Thomas Jorion: Silencio.

Absolutely incredible and stunning set of images from photographer Thomas Jorion, great use of locations and lighting throughout. I suggest you head to his site to see some more of his abandonment projects.

Year Zero Trailer.

YEAR ZERO is a modern take on high performance surfing set in a post-apocalyptic world, reminiscent of Mad Max or an HG Wells novel. It tells a story of a band of renegade surfers, including Dion Agius, Yadin Nicol, Nate Tyler, Taj Burrow, CJ Hobgood and Damien Hobgood, on a road trip through the apocalypse in search of waves, women, and good times. The film’s original soundtrack by BLACK MOUNTAIN, whom VICE MAGAZINE has called, “One of the best rock n’ roll bands of our time,” creates a sonic landscape that fully delivers the immersive experience that director Joe G envisioned for the film.

The film was shot on location around the world entirely in super 16mm film and offers a unique concept with stunning visuals that capture the essence of surfing in a novel setting. YEAR ZERO follows GLOBE’S previous award winning productions such as SECRET MACHINE and NEW EMISSIONS OF LIGHT AND SOUND and is undoubtedly GLOBE’S largest film project to date. Link.

Music Monday 65.

I'm very excited about this week's post, a couple of superb colloborations and a couple of highly anticipated comebacks.

Bon Iver and James Blake - Fall Creek Choir Boys



Wow. There was a huge amount of excitement when this was announced. Two of the most critically acclaimed artists of the last two years join forces, and wow. It is the perfect about of Bon Iver and the perfect amount of James Blake. I don't think anyone expected anything less.

Lady Gaga - You And I (Wild Beasts remix)



Now as far as expected colloborations goes, I don't think this can be put down as one of those. Wild Beasts, again, were one of the most critially acclaimed artists this year with the fantastic Smother album, and Gaga, is well, Gaga. This remix works perfectly. It is dark and haunting, and you get lost in the track, well done Wild Beasts (yes, I'm giving them most of the credit).

Florence And The Machine - What The Water Gave Me



Remember Florence? You know the one that played every festival and had her music on every advert and montage possible? All from her debut album? The debut album was fantastic and deserved the success it got, however, it is definitely nice to hear something new. And with almost a million and a half views in just a few days, I'm not the only one to hear something new. I can't say it is dramatically different from the first album, but if it ain't broke.

Ben Folds Five - House

http://www.nbc.com/sing-off/about/benfolds.shtml

Ok, I can't find a version of the song that I can embedd anywhere, so the link will do. But it's Ben Folds Five's first song in over a decade. Yep, a decade. If you don't know Ben Folds, he's covered Dr Dre with an orchestra and has had Chatroulette on a projector during a gig. Yeah, he's cool. And very talented, go listen.

Reebok: "Prequel To A Classic"

"PREQUEL TO A CLASSIC" provides an exclusive look into Swizz Beatz's understanding of craft (passion, rythm, classic song) as well as his thoughts on longevity in the entertainment business.

Directed by Paul Rojanathara and Davis Johnson,
"PREQUEL TO A CLASSIC" takes you into the story of the re-launch of the Classics brand.

The night brought out Hip-Hop heavyweights:
Diddy, Pharrell, Clive Davis, Busta Rhymes, Red Cafe and Alicia Keys, and apexed with an explosive performance by Swizz featuring Lloyd Banks.

Pirelli 2012 Calendar.

Kate Moss, photographed by Alessandro Scotti

There is one calendar that makes everyone stand up and pay attention every year. No, it's not the Hollyoaks babes or some WAG getting their wabs out, it's Pirelli. Year after year they shoot some of the most beautiful women in the world in the most wonderful way and this year is no different. And as a bonus it is shot by the legendary Mario Sorrenti, with Alessandro Scotti capturing these behind the scenes images.

Saskia de Brauw, photographed by Alessandro Scotti

Rinko Kikuchi, photographed by Alessandro Scotti

Milla Jovovich, photographed by Alessandro Scotti

Isabeli Fontana, photographed by Alessandro Scotti

Lara Stonebeing shot by Mario Sorrenti, photographed by Alessandro Scotti

Kate Moss being shot by Mario Sorrenti, photographed by Alessandro Scotti

T-World 7: New York

The humble t-shirt is thrown on by billions of people everyday, every size, every colour with every design imaginable. From the most simple to the grossly complex, the designs seem never ending, and we're all the better for it.



T-World takes a look behind some of the most creative, innovation and influential t-shirt designers in the ever-inspiring New York. In a world when everybody gets the same t-shirts from the high street, it is always nice to get something different, something that might even make you stand out a little.

Maybe some day I'll get around to throwing something onto some cotton.

How To Make It In America Season 2 [Trailer]

There's a lot of reasons you should catch up on season one of HTMIIA if you missed it:

• The inspiring story of two buddies trying to make it in America
• The backdrop to every episode is New York City
• Luiz Guzman's character
• It features Kid Cudi
• It also features Paul "Shitbreak" Finch from American Pie
• It tried to be cool, and as a result it is
• All of the above.

Catch up if you need to. If you don't, be happy.

Palladium Presents: Tokyo Rising W/ Pharrell Williams [Trailer]

Japan as a whole is a country that has always intrigued me. It is a country that is so rich in tradition and history, yet is on the very forefront of innovation. Japan is constantly saluted for it's steps forward in fashion, technology and art.

It's always interesting and often inspiring to see how a country reacts to a disaster. Japan and Toyko recently experienced their own disaster of literally nuclear proportions. Palladium, along with a certain Pharrell Williams, goes and investigates: While persistent challenges still lay ahead, the city’s creative class is hell-bent on making sure that their hometown thrives. Innovative and resilient, they are defining the future of Tokyo on their own terms. We put our boots on and went exploring.

Full documentary drops 1st September.

Jamie XX X Quayola: Structures.

Enigmatic producer Jamie xx is at the forefront of contemporary musical experimentation. Jamie xx has created iconic remixes of Adele and Florence & The Machine, as well as finding the time to make the critically acclaimed remix album ‘We’re New Here’ with the legendary
Gil Scott Heron.

For RizLab Project 1, 'Structures', Jamie xx has been collaborating with multimedia artist Quayola, whom he has long admired. Their work will culminate in an exclusive live event in Shoreditch on 22nd September. If you weren't lucky enough to win tickets, we will be capturing the event and posting here on RizLab - so check back soon.

Looks like a great project here from Rizla.

Music Monday 64.

Four Year Strong - Stuck In The Middle



I think it's fair to say that FYS are one of my favourite bands to see live. Not only do they sound good, there is a such a good energy to their gigs. Everyone is there to have a bit of a mosh and a jump and nobody is there to punch anyone in the head. Having exhausted their previous records, it's good to hear something new. It's not classic FYS, it's almost got a bit of a 90s punk-rock vibe to it, and I like it. It's still got some big, classic, Four Year Strong drops to it.

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs — Garden



I've been aware of the oddly named Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs for a while now, but yet to really give them a decent listen. This track Garden really caught my attention this week, and I'm glad it did. The lazy, electro, indie vibe is really infectious and it's time that I listened to my mates and get some more TEED on my iTunes.

Gemini - Graduation



Just a great piece of music here to sit back to and appreciate. The different layers weave inside out and over each other, always keeping the tempo high. A good piece of dance music here.

Professor Green - At Your Inconvenience



You often forgot that when rappers go big and make it in the charts, you often forget their rap. Pro Green, along with Tinie Tempah, are guilty of this. Despite the catchy tune, Professor Green goes back to what he does best, rapping, no Lily Allen, just clever observations and wordplay.

Passion Of The Craft.

Taking a huge leaf out of the Influencers documentary, Bandit, a creative agency from Copenhagen delves into the minds of trendsetters and tastemakers to find out how to create a winning brand. I love documentaries and interviews with truly creative and inspiring individuals, there are always words of advice and stories of experience to take on board.



This series looks to speak to independent fashion designers to CD of Supreme and even the marketing manager of Microsoft, showing that succeeding and relating to your audience is key in every industry. And the fact that some very lovely New York visuals are thrown in there too doesn't hurt.

Danny MacAskill: Original Trickster.

There's many things to admire about Danny MacAskill, there is his blind determination to try new things, the sheer precisions of his riding, the beauty of his videos and even the music choice in the form of Ben Howard. But what I admire most about the rider is his ability and drive to find new and original places to show of his abilities all across the world. It really makes his videos and his tricks so much more interesting and impressive. Good show.

Bon Iver: Holocene

Few words need to be said about this. Just admire the beauty.

Jose Vanders X Luke Leighfield X Bon Iver

I've listened to these two little singer/songwriter indie pop gems for a few years now, they've got a lot of hard work in them and a more than their fair share of talent to back it up. They often performance together and to celebrate their join tour, they decided to cover a Bon Iver classic, Blindsided. And it is filmed wonderfully too, just as an added extra.



How could I not share this with you?

8 Slow Hours In Brooklyn.

There seems to be little point to this video other than creating some visual satisfaction. But is anyone complaining? Created by Next Level Pictures, it simply encaptures some of Brooklyn's every dynamic and diverse life in some serious slow motion.

Music Monday 63: BUMPER EDITION.

A big old update this week so just a few words on these little gems.

Lucy Rose - Middle Of The Bed



I spoke in last week's post of simplicist beauty of singer songwriters. Now we have another. Lucy Rose is best buds with Bombay Bicycle Club and has often been seen on stage with them and providing backing on several tracks. Now she's off on her own. Good decision.

Feist - How Come You Never Go There



Speaking of talented female songwriters, it's the sultry sounds of Feist. After 4 long years since the incredible The Reminder, she is back.

Canterbury - More Than You Know



A massive fan of Canterbury, their debut album Thank You, is one hell of a debut. But, at last new material. Everyone may not be liking the 'new sound', but this band have got what it takes to sit up alongside Kids In Glass Houses and You Me At Six.

You Me At Six - Loverboy



Speaking of YMA6, it's their new track Loverboy. It's sometimes difficult to like a band you used to love as a teenager, when their fanbase is now screaming 14 year olds, but YMA6 have always stuck to what they do best. British pop-rock at it's best.

Tom Vek - Aroused



Yeah I know this has been out a little while now, but for some reason I've had this on repeat all week. Love the absurdity and bizarreness of the whole thing.

Lil Wayne - She Will (ft Drake)



In a week when Watch The Throne was released it's probably expected that every other rapper in the world should just be quiet and not even try to compete. But if anyone should try, it has to be Lil Wayne and Drake. I love the eery atmosphere to this track, got some trademark Drake beats in there.

Asher Roth - In The Kitchen



It's just Asher Roth doing what he does best. End.

Kid Cudi: No One Believes Me.

Hurray. At last it seems as if Kid Cudi is coming back to creative and innovative roots. For too long Cudi has rapped about being stoned and little else. But the boy has got talent, you can tell that from his mixtapes and debut album, but since he's been somewhat lacking. Now he's making up for it.



I felt that the video was a little too special just to throw it in a Music Monday, a little attention needs to be paid to the visuals directed by Craig Gillespie. The tune will also be featured in the upcoming remake of the 1985 horror-comedy film Fright Night, but until now the song had been under wraps. Watch above as Cudi walks through a creepy neighborhood where things just don’t seem to be right, and then unveils just who he really is.

The Pursuit Of Cool: SAVOIA THE TAILOR

I warned you a little while ago that the guys over at R+I Creative were putting together a new series that looks to discover the every sought after, the indescribable, the ultimate. The Cool.



The first short clip featuring Savoia The Tailor.
Cool.

Levi's: Go Forth (Not Right Now Though)

No matter how beautifully written, filmed and composed your advert may be, if you time it wrong or misjudge your audience, it can be an absolute failure.



Unfortunately for Levi's, and more unfortunately for the British nation, we experience some of the worst rioting for decades. It was disgusting, embarrassing and mindless. This view was, rightly, held by the vast majority of the public and for that reason this Levi's ad has been pretty ill received, despite not being shown on TV in the UK. The problem is that the ad is all about the romanticism of the youth uprising and standing up to authorities, an often sought after narrative. However we saw this narrative come to life this week, and it was ugly. The problem was was that the riots were not about standing up to authorities, it was for the sheer enjoyment of looting and striking fear into innocent people.

It's such a shame for Levi's as it's difficult to watch the ad without thinking of the horrible reality, because this is a really beautiful advert. It creates a warm and inspiring feeling, to stand up for what you believe in and to make a difference.

Jay-Z & Kanye West: Otis

After months of hype Watch The Throne finally bust its way into our ears this weekend. Many have voiced their varied opinions on the album, does it live up to the hype? For me? Yes. Just.

Now here's the first video, from the first official track that we heard, Otis. It's far from a revolutionary video, but it's simply Jay and Kanye having a laugh and enjoying rapping with each other. Oh yeah, and they torn up a $500,000 Maybach and threw it all back together in the wrong, but still awesome, way. I suppose it's a good job that they are donating it to charity, there's only so much flashing the cash a rapper can do, even if it is Hov and Ye.

And Aziz Ansari is in there too for some reason.

Perseverance: REVOK X RIME X ROID

This short film entitled Perseverance follows street artist REVOK, along with cameos from RIME and ROID, as they do what they do best. I love the composition of this video, it allows the viewer to see the artists do their work, but also all the little added extras that go with it. Whether it is sorting spray cans or just mooning a pleasure boat. The music choice and graceful filming gives an all-American triumphant and nostalgic feel to their work. Nice.

Sigur Ros: Inni.

There appears to be little explanation for this video entitled Inni that appeared on Sigur Ros' website yesterday. But as many things with Sigur Ros, any amount of explanation is rarely required, it's quite often the case, you just have to sit back and enjoy the sensual feast for your eyes and ears. Whether Inni is a teaser trailer for a (hopefully) much longer live DVD we shall see. But for now: Inni.

RIP Alexisonfire.

It was announced this weekend that Alexisonfire will be officially parting their ways. Sure, I know that bands split up all the time, many just to get back together, but this was a truly sad day for me. Alexisonfire have been pretty much my favourite band for the last 8 years or so, since my early teens. And though they were never going to achieve mainstream success with their style of music, they still had millions of fans around the world and had a huge influence on many bands today.



I remember the first song I heard of theirs was 44 Caliber Love Letter, the combination of the simple, yet inducing, guitar riffs, the passion of George's screams and the sheer amount of energy that they brought to their songs. You could truly become involved in their songs, sing your heart out to Dallas' soaring lyrics and then instantly band your head to the screams and riffs. A friend then gave me their first two albums on a CD, and as I began to really understand what Alexisonfire were about, I discovered that this was the band for me.





Whilst you could see and hear the roots of what was to come from the band in their debut self-titled album, it was their second, Watch Out! where the band really came into their own. Dallas had really begin to find his voice and I just couldn't get enough of the contrast between him and George, they had perfected the twin front man show. This was a collection of soaring and powerful emo anthems, and for me and many other teenagers, it was just want you needed. Alexis were my go to band. When I felt stressed, frustrated or angry, the default emotions for a teen, Alexis were there. I'd crank them up and just let myself get lost in the power and emotion of their songs.



At the grand age of 22, when my music taste is much more varied and diverse than my teen years, I can really see how important and how much of an impact Alexisonfire had on my music taste. Whilst I listen to just as much Kanye West, as I do Bon Iver, as I do Bonobo, as I do Nero, Alexisonfire are still holding their old in my iTunes play count. It was their third album, Crisis, where the band peaked, fully realising their potential. With tracks like This Could Be Anywhere In The World, Boiled Frogs and Rough Hands, Alexis showed the diversity of their songwriting ability and became much tighter as a band.





And although no one knew it at the time, Young Crows/Old Cardinals was to be their last album. Perhaps the writing was on the wall as the album starts with a barrage of shouts "we are not the kids we used to be". Though perhaps not as strong as Crisis, YCOC was still a really solid album and was perhaps as mainstream as the band were ever going to get. It provided listeners with a much more mature sound, yet showing that the boys could still rock like the good old days.





It wasn't until I was 18 that I first got to see Alexisonfire, and I've only seen them once again since. But I was seriously impressed. All too often, screamo and emo rock bands sound seriously dodgy live, Alexisonfire were tight yet energetic, George and Dallas' voices bouncing off each other was a wondering thing to watch.

So needless Alexisonfire has had a profound impact on my life and music taste, and been a massive influence on bands such as Gallows, Bring Me The Horizon, You Me At Six, the list continues. Throughout all their albums the carried the same power, energy and passion, with the beautiful voice of Dallas set against the ferociousness of George's screams, Dallas and Wade's riffs backed by Steeley's consistently awesome drumming. This band will also live on in the form of the side-projects that eventually caused the end of the band, City and Colour, Cunter and other projects on the horizon, but it will never be the same. The only good thing is when a band splits, you still have a living memory in the form of their albums and videos. Alexis will always be on fire.

Music Monday 62.

On the day when Kanye West and Jay-Z's much anticipated collaboration decends from the Gods to our eyes, it feels somewhat futile to offer you any other music. But until you have run to the shops and bought the CD (yeah... right) or wait until it has downloaded, your ears will need entertaining.

Ben Howard - Keep Your Head Up



There are few things more beautiful sounding than the simplicity of a man, his voice and a guitar. There are countless examples of this, Damien Rice, Jose Gonzalez, City And Colour. Now it's time for the class of 2011 if you will, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, James Vincent McMorrow and now, Ben Howard. When I first heard this song, I was instantly encaptulated by the simplicity, wholesomeness and the warmth that the song has. Listening to him being interviewed, Ben comes across genuine and sincere whose only motivation is to do something he loves, a real talent.

Ben Howard - Old Pine



OK, I couldn't decide between these songs. But who's complaining?

The Bullitts ft Jay Electronica - Run & Hide



If you read my earlier post on The Bullitts, you will hopefully understand some of my excitement for The Bullitts project to be finished. And little by little Jeymes Samuel is showing us a little extra, the latest installment is Run & Hide. We get to see more of the story, more of the film and another song with Jay Electronica, what more could you ask for?

Little Dragon - Ritual Union



There's a lot of hype behind this Swedish four-piece band, and with their latest track, Ritual Union, it's pretty simple to see why. This is the live version and you can see how much talent they have, and how beautiful the lead singer's voice is. I'm just going back through their archive and catching up on them, I suggest you do the same.


Ok, now go listen to Watch The Throne.

Absolut Blank.

ABSOLUT BLANK : 18 illustrators work airbrush, collage and film techniques for the iconic Swedish vodka brand

ABSOLUT is always good for surprises. Following collaborations with artists such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst and Spike Jonze, the Swedes have now called on popular visual leaders to rework their iconic bottle. ABSOLUTE BLANK was baptised in collaboration with TBWAChiatDay.

We are delighted to find MARIO WAGNER on the list of Absolut designers alongside international celebrity illustrators such as Adhemas Batista, Aestethic Apparatus, Brett Amory, Kinsey, Zac Freeman, Good Wives & Warriors, Morning Breath and many more.

The illustrator from Cologne exhibits his collages in both group and solo exhibitions worldwide. He also illustrated the GoSee header with athletic Olympic icons and suggestive lips. FYI, he is represented by GoSee member 2AGENTEN.

Mark Hamilton, Global Marketing Director of Absolut on the art project: “In ABSOLUT BLANK, ABSOLUT has boldly made its iconic bottle into a blank canvas to inspire artists throughout the world to collaborate and fill it with creativity. We brought together creative collaborators from a variety of disciplines and watched the journey from pure white canvas to exceptional pieces of art. The result depicts how artists and creativity are inspired through ABSOLUT."


Via GoSee

The Bullitts: A Masterpiece In The Making.

I feel there's a masterpiece brewing here. It's a piece of work that strives to be different, to break genres and boundaries, not just musical genre, but to shake the foundations of film, music and art. Ladies and gentlemen, I'll get straight to the point, this is The Bullitts.



A little more intrigued now? A little more believing of my originally perceived hyperbole? I thought so.

It's difficult to explain what The Bullitts is. But from what I know, I shall try. London based producer Jeymes Samuel is plotting a project that involves the likes of Liu, Tori Amos, Jay Electronica, Idris Elba, Mos Def, in an story that become an album, that became a film. Yeah, I know. It has Lucy Liu narrating the album as the main character, Amelia Sparks, a murderer on the run, the rest of the cast, of which I believe there are a few surprises left, revolve around her in the story. It sounds like something pretty special, I think you'll agree.

My first knowledge of The Bullitts was when I heard Close Your Eyes and I was absolutely blown away by Jay Electronicas verse. The man's a genius. And it was just a couple of days ago that Jay Elec, Lucy and Jeymes himself entered Radio 1's Maida Vale studios to record a couple of tracks live. Listen here to hear them all chat about the project (skip to just after 60 mins). That interview was one of the first times I've heard Jay Elec speak, and I hope it's not the last. I'm a massive Jay Electronica fan, he's one of the best rappers on the planet, and to listen to him speak is equally as much of a pleasure, everyone line is like a lyric filled with knowledge and wisdom. Watch below as he just stands there, as Lucy and Jeymes work away, hands hidden in his hoody, just waiting for his cue. And boy, when it is his cue, does he deliver or what.



Now a little moment for the man behind it all, Jeymes Samuel. From working with Gorillaz and KT Tunstall, he has found his own voice to accompany his music making talent. But not only does this project require his musical skill, it needs his entire creative vision, from writing the story, to creating the beats, to directing the film. A creative talent is a huge understatement. So I'll leave you with his solo performance of Landspeeder and I hope that you're now as bigger fan of The Bullitts as I am. Let's all wait for the masterpiece together.

Music Monday 61.

A bit late in the day so let's get on with it.

Dangerous! - Movers N Shakers



I felt the need for this song to be in this week's post so much, I had to scougre the internet, download it and then quickly mash together a very poor Youtube video. This song makes no excuses. It just goes for it. It's a catchy, party rock song and I absolutely love it for that. It's only 2 minutes long, but that will more than do.

Drake - Headlines



So yeah this song has pretty much taken the internet by storm, and with good reason. It's Drake back to what he does best, putting some slick words over a simple beat, and he knows how to make that formula work better than most.

Frank Ocean - Thinking About You



Frank Ocean is certainly riding on the well deserved hype wave he's found himself on since Odd Future blew up all over everyones faces. The guy can seriously write a song, and he can then seriously sing those words. I'm from an R&B fan but this boy is putting some fresh talent into the genre.

Laura Marling - Sophia



Speaking of talented people, the English singer songwriter Laura Marling is here with yet another beautiful song to gently please our ears. The modest and hardworking Marling is gradually creeping into the nations hearts and rightfully so, and songs like this are going to do her no harm.