Proxart Issue Release @ Origami Viynl

Now that I am on the hunt for the perfect Los Angeles neighborhood to relocate to come summertime, I am always finding a way to adventure to a new part of town. On Monday, Proxart was hosting a issue release gathering for their 8th issue at Origami Vinyl in Echo Park. As one of my favorite groups in LA, I definitely enjoy hanging out with the Proxart folks. (So much so, I am especially impressed to say that I went to high school with these cool kids and have seen the group transform to the powerful creative community it is today) I brought along good company and enjoyed canned beers and live music by Atlanta-based folk rockers Little Tybee. Just off West Sunset, Origami Vinyl is a teeny shop and record-lovers music box haven. From Johnny Cash to The Black Keyes, I got my browse on and even picked up one for myself. After Little Tybee, I got to chat with the violinist in the group, Nirvana Kelly. (How could it be folk rock without?!) She was incredibly down to earth (and extremely talented--so rare!) about living in Atlanta, SXSW and the band’s road trip through the West Coast. The evening was finished with some delicious Thai drunken noodles at It’s Thai, needless to say it was just what I needed to compliment my earlier musically delicious feast for the ears.

Stop. Play. Pause.

Imagine if life were written as a song. Not a musical or a theme song; rather a carefully crafted work of listenable art that mimics the tune of individual experience, knowledge and understanding. 

If life were written as a song, the variations in beats, rhythms and instruments would be the reflection of our daily actions, encounters and travels. Each song would be different of course; the lyrics of would be comprised of words and language we use to communicate and vocalize our opinions and beliefs. If the chorus signified the strength of repetition and solidifying the language in which we feel are the most important to repeat. If life was written as a song, what would yours sound like? Would it be worth listening to?

There comes a time in life where we are faced with a situation that has the power to alter our perception, preference and priority. A situation that has the power to change the song. Not as if we have asked for life changing circumstances, but perhaps was due to the string of individual choices that all seemed to point in a certain direction that lead to a climax that was never expected. 

It is times like these that we must grow stronger and better than before. To stop and consider the reality that certain components of our song have been written for us. It's time to stop, play it over and pause when necessary because life is short and the music won't last. 

MUSIC MUSE | FRIDAY TUNES

[1] Finally Moving :: Pretty Lights

[2] Hometown Glory :: Adele

[3] The Beginning :: Joey Fehrenback

[4] Dream :: Priscilla Ahn 

[5] Broken :: Lauren Hoffman

[6] Down :: Jason Walker

[7] 4am :: Kaskade

[8] Never Alone :: BarlowGirl

[9] Last Night of The Dynasty :: The Shanghai Restoration Project

Katy Perry Party

You make me feel like I'm living a Teenage Dream, but I'll only be your California Girl if you let me see your Peacock. I know It's Not Like The Movies, but you're so Extraterrestrial you make me feel like every night is Friday. T.G.I.F. 

We sipped juice, without the gin; decked out in wigs and munched on colorful candy starbursts as we headed out to see Mrs. Katy Perry in concert in San Diego on Tuesday. 

 The Katy Perry Crew.

 Teenage Dream! 

 Pearl 

Circle The Drain

 E.T.

 California Gurls

WE ♥ KATY PERRY!

Turning Tables

It's June. I am finding it harder and harder to believe how insanely fast time flies. Six months ago, I made a vow to continue to update and keep up with this blog, but have found that making promises to myself really only lead to disappointment. At times like these, I set up a date with my ipod. Lately, I have made a point to put the play in my playlists and asked my younger sister to compile a mix for me. It is so funny how even the slightest change in sound can completely turn the tables. May was a whirlwind of happenings, opportunities, people, places, stress and success. From the ups to the downs, reflecting back on the experiences I have gained from just in the past few months have helped to illuminate my priorities and strengths. 

They say that everyone dies, but not everyone lives and this is something I completely believe. More importantly and all the more challenging--learning and living while living to learn. While I have not realized, good music heavily influences my life. I'm turning up all the lights and making this my moment for life, so tune in for new musically inspired posts. On my radar right now: Britain's Adele. Although she just recently postponed her North American tour due to laryngitis, her vibrant voice has gained some serious international respect. At just 22, there is hope for talent among my generation. (I was beginning to worry!) 

Here are some tunes that I have had on repeat. Thanks for getting me through the week. 
A Slice of the Play-Pie:

1 Adele | Turning Tables 

2 Ellie Goulding | Lights

3 The Bravery | Ours

4 Nicki Minaj | Moment for Life

5 Rihanna | All of the Lights

6 GaGa | Bloody Mary

Crystal Castles @ The House of Blues

Musically minded and truly enjoying the magic spell. Maybe it's that I have been out of touch with how powerful good music truly is, but there is something about how I have been hearing music with whole new ears it seems. I saw Crystal Castles at the House of Blues last night courtesy of my friend Nycole. It was definitely a full house all the while the crowd completely entranced by the futuristic light show reacting effortlessly in sync with the techno beats and sounds. I took some photos while I was there, but they really do not do justice for how incredible and captivating Crystal Castles really were. 

3 Eventful Things

I've been busy lately, but I would like to think of that as a good thing. 

FIRST|Poetry Slam

What I've grown to love about San Diego is that there is a massive appreciation for the creative scene and tremendous amount of local support for amateur writers, musician and artists. La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas is a perfect example of where North County poets can step on stage for the Annual Poetry Slam and compete in a series of rounds for a cash prize. The coolest thing: this local find is free (but you'll definitely find yourself donating a buck or two in the end because all the money goes to poet with the most points!) I was throughly impressed  with all of the work!     

More photos @ justbails.tumblr.com

SECOND|V Day 

On February 19th, I attended UCSD's 2011 production of the Vagina Monologues, which I was a part of last year. Being my third time experiencing the show it was still as if I was watching it for the first time. This years cast was absolutely amazing and I really enjoyed their energy and could not help but be proud that I had been apart of such a phenomenal program with such a powerful mission.

THIRD|Project Ethos

Where can you find local designers, up and coming musicians and artists all under one roof, in one night? Project Ethos is redefining how cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Scottsdale, Chicago and Miami are experiencing emerging innovators in fashion, art and music. 944 Magazine and DiscoverSD agree that this is more than just a showcase, but a contemporary cultural movement and one you definitely should not miss out on. Being my second time going, it was quite different from last year but in a good way. The location (this year it was at SD's Night Club + Lounge FLUXX) was great and I was able to chat with some talented folks that are making artistic moves!     

 

Art by Bret Barret

LA based rapper Mann in the building!

Bruno Mars - Grenade

...But you won't do the same.

Does anyone enjoy listening to this song as much as I do? While driving back and forth between San Diego & Los Angeles, this song came on the radio 4 times. I'm not sure whether that is a sign, or whether that just means it's new or just a song that everyone has been requesting--either way--I have been thinking a lot about music and how listening to a song can truly change your mood or even outlook on something.  Recently. I have found myself being critical of relationships. This time I have been thinking about ALL types of relationships: the ones with friends, family members,  the opposite sex, the same sex and even the relationship I have with myself. Listening to this song, it is almost hard to imagine a relationship that would compel me to put my hand on a blade for someone else, or even being so in love that I would risk everything I had for another person--but that's just the thing: some relationships are that powerful. My last post about being female was quite cynical, but I'd like to think that I will one day find that relationship where these extreme feelings are reciprocated.

Until then, I'm going to be a little more open minded about the relationships in my life and give each of them another chance. I am going to start giving all of them the benefit of the doubt.