Berlin Atonal
This August sees the return of the legendary Berlin Atonal festival. Originally founded in 1982, the focus of the festival is innovative sonic and visual arts. Revolutionary acts such as Psychic TV and Einstürzende Neubauten were some… — **Berlin Atonal**

This August sees the return of the legendary Berlin Atonal festival. Originally founded in 1982, the focus of the festival is innovative sonic and visual arts. Revolutionary acts such as Psychic TV and Einstürzende Neubauten were some of the early performers. 2013 saw a relaunch of the festival in a massive abandoned power plant in Berlin-Mitte. The 2014 edition looks to carry the flag quite well as organizers have booked Cabaret Voltaire, Ensemble Modern + Synergy Vocals, Donato Dozzy and several newer acts, such as my personal favorite, Headless Horseman. This is a can’t miss event for fans of cutting edge sound, art and design and my only wish is that this was being held during my trip to Berlin.

For more information please visit the official website.

-JRS

Odd Waves
Just released by Sydney-based graphic designer, Steele Bonus, Odd Waves chronicles the underground “sub-culture of pop art punks, disco weirdos and synthesists from 1979-1985.” Expect to see some amazing photographs, portraits … — **Odd Waves**

Just released by Sydney-based graphic designer, Steele Bonus, Odd Waves chronicles the underground “sub-culture of pop art punks, disco weirdos and synthesists from 1979-1985.” Expect to see some amazing photographs, portraits and other images depicting the incredible scene of the time. Also included is a 1-hour mix CD which features many of the artists contained in the book. This is limited to 300 and I already bought mine so I ‘m sure they will go fast.

Pick yours up at Noiseinmyhead.

-JRS

The Stanley Kubrick Archives
Taschen, whose library continues to amaze, has another incredible gem on perhaps my favorite filmmaker, Stanley Kubrick. Unlike other Kubrick books, this is the first to explore Kubrick’s personal archives. This i… — **The Stanley Kubrick Archives**

Taschen, whose library continues to amaze, has another incredible gem on perhaps my favorite filmmaker, Stanley Kubrick. Unlike other Kubrick books, this is the first to explore Kubrick’s personal archives. This is easily the most comprehensive study on the topic to date and the books is filled with tons of unreleased material.

There are two parts of the book and the first section explores Kubrick’s interest in non-verbal expression and presents his works in chronological order simply using frame enlargements. The second section focuses more on his creative process and highlights never before seen photos, props, posters, sketches, diaries, etc. Also included are essays by some of the leading Kubrick scholars as well as a collection of some of his best interviews.

Perhaps no other filmmaker in history has the breadth and complexity of Stanley Kubrick. Long after he shot his last frame, people continue to dissect his work and the interest is only getting stronger. I’ve seen many of his movies several times and I always find things I never knew were there. I am thrilled by this release and this is a must have book for any Kubrick or film fan.

More information at Taschen.com.

-JRS

*photo courtesy of Taschen Books.*

On July 17th, 2014, MOCA Grand Avenue, Muffwiggler and Private Island present an incredible live event featuring the one and only Genesis Breyer P-Orridge. The evening will feature a live talk and book signing of Genesis’ new book out on First… — On July 17th, 2014, MOCA Grand Avenue, Muffwiggler and Private Island present an incredible live event featuring the one and only Genesis Breyer P-Orridge. The evening will feature a live talk and book signing of Genesis’ new book out on First Third. Next, Hazel Hill McCarthy III will premier her latest film, Bight of the Twin, which documents Genesis’ pilgrimage to the origins of Voodoo in Ouidah, Benin and their serendipitous discovery of the practice of Twin Fetish. Finally, the crowd will be treated to an after-party by Private Island. This is a jam packed event and seats are limited so get there early. P-Orridge is quite simply one of my favorite all around human beings so I’m hoping I can get a seat.

-JRS

More information at Moca.org.

South 2 West 8

Perhaps my favorite combination in fashion is luxury, utility and minimalism. Sounds easy, but not many can pull it off successfully. The Swedes are great at it and so are the Japanese. This combination is more than evident in Tokyo’s South 2 West 8 label. They craft outdoor ready bags using the highest quality materials like ballistic nylon and beautiful calf leather. The only markings are the excellent deer skull logo and I am also impressed with their haute rugged branding. To top things off the price point is extremely reasonable for a bag of this quality. Definitely one to keep an eye on.

-JRS

Helmut Newton & Alice Springs - "Us and Them"

June 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin, DE. The first exhibitions presented at the museum were “Us and Them”, a collaborative photography project between Mr. Newton and his wife Alice Springs, and Newton’s solo endeavor, “Sex and Landscapes”. To commemorate the milestone, foundation director June Newton (aka Alice Springs) has decided to revive the same two exhibitions.

Opening on June 4, 2014, “Us and Them” is a personal look into the lives of Newton and Springs. Self portraits, photographs of famous friends and other intimate shots give a never before seen look into the private life of what was perhaps the world’s most glamorous and provocative photographer. “Sex and Landscapes” is classic Newtown. Stunning large format nudes and landscapes all in black and white and all shot between 1974 and 2001.

This is sure to be a can’t miss exhibition for any fan of art and photography. Newton has always been heavily influential for me and I would love to make it out to Berlin for this.

More information here.

-JRS

World Goth Day

May 22nd is officially World Goth Day. Celebrate your love of the sub-culture and all things black.

When you combine two of our favorite artists, good things usually happen. That is exactly the case with this new Silent Servant remix of Lust for Youth’s “International”. Out on June 10th on Sacred Bones Records, this is a chilling, melodic gem that will be included as a bonus with the upcoming LP. Also be sure to check out Lust for Youth at the Church on York in L.A. on May 17th. Taken from the International Remixes EP out 6/10/14

Cassette version only available with purchase of limited edition LP directly from Sacred Bones Records webstore.

Mp3’s available with digital deluxe version of International

Source: http://soundcloud.com/sacredbones/lust-for...

Nathalie du Pasquier for American Apparel

Memphis Group co-founder and post modern painter, Nathalie du Pasquier, has teamed up with L.A.-based American Apparel to create a capsule collection of Memphis inspired clothing and accessories. French born and Milan based du Pasquier is an originator of the Memphis design movement, which was an Italian collective of artists and architects who rose to prominence in the 1980’s. Famous for their color patterns, geometric shapes and avant garde forms, this collaboration actually makes a lot of sense.

Du Pasquier has not worked in fashion for quite some time and didn’t even know what American Apparel was up until a year and a half ago. With all that aside, her designs look great on the AA silhouettes and the collection is a refreshing take on what has become a rather boring solid color lineup of basics. All of the products were designed by du Pasquier in Milan and made here in downtown L.A.. I really like the baby doll dresses for women and the casual black and white button ups for men. Also the tote bags and throws are must haves. Here’s hoping for more innovative collaborations.

View the entire collection and the video here.

-JRS