WE'RE SUPPORTING

There’s something to be said for a really fun collaborative project. Says Ukraine artist, Sasha Shagi, about his Sparrow Project: ‘Twelve years ago, when I first touched the piano keys, I decided to become a famous pianist. I had everything needed to make my dream come true – long thin fingers, an open mind and too much energy. For seven years my friends were sharps, flats, sixths and seconds. Because of some changes in life, I failed to become a pianist and now I have nothing to do with these black and white keys. One year ago I decided to write a story of how I failed to become a pianist. I based it on different psychological experiments and trips abroad. It tells about the life of a guy named King of the Keys in four different cities – New York, Miami, Paris and Kiev’. Read more

WE'RE TRAVELLING TO

Nestled in the hills of Napa Valley, Bardessono is the newest creation of eco-developer Phil Sherburne and architect Ron Mitchell. Completed just seven weeks ago, the luxurious inn and spa is currently pursuing Leed certification and includes rammed earth walls, water treatment systems, and solar and geothermal energy systems. The buildings were built to pay homage to the land, and include recycled cypress wood for the windows, doors, and floors. Read more

WE'RE WEARING

Pioneering Australian designer Kara Smith can definitely give Urban Originals a run for their money. She creates the most innovative handbags for those that truly want to stand out. Detailed with lovely pockets and vintage buttons, Smith’s retro inspired designs literally transform original vintage fabrics into ‘one-off’ clutches, handbags, totes and accessories. I’m in love with her clutches! But yes, if you missed her over the week end at the Blue Mountain’s Leura Village Fair, she’s stocked in Glebe and Sydney’s Todae store, as well as at a variety of online outlets.

WE'RE THINKING

Brooklyn-based illustrator Lisa Ramsey creates fantastic and elaborately themed comics, many of which are very tongue in cheek but always beautifully drawn.

WE'RE READING

DJ Spooky — That Subliminal Kid — is just about the deepest crate digger around, trawling the barrels of long-lost record stores for choice vinyl to spin in his wickedly dubby sets. He gave us the inside word last week on his eight favourite songs right now via our sister website, My Secret Playlist. This is what he had to say about Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s Panic in Babylon: ‘If there’s anything that the twenty-first century has told us, it’s that dub is the real original hip-hop. Lee Scratch even had to make it clear in 1965 by adding “Scratch” to his middle name. Take that, Grandmaster Flash!’ Read the rest of DJ Spooky’s Secret Playlist.

Ten Masked Men are a British parody band that does death metal covers of famous pop songs by Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Madonna, and many others. One of my favorites is their cover of Justin Timberlake’s ‘Cry Me a River’. It’s epic.

WE'RE LISTENING TO

Wolf and Cub are back with a brand new single and after listening to it, I feel like I should be out in the streets, warning my neighbours of the apocalypse. The song is huge, forceful, damming and painfully exciting. Joel Byrne’s half-drawl, half-howl proclaims the end, while (in true Wolf and Cub) the drums are epic and unsettling. And then, that moment, the bass against the fading echoes. My heart broke and my brain exploded. It’s too much to take. This band will be the death of me.