…and guitars, and basses, and microphones? Then you might find yourself clamoring for the new Nylon book called PLAY, which heavily focuses on some of the hottest, most stylish, and sometimes controversial, female figures to ever rock the music world. Interviews with people like Jenny Lewis and Peaches and homages to the style of Amy Winehouse and Beth Ditto.
Ok ok, it’s not just about chicks–dudes like Thurston Moore and Wayne Coyne from the Flaming Lips are in it too, throwing their two cents in about some of their favorite music and biggest influences.
Miss Meg White of the White Stripes is of course covered in the book as well. Check it out:
Some of you have expressed interest in a NYC knitting group. I thought it might be cool to not only have knitters in the group, but other crafters–softie sewers, paper designers, etc. If you would be interested in such a group, please email me at laura @ themodernage.org with “CRAFTING GROUP” in the subject line and what part of NYC you’d be interested in meeting up around (LES, Union Square, East Village, etc.) and if you are on Ravelry, your username.
The idea would be just a bunch of peeps who and would like to get together and knit/sew/socialize/talk about the latest Raconteurs album. Oh, and crafty dudes are totally welcome as well.
In the midst of watching the new episode of Gossip Girl (Michelle Trachtenberg, really? Vampire Weekend’s “Campus” playing during a Brooklyn scene?) I’m finding time to log in some quick updates during the commercial breaks.
Last Thursday I headed over to the new Morrison Hotel Gallery, now located on the Bowery in the former location of the CBGB’s Gallery. What for? The opening of rock photographer Bob Gruen’s new show, “Rockers,” which features photos of Blondie, the Sex Pistols, the Clash, Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, the White Stripes, and his famed photographs of John Lennon wearing that “New York City” tshirt.
Some famous faces popped in to take a look at the shots: Yoko Ono dressed all in black with shades and a floppy hat was in and out very early, and later Debbie Harry strolled in, all dolled up in a body-hugging champagne-colored floral dress.
Although I love both, I have to say, James is on a hot streak and has been doing some of his finest acting work in the recent pictures he’s been in…Ewan hasn’t had a hit in a while. But both are capable actors, although IMHO, Ewan will always be my favorite hottie Scottie. You just cannot beat Obi-Wan.
A bit off topic, but was just curious to know if there are any knitters out there. I just finished a 4 week class at Downtown Yarns in the East Village and would love to connect with some other downtown New Yorkers who are into knitting. Since I’m a beginner I’m looking to swap tips and tricks and patterns, faves and resources.
For those not in New York, if you have tips on great knitting/crafting websites/groups, I’m all ears!
“Did I tell you I met Albert Hammond Jr. the other night?” he [British actor Ed Westwick, aka "Chuck Bass"] asked Leighton one afternoon at the Rose Bar, when she came in to hang out with him and castmate Jessica Szohr, who plays Dan’s former love interest Vanessa. “It was so fucking cool. He knew who I was. Apparently he’s a fan of Gossip Girl. He was like, ‘I love your character, man.’”
“You love him,” Leighton said, laughing, as Ed waxed on.
“I do, I fucking love him,” Ed said dreamily, putting on Leighton’s sunglasses.
It was Ed’s day off, and he was intoxicated, not only with the idea that a member of the Strokes knew who he was but also with actual booze, having downed approximately four Jack-and-Cokes.
HELLOOO!!! Singing all Broadway showtunes–Andrew Lloyd Weber as the guest.
THEATER GEEK’S DREAM:
TMA fave David Cook (unfortunately) sings the most boring arrangement of “Music of the Night” from Phantom. He should’ve done something from Joseph, yo:
Yessss! Hello excitement! Just when you’d totally resigned yourself to forever hearing Albert Hammond Jr. referenced as a solo artist, Strokes bassist Nikolai Fraiture has given hope to all the er… Strokesheads … out there with his most recent post to the official Strokes website.
Says Nikolai, “I’m still looking very forward to a fourth album release. We just need to work out a few technical kinks…It’s been a long break but much needed for us to remain together as a productive band.”
During the “extended break” from The Strokes, Nikolai has been working on some personal projects–music of his own (which he promises will surface in the near future), and putting together a short film entitled “A Kind of Dream”. The movie is a 30 minute black and white film written and directed by Fraiture’s college friend Danny Velez with music composed by Nikolai. According to the official info on the film, “It was shot over 4 to 5 days during the spring of 2003 by Clara Roberts-Oss.”
Scarlett Johansson, who will be releasing an album of Tom Waits covers on May 20 has released the first song off the LP, “Falling Down.” The full album, titled “Anywhere I Lay My Head” will be sure to cause a firestorm on the blogosphere.
Let’s just hope the other tracks on the album are better than this sludge. Sounds like the engineer went overboard with sonic layers in order to mask the fact that Johansson is not really an excellent troubadour. Also it kinda reminds me of Sinead O’Connor.
In a few short months, it will be Summer and that means the second annual After the Jump Fest! Bigger, better with even more acts and surprise guests, this year the festival takes place along side the city wide music event, Make Music New York (which itself is a part of the worldwide music phenomenon that takes place in 300 cities in 108 countries) on the first day of Summer, June 21st.
After the Jump Fest is the effort of 20 New York City music bloggers whose goal is to help new artists gain exposure while raising money for struggling school music programs. This year, After the Jump is teaming up with The Music Hall of Williamsburg and Galapagos Art Space for a festival stretching from noon until last call. In the next few months, After the Jump blogs will be making more announcements about the festival including new artists and pre-parties. Stay tuned and in the mean time, check out AftertheJumpFest.com for information on our past events and mark your calendars! It’s going to be a doozy.
For press opportunities such as interviews with the organizers or bands, please contact publicity@afterthejumpfest.com
For sponsorship and all requests, contact producer Jennifer Kellas: jkellas@afterthejumpfest.com
