Freelance Dallas/Fort Worth photographer and writer
Here’s a quick feature I did on New York band Chappo this week. There’s some photos from the Dallas show, but also some tidbits about the band itself, since I also interviewed lead singer Alex Chappo.
Currently, the band is on a U.S. tour in support of Royal Teeth. They put on a pretty entertaining show, so catch them in your town if you can!
Below are some photos I took from the Dallas gig at House of Blues’ Cambridge Room, but click the link for more images from the photo gallery.
Since I’ve never done a favorites post before, some of these finds are from December. From cookies to lip butter to metal music, there’s a bit of everything included.
Orphan Black
Airing on BBC America, Orphan Black is a sci-fi thriller about a troubled woman who discovers she is a clone. There’s enough of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end of the season, and Tatiana Maslany’s multiples roles as the clones almost had me forgetting the same actor was inhibiting each one.
I was late to the show, which originally aired back in March of 2013, because it aired on BBC America, and I’m not fancy enough for satellite TV. It only took me two days, however, to catch up on all ten episodes of the first season because I was hooked from the beginning.
If you haven’t watched the first season yet, there’s still time to catch up until season two’s premiere in April.
The Hunter by Mastodon
Sometimes you need a break from an album so that when you revisit later, it still sounds fresh and invigorating. That’s what has happened with The Hunter. I haven’t seen them play live in almost four years, so going back to the last album before the new one is released this year seems like a great lead-in to a new tour.
It’s a divisive record for Mastodon fans. Some feel they have strayed away from their progressive roots and conceptual themes by penning songs averaging three or four minutes long, while others praised Mastodon for taking a risk by composing music that could be taken as more “mainstream.”
I personally love this album. I don’t necessarily love it more than the others, but in a different way. Kudos to Mastodon for not fearing the wrath of metalheads and taking a different approach to the sound.
Her
When I heard the news about Spike Jonze’s new movie being about a man that falls in love with his computer, I was yearning for him to just keep making Arcade Fire music videos. Thankfully, this film was much more endearing than I thought it would be.
Joaquin Phoenix’s sympathetic character Theodor Twombly (are we in a Roald Dahl novel?) tries to navigate the world of intimacy and relationships in a nearby futuristic world that covets connections with technology more than person-to-person interaction. More than just a quirky romantic comedy, it’s a take on what it means to build a relationship in a world constantly replacing real emotional connections with technological ones.
Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
The 1.7 ounce version of this product was my 100-point reward for Sephora’s Beauty Insider card, and I’m sure grateful I picked it! The orange smell isn’t all that great, but it’s quite faint. Personally, I’m not fond of a scent coming from my face anyway.
What sets it apart is the exfoliating power that leaves skin feeling baby-bottom-soft. Seriously. I felt the need to stroke my face several times after first using it.
The downside to this cleanser is that it’s indeed pricey, but worth it in my opinion since a small amount goes a long way. It lathers nicely, but if you have sensitive skin like me, I advise moisturizing immediately afterwards before the exfoliating beads cause any irritation or further dryness. Thankfully my sensitive skin actually cooperates with this cleanser, but it does cause a little redness at first.
Anastasia Brow Wiz
Here’s yet another expensive item, but the results are incredible. Anastasia has great products to tame and shape eyebrows. This pencil and wand combo succeeds in creating realistic coloring and fuller eyebrows, while also being long-lasting.
Unlike eyebrow pencils, it’s a felt tip, so making mistakes are easier to wipe off, and it’s more a softened look compared to the intensity from an eyebrow pencil. If you’re really wanting to go further with taming those brows, the brow gel is wonderful also.
Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rosé Kiss
Hydrating and oh-so-lovely smelling, the Nivea lip butters are beneficial for drying lips in the wintertime.
The lip butter keeps my lips hydrated and soft for most of the day, but I will say that the raspberry flavor has a slight light pink tint to it. If you prefer no color whatsoever, caramel and vanilla flavors are also available. This is a great moisturizing lip product.
Forever 21 Open-front Shag Cardigan
Never did I think I would own anything related to the words “shag” or “faux fur,” but here I am with an exquisitely comfortable cardigan that I can throw on with a band T-shirt or nicer knit top when it’s cool out, but not too cool, which happens a lot more in Texas than actually being cold.
The cardigan is long, which comes in handy when I want to wear leggings to work and cover up what little butt I have, or to add more depth to a simple top.
Pepperidge Farm Milano Melts in Vanilla Crème
So simple, yet so delicious. They’re like Oreos but less sweet. The only downside is that there’s not enough of them in each package!
I haven’t tried the other flavors yet, but the Dark Classic Crème and Boston Cream Pie sound like a mouth-watering foodie session too.
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Normally I wouldn’t be eager to watch the Grammy Awards ceremony, but this year’s roster of performers is surprising for anyone used to just sparkly divas and the latest pop sensation predominantly on TV. The 56th annual music celebration will have more alternative selections this time around.
The heavily nominated Daft Punk will be joined onstage by a groovy, funky bunch consisting of none other than Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, and Chic’s Nile Rodgers. Both Rodgers and Williams made contributions to Daft Punk’s record Random Access Memories
Of course, Pharrell sang on the huge summertime hit “Get Lucky,” but also provided vocals for the second single “Lose Yourself to Dance.” In addition to putting his disco mark on the previously mentioned tracks, guitarist Nile Rodgers also contributed to album opener “Give Life Back to Music.” This group of musicians makes perfect sense, considering they all have such nods to funk and soul (and if you’ve never heard of Pharrell’s previous group The Neptunes, definitely take a listen).
In a very different style lies Metallica’s performance of “One” alongside Chinese pianist Lang Lang, which will obviously bring a clash of styles, but at least it won’t be a worse collaboration than Lulu. Maybe picking a pianist that has played his share of Liszt to coincide with a thrash metal band isn’t such a bad idea.
Just a few days ago blues maestro Gary Clark Jr. and country star Keith Urban were additionally announced as a performers. Though I’m not too fond of Keith Urban, it’s a relief to see a veteran indie musician like Gary Clark Jr. able to attain more national visibility. His latest album Blak And Blu
However, the performance I’m looking forward to the most is the finale consisting of Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham, Dave Grohl, Nine Inch Nails, and Queens of the Stone Age. Considering Queens of the Stone Age and Nine Inch Nails alone took up approximately half of my listening pleasure last year, this superband is going to be one fantastically heavy way to end the awards show.
All I’m worried about is that there’s going to be an excessive amount of guitarists on stage. Just because one is able to put five guitarists on stage together doesn’t mean one should. Whatever the case may be, bring on the noise.
For more information on all of the performers, click here. Which performance are you looking forward to the most?
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It was 80 degrees outside today, so I’m not sure that this playlist actually compliments the climate I’m in, but for those who are already experiencing snow or want to pretend you are, here is a playlist for you.
Some of these songs don’t include any references to snow or wintertime (and I promise- very few references to Christmas), but it’s a nice collection of melancholy and delicate. A few of the music videos for the tunes also align with the theme.
Click here to listen to the playlist!
1. “Immigrant Song”- Led Zeppelin
That infamous “Ahhaahhhhh…ah!” gives this such a primal feel, it belongs to scenes of hunting in the fierce winter winds of… England?
Also, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Karen O did a fantastic cover version for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo soundtrack.
2. “In the Cold, Cold, Night”- White Stripes
Megan White was never the focus of the band, so it’s nice to see her take the spotlight and sing this simple, slightly bluesy track.
3. “Let Me Sleep”- Pearl Jam
Eddie Vedder has a great voice and all, but he must be one boring Christmas buddy. Anyways, here’s a rarity from their Lost Dogs two-disc collection.
4. “Glósóli”- Sigur Rós
It is just such a beautiful, breathtaking song. Sigur Rós are one of those bands that make mesmerizing music videos that compliment the music- “Glósóli” included.
5. “Untitled”- Interpol
I always imagine a visual of New York City on a chilly evening when “Untitled” is playing, or maybe just a crowded subway and people pushing each other during rush hour.
6. “White Winter Hymnal”- Fleet Foxes
The whole debut album by Fleet Foxes could be applied as sounds for winter. However, this one doesn’t just mention the season in the title, it also perfectly fits the mood of wintertime forests and cabins.
7. “A Hazy Shade of Winter”- Simon & Garfunkel
Leave to Simon & Garfunkel to create an upbeat tune about dreary winter weather. However, it is a beautiful song, and shows off their famed songwriting prowess.
8. “Violet Hill”- Coldplay
Go ahead haters, hate away. I like this album and I shall listen to it anyway.
9. “This Ship Was Built to Last”- The Duke Spirit
The Duke Spirit are an underrated British band led by the smoky vocals of Liela Moss. They even opened for Jane’s Addiction this year.
10. “Breaking Down”- Florence + the Machine
A beautifully arranged song about gradually losing sanity. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Florence Welch.
11. “Farewell to the Fairground”- White Lies
There’s a U2-ish quality to this building track, whose video perfectly correlates with the theme.
Are there any other songs I should add? Just let me know!
This month is going to be full of noise.
Whew! Just let me breathe for a moment. I’m currently in the process of reviewing three albums by today, and planning several things. When I say “several things,” I mean 35 Denton and SXSW, and that’s just in the duration of two weeks. Last Monday I was at a Radiohead show in Dallas (click here for my videos), which prepared me for concert mode, and seizure-dancing with maracas if SXSW bands feel inclined to do so. However, one arena concert will not fully prepare me for the onslaught of music about to occur.
Every March bands parade through Texas (and usually most of the U.S) while they make their way to SXSW. 35 Denton is the weekend before SXSW’s music portion really kicks in. This year’s lineup boasts bands such as The Jesus & Mary Chain, Atlas Sound, Best Coast, The Raincoats, Mountain Goats, and more. SXSW includes more than 2,000 bands.
As thrilled as I am to satisfy my shoegaze heart’s desire for The Jesus & Mary Chain, it is also one of the most stressful times of the year for me. Luckily I am not currently in college, so I have time to plan everything, but the level of press I am providing this year is far above anything I have ever done. On one hand, I feel a sense of accomplishment, and promise that my worries of not having a successful future is merely temporary self doubt. On the other hand, am I going to survive?! The amount of walking/awkward running will surpass the previous festival workouts.
It may seem like I’m just complaining (well, I kind of am, aren’t I?), but I certainly enjoy the craziness. 35 Denton is much more relaxed and laid back. It is a way to see bands without the mayhem and large crowds, and SXSW offers an atmosphere and musical experience unlike any other in the world.
This year, I will be taking photos and reviewing shows at 35 Denton (which goes along with the Air Review interview already completed), and then it is off to SXSW on March 14-20. So far, I know there will be an interview with Brooklyn’s Ava Luna, photo-taking at Spin‘s Austin Throwdown and Rachael Ray’s Feedback parties, and reviewing/taking photos at many day parties.
There are some other possible developments that are really exciting. I will be interviewing other bands, and may be attending a few other events that will for sure get me giddy if they end up being confirmed. Here’s to musical bliss and sneaking in saltine crackers for the next few weeks!
Kristin Lockhart 