On-Point.be

Photos: JtotheC presents: Solid Snow

lloyd — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:30:59 +0000

Winter is here. And the snow is solid. So get your craft on and build something. Like a big footed snowman with a cap on, another JtotheC production, straight out of the city of Kuurne:

If you have any on-point related snow art, please send it over and you might see it blogged before christmas! (mail: alex (at) on-point.be)

Video: Where Is Gary? Interactive Documentary Trailer

lloyd — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:35:54 +0000

When Jean-Baptiste got scammed by a con man named Gary, he decides to track down this man. On his google quest he discovers people all over the world have encountered the same situation, so he decides to go on a true manhunt and find this man called Gary.

The search will result in ‘Where Is Gary?‘, a documentary in the spirit of Rip: A Remix Manifesto, simply put: freely consume, communicate and cocreate this documentary.

Peter De Maegd: ‘For us, this is an experiment, a big leap into the unknown. Normally, when shooting a film or documentary, you produce isolated from your audience. Only when everything is completed and finished, you get it out there, you distribute. Now we produce and distribute at the same time. It feels a bit awkward we admit, but we are really exited to see what you, the audience, will do. So just do it!’

‘Were you ever conned? Tell us. Do you have a friend who was conned? Invite him or her to tell their story. Comment on our webisodes and feel free to suggest us new subject and angles.’

‘Where Is Gary? will run for 10 weeks with at least 20 webisodes. We’ve got some exiting storylines in the pipeline; all of them open to your involvement. Just spread the news about this project and contribute in any way you want. Maybe your story, opinion or clues will change the course of this story. Why not become a producer by helping us to get the documentary financed? Just click here and get your life long producers credit.’

Advertorial : Santigold doing the polo

lloyd — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:24:19 +0000

There are quite a couple of things I don’t get when it comes to the noble game of polo. One I do know though – and so I was told during a short walk through Buenos Aires, where the game seemed to be quite big – polo is one expensive sport. Needless to say, you won’t play it on the streets.

Apart from my impression of it being quite an elitist happening, Santigold still got into polo and it seems like she’s all passionate about riding her horse and all. Which is fascinating. Brooklyn we go hard! Enjoy this third (and last) installment in the Vodaphone 360 Heroes series:

For more videos check.

This post is an advertorial, as paid for by Vodaphone. I hope you feel me when I say I wouldn’t have posted it if I wouldn’t have felt it.

Yours truly, alex.

Video: Bonom on TV Brussel (Interview + Live)

lloyd — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:39:46 +0000

Bonom did it. He let the television team of TV Brussel in his comfort zone and showed them around town, talking about a couple of his trademark pieces.

The result is a captivating report climaxing into Bonom climbing on the rooftop of an apartment block at Brussels-Kappellekerk station and a homage to his father who recently passed away. A must-see:

Previously on Bonom:

Article: Belgium’s Heritage in Electronic Music

lloyd — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:06:21 +0000

When The Word asked my to tell the story of Belgium’s heritage in electronic music, I didn’t know where to start. Too many things I wanted the world to know, too many things I wanted the world not to know about. Still, the article had to be written, and without any doubt, stories were to be told. So I dug into the archives, and well…

At least for a decade and a half, Belgium gained an international reputation, for stripping dance music from its soul, letting machines reign the discotheques and for adding an abstract tongue-in-cheek humour to the dancefloors. From Paul Oakenfold to Marilyn Manson, the influence is still felt to this day. And as it seems, it all started with a small movement of soul and funk aficionados, going mental over so-called ‘popcorn’ music.

Read the entire two-pager, by getting your copy of The Word, or by downloading the article:

Photos: Cuprocking in Brussels

lloyd — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:39:09 +0000

The following pictures were taken only last week, but since I passed by the exact same spot only an hour ago, I can confirm this piece of contemporary typography is history by now. ‘Sur le chemin de la vérité’ it read, freely translated I guess the author meant he/she was on his/her way to the truth…

And in true cuprocking style (remember) that quest for truth looked very much like this:

(spotted at the church at the end of Rue de Bailly, 1060 Brussels)

Video: The Past Decade According to the 9-year-olds

lloyd — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:52:47 +0000

In a couple of weeks we’re running into a new decade, not just a new year. This next video is about as genius as it gets if you ask me. Because what do you do to wrap up a decade?

You ask the nine-year-olds:

Some of my favourite quotes:

“My computer doesn’t do that.”

“9/11 could be a phonecall to the police, 911.”

After discussing wars, terrorism and global warming, the children were asked about their biggest fears, and fortunately, they prooved to be nine-year olds after all:

“I’m afraid of a doll that walks like a human but kills like a murderer.”

(via)

Advertorial : Buraka Som Sistema – How to organise a block party

lloyd — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:33:23 +0000

When Vodaphone asked Buraka Som Sistema what would get their groove on, they decided they’d better throw a block party for their old Buraka neighborhood, the roots of their success. The party doesn’t seem to be all that blazing though, seems like it kind of stopped after one show… where’s the after-party? The story doesn’t really go full circle with this one I’m afraid.

(Mind you, the following player contains a series of videos, not just one, watch all episodes if you want to catch the full story. And mind the ‘Kanye is a whiny bitch’ shirt)

For more videos check here.

This post is an advertorial, as paid for by Vodaphone. It will be used to pay bills.

Yours truly, alex.

Photos : Bxl-Les-Nuits – the storyboard without a story – part four

lloyd — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:46:49 +0000

Murder, torture and out-of-town shadows… With a claustrophobic wind blowing through this BXL-Les-Nuits storyboard, the story still hasn’t been formed, and even if it were, the end seems far from near. As the ambulance is called to the scene, memory becomes a vague term and a man called Baantjer turns his back to the events:

Article: Crossing Schaerbeek: the downfall and uprise

lloyd — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:00:10 +0000

As of yesterday you’ll start finding The Word Magazine in and around shops and bars around the country (or in your mailbox if you’ve been so supportive to subscribe). The latest issue is all about our country’s heritage, in various areas, quite leftfield if you ask me, so no beer, chocolate or Manneken Pis or Grand Place. But, for instance, the story behind the delapidated Crossing Schaerbeek stadion:

‘Crossing’, reads the sign as the 23 bus stops on the north side of Schaarbeek’s Josaphat park. For a minute there, rumors were this might soon be the only reminiscent of a long-forgotten chapter of Brussels’ sports heritage.

None of this pessimism seems to be relevant as we enter the Crossing stadion down the road, where FV Kosova just moved to its fifth place in 2nd provincial league by beating Kappelle-Op-Den-Bos with a 2-0 victory. The atmosphere in the supporters bar underneath the dilapidated football stadium feels like a warm family reunion, with prodigal sons stepping in one after the other, refreshing beer awaiting them upon their arrival.

The contrast couldn’t be bigger as we sneak into the abandoned stadium above, forbidden territory for visitors, as the building is closed off out of fear for the roof and parts of the tribune to collapse. Showers and dressing rooms gathering dust since their closing a decade ago. The roof suffering from severe concrete decay. – photo: Sarah Michielsen.

Download my little contribution, I’m very curious to hear your thoughts on this on, especially from my Schaerbeek-based visitors. This was more difficult to write than Mr.Fisherman, hot damn!

Photo report by Martijn Mureau:

Thanks Billy for the tip.

Podcast : Lefto – Tribute To SlumVillage

lloyd — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:40:41 +0000

Warming you up for the gig at Tavernier this next Sunday the thirteenth, I requested Lefto to prepare a neat Slum Village tribute mix, a special edition mini-podcast, for you and yours.

Then right after that I came to realize how I’ve spent half of my highschool life listening to this one tape, recorded from Studio Brussels, where Lefto and Krewcial had Slum Village in the studio for an interview and freestyle moment on De Hop, right around when Fantastic Volume 2 dropped. Luckily Jazz Neversleeps was able to recover this very session on an old cassette tape of his, recorded it, and there you have it: an exclusive mix + interview + freestyle podcast, ft. T3 and Baatin (Jaydee wasn’t with them on tour at the moment).

Sunday December 13th : Slum Village at BlueFunkDistrict at Le Tavernier, Brussels. Don’t miss out on this one! Seriously, a gig like that on a sunday, it’s a no-brainer really, unless you prefer watching quizes on television, but I presume not, right?

Slum Village’s “Villa Manifesto EP” is coming out December 15th, a digital release only, on Barak Records. Download the single ‘Dopeman’ and feel the energy right there, good music is on the horizon!

For the people who’re new to Slum Village and are catching up on the classics they’ve missed, Barak Records is releasing ‘Fantastic Vol2.10‘, The Double CD set contains the original mixes, skits and instrumentals not contained on Fantastic Vol. 2, Slum Village’s now-classic album, which influenced anything that followed and redefined hiphop all together.

Watch this next video as T3 and Elhzi break things down for you, in part 1 of Da Villa Chronicles:

As for the new album, here’s another preview : ‘Actin Normal’, produced by Kariem Riggins, directed by Dwele, lovely clip still featuring Baatin (RIP):

Photos : Eric Testroete – Paper-craft Auto-portrait

lloyd — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:00:26 +0000

Last month, around the time Halloween took over the streets for a hot day, I stumbled upon this photo of a video game designer who had made perhaps the most scary costume I’ve seen in a long time. No seriously, this scares the living shit out of me. Digging deeper in his portfolio, my amazement only grew. Mr. Eric Testroete, you killed it! The Paper-craft self-portrait:

“I made this as my costume for Halloween 2009. It was kind of inspired by big-head mode seen in videogames. I really wanted to get the faceted geosphere look with wireframe.
Software used: 3ds Max 2009, Mudbox 2010, Photoshop CS3, Pepakura.”

Watch the making-of, from the 3-d modelling through the cutting and pasting to the streets:

Video : Little Baby Jesus of Flandr – En Waar de Sterre Bleef Stille Staan (trailer) – Gust Van den Berghe

lloyd — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:17:23 +0000

My man Gust is on award tour, for yesterday the wildcard for best feature film at the Leuven Kort 2009 festival went to… ‘Little Baby Jesus of Flandr’, his graduation project, and first long play feature film. Congratulations Gust!

I’ve had the honour and privilege to see the film already three times, and I must say it is highly conceptualized in its essence, perhaps the strangest Christmas tale I’ve seen in a long while, yet not in a disturbing way. References with Von Trier and Lynch will be made, which is nice, watch the trailer:

“… adapted from the old Flemish play “En Waar de Sterre Bleef Stille Staan” by Felix Timmermans. A compelling story about three poor beggars, going around caroling on Christmas eve for money, food and liquor. They end up getting lost in the woods and witness the birth of little baby Jesus.”

You might know Gust as Gusto Producto, one half of MadeInJapan and from the Cum* documentary yours truly made with him – which will soon be online by the way.

Da BlueFunk District presents : December

lloyd — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:52:55 +0000

Following last month’s killer Dâm Funk gig, Da BlueFunk District keeps on killing things with a crazy line-up of artists, playing both at Tavernier and Bar Du Matin over here in Brusselstown.

Illa J playing tonight, followed by Ursula Rucker, MED, Guilty Simpson and Slum Village, all in the two weeks to come. Also take note, this means DJ Dez is in town two times in two weeks, and that man is utterly underrated!

Anyway, just a quick post to share the brand folding flyer – designed by J.N. – which is killer if you ask me. Get with it:

BlueFunk District presents Dâm Funk from eckelwood on Vimeo.

Music : Save the Vlasmarkt, Kortrijk

lloyd — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:33:10 +0000

Having moved to Brussels about seven years ago, I have grown more and more apart from from my hometown Roeselare and its surrounding cities. The places we’d used to go grab our beers, eat our fries and go back to grab some more beers and enjoy good music played by friends behind the decks.

Now I’m not from Kortrijk – although officialy speaking, it is my birthplace according to my pasport, still need to ask my parents about the story behind that… Anyway, the city of Kortrijk has always been close to my heart.

As of lately however, the city is up in a stur, more specifically because the city plans to destroy one of its most lively areas: De Vlasmarkt, home to the Vlas Vegas festival. The city plans to make the little square more ’shopping-friendly’ and there are plans to build appartment blocks, which might entirely take the place of the bars.

This might sound weird to a lot of you, but let me break it down for you: all Kortrijk really needs now and in the very near future, is bars, concert venues, and basically anything in between, places for the young and creative to gather. Choose shops and luxury apartments over bars and you’re pulling the wrong card, mister mayor.

Download: Vlastune (ft. Baadasssss, Xspans, Shimmy Timmy en Gesman)

Last month, local artists gathered at De Vlasmarkt, with over 30 bands they showed the need of the square as a part of the city’s creative chemistry. Part of the concept was the Vlastune, a collective effort featuring Gèsman, Chillow, Baadasssss, Xpans, Shimmy Timmy, RuUm, Mr. Brown, Koen Derieuw.

(You know Baadasssss from the first track on JtotheC’s ‘A Man And His Funk‘ demo ep, Chillow has been recording JtotheC in the studio – as seen in the video – and Shimmy Timmy and Mr. Brown are hitting stages with JtotheC as of tonight.)

Join the cause and get your fingers crossed for the Vlasmarkt to stay.

None Dollar Bill – POSTRmag’s Fake Money Hand-out

lloyd — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:04:08 +0000

Now here’s a killer concept, in the midst of the economic crisis and with political debates sparkling up every other day, why not fire things up a little more and hand out fake money to the people?
POSTRmagazine is back at it again, with their fourth edition already. And they come to sprinkle some money on you! Introducing: the none dollar bill.

Wondering if they’ll get away with this one… Come and get yours in Brussels and Ghent:

A None Dollar Bill?

POSTRmagazine: “Well, in the midst of the heated debates and brainstorm sessions we went through during the making of our latest issue (POSTRmagazine #4: The Money Issue), we were confronted with the implicit contradiction in making a magazine about money and handing it out for free. So we went ahead and converted our legally obtained knowhow on money counterfeiting into reality, mainly to attack today’s economical debauchery and, more transcendentally, to question the true relevance of conventional money.”

Ghent : Saturday, December 5th
2pm : Veerleplein near the Gravensteen stronghold
3pm : the Kouter

Brussels : Monday, December 7th
9am : National Bank of Belgium
11am : La Bourse, Boulevard Anspach

Podcast : Funky Bompa presents : Radio Transmundial

lloyd — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:58:22 +0000

Imagine yourself sipping a fresh cuba libre, hanging out in the local colmado and switching channels between New York, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Republica Dominicana, Venezuela… You’re listening to Radio Transmundial, a trip through latin music from the 60’s and 70’s.

Radio Transmundial was put together by the ever-exquisite Funky Bompa, based in and operating out of Brussels, he is known to cross seas and mountains on the regular, only to go dig up latin beauties on wax. Bompa promised me on his next travels he’d take with him a proper camera, but for now, he had this to say:

“I was on that motorcycly for a long hour risking my life at every turn. This was in the summer of 2008 in the North East of Dominican Republic, on the peninsula of Samana. I needed to cross the peninsula to reach Las Terrenas (a bit like St-Tropez in the 60s, as they say over there…). dunno if I would do it again, but it was damn exciting! The video is bad quality but it gives a very nice insight on the dominican inner land (?) Like I say : forget the 5 stars resort, go the oldschool way !”

The mix was put together as a sort of introduction to the different latin styles from the 60’s and 70’s. It takes time and homework to catch the connections and differences between every style. Characteristics like rhythmic or harmonic patterns, composition and size of the band as well as the recording time, it all defines the sound of each style and comes into account when studying them.

Bompa drained his masterbrain of all its latin knowledge only to present an impressively extended tracklist, integrating comments, original liner notes and pertinent links wherever possible. Lots of valuable information is available right down the block, so feel free to dig deeper by clicking through artists and genres etc.

Right click and download Funky Bompa – Radio Transmundial. Make sure to download the cd cover, and for the latin aficionados, start memorizing the tracklist with accompanying liner notes:

1. Broadway Orchestra Black orpheus (Gema 1964)

Genre: Dengue/Mambo (NYC)
We start off with the oldschool sound of the charanga, which isn’t actually a style but defines a type of band with violins and flute.

2. Los Galleros – Soledad (Discos Fuentes 1965)

Genre: Cumbia (Colombia)
Lovely singing on the typical rhythmic pattern of the Colombian national dance. A favorite among more killers on this sought-after compilation LP. This record was released on the famous Colombian label Discos Fuentes.

3. Ricardo Ray – More Richie (Alegre 1968) EDIT

Genre: Mambo (NYC/Puerto Rico)
Known as the ‘embajador del piano’, Richie used to team up with Bobby Cruz, signing many popular hits. He was also one of the first to ever record Boogaloo. He serves us this mambo with an early salsa feel. Slightly edited by Funky Bompa.

4. Pedro Rodriguez & Orchestra – Barripi mompo Sutton) EDIT

Genre: Mambo (NYC)
It’s a bit confusing as there is no bossa nova on this budget record. I’d go for a mambo here… Neither exists any info about a possible link with boogaloo composer Pete Rodriguez.

5. Grupo Irakere – Chekere son (Areito 1978) EDIT

Genre: Fusion (Cuba)
Incredibly funky groove from the pioneering band of Chucho Valdes (piano). This Cuban band earned worldwide respect with it’s electric fusion of traditional son, African rhythms, funk and jazz. Recently covered by Roberto Fonseca.

6. Joey Pastrana – Cry back EDIT

Genre: Latin Soul (NYC)
Pastrana had his success in NYC before cutting this LP in Puerto Rico (PR). ‘Cry back’ got this typical Latin soul sound, with the steady drums and easy pop singing. If you speak Spanish, check Pastranaís interview .

7. Pete Rodriguez y su Conjunto ñ Soy el rey (Alegre 1966)

Genre: Descarga/Boogaloo (Puerto Rico/NYC)
Not to be confused with the salsa singer, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez, Pete is by many considered the king of boogaloo. He unleashes incredible energy here, starting with a descarga and ending on a short but heavy boogaloo beat.

8. Eddie Palmieri – Estamos chao (Tico) 

Genre: Mozambique (Puerto Rico/NYC)
A classic theme by one of my favorite pianists and arrangers. Like Dengue, Mozambique is a sub-genre of mambo, with strong congas and this early stripped down salsa feel. Love that powerful trombone-only horn section.

9. Felix Del Rosario ñ Victor y Memelo (Kubaney)

Genre: Merengue (Dominican Republic)
It’s quite hard to find merengue that doesn’t get too mellow. This one, however, is as hard as it can get. The punchy percussion and crazy horn solo makes it a dancefloor hit. Watch out for this composer from San Francisco de Macoris, DR.

10. Puerto Rico All-Stars – Oye lo que te conviene (Jason)

Genre: Salsa (Puerto Rico)
Classic salsa taken from a tribute record to Pto Rico’s repertoire. The tune was selected by Eddie Palmieri himself and features Pto Rico’s typical big band sound. Probably recorded around 76-77.

11. Carmen Rivero y Linda Vera ñ Cumbia del monte (Caytronics)

Genre: Cumbia (Colombia)
This record was presented as a tool to promote cumbia as the new craze in the 60’s I believe. Check the commercial liner notes. Both Linda Vera and Carmen Rivero really excel on this record, with a tight sound and great piano playing.

12. Joe Cuba Sextet – Mujer Divina (Tico 1973) EDIT

Genre: Guajira/Son (NYC)
The guajira is characterized by it’s slow pace and minor key harmonies. Joe Cuba adds his flavor with some lovely vibes. His sextet was setting transition between the fading 50’s big bands and the 60’s boogaloo and salsa.

13. Julio Castro & Orquesta La Masacre ñ Dolor esquina miseria EDIT (New Generation 1979)

Genre: Salsa (Puerto Rico)
Nervous instrumental salsa from Puerto Rico, edited into a powerful interlude. Check the interview of Julio Castro himself here. The man played with the best, but never really got big as a leader. Pop singer Tito Nieves started in his band.

14. Ray Barretto – El diablo (Fania 1973)

Genre: Guajira/Son (NYC)
This LP came at a turning point in Barretto’s career as Fania’s percussion master. Some sidemen just left his band, but he rebound and made it a hit record. The sophisticated sound and jazzy solo parts in ‘El Diablo’ still stand out today.

15. La Playa Sextet – Riendo con cha cha (Embajadores)

Genre: Cha cha (NYC)
Though La Playa Sextet is credited for this track, the liner notes are all about Charlie Palmieri, who was hot in the 60’s NYC scene. Enjoy the Playa’s distinctive guitar sound on this laid back cha cha.

16. Orchestra Harlow & Junior Gonzalez – Rio rita (Fania 1976)

Genre: Salsa (NYC)
Larry Harlow is another Fania All Star. This Jewish pianist converted to latin music lays down a thrilling psychedelic salsa jam with fuzzing guitars and sudden rhythm changes. Not very common for a salsa big band on a big label.

17. Tito Puente & his Orchestra – Black Brothers (Tico 1973)

Genre: Latin soul (NYC)
Tito Puente is another master percussionist and gathers an impressive catalogue. He was already singing big mambo hits in the 50’s and managed to keep the pace for almost three decades at the time he recorded this classic tune.

18. Grupo Folklorico y Experimental Nuevayorquino – Choco’s guajira (Salsoul 1975)

Genre: Guajira (NYC)
Thanks to bands like these, the Cuban roots never really disappeared in the Big Apple. They play us an oldschool guajira at it’s best, with the typical Cuban ”Cuban tres” tres intro, a great flute solo plus Caito, a Sonora Matancera veteran, in the coro.

19. Hector Lavoe – Periodico de ayer (Fania 1976)

Genre: Salsa (NYC)
Hector Lavoe made it big in the Fania family too. This track was a major hit that still gets everybody singing along today. A lovely ballad with romantic strings and sweet horns. Willie Colon did the arrangements and made it my favorite salsa.

Advertorial : Nalden’s One-Night Stand

lloyd — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:07:31 +0000

It’s been a couple of months ago when I read about my man Nalden organising a one-night-only exhibition in Amsterdam. The event was crowned ‘One Night Stand’ and got backed up by the support of Vodaphone, who’s using the case to present their new Vodaphone 360 concept, as you’ll see in the following videos (Dutch only):

For more videos check.

This post is an advertorial, as paid for by Vodaphone. I hope you feel me when I say I wouldn’t have posted it if I wouldn’t have felt it.

Yours truly, alex.

Gigs/Video : JtotheC & the Bad Mothas

lloyd — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:18:58 +0000

Times are getting busy for JtotheC and the Bad Mothas, as they seem to hit stages through-out Belgium in the forthcoming week(s) and month(s). Kicking things of this week in Ghent, then hitting Antwerp, and later on doing Kortrijk. More gigs are currently being negociated, but as for now, consider the following confirmed:

And watch J doing a little street jam, as captured by Gunter, aka Eckelwood, who’s doing the live visuals on all of the gigs:

The gigs:

December 3rd 2009
Ghent – Winterkamp
…alongside Amen Ra

December 5th 2009
Antwerp – Kavka
…alongside Nag and Fata Morgana

January 22nd 2010
Kortrijk – De Kreun
…alongside extra special guest Incksalonius, BK mc.

And just for those of you who’re not in the know about JtotheC and his funk, watch the mini-documentary (and download the free demo ep):

Music : Nag – Toekomstmuziek

lloyd — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:15:54 +0000

Antwerp-based producer/mc is finally presenting his solo-project, as of today ‘Toekomstmuziek’ is up for grabs. Out on Eigen Makelij, this is one fresh release, which I’ll be banging in the car, driving up to Kavka this Saturday, where Nag is releasing the album, sharing the stage with Fata Morgana and JtotheC. (check out JtotheC – Nono in the Nag remix)

The album is some straight-up rhyme shit, if you will, all dutch-spoken, and dipped in some serious eighties b-boy funk, I’m seriously digging this one. Toekomstmuziek (meaning: Music of the Future) is a blast, click through and download the album and artwork:

A videoclip for ‘Yo’ seems to be in the making:

Video : Ray Tintori – Death To The Tinman & MGMT clips

lloyd — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:21:42 +0000

Currently working on his first feature film – produced by Spike Jonze – it seems like Ray Tintori is one gifted cinema talent to look out for. Stirring quite a buzz over his MGMT videoclips and having been endorsed by Spike Jonze himself – who named Tintori one of his favorite new directors on his blog – it seems like the 26-year-old is ready to solidify his cult status as a youtube video hero.

Let’s have a look at his work, starting with his award-winning (honorable mention at Sundance) shortfilm ‘Death To The Tinman’, which is simply beautiful:

Before that, Tintori made ‘Jettison Your Loved Ones’, a hypnotic piece about ‘A man addicted to faking his own death strives for glory while his abandoned son, a boxer who thinks he’s from the future, falls in love with his half-sister, the world’s greatest sword fighter.’

But last year, Tintori jumped to the attention of the masses with the high-concept videoclips he made for psych-rockers MGMT:

About his first feature film project let’s conclude by copy-pasting ‘Spike Jonze has picked up the feature rights to Shane Jones’ novel Light Boxes, but instead of directing it, he’s handing off those duties to Ray Tintori.’ Not bad. Not bad at all.

Music : Tinashé – acoustic videos

lloyd — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:29:42 +0000

Goosebump material right here, upcoming artist Tinashé got me all captivated with these two acoustic videos.

Watch him perform a Mbira version of ‘Zambezi’ in the woods:

Even more captivating perhaps: the acoustic version of ‘Mayday’:

In his own words:

“I was originally shipped over from Zimbabwe so I could eventually grow to become a doctor/lawyer and wire money back home via Western Union, that didn’t go so well… I blame/thank MJ.

I smiled & nodded to avoid bullying over my African accent at school until the Eastenders elocution lessons started to pay off… I can now slip in between both rather seamlessly… I grew up in Hackney. I will always be a Hackney boy but I’m enjoying being in a state of flux. Life is bigger than London.

I’m currently more in love with my guitar than I have ever been. I make guitar music. I am not ashamed to say l love pop music. That’s what its all about for me. Good music fuelled by the world around me.”

Thanks Putmeonit for the hat tip!

Photos : One Day in Ushuaia – the old prison

lloyd — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:55:27 +0000

Arguably the strangest place I’ve been over the past years must be ‘El Presidio’, the former prison of Ushuaia, which is – as you know by now – at the end of the world.

Normally this place is a museum, but for the occasion, J&B’s had emptied the place to have a party. The party was allright, but what really got my attention was the building though. Even managed to sneak up to the first floor, where parts of the prison were still pretty intact, or at least gave that impression.

“This historical prison was shut down in 1947. Nowadays most of it still stands conserving its original state, with the cells used by the convicted, their stone walls and the bars and grids.”

“The main reason for its existence was to lodge re-offenders, but it ended up with a mixture of the most dangerous criminals, thieves, political prisoners, members of the armed forces, etc.”

“Ushuaia’s life was being built around this prison and along with it.” (source)

Video : La Domination Masculine – documentary – win tickets avant-première

lloyd — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:53:32 +0000

The following documentary trailer is French spoken only, my apologies for that to the international readers, but the premise of it was fascinating enough to share it with you. Better even: there are 3×2 tickets to be won for the avant-première Fridaynight at Bozar, Brussels.

‘La Domination Masculine‘ is the new film of director Patric Jean who’s aim is to have people leaving cinemas heavily discussing the sensible topic of male dominance in society and equality amongst the sexes. Watch the trailer:

Send me a mail if you want to go to the avant-première tomorrow (Friday) night at 8pm, in Bozar, Brussels. First come, first served, though you can always add a personal message to me, if you want to motivate why this film is a must-see to you…

Info:

Avant-première ‘La Domination Masculine’
Friday 27.11.2009 20:00
Palais des Beaux-Arts / Salle M
23 rue Ravensteinstraat, 1000 Bruxelles

Photos : One Day in Ushuaia – the town

lloyd — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Ushuaia, aka the Southernmost city in the world, at the tip of Argentina. Quite a strange place that was to visit. Overall quite a desolate vibe throughout the town actually. And dogs, lots of dogs, running in the streets. Dogtown, if you will..

Since our J&B-sponsored visit to the place was a very short one – take in account we took six planes in six days and it’s clear all of this went quite fast – we only had one big walk in town, refusing to take a much-needed powernap actually.

The following is a collection of snapshots of this walk, again, a strange place, yet utterly fascinating to say the least:

Photos : Two Days in Buenos Aires : Various

lloyd — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:33:20 +0000

On our last day in Buenos Aires, we took a little time out to walk the streets of the city. A frustrating experience to be honest to you, as you can feel there’s obviously loads of things to explore and discover, but our time was limited, as we had a twenty-hour trip back home ahead of us…

As you’ll notice, no fixed gear bikes in Buenos Aires. That being said, the rest of the city feels extremely European:

Thanks J&B!

Photos : Two days in Buenos Aires : La Boca

lloyd — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:11:29 +0000

During my recent trip to Ushuaia for J&B’s ‘Start A Party’ we had a little stay in Buenos Aires, during which a little sightseeing was of course to be done. The following posts are a collection of snapshots I took during our walks and rides through ‘the city of good air’.

Football is life, at least in Argentina it is. With our local guide being an avid supporter of La Boca, he took us to La Bombonera the home of Boca Juniors, one of the world’s best known football clubs. We were told this was in fact quite a dangerous area, mostly at night, and mostly to people wearing the colors of that other Buenos Aires team: Riverplate. Do so, and you’ll get jumped within ten minutes…

Apparently I didn’t take any photos of the actual stadion, sorry to the football fans out there. I was more into the surrounding area. As one of Buenos Aires’s 48 barrios, La Boca is located in the city’s south-east near its old port, which looked quite cool, though we didn’t see that much of it:

Wuk? from the end of the world

lloyd — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:40:13 +0000

Yup, that would be me, representing WUK?, sipping J&B cocktails with Argentinian celebrities on a boat:

Photo by Vice magazine’s finest: Ringo Gomez-Jorge, you know, from the Brussels troops and all.

Off to the End Of The World

lloyd — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:24:27 +0000

True indeed, there’s moments in life where you don’t hesitate to confirm when asked ‘so, you’re a blogger?‘. Especially not when three minutes later an offer has been made, which is basically some sort of crazy dream: ‘Well then, mister On-Point,’ the dame continued, ‘what if we’d celebrate your greatness, on the very point of the world, would you like that?’.

‘Euh… I beg your pardon? Ma’am?’ The lady went on, whilst I drew me a little version of the world…

On the southern point of Latin America there is a place called Ushuaia, the southernmost city of the world. On a secret location on this special place at the end of the world, whiskey brand J&B’s is throwing an unexpected party, which yours truly was asked to attend.

An offer I couldn’t resist, so off I go, packing the bags, which has me wondering what people wear at the end of the world…

Wuk? do they wear?! All I know is my system seems to be made up to the red:

I will be back next wednesday already, and by that time you’ll know all about this adventure to the end of the world, which will feature a stop in Buenos Aires, some wicked boat action, maybe some penguins, some Latin superstars, a lot of photos and possibly a small video report. Allow me to thank the fine people of J&B’s for this experience: thankyouverymuch!

Argentine, here I come!

Video: Current TV – Embedded with Common, Mos Def, Ben Harper etc.

lloyd — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:33:31 +0000

Current TV has been around for a hot minute now, and just when I thought they’d dry up, they come back with a killer concept putting them straight on the map again. From what I’ve been reading, Current is an independent media company led by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and businessman Joel Hyatt.

“After the 2000 U.S. presidential election, Gore and Hyatt wanted to start a conventional cable news network. They were disenchanted with the existing networks, especially CNN. The plan evolved into making a viewer-generated channel aimed at an audience demographic age 18–34.”

“Since its inception in 2005, emmy award-winning current tv has been the world’s leading peer-to-peer news and information network. current is the only 24/7 cable and satellite television network and internet site produced and programmed in collaboration with its audience.”

Recently, Current launched their ‘Embedded with…‘ series. Clearly fitting the company’s vision, explained by the music team in this interview:

‘What we’re looking to do in both the US and the UK is really make sure that when we present music, we’re presenting music in a way that you wouldn’t see or experience anywhere else, so really in-depth profile views into artists that go beyond a passion for music, so whatever informs then as a person and artist because their audience is into that.’

Let’s watch Embedded with Common:

Or Embedded with Mos Def in Japan:

Or Embedded with Ben Harper:

You can follow the different Current teams on twitter.com/current_music, twitter.com/current_news and on the site, of course. This is journalism taken to a next level if you ask me.

I’ve joined the Current community a long time ago, because the cool thing about Current is their so-called ‘pods’ or short programs, of which a portion are created by viewers and users. And the people voting are not your average bunch of youtube wankers, neither are they your stereotype camera-obsessed vimeo cats. It’s mostly about content on Current.

And that’s a good thing, of course.