BAND OF THE MONTH: WOODLOCK ♡

PLEASE EXCUSE MY LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM IN THIS POST BUT I SERIOUSLY CANNOT CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT! Woodlock was the first band I saw busking in Pitt St. and they're also my favorite. Their sound is a mix between Jack Johnson, Bon Iver, Native Roses (Synergy's band of the month for July), and Ed Sheeran - aka four of my favorite musicians. Put them together and you get Woodlock. I'm pretty convinced these boys were sent from Heaven; their harps replaced by guitars and whatnot. I'm also sure they can play anything. I mean, they're the only band I know that uses an ocarina.

Zech Walters

I remember the fight or flight feeling I got as I approached Eze to ask if we could feature them here. I was beyond nervous when I asked for their contact number (purely professional, mind you), but I'm thankful my awkwardness did not get in the way of things.

Like Everything After and JackManFriday, I had purchased Woodlock's EP and had them sign it. I was itching to listen to their songs as soon as they handed it to me. I can tell you one thing - they did not disappoint. Every single song was fantastic. My personal favorites are Heartbreak Kid, Lemons, and Stow Away (although it's not in their EP, I heard them play it live). You can listen to them below.

  I also did a bit of snooping around YouTube and found more of their original songs and covers. You have to listen to them. I know it's a lot, but it's worth it! You can read their answers while listening. :)

1. Tell us about your band.

We are just a group of friends who enjoy playing music, We wanted to travel and see whats out there and this is how we support ourselves. 

2. How did you start?

We started busking to raise for an orphanage that our church funds. We then went to Africa and played together there as part of a missions trip. About half a year after that we were all talking about a roadtrip, wondering how we were going to make our money we thought "Busk!" and thats how we started.

3. How did you come up with the name?

We were called "Woodlock Winds" after a song we wrote long before we were a band, but we couldn't help but relate the name to "flatulence in a forest" so we just shortened it to Woodlock.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Somewhere between indie, pop and acoustic alternative.

5. Who is/are your musical inspiration/s?

We all bring in our own inspirations, but major ones are Coldplay, Georgia Fair, John Mayer, The Beatles & The Paper Kites, just to name a few.

6. Why did you choose to go into the music industry?

We didn't really choose, we started off doing this just to support us having fun, and we enjoy it so much its hard not to give it a go, I guess you could say its our dream job.

7. What makes you different from all the other musicians?
Zech and Eze Are brothers they've been singing together their Whole lives and it shows when they sing together, I don't think its different but it does create something special.

8. Tips for aspiring musicians?

Give it everything.



9. Name at least one musician you'd like to work with in the future. 

Chris Martin, Bon Iver or Kanye West.

And that's it! :) If you liked Woodlock, please support them by liking their page, subscribing to them on YouTube, following them on Twitter, and sharing them to your friends. Thanks!

FEATURED: JackManFriday ♡

Another one of the musicians I had a pleasure of meeting at Pitt Street is JackManFriday - a solo act. I remember thinking he looked like the Harries twins from afar (but it could also be because of my awful eyesight), and that up close, he was reminiscent of John O'Callaghan. Like I said in the post about Everything After, I was slightly nervous to approach Jack and ask if I could feature him on here, but all my fears washed away when he smiled and agreed.

with my sister

If you're into acoustics, then JackManFriday is the one for you. I've never heard anything quite like his music; it's unique and I mean it in the best way possible. It's, for a lack of a better word, funky. Some of his songs don't have vocals, such as Senses, but it's honestly so wonderful. Lyrics aren't needed to express the emotions he was willing to convey through his music. Isn't that exactly what a good musician is?

I also had him sign the CD I had purchased from him, because I'm cool like that. There is a short clip of him at the end of this post saying something, but I don't intend to spoil it so check it out once you're done reading his answers!

Check out his awesome cover of Little Lion Man! I love his side comments. The drummer (I'm afraid I don't know his name) is equally as talented too. I love how amazing their version sounds despite using unconventional (if you could call it that) instruments. They have music in their veins, man...


"Look, ma, no hands!"

1. Tell us about yourself/your band/group.
It's basically a solo act, plus other musicians on occasion. A very talented drummer is joining me in March to create something really special.

2. How did you start?
I started playing around the age of 12 and when I left school busking seemed a natural progression. Now I'm trying to branch into being an artist who busks rather than a busker who tries to be an artist.

3. How did you come up with the name?
The name is a bit of a boring story, but in a nutshell, Dad used to call me Jack Man, and in Robinson Crusoe, the character "Man Friday" a native/slave (bad vibes) is sort of a butler. Since I play a lot of John Butler's music, that stuck.

4. How would you describe your sound?
The sound I'm aiming to polish off is a bit like if you mixed John Butler, Dub FX, Jarle Bernhoft and some trippy guitar a la Australian Indie.

5. Who is/are your musical inspiration/s?
Musical? Butler, Muse, those artists I listed above, bit of english rock/alternative like say the Kooks, all the obligatory Pixies, ramones, Stones, the Who, etc. A lot of that music that sort of started underground/indie, and moved to mainstream, like Newton Faulkner, that kind of stuff. Him and Muse have kind of gone a bit off course if you ask me, but anyway! Massive tangent there.

6. What makes you different from all the other musicians?
Nothing really differentiates me other than that I don't think I'm going to stick to one genre, I like too many to do that. I'll probably blend some together but I think I'll end up putting my foot in quite a few over the years.

7. Tips for aspiring musicians?
Aspiring musicians.. Do something you enjoy, don't do something because other people will like it, and especially don't stop because people don't like the genre, you'll have people on both sides of the fence, but if you bend to everyone else, you won't enjoy it, your audience will see through you and they won't enjoy it. Respect your audience by respecting yourself.

8. Name at least one musician you'd like to work with in the future.
I'd love to work with Dub FX to be honest, he's a recent obsession and I had the priviledge of sharing a stage (made of crates, but anyway) with him. I think it'd be cool to play guitar on something of his or have him rhyme/loop into something I'm doing. I have a lot of ideas for that but it might be just a bit further down the track!

Check out that crowd! There were so much more people when I met him. It was absolutely brilliant! I loved how so many people in Australia were supporting local artists. It's something I think we Filipinos should learn.

My favorite song of his has got to be Senses. I've already explained why earlier on this post, but just in case you missed it - the reason I love the song so much is because it did not need lyrics to convey emotions. The melody was enough to make you feel the emotion and raw talent that JackManFriday has.

If you liked Jack, please do support him by buying his EP ($5 AUD which is approx. 200php), liking his Facebook page, and subscribing to him on YouTube. Cheers!

FEATURED: Everything After ♡

While I was in Sydney, I happened to pass by a couple of musicians busking in Pitt Street (if I'm not mistaken). One of them being Everything After, an Indie/Folk/Pop duo comprised of Jordan and James, two 18 year old boys from the Central Coast of New South Wales. 

with my (obviously excited) sister

The first thing I thought of when I saw them was to ask if I could feature them on here, despite my fear of them laughing in my face and walking away. Jordan and James turned out to be really lovely (thank God!) and I was able to film a short video of them for Synergy. The interview, however, was conducted through Facebook as I had to leave shortly after.

Everything After with JackMan Friday

Their music reminds me a lot of Mumford & Sons'; it's the kind you'd expect to hear in music festivals such as Coachella. Their songs are fun (All The Dreaming is the best) and perfect for those summer montage videos I personally love making. They're worth a listen, so I highly suggest you give them a chance.  I'm very picky when it comes to the music I listen to, so trust me when I say Everything After is amazing. They're a breath of fresh air from all the mainstream pop music. 

They're actually too cute for my life...

Before I show you guys their answers, check out their cover of Mr. Brightside by the Killers. :)

1. Tell us about yourself/your band/group.
We're a band called Everything After and we've been together for about a year. We play Indie/Folk/Pop music and do a lot of busking in Sydney's Pitt St Mall. We're 18 years old.

2. How did you start?
We started playing guitar together at school and then 5 years later started being a band:)

3. How did you come up with the name?
Stole it from a Counting Crows album:)

4. How would you describe your sound?
IndieFolkPop

5. Who is/are your musical inspiration/s?We haven been heavily influenced by bands like Mumford and Sons and Boy and Bear as well as others like Ben Howard, Counting Crows and many many more that I can't think of.

6. Why did you choose to go into the music industry?We both love playing music and we kind of just found ourselves there because of that

7. What makes you different from all the other musicians?I don't think we are that different from other musicians, we have our own unique sound and we will do absolutely anything to be the best we can be but I think all musicians do the same.

performing with Woodlock

8. Tips for aspiring musicians?
If you love making and playing music then there should be nothing to stop you from doing it the way you want to:)

9. Name at least one musician you'd like to work with in the future. 
Mumford & Sons

10. Anything else?
Thanks for having us:)

Aren't they just the cutest? I also had them sign their EP which I had bought from them because I'm sorta kinda a fangirl like that... If you would like to hear more of Everything After, I highly suggest you like their Facebook page and subscribe to their Youtube channel. They also have twitter! Please do support them. They deserve all the attention they get and more. :) And to Jordan and James, if you're reading this - keep making brilliant music and we'll always be here supporting you. :) 

FEATURED: Laureen Uy ☮

Laureen Uy is an emerging icon in the Philippine fashion scene. Along with her eclectic style, her daring risks, and her outgoing personality, she is not afraid to express herself through the thing most girls love: fashion.

With Vince Uy (creative director of Preview magazine) and Liz Uy (celebrity stylist, fashion editor of Preview Magazine, style icon) as siblings, there is no doubt that Laureen was influenced by her family. Aside from being a designer for her shop, Break My Style, she's also an upcoming actress. Catch her on your television screens when you tune into channel 2!

We were very fortunate to have Laureen answer a few questions, despite her hectic schedule. I'm sure many of you would want to know about her style secrets, so here are a few!

1. Tell us about yourself and your blog. 

I'm a 22 year old fashion blogger and I love to travel.

2. Who is/are your fashion icon/s? 

Rumi Neely, Kate Moss, Nicole Warne, Anna Dello Russo

3. Name one fashion item you own that you can’t live without. 

A white top.

4. Where do you get inspiration for your outfits? 

From magazines and blogs.

5. What is your favorite fashion trend? 

Print on Print. I just can't get enough of prints!

Laureen dares to be different, and she showcases her moods and personality through her style. She's one of our ultimate style icons, so it's a pleasure to have her answer our questions!

Please support Laureen by visiting her blog, and follow her on Instagram, Lookbook, and Twitter as well!

Credits to Laureen for all the photos!

FEATURED: Your Evil Twin ☮

Meet the twins behind Your Evil Twin: Tracianne and Trasienne, an alluring and whimsical duo. Their love for ethnic culture, raw materials, and natural beauty comes out in their photographs.

Their official website quotes:

The persistence of sensual pleasure intertwined with intimate memories and a decidedly pop culture aesthetic shines through in the film photographs of twins Tracianne and Trasienne. Gifted with an eye for all things unconventionally beautiful, these two sisters capture the moments we take for granted through their trusty analog cameras, providing a visual feast for their viewers, who sit tightly waiting for the next set of photographic dreams to materialize.

The idiosyncrasies of their minds come together through the photos. Incorporating old-school realism to bring out the object's natural beauty, they make photography seem effortless. Who knows, maybe for them, it is. They've photographed a few famous models in the Philippines, and have traveled the world, savoring each moment through the lens. With the use of classic polaroids, they managed to capture the sincerity of photos in an instant - no pun intended. We've had the privilege to interview them about their photography style, their favorite subjects, and the like. Take a look!

1. Tell us about yourselves and your blog.

Hi we're an and en, a photography duo from manila. Our photo blog reeks of melancholic and nostalgic photos of ourselves, places and girls we love. Check it out :)
 

2. When did you get into photography?

I think it all started when we got ourselves a disposable camera when we were kids.
 

3. How long have you been taking photos?

Since forever, we always have a camera with us when we travel. But professionally, 2010.

4. Who is/are your fashion icon/s?

Alexa Chung and Bambi Norwood Blyth
 

5. Describe your own style.

Music Fest Best, effortless, unassuming

6. What kind of camera/s do you use?

Film Cameras- Yashieca, Contax, Nikon 

7. Where do you get inspiration for your photos?

Homemade videos, polaroids from the early 70's 

8. What makes a good photo?

How it makes you feel. We generally like photos that are raw yet powerful.
 

9. What opportunities has being a photographer given you?

 Meeting our idols from the art and fashion industry 

10. What has been your favorite place to take photographs in so far?

 In bed

11. What is your dream place to take photographs?

Croatia 

12. Who is your dream person/company you would want to have a shoot with?

Daisy Lowe 

13.  Can you give us a couple of songs that would describe the concept behind your photographs?

Nostalgic songs ranging from Mayer Hawthorne to Best Coast.

14. Any tips/advice for aspiring bloggers/photographers?

 Just enjoy the ride :)  

15. Anything else?

Thanks Bea and Nina for featuring us :) 

Check out some of their photos and fall in love the way I did!

 

 

 

(Credits to Your Evil Twin's tumblr and website)

Send Your Evil Twin some love on their tumblr and official website

Fall in love, feel nostalgic, experience raw and natural beauty through their photographs ♡♡♡

Enjoy! 

FEATURED: Jennifer Young ☮

This is the lovely Jennifer Young, lifestyle photographer and owner of the whimsical I Art U blog. Taken from her about me page, she started IAU at around August of 2009. She obssessed over "...natural light, authentic moments, understanding and appreciating the process of creating, travel, cafe hopping, dinner with friends, creative details, and finding beauty in simplicity." With this description, there's no doubt that this woman is artistically brilliant, which is why we wanted to feature her.

 Her photographs are aesthetically thought of. They reflect a sense of contentment, and the subject is highlighted in such a way that the audience admires the beauty of the art. It celebrates life, love, and all the feelings you could think of. For me, that is a mark of a truly gifted photographer.

We were ecstatic to have her write back to our email (Thank you, Jennifer!), so here are some of the questions she answered!

1. Tell us about yourself and your blog. How long have you been blogging?
I'm Jennifer Young, lifestyle photographer and blogger over at I ART U. I started IAU as an inspiration blog but it has become a place where I share my personal photography work or collaborations I host with other artists. I've been blogging for almost three years coming up in September!

2. Where do you get inspiration for the things you post?
My posts are inspired by a lot of my travels. I'm on the road frequently and I love documenting my steps along the way.

3. Which post of yours is your favorite so far? Tell us more about it!
Favorite? I don't know if I have one! Here are a few of my favorites: 1, 2, & 3.

4. Tell us something quirky about you that your readers probably don't know.

I like the smell of chlorine...weird, right?

5. How were you able to get your blog's name out there?

I'm don't know if my blog name is "out there", but I enjoy connecting with others by reading their blogs and commenting...comments are always a good way of reaching out. 

6. What are, in your opinion, the pros and cons of blogging?

The pros? Meeting a bunch of creatives that I wouldn't have met otherwise. Cons? It's super time consuming and keeps me in front of the computer for too many hours of the day. 

7. If you could have a playlist that defines your blog/photographs, what songs would be in it?
Lately, I've been so outside of the music scene...I don't think I can answer this!

8. What are your favorite things to photograph? Point out a constant/similarity in your photos.
I think my favorite thing to photograph is everyday life. I love capturing uncontrived moments or things of everyday living.

9. What made you get into photography?
It's been a passion of mine since I was young. Not sure what made me get into photography but I find capturing moments and light fascinating and beautiful. 

10. Do you have any tips for aspiring bloggers that have the same theme as your blog or bloggers in general?

I say connect with those who inspire you and post consistently (i'm the worst at this)! 

Please check out Jennifer's blog and support her here and here!

Follow her on Pinterest as well!

FEATURED: Malia Carter ♡

Meet Malia Carter, owner of the quirkily named Deep Fried Freckles blog and an artist extraordinaire. An advertisement and graphic design student at the Columbus College of Art and Design , Malia was previously a fashion major before switching. Being a lover of watercolors and intentionally messy sketches, I was hooked into Malia's works the moment I laid my eyes on them. It was only right for us to feature her here, and Bea and I were more than happy when she responded to our e-mail.
Her illustrations are all brilliantly drawn, down to the very last detail. Whatever or whoever the subject is, Malia finds a way to still give off happy vibes through the bright colors. I could only dream of painting and drawing as well as she does. Her style in painting is very unique (much like the person she is) and full of texture. If you guys need any art-spiration (a ridiculous term I coined), I suggest you drop by her blog (click here).
Before I leave you guys with the interview, I'd like to point out that Malia does take requests for illustration, for a sum of $60.00 (approx. php2,513). Send her an e-mail if you're interested! She also has a society6 shop where she sells her prints that could either be framed, written on, put on an iPhone/iPad/laptop case among other things. Check it out here! Oh, and if you're feeling artsy/want to practice your painting, you can print some of her works here!
1. Tell us about yourself and what it is that you do.
I am a 22 year old artist exploring the world around me and inside of my head. I spend most of my time painting, searching for inspiration and daydreaming about snacks.

2. Who/what is/are your inspiration/s?
I love anything quirky that sticks out.

3. How did you come up with your blog name?
I came up with Deep Fried Freckles a year ago when I was combining words that described myself. The first thing I thought of was freckles, and while doing so I was eating french fries. I have a 12 year old palette.

4. When did you realize you had passion for art and wanted to pursue it?
I have been creating art since I was a toddler. I always knew I would choose a career involving art and I am lucky enough to have supportive people in my life that believe in me and helped me be where I am today.
5. Do you prefer digital or traditional art?
I really can't choose. I am still learning so much about both and each day I grow a stronger appreciation for different mediums.

6. What are your other hobbies aside from art?
I love spending time with animals. I'm the girl who sneaks off to play with a roommates dog at a college party. I dog walk and pet sit 3-4 times a week and also volunteer at my local animal shelter.

7. Which of your many brilliant artworks is your favorite?
Thank you for the compliment! And I would have to say my favorite so far is my mermaid mural for Illusions Salon. It was my first mural so It took me weeks of repainting, loving and loathing. I really feel like I put my whole heart into that mural.
8. Any tips/advice for young artists like you?
I would say to just find your passion and never stop creating. If you truly love something others will see that and appreciate your work.
If you like Malia and her illustrations, please do check out her links and show your support by commenting on her posts and whatnot! :)

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MOVIES: Rainy Day Movies ☮

When the rain is pouring outside, you know what to do. Grab a mug of hot tea, wear your comfiest sweater, bring out the ugliest (but admittedly, the warmest) Christmas socks you have, snuggle under the covers, and have a movie marathon. These are the classic love stories that a girl should watch at least once in her life time. My best friends recommended some of these to me, and I love how they're the tear-jerker kinds. They pierce my heart, and make me cry even harder than the rain pouring outside my window pane. Watch with your mom, your best friends, or even your dog, and you're guaranteed a productive day at home!

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Starring: Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles

Inspired by Shakespeare's "Taming Of The Shrew", this high school comedy revolves around Kat (Julia Stiles) being "tamed" by the resident "shrew" that is Patrick (Heath Ledger). Kat's younger sister, Bianca, was being courted by the new guy, Cameron. The only thing is, Kat and Bianca have a very overprotective father, thus restricting Bianca from dating unless Kat does. Kat's a spiriting feminist; she's a nonconforming idealist and a breath of fresh air. Patrick, on the other hand, is the ideal rebel. He's rugged on the outside, but is will be known to have a soft spot. What happens when Bianca concocts an idea to set-up Kat and Patrick, so that she herself would get her own happy ending? 

My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

Starring: Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz and Dermot Mulroney

The typical love-story that will make you burst into tears, just like I did when I first watched it. Julianne (Julia Roberts) and her best friend Michael (Dermot Mulroney) made a pact in college that if neither of them were married by the time they were 28, they would marry each other. Unfortunately for Julianne, she received a phone call from Michael saying that he would marry his girlfriend Kim (Cameron Diaz) three weeks before Julianne turns 28. Realizing that she's deeply in love with him and that he's marrying the wrong woman for her, she plans to sabotage the wedding while playing the role of Kim's maid-of-honor. Will Michael and Julianne end up together, or will Julianne watch her best friend - and the only one she truly loves - walk down the aisle with another woman? (P.S. Bring tissues - lots of it!)

Serendipity (2001)

Starring: John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale

Serendipity is defined as "the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident", and this movie explains just that. Jonathan Trager (John Cusack) meets Sara Thomas (Kate Beckinsale) in New York while Christmas shopping, as they buy the same pair of cashmere gloves at Bloomingdale's. They felt a mutual attraction, and they ended up eating ice cream at Serendipity 3. After they exchanged their bittersweet goodbyes, they both realized that they left something at the shop. They went back, only to realize that they found each other again. Fate was their explanation for all of these circumstances, and this begins a string of events that will eventually lead them to each other in the end. This is one of those movies you would watch with your mom while eating a pint of ice cream!

Sixteen Candles (1984)

Starring: Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling and Anthony Michael Hall

Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald) is an awkward high school student, and it's her birthday. Coincidentally, it's her sister's wedding after her birthday, and everyone - including her grandparents - forgets all about it. As she tries to cope with her suffering, some nerd (Anthony Michael Hall) tries to buy her attention as she craves for the popular hunk Jake (Michael Schoeffling). Watch Samantha as she tries to find the true meaning of high school. With events like the traditional school dance, cliche characters like a prom queen or a Japanese exchange student, and the all too familiar party scene that will change every teenager's life, this movie will make you want to hold on to the bittersweet age that is high school.

Snuggle up and get ready for a movie marathon you'd want to have over and over!