FROCKSTAR

Lana Del Rey - Beauty & the Beastly Critics

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 18:10:00 +0000

"Whatever you choose to be your reality is

your reality.”

Lana Del Rey photographed by Geordie Wood

Hey Frockstars

I just read an amazingly well written article about Lana Del Rey by Duncan Cooper for Fader Magazine. It has touched on a few bug bears of mine, some of which were bubbling underneath my consciousness until now, namely, the public and media creation of a story contradicting the facts purely because they are uncomfortable with vulnerable truth, and this growing acceptance and tolerance of toxic individuals polluting the comments section on the internet.

Cooper interviewed Lana Del Rey in a beautifully honest and respectful way, portraying her inner world through her own deeply thought-provoking beliefs about herself and her position in the music industry. Incorporating his own interpretations of his interview with Lana, he has taken a lead in countering one particularly established public judgement of her. She has long since been the victim of critics' wrath against a 'contrived image' and a 'carefully constructed persona', and something occurred to me reading this article that really got me thinking.

She is possibly one of the very few artists who exists in modern day pop culture, who I feel, is genuinely portraying how she actually is at any given time. There's no effected sheen of perfection, there's no 'living the dream' chatter from her, there are no declarations of what a wonderful life she has, no forced effort to appear to have an opinion on everything and everyone simply because she's in the public eye and it's what's automatically expected. There are no defences. She has since been attacked by Jezebel.com for her reluctance to comment on feminism in Cooper's interview, making fun of her for saying she would rather think about intergalactic possibilities. So what? She's entitled to find that more interesting. It does not mean that she doesn't appreciate what has gone before her in the name of women's rights. They conveniently chose not to comment on the fact that she later states her idea of a feminist is a woman who feels free enough to do whatever she wants. Can you spot the irony there Jezebel.com?

Photo: Geordie Wood

She has been criticised for being a large giant fake with a dangerous persona that comes across as deeply troubled with insecure attachments and morbid fantasies about relationships? Maybe she IS deeply troubled with insecure attachments and is just being honest and vulnerable about it instead of hiding it behind the industrial sized polish that gets applied to other artists. Maybe we can learn from her truthfulness. But the public response to her insecurity? Set the dogs on her. When did we become such a vicious and cruel society? The rotten irony is, hidden behind the anonymity of our own online personas, or our positions of power, we cast judgements and take our own spite and personal insecurities out on others and swear blind that it's just the facts we're spouting. Hiding behind the old adage of "Oh I'm just being honest" or "I'm entitled to my own opinion!" To those who are posting destructive and unnecessarily negative comments, quit it. Stop forcing your toxic thoughts and opinions on others. It's verbal rape. Go get some therapy.

Just because she is a star does not mean she doesn't feel harsh words. She probably feels them more. Just because she has money, does not mean it will save her life when she can't stomach the final abusive comment under the next interview she does.
Lana Del Rey is a vulnerable character with several realities. Apart from the super strong characters out there that know who they are and what they want and how to get it (I salute you), I would hazard a guess that there is a large percentage who are drifting. A large amount who are floating through the potential of their own constructed realities, trying some on, and leaving some behind. Or stuck in one particular reality not knowing how they arrived there, or worse still, not knowing how to leave. That is real life. That is the life that some critics don't care to write about, and if it's presented to them, they label it a fake.

Life purpose and life direction can be elusive constructs that we search for and crave throughout our lives. The best we can do is try to pin one down at a time and chase it to the best of our ability. But not so much that it breaks us on the inside. Nothing is worth that. Go and create your next reality. One that nourishes your heart and your soul.

So really what I'm trying to say is, can we turn down the judgement knob a little please? Or a lot? Some people are lost and floating on the inside whether they look like that from the outside or not. Superstars and regular folks alike. Lana comes across as a deeply philosophical and beautiful creature who genuinely needs some support on this journey she is on. Who doesn't? There is art in pain, but there is pain in art. Cut her, yourselves and everyone else some slack. We're all just trying to feel like we belong.

Photo: Geordie Wood

Read Duncan Cooper's Article on Lana Del Rey here:
http://www.thefader.com/2014/06/04/lana-del-rey-cover-interview/

Thanks a million to Geordie Wood for his permission to reproduce his fab photos of Lana.
Check out his work here www.geordiewood.com

X

LIP-LOCKED!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 23:05:00 +0000

Hey Frockstars!

I have been slightly awol recently and the reason is because I've started writing for some publications other than my beloved Frockstar :)
One of these includes a British publication called DRAFTED Magazine. A perk is that I now get sent lots of goodies to try, ranging from beauty products to hair baths (seriously), as well as getting to chat to some very nice actors, musicians and designer peeps - the creative folk whose journeys I absolutely love hearing about, out of plain interest, but also because it helps me with my own creative journey.

I'm going to try to tie Frockstar in a little too, so you get the heads up on any new products or events that are happening and changing the face of fashion and beauty, riiiiiiiight???
I know. I know. Exciting. Contain yourselves I said.

Check out my beauty feature on a new product called Lipsense, this shit don't budge, I'm telling you.

http://www.draftedmagazine.com/lipsense-liquid-colour-review/

Til next time

X

START DOING THESE THINGS!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 21:42:00 +0000

Hey Frockstars!

Now we know that at times it seems like there is a list or an article about every single thought, feeling or action we have, a motto or guide for advising us how to more effectively slice a mushroom or pose without double chinning yourself, to enthusiastic well-meaning pressure that you absolutely MUST see these 50 incredible places in the world before you DIE. Some are genuinely interesting but at the same time it can get a bit exhausting reading all of these instruction guides for our lives. What do we really think ourselves? What our own intuition is telling us about our own development is more important than what someone else's experience might lead you believe about yourself.

BUT… in saying all that, we did come across one list that stands a little higher above the rest in terms of the quality of advice and potential for genuine positive impact...

Marc and Angel are the authors of 1000 Little Things Successful People Do Differently. They have put together a list of 30 things to start doing in your life, and we think it really is a brilliant, healthy, positive and productive list. Click below and have a read to kick off your Monday with renewed vigour.
DO it. DO it I said.

30 Things To Start Doing In Your Life

Love Frockstar
X

TWISTED DOLLY!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:38:00 +0000

This week our Frockstar heart goes to:
Twisted Dolly!

Every now and then we come across a fashion shoot or editorial that enchants us and tempts our widening eyes over every inch of colour, light, style, angle, line, fabric, expression and emotion that is expressed within it.

And every so often, the combination of a team's creative talent absolutely nails the concept, and the result is stunning. Whether intended or not, when a shoot evokes something in the viewer, when it triggers a thought, a feeling or an emotion, whether it's fleeting or more profound, it embodies the wordless importance and beauty of art in all of its dimensions.

Already a massive fan of the exquisitely talented Irish Fashion Designer Claire Garvey, we're always excited to see what she creates next. At a first look, we mused over the possibility that she had started making clothes for dolls, and further mused about how on this bloody earth she incorporated such beautiful and proportionate detail on such tiny dresses. We must emphasise that this thought process was short (mainly so we don't sound stoopid).
On closer inspection we could see that they were in fact human, with a wide-eyed doll edit in places, and grew even more fascinated.

The intricate detail and style of the dresses and the lines of the shot fill your visual field and pull you into a trance. The image of perfection in the fairy-tale hair, the dream-like dresses, the colours, the faces and the flawless make-up in some shots are contrasted then by two slightly darker and more sinister images. What struck us was a visual portrayal of an internal struggle perhaps between the outward appearance of perfection and love, and the inward build up of rage and frustration against such limits and expectations. A beautiful depiction of reality through life imitating art imitating life. Yeh you heard.

Check out Twisted Dolly below and the talented team who created it:

Models: Anca Condrache and Adam Gaffney
Make up: Deborah Bux and Anca
Hair: Raissa Gilligan
Designer: Claire Garvey.
Photographer: Tiara Rad from www.photographymill.ie
Concept: Adam Gaffney

BREAKING GOOD!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 21:43:00 +0000

Irish Music Gets A Platform To Shine

Bands!!! Soloists!! Get yourselves signed onto Breakingtunes.com if you haven't already!!

Frockstar was thrilled today to read of a new partnership between HMV Xtra-vision and First Music Contact who promote the Breaking Tunes initiative for new artists.

It's called Breakingstage and Irish bands will be given an opportunity to perform their new releases in the HMV flagship store on Grafton Street and in Belfast in the Donegall Arcade store. This will be a regular slot every Saturday at 1pm, kicking off on May 16th.

Band releases will be prominently on sale within HMV and they will also have an chance to sell merchandise thanks to a HMV pop up which will tag along on the First Music Contact's annual tour and showcase.

This marks a change in national recognition for contemporary artists in Ireland and comes after some controversy surrounding the Arts Council's decisions in previous years to allocate greater levels of funding to classical and traditional music projects.

PROGRESS!

Frockstar says HELL YEH

X

Click for full article:
http://www.imro.ie/industry-news/breakingtunes-breakingstage-initiative-launched/

Fashion Nods 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 12:24:00 +0000

Good Afternoon Frockstars

Time for a little look at some fashion favourites for Autumn 2014, some pre-collections as seen in London Fashion Week earlier this year and some that tickled our fancy as modelled by some of our fav celebs.

First off, we have to give a nod to the wonderful Christopher Kane who threaded a burst of romantic pale pink and sometimes neon colour through his darkly autumnal series of oversized suits and bin liner chic in his collection at LFW.

This Autumn to keep our bodies toasty, Frockstar wants this beautiful coat, retro inspired fur trimmed coat brought ferociously up to date using pale pink with a bin liner chic body. We think it's a perfect match for a fashion forward rockstar:

Source: IMAXTREE / MATTEO VOLTA

Kane's geometric black and white organza creation hypnotised fashion onlookers and leaves us visualising being the centre of a veritable spirograph dance at the next wedding we're invited to.

We could be our very own Mac screensaver with this little beauty:

Source: IMAXTREE / MATTEO VOLTA

Next up Emma Stone has dazzled at the recent run of The Amazing Spiderman 2 premiers with outfits that seem inspired by the very Man of Spiders himself, at least in the colour department. (Just to be clear, we are not suggesting she has been seen in a full head and body jumpsuit.)

Chanel has nailed a flowing combination of red and blue giving a nod to a Victorian style embellished with an eastern influence.

Rex Features

We also liked this creation by Erdem, an ornate design incorporating a layered cape style in the back. Which Spiderman is probably annoyed about, what with not having a cape 'n stuff.

Rex Features

LEATHER ALERT!

Cameron Diaz has us oogle-eyed with this fully-armed (not with weapons other than her exceptionally toned arms) leather pencil dress. We WANT!!!

PA Photos

And just because we NEVER tire of seeing the off-duty model style since it's so damn casually leggy, deliberately shabby chic and desirable, here are Giselle and Miranda Kerr. These ex-Victoria Secret Angels give us their finest relaxed look, complete with black leather jackets, Frockstar's No.1 fashion staple:

PA Photos

Frockstar salutes you!

Peaches - A Sweet Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 20:41:00 +0000

X RIP X

A Journey to the Middle of Nowhere :)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 17:16:00 +0000

Good afternoon Frockstars :)

It's been a while since my last confession and my penance is a sore butt after a month of horse-riding 7 hours a day across the wilds of Costa Rica. I spotted a quote a while ago, sticking its buddhist-esque head out from the hopeful daily assault of inspirational thoughts on Facebook, that said:

"Sometimes, you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. And sometimes, in the middle of nowhere you find yourself"

It was accompanied by a photo of a bearded man in leathers astride a Harley Davidson, rats tail blowing in the wind behind him as he charged down a deserted highway somewhere in the States.
It captured my imagination and my restless soul and I 'came to' with my index finger hovering above 'book now' on a Harley Davidson *website for a tour across America. Thankfully the executive functioning centre in my brain rustily kicked in and I began to doubt whether I could manage it, you know, what with never having actually operated a motorbike before.

So I switched it for riding a horse which as memory served at the time, I used to be good at, and found the perfect spot up north in Costa Rica. The plan was to work on a ranch there just outside Puriscal and after some time bonding with my horsey, ride south and arrive at the Pacific Coast having navigated the wilds of this Central American gem purely on horseback.

It's probably a good time to mention (in case it wasn't already obvious) that this year I am trying to do a little soul searching, a little heart hunting and a little mind mending. Break open the boundaries that had gradually etched their way into grooves around my daily life, like little ninjas, with a cement mixer.
Once I spotted them and their sneaky little ninja masks, I began to scramble around my proverbial coop for freedom and do what many brave Irish men and women have done in the years gone by, LEG it across the Atlantic.

So off I went with my bag on my back (I'm starting to sound like Nelly the Elephant - I must tell you about the time I applied to join the circus) and arrived at Terminal 2 in Dublin airport, which is regarded as a treat and "you must be going somewhere kinda fancy coz Ryanair doesn't fly out from there" sic - kid on bus, 8yrs.
My first stop, 24 hours in New York. Holy mother of Mary and all of her angels and the patron saint of whatchacallhim. I knew I was going to like it but I wasn't prepared for the injection of adrenaline that basically sent me running, actually running around New York City. I walked out of my hotel on the Upper West Side and involuntarily broke into a sprint. I ran through Central Park, up Fifth Avenue, ran around Tiffany's (for the laugh - "no madame, we do not sell black diamonds") up past Rockefeller, Radio City and kept going until I got to the Empire State Building on 34th. I ran because I was giddy and excited and I didn't want to miss anything by taking the subway. I ran because I only had 24 hours and I wanted to see as much as possible. I ran because my father had filled my head full of the dangers of New York attackers before I left, and running would be off-putting for ill-intentioned folks. And I ran because it was -10 degrees and there was snow on the ground and it was the only way to retain heat in my puny Irish body.

I reached the top of the ESB…ok, if you're from Ireland that acronym does not work. Try again. I reached the Empire State Building at sunset and it was there, as the fiery rays of the sinking sun splayed their light across the city outline I had seen on TV all my life, I made a promise to myself that I would come back and live in this iconic city that buzzed with pure energy, enthusiasm and electricity. I wanted a piece of that. But for now… I was flying south.

TBC :)

*(For those interested: http://www.eaglerider.com/motorcycle-tours/self-drive-motorcycle-tours.aspx)

Sunday Catwalk...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 12:26:00 +0000

Greetings Frockstars!

Sunday saw me take to the catwalk for the Peter Mark Colour Trophy Awards in the old Burlington Hotel (now Doubletree I believe)! My lovely and very talented hairstylist (below) Lisa Hollingsworth and Carla (not in frame) tended to my locks all day. My dress is a stunning creation by the wonderful Irish designer Claire Garvey and make-up was by Lyndsey Kavanagh.

I always get a kick out of being around creative people, I think I feed off them, ingesting their dynamic and sparkling energy and transforming it into something that inspires me for my own life.

That kinda makes me sound like a parasite.

Em… I don't feed off them until they have nothing left and are a shrivelled up version of their former selves, just until we have a nice balanced connected relationship and both parties feel full of enthusiasm and positivity (and still fully inflated) ;)

Stay classy

Music Muse & Style Star: Gwen Stefani

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 18:40:00 +0000

FROCKSTAR

GWEN STEFANI

One mind-numbingly boring Sunday afternoon when I was 11, I robotically flicked through the TV stations and landed on the Chart Show (a cult viewing that counted down the Top 20 without a host, quirky at the time, it was actually a talking point a school…anyway, where was I? Oh yes, close the bracket). There, I was introduced (visually, not verbally since there was no host) to a white blonde red lipped beauty holding a peach up to her face singing with that captivating vocal that is distinctly Gwen. 'Don't Speak' got me hooked enough to peg it down to Discland after school the next day to buy Tragic Kingdom, No Doubt's third studio album, and by far the most successful.

Gwen Stefani was the single most coolest and stylish girl I had seen fronting current music at that time. Her feminine beauty coupled with her edgy, funky and at times tomboy style inspired me to think that I could be a musician one day without having to ensure I had a brazilian wax before I go on the stage or down the street, or get intimate with a shovel or something, hypothetically speaking you understand. Ahem.

Still Gwen epitomises the 'cool female', 'the sexy but not overtly so', 'not trying to prove anything' kind of persona, which as a wide-eyed 11 year old going on 16, I desperately wanted to emulate (is that an oxymoron?). She represented a feminine force that was universally undeniably attractive while simultaneously managing to retain a chic sophistication. She was and is still in my eyes, the perfect combination of style, elegance and edge. Her track Just a Girl is one of my all time favourites, simply because it rocked my world as that 11 year old, and it opened up a world of possibility where females can be powerful and sexy without selling their souls.

Gwen Stefani, Frockstar Salutes You!

The Handbag and the Freak

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 00:24:00 +0000

I've always been a bit strange when it comes to handbags.
I appreciate the aesthetic of them and frequently I find myself wandering around the ground floor of Brown Thomas, weaving in and out of the designer's sections that each house the current season's various creations. But when it comes to hanging the carefully crafted leather on my shoulder, I've always felt a little out of sorts and a little bit like blushing... Allow me to explain. I am a self-confessed tomboy, albeit with a highly functioning feminine heart and outer trim. I am crazy about fashion and most trends garner my interest with at least one element of the designs, but handbags... well they still haven't made it into my adult psyche. Perhaps until now... Enter Miu Miu.

They have just released the biker bag - edgy, leather-y, buckle-y and it comes in several combinations of colours that add just the right amount of "I am not taking myself too seriously". They may even be funky enough to break the admittedly odd spell I have going on with handbags.
Now all I need is the 1500 euro price tag. Hmmm... back to the plastic bag.

Miu Miu Biker Bag
http://www.vogue.it/en/shows/oddities/2013/10/miu-miu-biker-bag#ad-image305851

Guitar Shoes - just in case you forget your Strat for a gig

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 10:58:00 +0000

These shoes!
A perfect collaboration between fashion and music :)

http://www.chicksonspeed.com

Rant #2 Rain it in...please?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 22:46:00 +0000

I've always wished that I could be one of those humans who don't give the lashings of rain a second thought as they slide into their trainers and their work out gear. Stretchy tops and pants that are scientifically manipulated so that their temperature prances along at a comfortable level as they peg it through the city, drenched locks flying out behind them, eyeballs fogging up like glass lenses; splashing poor old grannies as they pound the puddles, much like how my car drenches the runners. Sozzlers for that if you're a victim. In fact sozzlers on behalf of all drivers, sometimes we don't see you. Sometimes we do.

Recently I have heard of a pre-school in Scotland that is conducted entirely outdoors. Meaning, the kids, the little ones, arrive early in the morning for their day and come rain hail or shine, will conduct all of their activities outside, sometimes in the forest for some shelter. Perhaps if the hail is actually like tiny white spherical weapons, they may take shelter in a hut, but generally, these kids live outside during their school days. The requirement is the right gear of course to insulate their little bodies so they are totally prepared for and resilient against any weather.

I wonder if I went to a school like that would I be less likely to cower at the windowsill peering indignantly out at the rain we're having right now? Less likely to write off a day of activities for fear of my outfit and hair being destroyed and ending up looking like a frizz monster circa 2000 (before GHDs)? Who knows... but right now, as I peer out the window covered in droplets, I fight off the urge to roll up into a ball and hibernate like the hamsters I had as a kid. That we thought died one day. They were actually hibernating. They got a ceremonious funeral. Oh dear.

Well, if I can't suck it up and go dancing in the rain, a pair of red Hunter wellies and this polkadot umbrella as featured in Vogue will keep me happy and dry!
Here are some red and black themed fashion forward rain embracers:

Til next time

X

The Scent of a Man

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Thursday Frockstars!

I happened upon a very interesting article from Susan Irvine for Vogue's beauty section discussing the science behind men's fragrance and the impact it has on women and women's perceptions, unconscious or otherwise. But interestingly it leads to a recognition that the "rise of the gay aesthetic" signals a gender revolution where men are embracing fashion and scents for their own sake instead of just to attract a flock of females, much like in the 1920's when Chanel embraced the masculine in the creating of the new female self.

"what we are seeing is the continuing evolution of French chic that began with Chanel" Frédéric Malle

Even Lynx are moving away from having the attraction of females be a focal point in their adverts and simply focusing on the guys themselves.
The rise of the female fashion industry was a mark of independence and strength for a gender that at the time was otherwise marginalised. Perhaps a similar rising is happening now for gay men?
Frockstar salutes the revolution!!!

What do you guys think? Do you have a favourite scent that gets you hooked every time even on strangers?

You can read the full article here:
http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2013/10/17/perfect-chemistry---how-women-want-men-to-smell

Til next time

X

James V McMorrow, my how you've changed!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 16:20:00 +0000

NEW IRISH MUSIC: Cavalier
James Vincent McMorrow

I got a little package this morning in the shape of James Vincent McMorrow's...(that's your mind not mine) debut single from his forthcoming album, Post Tropical.

The track is called Cavalier. As I pressed play, my eyebrows raised involuntarily and I digested the realisation that McMorrow, with this track anyway, has shifted from the folk thread that neatly sewed up his debut Early in the Morning. Presuming this is a general sound shift, (and one would presume a debut track release from a new album would set the scene for the rest of the songs within) it's a brave move from the Irish native who enjoyed phenomenal success with his debut folk style album, complete with world tours and international acclaim. McMorrow has previously been open about the fact that he is a fan of hip hop fan and we laughed when he joked that that he would like to work with T-Pain. At the time that seemed an unlikely collaboration, but perhaps not so anymore.

The first thought I had upon hearing Cavalier was of Frank Ocean and his track Pyramids as there is a distinct floaty hip hop feel, particularly when McMorrow lets loose with his signature falsetto about 2 minutes in.
My ears locked onto James with his early track If I had a Boat where the middle 8 brought me out in a rash of goosebumps (a good thing for those confused), and he's done it again with that haunting voice in Cavalier as he chants how he remembers his first love.

This marks a departure for McMorrow, but despite how difficult it can be to switch genres in this game, this particular shift is likely to be a success. That voice can permeate any genre and still retain his musical fingerprint.

Post Tropical is released January 13, 2014 and you can hear it on 'You Need To Hear This' here: http://noisey.vice.com/en_uk/read/youneedtohearthis-james-vincent-mcmorrow-cavalier

X

Furry Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 15:40:00 +0000

Fake Furs

I cannot get enough of fake furry coats, all shapes and sizes, all colours, full hairy coats, to woolly gilets, ahhh help, I will have spent all of my pocket money [sic] before winter even hits! Every shop I walk into that has some furry or woollen specimen on a hanger, I'm over as though it's a little puppy waiting to be cuddled. Ahem. Anyway, back to business!
Take a look at some of our favs that are being rocked by Gisele for H&M and new face Atlanta de Cadenet for Diesel.

Left Top: H&M, Grey Fake Fur, thin not too bulky if you wanted to rock it blazer style for a not too cold day, only €19.95
Left Below: Fake fur in powder pink, for those days you want to get cosy and put a sheepskin around you, this is for you! This checks in at €59.95

Gisele for H&M

Atlanta for Diesel

Eminem - Survival of the Rap God

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 15:02:00 +0000

The Marshall Mathers LP 2

Eminem's 13th (believe it or not) studio album is scheduled for release on November 5th. So far we've been privy to 3 tracks from the forthcoming release, Survival (which will be on the new Call of Duty), Berzerk and Rap God. Based on this trio of single releases, the new offering from Marshall is promising to pack punch particularly as there are some new collaborations to look forward to on the album with the likes of Rihanna and Skylar Grey (we like the latter, the former needs to at least put some pants on).
I can't help but be completely fascinated when I hear Eminem rolling off a salvo with 76 syllables in one breath. Rap God is a captivating example of this and whether you like Eminem or not, you cannot deny his talent for articulating that which is his current bugbear in a way that may pack a punch but is nonetheless impressive. Despite the tinge of rage in most aspects of his writing, he has an unbelievable ability to capture this emotion with the use of vicious sarcasm and tongue in cheek nods to industry drama:

"How could I not blow? All I do is drop F-bombs, feel my wrath of attack Rappers are having a rough time period, here's a maxipad"

We here in Frockstar are really liking Survival, as we love the rock guitars as the platform for Marshall's unrelenting verbal assaults and assurances that he's not going anywhere:

"Cause I'mma fight 'til I die or win
Biting the dust it'll just make me angrier, wait
Let me remind you of what got me this far, picture me quitting
Now draw a circle around it and put a line through it, slut
It's survival of what?"

He is an enduring artist and leader in the hip hop world, but a rap God? I think Kanye may take umbrage with this and perhaps issue a statement to 'his' public warning us about the follies of worshipping false gods. However, Marshall manages to just retain the cool edge over Kanye, I would prefer to hang out with him any day.

Frockstar says: Kanye 0 - 1 Eminem

Take a listen to Rap God and Survival from Eminem's upcoming album release, The Marshall Mathers LP 2

Song of the Week - Take Me To Church

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 09:19:00 +0000

Hey Frockstars!

Our song of the week is... drumroll...

TAKE ME TO CHURCH by Hozier

I had the pleasure of working with Hozier as he and I sang with Billy Ocean last year. He's a gent and I'm loving the leading track from his EP, Take me to Church. It's a stunning production that has a serious edge and pulls you right in to the lyrics and the melodic progression right up to the end. The video for this track documents an emotive look at homophobia, beautifully produced by the team of Feel Good Lost and brilliant to see young artists addressing very real issues. Musicians being people that kids can look up to again? Praise the Lord!! Frockstar wishes you all the best Hozier, but with beautiful hooks like the chorus in this track and an intoxicating vocal to top it off, your future is bright young sir. Take a look at the video for Hozier's debut release, Take me to Church.
What do you guys think? Like if you Like!

MAC Beth!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 00:04:00 +0000

A small step towards embracing the unconventional in the fashion and beauty world, M.A.C last season enlisted the services of Beth Ditto, lead singer from a band we LOVE, The Gossip, to develop her own make up line - The M.A.C Beth Ditto Collection.

Ok ok it's last season but Beth is a mega respected icon for us here in Frockstar. She furiously squashes notions and preconceptions of the 'perfect' image in fashion having famously inspired Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier as their muse. Beth has walked the catwalk, donned the fashion and strutted her stuff with a confidence that we would like to borrow at the best of times...hmm...Frockstar thinks we can learn a little from this dynamo :)
Beth's vibrant (what else would you expect?) range of M.A.C make up would add life to any face! Get painting :)

New Music - LORDE

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 16:45:00 +0000

There is a sea change as far as we here at Frockstar are concerned in terms of pop music. As mentioned already, our focus will be on new music that is breaking moulds, catches our ears because it's goddamn good, not just because it's got a relentless ear worm burrowing through our brains and out the other side leaving us wondering if we blacked-out and mourn the loss of precious minutes and days of our lives... dramatic much?

This week we are loving a young artist by the name of Lorde. Her new single 'Team' represents that musical shift for us as it steadily moves along, the focal point being a pure vocal, with loads of space around it to breathe in the production. Team is actually proving to be the highest mover up the Billboard charts this week and her debut album 'Pure Heroine' has been tipped for a Top 10 on the Billboard. She's only 16 and from New Zealand and is challenging the current status quo when it comes to popular music. If you like Jessie Ware, Lykke Li, Sky Ferreira, check this girl out. She tells us she is over being told to throw her hands up in the air. So we <3 you Lorde!

Frockstar Rants & Raves!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 16:09:00 +0000

These are usually housed on the Rants & Raves section of the blog but the odd one will make it to this feed just for the hell of it :D

Rant #1

Sex sells.

What exactly? Dignity? Pride?

I'm just gona say it. I'm definitely no prude, but I, as a (relatively) young female in the 21st century, am growing tired of seeing Rihanna rippling her bare bum up at the screen, and Miley shoving hers into unsuspecting males as they go about their business. I mean come on girls! Complete abandonment of potential impact other than "I'm super hot aren't I?" for you and your music? Is this what years of women fighting for independence, respect and equal rights has led us to?

I suspect that some people think that it IS an expression of independence to do exactly as they please with their bodies and on some level I agree with that. I am also a huge supporter of freedom of expression and of the creation of art. But let it be for something with meaning, let there be a reason, a depth, a cause, a belief, a concept, a passion. But sex just for sex's sake? I'm bored already. There is no shortage of over-sexualised material on the internet and on our TV screens, but these ladies are musicians. Not strippers...musicians. As a friend pointed out, a lot of strippers hate their jobs, but have found themselves in that position, struggling to make ends meet for their kid at home and the bills they have to pay. Rihanna, a millionaire, in her latest video, Pour It Up, bounces provocatively on her throne, bare legs spreadeagled surrounded by strippers while putting money in her mouth. Euww. Hell knows where that's been. Perhaps in a real strippers thong. Sigh.

I digress...

I'm under no illusion that the music industry bosses are only too thrilled to utilise these women's eagerness to bare all, as Sinead O'Connor rightly pointed out.

Don't get me wrong here, I don't have a problem with nakedness, some of the most beautiful fashion shoots are those that capture the female form, like how Peter Lindbergh captured Cara Delevigne back in April of this year (see below). But in my opinion they are shot tastefully, yes sexy but also portraying sophistication. After looking at fashion shots like this, I always feel inspired. After looking at the Miley Cyrus 'hotel shots', I feel unclean, and I furiously wish I could unsee things.

As I look at the soul-less look in Miley's eyes (of course that might have been the joint), it leaves me wondering where we go from here. Because, whether I or anyone else likes it or not sex sells. It has done for a hundred years since the dawn of advertising.

Miley Cyrus and her Wrecking Ball video generated almost 20 million views in 24 hours. More attention means more revenue for record label bosses leaving those musicians who are relying on primarily just their music to capture investment and secure their future trailing very far off in the distance as unattractive candidates for majors to support. 200,000 views you say? Pah. Take your top off and we'll talk.

Here's to a revolution:

FROCKSTAR SUPPORTING NEW MUSICIANS. NAKEDNESS UNIMPORTANT, OPTIONAL AND ENTIRELY AT ARTIST'S DISCRETION.

Check out Peter Lindbergh's shoot with Cara Delevigne:

http://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/cara-delevingne/#_

I'm so excited. And I just can't hide it...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 22:16:00 +0000

Well good evening Frockstars!

This is it, my very first blog and my very first post. I'm not gona lie...I'm actually a wee bit nervous ('wee' being the operative word...too much?) The title of the post was just to exude an element of bravado and disguise the niggle that I'm publishing my innermost thoughts with the world (yes I am ambitious about my international reach).

For the gigantic mostpart though I am SUPER excited to start promoting and reviewing some of my favourite new music and featuring my favourite rock looks in fashion from around the world. I'll have a special focus on Irish music and on edgy looks that our very own musicians are rocking on the streets and the stage because well, we should look after our own, riiiight? Sometimes I'm going to break into excitable rants because I believe in whatever it is, or because it triggers a passion. Bear with me, it'll be worth it :)

The rock look in fashion and styling never fails to get my heart racing. There is simply just something about it. It's something to do with what it symbolizes, all the studs, black leather, black kohl, big lashes, big hair, or reckless hair, biker flair, it all screams rebellion. It screams non-conformity, 'cool' in its truest, original sense. It triggers something primal in me. Rarr.

And what goes perfectly with a leather jacket and bardot-esque kohl-lined eyes? Why killer music of course. I'm talking music that gets the people going ("it's provocative"thanks Will Ferrell). Music that challenges us, that rocks us, that makes us cry, that gets our attention, that makes us think. Music that makes our spines tingle, that makes us feel like we've made a new friend when we hear it. What you won't find here is music that is being churned out from the hit maker factory. I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty tired of my ears being assaulted by generic solid state, brick wall and structurally cloned tracks.
This blog, my deadly little frockstars, is for those of you who rock the shit out of it, and do it with style.

Til next time

Lola
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