“…to come home after a two month tour and suddenly find that our hometown supports us just as much as anywhere else was inspiring.”

Created in 2009 as Dylan Baldi’s solo project, Baldi soon released a string of 7”s, a split cassette and an EP before putting out ‘Turning On’—a compilation spanning about a year’s worth of work—on Carpark in 2010. January 2011 saw the release Cloud Nothings’ self-titled debut LP, which, put next to ‘Turning On’, found Baldi cleaning up his lo-fi aesthetic. In the interval since the release of Cloud Nothings, Baldi has toured widely and put a great deal of focus on his live show, a detail that heavily shapes the music of his follow-up album, ‘Attack on Memory’.

The album, produced by Steve Albini, boasts features that, even at a glance, mark a sea change in the band’s sound: higher fidelity, a track clocking in at almost nine minutes, an instrumental and an overall more plaintive air. The songs move along fluidly and Baldi sounds assured as he brings his vocals up in the mix, allowing himself to hold out long notes and put some grain into his voice.

‘Attack on Memory’ set the internet abuzz, the album hailed as best new album and Cloud Nothings as an essential young band to watch. In a string of recent tour dates, Cloud Nothings played a sold out show at the Grog Shop in Baldi’s Cleveland hometown.

How did it feel to sell out your homecoming show recently at the Grog Shop? Great. We’d never even come close to selling out a Cleveland show before, so to come home after a two month tour and suddenly find that our hometown supports us just as much as anywhere else was inspiring.

What’s been in heavy rotation lately? The Tronics, The Stooges, Throbbing Gristle, Wire

If you could perform with one artist or band, who would it be? Michael Yonkers. Dude seems like one of the coolest people of all time.

What’s your dream gig? Egypt. Or anywhere bands don’t necessarily tour too often, if ever.

Give ‘em a listen:

Download a free recording of Cloud Nothings’ recent show at the Grog Shop here.

Follow Cloud Nothings on Twitter, check ‘em out on the web and keep up with the band on Facebook! They’ll be playing at the Saigon Plaza during the Fest.

Click here to order your tickets to WMC Fest today.  If you’re interested in joining us as a sponsor for as little as $50, there are numerous packages available here.

*Photos pulled from Cloud Nothing’s Facebook

Preview more of this year’s line-up by downloading the free 22-track
WMC Fest 2012 Music Sampler!

What bands or albums have been on heavy rotation recently? Ma Jolie, Joyce Manor, Ke$ha, One Direction, Rilo Kiley

What artists consistently blow you away with their artwork? Jason Lubrano, Chad Lenjer, Adam Paduch, Charlie Wagers

If you could perform with any band or artists, who would it be? Jawbreaker

What’s your dream collaboration? South America with Propagandhi

What’s your favorite part about playing in Cleveland? The diversity within the community and the camaraderie with other local artists and friends is something that I’d like to think isn’t as prevalent anywhere else. We are seriously all best friends, no bullshit. I feel we have something great going on here.

Give ‘em a listen:

Follow Worship This! on Twitter, check ‘em out on the web + Bandcamp, and keep up with them on Facebook! They’ll be playing at the Saigon Plaza during the Fest.

Click here to order your tickets to WMC Fest today! If you’re interested in joining us as a sponsor for as little as $50, there are numerous packages available here.

*Photos pulled from Worship This!’s website.

Preview more of this year’s line-up by downloading the free 22-track
WMC Fest 2012 Music Sampler!

1. What piece of art has recently caught your attention? I’ve been incredibly infatuated lately with the photography of Corey Arnold. Corey is both a photographer and an Alaskan commercial fisherman, which is fascinating to me in its own right. This image in particular from his ‘Wolf Tide’ series has been the most beautiful thing to look at to me lately – view image here – I don’t know what it is, just something so serene yet haunting about it.

2. If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing? A loaded question, for sure…because if I wasn’t doing what I was doing I probably wouldn’t be “me”…but, I imagine I’d probably work with animals. My grandfather was a veteranarian his whole life and I’ve always loved caring for and being around animals. So, if I were in a totally different career I could see it being that.

3. Who are you most looking forward to hearing/seeing at WMC Fest? Really looking forward to both Johnny Cupcakes & James White, not only to hear them talk and get inspired, but because I’ve known both of them for years and years now but have yet to meet them in person. Actually, there are quite a few people I’ve known for a long time online but will be meeting for the first time at WMC, which is what I’m genuinely most excited about. I will also be meeting Evan Stremke and Jon Contino for the first time, who I haven’t known as long as the Johnny & James, but joke with them enough on Twitter and love what they’re both about, so definitely look forward to making bad jokes with them over beers and food.

4. What are three things you grab before walking out the door? Phone, wallet, & keys. I trust this is the most bland answer you will get from anyone. Here let me make something more fun up for this question. Let me start over. A small novelty pyramid, a gallon of sugar water, and jar of spiders.

5. How does music play a role in your life? What bands/albums are on heavy rotation? It definitely plays a huge role in that it’s pretty much on 24/7. I listen to a lot of different things at different times. Heavy rotation lately has been a wide-ranging mix of more mellow stuff like Sandro Perri, Standard Fare, & Destroyer…heavier stuff lately has been Neurosis, Trash Talk, and Liturgy…hip-hop lately has been some older Common stuff, that Wu-Tang/Beatles mashup album. I could keep namedropping but I’ll just stop there…

Be sure to check out Chuck’s site and follow him on Twitter! Chuck will be speaking in the Reinberger Auditorium Saturday, June 9th from 6:15 – 6:45pm!

Click here to order your tickets to WMC Fest today! If you’re interested in joining us as a sponsor for as little as $50, there are numerous packages available here.

This year’s WMC Fest will feature an “Ask A Pro” table where students, young designers and freelancers can have their design industry questions answered. The table will feature a number of local creative leaders that have years of experience and insights to share with you. So, bring your portfolios, bring your questions and most importantly – bring your passion!

What: Ask A Pro: Portfolio Review and Industry Insights

Where: Saigon Plaza, 5400 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44102

When: Saturday and Sunday June 9th & 10th

Time: Noon – 2pm. *Only 2 hours each day!*

Subjects covered: Portfolio Reviews, Design Tips, Illustration Instruction, Tips for Getting Hired, Legal/Accounting questions, Freelancer Business Questions, Layout tips, Art Direction,

The Pros:

William A. Beachy, President of Go Media Inc.
William is a lifelong illustrator, professionally trained graphic designer and serial entrepreneur. William earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Design from the Ohio State University. Upon graduation he started Graphic Odysseys, an illustration studio. After two years, he took a job with Cleveland Coin, where he worked as lead designer, webmaster and assistant to the marketing director. In 2000 William re-launched his company with a focus on design services. In 2002 Graphic Odysseys merged with Next Level Multimedia to become Go Media. Over the last 10 years, as president, William has grown Go Media to 13 employees and purchased a warehouse office in Cleveland’s historic Ohio City neighborhood. Their web properties include a successful design blog, a project management system, a design mock-up application and a store of digital products which boasts over 75,000 customers. Go Media’s design clients include American Greetings, Adobe, Progressive, Jim Beam and Ubisoft.

Areas of Expertise:
Illustration, Branding, Adobe Illustrator, Print Design, UI/UX Design, Ergonomics, Web Design, Business Strategy, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, New Business Development, Brand Strategy, Social Media Marketing.

Connie Ozan, Founder & Creative Director of Twist Creative Inc.

Todd Saperstein, Graphic Design Department Chair, Digital Media Department Chair Virginia Marti College of Art and Design

Charity D’amato, Owner of Chartreuse Inc.
A graduate of Syracuse University with a BA in Communication Design and Art Education, Charity is the founder of Chartreuse and works alongside each and every client to ensure the best experience and design outcome. “I really adore the fact that I get to come to work everyday and be creative.” If she had to pick her favorite typeface is would be Mrs. Eaves and the more glitter in a project the better. Charity is a Cleveland Bridge Builders graduate as well as the 2010 Inside Business Athena Young Professional Award Winner.

1. What piece of art has recently caught your attention? The Cy Twombly room in the Philadelphia Museum of Art knocked me out. Cy Twombly work makes people so angry that they have to put their own museum guard on the room, and nobody goes up there because it’s kind of tucked away, so I was able to just stand their and gawk for a long time.

2. If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing? I’d probably be in grad school getting a PhD — in what, I don’t know. I always figured I’d be a professor or something, but I never even got my master’s…

3. Who are you most looking forward to hearing/seeing at WMC Fest? I hope to meet my fellow 20×200 artist and internet pal Kate Bingaman-Burt in person.

4. What are three things you grab before walking out the door? In addition to my wallet and keys, I always grab my notebook, a pen, and my pocket knife. If I’m traveling, I leave the pocket knife.

5. How does music play a role in your life? What bands/albums are on heavy rotation? Music has always been a huge part of my life — I took classical piano lessons when I was a kid, played guitar and wrote songs in a band when I was a teenager, and now I play drums on and off in a garage band here in Austin. I love the new Bobby Womack track and can’t wait for his record to drop, love the new Lee Fields record, and I love, love, love the new Lambchop record, Mr. M.

Be sure to check out Austin’s site and follow him on Twitter! Jackie will be speaking in the Reinberger Auditorium Saturday, June 9th from 1:00 – 1:30pm!

Click here to order your tickets to WMC Fest today! If you’re interested in joining us as a sponsor for as little as $50, there are numerous packages available here.

What bands consistently blow you away with their artwork? Jay Ryan (Bird Machine) is sort of a legendary Chicago graphic artist/screen printer, and some of the most iconic show posters (Fugazi, Gauge, Braid, Hum, etc.) I can think of have come from his work. Also, I’d only consider myself a fairly casual fan of their music, but Pink Floyd has always had some of the most memorable and fascinating album art.

If you could collaborate with any artists or band, who would it be? First thoughts are Fugazi and The Foo Fighters.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure song (or band!)? I’ve always really liked the song “Toxic” by Britney Spears. I don’t know why, and I’ve never really liked any other songs of hers, but that one just gets me.

If you could perform anywhere, what’s your dream gig? There was a small part of me that was hoping Newt Gingrich might become president, because then we’d have a much better shot at playing on the moon — but for now we’re just excited to be playing WMC Fest.

Give ‘em a listen:

Follow Cut Teeth on Twitter, check ‘em out on the web + Bandcamp, and keep up with them on Facebook! They’ll be playing at the Saigon Plaza during the Fest.

Click here to order your tickets to WMC Fest today! If you’re interested in joining us as a sponsor for as little as $50, there are numerous packages available here.

*Photos pulled from Cut Teeth’s website.

Preview more of this year’s line-up by downloading the free 22-track
WMC Fest 2012 Music Sampler!

2. If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing? This is a tough question! I really can’t imagine doing anything else. I guess I’d be vagabonding about, traveling the world for inspiration.

3. Who are you most looking forward to hearing/seeing at WMC Fest? Everyone! Last year, I only had time to sit for three speakers, but I left so inspired, I couldn’t stand it. I’m especially interested in Austin Kleon’s take on wordsmithing & art, since that’s been such a big part of my career too and I always love to learn from other writers.

4. What are three things you grab before walking out the door? Sunglasses. La Croix Lime. Phone.

5. How does music play a role in your life? What bands/albums are on heavy rotation? I’m so, so thankful for the advent of Pandora & Spotify, which have totally dragged me out of the sheltered music hole I’ve lived in through the early part of the century. Music sets my mood. Here’s what I’ve had on repeat lately…

Stress management – The XX. For energy – Spoon. Writing noise – Voice of the Seven Thunders. Party time – Voxhaul Broadcast. Date night – Stereo Alchemy. Defaults – Radiohead & Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Be sure to check out Jackie’s site! Jackie will be speaking in the Reinberger Auditorium Saturday, June 9th from 12:15 – 12:45pm!

Click here to order your tickets to WMC Fest today! If you’re interested in joining us as a sponsor for as little as $50, there are numerous packages available here.

1. What’s one of the most surprising places from which you derive inspiration? My sketchbooks from High School. A few years ago, I hated to look through them, but recently, they have been a good starting point for concepting.

2. Over the past few years, what’s one thing that has really challenged you creatively? Figuring out which ideas are worth pursuing. I get flooded with ideas, usually at 2 in the morning when I should be getting some sleep. Some are totally bad, but there are always a few gems.

3. Who are you most looking forward to hearing/seeing at WMC Fest? Everyone! I have not met majority of the folks I interact with on the web in person, so I’m definitely looking forward to that aspect. I’ve also never been to Cleveland, so I would like to see and experience as much as I can while there.

4. How does music play a role in your life? What bands/albums are on heavy rotation? Music is life. A good playlist always makes a day go better. I bounce around with music a lot. The list is long, but im currently listening some 90′s dancehall reggae (reminds me of High School), a reggae artist I found out about recently – Kabaka Pyramid, The Colman Brothers, Phantogram, The Black Keys, Friendly Fires, and Ceu to name a few.

You can follow Vaughn on Twitter or visit his site! Find him at WMC Fest at the iLTHY Workshop all weekend!

Click here to order your tickets to WMC Fest today! If you’re interested in joining us as a sponsor for as little as $50, there are numerous packages available here.

*Work pulled from Vaughn’s portfolio.

2. Best album cover of all time? The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

3. If you could have one super power, what would it be? Flying

4. What’s your favorite guilty pleasure song (or band!)? Roger Miller and Roy Orbison for sure.

5. What are your three tour or show essentials? Tape adapter for the car, yoga mats (for sleeping), gas station coffee

Give ‘em a listen:

Preview more of Saintseneca on Bandcamp, check ‘em out on the web and keep up with the band on Facebook! They’ll be playing at the Saigon Plaza during the Fest.

Click here to order your tickets to WMC Fest today! If you’re interested in joining us as a sponsor for as little as $50, there are numerous packages available here.

*Photos pulled from Saintseneca’s Facebook.

Preview more of this year’s line-up by downloading the free 22-track
WMC Fest 2012 Music Sampler!

What piece of art has recently caught your attention? I have always loved the work of Yoshitomo Nara. From an artistic and licensing standpoint all of it so well done. Over the last several years he has been creating huge representations of his work ( see here an example). I really admire these. I would love to start to think about my work at a larger scale and in multiple dimensions like this.

If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing? I guess I will throw out painter or architecture or anything too similar to design. That’s just too easy of a switch. I really love designing and planning space so architecture and interiors would be pretty high on my list. If I were to do something entirely different than design I think I would do something much more physical. Something where I did not just sit for 17 hours a day. I love exercising or pushing myself physically. I grew up playing sports my whole life so I think something that had to do with that would be a good fit. Training, motivating, teaching. Or if any NBA team is looking for a 5’9 guy with a mean jumper…I would think about being a pro basketball player.

Who are you most looking forward to hearing/seeing at WMC Fest? That is hard to say. Everyone and everyone!

Seriously, each speaker and designer that are there are so amazing. So honored and humbled to even be included. Really excited to see friends like Kate Bingaman-Burt who is always a great speaker. Amazing talents and people like Jennifer Daniel, Matt Stevens, Jeff Finley, Friends of Type, Nate Utesch, Chuck Anderson and Austin Kleon all do such great work and messages. And designers displaying their work such as Jon Contino and Evan Stremke. Will be fun to see all designers work in real life.

So many of these people I feel like I already know and consider friends with how often we talk online and via email. So excited to spend some time together in three-dimensional form.

What are three things you grab before walking out the door? BORING ALERT: Keys, iPhone and sketchbook. Everyday, everytime

How does music play a role in your life? What bands/albums are on heavy rotation? A huge roll in the way I work. I like to listen to more fast paced or upbeat music when I work. Currently listening a lot to Tanlines, Hospitality, The Boss’s new album ‘Wrecking Ball’, Fly Golden Eagle, Yelle, Grimes, Alabama Shakes.

I also love old honky tonk music. So artist like Buck Owens, Hank Williams Sr, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Wanda Jackson, Kitty Wells, Johnny, Woody Guthrie, Ernest Tubbs…

You can follow Tad on Twitter and visit his site! Tad will be speaking in the Reinberger Auditorium Saturday, June 9th from 5:30 – 6:00pm! 

Click here to order your tickets to WMC Fest today. If you’d like tickets and are interested in supporting the growth of Weapons of Mass Creation – and some amazing rewards – consider the WMC Fest Kickstarter. If you’re interested in joining us as a sponsor for as little as $50, there are numerous packages available here.

*Photos pulled from Tad’s site.