The Block

Music: Mixcrate - The New DJ Clubhouse

2009-11-16T04:28:00.000-08:00

DJ's, or anyone who have an appreciation for the craft, make sure to checkout Mixcrate.com. Mixcrate is an online DJ community where DJ's can upload mixes that they have created and have them available to be listened to, reviewed, and receive feedback from the online community.

Description from mixcrate, "Mixcrate is a music distribution platform that enables DJ artists and their fans to discover and share mixsets for the purpose of promoting DJs and their mixes........Based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, Mixcrate was created by like minded DJs and friends who wanted to share their mixes and create a single source to discover, share and explore DJ mixes from around the world. Our DJ mixtape sharing community enables music listeners, club promoters, radio stations and event organizers to discover new DJs and track their favorite DJs. DJs seeking to demonstrate their mixing skills will find Mixcrate as an invaluable promotional tool." So if you are a seasoned beat matcher or just spinning for the first time, it would definitely be something to checkout.

Style: Nice Collective Skeleton Key Tie Clip

2009-11-16T03:55:00.000-08:00

With me, uniqueness is golden. Everyone has to create their own style and be who they are. Individuality is a beautiful thing. Well, I stumbled upon this unique accessory over the weekend...and with the right attire or occasion it could be a winner. Usually it is the cuff links that one can switch up from time to time but this here is a skeleton key tie clip from Nice Collective. This would most definitely strike up a conversation or bring some life into one's suit wardrobe.

Tech: Battery Drainage? - Sanyo Stick Booster

2009-11-16T03:36:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, there is nothing worse than being out or on the road and your trusty mobile companion is about to loose all it's juice. Whether it be iPod/iPhone, cellphone, mp3 player, or mobile video game device having some back up battery juice is always a good thing. The Sanyo Stick Booster is just that. This power source comes with two rechargeable eneloop batteries that can be charged via usb, or optional addons by wall outlet and solar booster. Unfortunately, like many technologies this will be available in Dec. in Japan only.

via [likecool.com]

Art: Deck Redeux - Art of Leon Thau

2009-11-16T02:25:00.000-08:00

Skateboard decks get trashed, splintered, scraped, and destroyed...they're supposed to, unless your not using it right. That's exactly how artist Leon Thau's decks were. But instead of giving them the ol' kaboot and sending them to the graveyard he sanded them down, re-coated them and went to work....

....these were the results.

via [formatmag]

Deadmau5 - Hi Friend: Song For The Weekend

2009-11-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Deadmau5 - "Hi Friend"

I have been keeping Deadmau5 tracks and mixes pumping through my headphones lately. Cross of progressive house and electro and fatty bass line beats keeps my foot tapping. "All systems go out on the floor, this is what you came here for..." Deadmau5 - "Hi Friend"

Deadmau5 live vids after the "Jump!"

UBC Arena - Oct. 2nd [HD]

(hehe, Zelda)

Radio One's Big Weekend [HD]

Hi friend.....Ghosts....Sometimes things get

LoveEvolution Afterparty 2009 [not HD :( ]

Awesome visuals but beware the shakiness...

The Work of United Visual Artists

2009-11-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

"United Visual Artists are a British-based collective whose current practice spans permanent architectural installation, live performance and responsive installation. Research and development is a core part of our process – enabling us to constantly explore new fields, as well as re-examining more established ones.

We aim to work on a diverse and expanding range of projects, drawn from the commercial and non-commercial arenas, and to collaborate with a wide range of artists and companies."

I will let the images and videos speak for themselves.
Click "Read more".

"Volume at the V&A"

Triptych

Contact

UVA vs. Chemical Brothers

United Visual Artists
via [avidedesigner.com]

Luxury Lofts at 290 Mulberry - New York

2009-11-11T01:52:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to be able to live in a loft. It's most likely just the designer side in me wanting to be able to have a blank canvas and go wild with it. To have everything set up perfectly to a "T" from the lighting to the furniture, dj charged light fantastic loft parties till the wee hours of the night ,luminous views of the city that make you gaze out at the city lights (sigh)....I could go on and on. Well, while perusing the web this evening I saw a post reading "Realtors Transform Luxury Loft into Light Show". Me, enjoying light show fantasticness (have you seen my previous posts?)and having a liking towards lofts,I had to check it out.

The Condominiums at 290 Mulberry located in New York City's NoLita district is designed by award winning SHoP Architects. The condominium building stands 13 stories tall and has a two story penthouse topping the structure. The First floor is reserved for commercial businesses and four out of the eight loft occupancies(full floors) currently have been acquired. The penthouse is still available for a cool $7.5 million. Any takers? The light show I mentioned earlier is to promote the residences which has still yet to open.

Penthouse

Exterior

Penthouse Stairwell

Loft Interior

Photos via 290mulberry.com

Art: Bright, Loud and In Your Face - Swirly Vivid Vectors

2009-11-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess today was all about Art & Design. I usually like to mix it up but this one I could not ignore. This is part of a collection from Creato. This complete set is nothing but captivating, loud and an eye grabber.

Sweet, sweet, eye candy.
Click "Read more" to see more.

For more Awesomeness visit Creato's Portfolio

Beautiful Concept Artwork: Lamborghini Alcaldes Ultimate

2009-11-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

Concept Artwork from Romanian Designer Mihai Aron. Featured are renderings of the Lamborghini Alcaldes Ultimate. Aron's current creative fields are industrial design, package design, and product design.

More photo's after the "Jump"

view Mihai Aron Portfolio

Alien Autopsy by Chris Rowson

2009-11-10T04:02:00.000-08:00

This image gave me an instant chuckle and yet it is awesome at the same time. The "Alien Autopsy" shirt from Chris Rowson.

Photos and info after the "Jump".

Shirt available for purchase ($18) here.

via [likecool.com]

Tech: Digital Wallpaper Project

2009-11-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Digital wallpaper project from Struckt Design Studio. Using two projectors, they were able to collaborate and create this digital piece. Definitely would take a double take if I were to come by this on the street.

Click "Read more" to see the video.

F.A.T. Lab at BLK River in Vienna

2009-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

This video is blogworthy for the sheer fact that they sampled The Fat Boys. The Fat Boys was the first cassette tape I had ever owned along with my first "boom box" or double deck cassette player. Yea, I think I was about five, I got started young. A Christmas gift, I think I received that along with the original Nintendo. The F.A.T team still up to there innovative and creative ways and their awesome technology. In case you missed it, I have a previous post Digital Graffiti Creations which is definitely worth checking out. I am just envious of the fact that this is what these people do....for a living....very cool. So check it out, Projects from F.A.T. lab.

Check out more awesomeness at Vimeo.

Design: Concept Art fom Marouane Bembli

2009-11-09T04:02:00.000-08:00

Beautiful and forward thinking concept art from designer Marouane Bembli.

More featured artwork after the "Jump".

View portfolio

PS3 Coffee Table - A Gamers Essential

2009-11-09T01:02:00.000-08:00

Featured is a PlayStation 3 Coffee table, an essential for any PS3 gaming enthusiast. The coffee table's supports are modeled after the all too familiar PlayStation controllers. Not quite in production just yet, this here is currently only a concept. I'm sure it would not be a bad idea to put it into production. The only other cool thing is if you could actually use them as controllers, that would be awesome (hehe).

More photos after the "Jump".

via [designyoutrust]

Music: Video Interview w/ BT - A True Modern Musician

2009-11-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

Brian Transeau, or better known by his stage name "BT", is commonly known as a trance, progressive house, electronic music musician but also is a music composer, producer, singer, and songwriter. You might recognize him from his collaboration with Tiesto on "Love Comes Again" and "Break my Fall", or from his own albums "Movement in Still Life", "Emotional Technology", or "This Binary Universe". BT, far more than just a person creating simple melodies and making beats(he
has written numerous movie and video game scores), was classically trained in music from a young age and from his knowledge and creativity has become the music creator that he is today.

I have posted a recent interview that took place at the end of October with BT right before a live performance with DJ Ferry Corsten at Corsten's "Full on Ferry: The Masquerade 2009". The interview is a quick view inside the mind and thoughts of the musician that are very insightful to his thoughts on music today, origins of jazz, and his coming to be a dance music musician. One interesting thing to note is BT clearly states he is not a DJ, something that many people probably find confusing who have ever seen him perform live and listen to his style of music. His performance as he has named it is a live laptop symphony, truly a composer of the 21st Century. Released earlier this year, "Rose of Jericho" is available for download and is to be one track on his newest up and coming album.

Full On Ferry The Masquerade : BT interview

A surprising legitimate HD video of "Flaming June" live. One of my faves.

For more info on BT visit his website, BTmusic.

Bt is available on at these music retailers:

Bt - available on Napster

Style: Booq Laptop Bags and Cases

2009-11-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

If you are in the market for a laptop bag or case consider Booq. Booq carries slim, lightweight laptop bags that are functional and stylish. Offering backpack, messenger style, slings, rugged cases, and slim cases, Booq surely has something that will fit your needs. They offer four different lines, Boa, Mamba, Python, Taipan, and Vyper all which come in there own unique style and design. Sizes on their website are specific to Mac but also includes laptop finder to find the most suitable size for your
particular laptop. Visit them at Booqbags.com. Posted below is a select portion of what they offer.

Tech: Mavizen's TTX02 Motorcycle - Electric, Linux, and Web Server

2009-11-06T13:06:00.000-08:00

Debuting at Sema 09, The Mavizen TTX02 Motorcycle concept was to be a "Laptop on Wheels". Well, I'd say this surely fits the bill. This electric motorcycle that tops out at 130mph comes with a webserver, embedded with Linux and WiFi, meaning access the bike and its systems and diagnostics via your laptop. I have included the press conference video and photos in the entire post.

via [bornrich.org]

Domo Gets a Brainfreeze - Huh???

2009-11-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was getting a soft drink from 7 eleven when I saw this crazy looking furry creature downing a Slurpee on front of the slurpee machine. He was so crazy looking I had to take a quick snapshot. Later on in the day I decided to do some searching just for the heck of it and found out his name is Domo. Domo is originally from Japan, a mascot for a Japanese television station. Crossing the Pacific into the states, Domo was introduced last year on Nickelodeon in 2 minute video shorts and this year being used in promotions for 7-Eleven stores that started in the beginning of October. Digging a little bit deeper I found this promo video of Domo getting a brain freeze. Click "Read more" to see the video.

Personally, I think the best part is the short clip of him on the turntables....

Domo gets a brain freeze

Music Video: Clipse - I'm Good

2009-11-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

A little tune for the weekend. Clipse - I'm Good

Pharrell whips up that Neptune style that he is famous for. Released earlier this year, I thought I's bring it back for a tune before hitting the weekend. Melodic rhythmic style combined wavy synth, I'm good. A lot of times I just listen to the instrumental, either way sounds good.

Click "Read more" for Pharrell and Clipse Mashup

Clipse - Mr. Me Too

Clipse - Mr. Me Too (Official Music Video) - The most amazing bloopers are here

Pharrell - "Frontin"

Drop it Like it's Hot(Remix)Uneditied - Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell, Jay-Z

Pharrell Mashup

Lifestyle: Absolut Ice Bar Rechiseled - Stockholm

2009-11-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of the Absolut Icebar?

If you haven't heard of it, it is literally a bar completely built out of ice. From the bar itself to the stools, walls, and even the glasses you drink out of....all made out of ice. I have seen the bar featured on one of The Travel Channel's specials where they spotlight the top ten of some interesting place or thing. If in the area, The Icebar is definitely something you should have on the checklist to visit. It gets redesigned or rechiseled twice a year by designers and Stockholm is up. Featured are some photos from the newly designed bar.

via [gradientmagazine]

Style: Diva - A Lamp You Can Groove To

2009-11-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

Can I have a little sound with that?

Yes, this here is a docking station with speakers for you iPod/iPhone and a LED desk lamp. A mixture of design and functionality, this here looks like it would definitely be a nice addition to either a desk or living room. In addition to the dock and lamp, it also has digital clock, FM radio, and comes with a remote which controls all functions of the fixture. For complete specs and pricing visit Rotaliana.

Click "Read more" to see photos.

Music: On Point Moves by BBoy Wicket

2009-11-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

Like I have stated before I have a huge appreciation for music, the arts, design, style, hence...the content of this here publication. I am also a big fan of dance. This is a video I came across on YouTube featuring a B-Boy dancer named Wicket. Basically his moves are insane. He's quick, smooth, and as any person who is good at there craft, he makes it look effortless. The whole entire set is ridiculous but the moves he pulls right before the video hits a minute are sick, there is no other way of putting it. Now I am going to stop typing and let the video speak for itself.

via [fatlace.com]

After the Fact - Big Head Mode Costume

2009-11-04T00:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I know it is after Halloween and the dressing up has been done but I couldn't pass this up. I'm not too sure if there are any old school Nintendo 64 gamers out there, but if there are you have to remember 007 Golden Eye. One of the classic first person shooters, one of the modes that could be played was Big-Head mode. Well if you have never played or seen Big-Head mode this is a near perfect recreation of the "Big Head". This creativity comes from Eric Testroete. Eric is a 3D character artist from Vancouver. His portfolio states, "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." Nice job Eric. Definitely bringing back some old memories. The photos are awesome, click "Read more" to see the set.

via [makezine.com]

Urban Cursor Project

2009-11-04T00:34:00.000-08:00

When I first came across this I thought it was a creatively designed bench or seat reflecting our modern times. Well it is, but this project has gone a step further in embedding GPS into the cleverly designed 3D pixelated pointer so that it can be tracked in real time on it's web site via Google Maps. The project comes from Danish designer Sebastian Campion for the cultural festival Ingravid that took place in Figueres, Catalunya from the 23rd to the 27th of September. The idea was to have take this commonly known image and place it in the real world yet still connect it digitally so onlookers and passers by could interact with it and see the results online. During the festival participants could also upload photos of the cursor at the website. The photos were automatically placed on the map by matching the photos' digital time stamp with the GPS coordinates. Click "Read more" to see the photos.

via [thedesignblog.org]

Our Souls Thrive On Music

2009-11-03T01:31:00.000-08:00

Most of my postings are on the newest, most eye popping, or unique things I find online but I wanted to take a timeout and just post a little excerpt on music.

This past Halloween before the evening set in I decided to go see Michael Jackson's "This Is It". I have grown up with Michael Jackson and have a mother who has always been a huge MJ fan. I remember watching "The Making of Thriller" and "Michael Jackson's Moonwalker" when my mind was still a sponge soaking up any information that came my way. Watching this most recent and last Michael Jackson film really does reinforce the mind, heart, and genius of Michael Jackson. While watching and after the film, I contemplated on how influential music is on us as human beings. No matter what time in history, place in the world, genre or style, race or ethnicity you are....music is there. It just seems crazy to me. Why? Why are we drawn to it? What makes us move our feet and have a melody in our head whether we know it or not? There is a song or rather creation by DJ Mark Farina called "This Beat" from the Jazzual Suspects. The song itself has a jazzy feel to it and a sound that you would expect from a DJ. I have featured the song here:

This Beat | The Jazzual Suspects by Mark Farina

What really catches my ear in this song is the short monologue that is spoken in the beginning by Jack Kerouac or something inspired by him. (I have been trying to research my facts but nothing has given me a straight answer yet) Here is an exerpt:

"...and everything is going to the beat
It's the beat generation, It's the big ....,
It's the beat to keep
It's the beat of the heart
It's being beat and down in the world
And like old time low down
And like in ancient civilizations
The slave boatmen rowing galleys to a beat
The servants spinning pottery to a beat...."

If you ever have the time, I suggest listening to the entire track, sometimes I can't get enough of it. If you would rather not leave the page I have featured the track here from Youtube.

This is the original mix by Jazzual Suspects.

Now this track in itself might not be that eye opening of a revelation but it's just the thought of what music is, what a beat is. I am thankful that we are expressive and creative beings. It is what releases our spirit and let's it be known to others like MJ or any other artist or musician. It is a beautiful gift.

Music can inspire, Music can motivate, Music can bring sadness...but most of all, Music has a spirit.

Music has a spirit.

Sometimes I try not to think about it too much because it is what it is. Like anything else that one can contemplate, the world, our existence, the universe, ourselves.....I guess the question is how we use it... life........and music.

Axi27