Blogcritics Author: Jianda Johnson

Announcement: Short-content feeds

Phillip Winn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Sunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding.

Indie Music Review: Anya Marina - Exercises in Racketeering

Jianda Johnson — Wed, 4 Feb 2004 00:51:24 EST

ANYA MARINA: "Exercises in Racketeering" EP Buy CD: AnyaMarina.comLike any great art, Exercises in Racketeering is deliciously hydra-headed. Each track on this singer-songwriter's release is grand coffee-joint fare: angelic overtones, jangly guitars, well-crafted lyrics of love, loss and love-again...And luscious harmonies!Still, dripping from the candy-covered underbelly of the songs, Marina's lyrics raise eyebrows. Make the cocktail glasses clink--are the stuff of dank, dark dive bars. Case in point: "I hope you die a fiery death/I love you/God, I need you..." ("Clean and Sober"). Dammit, bartender, it's both at once, ain't it? Yes, another refill, and be quick about it for Pete's sake!Produced with Scott Russo (Unwritten Law) and recorded in San Diego, Marina's prelude to her upcoming long-player ("Miss Halfway") makes you root for all the girls in these mini-films. "I can't keep up with the lovers on the street," Marina confides in us ("Come Back to Bed"). Still, you can't keep a good girl down. "You're gonna feel a little sting/a little like a Prick!" she chirps in "Lovesick." "Rommy's Pants," placed dainty as a chocolate in the middle of the mix, adds a dash of absurdity.... Then, we're dashed back through beauty and betrayal, hums, oohs, aahs and la's. It's haunting and heartening, all at once. Frankly, we think Anya's channeling two Beatles at once--John, and Paul. "I'm gonna burn a pie now and then..." she sings in "Miss Halfway," adding, "I'm gonna burn and shine and multiply." Whether you're a musician, music lover, or grrl-rock / indie-rock fan, you'll find your candy in Anya's passion-filled EP. You can't help but to fall in love with, and alongside her.Each radio-ready cut makes its way into your spirit, soft and bittersweet, like a highschool crush (in other words, "hard.") You'll find yourself singing along to these tunes. And achingly eager to listen to each one anew, like she's singing each story to you, and only you, for the first time.Yes, more, Anya, please? More.reviewer: jianda johnson Originally published at SugarMamaPR.com

A health-conscious artist, musician, vocalist and widely-published writer, Jianda's also a poet, guitarist, actress and singer-songwriter with singles/albums that are both self-released and available on several international independent labels including: Om Records, Kinkysweet Records, and Jam Music Australia. She plays the role of Kya in the upcoming Griot Soul Films Production, "She Wasn't Last Night," to begin production in October 2007. Visit her at www.myspace.com/jianda or http://jianda.net.

"TRIGGER" HAPPY: Mike Bertino's Antiheroes Rule

Jianda Johnson — Sun, 18 Jan 2004 02:21:11 EST

TRIGGER comic zine (issue one) by Mike BertinoMr. Fox (if that IS his real name!) is in a bad way--and it seems no one can help him. He's forced to save his manical, paranoid, yet intriguingly creative self between the scant pages of his self-penned (literally / figuratively) tome.True, TRIGGER may not be autobiographical, yet San Diego indie comic kid Mike Bertino explores whirlwind-snippet musings on paranoia, creativity, lonerhood, and all things pathetic. Somehow, you'll find yourself giggling at the fragility that's just as much yours as it is his.Anti-superheroes and flaccid cohorts abound, and yet somehow, you know the artsy geek guy's always gonna get the upper hand--some-strange how...Bertino's stark, pronounced shapes, post-mod chiaroscuro lines, and filmic attention to storyline and detail (lest the slacker motif fool you) makes for one cool comic. And for a mere two bucks, I say you hook it up with Bertino, pronto.reviewer: j. johnson originally published @ sugarmamapr.com ------- What's The Point, Indeed! Buy: TRIGGER get it? got it? good:Mike Bertino: triggercomics@hotmail.com3060 suncrest dr. #9 san diego ca 92116

Dance Performance Review: Eveoke's "Funkalosophy"

Jianda Johnson — Wed, 16 Jul 2003 00:59:23 EDT

HIP HOP CONSCIOUSNESS: EVEOKE'S FUNKALOSOPHY OF LIFE. Review, Eveoke Dance Theater's Funkalosophy Hip Hop Show - Funkalosophy runs from July 9-31, 2003 San Diego has gone conscious. Without giving much-too-much of Funkalosophy away, y'all, San Diego, it's gone conscious! Well, it's always been there, what with Mother Earth Ocean up in the mix and the idyllic weather, Bedroom DJs and Master Blasters makin' up rhymes with pens tucked gently behind ears, but--it's been find to find us all, often, in the same place at the same time.... and so much of the Hip Hop Headz downtown obscure some of the subtler tones. Not always...but too often. Eveoke ("Eve" for the mythical Mother of All Life, Evoke, for the political/social/spiritual vibes this dance troupe encourages in all its actions) brings the beauty of these feelings to life, in song. The beauty of dance. Songs of goddess, nectar, earth, gettin' on up OUT of the ghetto instead of flexin' and talkin' ish, extolling its praises to feel like Tha Big Dog. Not here to dis men, but to "dis-DISSING." Subtle difference, but those who know, well, you understand... ;) Since they say it best, I'm including a snippet from Eveoke's own website: "Funkalosophy blends street hip-hop, modern dance theatre, and social/ political activism. In this, Funkalosophy asserts an alternative to the misogynistic, drug and gun themed messages coming from so much commercial hip-hop. Funkalosophy will bring dance for the first time to Downtown's Jack Dodge Theatre in a club like atmosphere, with a full bar and hip-hoppin' downtown ambience. Ten dancers join forces from Eveoke's Concert Company and Performing Group.Funkalosophy expresses much about how we can take something small, new, and grow it into something significant. The expression of Hip-Hop culture is rich and filled with this sense of vision: to see your dreams come true. Funkalosophy also eschews the sexism, violence, drugs and dominance that come from the commercialization of Hip-Hop culture. The new philosophy of Hip-Hop is that it's not commercial and rejects the capitalization of culture. So, with the Club Scene setting as a site specific location, Eveoke appropriates what is usually a thumping meat-market and turns it into a thinking, feeling market of ideas."Fave Conscious folks like Ursula Rucker and Sarah Jones predominate in this lush, yet edgy production. These dancers can be ruffnecks one minute, lyrical, touching and colorful the next--even childlike. Folks were crying, clapping, feeling the love, feeling empathy, Eveoke does INDEED evoke emotion--that's the dance company's intention. And if you're in So-Cali at all and enjoy mind expansion, poetry, and Hip Hop CONSCIOUSNESS, you'd be foolish to miss this. It's even reasonably-priced. No excuses, just come, please, and experience this! Peace, Jianda jianda @ jianda.net - Funkalosophy runs from July 9-31, 2003 Wednesdays - Saturdays at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM and at 6:00 PM at the Jack Dodge Theatre, 335 Sixth Avenue, Downtown San Diego.Please call Eveoke at (619) 238-1153 to pre-order your tickets today using your Visa, MasterCard or American Express card. Pay What You Can performances are for walk-up ticket sales only on Wednesdays, Thursdays and both shows on Sundays. Tickets are $15 and $10 for Students and Seniors.Eveoke will also present a one-act version of the work specifically for youths 13 and under -- Funkalosophy for Kids -- on Sundays at 2 and 6 PM. click here (http://eveoke.org/performances/season/funkalosophy.htm) for more info.

CD Reviews: Basque

Jianda Johnson — Wed, 30 Apr 2003 22:23:14 EDT

Artist: Basque CDs: "Basque" "Radiate" "Falling Forward" (Lacqua Records) review by Jianda JohnsonBasque is your lunar spaceship of sound, taking off and landing in sonic swirls and afterthoughts, waves upon waves, notes upon notes. They're kind of like Enigma without so much percussion, loops or heavy production. Elegant and stately, Maryasque (songstress) and Brandt (bass alchemist) create music that takes its own time leisurely, that's as natural as breathing. In their own words, "The aim of Basque is to give silence its place again in music. Create space and let people's minds breathe." Hence, I bestow upon you my heartfelt recommendation that you groove on all three of their wondrous, melodious CDs. "In a world filled with opinion and visual statements," the band states, "we want to let the music speak for itself. To evoke emotion from the heart instead of the head. To create (dare we say it) something of beauty that inspires something in others." Not unlike Siouxsie Sioux or Liz Frazer, Maryasque enunciates every syllable of every word in a luxurious, glorious way. I hesitate to tell you much more, but just know that she speaks a language of her own, using her voice as an instrument while Brandt's bass is like a subtly haunting vocalist. If you are into the Cocteau Twins, Dido or MP3.com's Should, you will enjoy Basque. Extra-neato trax include: "swollen stranger" and "Orange Colored Sky," but they're all a beautifully glorious, literal trip.visit Basque at: basquemusic.com.

Making Plans for Nigel: Nigel, In Europe, Admired.

Jianda Johnson — Sun, 23 Mar 2003 13:57:26 EST

Making Plans for Nigel: Nigel, In Europe, Admired. - interviewer: Jianda Johnson With bold courage, Nigel and a few mates decided to make their way around Europe, selling their art along the way, and documenting the process, letting the folks at home (Southern California) know how it was going, all the while.Nigel's friends needed to attend to other responsibilities, but he is still well on his way. Especially in these challenging times, his courage, love of life, and INCREDIBLE ARTWORK is so heartening to witness. Read on:How long has your website been up, and what inspired your creation of it? Nigel: I created the website around May of 2002. and I've been here in Europe for nine months now. The inspiration came from a need to market my paintings and market my book, as well as to keep my friends and family abreast of what I'm doing.I wanted it to be just like a journal, so everyday observation, random thoughts, drawings, letters, anything that you would put in your journal would be on the website. It's like finding Robinson Crusoe's journal, but instead of some deserted guy on an island, it's some guy traveling around Europe for two years to paint and write.I would have liked to included the coffee stains and scent of French cooking (that my actual journals are now wearing with pride), but unfortunately the online medium still has its limitations.I try to provide photos of the places I've visited, so where my descriptive language fails, the photos fill in. I think this is one advantage of this medium over a book, in that you actually see what I am describing. After some 18,000 photos, I can say with some confidence, the photos are pretty good. When you began, they were three--where are the other two explorers now? I began this journey with fellow surfing and painting buddies Jeremy King and John Moseley. Both have since gone back to San Diego where they are now surfing it up and painting the coast (without me, I might add). At least, they told me they'd visit me now and again. Jeremy is in college and John is working as a full-time artist. Good friends well missed. Are you the sole webmaster at NigelinEurope.com? Yes. I update the website from here, which can be tricky at times, and my good friend Chris Taylor helps me with technical glitches back home. He is also serving my website. How well (and how often) is your art selling? Are you breaking even? Not bad. I did a bit of work in Barcelona and now I'm selling more. I'm getting more commissions as well. Slowly but surely, as people find out about the site, the word is getting out. It's a delight to hear from someone I don't know tell me they like my work and are buying a painting or commission from me.Since I'm on an even tighter budget than a backpacker, selling a painting goes along way and means two weeks of fuel, food, and supplies. So as far as breaking even, I'm getting there. What's some of your favorite artwork (work that, perhaps you cannot bear to part with)? There is one that is special, and it's an early piece (I appreciate works only after some time, as if time has ennobled them with a certain romance). It's my surfergirl painting, "Noon at Sano." It has my rough marks of last year, something which would be hard to recreate now. It's a reminder of things I left behind and things I'm coming back to. Surfing in San Onofre or Swamis on a sunny summer's day is something that has no equal in taste, smell, or color. I intend to realize more versions of it when I get home, such as Monet did with Rouen Cathedral.... Are you concerned about the international climate right now, does it make you want to come back home? I refuse to have anything do with ugly & stupid things and treat them with the utmost indifference. Thus, I dontt even bother with the news anymore. There will always be wars, always be injustice, always be greed, however, I have but one life. Thus, I devote my attention to the beautiful things of this world: music, food, art, travel, adventures, etc., and give 'worry and fear' the finger. For me, to go back on any account outside myself would be to fail in perpetuating the spirit of my adventure. When are you planning on returning? July 11, 2003 (I left July 11, 2001). However, you never know, I might stay a little bit longer. I'm not too far from Egypt and Tunisia after all. I wonder if NigelinAfrica.com is taken, hmm.... As you're answering these questions, where are you, and what are you doing? Today is a perfectly gorgeous day (a cloudless blue sky) in the Provencal countryside. I'm reclined on a deck chair in wanton disregard of any responsibility or cares. I'm warm, and I just want to lounge like this for the whole of the afternoon. Two really lazy dogs keep me company. - How many subscribers ("fans") ;o) would you say you have? My e-list has about 320 addresses that I send to whenever I update my website. Apart from family and friends, the list consists of people I've met on the way, mostly other travelers. Hopefully, with a little bit more marketing and word-of-mouth, I can take my project to a wider audience. Do you update when the spirit moves, or do you keep a regular email/site update schedule? At the start, I was updating once a week, but fell into updates once every two weeks. Sometimes, I am at such a place where I can't update for awhile. This is agony for me, since I also can't send or receive emails. There are lots of journal entries that have only photos...this usually means I got lazy. This will be filled in later when I write the book. I just hope I remember everything I did 1 year or so from now. Your work combines such lovely surreal elements with a strong toehold in reality. Who (or what, or what artists) inspires you? Thank you. I listed my favorite artists in one of the journals entries. But off the top of my head, Da vinci, Micheangelo, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Constable, Turner, Velasquez, Okay...I can go on and on, seriously. At this time, I am still learning, and one of my exercises is to copy or emulate a certain favorite artist. A month or so ago, I was using Van Gogh's palette, sometimes its Caravaggio's chirascuro work, etc. How often do you get to paint? I paint when the spirit moves me. And right now, it ain't moving. Sometimes I go through spells when I just draw, when I just write, when I just paint. Right now, I'm reading a lot. I happened on a place that has lots of English books and when I moved here a month ago I selected a spot outside to read and haven't budged since. I must have read about 15 or so books so far. However, I visited an art store today, I have about 15 canvases ready to go and so this next week, I will be painting. What's your ratio of commissions vs. non-commissioned paintings? 50/50. For commissions, I usually get portrait jobs and a lot of requests for Italian landscapes (at the moment). What's your favorite medium to work in? I have a preference for oil in paintings because I like the effect. When I get back home, I'll try acrylic. Right now, it doesn't make sense to have two sets of colors, brushes, etc.With watercolors, I'm like a child, and it's so light and warm that it never fails to put a smile on my face. I like using ink for the outlines and then using watercolors. It's special.I also like charcoal for sketches, nude and portraits, and I also enjoy pastels, but that's too messy and too expensive right now. Where were you trained, or are you self-taught? I took two semesters of drawing in an atelier in San Diego, but most of this is self-taught from books, from direct observation, and from stealing from other peoples' techniques. As they say, "good artists copy, great artists steal!" :) There is also a well of information on the web with regard to technique, especially the academic techniques of David and Ingres. But I really learn a lot when I get an opportunity to visit paintings that inspire me and just stand there and meditate on technique, composition, balance, color, etc. Has your bus broken down yet? Yes with a capital $! It broke down three times, and they were all costly jobs: a starter needed to be replaced in Holland, a generator needed to be repaired in Biarritz, and a new motor was needed in Northern France.It doesn't help, either, when you walk to a mechanic completely exhausted and helpless with a look of, 'Hey I'm a foreigner, go to town!' French mechanics have a reputation, you see.... Do you work from real life, photos, memory? All three? All three. I prefer to work in plein-air. That's when I capture the light, the colors and values the best. It's also good to be out in nature or a town and just painting on a sunny day with a bottle of wine and cheese for mini-breaks. And when people smile a hello and say that your paintings are good, that part is dessert.But lately I've been working from photos. Its hard to do a portrait from a photo when I don't know the person. Its not easy to inject some of their personality the way that Van Gogh did in his. I think it turns out flat but c'est la vie. I've held off doing stuff from memory as Gaugin advocated to 'assume a more mysterious character ' . I've simply haven't been that brave for I think that's when you really expose yourself to the world, that's when you are signing with your soul . Ever worry about your safety, or health? Yes. I try to blend in wherever I go. I try to be unobtrusive and mildly visible. I park my bus in the streets, at parks, on the beach, always with other cars around. Sometimes, I'm bbqing inside while parked in the middle of a parking lot with none the wiser. I guess I'm just transparent when I want to be. Thus, I've avoided the thieves as well as the police. The worst places are, of course, the big cities in the summer. At any other times and any other places, Europe is considerably safe.As far as health, I try to keep healthy and fit and take constant precautions. What's one of the more memorable stories you've experienced in your journey? I would have to say when my bus broke down in Paris and this guy Wedgy helped me out. I mean, he went the extra mile for me, a stranger he never met before, with no thought of reward or pride. He helped me out 3-4 hours that day and then that whole week until I got my bus fixed. That time was very memorable and an optimistic one. And at subsequent times, when I've needed help in my journey, I have found authentically good, honest, generous people. Thus, have I been rewarded so far in search for my treasure. What are some of your most memorable journal entries? 5 top memorable journal entries (a la Nick Hornsby): 1. when I reached Cadagues during sunset and swam in the ocean. 2. when I went to Morocco and stepped into history (as well as different continent). 3. being harassed by the Paris police for painting in Montmartre. I still cant believe that. 4. playing castle in Tossa del Mar and became a child again. 5. reading at the cool cafes in Barcelona. one more... looking for surf and finally finding one in Portugal. What kinds of responses do you get, and are they from around the world? The best kind. Every time I hear, 'I'm living vicariously through you, I think you are doing a great thing, I wish I can do that, I love your paintings/drawings...I feel great, like I can be on this adventure forever (well for a really long time anyway). I get them all the time from people I don't even know, from friends of friends, from people who found my site by accident, from people I've met. It's so cool to be touched by people you've touched.Do you get to Netcafes much or are you staying out of tourist-heavy areas? I sometimes go to netcafes to read email and sometimes go to touristy places such as museums, but otherwise, I prefer to spend my time in quiet little villages. Sometimes I'm lucky enough to stay a bit longer and actually knit myself into the quilt of village life. How can people best assist you? One way is by telling other people about the site. I love to get emails, just love it. When I download my emails, its like payday for me and I get to stock up on some good energies and emotions that keep me going and going. Another is to buy my art. They're nice to look at and they're getting better I think.And the other is just by communicating, telling me if they like or dislike this or that or asking me about places I've been or suggesting places to visit. I guess just interacting with me. In this way, it's like you're on the trip with me, an invisible friend that makes the journey less lonesome. Lastly, how can people best contact you/stay up to date with your voyage? The best way is by email: nigel@nigelineurope.com, and by checking the website: www.nigelineurope.com. I constantly add people's email addresses to my e-list. I send an email to everyone on the list when I've updated the paintings and the journal entries. That's it, Jianda. Thank you again for the interview and for getting the word out. i really appreciate it... and you come to italy, first round is one me. :) cheers and peace out. Nigel Check out "NigelinEurope.com and get your regular shot of inspiration.

SXSW: 3.13.03 - Soul Mining With Daniel Lanois

Jianda Johnson — Thu, 13 Mar 2003 22:55:11 EST

3.13.03 - SXSW: Soul Mining With Daniel Lanois by Jianda Johnson Daniel Lanois, Keynote Speaker @ SXSW When Keynote Speaker Daniel Lanois (www.daniellanois.com) hit the stage, all ears were on him. He wouldn't have it any other way. Folks did their best to steer him toward "music biz Q&A" cookie cutter answers, but this renowned producer/musician/songwriter, having collaborated with everyone from Aaron Neville to U2 to Brian Eno to Emmylou Harris, simply demanded that we do one thing: "just listen." Eschewing questions, Lanois took it upon himself to create more questions than answers, writing a poem rather than a keynote speech. Key ideas: Of U2 and like-minded bands, early on, his poem intimated they had "belief that they can make a difference with caring." Of studio sessions: "Are we not here to have a common language? I don't want any hidden information in the studio. I don't want my steering wheel to be a brake pedal." And: We have synchronicity in our favor." On our lot in life as artists, as music lovers: "Passion before commerce." Of his signature steel guitar sound, Lanois noted: "I play it every day as a way to stay connected with my early values." Of finding your own voice as an artist or producer, Lanois mused: "Mimic, copy, then run away from your heroes, and find your own voice eventually." Of remaining passionate about music, especially in the music business, Lanois cooed, "Sonic experimentation is still my friend. We've reached a place where we have too much music. Silence is golden. Enjoy silence, or you might stop loving [music]." Aside from the quips and soft-spoken musings, Lanois was here to promote his latest release, "Shine," and to keep our sparks lit no matter what part of the music biz we were in. "Rawk Show" curator Nathan JamesThe tradeshow convention, in full swing, boasted everyone from Time Out New York, to Elixir guitar strings. From ASCAP and BMI to Austin City Limits. There's even an SXSW music/art show here, as of tomorrow. We ran into its curator, Nathan James (http://www.tinderbox13.com). The Rawk Show's a visionary art music collaboration featuring painters from rock band members including MP3.com artist Phoebe Legere (http://mp3.com/phoebe), The Donnas (http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/477/the_donnas.html), Hole, and others. You might also want to check out SXSW's poster exhibit Flatstock (http://www.sxsw.com/music/flatstock2/), aside from the myriad of "rawk" showcases! Truly, SXSW must be seen, heard and felt firsthand, but we're doin' our best. Planning to exhibit or showcase our here next time around? Be a girl or boy scout about it, though, y'all: "be prepared." There's almost "too much" to do! Never a dull moment. Make a pilgrimmage out this way, you'll thank yourself for it. Bookmark our SXSW Indie Odyssey page: http://primo.mp3.com/gen/141/indiemusicodyssey Soul Miners' Daughter, Jianda MP3.com SXSW Kid mp3sxsw@mp3.com

SXSW: 3/12/03: I FLY SXSW

Jianda Johnson — Thu, 13 Mar 2003 16:17:19 EST

SXSW REPORT 2003 Music + Media Conference March 12-16 - Austin, Texas B-SIDE3/12/03 : I FLY SXSW Hope springs eternal on this rainy Austin, TX afternoon. Already, we've met several indie artists and we haven't even hit tonight's showcases, yet.Culture springs eternal here, too, and we're glad of it.SXSW is just ramping up, as far as music goes, today. the tradeshow officially begins tomorrow. We're doing our best to break the ice (take note, yon artist/indie music fan)...but opportunities like this are onCe-in-a-lifetime deals, so we're making the best of it.For those of you who are here, or on the way, we're offering free A&R CDs in each SXSW 2003 big bag, so be on the lookout and let us know what you think of some of our cream of the crop artists.We just sat in on a conference re: touring and booking, and we've got some good pointers we'll share with you later on in the week. Today, thus far, is friendly and low-key. There are tons of indie bands, or band members that have come here just to learn more about the industry and to promote, not even to showcase. It's quite inspiring.Rumor has it that Snoop Dogg's staying at the Four Seasons this week!We're gonna see if we can crash the party and litter his room with MP3.com stickers!As we all know, there's a big indie/college rock contingent here. We know Miami's enjoying an electronica conference this week, so one wonders where Hip Hop and R&B heads are going....hm....? Renee WoodwardHere are a couple of the brave, self-promoting indie kids we've met thus far: Renee Woodward and B-Side (bsidefolkunion.com).More later! We're off to a PR conference, and we'll scoop you for sure! Austin Calling, Jianda MP3.com SXSW Kid mp3sxsw@mp3.com Bookmark our SXSW Indie Odyssey page: http://primo.mp3.com/gen/141/indiemusicodyssey

SXSW: IN AUSTIN, EVERYONE CAN HEAR YOU STREAM....

Jianda Johnson — Wed, 12 Mar 2003 15:00:29 EST

SXSW REPORT 2003 Music + Media Conference March 12-16 Austin, Texas by Jianda Johnson3/11/03IN AUSTIN, EVERYONE CAN HEAR YOU STREAM...."South by SouthWho?" is something we've been hearing, surprisingly, since we have been gearing up to be here. "Well, I'm not going, buuuut, you might wanna check out this band, or another..." Now, from vets who've been to South By Southwest (sxsw.com), that's understandable. But if you've never been, it might do ya good to find out more about it, showcase, or find some way, shape or form to be represented there.Think the conferences will be a yawnfest? SXSW doesn't. Read on: "Why register for SXSW Music 2003? For the valuable and topical information about the state of the music business. While some sessions are basic enough for curious newcomers, most offer in-depth and inside information that's hard to come by. This draws respected music professionals back to Austin each March, year after year. A registration badge for SXSW can open doors you won't know existed. The panels and tradeshow are an essential part of the whole."Aside from the bands, festivities, showcases and conferences, there's evidently a great cultural, diverse tapestry of goodies in Austin. But don't take our word for it! In this day-to-day report, we'll let the photos and the testimonials do the talking. We'll get quotations, collect insights, and show you some Austin, TX pics detailing all the goings on, so you can feel it for yourself!Handy dandy links in the meanwhile:Homepage http://sxsw.comMusic http://www.sxsw.com/music/Conferences http://www.sxsw.com/music/conference/Wanna Showcase in 2004? Tell SXSW MP3.com sent you: http://sxsw.com/general/contactBookmark our SXSW Indie Odyssey page: http://primo.mp3.com/gen/141/indiemusicodysseySee Ya In Austin! Jianda MP3.com SXSW Kid mp3sxsw@mp3.com (originally published at mp3.com)

MAKING A "POISEFUL NOISE:" ILYA INTERIVEW

Jianda Johnson — Sun, 9 Mar 2003 15:19:32 EST

MAKING A "POISEFUL NOISE:" ILYA INTERIVEW - interview by Jianda JohnsonSlowly, steadily, and sweetly in their own atypical way, the (he)art-rock project ILYA bestowed me with enough trust to interview with me not once, but twice. You see, they're gentle in revealing their underbellies to folks. But when it comes to musical integrity and direction? ILYA is BRUTAL. Brutally-honest, brutally-lovely, brutally-raw, brutally-skilled. Taking no prisoners. Giving it all to you. Offstage, it's a different matter entirely. I tried my best to respect their time, and talents. Maybe you can tell me how well I did. C'mon. Scale of 1-10:JJ: You'd said the name "ILYA" is arbitrary: why do you want your band "NOT to represent," as it were--what is the artistic statement this makes?ILYA: The name "ILYA" (in the context of our music endeavor) is arbitrary - the meaning is not. ILYA represents: absence of judgement.JJ: How long have you been together--how did ILYA come to be?ILYA: Since February of 2001. ILYA came to be through six people getting together with the mutual passion to create something beautiful involving music, and the intent of forming a truly collaborative effort... no dictators. A platform where everyone could express themselves musically. It's amazing how this works out. Although there are six of us, we always seem to figure out something that makes us all happy, and we are blessed to have this.JJ: "Poise is The Greater Architect:" what's the significance of this album title?ILYA: Well...in the current music world it seems that brut force both musically and lyrically seems to be "the way to go" and very popular...we just feel that more "poise" and a gentler approach can be just as powerful, if not "greater."JJ: How are songwriting and lyrical duties split up, if at all?ILYA: Matthew and Blanca use personal songs and poetry written years ago, or spontaneously create lyrics inspired by music ILYA plays during rehearsals. JJ: How do you generate such atmospheric sounds--what kind of gear do you use? ILYA: Pedals...experimentation and creativity with pedals...we have a lot of pedals. We really learned how many we had when we just had to bring them to Japan for tour.JJ: You control your sounds and levels very masterfully, but--how much noise is too much? How do you craft the sound to be 'just so?'ILYA: Thank you for noticing. We all just know where we fit as individuals into the sound of ILYA. Nobody steps on each others "musical toes". We know our place. There are a few points in our songs were we do get loud/noisy, but we do it in a dynamic way...we are very big on our dynamics.JJ: How much would you say dreams and the unconscious influence your work?ILYA: Dreams and the unconscious rarely influence our work - at times, they are the aftermath of our work.JJ: Who does your artwork and photography--and what's the concept for your CD cover art about?ILYA: Our artwork and website is done by Duane (guitar). The photos were taken by Chari Verespej while she was in school for photography. Duane saw the photo (before it was the cover of course) and felt it visually fit the sound of "Poise..." and ILYA. He presented it to the rest of the band and everyone liked it.(coverfoto)ILYA: The cover photo is very much open to interpretation...just like our music. But one way we look at it is that it's very powerful, while still being gentle...which ties in with the title of the record. JJ: How did you wind up in San Diego, or are all of you SD natives?ILYA: All of us grew up in the San Diego area except Duane. He moved here in 1994 for his career as a professional skateboarder. JJ: What is your work/studio ethic if any?ILYA: Puntuality, accountability, respect, and HUMOR are our studio ethics. JJ: What other modes of art would you say influence your work?ILYA: Cinematography, photography, and literature. JJ: Who are some of your favorite artists?ILYA: We all have broad tastes in music, and they don't all overlap...so, we don't know if naming particular artists is fair to everyone in the band. JJ: What's a 'dream collaboration for you--someone you have yet to work with but who you'd love to work with?ILYA: There is probably only one person so far that we've discussed that would be a 'dream collaboration,' and that person is Nigel Godrich. For people who do not know him he's the producer that worked with Radiohead on their last three records...especially OK Computer.But surely, we'll talk more about this subject before our next record. JJ: How easy was it for you to find distribution for your music?ILYA: Actually, as of now "Poise..." is self-released...so we have no distribution. We're "feeling" around to see what's best for ILYA. But so far, outlets like MP3.com have been a big help, as well as Better Looking Records (betterlookingrecords.com) for letting us sell the record on their site.JJ: Thanks so much for allowing us this vantage point, this insight into your music. We wish you continued success. -------------Nab a copy of "Poise is the Greater Architect" and support indie-thinkers, indie-expression, and indie music. Sonic, heart, mind, body, soul, spirit voyages are guaranteed. This music is illustrious. For every ugly eep, bleep, bop and boombip, there is a sweet, soft, gentle ooh, ah, and summery whisper to keep their sound at once edge, balanced and challenging.VISIT ILYA'S OFFICIAL HOMEPAGE @: http://www.ilyamusic.comCHECK OUT AN EXCLUSIVE AUDIO INTERVIEW @ mp3.com/ilyarockThank you for your kind attention.

SheCourage: "That Takes Ovaries'" - Rivka Solomon, Profiled

Jianda Johnson — Thu, 6 Mar 2003 23:03:13 EST

" SheCourage: That Takes Ovaries' - Rivka Solomon, Profiled - interview by Jianda JohnsonBravery. Courage. Chutzpah! and... Femininity? Womanhood? Girls? More often than not, that last little bit doesn't get thrown in with lion-like qualities. Though the "mother lifting car by power of love and adrenaline" scenario does come to mind when prodded, it's certainly not the first image to come to mind when one things of motherhood or feminine power. Enter Rivka Solomon, who, with her latest tome "That Takes Ovaries!: Bold Females and Their Brazen Acts," is rewriting the script before our very eyes with the help of a handful of brave, modern-day goddesses. Read on: - What was the breaking point that made you collect all these stories, and kept you putting it together through all the peaks and valleys of the process? Are you asking what motivated me to spend 4.5 years collecting these stories, editing this book and now organizing the open mics? Well, two things. First, I just thought it would be fun. You know, how totally cool to get hundreds of stories from women and girls about the gutsy, bold, audacious, outrageous things they have done! I get a real kick out of seeing a woman, any woman, being bold. I mean, isn't it a rush to see a little girl walk into a room full of people and take charge? Or witness a teenaged girl take on some outrageous risk, and pull it off? It is just exciting to be around that stuff. But I also compiled and edited this book for another reason. This book is about risk takers, women and girls who have pushed the boundaries, jumped over barriers, sailed around obstacles -- often having fun while they did those things, often standing up for their own or others rights as they did those things. And, basically, I wanted to encourage that. I wanted to celebrate female risk takers in a wide range of activities (in the world of work, in the world of playing and having fun, in the home, on the streets). I wanted to affirm women and girls who are already risk takers in their lives *and* I wanted to encourage others, readers who might not live their lives that way, to take the bold new step of being a risk taker. I wrote this book because courage is infectious. I thought that if some reader who might not be living such a bold life now saw how another girl does something gutsy (like grabs the hand of a child molester groping her butt or tracks down wild guerrillas in Africa -- two totally different stories in the book), then she might think, "Hey, if *that* woman can do something so outrageous, so adventurous, so courageous, then so can I!"So in short, I wrote this book because I wanted to celebrate the fun, bold things women do, and also I wanted to do whatever I could to encourage even more women and girls to be risk takers. I feel that if women live more boldly, not only will they have more fulfilling, fun, adventurous lives, but *also* the more willing they'll be to take risks in standing up for themselves and for others. And the more willing they will be to challenge "the system" and the sexism, racism, ablism, anti-Semitism, homophobia we live with (and usually try to just ignore) on a daily basis.- Tell us more about the Open Mics. How are they going, what kind of a response are they getting? The open mikes have been going really well and people are responding wonderfully to them! In the past 9 months there have been 40 That Takes Ovaries! readings and open mikes (and some dramatizations) held around the U.S. and India, all organized locally by women in the community. In case your readers don't know: The book is coupled with a grassroots open mike movement for women's and girls' empowerment. Because women and girls everywhere have gutsy deeds to brag about, we are holding That Takes Ovaries! open mikes all around the country -- and world now, too. That way women and girls in any community can come together and share stories about times they were particularly courageous, or brag about times they were wild 'n' crazy. Guys can join us (and many do) by proudly bragging about the ovaries in their lives, their mothers, sisters, daughters. The open mikes can happen in your living room, with just your friends invited, or they can happen in a more public setting, like a bookstore, community center or as part of a pre-scheduled annual meeting. Many of the open mikes are fundraisers for a local girls' group and groups working to end human rights abuses against girls internationally, like female genital mutilation and sex trafficking. The beauty of this book and movement is that any woman interested in organizing a That Takes Ovaries! open mike in her own area can get the guidelines from the back of the book, from www.thattakesovaries.org, or from Rivka . First time organizers welcome. Actually, we are looking for more people to organize open mikes. So if any of your readers want to come to one, or if they want to organize or host one they should check out the website www.thattakesovaries.org.- Your Berlin Wall story is incredible! What is your favorite story in the book?Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed reading my story in the book! Now, regarding my favorite story in the book? That is an unfair question. I love them all. I have been living with and working with each of these 64 stories for the past 5 years. Some stories are light and playful, some are deep and political. I like both types, and I like the contrast. For example, some stories are about women having fun -- instigating an erotic interlude with messy paints, tracking huge gorillas alone in West Africa, shaving hairy legs in playful stripes, skysurfing out of an airplane on a tiny surfboard. Other stories are about more political things, like running your sister's batterer out of town, bawling out a racist cop, spreading your legs hundreds of times to teach medical students how to properly care for women's gynecological health, mounting a pee protest in demand of wheelchair-accessible bathrooms on campus, and saving a girl you doesn't know from being beaten on the side of the highway. The way I see it, both the fun *and* the political stories fall under the single umbrella of freedom and empowerment for women. Both the fun and the political stories are about women rejecting tired old notions -- stereotypes, really -- of how they are supposed to act (i.e. passive, cautious, weak, etc), instead of being who they really are: complete full human beings who can do whatever they set their minds on doing. Both types of stories, the light or deep ones, are about not accepting limits placed on you from a sexist society. Sexism, we all know, tries to define what men are "supposed" to be like and what women are "supposed" to be like. Being your true self means ignoring those "supposed-to's" whether it is in the way you work or the way you play -- or the way you fight for your human rights. - Your sections on sexuality and anger are particularly compelling in lieu of the fact they are grrl-centered stories. In your opinion, why do you think it's still so hard for it to be "okay" for a woman to be angry, and to be sexually expressive or empowered?Good question. And a complex question. So bear with me with this long answer. It is hard because it is breaking the stereotype (that word again!) of what a woman is "supposed" to be like. In a sexist society, both males and females are directly and indirectly told to squash our whole complete lovely selves into a small itty bitty box of what a man or woman is "supposed" to be. We all know what this looks like: males are conditioned to be the half of the species who can get angry, but are not allowed to feel sadness or cry. Females are conditioned to be the half of the species who can be sad and cry, but we must remain sweet, kind and never get mad. Even when someone is doing us wrong. That's crazy. If someone disses you or hurts you, it is a natural human response to feel anger. Women should not be denied access to this part of their humanity (and if they do it is at their peril: depression, eating disorders, etc.). Similarly, guys should not be denied access to their compassionate, gentle sides (and if they do, it is to *their* peril: look at all the violence that surrounds men who feel a need to prove their strength and "manhood").Anyway, my book has a whole chapter dedicated to real women in the real world who feel real emotions, including the emotion of anger. It shows that just like all human beings, we sometimes get mad. It shows that in fact having access to our ability to get angry keeps us able to defend ourselves. If you are busy thinking you have to be nice all the time, you may not try to stop someone from mistreating you. You may just grin and bear it, put up with it, let it slide. Of course then the abuse continues. Too many women are trained to be like that. My book offers examples of women being boldly and righteously mad. Regarding your question about sexuality: It is hard to be a woman who is sexually expressive or empowered because it is, again, going against the norm. Historically a woman was taught to be modest. She was the leg-crossing, no-saying figure who was the main obstacle to a sex act. When she finally did get sexual (after incessant pressure), it was always with a man, never a woman, and she was to react and respond, never instigate. It took guts to be an openly desiring female because being a sexual girl meant being a bad girl. She'd be discounted, ostracized. No longer "pure", she'd fall on the other end of the spectrum labeled "slut." These traditional norms are still present in some women's lives. What is tricky today is that the norms have morphed into a confusing mixed message. In today's multimedia-based culture the so-called slut is actually promoted (though in real life she is still punished). She is the scantily clad, just-do-me-looking, hypersexualized young woman revered in ads, movies, magazines, and music videos. No longer the obstacle to sex, today's girls and women are supposed to personify it; according to the media images, they are to look attractive, lusty, and be sexually available at all times for the men of the world. Women have learned to accept being on constant ogle-display. Worse, what is considered attractive is defined for them by the fashion and media industries. A woman's value depends on whether her looks meet the industries' definition -- and how much male attention she gets. From women being told they are *not* supposed to be sexual, to being told they *should* be more sexual, our sexuality has been played like a Ping-Pong ball in a game of table tennis. So the truth is worth repeating (and that is what I hope my book does): A woman's body is her body, and it shouldn't be pushed around by anybody else. We all need to be in command of our own selves. We all need to make our own sexual decisions. So today, a woman who is empowered sexually is a woman who is making her own decisions, not doing what others tell her to do. Today, empowered women are choosing for themselves. They say yes when they want to say yes, no when they want to say no, and they do the asking and initiating when it suits them. That is a sexually empowered female at the start of the new millennium. - Personally, what gives you the strength to keep speaking the truth as a writer? As a female? Against so many odds--so many competing (indeed, aggressively opposed) voices? There has been no negative response to my book or the open mikes, so actually it has not been hard at all to speak "the truth" -- which, of course, is really just *my* truth. Though a big part of what "my" truth has been with regards to my work is really giving other women a place to speak their own truths. My book and open mike movement are about giving women and girls a place and a format for sharing stories about their own lives. Sharing personal experiences aloud is the foundation for any political movement. It is also the fuel needed for the long term *continuation* of any political movement, including the movement for women's liberation, which we all know started a long time ago with the fight for the right to vote and continues to this day with the fight for the right to not be beaten at home, sexually harassed in the street, raped etc. It also includes our right to keep abortion safe and legal, get equal pay for our work and equal attention in the bedroom. For any society to evolve, for any people to be free, before reality on the ground can be changed, the truth needs to be told. My book and the open mike movement is about women sharing women's truths. It is showing what real women's and girls' lives look like, what are our struggles and what are our triumphs. And getting back to your question of what gives me strength, well, it is just that: hearing these stories gives me strength. - Many of the people in our audience are female artists (musicians, writers, etc.). Any words of inspiration for them? And also what do you think males might get out of this book?"Words of inspiration for *them*? No, they inspire *me*! Mostly I just want to say that I recognize that it is not easy being an artist -- at least not in the U.S., where I live. I am not sure what country your website visitors are from, but in the U.S. artists don't get a lot of respect or money for their work. Unless you are a big name, of course, then you get loads of dough. But for the rest of us, if you are in the music, visual arts or writing industries, if you are an artist of any kind, you are likely waiting on tables or cleaning houses as a way to pay for food and rent. In reality, they/we are working two jobs and only getting paid for one. I have heard that in other countries artists get more respect and thus more money, without needing to be a big name. I just wish we could go back to the old days when artists had patrons, some wealthy, generous person who sponsors you and your art work. Any way, that is what *I* desperately need. So any potential patrons reading this interview are welcome to contact me at rivka@thattakesovaries.org. :-)What do I think men might get out of this book and our open mike movement? Well, men love the whole concept of That Takes Ovaries! They "get it" as soon as they hear it, and they love it. The men I know who have come to the open mikes really enjoy it. Men have been standing up at our events, just like the women, and they proudly brag about the ovaries in their lives -- like last week one guy in his early 30's just went on and on about how wonderful his younger sister is. At the same event even the bookstore manager stood up and told us how important his favorite teacher was in his life -- a woman (and a feminist at that!). - What project(s) are you currently working on? I'm working on organizing the open mikes, book readings and the play. Mostly, with other women, I am organizing the open mikes in communities throughout the U.S., India and hopefully soon China. Also the book has recently been adapted into a play for the stage. We have a four week run of the Ovaries! play in Washington DC in March 2003 with Horizons Theatre(www.horizonstheatre.org), the longest running women's theatre in the U.S. Very exciting stuff. Each Friday night we will hold an open mike after the play's performance. By the way, we are currently looking for other interested producers, theatre companies and celebrity actors. If you know anyone who'd be interested in looking at the Ovaries script have them contact me at . ------ Rivka, thank you so much. Courageous is infectious? So is inspiration! Let's keep passing it on! - JJ