UNCULTUR ED
CONTENTS VENTURES 1 SELF 5 FOOD 15 CREATE 17 PEOPLE 21 MUSIC 26 EDITOR채S RANT 29 CONTRIBUTORS 31
UNCULTURED UNCULTURED M I S S I O N STA T E M E N T
M I SM AS GI AOZNI N E STA. V ITN ET AM GEE N T
TO BRING YOU honest quality literature, written with passionate soul, driven to inspire a zealous lifestyle. to bring you hand-picked vintage, which radiates personality and emulates the life of an adventure seeker with a distinctive persona. to encourage and motivate a generation built on a foundation of ‘organic-humanity’ thinking: one who believes in love, faith, real people, the simple beauties of life, a global family and the sui generis of every person’s soul. and to widen your mind with potential, creativity, knowledge, and ideas made possible by utilizing the full spectrum of art.
JOHN JOHN 3:16 3:16
NUIT BLANCHE By Kat Wawrykow The sea is singing and shouting and laughing with bodies. If you stand still for only a few moments, the schools of fishes will engulf any space left unoccupied. Excitement and curiosity are in every person’s eyes and on their lips as they find the few and far between art exhibits in amongst the overwhelming swell of human beings in the streets of downtown Toronto. On an average day, these streets are somewhat calm, if you can call Toronto calm at all. This is where the bankers play and where the bustling traffic reigns, but tonight there is nothing but people, stumbling across each others paths to get to unknown destinations. There is a symphonic crackle of ambulances and firetruck sirens, and then silence, if thousands of humans chattering can be called silence. It’s easy to catch the odd person’s conversation as you stride by: “....and then it just blew up in my face, oh gracious it was everywhere.” “Dr.pepper is the best drink on the planet” “My gum tastes like shit...”. Through this storm, a structure appears, with projections of jellyfish on white disks, and you are taken aback by the roar of a choir, their voices ringing high through speakers at your feet. This, ladies and gentlemen, is Nuit Blanche. My experiences at one of Toronto’s hottest events of the year was nothing less than exciting and stressful, but it left me with a great feeling of wanting more. And I mean that quite literally, because I felt like I missed the whole thing. The idea of Nuit Blanche sounds great; the busiest streets of Toronto shut down for one night and one night only to be taken over by art, ranging from sculptural installations, to choirs, to music, to dance, and everything else in between. With such variety comes fans of all sorts of pleasures, by the tens of thousands. This fact left the streets filled with people to an extent that it took years to get anywhere, and if you were not a tall individual (which naturally I am not) you couldn’t see much through the throng of people looking at the same exhibits. There were some massive installations, most of which I was either unaware of, or were too far away to bother looking for. But do not write off this event entirely. Oh no, because what I did manage to see was wonderful in every way. Movie projections off the side of huge
business buildings, jellyfish swimming midair on giant organic white disks while a choir rang high in accordance, an octopi-like interpretive dance over small platforms, body casting in the streets, laser light show, zombies, and a six piece swing band to boot. I believe that if you approached the event pre-planned and knew where to go and exactly what you wanted to see, you would feel more accomplished than I. However, the things I did see were strange and exciting, and left me believing that art in this city is cherished and encouraged to flourish. Naturally, I also have to mention that this event was sandwiched between a culinary adventure. As my group wandered late into the night, we decided that we wanted coffee and desserts. It was approaching midnight, and most places had closed or were too full to enter. Bodies still packed the streets, and I assumed they all were searching for the same thing. From the side of the chilly street, a rather jolly young man shouted at me, yelling, “You there, I’m Noah! And you look hungry and cold. I have everything you need... wonderful food, coffee and dessert. Come on in!” I went over, shook his hand and replied, “Noah, you have a deal.” Apparently, this made his night, because his face glowed at the fact that I was bringing my whole ensemble of art school kids into his restaurant. He was also absolutely right about their food. The chocolate mousse cake was tender and perfectly chocolatey, and my tea was delicious and warm. Nuit Blanche begins around seven in the evening and continues on until seven in the morning. After dessert and tea, I started to feel rather sleepy, so my friend Eric accompanied me home. The rest of my friends stayed in Toronto, so I left my camera with themthe result was art. A tip for anyone who wishes to see this event in full swing: go at the wee sleeping hours. The hustle and bustle cool down, and you are left with the installations and free experimental art pieces to take home for free! Pack a light snack, perhaps some tea if you are that sort, and remember to dress warm. This isn’t BC after all, it is a New Beginning. ▲
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BY: ERICA CHAPMAN
After attending Toronto Fashion Week I have come to the realization that fashion is no longer evolving. Designers have decided that they don’t need to be inventive, they’re happy just mixing patterns and changing colors. The only thing that has changed over the years is how they’re recycling their garments. Tragic, I know, and the worst thing is we, as consumers, go along with it. Fashion in the 21st century has become dull and unexciting. Coco Chanel. She changed the look of women’s clothing forever. She decided upon herself that she was no longer going to conform to the idealisms of what society deemed “in style.” She taught us to stand up for what we want; to be brave and take life by the horns. Josephine Baker, also, followed in Coco’s footsteps and for that reason alone we should change the thinking of this style sober era. Audrey Hepburn in the 1950’s only wore one designer, Hebert Givenchy, and the two of them recreated elegance and refinement and placed it back into fashion. Audrey and Givenchy created a sophisticated, enticing, “empower the women” style philosophy and since then we’ve been continuing with it. If Audrey was still with us, I believe she would be furious with the tragic round about “new age style” that consumers are stuck in. Princess Diana was a woman who knew exactly how to dress. She taught women to wear suits and to be daring in what we place on our backs, grateful, women agreed with her choices and in the 1980’s fashion was booming as it was during the 1920’s. Princess Diana was not going to be told what to wear, she decided fo r h e r s e l f. N ow, w i t h 2 0 1 3 approaching, I believe it’s time for us as consumers to stop conforming to what designers are placing on the runway, but to elect a new fashion icon. If Coco Chanel can change the face of fashion during the 1920’s, then why can’t we readjust the thinking of designers and industrial companies today? During fashion week, there was an air of snobbery. The fragrance in the room stank
with hierarchy, staff, designers, as well as those attending. The collections were boring, the same garments coming out of the shoot each night, with a change of color, removal of a button or an addition of a head piece, we were supposedly eyeing a new collection. Canadian designers are no longer manufacturing their clothing in Canada, Joe Fresh, mass produces through China. Fashion Week was fun, but sadly the creations were mundane and on going. We’re coming to an age that status matters more then creating something with gumption, tragically we’re conforming to it. Big corporations have decided upon themselves to take the fashion industry into their own hands and mold everyone into the same, ferries wheel, style. Fashion Week was prudish and reeked of status, a boring assortment of clothing and a feverish lack of innovation. Why is fashion so one track minded, why are we stuck listening to a broken record? Industries have developed a consumer want over the voice of designers. Afraid of stepping on toes, we’re in an age that being polite is more important then reaching your dreams, more important then being daring. If Alexander McQueen can dare to be different, John Paul Gaultier can be gripping and incisive, Dior refines elegance and modesty, why can’t other designers do the same? The big corporations are choking new designers and forcing them to conform to their ideas of what should be created and silenced by the inability to speak out, with consumers and creators forced to watch. I believe as we enter a new year, we need to begin a change within the fashion world, style mavens such as Anna Dello Russo, Daphne Guinness, Lady Gaga, Miroslava Duma, Dakota and Elle Fanning should stop being patronized and should commence a new year of fashion. One that brings enlightenment, elegance, fervor and feeling of pride for what we wear, if not, we are going to be seeing new colors, less buttons, and awkward lace again next season. After attending Fashion Week I have come to the realizations that fashion is no longer striving forward but remaining stationary. If Coco Chanel, Josephine Baker, Audrey Hepburn and Hebert Givenchy can reconfigure the fashion industry, why can’t we? Fashion is a voice; it’s empowerment to wearers, why aren’t we empowering ourselves? No more consumer demographics, be extravagant in your style and don’t hold back, fear is for the weak, so stand strong and let’s change the idealisms behind this thought provoking industry. ▲
HO W TO M AKE T HE
LIFE EASIER WORDS + PHOTO: KAT WAWRYKOW
BEING AN ARTIST IS CHALLENGING ENOUGH, and the world isn't helping. As a tumblr fanatic, you end up getting to know life hack's pretty well. Millions of nerd tricks to make one's everyday life simpler, but yet nothing helpful that applies to your average artist. I can't tell you how many times I've gone through the subway with my portfolio case which is 2-3 times the size of my body, smacking people right and left or walking down the hallways with gigantic papers flying every which way, only ending in all my pencils, and newsprint crashing to the floor in beautiful chaos. How about just trying to keep all your mediums together without breaking? Don't you love dropping your Prismacolors on marble flooring, only to hear that bitter sound of broken lead all throughout your $2.99-per-pencil-crayon? You can bet I do. And the cherry on top: in the middle of painting with acrylics, you realize your palette has dried up, and you can't remember how the hell you mixed that skin tone. So after countless fails, there was only one solution: make Artist Hack's or give up all together. After a number of years keeping my prized secrets to myself, I decided I should share them with the world, and more personally, you, you discouraged and rather frustrated young artist. It's okay, gold star, you have made it this far, so dry your tears and let us end your sorrows. -Tackle Boxes: The saving grace of organization. Who would have known that the real fisherman's friend is actually an artist's friend? My parent's idea I have to admit, but they come with wonderful miniature pegs to form separating spaces which you can place at different intervals to create the perfect sized space for pens, pencils, charcoal, brushes, you name it. This makes them less likely to fall out, hit each other (and break), and utilizes the space more effectively than some artist boxes, so ultimately you can carry more in a smaller space. Oh, and if you go for a plastic one, they are light as a feather (while being extremely durable). - Carrying Cord Wrapped Around a Plastic Pouch: Some people have resorted to put their larger paper projects in a long tube. I'm going to tell you right now that that is one of the worst ideas ever because you will never get your paper to lay straight ever again. I know why you did it, you were frustrated and scared (of it getting wet, or crushed, or breathed on wrong) but you only have yourself to blame. The better approach is to get a clear, thick plastic bag that is that same size as life drawing newsprint, which you can buy at most art stores.
The top usually has a snappable seal, with a hand-sizedonly handle. Don't stop there, because it can get heavy, awkward to juggle and just annoying if you are short because the length to body-height ratio will leave you dragging it on the floor, or in most cases leaving you to awkwardly hold it high up uncomfortably, like some idiot. No dear friends, this is where the carrying cord comes in. You can detach your portfolio cord, or fashion one out of cord, a belt, or anything that can be looped around the handle and tied. Carry it messenger style over the body or over your arm, and instantly there is no weight, you are hands free, is situated so it won't hit people, and it is not dragging on the floor beside you. - Spray Bottle: Acrylics meet water, your forgotten friend. If you use a small spray bottle filled with cold water, lightly mist your palette of acrylics when it becomes dry, your colors will become usable once more. This is a saver in the late hours when you cannot remember how you mixed a color you made hours ago. This works beautifully with gouache as well. - The Exacto-Knife: Do you find that your pencils, and or pencil crayons are constantly breaking within the pencil? Sometimes it isn't just caused by dropping your pencils, or leaving them in a loose bag which will cause them to knock against each other and break (which it very well could be if your doing that, so stop that nonsense at once), but because you are sharpening them wrong. Prismacolors for example are very soft, perfect for blending, but with that comes with the fact that sharpening needs to be sensitive and gentle. They don't tell you this, because A) they want you to have to buy more pencils and B) they want you to buy their expensive sharpener. Our solution is a simple one: use an exacto-knife. There are many youtube videos on how to sharpen conte, pencils, etc. so check them out and please don't cut off your fingers. If you want to go one step further with "sticking it to the man, and middle fingers up to consumerism", save all the little pencil crayon bits, and melt them down on the stove-top and recreate new pencil crayon sticks. Because they have a certain amount of wax in them, this is possible. Resort to youtube for further instructions, and don't burn down the house or 'll tell your roommate and your grandmother.
- Don't Bring It All At Once: Are you really going to be painting, using Conte, and inking all in one day? No, I doubt it. Don't be so ambitious either, go out for some french fries or waffles or a beer or something. Often I'll see the over zealous art student walk into class or into studio, fully loaded down with materials. What he should have done was have two tackle boxes. One large box, for home to organize all of his supplies. And a second, smaller "everyday" box for what you really need in that day, or if you are a go-getter, what you use on a regular basis. This also applies to whatever surface you are creating on. Don't be bringing every paper type and canvas you own. You are only asking for a staircase juggling accident. - The Kneadable Eraser: Most people overlook this one, or get confused on why gum came in their art set. Friends, play with this gum-like eraser for a moment to warm it up and get it ready for use. This is indeed an eraser, and a special one at that. Often, I will get over excited in my drawing and start over-darkening areas or soon after heavy shading, drag my hand over the page, smearing everything. Use the eraser like a blotting cloth, and it will pick up the graphite or conte (warning: it will not pick up ink you fool) and lighten the overall image. Or, if you smeared your shading, lightly rub the eraser over the smudge or blot it, and it will erase the smudges without making it so obvious you went back in and erased. Tip: If you want to make your drawing more
realistic, blot the elements in the background to lighten them, and ever-so-slightly in the mid-ground. Leave the foreground true. This will give your overall picture depth, making it more believable.
1 - Use Multiple Mediums for Life Drawing: Make your portfolio exciting damn it. While conte and graphite are the favorites and should be well-shown in your portfolio, include some pen, inks, paintings and colored chalk or pastel. The more mediums you can master, the more skills you are showing you have. "Curse
those triple-threats," they will be saying, because that is going to be you. Even if it is just for fun, it will bring life drawing back to life (pardon the art jokes) for those of you who are getting bored drawing naked people, and will get you thinking more imaginative, which really is never a bad thing. - Know When You are Getting a Deal and When Your Not - Art supplies is expensive at best. And sometimes, you are running late for class, and just have to buy (insert thing here) at the most expensive retailer you can find. However, you should know by now that places like Micheal's and your school's bookstore isn't going to cut you the brakes. When you have a free day or two, go around to the local art stores in your area and scope out the best prices on supplies you use regularly. Be aware that things like Prismacolors and other well known brands are going to be sold at about the same just about anywhere, but you can usually make a killing with tools or paper. Buying in bulk is always the best way to save, and to always have what you need, but make sure what you are buying isn't going to expire before you get the chance to use it or go unused forever. Also, if you happen to be attending university for art (or college), some art store chains offer a discount for students. They don't always share that information with the public (that's you) so ask. - Set Up An Undisturbed Workplace At Home "Yes mom, I'll do it." I always used to say. I admit I was a non-believer, and thought that I didn't need an undisturbed space for artwork. I will be the first to admit, that for those who procrastinate, this can be the grim reaper to your art. Because, if like me, you loose your work ethic enthusiasm by the time you finally unpack your supplies, get your paper, turn on the right background movie or music, get some tea, oh shoot I forgot my favorite pencil in my bag upstairs, alright I'm ready, start working, damn the reference pages are upstairs too.... The list goes on and on. You will get exhausted just preparing yourself. You get jazzed and reved up with creative juices and ideas, and why let them suffer by never letting them be born just because you are not ready to birth creation? No, nip this one in the butt by organizing a space just for art. If you are a clean freak, get a desk organizer. You are out of excuses. You'll thank me later.
- Use Circle Theory - Okay, that may not be the official name, but you have to admit it sounds good. I'm in art school, and to this day there are countless individuals who refuse to use the Circle Theory in their drawings. They feel like they are above it, too talented, too pompous they mean. The Circle Theory is the concept that the ideal person is made up of seven or eight heads (which we can execute in the form of circles).Additionally, all body parts can use this same sort of measurement to determine proper proportions. Believe me readers, this works. One just has to remember that in actuality the human body is made up of many basic shapes in addition to circles, like cones, cylinders and cubes. If you use them as a base for your drawings, you will find you will no longer be frustrated because of things not being portioned correctly or just not looking right. Even if you have been using this method for years, keep at it, and nod to your fellow Circle Theory believers and educate the distressed masses.
- Kill The Creative Blockades - Don't feel overwhelmed when you can't think of a creative idea. We often think we are not naturally creative beings, but merely just access random spurts of creative epiphanies. The truth is that we ARE creative beings, and forget it or convince ourselves we are not as such. To get back to where we started from, we must let ourselves at the right brain again. Resort to the basics! Do medium tests, see what you can do with each medium and push their limits. Try mixing them, see what it creates. Grab a friend (artist or not), and fold a piece of paper, each taking a turn to create a monster, and see what becomes of it. Go for personal growth adventures weekly. By yourself, go explore a new cafe, learn how to knit, take a language class, go bike riding at dawn on the beach mix it up and be spontaneous for once. I mentioned "The Artist's Way" in an earlier Editor's Rant, however I highly recommend it. It is centered in journalling. It is spiritual and digs deep into what is blocking your creativity. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get more enjoyment in their days and art. â–˛
12 I hope that you found some relief in these tips and tricks that will make your life as an artist easier. As you give them a whirl for the first time, you may take a real shining to them and share them with your friends, and even strangers you see struggling, or at least I hope you do. In addition, you'll learn what is working for you and create tips of your own. If so, please dear reader share them with me because my life is always in need of Artist Life Hack's. Always.Â
An Argument for Self-Obsession Why everyone should be in love with themselves, at least a little. By Maddie Dennis
Almost everyone has some point in their lives where they feel like they aren't awesome. Tiny details suddenly become big deals, and all of the sudden you can't quite understand how you will ever have friends in your life again. "Who would ever want to befriend someone whose sole source of humor is bastardized lines from Tina Fey?" "I can't make any conversation that doesn't relate to terrible rap groups on youtube…" "All my clothing makes me look like Donald Trump's toupee!" you weep. Here's a list to remind you that you actually are awesome, and why it's okay to be a little in love with yourself. Or more than a little. 1/ Life is more fun that way. 2/ Just because it's ridiculous doesn't mean it's not awesome. 3/ Loving yourself makes it more likely that other people will love you. 4/ Even if 3 is untrue, at least there is always going to be one person who thinks you kick ass ALL THE TIME (that's you). 5/ Getting fan mail is FANtastic (see what I did there?). Nobody needs to know who sent it to you... 6/ Everything you do is now automatically cool. Literally, EVERYTHING. Who knew that using tortilla chips to eat avocado straight out of the skin was so trendy? 7/ There is no longer any argument against cheese being a meal. 8/ Your sense of style is the greatest. Pants are no longer just for your legs, my friend. Those ears look lonesome. 9/ It's just as easy as looking in the mirror, turning on some pump up jams, stripping naked and terrorizing your roommates with your ritualistic dancing. …. Ok maybe not the nude part. 10/ Salsa body painting. Glitter bombing the surroundings. Spontaneous musical outbursts. You no longer have to justify anything. It's already justified by the fact that you are straight up the coolest. So there you are. Go forth, my minions. Go forth and go crazy. ▲
the
UNCULTURED family
illustrations by: Magdalena Wolan + Meredith Park
over our growth here at UNCULTURED we have had people come and people go. we have had many contributors for art, photography, and modeling, as well as a herd of new folks who have joined our sta. our traditions are new, but as always, we will highlight the faces who make this magazine possible. therefore, we present you the newest sta members.
Maddie - Illustrator, Editor, Model Madison Rae - Beauty Editor, Model Meredith - Illustrator, Editor, Model Seth - Photographer Sam - Photographer
GO GRAINS! BY JENNA BENTZEN My passion for food has led my taste buds on incredible journeys, and it was through this that I discovered oatmeal, granola and quinoa - whose endless possibilities surprised me. Thus, I am an avid oatmeal lover. I've been converted. I am one hundred percent content with the idea of me eating oatmeal for breakfast for the rest of my life. This is because there is limitless options of what you choose to substitute into your breakfast. Oatmeal to me is underrated, for it isn't just a bland grain anymore. Fruits, nuts, seeds, spices and sugars can all be incorporated into one heartwarming little bowl. (Although personally fruits and nuts are my favourite.) Not only is it fun to make and full of antioxidants, but it's an awesome immune booster. It contains unique fibres called beta-glucans. They seek out cells in our immune system called macrophages, which help rid our bodies of toxins or substances that aren't natural to our bodies. And the good news keeps on coming. Oatmeal is known to aid in weight loss! This is because there is so much fibre. As a result of this, it makes the oatmeal have a higher viscosity in our stomachs, lengthening the time it takes to leave our bodies. This is why we feel fuller longer. It doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for the sugary, salty snacks we all love to munch on. So in short, oatmeal is your friend! However, it's to be noted to take everything in moderation! If you load your oatmeal with lots of brown sugar and chocolate, you aren't going to be achieving a terribly healthy meal.
5 Minute Baked Banana Oatmeal’ with cinnamon, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, soy yoghurt, peanut butter and a drizzle of agave syrup.
Blueberries in 0% yogurt with nut granola and dried cranberries
apple crumble granola with apricots and soy milk
SPECIAL: pumpkin spice breakfast quinoa: quinoa, pumpkin, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, thompson raisins, almond milk, coconut milk, molasses, and evaporated cane juice
AND FOR ALL THOSE CHOCOLATE LOVERS: dark chocolate oatmeal with flax, banana, walnuts, chopped dark chocolate, and soy milk ( or substitute with any other milk
1 Wash your hair, and blow dry. For easy pincurls, leave curly or curl hair. For a crisper look, blow dry straight or straighten only at roots. 2 Take the front half of your hair and pin a top of the head like so. 3 Make sure you check yourself out, you’re about to turn into a fox. 4 Separate your remaining hair into three sections, secure with elastics, the outer two at similar levels, and the middle at a lower level. 5 Twist the pony tail and curl it around the base of the ponytail, secure with bobby pins preferably on the underside. Making sure you leave at least 1/2 of the hair in the ponytail out. 6 Repeat step 5 for all three ponytails. It should look like this. 7 Take the remaining ‘tails’ and twist them, and create a circle shape, bobby pin in place. These secondary circles should be between the mother curls, and can be messy. 8 Unpin the front section of hair, separate into two sections (Front/Top, Back/Lower). Take the front section, starting at the tip, roll into a tight doughnut shape rolling upwards to the head, this is called ‘Victory Rolls’. (For further information on VRs, refer to youtube.) Pin the VR from the inside of the center, to hide the bobby pins. 9 Roll another VR, this time ending just below the first, creating a diagonal. 10 Check out that snazzy 50’s up-do on you! TIPS: - Only flatiron the roots to not disrupt the volume and texture of your natural hair. This will help hold the look and any waves will help sculpt better curls (curly girl advantage at last). - Practice is practice. No one will achieve perfection on the first time or the fiftieth time. Every time you experiment you learn, so chin up and keep creating. ▲
curls are always
good WORDS BY: KAT WAWRYKOW PHOTOS BY: SETH STEVENSON Doing hair that is inspired by the 1950’s has always been my thing. Seeing movies like White Christmas ever since I was young, I was enthralled. The era is nothing but beauty. The creativity cannot be matched in how women did their hair, and the completeness it gave a woman was breathtaking. Today, I will show you how to do one of the easiest advanced looks I do day-to-day without more than fifteen minutes to spare. YOU WILL NEED: - Hair to at least to your shoulders - Bobbypins, the color of your hair for best results - Hair Dryer, Diffuser if needed - 15 Minutes
jeans diy
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GOT QUESTIONS? life-love-friendship-philosophy
Write to:
Box 102, 1410 Trafalgar Rd. Oakville, ON L6H 6W4 Canada
BODIES OF WATER By Jenna Bentzen Their debut album, is extremely impressive and unique. Blogger Said the Gramophone said exactly what my heart was feeling when he described the album as "a fantasy painting of a landscape lush, wide and foreign, an epic journey, a heroic undertaking, an accomplishment.” The Los Angeles husband/wife duo Meredith and David Metcalf both knew what they were doing when they formed their band Death of the Unicorn (later renamed Bodies of Water) whether they knew it or not. Along with Meredith's friend from teenhood Jessie Conklin, they started a new chapter in their lives. One with spiritually concentrated, multi-vocaled rhythms that transcend into one of the most unique listening experiences I have ever had. The group started early in the 2000's after David and Meredith's marriage. Along with another high school friend of Meredith's, Kyle Gladden, all four members embarked into the unknown. This is because the majority of the members had never been in a musical group, not to mention play an instrument. It was David alone that had musical training, which was classical piano. But with their enthusiasm and zest they worked hard in the studio to define their individual sound. And with a flighty producer, they got extra practice when they had to re-record tracks that were lost. This was in early 2006 when they were working towards a full length release. Their first EP Make Do and Mend, was released the year before. Listening to the band, it is reminiscent of gospel music in the slightest way. Only a trained ear might make the connection. (I at first did not, I'll admit it). Now I understand, as Metcalf shares that gospel from the 1940's and 50's was his main inspiration. It's refreshing to hear him talk so passionately about music. When asked why this particular genre and era appealed to him, he explains, "I like the intensity of it," and that it was tradition to have this "kind of rhythmic shouting that builds into a really intense emotional release.”
Speaking of shouting. One of the things that makes Bodies of Water so unique is their ability to work together as vocalists, to make a song come together in the strangest of ways by all singing at the same time. And it's not just lyrics, but sounds. Described as "using their voices as instruments", the team uses wordless vocals, screams and chants to portray emotion and instruments, which sounds like what David had been inspired by all along. It translates really well. Meredith explains that it derives from their imaginations and their desire "to not have our instruments be our voice." Many tracks on their debut album Ears Will Pop, Eyes Will Blink are great examples of this. Bodies of Water is still a work in progress. They are constantly evolving and finding themselves musically. This seems to irk some people, stating that the tracks don't flow together and are all over the map. I agree with Gramophone on this one. It tells a story. One that's fast paced, exciting and stimulating. What I love about this band so much is that they seem to project a lot of their feelings into their music. And not just with emotions. But with their physical nature... like the music is bursting from their core. I feel like this form of expression is very important to one's spiritual growth. Coming from a spiritual background of Christianity, I think these individuals have embraced spiritual growth in a different fashion that somehow feels like it comes from the roots. Meredith's depiction of Jessie seems to sum this up, as well as our UNCULTURED mindset, "Jessie, too, she had never played the drums, but she could dance. So we said, we’ll ask her to play the drums. She really has an amazing intuition when it comes to rhythms. She brings this really strange stuff. People who are amazing drummers are blown away by her because it’s like that outsider thing. She kind of does what feels right and she comes up with great stuff.” It's proof to me that if you follow your heart and stick to your roots, happiness will rush to you in a flood of colours, endlessly winding and building up to that moment where you have that powerful, emotional release David was talking about. ▲
P L A Y L I S T BY JENNA BENTZEN
This fall was a huge adjustment for me and at times I turned inwards and music was my sanctuary. It hasn't happened for a long time and I'm glad it's over, but here are the songs that stuck out for me the most when I needed it most.
I n a B a r - Ta n g o w i t h L i o n s
Better Than Nothing - Sarah Jaffe
Open Rhythms - Bodies of Water
I Want You - Lotte Kestner
Cold Summer - Seabear
Secrets - The Wooden Birds
Crystallized (The xx cover) - Gorillaz
Amsterdam - Coldplay
I asked people what their favorite songs of the season were and why. Their answers are flavorful, not to mention catchy. 1) Tom: "Bel Air" Lana Del Ray. "It sounds like heaven to me. Ever since I found Lana I've kinda stopped listening to other music. I felt like I only listened to it in hopes of one day finding what I was looking for." 2) Nicole: "Let Her Go" Passenger. "It reminds me of what I used to have." 3) Ashley: "Bring on the Wonder" Susan Enana. "It reflects things I wish I could do and know I must do, it's a powerful life message." 4) David: "Now You've Got Something to Die For" Lamb of God. "For the simple fact it gives me shivers." 5) Hannah: "Great Escape" Patrick Watson. "He's awesome when you want to stop thinking and just feel what you suppress. His lyrics are raw and thoughtful compared to the rest of popular artists." 6) Graham: "Housing a Necropol" Bitterness Exhumed. "I hate everything." ((FOR THE LOLS)) 7) Tyson: "Young and Able" Current Swell. "They're a band from Victoria and they have a true sense of island music. Every one of their songs is extremely wholesome and groovy. I can't help but have a feeling of serenity and happiness. The fact that they're an island band is just a cherry on top." 8) Tom: "Supremacy" Muse. "How the instrumentals tell a story." 9) AJ: "Bonfire" Knife Party. "Because I've listened to it like a 100 times." 10)Terrek: "I Will Wait" Mumford & Sons. "Love the lyrics, relates to my life and Mumford & Sons is a good fucking band!" 11) Eric: "Shiver" Vildhjarta. "It's opening my variety of music quite a lot." ((CORRECT SPELLING OF BAND NAME)) 12) Madeleine: "Home" Daughter. "It's a different sound, is not mainstream. The singer's voice is so different." 13) Shellie: "Try" Pink. "Reminds me that I had a major break up with a man I loved, but life is not over."
Overcoming Uselessness WORDS BY: KAT WAWRYKOW ILLUSTRATION BY: MAGDALENA WOLAN
Can anyone out there hear me, God is that you? Why I am I still in my part time job I’ve hated since ninth grade? What do I do with the rest of my life, I’m at that age, I’m at that place, I can no longer deny it or pretend it doesn’t exist, I have to do something now, but what? Why do I just feel like there is nothing better than where I am now? Why am I left out of love forever and for always? Why can’t I bare to change how I’m living day-to-day? Do you ever ask yourself these daunting questions and expect a dancing mouse to appear, to reveal the answer to you? Well I admit that would make life much simpler, but it isn’t a reality for us. We know that, and yet we wait patiently to be spoon-fed the solutions rather than taking charge and finding it out for ourselves. But why does that happen, that phenomenon where we allow ourselves to become paralyzed in our own emotions? The answer could easily be that we have never been expected to make such choices before, trained to listen to your superiors who knew better, knew the right answer. Why then are we suddenly expected to partake in role reversal and be damn good at it first try. If you do not take charge of your own life immediately you are labelled a failure, immature and someone who is ‘throwing your potential away’. This sort of depressed mindset we gain from failing at taking charge trickles down to the small things like how your day is going and why you still go to your awful part-time job. You soon let everything become tainted by your distressed emotions and you feel like you are helplessly floating. The question you are now asking yourself is why you can’t be like Mr. Perfect to your left and have gotten life figured out and sail smoothly into the sunset. How do you get from where you are to where he is? You, my friend, are looking at your solution everyday when you wake up and look in the mirror. If I could be anyone who would I be? I would be me. Because unlike fictional characters like fairy princesses or Frodo, all whom are expected to be a certain thing and act a certain way, I can be anything. I am not expected to be anything, if anything I am expected to be unexpected, and I am allowed to have all the interests in the world. Don’t argue with me, even if your parents have the highest expectations of you, you are not expected to have only ONE adventure and ONE story like cinema’s greatest. Therefore, I can change, I can grow, I can make mistakes. The moral here is to realize who you are, you are alive. With that comes great responsibility to yourself and to God, because you were made to experience the world and everything in it. So please, relax. The essence of this time in your life is to dive into the full range of abilities, talents, and interests you possess through means of experimentation and exploration. Your only responsibility is to take the time to find what makes you happy, what makes you feel grounded and run with it. It will take time, it will cause fights between your family and perhaps even your friends. Defining the boundaries you want to live your life in can mean taking away that power of decision from someone else in your life, so don’t feel scared you are wrong to stand strong. And above all, remember to love yourself, because you have to stick with you for the rest of your life. ▲
CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR IN CHIEF: Kat wawrykow layout and design: maddie dennis and kat wawrykow proofs: Jenna bentzen, wawrykow, and maddie dennis
kat
photographers: page 25 Sam pierre pages 26-28 seth stevenson artwork: Maddie dennis meredith park Magdalena wolan models: maddie dennis madison rae FEATURING Joel Robison photography for the cover of this issue!
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