Urban Perk #4: Ryoji Ikeda's "Spectra"

Afternoon Everyone,

First of all I would just like to say that the

winner of the Pixies' Doolittle poster is:

ALEX CABRE

Thank you to everyone else who entered, there are some

more competitions on the way!

Secondly I would like to talk about something I found

yesterday...

So my Dad and I were leaving the cinema

after seeing Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (which

I highly recommend!) when we saw a beam of light

shining up from the ground and onto the low clouds.

We decided to find out what it was and so we spent

the next 20 minutes or so tracking it down in our

clunky old VW. 

At first we thought it was coming from the Imperial

War Museum because as many of you know, yesterday was the

centenary of the First World War.

But driving towards the light we worked out that it was

in the wrong part of London. When we got closer we saw that

this was not one small light, but about 50 of them

beaming towards the heavens.

Upon entering (for free) the Victoria Tower 

Gardens you see these beautiful lights shining bright

and with purpose. On closer inspection people are walking in

and out the columns of light or lying on the floor and 

gazing up at the spectacular sight. A stunning atmosphere 

is created through an ambient soundtrack that swirls from the speakers and into your mind.

Inspired by the declaration "the lamps are going out all over Europe, 

we shall not see them lit again in our life-time",

said by Sir Edward Grey*, spectra is a stunning piece 

of art that unites the people across London and reminds

them of the hardships and sacrifices of the 

First World War.

spectra can be seen from 12 miles away (on a clear day).

The exhibition is on from dusk till dawn 

and will permanently fade out in the early hours of

 Monday 11th August.

Lest we forget,

Poppy x

*Sir Edward Grey was the Foreign Secretary during the 

outbreak of WWI

Interview with King Eider!

Hello People,

So the other day I was listening to a band doing a 

session for BBC London, I was captivated by their

combination of folk and rock as well as their

brilliant use of the violin and horn.

King eider are a five piece 'Edinburgh-based folk-blues band'

who use three part harmonies to create haunting and 

atmospheric music. They have been compared to the soulful

acoustics of Ben Howard and the foot stomping wildness of Arcade Fire. This is one of their latest songs 'Drink Me Dry'

And so I did what I do with bands that I listen to and love;

I got an interview with them!

Without further ado here is my interview with...

King Eider

1. Could you introduce yourselves and your instruments?

Reuben Tighe - Vocals,Guitar, Harmonica

Sam Chapman - Vocals, Drums,

Lucy Frankel - Vocals, Violin

Josh Casali-Bell Linemann - Vocals, Keys, Horn

Sam Palmer - Bass Guitar

2.Who are you influenced by and how did you discover 

your "sound"?

Our influences span a spectrum of genres and decades. 

Lucy listens to a lot of traditional country and bluegrass. 

Reuben takes influences from his mothers CD collection of 60's blues and rock and roll. Sam brings in more modern influences 

such as Arcade Fire and The Wild Beasts. We share our music

taste so that all of them influence our music 

to some degree.

3.When did you form as King Eider - what made you choose 

the name?!

We formed Early 2012, and were originally named "Zopa and the Shakes" (after Reuben's middle name). After deciding a name change was in order, we decided on King Eider. We were in an ale pub drinking a beer named "YellowHammer", (also the name for a bird native to the UK) and decided we liked the name. Since this was already a popular band name, we decided to research all other UK bird names. It transpires that the King Eider duck is a bird which migrates to the lake district every year, which is home to Reuben, Sam Chapman, and Josh, so the name seemed a good fit!

4. Describe your music in five words.

Hmmm....

5. What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to

you before/after a gig?

Some one from the front row recently took his top off and 

attempted to lactate onto Lucy's shoes. That was pretty weird,

and somewhat aggressive...

6. State a fact that people don't know about you.

Two of us have Science PHD's

7. What are the top 4 songs on your playlist right now?

Wild Beasts - this is our lot

The Whitest Boy Alive - Islands

Supertramp - Bloody Well Right

Grizzly Bear - Ready,Able

8. What is the first album you remember buying?

 The first album which really had a musical impact on me was Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, self titled album. Peter Green still remains a big influence on me, the man is a genius.

9. Modern or Vintage Clothing? 

 No clothing is best.

10. What are you plans for the future?

After making the most of our album release, we intend to 

record a 4 track EP. We have been working on some new material

which we are excited to record, and intend to release it

some point early next year. Stay Tuned!

If you like the sound of King Eider then you can head to their

website here and check them out.

So long for now,

Poppy xx

Urban Perk #3: Street-Feast @ Lewisham

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry for the lack of posts recently but

my summer holidays started yesterday so I

should have some more time on my hands to

post now.

Last weekend was spent at the

lovely Latitude Festival in Suffolk.

I'll be posting about the festival once my 

photos are developed!I saw so many great

acts from headliners; Lily Allen and

 Bombay Bicycle Club to under-the-radar bands

like Spring King and Parquet Courts.

So keep a look out!

Today I wanted to tell you about another

perk of living in the city which is
Street Feast London who have various feasts
around new and upcoming locations in London.
I recently went to one in Lewisham (which I have
been told is now nicknamed 'Newisham'), it is set in
the abandoned 1950s Model Market which is
rough and rustic.

To get in, you're probably going to have to queue for a
while, unless you get there quite early.
Upon entering the market you are greeted by a walkway of run
down records shops, dry cleaners and takeaway branches
but when you look in you can see that they are being
 occupied by passionate foodies...

Smoke swirls out from SmokeStak BBQ where I swear they
serve some of the best ribs in London! On the menu there 
is smoked beef or pork ribs - although they are quite 
pricey you get what you pay for in quality and
even quantity! The shop itself has plaster walls,
a make do seating area, an open kitchen and a very
lovely order taking lady. I highly recommend!

Afterwards, I found this place called Yum Bun.
I had heard of Yum Bun from a breakfast show and
was happily surprised when I saw them at the feast
- the food looked incredible and simple too!
Yum Bun are famous for their soft steamed buns with a 
selection of fillings: pulled pork, fish, chicken, salmon or 
mushroom. 
Theses beautiful buns are great as a light snack
and are perfect for munching on the street.
 I ordered the Pulled Pork bun and it was amazing; the bun
light and fluffy whilst the pork sweet and tender!

Not only does it have great food and drink but a lovely

atmosphere too! There area few eating areas which are located

in shabby shops decorated with make-do furniture. However,

the main eating place is right in the centre of the market

complete with a bar, loud music, fairy lights and even

a TV! 

And just to top off a wonderful evening, there are a variety

of desserts to choose from. I chose the brownies from

the South East Brownie Bar who had a great selection of

flavours; Peanut Butter, Oreo, Mojito and loads more!

With the help of the friendly Brownieman I was able

to choose 5 miniature brownies to go; Oreo,

Salted Caramel x2, Mojito and Peanut Butter. 

And they were absolutely incredible!!

So, if you're looking for something to do or you're

feeling hungry head to Lewisham's Model Market for 

some lovely food, people and music. 

Street Feast is open from 20th June to 27th September

every Friday and Saturday from 6pm till late. 

Click here to visit the Street Feast website

Happy Feasting,

Poppy

The Rise of Scandinavian Sound

Evening Everyone,

I'm very glad with the number of entries for my

Pixies Poster competition - the winner will be 

announced soon.

So recently, I was flicking through my playlist when

I realized how many Scandinavian artists I had on there.

I was then talking to my friends who were also very interested

in a number of Danish and Swedish artists. 

I've found this quite interesting and where better to talk

about it than here? 

(Don't go yet - I promise not to talk about ABBA!)

It all started with Bjork (although she is Icelandic)

with her 1993 album 'Debut' she rose from the crowd

like a bubble in a coke can. Her beautiful lyrics and

electronic pop opened the gateway for a new era of pop music.

Combining house, jazz and trip-hop she went on to be one of

the biggest artists of her time - and still is!

Listen To: 'Come to Me' & 'Hyperballad'

Bjork

Closely following Bjork were Swedish band The Cardigans.

The Cardigans leaped to fame when their song 'Lovefool'

was featured in the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet.

Their album Life, released in 1995, was produced by

Tore Johansson who also went to produce music for Franz

Ferdinand and Wild Beasts. 

I'm not going to be able to name every artist that has
ever come out of the Scandinavian scene but now there seem 
to be more than ever!
You've got Robyn, who first appeared in the 90s after her hit single "Do you know", MO, The Majority Says and Royksopp just
to name a few!
Although Icelandic, Of Monsters and Men are also a
mainstream band that have paved the way for more
indie pop/rock bands to follow.

One of my favourites is MO (the O has a line through it)
who I discovered a few months back on YouTube.
Her music has strong electropop notes, deep vocals and 
almost jazzy undercurrents (which can be heard in 'Don't Wanna Dance' and 'Say You'll be There') that have been 
compared to the likes of Grimes and 
Twin Shadow.

Robyn has also made a comeback to the pop world with
Norwegian duo Royksopp and their song 'Do It Again'.
The song is a combination of house and triphop, similar to 
Bjork, and has been described as "joyously addictive" 
and "booming" Do It Again, released in May 2014, peaked 
at number 3 in the UK Indie Albums chart.

It would seem to me that the Scandinavian and Icelandic
music scene is returning stronger than ever, this time
it is here to stay. So keep a look out!

Thank you for the music,
Poppy x

Win a Pixies Screen Print!

Hey Everyone,

So, I was recently given a screen print of 

The Pixies' Doolittle album and thought that I 

would make a competition out of it! 

I have created the competition through 'Rafflecopter'
so there's no spam or dodgy stuff (:

Here is a picture of the poster:

The background is an olive-blue colour and

has been printed with matte gold paint.

A brilliant poster that will look good in any office or

home - if you don't like it your parents might? 

About Doolittle

Doolittle was The Pixies' second album and was released in

1989 on 4AD. It went on to chart at #8 in the UK album 

charts and received brilliant reviews from 

critics and magazines. 'Debaser', 'Here Comes Your

Man' and 'Mokey Gone to Heaven' were all released as singles-

 it was The Pixies' first album that had a major impact 

on the charts and the music industry. 

The competition will start at 6pm tomorrow so if you'd 

like to enter follow this link to my facebook page 

where you can enter:

Click here to enter!

Good Luck,

Poppy x

If I Could Pick Any Song......

It would be......

Stay High (Habits Remix)

By 

Tove Lo ft. Hippie Sabotage

Bio: Ebba Tove Elsa Nilsson, aka Tove Lo,

is a Swedish pop singer-songwriter as well as musician.

At 26, she has released her first EP 'Truth Serum'

and has written songs for many artists including

Icona Pop. The Stay High habits remix charted at

number 6 in the UK. 

I was recommended this song by a friend and at

first I wasn't sure about it. But after hearing it for 

the second time, I ironically became addicted.

It starts with an intriguingly repetitive

'Oh-oh' and after 15 seconds launches into an intense

beat. The lyrics are remixed to repeat and bounce around

the inside of your head - truly amazing stuff!

Tove Lo sings with desperation at needing

'something to numb the pain'. 

You can feel the hurt.

There's also the original version which is just as good but

has a slower tempo and smaller beat although the lyrics are 

just as smart and quirky (I eat my dinner in my bathtub/

then I go to sex clubs)

Crazy, I know!

Have a good evening,

Poppy x

My top 5 Film Soundtracks

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry I haven't been posting for

a while, I've been doing my exams!

But today I am returning with one of my 

favorite posts so far:

"My Top 5 Film Soundtracks"

Whilst listening to Karen O & the Kids,

I was inspired by the wonderful soundtrack that

she created for Where The Wild Things Are.

One of my all-time favorite films! 

And here I am now, writing up my idea 

for you.

(Counting down)

5) Moonrise Kingdom

Soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat
A quirky and wistful collection of scores
to match the bittersweet directing by
Wes Anderson. Percussion and brass dominate the
delightful tracks creating a sense of innocence
and child-like imagination. Also included in the 
album is 'Le temps de l'amour' by Francoise Hardy
adding even more magic to the film and 
soundtrack! 

Try: 'Le temps de l'amour' by Francoise Hardy, The Heroic
weather conditions of the Universe Part 1: A veiled mist
by Alexandre Desplat


4)(500) Days of Summer
Soundtrack by Various Artists
A unique mix of indie, electronic and
alternative songs including covers of The Smiths
and Pixies by beautiful small time bands.
Song include 'Sweet Disposition' by Temper Trap,
'Mushaboom' by Feist and 'There Goes the Fear' by
Doves. The songs match ongoing themes throughout the
film and tells the story of a happy-go-lucky
couple.

Try: 'She's got you high' by Mumm-ra, 'Here Comes your
Man' by Meaghan Smith


3) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Soundtrack by Various Artists
The first song to blast through the speakers is 
'Wake Up' by Arcade Fire, probably my most favorite
song ever! Soon more uplifting songs are headed your
way; 'Dirty Paws' by Of Monsters and Men, 'Lake
Michigan' by Rogue Wave and a handful by Jose Gonzales.
The songs are insightful, inspiring and earnest yet slightly
melancholy. If you need a bit of fuel to get you through
the day then this soundtrack is for you!

Try: 'Escape' by Jack Johnson, 'Dirty Paws' by Of
Monsters and Men, 'Far Away' by Junip


2) Where the Wild Things Are
Soundtrack by Karen O and the Kids

Karen O, lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, leads
the band with her raw and touching vocals. Shouts of
"Let the wild rumpus start!" and whispers of story telling
play throughout many of the songs. Harmonies, strange
lyrics and soaring legatos feature in this incredible
masterpiece that fills the room with child-like wonder.
I could listen to this all day long!

Try:'All is Love', 'Capsize', 'Rumpus Reprise' all by
Karen O and the Kids


1) The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Soundtrack by Various Artists
My first choice was probably very obvious but
inevitable. Classic songs of rebirth and joy plaster
a smile across any listeners' face. They may not be
underground artists but that doesn't change a thing;
David Bowie, Dexy's Midnight Runners and The Cocteau
Twins all have brilliant tracks included. 
I love how Dexy's Midnight Runners' 'Come on
Eileen' plays during Charlie's awkward (and adorable)
dancing scene - if you haven't seen the film go and 
watch it! A fantastic collection.

Try: 'Asleep' By The Smiths, 'Heroes' by David Bowie, 
'Pearly Dew-Drops' Drop' by The Cocteau Twins

 

Let me know what your favorite Film Soundtrack is
in the comment box below! 

Coming Soon: An interview with band My Sad Captains,
singer Ezra Furman and a competition.

See you soon,
Poppy x

Part II of Interview with The Majority Says

Hey All,

I hope you had a nice weekend.

I wanted you all to hear this song that I

recently discovered (although it is

from a few years back):

"Wake Up" by Arcade Fire

From the album 'Funeral'

It's this really beautiful song that reminds me

of camping in the summertime (idk why!), it was 

also used on the trailer for Where The Wild

Things Are which might help you to understand the

style of the song if you haven't heard it before.

It starts off as this strong rock sound but with soft, angelic melodies. And just when you think it's

going to do one thing it changes into a joyful, 

upbeat rhythm.

It's totally crazy but amazing!!

Next, is Part II of my interview with Swedish 

band The Majority Says! 

6. In 5 words describe your music.

 I’ll write six words here, since we’re 6 ;) (Whoops!)

Youthful, Playful, Mixed, Melancholy, Ploj, Epic.

7. What is the weirdest thing that has happened whilst performing or before/after a gig? 

Emil locked himself in the tour bus once by accident, we looked for him everywhere and he had 

no cell phone so we could not call him, he showed up just a minute before we should enter 

the stage, that was kinda weird actually. 

8. Have any of you got any strange hobbies or habits?I think we’re all kinda normal, myself (Axel), I’m into computers and programming and such, 

don’t know if that’s so strange though. We all try to do things we like, you know, it may 

vary from day to day.

9. Cinnamon Rolls or Princess Cake? 

Princess cake ofc.

10. Lastly, what are your plans for the future? Are you playing any gigs in Europe soon? 

 We’re releasing a new album in June, we hope to play the songs off it as much as possible of course. 

We’re going to Europe this summer to play, we’ll be doing shows from late May to November (both in 

Sweden and Europe), we hope to meet as many new people as possible and have as 

much fun as possible!

If you would like to see a sneak-peek of their album

material, follow this link to hear some of their new

song "Calling Your Name" 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCavTgNsp7U

This weekend, I'm going to Brixham with my

two friends so I won't be able to post but

I'll try and schedule one in for you ;)

Song recommendations, reviews and interviews

coming soon! 

Love,

Poppy x