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

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

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

Urban Perk #1

Hey Everyone,

I've been away in Istanbul (hence the lack of 

content) but I'm back now!

Since the weekend is on it's way I'm going to show

you some inspiration on where you could go 

this weekend. This is my first Urban Perk

post of many to come (I hope), these locations 

are chosen based on factors such as People, 

Entertainment, Price and Fun/Interesting-ness.

The locations are aimed at Teens who want to 

explore further than the nearest shopping

center.

Warning: Be prepared to discover new territory, home to 

the world's wildest.

Urban Perk #1: Southbank Real Food Market

Entertainment: Food, an occasional vintage fair, 

entertainers on the river

People: Friendly ~ Price: £

The Southbank Real Food Market takes place every

weekend (Fri-Sun) and offers a gorgeous variety

of food, from Chorizo to Chapatis even the pickiest

of eaters will find something to their liking. 

And not only that but after buying your food you

can walk down to the Thames and watch the Skateborders 

backside and bail at the skate park or laugh with

the  entertainers on the riverside. 

My favourite part of visiting the Southbank is

watching the oh-so-cool skateborders try out 

new tricks. And if the weather's good, the 

River Thames sparkles magnificently whilst boats

and tourists cross by boat and bridge. 

Here are some photos I took on my visit a few

weeks ago:

Southbank Skate Park

Amazing Brownies!

Fresh Juices 

Creperie Lui

Hotdog!

Be sure to check out the hotdogs and brownies,

they're seriously good!

Love,

Poppy 

Ps. A new interview will be posted on 

Saturday :D

Awesome Idea #5

Hi Everyone,

I know Sundays can be depressing, so I 

thought I would sprinkle a little bit of 

awesomeness into your day. 

It's like the 80s!

I know it's only one little idea but I hope

it brightens your day just a teensey bit!?

Oh and just a quick question - if you have

any advice or ideas on upcycling old furniture

please comment in the box below, I'd love to 

have a chat! 

Have a Happy Monday,

Poppy x

Redecorating (again!)

Hey Everyone, 

Just wanted to show you some pictures of my room.

I was redecorating yesterday (my version of therapy)

by adding some pictures and rearranging my stuff.

I bought some lovely mini prayer flags and stuck them

between to adjacent walls to create a cosy little atmosphere

in the corner where my desk is.

I also stuck some 7" vinyl in a 3x3 group on the

wall to add some colour and texture - it looks so cool!

Finally, the quote I created from pages of Q music

magazine. The quote is from a song that I posted 

on my blog a few days ago ("Don't ask me Why"

by Great Caesar). 

If you have any cool ideas or pictures of your

DIY decorating - feel free to comment below :)

Have a happy thursday,

Poppy Valentine xx

The BRIT awards :D

Yay!!

Poppy x

My New Room!!

Morning everyone,

I just wanted to show you some pictures of my new room,

as you may know I spent last Sunday in Ikea looking for

inspiration and fresh ideas! Et voila.....

So, what do you think?? 

There's still so much more to do! 

Today, I went to Crystal Palace, a place full of

vintage clothes, vinyl and weird stuff! 

Unfortunately, I didn't find anything but I'll be

back there very soon.

Have a lovely evening - tomorrow I might be going to the 

Wildlife Photographer  of the Year exhibition at the 

Natural History Museum!

Forever yours,

Poppy Valentine x

Music to my ears.....

Hia Peeps,

As you may have noticed, one of my previous posts had a 

slightly different layout ot all the other ones - this 

means that I've posted from my mobile (for some reason 

it doesn't let you edit font, etc?!) 

Moving on, I have started to create Songlists; once a week I'll scan a list of 5 or 6 songs to a post - these songs will

 be my pick of the week!Let me know if you 

find something new?!

Here are two: 

Week 1 ^

This Week ^

(TIP: Click to enlarge if font is too small!)

Hope you're all wonderful! 

Poppy Valentine x