WE'RE SUPPORTING

I love the subtle colours and sense of quiet introspection in the photographic work of San Francisco-based Elena Kulikova. Her portraits, in particular, capture moments when you sense a little secret has been whispered, but only a few ears have caught it. Of her work, it’s said: ‘the micro-details of a scene contribute to the overall goal of creating an image fueled with complete feeling and purpose’. Read more

WE'RE TRAVELLING TO

Having lived in New York for over two years now, transplanted from the sunny beachside landscape of Sydney, Australia, I appreciate the gritty realism, yet positiveness and vibrancy in the photographic series on Manhattan locals by British writer and photographer, Ian Woolverton. In addition to his talents with the lense, Woolverton also has two humanitarian awards: one for the Australian Red Cross Service Medal for his achievements in the Bali bomb response and the other, Australian Government’s Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal, for covering the tsunami in Aceh. Read more

WE'RE WEARING

Heavily influenced by music and film, the design team at Conquer Gear showcases their tees not as clothes, but indubitably as limited edition art pieces. That said, I wonder what film or music piece inspired Mr. Owl picture t shirt [below]? Led Zeppelin came to mind, but then so did Joni Mitchell!. As for film inspirations, Clockwork Orange, Lord of the Rings and Out of Africa. Hmmm, maybe I’m not so good at this afterall. Read more

WE'RE THINKING

Beast is a new collaboration between the Montreal-based French producer, Jean-Phi Goncalves, frontman of the electro band Plaster, and singer Betty Bonifassi. Their sound inhabits a place where the cinematic grandeur of Portishead meets the immediacy of Rage Against the Machine. Bonifassi calls it ‘trip rock’, invoking the way haunting choirs and glitchy electronic bits run underneath saw-toothed bass and grinding guitars, and she may be onto something. You can download their single Mr Hurricane for free via the Music Download section of this site.

WE'RE READING

Our friends over at Sex In Art recently posted the work of Japanese artist Aya Kato. Says Justin, the founder of the site: ‘I have this folder on my desktop titled Cool Shiat. It’s where I save all the inspirational images I find on the net. I’ve just finished filling it up with Aya Kato’s amazing images. Argh wow. Wow, wow, wow. I won’t say anymore. Just check her work out for yourself’. Read more

Peter Nalitch is Russia’s answer to Manu Chao. His video for the song Guitar is a Borat-like jab at low-budget, post-Soviet awkwardness — absurd English lyrics, Eurotrash earnestness, bad wipes, and cheap subtitles. But its tongue-in-cheekness is quite apparent, and the song is disarmingly catchy and romantic.

WE'RE LISTENING TO

Where to start with Z-Trip? Shepard Fairey propped him on this site a few weeks back, but let’s face it: the guy is worth a double post. He’s the king of the mash-up, a dance floor master, and the humblest guy you’ll meet. If you haven’t heard of him (unlikely), then go to his website right now and download his free mixes. He deejayed a show for us in 2000, right when his breakout CD, Uneasy Listening, dropped and I was floored. Who has the audacity to mix a Pat Benatar beat with Public Enemy vocals? This guy.