ballet - Highland Fling

2013-05-04T20:31:00.000+01:00

Now that I watch dancers all day, I feel like I'm extra tuned in to other dance stuff going on anywhere in my immediate or even peripheral vicinity. My friend from grad school, Tara, is working for the Scottish Ballet in Glasgow. I sure wish I were still in Scotland to see this crazy/intriguing Matthew Bourne production-- an update of a Danish piece La Syphide, but with "a wickedly wry Scottish twist."

Reviews have been pretty stellar. It concludes its Glasgow run today and goes on tour. Doubtful they'll tour as far as Los Angeles though. ;)

Scottish Ballet: NEW! Highland Fling Trailer from Scottish Ballet on Vimeo.

Cinco de Mayo Weekend Friday Links

2013-05-03T23:20:00.000+01:00

May came to Los Angeles with a vengeance. It's busy busy over here and roasting hot. It's perfect weather for some Cinco de Mayo celebrations though and I'm sort of hoping to squeeze in some time at the beach.

Here are your links!

- LACMA makeover means demolition?
- I hypothetically shop here every day.
- I never wish I had a PC. But I would like this program. Make it for Mac!
- Nice job on this new reel. The Battery Co.
- This is awesome. I love how Elizabeth I is basically just Tilda Swinton.
- There's going to be a Downton Abbey clothing line. Discuss.
- Elegance trumps ethics?

- Cinco de mayo calls for tequila. I'm down with pretty much any tequila drink, but if you're in the mood for something lighter and sweeter than a margarita, my go-to is a Paloma. So refreshing. So pretty and pink grapefruity. Here are some of the best places to grab one in LA this weekend. And he's a snazzy recipe to make your own Paloma cocktails... with a twist!

Have a great weekend!

Shaping Sound - Meet The Dancers

2013-05-02T22:25:00.000+01:00

Hey! What a busy week! Here's my latest video for Shaping Sound. This one is extra fun since it features the hot dance track by Haviland, "MKE: Maximum Energy." Check it out and don't forget to get your tickets!

The Scapegoat - Now on Netflix

2013-05-01T18:31:00.000+01:00

I've really been feeling the glut in quality British programming these days. I have a list of all the things I know about and then I scour the internet until I find a method of watching them. I've been looking for the post-war set The Scapegoat for a while now.

Based on the Daphe du Maurier novel, this flick has everything. Doppelgangers, the turn over from one monarch to the next, mistaken identities, multiple mistresses, cool old cars, and one of my favorite estates I visited on many travels through the UK, Knebworth House. I'm also quite partial to Matthew Rhys ever since he played Dylan Thomas.

And last night, lo and behold, they had added it to Netflix. So I snuggled into my bed and took a trip back to foggy Britain. I woke up this morning and Los Angeles felt a bit British-- grey and drizzly. It'll be sure to burn off into sunshine by noon. But if you've got Netflix, I suggest checking out this film.

Haviland Sings "Release Me" From Nicholas & Alexandra

2013-04-30T08:43:00.000+01:00

So... I'm not quite sure I realized how personal these lyrics were when I wrote them. Sure, I don't have a sick child-- I don't know what that's like. But at its core, this is a song about anxiety. The way life feels under the oppression of it; the threat of it... as compared to how it feels to be free of it; not afraid of it.

Haviland is one of my friends who is most privy to my struggles with anxiety and so in addition to being a beautiful singer of this tune, she has a super insight into whatever deep well I pulled these lyrics from. I remember when I finally emailed these off to Steven, he wrote back soon after, "Where the hell did that come from!?"

I wasn't conscious of it then, but I am now.

Not only did Haviland lay the smack down on this song, she put that concert on lock down. One of her best vocal performances I've ever heard. More of night like those please, Miss Stillwell, thankyouverymuch.

And even though this is Alix's song in Nic & Alix, I sure wouldn't mind seeing Hav as Tatiana... a regal and enchanting Grand Duchess she shares a striking resemblance to. Not to mention, I can hear her all over Livadia. Until the next step...

Music Monday - Natalie Maines Sings Jeff Buckley

2013-04-29T18:53:00.000+01:00

On Natalie Maines' newest album, Mother, one of the highlights is her cover of "Lover, You Should Have Come Over." One of my favorite songs from youth, reinterpreted by another one of my favorite singers from youth. Natalie and Jeff's vocals share a similar flesh-searing quality. They've always cut through the meat, straight to the bone.

This album is a prime example of that. Ben Harper has a lot to do with what works about this album too. It's no wonder she got hooked up with Harper, who, despite his successes as a vocalist, etc etc will first and forever be known as an amazing pedal-steel player. (Like my dad! And Natalie Maines's dad, Lloyd-- one of the best EVER.)

I'm not sure I realized initially how many covers would be on her new album. But I'm loving it all so far. You too can stream the whole album as part of NPR's First Listen. The album goes on sale May 7th.

Happy Monday!

My kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder...

Buckley was meant to be sung in a church in Texas by Natalie Maines.

Here's my other fave.

French Sky Art

2013-04-28T17:32:00.000+01:00

French artist, Thomas Lamadieu, is making amazing sky art with a combination of photography and sketching. I love the strange and skewed perspective. I love the mix of grand and comedic. It's so French. Just a little something for what's left of this beautiful Sunday.

For more.

Shaping Sound Tour Video Series

2013-04-27T16:58:00.000+01:00

Here's some of what I've been working hard on the past few weeks. It's been so inspirational to watch this tour come together so far-- to see the hard work and creative energy put into something that I think will really amaze audiences. It's been nice to make these new friends.

The first (of seven) videos I'll be doing documenting the tour got 3,000 hits in the first 24 hours it was up and the numbers keep climbing. This group of dancers deserves as many fans as the internet and theatres can accomodate. Stay with us as we keep moving forward towards their first National Tour!

Get tickets here! And join the conversation on twitter with #shapingsoundco. Don't forget to follow, either @shapingsoundco

Replug into Poetry Friday Links

2013-04-26T19:11:00.000+01:00

Hands down, this was the busiest week I've had since choosing to go to work for myself. There seems to be some kind of strange axiom of the universe that everything happens, is due, requires your attention all in the same window of time.

I'd always rather be busy than bored, but ooh boy, this week was timed within an inch of its life. It even cut into my leisurely breakfast time and Griffith Park time-- aka-- my favorite parts of living. On the up side, so many exciting projects going on though and I'm so honored and inspired to be a part of them.

Luckily, I was also able to squeeze in a trip to a poetry potluck on Wednesday night. When I'm away from communities like the one I had at St. Andrews, I feel like I'm leading an alternate life. I feel like I have many alternate lives. Like an undercover agent or something. But then I plug back into one of those other sides of myself and I'm reawakened.

Hearing everyone's poems on Wednesday was so needed. I even read one of my own. And it was nice to be open to more American poets. I've definitely been largely unplugged from them the past few years. And yet. American poets make me long for British poets. Who are the soul of my soul. Leaving the potluck, all I wanted to do was listen to Simon Armitage read Mist. And so I promptly took a moment to myself and did.

If you need a moment in the chaos, I recommend you do so as well.
Here are your links.

- Kate Walsh on succeeding after 35.
- I sent this to Torcuil. My most favorite primitive hunter-mystic.
- Speaking of Scottish men.
- Anne Carson.
- Cool NYC art project!
- Innnnnteresting.
- More on creative people! Like seriously, what's wrong with us?
- Happy 67th Birthday, John Waters! Here' 67 quotes.
- Stop saying the wrong thing.
- Cool Forbes write up of my homey Mark Fisher's Fitness Empire.
- More Claire Vaye Watkins!
- This list is a travesty. Jon Snow only the 17th hottest man on GoT? LIES.
- RIP George Jones.

This.

Thursday Intermission

2013-04-25T19:54:00.000+01:00