Vid of the Day - Un sospiro

Happy 2011, everyone! 

I hope your holidays were full of friends, family, and fabulous food. Resolutions have been on my mind, as per usual for this time of year. I've concluded that instead of making mundane, false promises to exercise more, eat less, ect., I'm going to learn Liszt's Un sospiro on the piano. It's a lofty ambition for my small, under-practiced hands, but definitely worth the effort. This piece takes my breath away. Enjoy the video! This man makes it look so easy.

Piano Men

Why don't I ever look this cool while playing the piano?
Clockwise: Monk, Waits, Monk, Depp, Wainwright, Gaye, Brody

Sujan Stevens Delights

I was elated to discover that, after being under the radar for quite some time, Sufjan Stevens has released a new EP, All Delighted People.

I applaud Sufjan for being able to write musically interesting pieces, while steering away from pretentious and esoteric qualities. This is something I struggle with endlessly when writing music. I personally feel that original music should challenge the listener while still being scrutable. Also, original compositions should always reflect the culmination of your artistic experiences- it's what makes it yours. But these thoughts could definitely differ from composer to composer!

The array of acoustic instruments and co-ed choir used in this EP renders an uplifting, raw sound. I definitely recommend this for some end-of-summer listening.

I've been aloof...

Life has been busy, and I've been neglectful. I promise that once I get settled, my blog posts will pick up again.

Meanwhile, a bit of news: I've been composing the score for my friend's thesis film, Temptation. I applaud him for taking on the arduous task of pursuing a master's degree in film. Visit the site for a synopsis, bios, and possible premiere dates.

More news to come!

Vid of the Day- Sony Bravia

I've been posting so many videos lately, but I can't help it. There are so many good ones out there. I applaud Sony Bravia on this color concept and the use of Rossini's La Gazza Ladra. A Clockwork Orange, anyone?


*Update: This video was not made with CGI!

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ps- I finished Igor Stravinsky and Coco Chanel the other day. A passionate and concise read.

Vid of the Day- Punch Brothers

My posts have been so fashion-centric lately... It's time to change it up. I just recently started listening to the Punch Brothers- a band created by Nickel Creek's mandolin player, Chris Thile. It's an acoustic album, which means all you hear is the sheer talent of the musicians. I love it! Here is a video performance of a song that's on their newest ablum, Antifogmatic, that is to be released later this year. How much does his voice make you melt? What a prodigious wonder Chris Thile is.

Monday M-A-F

A movie, album and food that must be experienced simultaneously. This one is for Jennie!

Happy birthday, girl! Love you!

Zambaleta

It feels weird to say that I've graduated almost two months ago! You may ask what I've been doing with my time, besides taking a lot of weekend trips. I've been working at a non-profit organization called Zambaleta- a world music, dance and yoga school located in San Francisco's Mission District. We just opened in October of 2009, so we're in the process of building our community, and acquiring dance and yoga instructors. It's my job to create an online presence for Zambaleta, so you can help me out by checking out Zambaleta's Facebook, Twitter, and Yelp. We offer all sorts of amazing classes, catered to every skill level.

March 6th is our Carnaval event, which is a 12 hour jam session with food, drinks and dancing all day. We're celebrating the opening of our dance and yoga studio as well as our cafe! It's also completely free. Come by if you want to jam, or get involved with our community!

She & Him: "In the Sun"

Here's a sneak peak from the new album by She & Him (M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel) called, Volume Two. It is said to hit stores March 23rd!



The back-up vocals were done by Tilly & the Wall. Don't they add such an up-lifting, gospel quality to the song? As always, Zooey's voice is smooth and concise. What did you think?

Would you eat it?

I came across these cookies inspired by Lady Gaga's flamboyant wardrobe, and thought they were clever. Would you take a bite out of this pop artist?

I'm not a big fan a pop music. Actually that's an understatement... I'm not a fan of pop music at all. Buuuut I'll give Lady Gaga some credit for having genuine talent, outrageous creativity, and knowing how to please an audience. Apparently she attended Tisch! Girlfriend milks her fame for all it's worth. (I would too!) All in all... I'd eat that.





ps- Check out this video of Stefani Germanotta during her "pre-Gaga" days.


pps- I can't get Bad Romance out of my head.

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A movie, an album and food that should be experienced simultaneously. Volver is one my favorite movies of the decade. Any suggestions on what to do for next Monday?

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The Monday ritual has returned! This one is for you, Brittany Murphy.



Sex. Clothes. Popularity. Is there a problem here?

100th Post

I've come out of my blogging hibernation to tell you that I will be performing in the UC Davis University Chorus this coming Friday (Dec. 4th) in Vaughn Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem. It's going to be an amazing collaboration with the Symphony Orchestra. I've been a choir girl ever since the first grade and have had some of the best experiences of my life touring with the Peninsula Girl's Chorus to New Zealand, New Orleans, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria, and with the Palo Alto High School Choir (a neighboring high school) to France and Spain. After all these years of great opportunities, it makes me sad that this coming performance will be my last for a long while, since my academic career is soon coming to an end.



This is my 100th post! But sadly I must go back to my hiatus... so much to do within the next week!

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In honor of Fight Club's 10th anniversary. One of my personal favorites.

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I've been slacking!

The Phantom Las Vegas Spectacular

Feist

A rainy day calls for comfort music. I absolutely ADORE Leslie Feist! I will never tire of her album, Let It Die.

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Indulge simultaneously. Inspired by this.


Lost In Translation - Air Moon Safari - Ramune

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The Monday ritual returns. A film, an album and food that should be enjoyed simultaneously. Dedicated to Kate Winslet who is thirty-four today!



Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Beck Sea Change - Cotton Candy