AKE)
(HOMESH
(THE BLACK TAMBOURINES)
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n this second issue there are interviews from bedroom musicians who are blowing up, starting off and have been in the industry for decades.
Alex G and Peter Sagar (Homeshake) are two musicians from America and Canada that can make an album at home, reach thousands of people by the powers of the internet and then sell out shows across Europe. In their interview they write about their inspirations, some of their favourite foods, animals and some other stuff about their creative process. Producing legend/ongoing musician Gordon Raphael tells us his stories of success and struggle, where he finds motivation and how he’s been making money and music throughout his career. Take some great advice from him and don’t ever give up - “notice when you’re inspired and follow that no matter what.” There’s an opportunity to see the work of painter, animator and sculptor Xenya Genovese, also making music under the name of Lucid Beans and expressing herself in any way or practise she finds an interest in. Josh and Sam from The Black Tambourines collaborate together answering questions about their hometown and life touring and the zine finishes with a feature from Harry Powell. Front-man and founder of his new band Tigerbalm, Harry is a lovely guy who has been making solo music in his bedroom and now, after teaching his mate to play bass, is performing with his friends in London. The illustrations featured are from James Digweed a Kingston graduate who is definitely one to watch.
The intentions for melt Johnson are to celebrate creative freedom - with an exploration into the different spectrums of freedom people find in any creative practise. Spotlighting the work creatives make from internal motivations and celebrating how being creative in any sense provides freedom from having to work a job you hate, work out a relationship you’re uncomfortable in, being angry about the man or anything else in the world people want to express or escape from - whether its from recording songs in a bedroom or painting canvases in a studio, Melt is documenting these outlets both big and small. Freedom can have a few different definitions, it’s being used here to see how anyone can find it, whether its for a minute or a lifetime, in creating stuff.
melt Johnson is finding out how people are making time to make
creative work for themselves, with and for others and seeing how they find a place in the world. It’s a platform to show the work and words from creative people, with aspirations of helping anyone confused or struggling to find a place for themselves, as they see how others attempt to fit in.
melt Johnson is a collaborative zine which asks what creative freedom
means to the people featured, with interviews that ask the interviewees to scribble answers and doodle whatever they want over page layouts and images of themselves and their work.
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50 (Homeshake)
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66 (The Black Tambourines)
Gordon Raphael
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Independent Venue Week - Celebrating the Backbone of Music
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Certified Bangers but mostly chillers
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Illustrations (James Digweed)
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Phil’s Favourites
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Final Thoughts
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Photos featured are from Alex G’s gig at The Lexington, London
Beach Music was Alex G’s latest release, his seventh full album and first with a label (Domino)
Alex G is a dude. Currently living in Philadelphia and selling out UK shows performing his raw, strange and beautiful music that feels as honest as Daniel Johnston’s but with more dreamy distortion. He’s still recording and producing everything on his own, in his bedroom on garageband, whilst his albums and EPs travel across the world treasured by his committed fans. You can witness people singing back most of his lyrics at his gigs, everyone trance-nodding their heads intimately no matter what the size of the venue. He’s now featuring on Frank Ocean’s album and getting bigger and bigger. The dude was so nice when giving melt Johnson his time to scribble some answers down whilst at one of his London gigs. You can catch some recordings of it on the youtube channel, and we aren’t the only ones that can’t wait to see him back in the UK again. sandy.bandcamp.com sandyalexg.com
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Xenya Genovese has a mancunian accent, a deep love for lemons and a warm heart set on making art, music and spreading good messages. She introduces herself first as a painter, which she has been comfortably doing for a while, but this year she’s also been making monstrous sculptures out of children’s toys and translated her aesthetics and positive thoughts into clay-mations yet to be revealed. Whilst the world waits to find her work in exhibitions, you’ve just gained knowledge of it and can also find her bedroom music under the name Lucid Beans on her SoundCloud. Her lo-fi sounds and cryptic lyrics reflect inspirations from Alex G, Ducktails and Mazzy Star but it’s her individual, chilled out vibes that makes her music so inviting. Check out some of her music videos and an interview with her on the melt Johnson website. If you need a burst of optimism, you can try catch some of the shine from her glowing belief in expression and following your dreams.
instagram.com/xenart soundcloud.com/lucidbeans
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The interview with Xenya in her bedroom - where she paints and makes her music. Filled with colour and art, a place of zen, inspiration and chilled out vibes.
Did you know:
Collect thrown away food and use it to make compost
Help the bees pollinate and make ur garden look pretty Cycle around a little more avoiding car journeys and work out those legs
It’s hard to avoid plastic sometimes, especially when trying to do a weekly shop on a budget, but try to avoid foods with unnecessary packaging, it’s our responsibility to make change Plastic bottles are the enemy, invest in a reusable one that you can love and hold, saving money and waste
Illustration by James Digweed
G
ordon Raphael is famous for producing albums like the unforgettable Is This It by The Strokes, however, he’s still fulfilling dreams of performing his own music across the globe. He told melt Johnson about his journey, inspirations, struggles and aspirations before finishing his interview with some great advice definitely worth remembering.
from England, Germany and Mexico. I thought this was kinda fun, it wasn’t my first number one job idea but it was kind of great. I enjoyed making money, and I enjoyed meeting new people and getting my name in the newspaper, having videos done and all this stuff was really fun.
Then when I got all this money from being a producer I started buying every guitar, every keyboard and every drum machine I ever wanted but I didn’t have time to use it. I would go home to my studio and my Gordon: instruments would laugh at me. There’s the Because I learnt to become a producer guy with 20 guitars but he doesn’t have the to do only my music, I wasn’t time to play any of them. It became a real interested in other people’s music. burden to see all my instruments, but go I thought why would I want to spend away for six months, go to Mexico, Belgium, time on someone else’s original South America, Germany and California creative ideas when I have my own ideas, which are the best. Then one day thinking yeah it’s going to be great, but I when I was very hungry in New York City won’t be able to play my instruments. So my and my bank account was running down to whole thing has been fighting to get the time to pay attention to my creativity and my own zero, someone asked me if I music. Being a producer is creative, but would record their band. Then they it’s second string creative, it’s like arm liked it, the next person came and pretty soon I had a job as a producer. chair creative. This was not my intention... I wanted to be a rock n’ roll star, a composer, Being an artist and a musician, is like you’re right there where every move you make performer and suddenly this other job is in the moment and it counts. presented itself - producer. It’s like the first line of being an artist Then I recorded The Strokes and that got famous, then suddenly I got called when you’re actually making something.
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Gordon’s gig with Mystified at The Shacklewell Arms, London
So, that’s my struggle and that’s where I’m at now, I’m trying to return to my roots of playing my music. When I was growing up my impression was that the people who were making music and writing lyrics were trying to change the world for a really positive purpose and form a utopia. This utopia would otherthrow old and corrupt forms of government and injustice, now this was when I was young but it had a big impression on me. It made me think that if you’re a musician, people are going to really love you, you’re going to have a lot of fun and you’re going to change the world.
and told me I was no good. I had this chip on my shoulder, but I thought if I could get a loan with a tape recorder, then I could learn how to sing and play guitar and write cool songs, and come up with words. So my vision was if I could learn how to record myself, I could break through and become a great musician, so that’s what I did. I got tape recorders, started writing music and playing synthesisers, I started singing and playing guitar and I came up with a little bit of a unique pathway into music that way.
To be honest with you I’ve always felt, even through teenage years that I never belonged where I was. This could have had something to do with “To be honest with you I’ve marijuana, which is a drug Even though I loved music always felt, even through that kinda works on your and I was in many bands teenage years, that I never insecurities and your from the age of 13 on, belonged where I was.” paranoia. So I was always I wasn’t a very good walking down the street musician. I had a really thinking people are laughing at me, and hard time, especially with the counting. people are always making fun of me, and I couldn’t understand the mathematics no-one understands my music and no-one of how rhythm was divided, it seemed even listens to the music I do. I thought, like rocket science. I had visions of grandeur, I wanted to write symphonies how can I live in a world where the people don’t listen to the same music as me and like Beethoven, like Bartók but I wasn’t they don’t understand me? To be honest, very good. People always made fun of me, I still think my music is only known to they kicked me out of bands all the time
a very few people and it’s a little bit weird for the popular taste. So through my producing of music, I found a friendly place in the world where people smile and say good job on The Strokes record, good job on Regina Spektor. I found a little place in the world, but I want a lot more than that, I have much higher aspirations and I have the energy to try to go further. From an early age I heard music which just inspired me so much that it became part of my body and part of my mind. So I would say that since I was 10 years old, most of my time has been spent thinking about, or doing, or listening or playing or recording music. So a lot of years have been spent in the field of music and its just as exciting and as interesting as it ever was. Music is still there. It’s still alive, it’s still throbbing in every city in the world that I can see. For me inspiration came when I saw a book on the table as a little kid, I opened it and inside were some paintings and they looked really boring. Then one painting by Pieter Bruegel called The Triumph of Death had a thousand skeletons burning a medieval house down and each skeleton was drawn perfectly. You could see all these crazy characters, this painting was an amazement, it was a marvel to me and it made me feel like I didn’t know that people
could do such intricate work, I didn’t know people cared enough to develop such a powerful art form. This was the beginning of inspiration from art. Then I kept looking for more painters and I found Hieronymus Bosch, he became my second favourite after Bruegel. I looked at all of his paintings and thought about how careful his brush strokes were. Then I found the music of Bach and Chopin, the Beatles and Frank Zappa. The feeling of inspiration is like when you eat a good meal. You’re very hungry, and this food is put in front of you and the more you eat the happier you are and when you’re finished you feel amazed and totally peaceful. So I kind of look at inspiration as the thrill of life, whether it comes from a conversation, meeting somebody or reading a story in a book. Seeing a sky, or a tree or a flower, right now inspiration can come from just about anywhere but it’s an unmistakable feeling just like getting instantly high. Like really high, but you’re looking at a painting or you’re having a conversation and that’s what makes you feel high. I’m kind of addicted to that particular high.
The main advice, the best advice, would be to find something that you really like, that turns you on... that inspires you. When you notice that feeling of inspiration, write it down, study it and don’t lose track of it - because that’s your clue about where you should be going and who you should be hanging around with. Anything less than that is going to create more pain than you can imagine. Like getting really good at something you don’t like, or getting a lot of money to do something you don’t like, everyday, being with people you don’t like to hang around with - that to me is hell. H. E. L. L. So I think, notice when you’re inspired and follow that no matter what.
The full interview and footage from his show at The Shacklewell Arms online. Gordon is a lovely inspiring dude, easy to watch, listen and learn from.
TOM KNIGHTS
Tom’s creative outputs would have featured in this zine for however long it’s published for. Anyone that knew and met him, whether it was once or for years, could see how Tom was separate from the norm, a voice set on expression and a kind, lovable person. His back catalogue of music, 100s of songs, paintings and drawings will be cherished by his fans, friends and family. melt Johnson wants to show gratitude in just having the chance to meet someone like him - a nonconformist who shared the appreciation and celebration of the magic of music, lived it, and created beautiful songs that can be enjoyed by anyone until the end of time. Awareness for mental health issues is growing, being shared and accepted by more people, however, there are still people choosing to end their lives. This is an illness that can be treated and help can come from many different sources. Pressures can come from different things but whatever it is people are suffering stress from, no-one should or has to do it alone. If you or anyone you know needs to speak to someone, Samaritans have a number that is available whenever at 116 123. Mind, Papyrus and Calm are other charities that are also helping individuals and battling the issues of silence amongst young men.
This is the artwork for Cold Spell, the last recorded song with Tom for Lunar Quiet, please check it out online at: soundcloud.com/lunarquiet
Above are photos from Lunar Quiet’s first gig. (top) Tom (from left) Ben, Lena, George and Tom.
from: Bore OD
23rd - 29th January
T
he last week of January will be an exciting time for many people aching to have those seventeen jagerbombs after their dry month challenge, those looking back in surprise as to how easy it was not eating as much meat or any at all, or most of us ready to tackle February’s possible snow storms or heat waves (who knows) after making it through the month that is infamously blue. Whether or not you are keeping up with the diet changes or other promises to yourself, one thing you can look forward to or help out with is supporting local independent venues and the musicians performing nationwide in the final week of January for Independent Venue Week.
the many other treasured and secret underground musicians in the future. In order to celebrate and encourage going out and hearing real instruments noisy or clean, vocals that are beautiful or broken and venues old and new, here are some little thoughts on what to expect, aim for and avoid.
expecWt:
Live sounds made from one or more noise making machines put together in a sequence for your lucky ears. Okay so you might not be into it, the band playing or the thought of hearing mystery loud music from someone unknown, but why not give it a go at least for the new year? We all know music brings people together, helps you understand The UK is celebrating the existence of venues others, can make you move a little and completely that are still out there, giving what could be change your mood unexpectedly. Sometimes you multi-platinum quadruple billion selling album find something special in a new favourite artist, artists, and the modest and hopeful believers other times its an excuse to get out and meet out there a platform to perform on. Those Rolling friends or new faces. Whether it’s for a few hours or Stones and Arctic Monkeys were performing in every day of the week, why not support the places small pubs and bars at one point, and the places keeping music alive and the hundreds of musicians that have managed to survive the millennium out there just wanting to be heard? You could have are going to be needed if we are hoping to see a great night. any more bands who can bring the thousands, or
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Alex Brettin, front man of Mild High Club at Moth Club, London
Yes, everyone’s been to a gig before. However, it’s easy to miss some of the golden secret stages stashed away without set-lists featuring Michael Bublé or Calvin Harris. Imagining most people reading this would be insulted as they know the music is out there to be seen, and can find it easily, please just read this as a friendly reminder to possibly share an event and encourage others to come along, as more than ever now the music scenes that aren’t hitting number one record sales need people to support it.
aims: Share something Okay so don’t feel like having to become a promoter, but spreading the word will be the best way to share the love. Clicking attending on an event page sometimes works as well, you can’t force a horse to drink or dance but when the words going round the grooves are more likely to come out. Let’s go dancing in the street and take our clothes off. Sharing stuff is good. Maybe even video a bit of a gig and say how great it was or how much
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you would recommend going to that place to catch the next big thing. Just don’t stand there and film the whole thing. Or do. Whatever you like, let’s just all make sure we see some music this week and whenever you can for the rest of your life. Break the invisible line It can be hard finding and defensively elbowing a safe place at the front of a gig sometimes, then there are other times when opportunities of sliding on your knees, reminiscent of those primary school disco moves the guys did to impress the girls, arise but are never taken. It’s wasted space, the gap between the band and crowd, ensuring that no loser gets lost wondering in nomans-land. If you don’t fancy being next to amps and hurting your ears, it’s sweet no-one is expecting people to sacrifice their hearing. If you’d rather chill and pick up the vibes from the middle as well of course that’s cool, it’s just 13x cooler when some mad head walks right into that forbidden space, throws themselves or their hips around a little and invites a stranger in.
no Moving people makes other people move and when a crowd of people get going some shared highs and smiles start happening, calling for a good time. The music might be chill, it could be a time to sway softly so I’m not saying the cha cha slide is necessary, but when the opportunity arises, don’t let that invisible line hold you back.
avoid: Taking your shirt off If you find yourself at one of The Wytches’ gigs at the end of January, or any of the other many bands who’s heavy music will have everyone pumping and sweating and bumping into each other. Please refrain from taking that material providing the barrier from your wet slimy torso off. I know it’s fun losing it sometimes, we have all been there in the mosh pit. If you really feel its the right time to whack it off and show some skin, then fair enough. Just know, any innocent audience member next to you does not appreciate soaking up the sweat your top could be collecting.
I guess if you’re wind-milling your arms around and being hardcore you probably wouldn’t care about the innocent victims who happen to get in your way, so this goes out to those lost causes who might end up being that nuisance. Stop being an arsehole. I don’t want to suggest that I know any sort of correct gig etiquette. I’m just a fan that will be supporting the cause and a venue or two at the end of this month, hoping to nod my head and wiggle my toes without any stress or incoming pits to avoid. If you can’t make it out in the week, you could maybe do some incognito supporting and just purchase a ticket for a future event. These places are going to be running throughout the year and there will definitely be a night that caters for you somewhere. Maybe go for a lucky dip, see what awaits with the music of bands you’ve never heard before. However, the beauty of social media nowadays makes it easy to find an event, a soundcloud link next to a name so you can know what to expect.
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If all else fails, you don’t have any money or forgot how to leave the house, you can just comment on a bands youtube video. Go to a friends house and shout good things through their window whilst they demo their new stuff. Buy and wear some underground, ultra-rare, super shiny band merch. Support the scenes and the musicians following their dreams. I’ll be continuing to visit different venues and seek out more in each new city I visit as it always feels worthwhile. There will always be music and we will always be able to listen to it with a click of a button, maybe one day we will only have to think of a tune to hear the studio version of it in our heads, but this article is just a mentioning of gratitude for the many places that provide that platform for bands of now and the future. Thanks to all the musicians that are gigging to 20 or 200 people in small and big venues across the globe, music scenes are still alive and going and we can all do a little bit and gain a little bit for and from it.
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yes snip the shit out of that invisible line
You can find the actual organisers and founders of Independent Venue Week on their website or other social media pages. There are lists of what venues are officially taking part and their addresses so you can find them. The listings are nationwide so check it out, finding the gold has been made a little easier for you. www.independentvenueweek.com
You can find some new vibes or agree and help melt Johnson celebrate the (reasonably) big and small (but awesome) artists on Soundcloud. The tunes listed hear should be heard by everyone and can be found with many, many more on the melt Johnson playlists. Don’t mong about and miss out - treat yourself and chill.
some favourites from 2016:
Just listen to Lunar Quiet. You won’t be disappointed. Cemented into music history, Tom Knight’s vocals and screams sound like a grittier Robert Smith, but their music sits in a world of their own. You could probably try place them in-between genres of shoegaze and grunge, with their dreamy noise but that doesn’t matter. Just listen.
Soft and fuzzy, Mio’s music feels warm and toasted like a marshmallow, and theirs definitely some bite in it. This song could be enjoyed by anyone who wants to be soothed with its lullaby pitch ascension, her lyrics and voice flowing sweetly between guitars. Mio’s songs have a welcomed darker side to them as well, although beautiful and textured, don’t expect light and jolly listening.
Tigerbalm have teased the internet by releasing two demos, which have gained thousands of listens, without any vocals added to them yet. You should see for yourself why so many people have enjoyed these instrumentals that slowly build, into a more dirty, distortion filled indie track.
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This may seem to be the last song from Morning Smoke. Which is bullshit. Another Brighton band that can make dreamy music full of loud noises, it would be a shame to the world and to the billions of people who missed a chance to see them live. Check out “Waste My Time” and then delve into their back catalogue of crashing guitars, wailing/screaming vocals and insane drumming.
Xenya Genovese’s music has grown into a new sound which is reminiscent of Kim Gordon’s casual and alluring vocals and Sonic Youth’s stripped back messy and melodic guitars. “Blow” jumps from slow and sexy to fuzzy and other worldly. Her lyrics would pierce through your heart with no remorse if aimed at you, adding a darkness to her lo-fi, post-punk sound.
Of course everyone is excited to hear that Hope Sandoval is back realising new dark and smooth songs. Collaborating with Kurt Vile has produced this gift of a song which has a similar Mazzy Star sound but a laid-back, lighter tone added by Vile’s humble singing style. Hope Sandoval still has her goddess lure, but like this pairing, we’re looking forward to seeing how her music is becoming more experimental.
Hannover Square is just one of the songs The Wytches have released on the web whilst we wait for their new album. Gothic, surf, grunge, spaghetti western vibes that you can associate with their own sound never disappoint. Hannover Square is the lightest of their recently released tracks but still has that enchanting and rough voice of their lead singing cutting through the soft strumming and strange “oh la le le la las” which sit before a shaking but gentle chorus.
Our Girl is the fourth Brighton formed band on this list and it definitely wasn’t intentional. They are blossoming from the thundering sounds and wave of sick bands from the coast. Again with a grunge feel, their music throws you from verse to chorus sailing blissfully then into a swirling storm of distortion.
Alex Brettin is back with a new album, this one seems a little creepier than Timeline, which is obviously sick. Have no fear though, as you can still expect the same trippy textures and jangling guitars which has become his distinct sound, but Skiptracing has a different kind of groove definitely worth checking out.
Here’s a longer list of songs melt Johnson has been listening to since the last issue, gift your ears with these sounds and keep on supporting big & small music makers.
aglow hollow Alex G Anz BABY POOR BEACHTAPE bbrendan Cameo Homage Clairo Dave O’Connor dissociative youth Egopatterns Furnsss Homeshake IAMDDB x INKA jesse.sattler Lunar Quiet mellow fellow O. Chapman Obsess the orange drink suckerxxx
Slow Heel Brite Boy Moved Away where you’re at Skipping Sleep get yr fill Lover Enemy Is it Wholesome when you see your ghost Pond Discover II Call me up Leaned Out a lot of things Cold Spell tired Relapser She popped my bubble daytime dreaming hi hello
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Prized music possessions:
I
f I’m ever asked why the scratched, frail plastic case containing the Could Well Be In album sleeve and its simple black CD is one of my prized possessions, I’ll answer with because it gives me a sense of ownership for something I love, that can be passed on and shown to whoever has it next. Then there’s also the not-so-sweet memories of being a teenage boy and thinking boozy and drug riddled tales of clubbing was what to look forward to in being a real man. Nevertheless, with many good memories and nights of listening to The Streets, the humble stories spoken by Mike Skinner in his songs remind me of some of mine; the times I had growing up and some friendships that I’ll hold onto forever. If you haven’t heard Could Well Be In, it starts with three soft chords which continue to play throughout the song producing an affable, easy tone that can be tuned into or heard as background noise wherever you are, be it walking home in the cold alone or sharing beers with friends. For me, it’s this easy tone of the song that makes the lyrics feel more genuine, like a film that’s great but doesn’t need a lot to happen in it to make it that way,
Could Well Be In is great because it carries a sweet and simple theme. Skinner’s monologue lyrics follow his thoughts through a first date, touching on insecurities in appearances, conversations and revealing his everyday ‘geezer-like’ views on relationships. Giving the song The Streets’ classic stamp of authenticity - slang and swear words effectively collaborate with a sensitive topic and wishes of “Chattin’ shit, Sitting in, Oblivion. With that person who’s your special one.” Could Well Be In compliments the album A Grand Don’t Come For Free perfectly as it carries the story of a young man losing faith in his friends and searching for it in someone else. It’s a light and funny piece of the puzzle when contrasted to the sometimes lonely, lairy or anxious sounds from the concept album’s full story. However, like many others from Mike Skinner, this song has heart embedded in it’s lyrics, underneath the blokeyness, which you can possibly listen and relate too if you have ever wanted someone or been on a date and wondered what to say next. I’m still waiting for my first invite. from Bore OD
Piter Sugar was the name given personally from the man behind the music of Homeshake whilst at his sold out gig in East London. Real name Peter Sagar, if you haven’t heard his album Midnight Snack before, now is the chance to treat your earholes to some sweet soothers. It’s about time too, as a new tour and album is expected soon. The down tempo grooves on Midnight Snack sound as though they were written in a pretty comfortable environment. Chilled synths, at some points wrapped in lust, bounce next to electronic drum loops creating an album that twists from sexy but not to seriously, funny at times, but written sincerely. Clearly in a good habitat, Sagar has produced an album which anyone could enjoy, celebrating his love for simple pleasures and someone else - shared body heat and fulfilled appetites. homeshake.bandcamp.com facebook.com/homeshake
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09.11.16
Do something artistic this week. Draw a chair. Make a weird paper plane. Design a logo. Write a melody. Make something based on research. Make something just to practice your skills. Make something therapeutic. Draw a worried eagle saying “fuck” Even if it feels irreverent, practicing creative expression in times like this is inherently political. If you keep avenues for expression open (for yourself and for others), you can use them later on to bypass a system that will try and silence you. The “HOPE” poster drew attention to Obama’s campaign. People wearing little orange hats shouting “we are the gnomes” dismantled a government’s law to ban protest. A graphic novel inspired the worlds most well known anti-establishment group (for better or worse). There’s a reason why those on the right have historically tried to limit creativity: it spreads
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James Digweed
J
ames Digweed’s illustrations contain sharp, beautifully detailed imagery usually referencing some dark stories, scenes or places. From world disasters to the Columbine shootings, his work carries a refined and twisted style that will resonate with you. He explained that his school shooting pieces (pictured above) commented on the associations between video games and massacres. His interests stemming from seeing that his neighbour was one of the victims of the Lanza shooting in 2012.
“Almost 18 years on from columbine conservative groups and politicians in the US still pull the violent video game card, or if its not a game its a film or a musician. Obviously censorship is far easier to achieve than gun law reform in the US, its a difficult issue to confront because it almost seems unsolvable. The
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hardest thing about it was making sure they didn’t come across like they were glorifying these heinous crimes or making a joke out of it, I wanted them to turn heads and make people feel uncomfortable but make people think. Its a dig at gun laws or a memorial to stupidity really, you could say spree killers are victims themselves, of a lack of mental health care and backward gun laws. Young men with mental health issues who have easy access to guns, its asking for trouble really, nothings changes. Then when the next one happens everyone acts surprised, I find it baffling. N64 cartridges felt like the perfect object to use, id always thought they looked like tombstones, even when they were new they had this creepy archaic aesthetic and Eric and Dylan played DOOM so it made sense to me.”
James Digweed
James Digweed
Digweed’s strange collages graced the pages of issue 01 and, excitingly, he is going to be an ongoing collaborator featured in melt Johnson. These illustrations are from his series called Black Metal inside the Norwegian Home. Check them out on www.jamesdigweed.com
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The Black Tambourines are a group of friends from Falmouth, making loud surf-punk music, playing around the UK and touring Europe. They mention the ocean as an inspiration, and you can imagine it to be a British coast line with their hazy, crashing sounds and gristly but cheery choruses. Sam Stampoole (vocals, guitar) wrote down some answers and sketched images of him pissing whilst playing guitar in the black pen, Josh Spencer (guitar, vocals) added everything in blue. With new tour dates yet to be announced, you can check out their albums online and eagerly await for new opportunities to see them and hope for more material.
theblacktambourines.bandcamp.com soundcloud.com/the-black-tambourines facebook.com/theblacktambourines
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Sam Stampoole
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Josh Spencer
Here we have Phil’s feature, he finds stuff in the art world that he finks should be celebrated.
C
hristian Rex van Minnen’s paintings have the beauty and power of renaissance painting, with the added grotesque twist of intensified post-Bacon bodily deformations. They are enticing with their beauty and absurdity. The tremendous skill of this painter is easily noticeable and commendable; however, he pushes it further and holds me through his alienations of the figure. The humorous portraits and still lifes are both disturbing and seducing. The colour is strong, with a huge contrast range from very deep, spacious, blacks to pure shining whites. All colours exist between these hugely conflicting polarities, and cause starkness in all his tones. These dramatic paintings could raise discussions of tradition with this timeless aesthetic and post-modern disgust.
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The paintings are fluctuating between abstraction and representation, truth and illusion, personal and archetypal. Van Minnen’s pieces are at the same time hyperreal and surreal. There will be no argument about these being historical feeling paintings, yet they are revitalised with weirdness and humour through a highdefinition lense. The Mona Lisa down the rabbit hole springs to mind.
List of works:
C-Rex was born in 1980 and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.
www.christianvanminnen.com
Phil
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Always, 2011, 24x18”, Oil/Panel Bathhouse Pussy Poppin’, 2016, 72 x 48”, Oil/Panel Still-Life with Journal Entry and Diabetes, 2015, 48x78”, Oil/Linen
Harry Powell has been making music for a big part of his 22 year old life. He’s been in bands and worked in recording studios with guys from The Libertines, makes his own solo stuff in his bedroom and has now formed his own band Tigerbalm. It’s his first time as front man and has been putting all his efforts into it with his closest friends, going to the lengths of teaching Jono how to play bass. His music usually starts in his room as he messes around with his loop pedal and he’s been working the late night shift writing songs whilst trying to find a job in the day. He’s been looking for one for a year now, hoping to possibly use his journalism degree, but whatever he does end up doing we can be glad that he’s going to be making music in his free time. soundcloud.com/tigerbalmuk facebook.com/wearetigerbalm
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Harry’s story about making time for his music in his interview about his new band Tigerbalm. Watch footage of their first gig - they sound sick and you’ll want to see their next one for sure.
final thoughts
Alex G has found success in touring his music worldwide and you can tell that he’s never lacked any determination with the amount of music, EPs and albums he’s already released. We know he’ll be recording whether in his house or in studios for a very long time and will always wait with anticipation for what he does next.
Xenya’s determination isn’t any different from Alex G. She lives and breathes with making things, her collection of works are already so varied and you can tell there isn’t anything else she would want to be doing than making art, music or whatever. Her ideas of creative freedom are something we can all share, you can hear Xen talk about how she’s only ever going to strive for that in her interview online.
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Harry’s ideas of creative freedom are things that can easily be achieved, even if its quietly at night trying not to wake anyone. His bedroom sounds are that chilled you can sometimes hear his cat snoring in the background.
final thoughts
Sam is obviously making the most of anytime he can as he manages to play guitar and possibly think of his tunes whilst having to go about his activities and necessities.
final thoughts
Piter Sugar/Peter Sager didn’t have any guilty pleasures to confess, and hit back with a fair point. We couldn’t agree more with doing what makes you happy - and judging from his sweet smooth sounds and his inspirations coming from being calm we can see how that works for him. He talks about and really does seem pretty chill, you can understand why his music is too.
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love is the answer
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