daveg :: weblog » culture

Designer ponderings

daveg — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 13:00:37 +0000

So I’m walking along the Pyrmont Bridge heading home after work and I see a guy with a Marimekko bag. Its completely black and I think to myself “Who the hell buys a freaking black Marimekko bag?!?”. It was the most annoyed I’d been all day.

Hardcore, ya know tha score!

daveg — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 11:37:48 +0000

Australian Rozie vs RZ-1 Digital Mischief Mix

daveg — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 05:41:29 +0000

A couple of weeks back, Rozie and I had the pleasure of djing back to back at First Blood’s Digital Mischief party at the Hollywood (oh good times there always!). Anyway, the lads from First Blood recorded the set, so if you missed it, or wanted to hear it again, its available from the First Blood website, warts, trainwrecks and all Don’t forget to check out the rest of the mixes from the crew as well. Below is the track listing from our set which managed to feature just about every nerdy computer or space related track that I’ve ever wanted to play in a set (OK, so I didn’t play the heavy metal version of the Transformers theme, but I was trying to keep things more dance orientated)

Vangelis – Space/Time Continuum – Heaven and Hell, Part 1
Jan Hammer – Theme from Miami Vice
Eurythmics – 1984
Shannon – Let The Music Play
Deltron 3030 – Virus
Player (1) – Space Invaders
MECO – Theme from Star Wars
Van McCoy – Theme from Star Trek
Cerrone – Supernature
Roni Griffith – Desire
Deadline – Megatron Man
Barry Beam – Radio Head
Caltrop – Manta Romantix
Giorgio Moroder – Night Drive
Little Computer People – Little Computer People
Computer Rockers – Extra Life
Ready For The World – Digital Display
i-F – Space Invaders Are Smoking Grass
Gap Band – Video Junkie
Kraftwerk – Computer Love
Giorgio Moroder with Philip Oakey – Together in Electric Dreams

Mix: Australian Rozie vs RZ-1 Digital Mischief Mix

Australian Fashion Week: Material Boy

daveg — Tue, 02 May 2006 03:13:40 +0000

Thommy (with ruby-red bow tie and cap) at his catwalk debut. Source: gettyimages

On Sunday Rozie and I went to our first Australian Fashion Week show (ok, so I think it’d be my first fashion show ever, hey, I’m IT guy…) to watch Thommy in his catwalk debut for Melbourne designers Material Boy. The outfits were all pretty crazy with them being heavily influenced by Super Mario Bros (bonus points there for daveg fashion relevance!). Pointy boots, tight jeans with super-low crotches, puffy shorts, all in hyper-real, video game primary colours. Can’t say I’d see alot of that stuff being worn day to day (how often is that point anyhow at fashion shows?) but the concept was kinda cool I guess.

Recent Acquisitions Part 2 – Samsung YP-U2 MP3 Flash Player

daveg — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 12:27:49 +0000

So after umming and ahhing over getting an MP3 for absolutely ages, I took the plunge and bought one last week. I guess I took my time trying to find an MP3 player mainly because I don’t really get the oppurtunity to use one often (I drive to work) and also I had to be sure that it worked easily with Linux. I didn’t want to get stuck with some MP3 player (*cough* ipod) that only worked with special software (yeah, I know they work with Linux now, but I really didn’t want any fussing around at all).

So quite a while ago, I identified that Samsung’s players were compatible with Linux. They basically just plug into a computer, it comes up as a USB flash disk and you just drag and drop the MP3 files (or OGG or WMA which this player supports) onto the disk.

The model that I ended up with was the Samsung YP-U2X which has a 1Gb capacity. It should be enough to keep me going as I have more interest in listening to podcasts from Triple J and ABC Radio National more than storing stacks of music files on it.

I guess what ended up being the catalyst for getting one was wanting to listen to something while I went for runs. Running was also the reason why I went for a flash player and not a hard disk based player. Another nice thing about this MP3 player also was that it has an FM tuner in it, which I didn’t even realise it had when I bought it. Bonus!

All in all, its a really nice player and a good buy at AU$179.

For the Sneaker Freakers (part 2)

daveg — Mon, 13 Feb 2006 21:51:29 +0000

Apparently the documentary entitled “Sneakers” that’s supposed to be on SBS tonight is actually the “Just For Kicks” documentary that was showing at Resfest earlier this year. If you missed it at Resfest, its highly recommended.

For the Sneaker Freaks

daveg — Mon, 13 Feb 2006 04:36:44 +0000

Tomorrow night (14/2/2006) on SBS there is a documentary on sneakers that sounds some what like Just for Kicks. Its on at 10pm.

The documentary charts the athletic footwear fetish from sneakers’ early adoption by the style warriors of 1970s New York City to their status today as a de facto apparel of choice for an entire generation. The film looks closely at the $26 billion industry engendered by this fashion choice, and the hip-hop community that helped popularise it. From Run-DMC’s role in catapulting Adidas into the consciousness of global youth culture to Nike’s visionary marketing strategies targeting urban populations worldwide, Sneakers interviews personalities like hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and urban culture chronicler Henry Chalfant, as well as an assortment of sneaker freaks, music legends, break-dancing greats and product designers into an entertaining exposition on the history of the world’s most popular form of footwear.

Stereo MCs at the Becks Festival Bar

daveg — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 05:03:26 +0000

As part of the Becks Festival Bar (which is part of the Sydney Festival) the Stereo MCs performed on Sunday night with local lads Hermitude supported along with Simon Caldwell playing his usually choice selection. Since Rozie always likes to stand up the front of parties, bands, concerts, etc I decided to join her. Now this would have to be the closest I’ve ever been at a show. Front and center. I pretty much had Rob B dripping sweat all over me and his crotch was probably less than a foot away from my face. A bit too much info. It was a solid show with it mostly consisting of their favourites such as Elevate My Mind, Ground Level, Deep Down And Dirty and Connected. Actually, the show pretty much consisted of all the tracks off their Retroactive release from 2003.

In the coming weeks, there’s some great stuff coming up for the Festival though. I’ll be catching Recloose (live), Fourtet, Jamie Liddell and Saul Williams. If you’re in Sydney, get into it!

NYE – Freaks & Geeks at @newtown

daveg — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 05:06:22 +0000

Let’s just say it was a big night More photos over in Rozie’s gallery

Just For Kicks

daveg — Thu, 17 Nov 2005 01:03:23 +0000

Via Melody, this movie/doco (which is showing as part of Res Fest) looks pretty dope:

Just for Kicks

USA/FRANCE | 2005 | 67:00
DIRECTORS: THIBAUT DE LONGEVILLE AND LISA LEONE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: THIERRY DAHER, FABRICE COAT, COME CHANTREL
PRODUCER: ALEX STAPLETON
CO-PRODUCER: PATRICK CARIOU
SCREENWRITERS: COME CHANTREL AND THIBAUT DE LONGEVILLE
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: LISA LEONE
EDITOR: SCOTT STEVENSON
MUSIC: ROY AYERS, OUTLINES, JAZZANOVA’S ROSKOW, DJ MEDIA
CAST: SCOOP JACKSON, RUSSELL SIMMONS, FAB 5 FREDDY, HENRY CHALFANT, RAEKWON THE CHEF, DAMON DASH, GRANDMASTER CAZ, FUTURA AND MORE
The first documentary on one of pop culture’s biggest phenomena, Just for Kicks charts the athletic footwear fetish from sneakers’ early adoption by the style warriors of 1970s New York City to their status today as a de facto apparel of choice for an entire generation. The film looks closely at the $26 billion industry engendered by this fashion choice, and the hip-hop community that helped popularize it. From Run-DMC’s role in catapulting Adidas into the consciousness of global youth culture to Nike’s visionary marketing strategies targeting urban populations worldwide, Just for Kicks turns interviews with personalities like hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and urban culture chronicler Henry Chalfant, as well as an assortment of sneaker freaks, music legends, break-dancing greats and product designers into an entertaining exposition on the history of the world’s most popular form of footwear.

Dangerous Minds: The Aftermath

daveg — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 08:08:36 +0000

Last Friday night, Rozie put on her “Dangerous Minds” Trivia night with Popfrenzy, and it was a great success. We got just over 170 people, with Chequers at the Mandarin Club being pretty much packed (can’t pack as many people in when they’re sitting down) and managed to raise just over $1500 for the NSW Cancer Council. Everyone seemed to have a great time (minus a couple of annoying loud mouthed individuals who insisted on yelling out answers) and Maynard was on the ball as well. Seems like people enjoyed it enough that they were already asking when the next one is. I guess that decision will be up to Rozie to decide.

Blimey

daveg — Fri, 09 Sep 2005 04:05:32 +0000

Looks like Future Classic is coming up with the goods for the coming months in Sydney:

28th October: Fat Freddy’s Drop at The Gaelic Club
19th November: Quantic Soul Orchestra & Alice Russell, Raw Fusion Soundsystem Feat Mad Mats & MC Aaron Phiri (Hearin Aid’), The Bamboos & Russ Dewbury at the Metro
3rd December: Boozoo Bajou at The Basement
15th January: Recloose LIVE (6 piece)

Iron Chef French to do Sydney

daveg — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 04:33:55 +0000

With one of the dinners happening on the 12th October, the day of my birthday, it is clear that Rozie must buy this for my birthday present

From the e-Travel Blackboard:

Fans of SBS Television’s Iron Chef program can indulge in a dining event never before experienced in Australia when Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai meets Galileo’s Chef Harunobu Inukai. Both from Japan, Iron Chef Sakai and Chef Harunobu are well known for their expert ability to marry traditional French cuisine with cutting edge Japanese inspirations. The result is a superb fusion of delicate flavours and beautifully presented dishes.

The culinary genius of both Chefs will be showcased in this sumptuous dining event. Over three nights, the kitchen of Galileo Restaurant will be visible like never before, cameras capturing every aspect, as both Chefs create dishes that reflect their passion for Japanese cuisine and French cooking techniques.

In the lavish surrounds of Galileo Restaurant, large screens will display each moment from the kitchen, from preparation to presentation, as both Chefs combine to produce seven exquisite courses, served with especially selected wines. Hosted by award winning producer, presenter and journalist Joanna Savill, from the SBS Television program Food Lover’s Guide to Australia, this is sure to be a truly unique dining experience.

Iron Chef Sakai and Chef Harunobu Inukai combine talents at Galileo Restaurant on Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th and Friday 14th October. Located inside The Observatory Hotel, 89 – 113 Kent Street, Sydney, Galileo’s rich décor is reminiscent of a Parisian salon, a perfect fit for the theme of the evening, as both Chefs create an artistic fusion of French and Japanese cuisine.

Each evening will commence at 6.30pm with welcome cocktails, followed by a seven course dinner and Sommelier Nicolas Cleradin’s selection of matching wines. To experience this prestigious culinary event, seats are available for AUD$450.

LEGO Bling

daveg — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 06:59:24 +0000

As part of their 50th anniversary celebration, LEGO are apparently giving away as a gift gold LEGO blocks for any purchases over $50. Dope!!

[via Coolhunting]

Happy Birthday sub:strata

daveg — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 06:48:17 +0000

My favourite Australian electronic music store, sub:strata has just turned 4 years old! And to celebrate, the price of everything is 10% off until September 15th. Awesome work guys. Congrats and keep up the good work!

This weekend you should:

daveg — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 06:34:24 +0000

Milky Bar @ Chequers, the Mandarin Club, Sydney

Do it! Do it!

R.I.P. Bob Moog

daveg — Mon, 22 Aug 2005 05:48:17 +0000

From Moog Music

ASHEVILLE, N.C. . August 21, 2005 . Bob died this afternoon at his home in Asheville, N.C. He was 71. Bob was diagnosed with brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme or GBM) in late April 2005. He had received both radiation treatment and chemotherapy to help combat the disease. He is survived by his wife, Ileana, his five children, Laura Moog Lanier, Matthew Moog, Michelle Moog-Koussa, Renee Moog, and Miranda Richmond; and the mother of his children, Shirleigh Moog.

Bob was warm and outgoing. He enjoyed meeting people from all over the world. He especially appreciated what Ileana referred to as “the magical connection” between music-makers and their instruments.

No public memorial is planned. Fans and friends can direct their sympathies or remembrances to www.caringbridge.com/visit/bobmoog.

Bob’s family has established The Bob Moog Foundation dedicated to the Advancement of Electronic Music in his memory. Many of his longtime collaborators including musicians, engineers and educators have agreed to sit on its executive board including David Borden, Wendy Carlos, Joel Chadabpe, John Eaton, David Mash, and Rick Wakeman. For more information about the foundation, contact Matthew Moog at mattmoog@yahoo.com.

Domu

daveg — Tue, 16 Aug 2005 07:08:06 +0000

Woah, looks like one of my favourite producers, Domu (Dominic Stanton) is heading to Australia. He’s produced under a whole swag of names (Bakura, Blue Monkeys, Domu and Volcov, Kudu, Rima, Sonar Circle, Static Imprints, Vaceo, Yotoko, Realside, Umod, Zoltar) and released on stacks of labels (Sonar Kollektiv, JCR, Compost Records, Archive, 2000 Black, Irma, Good Looking, Spinning Wheel and Arision). He’s definitely at the forefront of the broken beat scene and worth checking out.

Don’t know about other states, but he’s dropping into Sydney to play at the Civic on the 9th September (I’ll probably end up being on call that weekend…)

Also coming up musically that I’ll probably check out:

Friday 16th Aug: Architecture In Helsinki at the Metro
Saturday 17th Aug: Pivot at The Mandarin Club
Saturday 17th Aug: Miss Memory at High Jinks at the Sly Fox in Enmore
Tuesday 23rd Aug: Youth Group at The Annandale Hotel

Gifted Records Robbed

daveg — Tue, 16 Aug 2005 04:44:30 +0000

Its pretty shit to hear that the Gifted guys got robbed. Atleast it wasn’t too bad though. Help them out by dropping in and buying some more records from them

What’s Dave G listening to?

daveg — Tue, 16 Aug 2005 01:47:39 +0000

On the weekend I went to the Sydney Powerhouse Museum to hear a talk on podcasting which was part of the Sydney Design Festival 05. Not a crazily indepth talk (a bit basic for me, but Rozie wanted to go and check it out) but it was interesting to hear a guy from ABC Radio National talking about how they are using podcasting in conjuction with their shows.

So being a little bit influenced by the talk, I’m taking advantage of del.icio.us‘s ability to handle rss enclosures, and I’m now bookmarking dj mixes I come across that I like or recommend. In effect this becomes my own DIY podcast.

Subscribe to the feed/podcast here.