17.03.2013 | Blog , Music | BY: Sarah Barlow
Colleen Green is a single guitar, a drum machine and a pair of oversized sunglasses, whose catchy, fuzzy tunes fuse Nineties surf rock with pop-punk… If California were a sound, it would be the sound of Colleen Green.
Time In The World is the first song to be taken from her latest album, Sock It To Me available from 19th March with HardlyArt.
In celebration of its Glam! The Performance of Style exhibition, Tate Liverpool will be hosting a talk by the show’s curator, Darren Pih.
The event centres around the era of Bowie, Warhol, Roxy Music and more, analysing the convergence of art, fashion and music within the movement.
Taking into account everything from 60s dandyism to space age-chic, we’re expecting a fascinating bit of pop culture history 101.
14.03.2013 | Blog , Culture | BY: admin
In 2011, bored with the under representation of women within their respective industries, Teo Connor and Loren Platt decided it was time for a change. In conjunction with the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the W Project was born. Its intent is to celebrate women working across the creative industries through a lively mixture of events and activities.
Now in its third year, the duo have released their first publication honouring International Women’s Day 2013. It features the visual journey of 33 creative females, including Rose Blake, Emmi Salonen, Morag Myserscough, Shaz Madani, Chrissie Macdonald and a foreword written by Liz Farelly.
Not only is the book beautifully packaged and presented, but all proceeds go to the Refuge charity, who provide support to women and children escaping domestic violence in the UK. Clearly women of their word, we can’t wait to see what Teo and Loren produce next time around.
The Journey Is The Treasure available now at thewproject.bigcartel.com
Text by Beccy Hill
13.03.2013 | Art , Blog | BY: admin
Having illustrated for over 50 years for the likes of Rolling Stone, New York Times magazine, Levi’s and Ralph Lauren, the title An Artful Life seems more than appropriate for Barbara Nessim’s retrospective at the V&A.
The American illustrator and fashion designer has provided an extensive collection of her sketchbooks, prints, drawings, photographs, computer graphics, ceramics and more. Be sure to check out this show on one of the pioneering female digital artists.
Barbara Nessim – An Artful Life exhibits at the Victoria & Albert Museum until 19 May 2013.
12.03.2013 | Blog , Culture | BY: admin
There’s nothing like a good Pussy Riot to shake things up, but what about other forms of female protest? From flappers to beat girls, social historian Carol Dyhouse has made an account of all nonconformist adolescent movements throughout history in her new book, Girl Trouble: Panic and Progress in the History of Young Women. She also investigates difficult topics they have had to face such as teenage brides and body anxiety.
From the late Victorian era to today and utilising everything from photographs to pamphlets, Dyhouse shows that even in the most traditional of decades young women are still capable of going against the grain in search of social and political freedom. It’s nice to know that even in these WAG-filled times of ours, we can always count on a little unexpected trouble in the neighbourhood.
11.03.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
Thanks to their refreshingly cool hand silk screen prints, ongoing collaboration with Twin fashion director Celestine Cooney and a special feature in our latest issue, Harry and Polly of upcoming label Draw in Light have won a special place in our hearts.
This season, the duo looks to have been inspired by moody sea landscapes and ship voyages. In their lookbook photographed by Ben Weller, breaking waves curl themselves across floor length-dresses, the first rays of sunlight add splashes of red colour to nighttime skies on T-shirts and pared-down versions of sailor’s knots make a reappearance on crop tops and shorts, resulting in a casually elegant collection.
Our verdict? Ahoy Autumn/Winter 13, we’re good to go.
10.03.2013 | Blog , Music | BY: Sarah Barlow
For this week’s Sunday Soundtrack we’re stealing time with Stealing Sheep, three very lovely Liverpool lasses (Emily, Rebecca and Lucy) whose shared love for three-part-harmonies, whiskey and an eclectic mix of experimental music genres first brought them together back in the summer of 2010. Their debut album Into the Diamond Sun was one of the most exciting new releases of last year that subsequently took them on numerous adventures touring around the UK and Europe. Twin spoke to the musical trio to discuss future plans, the Merseyside music scene and telepathic dinosaurs…
Your music has been described as everything from psych pagan folk to post-punk pop, but how would you describe your sound?
We’d say something like… dreamy, doom pop with hypnotic boomy beats, slinky pitch bendy guitars, voodoo folk harmonies, 60’s drone Synths and 16-bit fantasy style keyboards frilled with accidental percussions such as zithers, tuned cow bells and far away howls.
You’ve just finished supporting Villagers on their UK tour – how was that? Do you currently have plans for any other live shows coming up soon?
It was really nice – they are sound lads – very down to earth and into whiskey just like us! We went straight to Europe after that to join Alt-J (who we also toured with before Christmas) and that was well fun. It was great to see them again and watching them play was as great as ever! We’re looking forward to the festivals next and our dates supporting The Postal Service.
What ideas inspire your music?
We play a word game in the car. It goes like: Moon. Spoon. Lagoon. Lilly. Pond. Fish. Plate…etc. You sort of say whatever that word reminds you of and only get a split second to say it so it’s random and fresh. We write it down and put the words together to see what we can create. In Paris last weekend we created a Telepathic Dinosaur with a Death Mind. So that’s the start of a couple of new songs or a new illustration, animation, music video idea… anything! We also listen to loads of music on tour. We listen to anything from composers such as Gustav Holst (The Planets) and Vernon Elliott (Noggin the Nog and Clangers), to Alt-J or Ariel Pink. This really inspires a mixed bag of ideas.
You were one of the coolest new female bands of 2012 – who are you keeping your eye on for 2013?
Girl band wise we’d say Novella and Pins are looking pretty hot!
You girls are all originally from Liverpool – tell us a bit about the music scene there?
…and we’re still here! There’s a good healthy mix of old and new bands. They’re all pretty diverse and doing their own thing. There’s a really cool art collective called The Kazimier and they run a club and do loads of performing arts style nights which are really inspiring musically and visually. There is such a great crowd of amazing artists and musicians so it’s great to be here and be part of it!
Female solo artists seem to be dominating the music world as of late but there are still very few all female bands out there in comparison – why do you think that is? Is there an additional pressure on females trying to make it in the music industry?
Maybe fewer girls are interested in being in bands? We’re not sure really. We like working together but not necessarily because we’re all girls. We’re all into having three-part harmonies and naturally interested in similar things. Maybe with all girl bands you find a nice intuitive level between you because of how the female brain differs creatively… or does it? Music industry wise, there are different kinds of pressures for all bands depending on your genre and style. Whether you’re targeting audiences that are interested in the music or the style or the looks. It all depends what you are in it for, it’s how you perceive it. We don’t want to be pressured into anything: if we don’t want to do it, we won’t. So I guess it’s simple. It’s all to do with how strong-minded you are!
What can we expect from Stealing Sheep in the near future?
We’re designing costumes, new music videos, writing new material and we’re touring a hell of a lot, so come an’ see us!
08.03.2013 | Blog , Culture | BY: admin
In honour of International Women”s Day, Kathryn Ferguson has created an inspiring film on four fearless women.
Four Tell features a personal conversation between Zaha Hadid, Caryn Franklin, Sharmadean Reid and Bella Freud focusing on the need for female role models. The result is an intimate and honest portrayal of their own life experiences and struggles as women.
The film launches today at Selfridges coinciding with an in conversation discussion with Ferguson. SHOWstudio will also debut the clip and has expanded the project with behind the scenes footage and essays.
08.03.2013 | Art , Blog | BY: admin
“I want to remember everything as more than it was. I want these picture to be felt and heard and read like stories,” says Jordan Sullivan. His latest exhibition at The Gallery Next to the Burgundy Room manages to achieve just that.
Delving into the contradictions of everyday life, from the fragile and strong to the light and dark, the New York-based artist’s work is an ethereal yet honest look at the human condition.
The show brings together Sullivan’s photography, collages and writings for an installation that is not only a pleasing visual experience, but also an emotionally affecting one as well.
Sometime, Somewhere exhibits until March 24 at The Gallery Next to the Burgundy Room, 1621 North Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles.
07.03.2013 | Blog | BY: Mariella Agapiou
This month sees the launch of the Karl Lagerfeld’s first brand store. Carrying ready-to-wear and accessories for both men and women from the house of Karl, the concept store also has limited items curated by the man himself such as photography and design books, but the main attraction is centred around an elaborate digital experience, a virtual opportunity to connect with Karl Lagerfeld.
A digital guestbook displays his collections from the past and present and lists the latest Karl news. A digital photo-booth allows you to capture your look in the fitting room, apply many Karl related filters (the Valencia just won’t cut it here) and then with the built in touch screen share the image to your social media channel of choice. And Karl saw no need for an outdated checkout, all purchases will be made on a mobile device. Indeed, queues would be very tacky in this store, situated in the heart of St Germain des Près, Paris. “For me, the 7th arrondissement is the centre of the world, I couldn’t imagine starting with a shop anywhere else,” says Lagerfeld. We wouldn’t want it any other way.
06.03.2013 | Art , Blog | BY: admin
Joan Jett, Bob Dylan, The Sex Pistols — name any legendary musician and Brad Elterman is sure to have photographed them. His images depict a long bygone world of pure rock n’ roll hedonism and recklessly good times. Following a long hiatus, Elterman has returned. Twin decided to ask him about his work process, the nature of celebrity photography, and the experience of hanging out with Debbie Harry & co.
How would you describe working in the late 70s/early 80s?
My timing was good. I was young and always had a camera with me which was really a blessing. There was not much in the way of publicist BS to deal with back then. I adored the cool subjects who I was photographing and that certainly helped. I was doing exactly what I wanted to do in 1977.
What is the interaction between you and the subject in front of the camera like?
It’s about a comfort level. I am not crazy about over producing photos and external lighting. I operate the best with a small point and shoot type camera so I can get close to a subject. I try and speak to them. The last half of the session is always better than the first. It’s all about getting comfortable.
Why did you decide to take a break from photography and how does it feel to be back?
I took a break for all these days because suddenly in the early 80’s punk and glam rock was over and it was all disco and heavy metal. I loved disco, but magazines never brought disco band photos except for The Village People. I hated heavy metal. I did not want to listen to it and thought that the whole thing about hair bands was a joke.
The other reason I ditched my cameras and put my photos in storage was that the publicists started sniffing around on the scene and when they saw all of these teenage photographers driving around in their Mercedes Benz, it was sort of the kiss of death. Suddenly photo sessions where not done without their permission even though they never heard of any of the the European or Japanese magazines that I dealt with. They would just say no to everything out of ignorance. If you wanted to shoot a concert it was now restricted to the first three songs. I did not care about concerts anyways. Boring!
What got me back to taking photos again was all of my cool tumblr followers who loved my old 70’s photos of Joan Jett and Debbie. I posted hundreds of my old photos and my tumblr kids demanded more and they would ask me from time to time to shoot this band and that band so I sort of came out of photo hibernation.
It was not easy for me. I was full of anxiety taking photos again with all of the great young photographers out there today. I started getting some press on the internet about my modern photo sessions and was encouraged by my friend Olivier Zahm to take photos for their Purple Diary. I took the offer very seriously. I just took the bull by the horns and went with it.
How do you think has the nature of celebrity photography changed, especially with the likes of the paparazzi?
Today it’s all controlled by the celebrity’s team. PR, manager, lawyer with a sprinkling of their glam squads. That is the reason there was this massive interest in paparazzi photography over the last decade. Readers wanted to see the real deal. The editor photo business including paparazzi is a disaster. The internet destroyed some of the greatest publications and their budgets. It will never come back.
Why do you think celebrities and musicians are so fascinating to the everyday consumer?
They just want to know a bit more about someone who they look up to and respect. I was that way with Dylan when I was a kid and with Lindsay Lohan today.
What was the most memorable photograph you ever took?
For sure the evening that I met Bob Dylan back in 1976, and shook his hand. He told me that I looked just like him and that he wanted me to bring up this young actor named Robert DeNiro to the dressing room so he could have his photo taken with him! This sort of shit does not happen on House Wives of Beverly Hills.
What projects do you have lined up for the future?
I am finishing up a new book designed by my good friend, photographer Sandy Kim. She is the best editor for my 70’s photos and has a great eye for design. The book is entitled Dog Dance and will be out in early fall. I am doing a compilation record for Opus Records featuring some of the cool bands I have photographed recently. Taking more photos, of course!
05.03.2013 | Blog | BY: Mariella Agapiou
This spring is all about geometry, an unlikely subject for fashion maybe, but when designers take their influence from mathematics, beautiful things can happen. Louis Vuitton cemented the trend on the catwalk, or should we say escalators, back in September with their block squares of neon yellow, white and black. Shops are full of geometric shapes this season, but our favorite is the stripe. ‘A simple pattern’ it may be, but effective too. Look for stripes in monochrome for extra style points.
04.03.2013 | Art , Blog | BY: Sarah Barlow
When featured in a commercial or documentative format, photography more often than not can be understood by many, however conceptual art photography and its intended purpose and message remains slightly more mysterious to some. Last week, Twin visited the Photographers’ Gallery, London, for the launch of Why Art Photography? – the latest book written by female photographer, critic and art historian, Lucy Soutter, that provides a deeper understanding and explanation to photography as an art form.
Throughout its six chapters, Soutter’s book explores themes such as ambiguity, objectivity and authenticity, whilst introducing the reader to various fresh perspectives and responses to existing debates, cogently defending the form of conceptual art as a valid use for photography. We were privileged enough to hear Lucy talk through the final chapter entitled ‘Beyond Photography’, which provides an excellent summary to the book’s key focal point. Here she examines the work of a number of contemporary conceptual artists, all of whom have merged photography with various other 2D, 3D and even abstract art forms, demonstrating that the photographic medium should never in any way be only limited to the ‘wall’.
Why Art Photography? published by Routledge, is available to purchase now.
03.03.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
The fashion week of all fashion weeks has started. To celebrate, Twin headed down to Paris to get in on some of the backstage action. First up: the latest collection by duo Peachoo Datwani & Roy Krejberg, founders of the label Peachoo Krejberg.
Photography by Fanny Latour-Lambert.
03.03.2013 | Blog , Music | BY: Sarah Barlow
It was back in May of last year when the Scandinavian siren, Beatrice Eli, first stole our hearts. Now with her latest single ‘It’s Over’ and a new EP due for a worldwide release later this month, we’re ready to fall in love all over again…
01.03.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: Mariella Agapiou
Claire Boucher, better known as her alter ego Grimes, has taken her artistry into an unexpected, but not undesirable direction. The Canadian creative has collaborated with the recently appointed Creative Director of YSL, Hedi Slimane. Or should we say Saint Laurent, although we do feel a little sad about dropping Yves.
The two met on a magazine cover shoot, getting on so well they decided to create a capsule collection of t-shirts for Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 2013 menswear collection. Designed to give us a look into the dark mind of an enigmatic songstress, we discover her take on Slimane’s own ‘love poster’ of the 70s. Although disappointed these graphic printed tees are meant for men, we still can’t help but want one.
The collection is available at Luisa Via Roma
28.02.2013 | Art , Blog | BY: admin
The Beastie Boys may have been about the fight for your right to party, but the cause of celebration for the Yeastie Girls exhibition is feminist movement Riot Grrrl.
Revisiting the ethos sparked by bands such as Bikini Kill in the early 90s, the show is an accumulation of art, music, literature and zines which delves into the social issues we still face today and how the movement has changed since the days of Kathleen Hanna & co.
With a limited run and long roster of creatives on display, just like a good punk rock concert this one is not to be missed.
Yeastie Girls exhibits until March 6 at Cultivate, Vyner Street, E2 9HE.
cultivatevynerstreet.com
27.02.2013 | Blog , Music | BY: admin
Nottingham singer-songwriter Indiana has one of those honest voices. A simple and pure voice that refreshingly undermines the generic pop auto tuned screaming that seems to be the norm. Young but sure of herself, Indiana’s recent single Blind As I Am was listed in the BBC Introducing Picks Of 2013 and she is now set to play her first London Show on March 14th. Intrigued by her talent (and tear jerking rendition of Frank Ocean’s Swim Good), Twin spoke to Indiana as she reveals the story behind her journey into music, her creative influences and goals to take over the world.
Was there a key moment that inspired you to pursue music?
It was kind of accidental. My sister has always been in to music – she also sings, writes and plays the piano. She was moving house and couldn’t fit her piano in her new place so I offered to store it in my dinning room. I just kept having a play about on it every time I walked past and so I taught myself to play and began writing my own songs. They were terrible… I think I’ve made some progression…hopefully!
You voice has a beautiful vulnerability to it – is vulnerability key to your music?
I think connection is key, if I feel vulnerable it comes across. If I feel menacing I believe you can hear that too. Depends what I’ve written about.
What are your views on being a musician at present? Do you reckon it’s harder or easier to make it as a musician now?
I have nothing to compare it to – I’m new to the game in a lot of ways. I’m just happy I’ve found a passion that I’m relatively good at and I’m able to call it a career.
Your cover of Frank Ocean’s Swim Good is haunting and delicate – what drove you to cover that song specifically?
I thought the song was cool, it was John’s idea (my co-writer) but it wasn’t until I’d learnt the lyrics that I felt a huge and haunting connection with the song….i’m actually crying towards the end of it.
Are you a fan of Frank Ocean?
Massive fan. He brings something new to music, which is something I aspire to do. I love experimenting with production. He takes chances and pulls them off, I hope I can do the same.
Who are your top 5 influences?
Gary Numan
The XX
Alt J
James Blake (Retrograde makes me feel like everything I’ve ever written is crap)
Portishead
Have you encountered any obstacles in your musical journey – from the industry or otherwise?
Radio play. It annoys me how much rubbish gets on to the Radio 1 playlist. There are so many credible artists and such a vast amount of amazing music that can only be heard in the early hours of the morning, yet we have to endure Pitbull when the sun’s up!
What are your ambitions – in your music and life?
I’ve always dreamt of a stadium of people singing the lyrics of one of my songs back to me.
What would you say is you life philosophy?
When writing an album think “all killer no filler!”
Interview by Monique Todd.
26.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: Sarah Barlow
Back last summer Azealia Banks tweeted a picture of her latest shoe-crush – a custom pair of JuJu jelly Babes that had been designed specifically so that they would glow under the UV lights of her on-stage sets. However for this summer, the original British-born jelly footwear company are extending the reach of this unique style of shoe to us ‘more normal folk’ with a launch of an entire collection of UV reactive sandals available in six eye popping colours… Now find us a shiny dance floor and blast out some Livin Joy on the stereo and we’re good to go!
Image by Kamilla Takacs
25.02.2013 | Blog , Culture | BY: admin
We love ourselves a well-curated Tumblr and the account that has been on our bookmarks list as of late is putyourpawsup. Twin spoke to its founder Franny Zywicki about her obsession with cats and summer days in the sun…
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was brought up between Switzerland and Spain, but also had a lot of friends in London. My parents were worried about me because I hung out with our cat Chloe (Bengal tiger) more than them and was obsessed with America.
I am a hip hop dancer and did it professionally in my gap year before I went to Leeds University. I toured with Raghav as a backing dancer over Pakistan. That was odd. I love music. There is music for every mood.
I’m addicted to shopping — if I’m in a funk it’s the only thing that can make me happy. I love J.Brand, Chloe, Brian Lichtenberg, Alexander Wang, DVF, and Acne. All I want/need at the moment is Charlotte Olympia Kitty Slippers.
My three main loves are music, fashion and travel. I have been to over 30 countries, but my favourite cities are Rio, Los Angeles and Madrid.
What was the idea behind your Tumblr name and concept, and when did you start it?
I have always been obsessed with cats. I frequented a lot of festivals and when someone was lost you would say “put your hands up so I can see you”, but I changed it to paws because I saw everyone as cool cats. Then it just became a thing.
I was always obsessed with images and was annoying people on my Facebook by uploading them constantly. So I started putyourpawsup in March 2010 — and I am addicted.
What is it about photography that you find so inspiring?
The vibe of the blog is more about what I wanted to look at and what reminded me of my past, but also what I wanted to be doing in the future. It aims to re-ignite and inspire beautiful memories. When I blog, it’s normally somehow related to what is going on in my life at the moment.
How would you explain the popular appeal of Tumblr?
Especially with image-based blogs, it comes with the ability to post pictures in so many places. People can post pictures and send pictures so much more freely. It’s easier and more exciting to talk via pictures.
A picture sparks more endorphins in the brain. It’s more visually appealing and says more than a paragraph. And Tumblr is the ideal database for amazing pictures. An easy go-to.
What are the Tumblrs, photographers and image makers that you admire the most?
I love deathofcool and katesworld, which is run by a photographer and friend of mine. Gypsyone is raw, dirty and sexy. Wastedguns features ridiculously hot women — although I’m not gay, I think the female form is unbelievably sexy.The Benjamins is real and sensual.
In terms of photographers, I love Scott Caan, Patrick Hoeleck and Terry Richardson. I follow the worlds best ever and The Cobra Snake.
What is your favourite quote and image of all time?
“Laughter is an instant vacation” by Milton Kerle. It’s tattooed on my rib. I think its beautiful.
A favourite image is so hard. I’ve picked one, but tomorrow it will probably be different. It’s very simple, but my favourite thing to do is hang on the beach with all my friends just after the hottest part of the day, snuggle and listen to music. The song for this scene is No Angels by Bastille.
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