Category Archives: Art

L.A. the Blog: Local Band ‘Gangi’ Exploring the Frontier Of Electronica

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Not too long ago during a free show at the Bootleg Theater, L.A. the Blog came across local musicians Matt Gangi and Eric Chramosta, who play together as the band Gangi packing the stage area and filling the dark space with solid sounds in a live show that deserves respect.  Taking electronic music’s signature downbeats and electro-acid fills combined with some impressive live drumming by Eric, and psychedelic guitar, vocals and keyboards by Matt, the duo impressively drew all the technical elements together into a performance well worth experiencing.

Most reminiscent of the pysch-pop sounds of bands like Phantogram and more experimental psychedelic bands such as Animal Collective, Gangi finds a nice middle where they incorporate less of a pop sound, keeping the heavy and fast drums and/or guitar of rock’ n’ roll, while not falling into experimental limbo with enough hard electronic rhythms tempered by the psychedelic lyrics and keyboard to create songs that kept the crowd gasping for more.

Besides the great music at the show, L.A. the Blog was even more impressed watching them put the songs together.  Whether it was Eric pounding out the electronic bass lines on drum pads to loop during his own drum solos, or Matt switching from keyboard to guitar while providing the electro-acid background noise through any numerous distortion and frequency devices, their energy held the show together.

We shot some video with our trusty mobile device, and are happy to share.  So you don’t judge them by our crappy video, below also find a music video that the band posted to their own site gangimusic.com.  You can also find them on facebook and myspace!

If you get a chance head down to the Sunset Junction 2012 Jubilee on Sunday, May 27th, and catch them at El Cid for a show at 5 p.m.  You can also check their band page for other upcoming shows.  Well worth your time.

Gangi live Bootleg Theater – L.A. the Blog

L.A. the Blog: Salutes Poet Kirsten Broughton

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In the pursuit of making this blog more than fire jumpers and television stars we pay tribute to Kirsten Broughton, poet and literary savant who befriended L.A. the Blog recently, debating literary genres, writers and periods for hours at a time.  Just published in Inscape 2012 literary magazine at Pasadena City College for her poem “Holy Bird,” we say congratulations Kirsten!  May your poetry find its way into many more hearts as it has our own.  Without further ado we are publishing in entirety her poem:

Birds
“Holy Birds”
by Kirsten Broughton

——-

Forgive me Mother, for I was a baby.
Turned in your grip when we lowered
Down, my white dress bunched up. Priest
Poured holy water on my forehead.
Forgive me Mother; I am not sure it seeped in.

Forgive me Brother, for I was frightened.
We anticipated with open palms, our childish
Hunger still quenchable. Filled to the brim you always
Trusted. My cup half empty left me wanting.
Forgive me Brother, for taking more than my share.

Forgive me Sister, for I was not confident.
My burning eyes seek perfect sister skin. A teenage
Girl does not know: it is not killer looks singeing
Holes. It’s me, sizzled down to my jealous bones.
Forgive me Sister, I confess but I won’t let go.

Forgive me Grandmother, for I was foolish.
Kicking and screaming I knew more. Maternal
Pressure pushed me through, a tightly locked
Invisible door. A broken window is just a small price,
Forgive me Grandmother, for I am still not wise.

Forgive me Lover, for I have been hurt.
Because of you, I have come to know warmth. Yet,
Internal furnace could not burn; doubtful whispers
Floating up; “my lifetime bound in matrimony?”
Forgive me Lover, for I am claustrophobic

Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. And
I still have the same question, “Does He hear my
Every thought?” Your answer has always been the
Same, “Words will scream but a silent smile saves.”
Forgive me Father, for I am desperate to be heard.

Forgive me Earth, for I am resisting death.
No Holy Oils could stretch my time. No
Anointing could relieve, the eternal wood
Box confine, that endless soil’s about to bring
So, when this borrowed body must return,
Forgive me Earth, I want to come back as a bird.

—–

UPDATE:  If you are interested in more of Kirsten’s work and her art please visit here where you can find her musings, thoughts, reflections and favorite poets.

L.A. the Blog: Catching up with Project Runway-fame Viktor Luna at PAR-LA

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Viktor Luna and friends

May 12, 2012 – (Left to Right) Joshua Christensen, Viktor Luna and their friend Josh pose together for a photograph inside the clothing store PAR-LA during an intimate fashion celebration showcasing some of Viktor’s and Joshua’s latest designs.

If anything our friend Viktor Luna has been busy these last few years since we last saw him in 2010 putting on DIY fashion shows in Manhattan during NYC Fashion Week.  For starters Project Runway Season 9 saw him as a finalist in the last episode of the season designing neck-to-neck with the season’s winner.

That was so 2011 though, what about this year?  A trip to Mexico City to start, where he headlined a fashion event with his own show.  Speaking engagements at various schools and universities within the United States.  The 2012 Project Runway RTW Collection show during this years NYC Fashion Week, where his work from the show was featured.  A visit to the L.A. Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising campus with fellow Runway star Joshua Christensen (seen above with Viktor).

And most recently in West Hollywood at the clothing store PAR-LA for a Spring / Summer exclusive release of his clothing.  Not to be outdone in the least Viktor surprised with graphic print shorts and t-shirts that foretell a warm summer awaiting us in beautiful, sunny Los Angeles.

Viktor Luna shorts

Viktor Luna designed shorts with graphic print design, can you recognize the print?

This classic knee-length and slim fit short combined with the bright colors will make any summer pool party or BBq bash hipper then the next hipster going with their standard cut-off jean shorts, or Hawaiian floral print.

Can you tell what the design is?  We will let you guess on the featured image to the left, but we will tell you that one print is of a chandelier in Grand Central Station, of course the graphic design is manipulated making each piece of the collection fabulous.

Combined with the shorts you can find graphic print t-shirts and Viktor’s signature bow ties to match, along with another Viktor Luna t-shirt simple with his label design on black.  The last for those withing to remain out of the spotlight.

L.A. the blog would also like to compliment Joshua Christensen on his wonderful contribution to the event.  Most notably Joshua’s work with leather makes a perfect match for any cold nights left this Spring.

Joshua Christensen jacket

Jacket by Joshua Christensen

Joshua is a graduate from FIDM in their advanced degree program and was also a contestant on Project Runway.  We got the low-down on Joshua from the cougar at Left Coast Fashion, and you can see some of his work from his recent FIDM show during L.A. Fashion Week here.  We salute Joshua as an L.A. designer with an eye for what’s classy.  At PAR-LA he is predicting a hot summer too with a collection of light materials making up shorts, shirts and for those lazy Sundays and Yoga classes – sweat suits.

We wish Viktor and Joshua the best and we loved the clothing.  We are hoping that next time we will get a gift certificate when we show up at the event so we can walk off with some fancy items from both their collections.

PAR-LA is located at 8250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046.  Does PAR remind anyone else of golf, this writer loves golf so maybe it is just me …  Check some photos of the shop and more photos of Viktor’s and Joshua’s work below.

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