Lost in Talent

Lost Backstage with RDGLDGRN

2013-05-15T20:04:00.001+01:00

Green: "Mike, can you clean my balls?"

Mike (guest guitarist and friend): " Do you want me to do it with my tongue again?"

*laughs* "I don't think we can be friends anymore."

Through My Lens: Jesse Rutherford

2013-05-08T12:30:00.000+01:00

Hoodlums, thank me later.
You should have seen the look on Jesse' face when I asked if he'd go topless for the picture - it's not what you're thinking or what he probably thought at the time -I wanted his tattoos in the photo. See it's difficult being a girl shooting male bands because there are misconceptions. But that's a story for another post. another day.

Jesse Rutherford, a Newbury native is the 'front man' of American band, the Neighbourhood who has been dubbed obsessive by a few critics because he chooses to live in black and white and won't deal with restaurants who print their menus in comic sans (like any restaurant would do that) or papyrus --I'm quoting the Guardian here. Seriously Jesse, Papyrus too?

I wish I had all this information when I met him, it would have made for an interesting Q&A session. However, contrary to what's floating about on the internet, he seemed pretty 'normal' -he sure didn't come of as anal.

all poses courtesy Jesse

and a bit of colour for you.

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WishList: Festival Season

2013-05-08T12:13:00.001+01:00

It's about that time of year again, the sun is shyly making its way back, the banner are up, holiday plans are finally falling into place (or if you're like me? Just being made) and everyone is itching for some summer fun.

Festivals have become a staple for the summer and every summer thousands flock to fields around the world to enjoy sounds from some of their favourite artists/bands.

And while some are more concerned with where to go (Exit? Park life? Reading? V Fest? Glastonbury?) and who to see. Others like myself are asking the age-old 'what to wear?'

Festivals are tricky! You want to look good but there is the camping, the mud and sometimes the rain to consider. So how do we stay stylish while being practical?

Simple. Layers, multi purpose and Wellies.
Having multi purpose items is really important, a flannel shirt can go from being around the waist to cover up when the evening chills hit. Layering is also essential -no thanks to the unpredictable British weather.

Here are a few pieces on my radar for my festival wardrobe this year.

White Leather Biker Jacket and Pippy Print top

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Through my Lens: The Neighbourhood + Arlissa

2013-05-04T15:59:00.000+01:00

they are lovely boys

...and she's so sweet.

I had planned on somehow doing backstage shots at this gig after hearing a lot about both acts, but after ~~Bryan pied me off via twitter~~, I hauled my camera over to the Ruby Lounge to see if I could buy my way in ~~(read: blag my way in)~~ to shoot LA band; the Neighbourhood and London's rising star Arlissa.

Five minutes after arriving at the venue, I began questioning my original reasoning.

The question"Why the hell am I here?" kept recycling itself in my mind until Arlissa started belting out lyrics from her single 'Sticks and Stones', from then it all started to seem worth it. Pound by pound. After a few awkward moments, a casual name drop -Nas, a lot of hip rolling and killer vocals, Arlissa's time is up.

"I love bad b*tches, that's my f**king problem"

"Pop a molly, I'm sweating. Wow."

From the interlude playlist blaring through the room, I was expecting to hear straight ratchet hip hop inspired music when the 5 piece took the stage. While there were some hip hop influences in the music, it was their rebellious indie-hippie edge (and Jesse's cool mic) that dominated the show -- and what it seems makes their fans gravitate towards them so much --as everyone (but mostly the tall guy behind me) screams along with lead singer Jesse the lyrics "I don't like you so fuck you anyway."

If you're looking for some soulfulness have a listen to Arlissa and if it's rebellious indie-emo-hippy-pop aka can't really be put in a box that's your thing, check out the Neighbourhood.

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Music Stalking: Jackie D. Williams

2013-05-01T01:06:00.005+01:00

Whenever I subject creatives to the torturous process of having their picture taken I refrain from giving any instructions or directions what so ever. I just shoot because I want hints of personalities to feature in the photography for each piece.

In all the pictures you'll see in this music stalking, my subject Jackie D. Williams is looking down or away from the camera. The Oxford bred singer/songwriter is slightly camera shy and has a bad case of the twitter bug(he's tweeting fans back...). It's a couple of hours until Bluey Robinson's show at the MCR academy and I'm sat with one of his support acts Jackie discussing his beginning in music, his EP paradox, being goofy and working hard.

This twenty-one year old graduate embarked on a career in music after watching his brother gain popularity (read: 'female attention') because of his vocal ability. "I started playing guitar but the girls didn't want the guitarist when they could have the leader singer, so I started singing."

Seems easy enough.

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WishLust: Long Sleeves in the Summer

2013-04-24T23:57:00.000+01:00

I am craving this Claudia Ligari shirt.

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Rant & Rave: Let's celebrate them

2013-04-20T19:04:00.000+01:00

I can't seem to understand why women can't appreciate the good in each other.

Recently, I received a reply to a comment I made re: gender inequality and female empowerment which completely irked me. My statement went something along these lines "more women need to aspire for more, for greatness, aspire to and know it's possible to be leaders like [or greater than] Margaret Thatcher, Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama, to name a few."

I got the reply "these celebrities are not what we need as inspiration."

That set me off for three reasons;

I wasn't given any other alternatives - no better examples were stated. Surely it is only logical to propose a better case?
I would hardly say these four leaders were 'celebrities'. As when I think celebrity, my thoughts stray towards entertainment, I find it difficult to think about them deciding the economic policies of a country. But this may simply be subjective.
The statement was made by a female.

Unfortunately, I wasn't given the opportunity to give a reply so I've decided to list some reasons why I (personally) feel as though these individuals are leaders, who are rightfully celebrated.

Of course, there are many more women who are setting great examples for girls wanting to be triumphant in their respective fields - some arguably better examples than the above and excuse me for not having them at the forefront of my mind then - but I do believe that these four people and many more need to be celebrated as leaders. And as inspiration regardless of how much press they receive.

All in all my message isn't about Mrs Obama or Baroness Thatcher, it is one of support, of empowerment. One which says 'don't always pull each other down or downplay successes'. Uplift and celebrate one another.

(pardon the cliches)

Note: I said 'don't always', because it would be hypocritical to suggest that I am always positive about women, we all have our moments.

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Through My Lens: Hawker Reunion

2013-04-10T02:54:00.003+01:00

"...Prince and Justin [Timberlake] are on the same level..."

I am left speechless as my mind registers his words (read: the blasphemy). Apparently my facial expression speaks volumes of my disapproval, as Brynn goes into a fit of laughter while Gareth attempts to redeem himself -explaining that he was speaking in the context of media importance right now, not musical ability. Phew.

Both Brynn and Gareth are musicians (with differing backgrounds: Gareth studied popular music while Brynn immersed himself in classical while at university), and together they form Hawker Reunion; Manchester based alternative-folk-country duo. Their varied backgrounds allow for balance on projects, a bit of friendly banter and interesting conversation (with so many quote-ables), which unfortunately I won't be able to recount word for word because on this occasion I wasn't interviewing them -therefore no notes were taken and nothing recorded- it was a simple conversation with creative minds. An expression of self, not much different to what the lads do with their music -minus arrangements, instruments, mastering, you know the lot.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time chatting away over beers; hearing about the origin of the name Hawker Reunion: "it came from a song Brynn wrote about a funeral", talking writing: "people who know where they are in the world, don't write" and discussing the Sankey's-Bieber episode. But even more I enjoyed their music, have a listen for yourself. Their latest release 'You won't believe what I heard about the rain' is available on soundcloud, below is my personal favourite from the EP, Wolf Go Hungry.

Brynn is so obviously classic

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Lost Backstage with the Quangos

2013-04-01T05:39:00.002+01:00

"Since when do we have screaming fans?" lead singer Josh asks as Manc band, the Quangos prepares to take the stage. They are the headline act for the BBC's introducing at the Ruby Lounge and have allowed me to document the gig from the stage.

Sure enough as they arrive on stage they are welcomed by a row of screaming girls wanting to know relationship statuses. "Are you single? Are you single?" As a whole they seem unfazed -they are in entertain mode.

For the night they are joined by special guests; Matt on trumpets and Ben on the saxophone, who bring more energy to their usual up tempo performance (I first saw the boys play at the Bench Selfmade Gallery in February). Through ten songs, they have the crowd eating out of their hands -everyone's dancing- it all escalates the moment Lucille comes on, ending the gig on a high. Backstage it's buzzing -hugs and hi5s are flying- when the boys return to the dressing room they are greeted with compliments from friends and family; the same people who moments before were teasing and taunting the boys about everything. From Phil and Drew's hair to Josh's 'posh boy' ways.

Friends will be friends.

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Through My Lens: Details #1

2013-03-19T20:15:00.004Z

JC Villafan at the Takk MCR

Left to Right: Kristyna Myles, JC Villafan, Ben Williams and Charlie Cooper

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The Lost Voices: Kitty Cash

2013-03-11T23:52:00.001Z

I had wanted Kitty Cash to be the first in the new wordless feature series called 'The Lost Voices' but as we found ourselves in the green room of the Night and Day cafe with sounds of the Internet infiltrating the room, I thought the audio would be no good --so decided to write. Turns out I was wrong. Have a read and listen [here]!

______________________________________________________

I arrive at the Night and Day cafe to find Kitty dressed in a neon green top and short shorts (she's all about the sexy and pulls it off so effortlessly.) She's dancing amongst fans to the sounds of the Internet (American music duo), still buzzing from playing her first UK show to an extremely responsive Manc crowd. "Manchester was so turnt up. After we played they started chanting for Kish -- I had to run down here to get her." she says "We've played New York and LA; they are really tough crowds to get positive feedback from - you know. Like after the show, they'll be like 'you were amazing' but during the show is what you need."

Kitty Cash, real name Cachee Livingston is the young lady behind Kilo Kish -literally- she's best friend and DJ to the American rapper. The pair met at a party while at college and instantly connected. It was a 'you're so pretty. you're so pretty too' type thing and they just danced the night away. As she relies the story of their meeting, Kish is stood on the opposite side of the room beaming. There is a real family dynamic with this group -Syd, Kish, Cash, J. Scott and Matt- so much love, support and mutual respect.

It was this apparent family bond that led her to take on the role of DJ -though inexperienced and deeply rooted in fashion PR- after the search for a suitable candidate came up short. "I was just really down for my best friend." she tells me. And although she hadn't always planned on being a DJ, she's always had an appreciation for music as an art form -growing up in a culturally diverse home.

Cash is high energy - making it no surprise she's able to juggle a pr role at G-Star and DJing/touring with her best friend. While she's inspired by Kish and other friends, her biggest influences are her younger siblings - she's on a mission to be an inspiring enough big sister. "I just want to let them know 'you can do anything you want to do'." And with all her drive, it's a goal easy enough to reach.

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London Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2013: Bernard Chandran

2013-03-04T10:30:00.001Z

'the man behind it all'

This is one show I look forward to being backstage at --there is always such a friendly positive vibe, probably because the team tends to stay the same season in and season out.

While I was backstage this season, I got talking to Karen Binns; Bernard's partner in crime and stylist of the show about the collection. "This season is all about going back towards the super dressed up woman, like the women of the 50s. Times are harder than ever --you need to hold on to your job, your man and your relationships." Autumn-Winter is the time to 'hold on'; a point she stressed multiple times as we spoke.

So what is required of the woman wanting to hold on?
She'll need to do "a bit more thinking and preparing" when dressing up in the mornings. She'll need to "dress to impress" but with lightness, because 2013 is the year of lightness. "It [2013] is the year we weren't supposed to see, so we've gotta have that lightness of life" Karen explains.

It seemed contradictory though (slightly) understandable, but that cloud of doubt soon vanished when Bernard's army marched onto the scene. Clad in the softest of fabrics, great texture mixes, bright colours and intriguing prints & patterns, it became apparent that for autumn-winter 2013 the Bernard Chandran woman wants to stand out --she's strategic with her dress choices, interested in details and put together (look at that cinched waist) - but somehow manages to have that lightness about her.

Of course, there are some questionable pieces but all in all the message is clear - it's time to hold on!

Here are some of my favourites from the collection:
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Model Stalking: Zane Šalme

2013-03-02T12:40:00.000Z

Meet my muse, Zane Šalme. I met Zane backstage at Fashion Scout and almost immediately I was fascinated by her.

She broke the model mould -she was far from quiet without being obnoxious- she had this aura about her, one I couldn't quite place. Her face was just as gorgeous as her personality - she soon became the object of my model obsession. All that escalated when towards the end of day 1 she revealed that once upon a time, she was "a muse of Riccardo's". [Referring to Riccardo Tisci - creative director at Givenchy].

By Day 2, we were practically fashion besties joined at the hip-- figuratively, of course -- her hips linger where my shoulders are or there about. "Don't stand next to me. Seriously" I told her several times. In between hanging with fashion royalty, she studied and graduated as a marketing and publicity major. "It's so easy to get caught up in the modelling thing and just not go to school but modelling is not [usually] a long thing. You need something else."

These are some shots I took of the lovely lady while she hid from the beauty team and a quick video to go with it.

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In Photos: Backstage at London Fashion Week

2013-03-01T00:06:00.000Z

'...girl, I'm flawless.'

'only love'

'what a pair...'

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Public Service Announcement

2013-02-28T22:16:00.002Z

... a quick thank you for supporting me through two years of being lit.

...and this is also a (crappy) snippet of a new segment to come. I am excited for it and I can't wait to share the proper thing.

Thank you, again.

- The Dream Stalker

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London Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2013: Eugene Lin

2013-02-24T16:29:00.001Z

'He shot me down. Bang! Bang!'

The first model strutted out wearing a signature cut trench coat detailed with what some might have thought to be gold studs, they'd later find out that they were in fact; bullet casings...why am I even surprised? This is a man who once said to me "why wear cotton when you can wear silk?"

Eugene's autumn-winter collection is a continuation -- a growth of sorts from his previous-- carrying on with Greek mythological inspiration and keeping pieces such as the fitted dresses and trouser suit suggested that continuity. The collection left me admiring Eugene's attention to detail but also thinking a bit about American social and political issues -as cliche as that may sound.
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Autumn-Winter 2013: Antipodium

2013-02-21T19:29:00.001Z

'my favourite look'

With a title as bold as Sex, Lies and CCTv, there was no way in hell I'd have (willingly) missed this show. It was rightfully located at the Film Museum -away from the madness of Somerset House and by 10ish (always late) the show began.

My first thought was 'this is an interesting and frankly surprising take on anything sex related', I had expected something much more wild -kinky perhaps- but designer; Geoffrey Finch presented us with a selection of girly bright pieces conservatively styled, leaving the sex element in his fabric choices (which included velvet, leather, and what looked to be PVC [or maybe it's just patent?]) It wasn't until I spoke with my friend, Rachel and did some research that I realised that the autumn-winter '13 collection is a balanced and brilliant dedication to ~~orgasm deprived~~ reserved, Ann Mullary and ~~adulteress~~ rebel, Cynthia Bishop. [Siblings of contrast from Steven Stonberg's film; Sex, Lies and Videotapes.] The collection as a whole is out there without being overbearing.

'shaky final walk video'

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Music Stalking: Valerie June

2013-02-20T16:13:00.000Z

Armed with 2 banjos, 2 guitars, 30 minutes and supported by 6 people (or 5 I may have counted wrong) Memphis country-cum-blues-cum-folk singer, Valerie June takes the stage. She's the second support act for Jake Bugg, but she gives you enough energy to suggest she'll one day make a great headliner.

After performing eight songs which included her single 'Working Woman's Blues', she bids an amped up -slightly drunk audience goodbye saying "All my love to you, all my love. Happy Valentine's Day."

45minutes after her set and 15 into Jake's I am ushered up to have a sit down with the lovely lady. While I wait, I overhear her telling an interviewer how she turns up to soundcheck earlier than required to get her own personal Jake Bugg show. She sounds just as lovely as she looks.

But do not let her sweet voice or sky blue lace detailed get up fool you, this young lady is anything but yet another pretty girl with a voice; she knows what she wants, what she stands for and what she won't do. Tonight, a video interview is off the cards as she tells me plainly "I don't do that" while I set up my camera to record the audio.

After briefly explaining that it won't be a video interview we commence. Later on, I get more of that fiery strong woman when I suggest that the lyrics of 'Working Woman's Blues' are controversial, she almost immediately goes into defensive mode asking me plainly "What is controversial about it?" I'll admit I shook a little in my boots but quickly quote words from it "I ain't fit to be no mother. I ain't fit to be no wife" and add in the sugar daddy reference followed by a murmured "society would say it's controversial."

"There is a lot to that song." She says - going on to explain in detail. "There are a lot of women working hard and they want to be successful in their jobs -and they are- but they also are women and have a sensitive side and they are soft and they need to be nurtured and have support. If it was the definition of a woman to cook, clean and work the day job and serve the man when she gets off and change the diapers and just be worn out all the time, then call me an unfit mother. I ain't fit for all that." We're both on the same page as we laugh about a story.

Although she stands by the song completely, she's hoping that people get passed it and give the whole record -Pushing against a Stone- a listen and get the story in it. Of the soon to be released album, she says to expect a variety of sounds, from raw down dirty to heavily produced to straight up country - an across the genre border type project.

Our 15 minutes maybe up but something tells me this won't be the last time I watch the Memphis singer struggle to get her banjo strap over her hair (-it's so big and wonderful), nor will it be the last time I watch as she commands the full attention of an audience.
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This is NOT an ad for Vita Coco. I Promise.

2013-02-18T21:37:00.000Z

As part of my London Fashion Week model stalking series.

(Models + Vita Coco)

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Beauty Stalking: Hair and Make up - Day 1

2013-02-17T13:58:00.001Z

While backstage I got the opportunity to bug the lovely Lan Nguyen-Grealis (head makeup artist) and Penar (head hair stylist) at the Lug Von Siga and Tim Furssedonn; head of hair at Krystof Strozyna (Remember him?)

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Music Stalking: Billy Pettinger aka Billy the Kid in Manchester

2013-02-17T12:49:00.002Z

"I feel a bit like a mannequin." she's referring to our front of huge street windows seats at the Mongolian Grill. We are waiting on the Ruby Lounge to open for soundcheck.

Sat with me is Canadian singer/songwriter, Billy Pettinger also known as Billy the Kid, not to be confused with the actor. She is on tour in Europe promoting her newest work, 'Stars Exploding'. While we wait on Jamie she tells me about expertise; "They say it takes 10,000hours to become an expert."

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London Fashion Week: Backstage with Lug Von Siga - Day 1

2013-02-16T23:10:00.002Z

My fashion week fun began backstage at Lug Von Siga, where I got to experience the collection for myself and chat to designer, Gul Agis about her mirror focused collection, and though I was unable to attend the actual show -I had to run over to Somerset House for KTZ, I absolutely enjoyed what I saw of the collection.

On learning from Gul, that the collection was inspired by mirrors, my mind immediately ran back two seasons to Lako Bukia's collection but this collection is very much different to that though there are one or two similarities. Like Lako's, the collection involved a bit of experimenting and risk taking as graphic details were printed onto a range of different fabrics (something new to the designer). Those 3D graphic details also come from the mirrors, "at the back of the mirrors, there are 3D things because of superstition, that's where the pattern comes from" she explains.

The collection is extremely detailed and goes beyond 'traditional' mirrors however, it isn't overdone. One thing designer Gul Agis prides herself on is balance, with a mix of subtle and bold colours as well as the great detail, I believe she's done a great job of achieving just that.

'Gul Agis backstage'

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London Fashion Week: Backstage (Models + Phones)

2013-02-15T23:35:00.000Z

'selfie'

'what's your instagram?'

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Lost Thoughts: Art Galleries

2013-02-03T14:25:00.001Z

"There is something refreshing about being at an art exhibition."
And maybe it's a preconceived notion planted in my mind by the countless hours I've spent watching television or maybe it's an actual true feeling. I'm not sure. All I know is that right now and for a long time prior, standing in front of a painting or drawing, chin stroking, attempting to digest a piece of work has been a great fascination.

And lately, I have found myself devoting more time to art (Recently, I've seen the Streetview Exhibition at 2022NQ and the David Hockney exhibition at Whitworth Gallery) possibly because I am constantly in desperate need of inspiration.

Something that 'refreshing' allows.

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[New Things]

2013-01-29T21:36:00.000Z

Photo Source

Seriously, where did January go?

At the start of the year, I had planned to review my 2012 resolutions and share my 2013 ones and yet 29 days in (and 208 pages of F.S. Fitzgerald) that post is no where in sight. This may have something to do with the fact that I no longer 'believe' (for lack of a better word) in new year resolutions and so haven't made any, fashion or personal.

So, seen as I don't have any resolutions, I thought I'd share some of the new things I'll be doing in 2013.

Inspired by a talk given by David Ellison (a photographer), I decided to create a photo space and embark on a few photography projects (which are hush hush at the moment.)

'Lost Thoughts' - a new space which will allow me to share some of the odd and maybe interesting things I think.

And outside of Lost in Talent, I am involved as a UK correspondent for ZEN magazine (and will be covering London Fashion Week) and Next to Shine. 2013 sounds exciting enough already.

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