GingerSnap Snippets

Guilty Pleasures...

2011-06-15T10:04:00.004+10:00

I love me some pop. I'm not going to even lie about that. I have my favourite pop artists too. They're more to the soul side of pop, to be sure, but they're definitely pop - or RnB? I get confused where one ends and another begins most of the time.

I will post some of my all time favourite pop-style RnB songs in a little minute. But I thought I should mention that Ledisi's new album 'Pieces of Me' just came out (in the US - as if we ever get anything on time... bitter). I'm super pumped to hear it - but ZOMG, the video for the first single is beyond cheese! I love me some Ledisi, but this is some next-level ish that had me embarrassed to watch it, quite frankly. Ugh. You'll see.

Back to awesome pop RnB! I'm dancing around my living room right now! (If only in my mind) The actual lyrics to this song are somewhat disturbing... I can imagine a 1950's housewife singing these kind of lyrics, but not really applicable to life in 2011. But how infectious is it?!

I love this a capella version of Jazmine Sullivan's 'Love You Long Time'! Why she didn't put this track out as the lead single, I will never know. It's so much better than 'Holding You Down' or whatever.

Anyway. On another note. I saw Bridesmaid's the other day, so I'm in the mood to listen to this song, and maybe act out all the lyrics. Happy HUMP DAY!

MACULA explained...

2011-06-14T14:27:00.005+10:00

So, I know I only write entries in this blog about every 6th blue moon, but I thought I should write one now. Spurred on in entirety by getting a comment on one of my previous blog entries (Blogger emails me about that stuff). You know, it's amazing because I still get notifications that people are 'previewing' interviews I did ages ago with various people... I wonder if it's just some person who works at 'internet' checking to see if the audio still works. General 'internet' maintenance and all that...

Anyway, speaking of audio, my boy, Romy Handley (AKA Whisper) and I recently recorded a track together. Our duo name is MACULA (the part of your eye that picks up colour. Neat, huh?) It will soon be available for download - when we have more tracks to put with it, in some kind of EP/single format. Anyway, if you feel like giving feedback, that is always welcome. It's a pretty simple melody and the vocals are less 'acrobatic' in nature and more chilllin' out, maxing and relaxing all cool. Lyrics are below, if you dig that kind of stuff. For now, I bid you adieu.

Hold Back (Never Hold Back) Rough Mix by mcwhisper

Verse 1

I hope you get to the places you want to

I hope you get through the struggle

And you still smile

If only all the words that were spoken were true

Even if they run away, run away, I'll still run to you

Chorus

Hold back, never hold back

There's only one place to go

Hold life, hold on so tight

There's still so much to know

Verse 2

So let go of all that would set out to harm you, walk light

show that beaming face to the masses on the way out

And I hope you know happiness, every single day

I hope that with every breath we can learn to say what really matters

(Chorus)

Bridge

How many time we wish we'd never fallen

But it seems we learn best when we fall

It's not always true that when we're down we get up stronger

Though we're lucky to get up at all

(Chorus)

Will Smith's tiny daughter is a pop star!

2010-09-08T17:42:00.003+10:00

I actually think this is listenable! I was gonna hate, but have you seen how adorable this 9 year old munchkin is?! There's just no need for negativity here.

She also has a cool Jack Davey-inspired 'do, which makes me love the little one even more! Go on, listen...

Things I love

2010-02-07T16:49:00.008+11:00

Here are a couple of lil' snippets of things that I think are pretty cool...

New video from Ms Dynamite (produced by DJ Zinc)

Erykah Badu's latest single, 'Window Seat', off her upcoming album

New Amerykah pt.2: Return of the Ankh

download 'Window Seat'

now you can listen to the show anytime, via mixcloud.com

My profile on mixcloud.com can be found by searching for GINGERmix. I'll be uploading (hopefully) a new playlist every week. Yay! I'm so excited to share all the amazing music that delights my eardrums on the regular. Thank you, Mixcloud.com, thank you very much!

Jess Harlen's video for her 2nd single, 'I Go', off her upcoming March release, 'Neon Heartache'. It's an interesting clip, and I like elements of it. I dig this song and clip more than 'Watch the Water'. Fo' sho'. See what you think...

Girly is Good Presents: GINGERmix VOLUME ONE

2010-02-01T19:49:00.004+11:00

Well, it's been a couple of months between drinks, but I've finally managed to put together a little nugget of goodness for y'all to enjoy! It's a bit of a special one really, because it's the first of many compilations that I plan on putting out into the world over the next little while [read: until I get over it]. These special compilations that I am speaking of will include some of my most favourite tracks of the past month. Thusly, there will be a NEW GINGERmix each month! Hazaah! So, I thought January would be a great time to start!

I should say that these compilations will be a pretty much strictly X chromosome affair. The odd Y chromosome might pop up every now and then, but they're merely token ;-)

Alright, less talking - more tunes! Who features on this, the first compilation, you may or may not ask?! Read on, my good friend, read on...

PLAYLIST:

1. The Uncomfortable Truth - Nneka

2. Buck Ya Like a Billionaire - Shunda K Ft. Peaches

3. The World is a Beat - N'Dambi

4. Call Me - Tweet [TOKiMONSTA remix]

5. Drop Your Guard - Metals

6. God Bless Me - Natalie Storm

7. Letter to Left-Eye - Nina B

8. Summer - Muhsinah

9. Moonlight Delight - Nikko Gray ft. Gustavo Alfonzo

10. No Going Back (Acoustic) - Rox

11. Ten Strikes - O'Spada

12. Skanking in the way of Control - The Gossip [Nice Up remix]

13. So Bad - Class A Ft. Rachael Berry

...DOWNLOAD GINGERmix VOLUME ONE...

Class A - Fitzroy ~ PLUS ~ Polo Club

2009-12-09T21:16:00.002+11:00

Class A has finally released her latest clip, 'Fitzroy'. Just wait till that breakdown... That's my shit!! She's got an EP in the works, so stay tuned. You'll be hearing more from this one. Apparently, this track was played on Triple J - snap!

The calibre of clips that are coming out of Aus at the moment is straight fire! Whisper, Jess Harlen (see those two below), as well as Polo Club (just beneath these words), and keep your eyes peeled for KillaQueenz new clip, which is yet to be released. These are the kind of clips that are fit to compete for air-time on an international level. I really hope this trend for quality continues.

Quadron: On Like Tron!

2009-12-09T20:36:00.005+11:00

I want to move to any one of these countries: Denmark, Sweden, or Norway. I'm telling you, the soulful electronic music coming out of these parts is insane! This point is proven (again) by Danish duo, Quadron. I only learned about them today, but I feel like I should've always known - and I feel a little embarrassed that I didn't... At least I'm not alone in my feelings of inadequacy, it seems like every blog article I've read about Quadron, the author apologises for having slept on them! Well, let's start making up for our ignorance, shall we?

Check out their clip for 'Pressure', and why don't you cop a freebie of 'Horses'?! Other great tracks for me are 'Day' and 'Jeans' (Google ahoy!)

Oh, and have you heard Little Dragon's new album, 'Machine Dreams', yet? What are you waiting for??

Quadron on iTunes

Gør det!

The Soul Movement Volume 3: The Final Chapter

2009-12-08T10:31:00.005+11:00

I had this mixtape on repeat last night, folks! If you haven't already had the pleasure of listening to Volumes 1 and 2, I suggest you get on it post-haste, 'cos Volume 3 is where we're all up to now! Cee & Bekah are part of The Movement Fam (click on the image above to check out their blog), which is a Melbourne hip-hop collective. They've been doin their thing for a minute, gigging around Melbourne, going to the States and showing them what's what, and (of course) putting out some fine mixtapes. If you like your hip-hop soulful, then you've come to the right place.

Click on the image below to be taken to a magical place on the interwebs where you can download The Soul Movement Volume 3: The Final Chapter!

Jess Harlen - Watch the Water

2009-12-08T10:11:00.003+11:00

I know I'm a bit behind the 8-ball with posting this video, but here it is! If you haven't already, check out Jess Harlen's new single/video WATCH THE WATER. It was filmed by Joske films, so you know it's gonna be a classy operation.If you're a bit of a fan of Melbourne's local soul scene, check out some of the ladies in the background, you may recognise a face or two. Watch the Water is taken off her forthcoming album, NEON HEARTACHE. So far, I've heard two recordings off the album - this one and 'Diamond' - and I gotta tell you that, if these tracks are anything to go by (and they are), her album is gonna be like some kind of awesomeness!!

WHISPER - Stand Up

2009-11-30T16:32:00.004+11:00

Download Stand Up - By WHISPER >>HERE<<

Whisper is the triple threat. He’s an experienced emcee and producer, plus, the boy can sing! Whisper has been steadily producing beats for over 7 years and rapping for over 10, but he has only just begun to unleash his melodic vocal stylings, at the insistence of those who have worked with him.

In 2005, hip-hop crew Equills, consisting of Whisper, and his partners in crime, Mantra and DJ Wax Vandal, released an LP ‘The New Threat’ to wide critical acclaim. ‘The New Threat’ shows Whisper’s talent as, not only an emcee, but as a producer, with a large proportion of the beats being Whisper productions. Equills played at numerous festivals, such as, Livid and Kiss My Grass, and shared the stage with artists such Looptroop, Hilltop Hoods, Bliss N Eso and The Roots. Following the success of ‘The New Threat’, Whisper was inspired to pursue other creative projects - and to complete a degree in design - but has not ruled out a future Equills album.

His production can be found throughout the Australian hip-hop scene, as he has worked with the likes of Skyzoo (USA), M-Phazes, Pegz, Count Bounce (TZU),13th Son, to name only a handful!

Whilst he does have his roots in the urban music scene, his production work has extended throughout genres of music not usually equated to a hip-hop producer, such as soul, folk and pop, with artists such as Amiel, and Nomi (Hercules and Love Affair).

In between producing, writing and recording for other talented musicians, Whisper has been on his grind putting together a free album, In Good Company, which is due for release in early 2010. This album will feature a plethora of established and up-and-coming emcees, vocalists and producers.

As a preview of things to come, Whisper has released a video clip of ‘Stand Up’, the first single off his upcoming album. With production by M-Phazes and vocals by Lee Sissing, this anthem is sure to get people on their feet!

After four years of heating things up in the studio, Whisper is ready to step back on to the main stage and get crowd screaming!

For images, mp3s, and interview requests
Please contact mcwhisper@gmail.com

WHISPER's Myspace
WHISPER's Facebook fan page
WHISPER's Blog

Laura Jean Interview

2009-07-22T20:49:00.004+10:00

>>> Listen to Laura Jean Interview <<<

I recently had the pleasure of having a bit of a chinwag with songstress, Laura Jean, and her partner and multi-instrumentalist, Jen Scholakis. They were about to embark upon their most recent 'New Songs' Tour. They'll be travelling up and down the east coast for the next little while, road-testing their new material, in the lead up to recording the next album. They'll also be selling a limited edition EP of unreleased tracks - if you needed another reason to go along ;-)

Even after hearing her songs 20+ times, they still give me shivers!

>>Download Valenteen as performed live on Girly is Good<<

While you're on a roll, check out these two clips...

Interview with Sally Dastey

2009-06-30T22:47:00.005+10:00

Image courtesy of BlogDay

>>>listen to interview with Sally Dastey<<<

Sally Dastey is an amazing woman with an amazing voice. Anyone who is familiar with the work of Tiddas, the all-female trio who first burst onto the Australian music scene back in the early 90s, will also be familiar with Sal's emotive and mesmerising voice.

Tiddas are no longer together, but you can still catch Sal gigging around Melbourne.

The first time I saw Sal live was at a Sorry Day gig at the Collingwood Town Hall several years ago. Such was the power of her performance that, from memory, it was the next morning that I went out and 'Half A Moon, Half A Wish'

Girly is Good was lucky enough to have a chat with Sal recently. She came into the studio one wintry Sunday afternoon and had a bit of a singsong too.

Have a listen...

Pickin' Daisies

Daily Disappointment

Interview with Kylie Auldist

2009-06-30T22:17:00.005+10:00

>>> Listen to Kylie Auldist Interview Part 1
& Part 2<<<

Melbourne's own goddess of soul, Kylie Auldist, is back with her second solo album,

Made of Stone

After loving her debut album 'Just Say' through UK label, Tru Thoughts, I am eagerly awaiting the release of 'Made of Stone'.

Auldist has sung with Melbourne Funk band, The Bamboos (also signed to Tru Thoughts), for long enough that most Melburnians have had the pleasure of carving up the dance floor alongside them.

As with Just Say, Made of Stone is co-written and produced by Bamboos lead guitarist, Lance Ferguson (AKA Lanu).

I was lucky enough to get both Auldist and Ferguson in the studio for a few quick live acoustic tracks, as well as a chit chat with Kylie herself.

Take a look at this video clip of 'No Use', from Kylie's debut solo album, Just Say ...

X Chromosome Special with Mary Anne Hobbs

2009-05-20T11:37:00.003+10:00

Download>>>X Chromosome Special on BBC1 with Mary Anne Hobbs

by Shaun Bloodworth - www.shaunbloodworth.com official Sonar Festival shoot 2009

Mary Anne Hobbs on BBC1

Features some of the most prolific and talented female producers/emcees and vocalists around at the moment. Artists include: Blank Blue, Nadsroic, Cooly G, Vaccine and others!

Interview with Jess Harlen

2009-05-16T13:18:00.004+10:00

photograph by Elle Photography

>>> LISTEN TO INTERVIEW<<<

Jess is currently recording her debut LP, Neon Heartache, produced by Plutonic Lab. She's been around for more than a minute, doin her thing and gigging around Melbourne/Australia/abroad, performing her original tracks and singing backup styles with Blue King Brown - along with Ngaiire (scroll down for more info on her).

She was raised on a healthy dose of Roberta Flack, Gladys Knight, and other soul divas - who doesn't respect that?!

Jess released her EP, Street Level Soul, in 2007 to much critical acclaim. She even won BEST UNSIGNED ARTIST @ The Urban Music Awards.
... keep your ear to the ground for Neon Heartache - dropping later this year...

Tequila Mockingbird by Alison Curtis

2009-05-07T10:43:00.004+10:00

It's amazing how far a few onion bags, some turkey feathers and a lot of creativity will get you! Check out this amazing bodice and skirt ensemble by Alison Curtis. Winner of the Judges Award in the Agricultural Art competition held in Bairnsdale, Victoria, recently. Entrants were challenged to create an outfit that was made entirely from materials found in an agricultural environment!

Aside from the fact that it's environmentally sound - it's just downright pretty!

Look out for Alison's creations at Fashion on the Field later this year as part of Melbourne's acclaimed Spring Racing Carnival.

I heart Acclaim

2009-05-05T12:26:00.002+10:00

A transcribed version of my interview with the KillaQueenz is now up on Acclaim Mag's website.

KILLA!!!!!

>>> Check it out <<<

Interview and Acoustic tracks with Nyssa Bradsworth

2009-05-04T09:35:00.004+10:00

>>> Listen to interview & hear exclusive acoustic tracks <<<

Nyssa Bradsworth has been gigging around Melbourne for many years now. I'd heard a lot about her, rave reviews in fact - but, being overwhelmed by live music in Melbourne, it's impossible to see everyone. So, unfortunately for me, I hadn't seen Nyssa live before I met her in the studio. I know, shame on me, right? But I'd heard her music, and after hearing that she once supported one of my all time favourite Australian voices since forever, Sally Dastey, I was sold! And how right I was to be sold!

Nyssa lives and breathes music, and that passion shows in her effortlessly smooth and emotive vocals. Her songs take you on a journey through heartbreak and longing, love and whistful wonderings.

Her debut album, Hurricane, is available right this very moment!

NEW single, 'Don't Know Why' is hot off the press - so wrap your ears around it!

Check out Nyssa's Myspace

Interview with Illustrator Cat MacInnes

2009-05-02T11:15:00.005+10:00

>>> Listen to my interview with illustrator, Cat MacInnes <<<

Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Melbourne-based illustrator, Cat MacInnes. She is one of those rare creators who possess both the talent and passion for their craft that would see them be successful, coupled with the humbleness and sense of humour that has everyone else championing for them to succeed.

She has even won favour with none other than Yoko Ono! Who loved the portrait Cat did of her so much, that she micro-blogged about it on social networking site, Twitter.

Cat is a very busy girl.

If you are in Melbourne between 24/April and 17/May, be sure to get down to the No Vacancy Artist's Market. Where you'll have the rare chance to pick up prints AND original pieces.

Image sourced from Bucket 'o' Thought

If you'd like to get in touch with Cat about her work... >>> CLICK HERE <<<

Interview with KillaQueenz

2009-04-27T18:29:00.005+10:00

>>>Listen to my interview with the KillaQueenz Part 1 <<<
>>>Listen to my interview with the KillaQueenz Part 2<<<

Confession: there are few Australian albums that I've been anticipating, the way I've been anticipating this debut effort from the KillaQueenz (who, incidentally, are everything that their namesake would have you believe). SistarHood, is the show-stopping hot-off-the-press LP, newly dropped by Belizean Bombshell and Kween G - KillaQueenz. Spending any more than 2 minutes with these ladies will give you a taste of the potential of their stage presence (just times that by, like, eleventy-billion, or something).

SistarHood is full to the brim with the kind of beats that keep the dance floors packed like sardines. Boasting input from some of the hottest producers around at the moment - such as ZDE, M-Phazes, Katalyst & South Rakkas Crew, and co. - SistarHood will even have you nodding your head as you stand in line at the supermarket, ipod in hand.

Another note, worthy of mention, is that the album is not only packed with Killa beats - it's just downright packed with tracks!! 19, to be exact. No standard, "12 tracks and we're done here", malarki. These girls have gone all out! I respect that.

Stand outs, for me, are as follows: Double Up ft. Lady Chann (which is also the first single, and getting a bunch of air-time. Apparently, it's the 19th most added song on Australian radio rotation. Big ups, ladeez); Boyfriend; and Kick in the Back Door. But, to be fair, I've been play-rewind-playing Sweaty Wet & Bitches for months now, which is probably the only reason they don't feature in this here list.

They're great people too, with a lot to say - so listen up!

>>visit their myspace<<

Belizean Bombshell

Kween G

>>>Update Bombardment<<<

2009-04-27T13:16:00.009+10:00

Several points of note: (now, who doesn't love interesting information contained in a series of bullet points??)

My good friendpal Sheeny has a blog. If you haven't already, check it out! She takes amazing photographs of arty Melbourne life; she finds hip things EVERYWHERE and schools us on them; she writes like a wizard - and she's a tops lady! Get on it!! (Interview coming soon - watch this space...)

She is available to photograph/review events - but she's leaving Melbourne soon, so be quick!

Photo by Juhi Sharma
http://juies.blogspot.com

NEW INTERVIEWS coming very very soon!! Including: KillaQueenz (who have just released their debut album - SistarHood), Cat MacInnes (Illustrator of international critical acclaim - Yoko loves her!), Nyssa Bradsworth (Melbourne Singer/Songwriter on the rise), and more more MORE!!

One last thing (for now), the review I wrote a little while ago about 'Samson & Delilah' has been posted on Two Flat Whites!! I'm super psyched about this development, because I have been a big admirer of the TFW initiative for some time. They support and encourage Australian talent in a broad range of art forms - from film, fashion, music, literature - they've got it sorted. They love participators too, so if you're an arty type, hit 'em up!!
Oh, I lied, one more "last thing", coming up on Girly is Good, interviews with: Ladi6 (TBC), Helen Begley (Melbourne singer/songwriter - she's won lots of songwriter awards and is like a guru!), Jess Harlen (has recorded with Muph & Plutonic, performed with Ngaiire, Blue King Brown and others), & Rachel Murray (DJ and founder of the 'Lady Fingers' initiative - teaching young women of different minority backgrounds to DJ with the best of 'em!)

Interview with Josie Long & Sarah Millican - Brilliant!

2009-04-22T19:19:00.004+10:00

A trifle of time ago, I was lucky enough to have chin-wag with two of the funniest ladies ALIVE (and maybe even dead. They're not dead. But they may well be funnier than the dead ones - when they were alive...)!! They are Englandish, but have been kickin it in Melbourne for the duration of the International Comedy Festival (I've mentioned them before...scroll down ;-) I have finally gotten my arse into gear and popped the aforementioned interview on this here blog. I had to break it down, jazz-drum-solo stylez, into three parts, cos twas very large. Listen to it, if you will. Chuckle. Chuckle.

Listen to Part 1 of the interview >>>HERE<<<
Listen to Part 2 of the interview >>>HERE<<<
Listen to Part 3 of the interview >>>HERE<<<

After you have recovered from the inevitably side-splitting hilarity, check out their websites post haste!! Seriously, two of the highlights of the whole festival!

Josie Long & Sarah Millican

Interview with Ngaiire

2009-04-19T11:57:00.005+10:00

>>>Listen to my interview with Ngaiire...<<<

Ngaiire joined me in the studio earlier this week to have a bit of a chat about what she's been up to. She's based up north these days, so I was lucky enough to fit in some time with her while she was in Melbourne - in between gigs.

Although we only had 15 minutes to get our talking on - it was lovely to meet with her. And I, for one, am eagerly anticipating her forthcoming debut album, due for release early next year.

If you're like me, and can't wait that long to get your hot little hands on some tracks - check out her 'Song for No One' EP. Out now!!

Samson & Delilah = compulsary viewing

2009-04-16T21:10:00.004+10:00

This film hit me where it hurts.

Ever since I was old enough to have even the very beginnings of a social conscience, I felt that the colour of my skin automatically aligned me with a group of people who seemed to consistently invade lands, and hurt the people who lived there. In school you were taught about Australian history as it pertained to settlers migrating from the "motherlands" of England, Ireland, Scotland, etc. Never about how the people who ALREADY lived here used to go about their lives before that migration, *cough*, invasion... Never about their languages, beliefs, customs and traditions. Never.

This film depicts the all-to-real reality of what it's like to be born into a downward spiral. Samson, a 15 year old Walpiri boy, and the film's leading man, lives a monotonous and isolated outback life. His day begins with a compulsive inhalation of petrol from a can. Whilst a repetitive reggae riff is played outside his bedroom window by his brother's band. The rest of his days are spent trying to stave off complete boredom - more often than not, unsuccessfully. The altered state of consciousness that petrol-sniffing brings is his only escape - and his only hobby.

In the same town is the teenage Delilah, with whom Samson is completely in love. Delilah is a mature-beyond-her-years young woman, who spends her days caring for her only apparent relative and companion, her nana, Kitty. Delilah wakes Kitty each morning to take her medication. She wheels Kitty to the local health clinic and church, then spends the rest of the day helping her to paint the dot-paintings that are in such high demand. The utter poverty in which they are forced to live is made all the more poignant when, later on, you discover how much these dot-paintings are sold for in the cities.

There is little more than a few sentences of dialogue in the entire film, perhaps less than half of that is in English. The lack of conversation between characters makes every gesture and glance feel as though it were magnified. The director, Warwick Thornton's, attention to visual detail amplifies this even more. He is also the screenwriter. For someone who loves dialogue and conversation - I was surprised that I didn't want to hear anyone speak. Like there was a danger it might detract from what was unspoken.

The beaten-black-and-blue love story between Samson and Delilah barely equates to more than a smile and a quick peck on the forehead, but rarely have I been so moved by an on-screen love as I have with these two.

This film must come with a warning: it will confront you and, quite likely, move you to tears, as it did me. You're likely to feel the absolute desperation that these kids are living. You might ask yourself, 'how did we come to this?'and you might, like me, want to slap a few smug cafe-dwelling whities... I guess I should start with myself?

Samson & Delilah opens in Australian cinemas April 30th.

Director: Warwick Thornton
Screenwriter: Warwick Thornton
Cast: Rowan McNamara, Marissa Gibson, Mitjili Napanangka Gibson, Scott Thornton, Matthew Gibson, Steven Brown, Gregwyn Gibson, Noreen Robertson Nampijinpa

Behind the Scenes with the film's Director/Screenwriter.

Podcast - Ginger-stylez...

2009-04-09T12:10:00.001+10:00

I'm thinking I'm gonna try and post Girly is Good on this blog each week... I'll give it a burl this week and let you know how it goes...

yeehaw!

xxx

oh my, is it update time already??

2009-04-09T12:01:00.002+10:00

Lordy, i'm getting mighty slack - already. tsk tsk, indeed. OK, brief summary:

- Interviewed Sarah Millican and Josie Long on Girly is Good last week. Can I just say that these two are some of my favourite comedians around?!?! Had met Josie once before (on the show, this time last year, actually) but had never met Sarah. This woman is frikkin hilarious!!! If you're like me, and partial to a bit of rude comedy told by a charmingly nerdy northern-england-accented lady with glasses, then you'll love her too!
Both of them are performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival until April 26th. Get on it!!

Nina Conti is on the show this week - she won the illustrious Barry award last year, so i have high hopes!!

Tune in to Girly is Good on 3CR Melbourne radio this Sunday 12th April 2pm-3pm...

LA visual artist: Steven Lopez - After Midnight Series

2009-03-13T09:34:00.003+11:00

This guy not only paints the most amazing, bright, and bold portraits of some of the most recognisable soul sisters - but he video-tapes the whole thing, speeds it up, adds a funky remix of one of the artist's tunes, and makes it available to all y'all!!

My favourites so far include this one of Tina Turner (who, fyi, is the only celebrity I ever sent a fan letter to - back in my youngin' days. Perhaps I am making myself sound cooler than was the reality. No doubt. If my 14 year old self's journal at the time is anything to go by... my cringe-o-meter just exploded...); anyway, there is an Erykah Badu piece that is THE SHIT! Other portraits in this particular series include - Aretha Franklin, India Arie, Minnie Ripperton, Jill Scott, and Chaka Khan.

Another nugget of sweetness is that you can purchase your own little slice of artistic diva goodness, by way of a print of the artwork of your choice, for under AU$40! Hit up the link way back at the top of this blog...

Check out the video of Tina Turner 'Bold Soul Sister.

fun with boozey bottles...

2009-03-05T10:43:00.010+11:00

So, I recently had a party-shindig-soiree at my humble abode. This signals for me an IDEAL time to take the ol' Canon out for a spin. However, my dilemma has always been thus: I don't have any fancy flash diffusers, or anything of that nature. So my heart cries a little when I have to take night photos with an ordinary flash and watch in hopelessness as the colour/ambiance/mood of the scene being photographed is washed away in a flash (pun SO intended). Now, I know you can put it on a kind of 'night portrait' setting, which gives novices like me a helping hand. The result is as follows...

Which I like the look of, mainly because of the deep orange/red of the overall image. But I didn't want EVERY photo to look like this. Then Martin told me of a technique he had heard about of placing a spoon in front of the flash. This would disperse the light and create a more realistic-looking image. So we did this for a while and it certainly got the wheels in motion for some creative flash-play! He also told me of people putting cellophane in front of the flash for different colour effects. Well now, I didn't have cellophane -

but I had a light blue Gin bottle...

A green beer bottle...

A brown beer bottle...

And a clear glass bottle...

Something so simple - yet outrageously fun, with great results!! Now I look forward to taking night photos, yeah! I win, flash!!

AMEN!!

2009-02-26T12:09:00.003+11:00

Heck YES, I'd go to church if I was guaranteed it would be like this!!
All my single ladies say AMEN!!
Testify!!

Ode to: Samantha Morton (and 'Expired')

2009-02-19T10:53:00.005+11:00

I spectacled the movie 'Expired' (2007) recently, starring Samantha Morton and Jason Patrick. And, may I say politely, that shit was awesome!! I've developed quite a taste for awkwardness in film and television in recent years - probably because I have a bit of a phobia about it in real life... maybe 'phobia' is taking it a bit far. I'd say I dislike awkwardness in my life about as much as the next person. But I L.O.V.E. it on screen! This movie delivers awkwardness in abundance!!

So, the basic storyline is this: Morton plays Claire, a shy, submissive, kind-hearted ticket inspector in California. The poor love is constantly overlooked by just about everyone apart from her one close female friend, played by Illeana Douglas (an underestimated talent i feel), who encourages Claire to 'get out there' and meet a man - like she did, on the Internet.

ASIDE: One fun suggestion from her friend was that she should try going to a pyjama party - a new hot craze - where everyone (strangers mostly) go to a club in their jim-jams and touch each other up. A good grope-fest, no strings attached. Innocent touching s'all ;-) Novel.

Anyway, so she's working in a thankless, lose-lose, ticket inspector job, and looking after her mute mother at home, who is wheelchair bound following a stroke. Life is pretty shite. But she doesn't complain. no no no.

Jay, a fellow ticket inspector, takes a liking to Claire and an cringe-worthy love affair ensues. You see, Jay is a complete a-hole! says all the wrong things. He's mean, arrogant, selfish, insulting and he has an ugly mo. He's a no good son-of-a-jackal. But Claire figures that something is better than nothing, right?? The thing is, Jay is just so horrible, he can't help but be hilarious! It's almost impossible to imagine anyone like him existing - maybe I should thank Allah I don't know any 'Jays'.

P.S. Expired is awesome. Morton and Patrick are awesome. Incidentally, Morton appears to be always the aforementioned 'A' word. I've never seen her in a bad movie, E.g. I HATE Tom Cruise, but Minority Report was cool - Morton was in that too! Coincidence?

P.P.S. Expired is set in the US, so check out Morton's accent - flawless! I tip my cap, fair lady.

Ode to: Katy Grannan

2009-02-16T14:25:00.006+11:00

This is my first 'Ode to:'. This is basically a chance for me to share the people/places/inanimate objects that have inspired me in some way. I thought I'd kick start it with my favourite photographer of the moment - Katy Grannan. She's studied a bunch of arty/photography stuff at really impressive Universities in the States, blah blah. She has also taken some of my most favourite photographs. She's one for portraits, and the portraits that really stand out for me are of two visually amazing people: Dale and Gail. She's done a whole series on them and I can completely see why. I could look at them all day! They're beautiful - don't you think they're beautiful??

Lady into Fox

Dale & Frankie

Gail

Greedy Genius...

2009-02-13T16:00:00.005+11:00

I want these kicks so bad I think I might consider foregoing food for an unidentified length of time just to be able to afford them...
I am convinced that sites like this exist to simultaneously titillate/torture me...I found them at pickyourshoes.com and haven't been able to find them in Aus anywhere so far. (Which kinda makes me lust after them even harder...).

Tonight I will dream of you, my pretties...

Tone Setter

2009-02-12T11:12:00.003+11:00

GingerSnap's First Blog: Setting the tone...

So here I am. Here you are ('you'. elusive, anonomous, mystery-wrapped-in-a-riddle-stuffed-inside-an-emigma, 'you'), and we're both here together. It's a beautiful thing really, isn't it? sharing. caring, etc.

Ok, ok, i'll try to keep the bullshit to a minimum, lest this turn into a mere repeat of my 13 year old self's scented pink diary scribblins, that invariably got binned by my embarrassed 16 year old self. I'm 24 now, and have to bare in mind what my 30 year old self will think of this nonsense!

I'm starting this blog for a few different reasons, really. I shall list them, in no particular order:

I have been inspired by several Kool people around who have blogs that I enjoy perusing;
I would very much like to post photos AND words together. As one. As nature intended;
I get very excited by music. I would like to share this;
I have a readio show. I would enjoy talking about it in a computerised way;
Maybe I'll have adventures and need to share them with you;
I guess it's pretty self-indulgent, and I kinda like that aspect, frankly.

I appear to be in a Listing state of mind. What better list to make than a Music-I'm-Diggin-At-The-Moment list?! Woot!!!

Little Dragon - Although their self-titled album came out in 2007, I only JUST discovered them. Thanks to a little help from the SoulBounce Top 20 Albums of 2008 (but it is actually listed as a 2007 release). They're another bunch of groovin Swedes! I think there must be some funkin booty sweat in the water in Sverigetown, cos Little Dragon are not the first authentic-sounding electro-groove machine to come out of that fair northern land! Freddie Gruger, AKA Red Astair, was my first intro into the veritable diamond mine that is Sweden a couple of years ago. His collabs with Soulstress, Linn, and hotter-than-hot, Anthony David, are still on rotation for me, years down the track. Freddie & Linn have released an EP last year too, for those who know that they're onto a winner... I realise I've done down a bit of a tangent-track, but it is all pointing towards Sweden being my next holiday destination.
Back to Little Dragon's album (and the track meets back up with the road once more), it is pretty much an LP of slow jams, which often equal boring-going-to-sleep-music, but NOT in this case. I am a BIG FAN of confident vocals and interesting melodies. For me, the beat can be bangin', but if the vocaliser doesn't bring the goods to the proverbial table, I ain't sold. There are just too many people out there who can be auto-tuned to sound half-decent, but are boring as shit! Not the case, thankfully, for Little Dragon lead vox, Yukimi Nagano. Who, incidently, looks like the epitome of cool ice-cold (in a deeply good way). Favourite Track = No. 6. 'Forever'.
Uh oh, I am fast running out of time! This "List" is turing into a two-bullet-point-lame-excuse-for-a list! I feel the urge to represent for my Aussie ladeez - cos lord knows they're around and they got mad skillz (I should probably give a heads-up right now that i'm about as white as they come, and I WILL be using words that probably only sound right/cool coming from an African-American... I'm so trill right now). Alright, here are some just off the top of my head. Click on their names to go to their Myspace pages... Lady Lash, Ngaiire, KillaQueenz, Ladi6(NZ), Emma Donovan,

GingerSnap must now run like the wind.

Until next I rant...