Sébastien Tellier: Look

This video directed by Mrzyk & Moriceau for Sébastien Tellier is absolutely mesmerising.

Polybius

In the same week that our new meeting rooms at work have been christened with the names Cassette and Floppy (as a homage to outdated technology) this video popped up in my twitter feed. It's kinda scary how fast technology has come in such a short time - I'll be able to tell my kids what it was like before everyone had mobile phones. If I remember of course.

I absolutely love this clip and arrangement. The only problem is it's far to short and needs to be a full track.

On the upside it's been a lovely introduction to electronic artist Miaoux Miaoux. He sounds a little like Ben Gibbard don't you think?

The Preatures: Is This How You Feel?

Just quietly, The Preatures are going to HUGE.

Alain de Botton: A kinder, gentler philosophy of success

“In the middle ages in England when you met a very poor person that person would be described as an unfortunate- literally someone who had not been blessed by fortune- an unfortunate. 

Now days, particularly in the United States, if you meet someone at the bottom of society they may be unkindly be described as a loser”

Ted Talks are an internet black hole. Watch one then suddenly you're sucked in and hours are gone from your life. Luckily, unlike cat videos and porn you come out a little bit smarter and a little bit more aware of the world around you.

This Alain de Botton video, and particularly this one quote is something I've had stuck in my head all week (though to be honest I've watched alot of his videos this week and they've all been stuck in my head).

To me it's a vivid reminder that a) the world just isn't fair- but it's alot more unfair to others than it is to us, and b) we don't need to conform to expectations, and neither should we expect others to conform to ours.

Even though this video goes for about 15 minutes it hardly seems like anytime at all. I'm sure others would agree with me when I say I could listen to him speak all day.

If you agree too, and haven't seen it already go and watch Religion For Atheists right NOW.

You'll thank me I promise.

I Want My Hat Back

This has got to be one of the greatest children's book ever. I saw I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen in the shop at the Art Gallery of NSW and ended up reading it all the way through laughing. For some reason I find it absolutely hilarious- maybe because it reminds me so much of a ridiculous internet memes. My favourite part it dawns on him he HAS seen his hat.

Very excited to see it turned into a video (though of course the book is always better ;))

Willow: Sweater

The art of projection is nothing new but it when done well it nonetheless is still pretty amazing. An example of this is the video by director Filip Sterckx for the Willow track Sweater. Created using just 3 projectors, a floor and two walls the result makes you want to star in your own fantastical adventure. 

On another note, my friend Nic's band Cogel just released their new single and video incorporating the magic of projections too. It's rad. Check it out here.

Bejitarizumu

I am going to Japan for the first time in two weeks and in my very important preparations I came across this. 

Yes my friends, THIS is why I am going to Japan- cuteness, colour and general all round coolness (in case you were wondering how I found this it was through my new found obession and official Kawaii Ambassador of Harajuku, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu!).

Sponsored by a company to promote healthy eating, it's hard not to get this dance and song stuck in your head. The best part? The purple dancer (which was always my favourite) is a boy! 

Shoo shoo shoo sa! sa! Anyone want to learn the dance with me?

Lulu and the Lampshades : You're Gonna Miss Me

Laura sent me this fabulous song which caused a flurry to find out more about the artists. The girl on the track is Louisa from Lulu and the Lampshades (now renamed Landshapes) and this video is from way back from 2009. I'm sure you'll agree this is pretty rad. I can just imagine if I attempted to do this! It's probably last all of 10 seconds.

rue does Texas

If you need some kick up the bum style inspiration check out this video showing off the fashion shoot in the August edition of rue magazine.There's a certain awkwardness about it but I can't help but love everything, especially the hair and make-up. Note to self: all road trips shall look like this in future.

Video Shot by: We Are The Barkers (Kristen & Chris Barker) ::Edited by: Matt Rice
Song Written, Produced & Recorded by: We Are The Barkers (Chris Barker, Sean McConnell & Gavin Wilkinson):: Styled by: TwentyThirtyForty (Arlene Matthews & Brandon Fein)

Chromatics: Lady

I haven't hyperventilated over a new single for a long time but OH MY GOD CHROMATICS HAS A NEW SINGLE!

Them, along with label mates Glass Candy have amazing sound and style that I could only describe as the perfect soundtrack to if you had a dream about having a crazy night out, meeting the love of your life and driving around at 4am in the morning. Oh, it would also all be in soft focus.

Now excuse me while I go plan a crazy night out and organise a car for 4am in the morning...

Made In Japan : What It Is

I first saw Sydney indie group Made In Japan a couple of years ago when they played as hip hop duo Horrorshow's band at the Oxford Art Factory. I thought to myself "hey there's an Asian guy in that band!".

Since then they've released a awesome couple of tracks (though I don't think officially) and been the soundtrack to my leaving Australia-to-live-in-Vietnam-the-first-time-leaving-do.

Their latest clip for their single "What It Is" features everything that makes Sydney amazing- the harbour, the weather, GoodGod, the inner west. Watermelons even.

Head over to JJJ to download some of their tracks or even better they're playing where it all began on the 25th February to launch their new album Sights & Sounds. Buy tickets here. I'll be there with dancing shoes on!

Riusuke Fukahori: Goldfish Salvation

Beautiful video showing the art making process of artist Riusuke Fukahori for his show Goldfish Salvation.

This video has inspired me to take up a resin making course this month. I can't wait! 2012 is all about new skills baby.

If you have a short attention span jump to the 45 second mark to start the magic.

via Feed Me More

Prada SS 2012 Campaign

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW. I'm not a fan of falling to the feet of high fashion labels but the Prada Spring/Summer 2012 campaign video makes me think otherwise (for a second).

The colour! The hair! The accessories! THAT green bodysuit.

Jane Tyrrell: Old Fashioned Morphine (Jolie Holland cover)

I have what seems to be an ever growing list of girl crushes. It includes such people as Roisin Murphy, Natasha Khan, Ellen Allien and that a girl I saw at Sydney Theatre Company last night (who's inspired me to buy some short boots).

As well as that, somewhere towards the top of that list is Australian artist Jane Tyrrell for the following reasons:

• She joined hip hop group The Herd and made them somehow more awesome- unlike the awkwardness of Fergie joining the Black Eyed Peas *shudder*
• She has an amazing voice that goes across hip hop, soul, blues and everything in between- if you have a chance to see her live do it!
• She was part of The Firekites- if you haven't heard of them they're pretty damn amazing
• She's also a graphic designer and artist
• She doesn't dress like a prostitute- win!

I think if I add any more points I might sound creepy so I'll leave it here.

Want to see more? Check out this cute video here.

Moonrise Kingdom

This movie looks absolutely wonderful! Quirky, funny and great style. I can't wait.

Check out that cast too!

No Australian release date yet though...

Lana Del Rey: Video Games

Lana Del Rey is my new obsession. Who could possibly resist that voice? It's the type to bring boys to their knees!

Max Berry In Action

I always love seeing artists at work. Especially when they're Max Berry.

Kate Bush: 50 Words For Snow

Excuse me I'm sorry to bother you,

But don't I know you?

There's just something about you.

Haven't we met before?

When we got on top of the hill,

We saw Rome burning.

I just let you walk away.

I've never forgiven myself.

I saw you on the steps in Paris.

You were with someone else.

Couldn't you see that should have been me.

I just walked on by.

Then we met in '42,

But we were on different sides.

I hid you under my bed,

But they took you away.

Come with me, I'll find some rope

I'll tie us together.

I've been waiting for you so long…

I don't want to lose you again…

 Snowed in at Wheeler street.

Just two old friends.

Keeping the fire going.

We looked so good together.

Can't we just stay there forever?

We were so happy!

I'd live that day over and over.

But the world won't stop turning.

How do you find music you love? The way it usually works for me is that I'll play an album a couple of times, and my ears will somehow pick up on some random detail. That's the test. When I'm not fully focused, will something jump out at me?

Kate Bush has a new album called 50 Words For Snow (you can stream it here).  I LOVE Kate Bush. She is probably the only one left on my list of "people I want to see before I die". Considering she has toured only once in her career it's probably not about to happen anytime soon.

I'm all about lyrics when it comes to music (I'm often taken back when most people say they don't notice them!). I love Kate Bush because she is an amazing songwriter- everything she writes springs visuals and emotions with such simplicity. I feel like there's layers and layers of meaning, yet with one simple story. Kinda of like fairytales you love as a child but who's full meaning you find out later.

My favourite song of all time is "Running Up The Hill" where she manages to so poetically capture the essence of of a break-up. It's not about being heart-broken as most songs are, but rather it gets to the heart of wanting someone else to feel how you feel. Isn't that the essence in a break-up?

On her latest album the song "Snowed In At Wheeler Street" is the one that grabbed me, and an excerpt of it's lyrics are above. I must be mushy at heart because it's about a couple who love each other through time. That sounds incredibly corny and done before, but add her textured voice, and Elton John, and you feel like you were there with them watching the scenes before your eyes.

Let me know what you think. Perhaps Kate Bush isn't for everyone.

On another note, Ben Folds is another lyricist I love (for the same reasons) and this is equally my favourite song of all time, again, for the lyrics.

The Devotion Project

The The Devotion Project is project aimed at inspiring the GLBT community about love and relationships through short films.

The first is about Bill & John who have been together for 54 years and if not already, after watching it you, like me and a hell of alot of people in this world will be baffled by the inequality gay people face these day. I really wish the Australian government would just allow for gay marriage and get on with it. Sigh.

Anyhoo, back to the film. It's beautiful and so incredibly sweet. It's Johnny and my three year anniversary tomorrow- hardly seems like anything in comparison!

Justin Gignac

I stumbled across these bunch of talks from the PSFK Conference in New York held earlier this year. If I was a different person I'd pretend to be cool and know what that was (you mean you don't?), but sometimes it's all too much effort.

I really like this talk by Justin Gignac where he talks about his art projects and ideas behind them. It's about 20 minutes but so simple and interesting it didn't seem like any time at all. I especially love the awkward couple of minutes where he loses his notes. I love awkwardness when it's not me. I also love that he talks about being lazy and unmotivated. Is he talking directly to ME?

IF 20 minutes is too much effort (I have a very short attention span so it usually is) then these are my important points from it:

1. DO MORE SHIT
2. Ask yourself is it: Simple? Smart? Surprising? AND Will anyone give a shit?