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ISSUE 2 Editor-In-Chief Sam Keeler Photographers Sam Keeler Nina Lorenz Anna Maria Mallory Turner Aysia Marotta Nicole Busch Bridget Craig Writers Bailey Vigliaturo Claire Chaney Design Sam Keeler Nina Lorenz
A Letter From The Editor And here it is…issue number two of the Half&Half zine! It’s been almost 6 months since issue one, which is crazy. It’s been a super busy couple of months and we can only fit a small chunk of all the team has done into this zine, along with some already released content which you can find more of on the site, we have several unreleased features including our cover feature with BØRNS. I’m so excited to release this issue as we jump into the summer months, which will be full of festivals, concerts (summer means Red Rocks season, my favorite concert season), and countless adventures. Here’s to a wonderful summer, and hope you enjoy this issue! Sam Keeler
find us at WEBSITE: HALFNHALF.CO TWITTER: HALFNHALFBLOG INSTAGRAM: HALFANDHALFBLOG EMAIL: SAM.HALFANDHALF@GMAIL.
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TABLE OF C
CONTENTS
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MUSIC
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photos by Anna Maria Lopez, Aysia Marotta, Mallory Turner interviews by Bailey Vigliaturo
south by sout
thwest 2016
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the walters Since your name is Walter, is that where the group name came from? Yeah, so we had a bunch of bad ideas for band names and then someone brought it up, and we thought about it and thought it was actually kind of good. It hadn’t been taken in the United States; all the other ones we came up with were taken or really bad. What were some of them? You now have two EP’s, ‘Shiner’ and ‘Outcast’; did you Okay, I don’t think they were that bad… all have fun writing the Outcast EP? Bakery Men, Dishwater Babies, Laxatives? They were We only have fun, always. The songs kind of come bad… from different periods too. We wrote ‘Outcast’ in LA and then you wrote “Fading Friends” like right before When did The Walters form? we hit the studio. Oh yeah! “Fading Friends” we wrote like a week before we got into the studio, and then September of 2014…I think, yeah, a little over a year. when we got to the studio, we had no idea, we had We put out “I Love You So” at the end of September, some songs we were going to record and that one and then that kind of, it was like one song, let’s put wasn’t on the table, and then we were really surprised something out and see how it goes. We weren’t even because it ended up being the first one we recorded. a band, we just made one song and put it out there Kinda like with the ‘Shiner’ EP we have a song that was on the internet and it got all this attention, and then also written right before we recorded, “Heaven”, the we were like ‘oh we should really, you know, do this’. last track on the EP, but yeah “Fading Friends” is the first track on this EP. You guys have two EPs out right now, and one was just recently released in December, so is there an album in Are you relieved now that it’s out and people are the works, or are you guys going to wait a little bit? starting to catch on to it, and listen to it? You guys have gained a lot of following since we last spoke, almost a Yeah, we’re making more demos in hopes that a year ago now. label’s going to come at us and want to hear them. A who knows maybe we’ll release them after. I think the touring combined with the song being on the radio, like “Outcast” is on ALT. Radio, and more than I think we even know it’s being played. We also have been hearing that it’s been playing in stores and stuff, people tweet us all the time about it. Yeah, so, it’s getting around, it feels really good that people are connecting with it, and I think the touring that we’ve started this year has kind of reinforced all of that.
MAINLAND
OBERHOFER So, musical inspirations: would you say your mom inspires you to make music?
Coast Modern is relatively new, how did the band form? We actually, we started writing hip-hop beats, for NASA actually, about physics for kids. It was a show that toured the US teaching kids physics, and we wrote the music for it. So, we were vibing off of that process, we got a bunch of really good stuff out of it, and we worked really well together.
She does, yeah, you know, my parents are still together and still super happy, and it’s really crazy because most people can’t accept it when people have weird routines, or need weird things. Like, my mom does really loud vocal warm ups every morning, most people in the world wouldn’t be able to chill in the morning while someone did operatic vocal warm ups. And I guess it kinda inspires me to think, that you should only surround yourself with people that you can make yourself the best person you can be, and like finding your artistic self is a part of that. You can only find your artistic self if you surround yourself with people who are okay with you experimenting with things, like doing those vocal warm ups every morning and doing whatever you feel is going to contribute to your fully realized artistic envisioned version of yourself.
Do you find SXSW having a different show atmoSo after the NASA project, you started Coast Modern? sphere compared to “normal” shows? Well, I actually like it because people are just waiting to be impressed by shit, like I don’t think people at South By are that critical, unless you’re just really boring, and there’s nothing wrong with being boring either. There’s a lot of music that is just boring outside What is your writing process like then? of South By that’s really good. There’s a lot of music I would listen to, that would be boring to watch, that’s It usually starts like we get in, in the morning; we like amazing too. But I think that people really want to be to start early (not very rock n’ roll, and then we’ll just kinda talk about things we’re thinking about or things impressed or blown away, and so it encourages peo we learned in the past week, or things we read. We’re ple to be really good at what they do. into like philosophy and shit. Dweep thoughts. So yeah, we’ll just hop on the keyboard and pluck out things that sound cool. Often times we’ll jump on the computer and find something that vibey and fun, and then once we have that it’s a lot easier to write the lyrics, they usually just come out, it’s very weird if we are like ‘oh what should we say for this part’. It all just comes at once, in a really quick process. And then we spend two days over thinking one word. But 95% is just like that (snaps). Yeah, well, that finished and then we just were writing a lot for other people, and slowly we found our own sound.
COAST MODERN
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S I N N E T M E T S Y S BAr cou ns rtn ey
E I L L BI N E T R MA
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s ’ i k k i N s e v Wi Met hyl Eth el 13
BĂ˜RNS
words & photography by Sam Keeler
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AN
INTERView
GARRETT
WITH
BORNS
Garrett Borns, better known as BØRNS, brings a sultry, psychedelic twist on pop. After his Candy EP (2014) and debut album, Dopamine, released just this past year, Borns has captivated and collected quite the fan base involving over 50,000 fans on his social media. Maybe it’s his interaction with fans, his crop top wearing, or his angelic voice that leads to selling out almost every show on tour, but whatever the combination, BØRNS is one to watch. What sparked your interest for music? Was there your music. Can we expect any collabs in the fuan artist or band in particular that you remem- ture? If you could collaborate with any musician ber really getting into? dead or alive, who would it be? I used to listen to the oldies station when I was young and knew the words to all the Motown songs. My folks played a lot of R&B and disco records too. They loved dancing. Your album has a very unique vibe to it, what was your inspiration for it? Both musically and non musically. The mood of the album came from flipping through old Playboys in the studio and writing songs in the headspace of The Turtles and The Zombies. A lot of my favorite songwriting comes from the 70s. What was it like playing Coachella for the first time? You are set to play several festivals all over the world this summer, do you enjoy the festival scene or do you prefer a more intimate show? We had a great time playing at Coachella. A lot of good energy inside a circus tent just as the sun was setting. I’m stoked for Glastonbury this year. You have done collaborations in the past with
Yes you can expect that but it’s top secret for now. I’d want to collaborate with Quincy Jones, or just drink coffee with him to be honest. Over the past year, your fame has really skyrocketed...what has this been like. Does having more fans following your moves put any extra pressure on you and your music? I’ve been touring nonstop this past year. Living on the road is a life I’ve gotten really used to but I do miss California and my own bed sometimes. Pressure is good! Your lyrics tend to blur lines between spirituality and physicality we see this specifically in Holy Ghost. Can you give us some insight on how the lyrics came to be, how the meaning ties into your writing style? A lot of the times they come out without me being very conscious of it. That’s the best way to write, when it’s just feeling not thinking. Describe BØRNS in one word. Sorbet
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10 Facts about Garrett Borns
Favorite album growing up? Happy Together by The Turtles Favorite album now? Junk by M83 Favorite place to write music? Los Angeles What is your dream day? Any day. I’m sleep walking most of the time. If you weren’t in the music industry what would you be doing? Gardening Is there any place you would love to visit someday? Bermuda What shampoo do you use? Ocean water Favorite food to eat on the road? Dates and brazil nuts What is your coffee shop order? Espresso and Topo Chico Name 5 songs you must have on a playlist. 1) Blame it on the Boogie The Jacksons 2) Return to Sender - Elvis Presley 3) Xxplosive - Dr.Dre 4) Girls just Want to Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper 5) Head over Heels - Tears for Fears
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Melanie Martinez
March 9, 2016 Nashville, TN The Cannery Ballroom photography: Nina Lorenz
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the 1975
May 3, 2016 Morrison, CO Red Rocks photography: Sam Keeler 23
March 30, 2016 Santa Ana, CA Observatory photography: Nicole Busch
Father John Misty
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MOTHXR
March 9, 2016 Nashville, TN The Cannery Ballroom photography: Nina Lorenz
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CvRCHES
April 30, 2016 Dallas, TX Edgefest photography: Bridget Craig 29
May 24, 2016 Boulder, CO Boulder Theater photography: Sam Keeler
matt corby
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by Bailey Vigliaturo a
and Claire Chaney
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LIFESTYLE
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creative interview
David Drake
David Drake is a photographer, designer, and filmmaker currently residing in the UK. If this name doesn’t sound familiar, maybe his work will. Drake has worked with big names including The 1975, Glass Animals, and Django Django. Drake’s work is subtle yet electrifying, and is sure to catch your eye. Read our interview with him below....
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When did you first find your passion for photography? I was really young, maybe 15 years old? My step father was photographed by Larry Towell (of Magnum) on September 11th 2001 in NYC. The photo was widely published, so I guess that was pretty important and personal for me and got me interested in photography. What has it been like working with The 1975? Its been amazing. I’ve had the pleasure to have worked with them on two records now, and a number of EPs and singles... and I don’t think I’ve worked with any other band or label or management team so invested in creating a full audio/visual experience for their fans. Its very unique. What was the creative process behind The 1975’s latest album visuals? Did you face any challenges shooting these large neon signs all over the place? What is your favorite shot from the series? The process was different for each shot, but yea some were very straightforward and others were really really challenging, logistically for the most part. I guess I like LOVE ME or UGH best, but I used to like SHES AMERICAN and LOSTMYHEAD most. Think it’ll keep changing as time goes on. Who are some artists that inspire you? Photographers: Hiroshi Sugimoto, Joel Peter Witkin, Gregory Halpern, Stephen Shore, and loads more. Painters: Francis Bacon, Gehrard Richter, Ralph Goings, Hieronymus Bosch, etc. Writers: Denis Johnson, J.M. Coetzee, Paul Auster, Cormac McCarthy, etc. Musicians: Charles Mingus, Swans, Nick Cave, Neil Young, The Beatles, Fiona Apple, Gustav Mahler... I listen to loads of music so hard to say what in particu-
lar, but I listen to those when I don’t know what else to listen to. What’s a day in your life? Wake up. Drink a cup of coffee. Take my daughter to school. Most days I then walk to my studio (5 mins from my house in Norwich) and do an 8 hour day... then go home, eat dinner with family, and after my daughter goes to bed I’ll watch a TV show with my wife Gabby (we just finished latest House of Cards), play some PS4, or watch a Yankee game. Then maybe like once or twice a week I’ll take the train down to London at around 6/7am and either do a shoot or have a few meetings, or both... and then take the train back and get home by like 9/10pm. If you could work with any musicians past or present, who would it be? Past: The Pixies, Iggy Pop, The Fall, or Nas. Present: Kendrick Lamar, Deerhunter, Shabazz Palaces, or Parquet Courts What has been one of your biggest learning experiences as a photographer? I think its just been life experience. Growing up in weird religion, moving away when I was young, getting married and having a child when I was young, working a lot of hard jobs to pay bills, and not going to college. Those are the things that made me a better photographer I think, because those things gave me perspective and drive. Sure... I know a lot about cameras, film, photoshop, etc... still nothing trumps actually doing things. There’s a song called Not Dark Yet and one line is “behind every beautiful thing there’s been some kind of pain”. I’m not saying that needs to apply to commercial work, but it certainly applies (or should apply) to a personal practice. Hope that wasn’t too heavy! Haha.
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Gett
Los
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PARIS by Sam Keeler
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PORTLAND, OR by Jack Hulbert
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HALLSTATT, AUSTRIA by Sam Keeler
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creative interview:
Dan Stiles
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Dan Stiles is a designer, illustrator, and author based out of Portland, OR. Chances are you’ve seen his artwork floating around. He has worked on book covers, packaging, clothing, and primarily his work can be seen on show posters all around the states. He has done work for bands including The 1975, Grimes, Alt-J, and many more. Keep reading for a look into the mind of Stiles... What got you into art, how did you develop your skills to the point you are at now? I’ve always liked art, it started with the Sunday comics. I’ve been drawing since I was 2 years old. I never thought I was very good. I still don’t. That gives me imposter syndrome which makes me work extra hard. I mean, it’s mostly a combination of being obsessed with visual culture, and working hard everyday to make visual culture of my own. I know what I like, I keep trying to make it, and if I fall short instead of giving up I get pissed and try harder. I figure if I keep trying then maybe some day I can make a Rolling Stones tongue, or a Misfits Fiend, or a screaming hand of my own. That’s what I’m shooting for. That and paying the bills simultaneously. I’m not into noble poverty. The artistic development is simply a byproduct of consuming and making art every single day. If all you do is listen to music and play guitar you’re gonna get better, that’s how being a human works. What are some of your inspirations? I could fill this entire magazine with inspirations there are so many. They mostly fall into the realms of pop culture, underground art, old commercial art, and modernism. Take those influences, swirl them together, and you get me. Vintage comics, Japanese pop, album covers, psychedelia, advertising, punk rock, hot rods, Alexander Girard, The Eames, black light posters, Comix, Polish movie posters, fabric design, skateboards, I could go on forever. Hopping off that last question, when it comes to working with bands, how do you get the ideas for their posters? I try to make something that has the right vibe. Posters are interesting in that you’re taking something that is already cool and trying to make it cooler. You aren’t selling a product like normal advertising. You’re creating a feeling. I work with a process of building up, then tearing down. I start with multiple ideas, which I try to combine into a single image. That’s the conceptual part. One image that tells a story. Once I have that built up, I start to take away all the extraneous bits and pieces that aren’t necessary. Maybe a face becomes just a mouth for instance. If the eyes and nose aren’t needed for the story then why have them there. I view my posters as giant logos. I try to say as much as I can using as little as I can. Recently I’ve been adding a third stage where after I build up and tear down I add a layer of texture. It’s something I’ve always done with my book covers, because they’re at such a different scale. Books are meant to be held in the hands, unlike posters which are supposed to work from a distance. But recently I’ve taken those textures over to my posters. I refer to them as finishes, like icing on a cake. People seem to be responding well to it. Out of all of your work, what are some of your personal favorites you have done? I like the ones that represent a breakthrough of some sort. The first time I made something work, or maybe a new way of looking at things. Sonic Youth and Feist both were breakthroughs. More recently I think Edward Sharpe and The 1975 both worked well from a technique perspective. My last Arctic Monkeys came out really well. You win some, you lose some, and along the way you crush a few. I wish i could crush them all, but it doesn’t work that way. What is your creative process like? Do you have a favorite place to do your work? The entire third floor of our house is my studio. I can work anywhere, but it’s nice to have my music, my chair. my books, and 54 inches of monitor space in a nice quiet office. Design is a shamanistic task, you need a few hours of being in the zone to get something done. You can’t do that in a cube farm or a cafe where your neighbor keeps showing up to talk about Star Wars. My process is one of discovery. I don’t sit there and try to have a fully formed idea that I then execute. That’s not how my mind works. I come up with loose thumbnails, looking for...
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the first thread of an idea. Once I find something that has potential I follow those threads and try to weave them together. If I’m halfway confident in an idea I immediately move to the computer where I continue to work with it. It’s a little bit like collage, but instead of working with found art I work with my own ideas. I sculpt and build up, and discover things along the way, take new directions, double back, start over, pick up old threads. I usually don’t know where I’ll end up. That’s why I don’t show pencil sketches to clients. My pencils represent the embryo of an idea. The final product might not even contain the image that was in the sketch. How has your style changed over the years? It’s pretty much unrecognizable compared to where I started. I used to do brush and ink illustrations. It was a self taught style that was based on how cartoonists and animators worked. Over the years, first by teaching myself to screen print, then by starting to use computers, then then adding a drawing tablet my style has been completely transformed. It’s been shaped by the tools and well as my developing philosophy and knowledge of art and design. 25 years ago I was a punk kid with a stack of copier paper and markers boosted from Kinko’s. I didn’t know anything about anything, but I knew I wanted to make cool posters. Everything has grown from there. If you could work with any client in the world, who would it be? The more I admire the client the more I freak myself out. That Sonic Youth poster I did took 12 tries before I came up with something I liked, it was painful. I think if it was 1990 and Nirvana asked me to do a poster I would probably crap myself. These days I like expanding into new horizons. I had a blast doing a bunch of animated Halloween stuff for Nickelodeon. If Southwest asked me to paint a plane, that would be cool. I’m trying to move beyond the 18”x24” box I’ve painted myself into. What does my art look like in virtual reality? I could get excited about that. I’m chasing that buzz, where a new project scares me a little which gets my brain firing on all cylinders. That only comes from being outside your comfort zone. What is the Portland art scene like? Frankly I work so much that I’m not very in touch with our scene. From what I can see it’s pretty cool. Although it’s gone from a bohemian art scene to a guys-with-beards-designing-user-interfaces-in-a-loft scene over the past few years. A lot of the funky stuff is getting priced out and being replaced by things that have a bit more polish. I guess that’s both good and bad depending on how you look at it. Almost all of my clients are from out of state, if not out of country, so the local scene doesn’t have much effect on my day to day life. But I do miss the grit. The polished places have become a caricature of themselves. I like weird, and weird can’t compete with money. On the other hand people can finally get a job here, which is new. Do you have any advice for young aspiring artists? The most important thing is to keep some personal work going. Stuff you control 100%. And get it out into the world. The internet is great for this. No point in making anything if nobody sees it. The best projects I get come from clients seeing my self-directed projects. Get a job, pay your bills, but don’t ever stop making work that you’re personally invested in. Keep learning, keep making. It’s a long process. But I can guarantee that some dumb thing you bust out at 2am will be the key to your future success, not something you made to collect a paycheck. It doesn’t matter what you do. Blog, paint, design posters, publish a zine. Do the thing you actually give a shit about. Giving a shit will be your guiding light and your life force through the dark days of slinging coffee or designing corporate brochures. Sell your Xbox, smash your TV, stop wasting time. Don’t be passive. Nobody is gonna do this for you. Find more of Stile’s work at danstiles.com
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Disposable Diaries: Coachella photos by Mallory Turner
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Disposable Diaries: NOLA photos by Mallory Turner
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caffeine fix
location: Denver, CO order: Chai Latte find them: thumpcoffee.com
photography by Sam Keeler
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