1 cent
issue one
2011
Either the well was very slowly, for she had plenty to look about her and to w happen next. -
y deep, or she fell very y of time as she went down wonder what was going to - Lewis Carrall
Hello. My name is Sophia Danai and this is my magazine. I spend most of my time writing songs, singing and swimming. It is just a coincidence that all of these things start with the letter S, like my name, but it’s pretty cool. If I was a super hero I would definitely have an S embroidered into my garments, probably in gold. I also love summer, sushi and slushies but I’ll admit that I added those purely on their starting with S quality. My mission in life is to make music until my very dying day, or until Ursula, from the Little Mermaid, takes my voice away. If that ever happened, I guess I could resort to lip syncing, but then I’d have to dance all crazy to make up for it, which is some other shit, but I’d make it work.
I am lucky to have found a group of individuals at the Hastings set who are helping me achieve my fantastical plans. We are so excited to share everything with you, and would love nothing more than for you to join us on the journey. In this first issue I will introduce you to a few people who inspire me, and give you a glimpse of the world around me; currently, home is Vancouver, B.C., a place that encourages the appreciation of simple things and big dreams. I hope this magazine finds you well and reminds you to throw your pennies in. All of them. You never know...
The Men Upstairs: The name The Hastings Set is most commonly affiliated with Chin Injeti, Grammy award winning producer, and Juno winning artist, among other things. However, being that this Set is made up of three, who are the other two who complete this picture and help make the magic happen? I would like to introduce you to Jeff Herrera and Aidan Wright, widely known but rarely put on tape. They are the perfect counterparts to each other, and together with Chin, they make up The Hastings Set. I am lucky to have them as my team, and wanted you guys to get to know them a bit. What better way to do that, than to have Chin interview them? Enjoy!! facebook.com/thehastingsset twitter.com/thehastingsset
CHININJETI: AIDANWRIGHT:
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CI: Word on the street is that you love obscure progressive rock. Who are your top five groups? AW: I would say I am partial to The Damnation of Adam Blessing, Aphrodite's Child, Speed Glue and Shinki, Kin Ping Meh, and Gong. CI: AW:
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CI:Have you ever raised your voice? AW: not really, I lost half my vocal chords when i was young (wink). I have attempted to yell but the result was conversational volume. CI: AW: with
I
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inspired you to become a part of this endeavor, and venture into the music business? I wanted to start my own thing - I love the interaction of muti-art disciplines within the ever changing business
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CI: Your favourite day? AW: hmm (lots of thought) probably Friday, its the winding down of the week ,a time for reflection yet also a time to assess the potential for the week to come - and it is a great time to rest and prepare for the Sabbath . CI: Do you believe in evolution AW: Not in a darwinian fashion. but I do believe there is variation within a species that allows for adaptation. But not globs to humans.
?
CI: What is one thing about Jeff and I that not everyone knows? AW: Well you fright quite easily, however I do facilitate that with the rice paper walking skills I attained in early childhood. As far as Jeff goes, I've caught him a couple of times listening to sappy r and b hits, it just slowly emanates from his sound device.
CHININJETI: What is your role at The Hastings Set? JEFFHERRERA: I manage everything - I would say I’m the big brother of what we do. Marketing and Promo is my background. I'm also a connector. CI: What is The Hastings Set? JH: The Hastings Set is a music company that develops artists, produces music, promotes the artist and puts the music out . We also focus on building community in Vancouver and beyond. CI:Where JH:
are Winnipeg,
CI: Backround? JH: CI: JH:
you Manitoba
Straight
Other than Whenever
it's
up the
music, not
what about
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you
it's
Filipino passionate about
about? food.
Word on the street is you’re a carnivore. CI: JH: Yes most Filipino's are. My Grandma called me a rabbit when she came to visit and saw me eating a salad. CI: What does The JH: The Hastings Set It’s about putting good music out
Hastings is a into the world
Set mean mindset and and inspiring people
to
a to do
you? movement. the same.
CI: Do you believe in synchronicity? JH: Yes- things happen for a reason - if they don't happen, something else was supposed to. CI: Have you ever been starstruck? JH: Meeting someone is one thing, but sharing time with them is another. I got to spend time with Esthero when she was here. At first, it was like whoa we’re actually hanging out- she’s cool, a great person, here right now, and talented as hell. And the things we were talking about, was like Filipinos, and how she wanted to make a Filipino line of t-shirts, whether she does it or not, it was a great moment. CI: What is the most satisfying part of your job? JH: I’m an only child, and have never had something to nurture in a sense. When I say I see myself as a big brother, I mean I see the people I work with as my brothers and sisters. I feel a need to help people, possibly from seeing all of the sacrifices my parents made to bring their family to Canada. I find working with the artist to be the most satisfying. I see that as my way to help them realize their potential, and their purpose. This goes back to my purpose, which is how to help these artists become the best they can be and get the world to hear them.
Today: Upon signing the golden seal with The Hastings Set and making our alliance official, I was awarded the golden eagle. One of my prouder moments, although, shortly after this picture was taken, they took it back, saying it was more of a metaphorical bonus. Slightly awkward considering I had already named it Volta and knew exactly where it would be placed in my apartment. But alas, good relationships are about understanding, and between you and me, it wasn't real gold.
ELECTONOLOGY
Hold the phone. It’s an Electone. by Sophia Danai
Meet my C-605 Electone. Most commonly seen in your Grandmother's basement, or laying forgotten at a thrift store. I have taken to rescuing them and currently have two, it took me a while to find a good home for them, but I am happy to say they are content at The Hastings Set and receiving the attention they deserve.
A home organ is a fine instrument, as the manual very clearly points out, and should be treated as so. This piece of equipment is capable of incredible things such as producing bossanova, jazz rock and disco beats, not to mention slow rock for those special moments.
I can't tell you what a slow rock beat will do for your dinner date, all of a sudden the Scrabble isn't so interesting, and you're making out to all sorts of arpeggiated synth sounds. As you get to know me and my music you'll become more acquainted with the electone, as I make a habit of writing with it, and of course wooing with it, yes there is a lot of wooing going on.
That is all.
LEIGH RIGHTON Interview by Sophia Danai Photos by Leigh Righton
Today is a good day; I'm meeting my friend Leigh Righton for coffee, who also happens to be one of my favourite photographers. I have shot with Leigh on a couple of different occasions, and as we have gotten to spend more time together, her talent and generous heart have become increasingly apparent. I was first introduced to Leigh's work last January through Chin Injeti; he showed me some pictures she took of Esthero and I immediately noticed her ability to capture the essence and personality of her subject. In the process of working with her, I realized much of how she is able to do this, lies simply in who she is. Her quirky sense of humour and genuine interest sets you at ease, and allows you to embrace the process. Leigh's post production work is also to be noted, she is an innovative artist and has the ability to materialize images that feel as though they were dreamt. I am very excited to share this Q & A with you, as I can guarantee Leigh and her work will leave you more inspired then when you came. SOPHIA DANAI Where are you from originally, and what’s your backround? LEIGH RIGHTON I was born and raised in Chilliwack BC, most people who drive through it usually remember it for it’s distinct odor. That’s my hometown! All throughout high school I was waiting for graduation so I could move to Vancouver, which is exactly what I did. I really wanted to travel, but with the money I had saved up for a big trip I decided to go to school for audio engineering/music production. After I completed my courses, I got a job at a music distribution company and did press and promotion for four years for their labels and bands that were based overseas. After working in music I accepted a position with a local Advertising Photographer doing production coordinating and studio managing. SD Is your family supportive of what you do? LR Yes, and always of the belief that you can do whatever you set your mind to. I feel very fortunate to have a family that has always encouraged me to pursue my interests and to have their support as I’ve transitioned into a career in photography. My whole family is really artistic and enjoy all forms of creative expression; my Dad is a painter, my Step Dad is a potter, my Mom is a great writer and my brother works in film and also makes music (and is working on a new album for his project ‘Roche Limit’ as we speak!)
SD What is the biggest thing you took from your Dad as far as photography? LR I believe his older abstract work had the strongest influence on me, which seemed to be more of his focus when I was young, though it’s still very present in his work today. He has an interesting perspective on surrealism which I also enjoy working with in my photography. SD You take incredible portraits and it seems you truly know how to capture the essence of someone. Were you always inspired to shoot people? LR Portraits are generally my favorite subjects to shoot because I get to interact with individuals from all walks of life. I am so fascinated by people and what makes them who they are, that in a way it’s like I’m doing my own character study on humans...we’re a weird bunch, and I love it! I have always enjoyed photographing people, though my approach has changed over the years. At one time the majority of the work I was producing was very set-driven and prop heavy. Though I still enjoy working in creative
scenes and environments, I have spent a lot of time focusing on creating strong portraits and simplifying the spaces my subjects are captured in. I am looking forward to working with high concept and set creation within my shoots again, but it felt like a necessary step for me to simplify how I was shooting in order to reach a balance that allows me to move between the two processes comfortably. SD What music are you loving lately? LR I worked with Dan Mangan recently and got a copy of his new album “Oh Fortune,” so that’s occupying my playlist these days. Imogen Heap is another album that I can’t seem to get enough of. SD You seem to work with a lot of musicians, and you yourself studied sound engineering. Does this help you in your photography? LR It’s definitely a bonus when I’m working with musicians. I understand what they do, the processes they go through, their world, and it helps us relate to each other.
I also find it interesting how similar the photography and music recording processes are to one another, I am always drawing parallels with my friends in the music industry.
quickly that I had become the object of and audience to his jokes (about me) so it was a confusing day, but a hilarious one nonetheless.
SD What place in the world would you most like to shoot in?
SD Who are your biggest influences?
LR At the moment I’m looking forward to a trip to Sri Lanka and India in 2012 that includes a photo project, but honestly it’s too difficult to choose one specific place. I love travel and will jump on a plane with my camera any chance I get. High on my list at the moment are Bali, Japan, and Africa. I think most photographers are captivated by any new environment they are in and see beauty regardless of where they happen to be in the world, and that’s me for sure.
LR I don’t know why I always find this a more difficult question then it should be. I admire the visual works of David Lynch, Tim Burton, Hugh Kretschmer, Matt Barnes, Anthony Redpath…many others but that’ll do for now.
SD Your most memorable shoot? LR My shoot with Martin Starr was probably my most memorable to date. I was really excited to work with him because I had recently re-watched Freaks And Geeks and had just been introduced to Party Down, and loved him in both. It was just the two of us working together and I realized
SD And lastly, the most important question, what is your favorite food? LR Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. _______________________________________________ To find out more about Leigh and her work visit: leighrighton.com
HO-ROSCOPE brought to you by, EL G & LADY D
VIRGO Nah nah, you got issues with commitment so you runnin’ game? That’s wack, check your bidness this month, it don’t look good, nobody wants to be eatin’ off your dirty dishes.
LIBRA Bitch, stop seeing the good in people that ain’t got your back. Now, you just a dumb ass. You got a gut instinct but it ain’t worth shit cause you can’t decide what to do with it. Word.
SCORPIO You all jealous n’ shit. Don’t be givin peeps cut eye cuz yo’ boo be lookin’ at my cookies, that shit get you killed..... as in six feet motherfuckin’ under.
SAGITTARIUS Yo, you actin frigid like you the Virgin Mary or some shit. Cova yo’self up and stop confusin’ the situation.
CAPRICORN This motherfuckin month ain’t gon’ be any different than the last motherfuckin month so stop your motherfuckin noise before I put a motherfuckin cap in yo ass, Capricorn.
AQUARIUS You stupid if you think your shit don’t stink, this month invest in some febreze biatch.
PISCES Oh heeeeeell no, you don’t get to use the ‘I’m one of the mos creative signs in the zodiac’ to make some wack ass so called art this month. Get a real job sucka.
ARIES Yo, check it, you a ram n’ shit. That’s dope, but this month you actin more like a pussy. Know your role.
TAURUS Bruce Lee did serious shit with his life, ain’t nuthin comin your way while you sit on your stank ass smokin’ chronic. Foo!
GEMINI You’ve been using the word “swag”. Your twin’s a douchebag now. Fuck you both.
CANCER Check yourself. No, f’ real though. You be trippin on some dumb shit now that you ain’t got nobody. Get some dick.
LEO Check it, the dopest Lion is Moufasa. He straight up the Lion ‘King’ and that shit was sad when he died. I know you know some bitches who be hyenas. Watch yo back this month.
* ORPHEUS You a step child. You done fucked all this shit up. You ain’t never gonna count, not this month, not next month, not eva!
/sophiadanaimusic
@sophiadanai
Wishing Well Magazine by, Sophia Danai & Aidan Wright 2011