You are currently browsing the tag archive for the 'music' tag.
Arsht Center for the Performing Arts released its Summer Calendar this week and South Floridians are in for several treats.
The most exciting show is Slava’s SnowShow which was described as a mix between the wonder of Cirque du Soleil and the interactive nature of the Blue Man Group. Slava’s SnowShow is promising Snow from July 24 - August 17. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow…..
Other events to save dates and purchase tickets for are
Summer Shorts, America’s Short Play Festival May 29 - June 22
- Short one act plays ranging from comedy to drama. There are two programs so choose wisely or indulge in both. There is also an Undershorts late night show running from June 12-June 22 that has a more adult focus and includes adult content, language, and nudity…. it’s time Miami has more intelligent, envelope pushing, provocative late nights
Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz June 18- July 6
- Witness 60 years in the musical life of this beloved superstar. Miami is the starting point for the worldwide tour
Miami Libre July 25 - August 17
- Dance production by Miami’s Tiempo Libre tells the story of a musician’s search for love and liberty
This Saturday, APRIL 19th @ SWEAT RECORDS
We are pleased as punch to invite all of you to celebrate Sweat Records‘ 3-Year Anniversary!!
Expect DJs and surprises in-store, bands next-door at Churchill’s, and of course, CUPCAKES. AND, it also happens to be NATIONAL RECORD STORE DAY so we’ll have loads of *exclusive* CDs and releases by some of your favorite indie artists!! Party starts at 7pm at Sweat and continues next door at Churchill’s where the bands start at 10pm. 5505 NE 2nd Ave. www.sweatrecordsmiami.com
There is such a variety of events going on this weekend in Miami and as usual PopLife is leading the hip way.
Mixtapes and playlists make my day and I’m thrilled this morning to listen to Refinery 29’s latest Spring playlist, Sweet 16.
Sweet 16 follows the tradition of Refinery 29’s genius mixes in which they set the mood for the season with an enjoyable mix of music styles and introduce listeners to talented artists, they may not have heard before.
From their latest mix it was almost impossible to choose favorites to post, so I chose three very different songs to give a peak into how well mixed this list it:
Anyone who reads this site knows how much I LOVE mixtapes and playlists that’s why when PSFK’s Christine Huang wrote about Muxtape I had to check it out. Muxtape let’s you make your own digital mixtape and provides you with a url to share with all your friends, even the grouchy ones that won’t mix along or just that special person (ugh I’ll stop the sap right there)
Christine’s mix was great and included one of my all time favorites The Beatles’ A Day in the Life.
And so far I’m in LOVE and all up in the mix or rather the Muxtape.
So what’s on your muxtape?
Below are some wonderful Winter Music Conference events.
The venues are:
- The Webster Temporary, 919 Collins Ave., is an amazing boutique and space and Friday is the night to catch Mark Ronson hosting the festivities before he heads to The Setai
- The Setai will be hosting some of the most exclusive events of the conference starting on Wednesday night
- Wednesday : a fashion show featuring Jennifer Lopez’s Sweet Faces line and DJ 88 spinning
- Thursday : This is Hollywood event will feature DJ Sander Kleinberg from the Avalon in LA
- Friday : Mark Ronson from the members only Raffles Club in London
- Mokai, 235 23rd Street, starts tonight and goes strong all week
- Skybar, 1901 Collins Ave., Shore Thing Sunday will be hotter than usual
- Delano, 1685 Collins Ave., hosting the 12th Annual Sunset Soiree
Click on the actual invite to enlarge. Once new window opens up, you can then click on image to enlarge further.
As usual there are a ton of events going on this week especially with WMC and Sony Ericsson (which I still call the Lipton, but that’s for a later post) more will be written about both of those events during the week.
However, wanted to mention that Tuesday night Kimya Dawson (songstress behind many songs on Juno soundtrack) will be performing at Shake-a-Leg Miami. You can purchase tickets online at www.shakealegmiami.org/kimyadawson, at all Books and Books locations and at SWEAT records.
And as you start the week remember that Monday nights there is live jazz at Churchills.
The latest issue of Music.Art.People (MAP) magazine is out and their Music + Sound issue features
- The Ravonettes on the cover and inside has a great article on them
- pieces on the local music scene
- Aramis Gutierrez
- an interview with Irvine Welsh
- and much more….
As always MAP’s website, features the latest issue and also has links to past issues. The site is interactive and appealing but nothing beats the real thing so go out there and pick up a MAP.
Soundtracks and playlists are frequently mentioned on here and so of course when the latest Sex and The City trailer came out, the music was as important as the trailer
And I fell in love with India Arie’s cover of Don Henley’s Heart of the Matter.
you might also want to listen to Ella Fitzgerald’s Blue Skies, it’s the song that opens the trailer.
It’s a cover of a really wonderful original by The Shirelles and it’s often hard to improve on such classics but Amy Winehouse put her own spin on it and it sounds modern and meaningful.
Ever wondered what colors sound like?
Earlier this week I’d mentioned I loved the new color campaign at Gap, little did I know they had actually created a colorful soundtrack.
Sound Of Color is the Gap’s website where Gap assigned five colors to five different up and coming music acts and then handed the colors and songs over to five innovative directors. The songs are free to download. The really cool part is that after 30 days the artists retain the rights to their music.
- Red — Turning Red written and performed by Dntel — music video directed by Mary Faggot and James Frost
- Yellow — Paint Me In Your Sunshine written and performed by Marié Digby – music video directed by Ryan Ebner
- Green — Candy Green written and performed by Swizz Beatz — music video directed by Tom Gatsoulis
- Blue — Magic written and performed by The Blakes — music video directed by Russ Lamoureux
- Black/White — Black/White written and performed by The Raveonettes — music video directed by Chris Do
Each color has a section titles About the Color with several great facts. You can get between 17-26 facts depending on the color.
As most readers know I love color theory and soundtracks, so for me this idea is great.
Sound of Color was created by Gap and Rehab.
Orly Sharaby from PSFK reported on a story from Billboard by Ann Donahue
Smashing magazine had a post titled 29 Brilliant Music videos it was to inspire on Monday mornings however, sometimes I need more inspiration towards the end of the week. And these music videos provide a good dose of inspiration because it reminds one to think outside the box which is what Stefano Pilati the creative director at Yves Saint Laurent just did this season. YSL showed their new collection online as Valentino bid adieu retiring this week, which proves that old saying that when one door closes a window opens.
The line up for Coachella has been announced. Coachella is a three day festival which takes place in California between LA and Palm Springs. Hotels book up early but remember you can always camp onsite or offsite. This year’s headliners are:
-
Jack Johnson Friday, April 25
-
Portishead Saturday, April 26
-
Roger Waters Dark Side of the Moon, Sunday, April 27
Other acts include The Verve, Death Cab for Cutie, Cafe Tacuba, Fatboy Slim, MIA, and the list goes on and on.
Tickets will go on sale this Friday, January 25th and will cost $269 for all three days or $90 a day.
Luciana Souza will be performing at the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts this Saturday, January 12th at 7p.m. and 9p.m.
Luciana will be bringing her light, enchanting bossa nova jazz twist to classic favorites by Joni Mitchell, Sting, and The Beach Boys.
It’s New Year’s Eve, last day of 2007!
Here are pictures from yesterday’s King Mango Strut.
And as we’re all wrapping it up today take a minute to vote for Miami’s Sweetest Things by Daily Candy Miami.
The New Year’s Festivities have already begun around the world. Australia already lit up the 2008 skies.
As you’re getting ready tonight you might want to play some upbeat music to get you in the mood an to almost exactly quote Jay-Z off his American Gangster album the song is Roc Boys (And the Winner Is), which Rolling Stone named the Best Song of 2007.
“Mazel Tov It’s a Celebration ….. L’Chaim I wish for you a hundred years of Success!” And It’s OUR time!
Refinery 29 is a great site and one of its best offerings is its playlists.
Their latest seasonal playlist is titled Cold Comfort debuted last month and it’s great.
Cold Comfort features Radiohead, Spoon, and many others.
Grab some hot chocolate and hit play for ultimate comfort.
Photo courtesy of Joshua Prezant, Miami Herald
Provocateur Debriefed is where Miami Provocateurs answer questions and fill us in on some of their thoughts on living in Miami. Lauren Reskin was chosen to be the first Provocateur to be Debriefed. It was a simple choice, Lauren represents all the best Miami has to offer.
Lauren Reskin better known as Lolo is one of those Miami people everyone knows and loves. I first came across the pink haired provocateur years ago at Revolver. She was throwing down some great songs and had everyone rushing to the dance floor. Lolo knew how to pack them in, she simply gave them what they wanted, great music. She continues to give us great music and as an active dj and music promoter and as the owner of Sweat Records. Sweat Records, now in its third and so far greatest incarnation will re-open this weekend. The new Sweat records will now have even more music and merchandise along with a wireless lounge and a gourmet coffee bar with organically grown and fairly traded coffee (whenever possible). Lolo makes Miami cooler by living here and we all need to thank her for it. Sweat Records isn’t just a music store, it’s a statement. Yes, Miami has a thriving music scene and we have the spot to prove it. More than that we have the afficionado to prove it. Lolo graciously took some time to answer a few questions:
- You grew up in Miami, what is your favorite part of growing up here?
The diversity. My parents bussed me out from Kendall to a Montessori magnet school in Goulds. Hearing Power 96 on the hour-long bus ride there and back alone was like a secondary education. I also spent every weekend skating in circles at Hot Wheels roller rink so I attribute my love of popmusic and my desire to DJ to those days.
- How did you get started with Sweat Records?
My whole dad’s side of the family are classical musicians so I grew up inan environment where music was not only revered but an essential part oflife. I started working at a record store when I was 16 and only quit when I left to start Sweat at 22. The concept was simple - Miami’s music scene and interest in indie/underground music had grown to the point where there was a real need for a truly independent music store. It actually opened a year earlier than I had initially planned because of how perfectly everything came together.
- What is the best concert you ever went to in Miami?
In 2002 I brought down the wonderful Canadian indie pop band STARS. They are one of my favorite bands, it was my first national booking, they were super nice people, the show itself was achingly beautiful AND I ended up meeting my best friend because of it. The Battles show this past June at Studio A was also pretty damn transcendent.
- What is your favorite thing about the Miami music scene? And what is the biggest misconception people have about South Florida and its music scene?
My favorite thing is again, the variety - we have Miami bass, we have experimental noise, we have an amazing new outcrop of folk/acousticartists, we have scenes for dance, hip hop, Latin, world, indie rock,garage, punk, hardcore, and just about everything else. The biggest misconception is that beyond what’s from here that’s famous (Tricky Daddy and Rick Ross, Gloria Estefan, South Beach dance music), there’s nothing else. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
- Where do you see Miami’s music/cultural scene going in the next few years? Do you still think we’re the next Seattle?
I do. The local bands and artists here are seriously working hard to advance their music and their careers in the industry. Between Art Basel, WMC, Langerado, the new Fillmore space, the Gallery Walks, and several other venues slated to open within the next year (to give but a few examples), Miami culture is most undeniably growing and expanding.
- What do you think of Radiohead’s move to let fans decide on the price they wanted to pay for music and download directly from their site?
I thought it was bold, risky, and brilliant and I applaud them wholeheartedly for it. The music industry is changing so rapidly thesedays that major moves like that are the ones that really snap people out of their bubbles.
- What is the latest song you LOVE?
Two of my favorite people recently collaborated on a track and it’sabsolutely contagious. A/V (host of Miami’s Hip Hop Karaoke) raps and Kentsoundz (myspace.com/kentsoundz) produced the music, it’s called”Vampire” and it’s a spooky hip hop track based on the movie Lost Boys. It’s up at myspace.com/eighvee. Kent also produced another track with the lovely Raffa (from Raffa & Rainer) on it called “Not Goodbye” that’s so pretty and mellow and twinkly it sounds like Miami Portishead.
- Tell me about a spot in Miami you think people should totally go out thereand discover/support?
I’m a staunch advocate of supporting local independent businesses -they’re what makes your community special and not just another zip codefull of strip malls. A few to hit up are Rag*Trade, the Upper East Side Garden, Culture Kings, Selected Records, Books & Books and of course Sweat Records in Miami, and Radio-Active Records, Pink Ghost, and Tate’s Comics in Ft. Lauderdale.
- Any Miamism that you love, bro? A la the constant use of the words “bro”"super” or how we use “mission” For example people in Philadelphia use theword “jawn” that’s the jawn or I just met this jawn last night or that jawn was hot, “jawn” can be anything cool.
Bro! My favorite Miami expression is “True!” I also love how everyone runs on “Cuban time” and how freely English and Spanish mix and are often interchangeable.
- What is your quintessential Miami spot for lunch? Happy hour?
For lunch I’m all about the Garden of Eatin’ - it’s a vegan place that’s a bit hard to find but worth it. My Meatless Miami blog has all the info and explicit directions. For happy hour I know I’m biased but Circa28 is definitely one of the best bars in the city, and The Room on South Beach is always a sure thing.
- Describe Miami in 3 words:
Diverse, Unique, Sweaty
The Sweat Records’ Grand Opening Extravaganza starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 30th at 5501 NE 2nd Ave. Miami, FL 33137 Tel: 305.342.0953.
Come on feel the noise, girls rock your boys at the fifth annual 80’s prom. Time after Time this has proven to be a great party and if this is your first time you should jump at the chance and if you’ve been before you should go again. With or without your friends you should go dance all night long at Circa 28 starting 10 p.m. There will even be a photobooth courtesy of Jipsy I know this is the party many of you were praying for and this is your 80’s heaven.
OR
If you feel like you want something a little hotter go show off those samba moves while watching some capoeira and listening to bossa nova at FIU’s Night in Paradise starting at 8 p.m. in Grove Isle. Tickets are reqired.
It’s Tuesday and of course there are new music releases however, today I am more interested in books about music. I was listening to The Pipettes this morning and they reminded me of The Lucksmiths’ There is a Boy Who Never Goes Out which itself is an homage to The Smiths There is a Light that Never Goes Out ok but I digress so back to The Lucksmiths there is a line in the song that says “I’ve woken up on one too many floors but my favorite was yours “and this led me to think about Elliot Smith’s Say Yes aka the morning after song and the new book Elliot Smith by Autumn de Wilde and that led me to think of two very cool friends that live in San Francisco and Tallahasee and both have great taste in music. So all this thinking reminded me of a new book I want to read by Oliver Sacks. His new book Musicophilia deals with the power of music and the brain. Did you know music occupies more areas of our brain than language does? I know I’ve mentioned the importance of music and how I think that all phases of our lives have a musical soundtrack. So next time you’re in a sentimal mood make yourself your latest soundtrack.
NPR Music launched today. NPR Music features live concerts, studio sessions, artist interviews, profiles, reviews, blogs and podcasts, and a flash based media player. Today the site features a profile of Thelonius Monk with links to NPR’s basic jazz record library and a song written in 48 hours by Stephen Merritt for Project Song. The site is a collaboration between NPR and 12 other radio stations KEXP and KPLU Seattle; KUT Austin; WBGO Newark; WDUQ Pittsburgh; WFUV and WNYC New York; WGBH Boston; WGUC Cincinnati; Folk Alley.com (WKSU) Kent, Ohio; WXPN Philadelphia, and Minnesota Public Radio.
Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex is a song by Brazilian band CSS (Cansei de Ser Sexy) you might have heard it on Apple’s new ipod commerical which was originally created by Nick Haley and 18 yr old English student from Leeds. Nick an avid Apple fan liked his ipod so much he created a commercial and it was a hit when he posted it on youtube. Apple execs were watching and soon Nick was contacted by TBWA/Chiat/Day. He flew over to LA and reshot the commercial.
There is so much to love about this story. Great song, song name, band name, band, commercial and of course how great is it when an 18 yr old can post something on youtube and have it become a huge commercial for 0ne of the most cutting edge companies. Ahhh yeah nothing like keeping it simple.
I’m a firm believer in soundtracks. I think one of the best ways to define phases in one’s life is by thinking about the music one’s listening to and creating a personal soundtrack. Sometimes you’ll hear a song and instantly be reminded of a time and place in your life. And so I’m always on the look for new music and Tuesday is traditionally the release day for new music. Ian Black from the band Gomez has released a solo album titled Who Goes There.
It’s always important to discover new music and new art…. keeps you having new thoughts and evolving.
LegalArt a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting artists in the community will be hosting its annual fundraiser Native Seeds Saturday, November 17 from 7-12am at The Standard.
