Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Avant-Guerre



That which was accounted for.
WolfTank Productions
In Collaboration with John Regalato.

[Preview]

Monday, July 25, 2011

Mashrou3 Leila [Music]


I speak on behalf of many fans when I say that Mashrou3 Leila is a force to be reckoned with. Not the type of force that displaces thousands of people and causes catastrophic damage, rather that of rain falling after weeks of drought. Their creative use of voice along with modern and traditional instruments, communicate with each other in a coherent and captivating dialogue that keeps the mind active while tantalizing the heart. The poetic lyrics are sung by Hamed Sinno who - being the artist that he is- somehow manages to capture the expressive and timeless attitudes of his Lebanese & Arab poetic predecessors. Though the music incorporates traditional rhythms, it is far from being incomprehensible by the young generation of listeners. The lyrics are edgy and explicit, using everyday language to discuss cultural issues in contemporary society. This is also expressed in the beats and notes audible by drums, piano keys, guitars and even the traditional solo violin. Though many of the songs found on their prior album self-titled Mashrou3 Leila are political, the band has never failed to produce heartfelt responses to its personal exploration of relationships. Shim El Yasmeen is a perfect example.
On the latest album the personal seems to take the drivers seat, steering the audience into an intimate space filled with intimate sound. Even as the album opens with El Mouqadima, which conjures a mirage-like image floating in time, Sinno's repetition of the word "Habibi" (which translates into my dear/love) pulls the listeners into their hearts and guts, and out of their head.
As one listens to the album, they will notice the mature use of song organization that creates more cohesion. With only six songs on the album, it is almost impossible to just select one song to hear.
I would like to say that I have a favorite song already, but I would be lying. Each song conjures a different feeling and image, and I am so consciously engulfed by it all.
El Hal Romancy is one of those beginning-to-end albums that everyone, even non-Lebanese speakers, can relate to. I am excited and unsure of where these artists will take their next step, but I am confident in saying that it will definitely be somewhere in the right direction. There is no turning back for Mashrou3 Leila; They are here to stay.

Check out their newest album at the link below:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/el-hal-romancy-ep/id450200841

here is their first song El Hal Romancy:
http://youtu.be/CbO9bv4rBnU

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

[Interior Design]








[A Friend's Spare bedroom] [Before & After]

Sunday, July 10, 2011

[Film] + [Movement]

C-CAM - [click on the link]
Exposing A Process Through The Medium of Dance & Film Editing

[Interior Design] [My Bedroom] [2011-Current]

Lowered Bed. Handmade Chalk Board - HeadBoard. 1980s inspired Color Palette.

Space Divider. Adopted Greens. Olive Accent Wall.

[Interior Design] [My Bedroom] [2010] - [2011]


Vintage Kitchen Table turned Desk. $25.00 Chandelier. Handmade ChalkBoard. Tiered boxes next to vintage suitcase atop an 1876 travel chest.


Cotton Closet