With his career rising, French Braids has shared with us his latest session in Toronto using loop pedals and pure improvisation. Great if you are looking to hear something refreshing.
With their latest EP ‘Nothing changes if nothing changes’ released the band joined us for an interview to talk about music and culture.
Hi, how are you guys?
We are really good! It’s summertime.
So, how did Birds on Clouds form?
Lina gathered some friends together, and here we are. It started with a fun musical vision and ended up with our Birds on Clouds sound. We began combining different genres and now it feels like we found our expression. From a kind of indie folk, singer-songwriter sound to more of a playful dreamy and melancholy sound.
What are the band’s influences?
A hard question. We all come from and like different musical backgrounds so we basically have broad influences of indie pop, folk music, rock, and pop.
If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be?
Also a hard question, we’ve in a way just started our journey so we can’t really say a specific artist. Thinking about it, it would be interesting to do a collaboration with a philharmonic orchestra actually, that could create a nice dreamy sound combination.
Describe yourselves in one word.
Sprawling.
Describe your music in one word.
Dreamy.
What are your goals for the rest of 2017?
To have a release party and write new inspiring music.
What is your definition of culture?
Culture is something you share with at least two people. Everyone and everything is part of a culture. It includes social behaviour, music, art and much more. It can be in the walls of your job, from the city of the country you grew up in, in the group of your friends and family. It’s a part of life and being able to be open to learn other cultures is a part of being a human being. We are all different, we all come from different experiences, but we are still the same. You never know what’s behind a person’s actions. The important thing is to be curious and to have a will to learn.
To find out more about Birds on Clouds follow them here on Facebook.
Jonas Mekas, a legend of avant-garde cinema, named by many as the Godfather of Avant-garde cinema, has truly created a filmography that stands its time and showcases the true poetry of film.
Here is a list of top 5 films we have selected that are directed and made by the filmmaker Jonas Mekas.
With over 4 hours long this film is considered to be one of the best films in the world of Avant-garde cinema. Mekas gives us a glimpse of his life by developing a feature-length film from private home film footage that gives us a tiny glimpse into the life of Mekas.
Another film that is considered to be a classic in the world of Avant-garde cinema is Walden. This film is a mix of notes, diaries, and sketches by Mekas. This film truly showcased the poetic side of Mekas which is true throughout all of his films. If you are looking for a starting point this film is great for it.
This is my personal favourite. Lost, Lost Lost showcases the great documentary work Mekas did and once again displays the natural poetic side of him. The film displays his life experience as an immigrant in New York and the life of the immigrant community, something that not many documented.
More so, another beautiful film by Jonas Mekas that documents his reminiscences of Lithuania is Reminiscences of a Journey to Lithuania. The film is divided into three parts and showcases the great work he put behind his work showcasing his great camera skills and poetic editing once again.
Amongst such great work, this one stands right up there. This is one of his latest works that really shows that after so many years Mekas can still make great cinema. A truly poetic film with some great piano improvisations supporting it.
This is just a small list of works Mekas has done. Other than a filmmaker he is a pure artist throughout many other forms of creativity including poetry. He has worked with some of the greats and continues to do so with no sign of slowing down.
We have been very lucky at Our Culture Mag and talked to Jonas Mekas back in April about film and culture, you can check the full interview here.
Here are some of his works.
Brogues
Brogues are quite a classic look for guys. If you are going for a smart and casual look brogues are great for that look. Mostly, the type of brogue you want will depend on what kind of look you are going for. Suede has been on the rise, but the classic brown brogues are still quite popular amongst men. If you are looking to wear smarter clothing in the summer like a shirt and some smart shorts, brogues will be great for you as they still leave you looking a tad casual but appropriately smart.
Loafers
Similarly, loafers are a mix of casual and smart. Some men wear it with suits however they are great if you want to wear some great looking shoes with shorts or chinos in the summer and a t-shirt. Loafers are popular in different colours mostly dark. If you are wearing a white shirt brown loafers will go nicely.
Plimsols
Another type of shoe that is popular especially amongst the youth is the plimsol. They have grown into the youth culture very quick and can be bought for quite an affordable price compared to many if you are on a tight budget. These shoes are great if you are looking to wear casual t-shirt and shorts.
Boat Shoes
No doubt, another shoe that is popular and is growing in popularity is the boat shoe. Boat shoes are great if you are going for a casual look. They go well with jeans and shorts, especially in the summer.
Trainers
Trainers are popular for people that like the casual summer look. Thus, If you are looking to wear sportswear or something very casual like a tank top, these are great for you.
Espadrilles
If you are looking for something that is great for the beach or something that is light and great for the summer espadrilles is a great option. These shoes are made for summer and will make you comfortable in hot weather when you do not want to wear anything heavy. Many confuse these with plimsoles as they look very similar however they have different sole as Espadrilles are made from jute rope and the plimsolls are constructed from rubber.
Flip Flops
This is a mix for many people. But an essential for the summer. Flip flops are mostly worn at home and are not something that people go out in with the exception of the beach. Therefore, if you are choosing to wear flip flops make sure that you wear them for the right occasion.
With here latest single ‘Light’ out now, Cassie joined us for an interview to talk about music and culture.
Hi, how are you?
Hi! *virtual wave* I’m doing well, feeling really grateful lately- thank you for asking. I feel weird not following up with “and how are you?”
We are great, thank you! So, how did you get into music?
Music has been a part of my life probably since I was in the womb, honestly. My mom was a classical pianist, and I started learning piano when I was 3. I didn’t start composing until I was 10, and fully writing my own songs at 13. I think it’s always been my escape. I just recently started learning to produce my own music and I think that’s been the most fun so far.
How did your song ‘Light’ come about?
“Light” is a song I wrote with my friend Andrew Novoa. One day he just showed me this skeletal foundation of a song idea he had and I told him I liked it. I took the song with me for a couple hours, ended up writing the lyrics and melodies as they came to me and brought them back to Andrew later that day. He told me he loved it and then we produced it together.
What are the challenges of making a song like ‘Light’?
Hmmm. I’d say the biggest challenge would be deciding when the song is finished. (In terms of producing, deciding whether to add another layer or getting a new idea for a song that’s in its final stages, at the last minute and struggling with that curiosity.)
What are your goals for the rest of 2017?
I’m currently working towards an EP near the end of 2017 and also a tour…!
Describe yourself in one word.
Describe myself? *uncomfortable smile* That’s always a weird one. Hmmm… I’d say “decisive”.
Describe your music in one word.
Describe my MUSIC in one word? *tucks head inside shirt* Probably… “evocative”.
What is your definition of culture?
My definition of culture is: the arts, traditions, and beliefs that exist from a particular society, group, time or place. I think it’s really cool that there are so many different cultures to learn about. That’s one of the things I most look forward to about traveling the world.
To find out more about Cassie Marin follow her here.
Wear Chinos
Chinos go great with polo shirts. They are a great option if you want to wear something not too smart but not too casual. Ultimately, If you wear coloured or dark polo shirts wearing light chinos will help. If you wear white polo shirt wearing dark blue chinos will go nicely. Chinos in stone and beige colour are the most common to wear with polo shirts.
Tucking in your shirt
Wearing your polo shirt untucked is common but if you are looking for more of a firm look, wearing it tucked in will help. It will also help in looking smarter but also show off your belt if you have one. If you are going for a slim/skinny polo shirt wearing your shirt tucked in will help define your upper body.
Wear a belt
Another way to add to your look is to accessorise your trousers is with a belt. It will give your outfit a nice contrast. Try matching your shoes with your belt. Brown with brown normally does the job.
Wear some accessories
A common thing many men miss out is accessories. It is one of the most important things when wearing clothes. Wearing accessories with a polo shirt will make you feel and look like you own it. Wearing a watch on one hand and a bracelet on the other is a good look.
Loafers and Boat shoes
No doubt, to add more to your look you can wear some loafers or boat shoes these will give your look a more casual and relaxed look, this is great for the summer and spring. Most guys wear polo shirts when going out so why not add some shoes that fit the look.
Blade Runner (based off of Philip K. Dick’s ‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep’) came out in 1982 to polarizing reviews and a low box office taking in just $33.8 million from a $28 million budget. With some criticising it’s pacing, it’s production design and effects were celebrated. Nowadays the film is cited as a masterpiece and one of the best in its genre.
The film is set in 2019 futuristic Los Angeles and follows the story of Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), an alcohol dependent ex-police officer who is brought on to ‘retire’ (kill) four replicants that have come to Earth illegally to find their maker and extend their four-year life span. The people who are ordered to kill replicants are called Blade Runners. The leader of the gang of Nexus-6 replicants is the highly skilled and highly intelligent Roy Batty portrayed intimidatingly by Rutger Hauer.
Jordan Cronenweth’s stunning cinematography and Lawrence G. Paull’s wonderful Production design puts us into a paranoid noir world, with strong gloomy and shadowy elements that hide the city and the people in it. Deckard walks down dimly lit streets and lives in a dark and dirty apartment, this creates the noir look and feel of the film and tells us much about who Deckard is. Vangelis’ dark, iconic. Mythical and dream-like soundtrack scatters across the film, so memorable yet never distracting from the visual it is such a fascinating element to the film that it brings feeling to it, it merges into the atmosphere that you can’t separate it from the world you are in.
Ridley Scott considers Blade Runner to be “probably” his most complete and personal film. I find the themes explored say what Scott wants to say. The film creates a state of paranoia, with one of the first shots being of an eye, reflecting the city of LA, giving a sense of a big brother watching over the world followed up by continuous blimps surrounding the sky shining lights down on the city as no one can seem to escape them. I also find the theme of humanity as a center point, it seems that the replicants show more emotion, empathy, and mercy than the humans do. Every human is alone, although the share scenes and dialogue with others ultimately they do not show emotion to one another rather Deckard lives by himself in a filthy apartment, he doesn’t seem to have friends or family, he drinks endlessly and when trying to share his feelings he does so in a violent way, (The original cut included voiceover by Deckard) this builds upon the detective noir character that he is. This is also the same with J. F. Sebastian (William Sanderson) who lives in a crappy apartment, all by himself expect he surrounds himself with toys and robots, not humans. Meanwhile, the replicants show compassion to not just replicants but to humans as well and although we know and have seen that the replicants do kill, it is no different to what humans do. Other themes explored include religious symbolism, social aspects, love, memories and even eyes, which feature prominently throughout the film.
Featuring great acting and characterisation, striking visuals, an unforgettable score, a fantastic ending and probably the greatest monologue ever delivered Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner will forever be admired and commemorated. An incomparable masterpiece Blade Runner ends on a question that needs an answer and with the upcoming Blade Runner 2049 (Dir. Denis Villeneuve) I hope the film delivers.
Adam West, star of the popular 1960’s TV series ‘Batman’ has passed away in Los Angeles aged 88. According to sources, Adam West had a short term battle with leukemia which was the cause of his death.
Adam West’s career ranged from Batman to Mayor Adam West in Family Guy. He has had an eclectic range of roles during his career. During his role as Batman Adam West went on to appear in 120 episodes and went on to act in ‘Batman: The Movie’.
Many filmmakers and celebrities paid their tributes via social media to remember the legendary actor.
Gotham City has lost a legend. Adam West was every bit as gracious and loving in person as you’d expect. @therealadamwest
— Robin Lord Taylor (@robinlordtaylor) June 10, 2017
Rest in Peace Adam West. We met once in 1987 and I was too embarrassed and too foolishly “cool” to tell you what you meant to my childhood.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) June 10, 2017
Farewell Adam West. You were MY Batman. Such a super funny, cool, charismatic actor. Loved the show as a kid, still love the show now. POW! pic.twitter.com/6QAZnOhtMs
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) June 10, 2017
For anyone that is confused about what the difference between a suit and a tuxedo then you have come to the right place. I will give you some advice and tips on distinguishing the difference between suits and tuxedos.
The definition of suit is a jacket and trouser cut in the same fabric. It is usually paired with each other depending on preferences. A tuxedo is a suit, but here is what separates them.
1. The lapel
Have you ever noticed the difference of fabric on the lapels of a suit and tux? Well a suit typically uses the same fabric as the whole jacket where as a tuxedo uses satin. Of course not all tuxedos have satin lapels but there are other ways to distinguish between the two.
2. Accessorising
When it comes to accessorising suits you can go crazy! Ties, pocket squares, cravats anything or nothing at all. However when it comes to tuxedos or black tie there is a typical look to go for whether you wear a bow tie, a low cut waistcoat or a cummerbund which is worn around the waist.
3. Fabrication
Suits can be made out of most fabrics, it can be dressed down or up depending on the fabrication. Where as tuxedos are usually Tropical Worsted or Burlington Wool which which are mainly in black however you can get them in white or midnight blue.
4. Trouser sides
Down the trouser side of a normal suit is just a side seam from where the trouser back and front have been stitched together. On a black tie trousers there is a satin fabric sewn where the side seam should be.
5. When to wear it
There are three types of suits, there is leisure, formal and fashionable suits. They can be worn anytime. There is no restrictions as to when to wear it as you can pair it with shorts or jeans etc. On the other hand tuxedos are worn on very special occasions which distinguishes the two from one another, so that maybe be prom or weddings. It can be semi formal too but because of the quality of the fabric and expenses it should be for more formal occasions.
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