Homeworkhomeworkhomework. I’ve got lots of it but for the past few hours ended up dicking around downloading patterns, brushes, and gradients for Photoshop… Although, I don’t feel like it has been a complete waste of time, considering some of these will help me do some future homeworks. In the end, I suppose it has been procrastination… Oh well, time to get to work now I suppose.
I’ve been working on a Typography assignment. My inspiration? Non-Format. Never heard of these guys? Well, two words: 1)BAD 2)ASS. They do the coolest work. Well, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself here. For those of you who have had your head in the sand: Non-Format is a company run by two dudes, Kjell Ekhorn (Norwegian) and Jon Forss (British), who have worked together since the year 2000. They have done a range of projects ranging from art direction all the way down to fashion and yes, even typography. You’ve probably seen their work in The Wire, that music magazine, as they have art directed it in the day. They are basically just really, really, really good graphic designers, in my opinion. Don’t take my word though, see for yourself and check out their site that I linked above.
So, I’ve had the visual inspiration for this assignment, and you can bet your asses that I’ve also had the musical inspiration. What have I been listening to inorder to design some kickass posters? None other than Mr. Etienne de Crécy. I’ve taken the liberty of uploading my favourite tune of his (that has been getting replayed over and over while I’ve been working on these posters), ‘Fast Track,’ aswell as a live version he did where he mashes that tune up with Camille’s ‘Someone Like You’ and Simian Mobile Disco’s ‘Never Be Alone.’ Amazing stuff. Also check out the video that I put up, which features ‘Fast Track’ and the amazing live set de Crécy toured around with (props to Alfie for originally showing me this, this set would make Daft Punk proud). SO COOL!
So, my education over here started last Monday. One week has flown by and I’ve already learnt more than I expected to. On Friday I had a Typography class. When I first glanced over my schedule I was surprised to see a whole class devoted to Typography… I thought to myself, “how can we spend hours talking about fonts?” I’ve seen some pretty stellar Typographic work in my day, but didn’t know very much about the craft itself. Well, let me tell you, Typography is a fuckin’ science. And a complicated one at that! Contrast, Space, Harmony, Typeface, Typefamilies, Ligatures, Dichotics, OSFs, Leading, Kerning, PICA, 12x14.4/28, an em, and so on and so forth. No idea what I’m talking about? Neither do I (I’m working on it, okay!). I’m sure if there are any Typographers reading this they are probably laughing their asses off. Shit’s whack I tell you, hah. Don’t get me wrong though, Typography is interesting as hell and I encourage anyone intrigued with the ‘science’ to look into it.
As an introduction to Typography we watched a documentary called “Helvetica,” which dealt with the world-renown typefamily: Helvetica. It has always been my favourite font, there’s something so ‘perfect’ about it. It’s sexy, modern, and clean. I love it. The film interviews many who hold the same opinion and some who don’t. But it also explores Typography, as an art, a profession, and much more. It was a fantastic watch, I recommend it to anyone, whether you’re interested in design, typography, or are just looking for a great movie to watch. Viva la Helvetica!
All these classes has meant lots of homework, which subsequently means lots listening to music while I work! So, have I ever got a sick bunch of tunes for you all this time around. Slower songs first: I came across this tune “Beaman Park” by Collarbones. Haven’t heard of the artist before, but it reminds me of Toro Y Moi or Washed Out, has ‘glo-fi’ written all over it. Also uploaded that remix by Jens Lekman of Au Revoir Simone’s “Shadows.” Amazing song, download it.
Now onto the more ‘dancier’ beats here: “Oh No!” remixed by Grum. Awesome, it’s like some sort of 80’s dance tune featuring that great voice of Marina and the Diamonds. Oh no? Oh Yeah! I’ve uploaded a remix of Housse De Racket’s “Oh Yeah!” I love this song and the french lyrics that seem to drive it, Housse De Racket are a solid act. New Soulwax!!! Well, at least a remix… Not the greatest but I was honestly relieved to hear that signature ‘Soulwax sound’ once again. One of my favourite uploads this time is a Two Door Cinema Club remix of “What You Know” by Cassian. Two awesome acts collide to create a badass little tune, you must check it out. I also uploaded another remix of the same song, by LightsoverLA. I kind of prefer this remix more, they left that awesome guitar track as the main focus and it really does it for me. Have a listen for yourself and decide which you prefer on your own. New Shinichi Osawa album dropped at the end of June, titled SO2. Here’s my favourite from it (so far). True Shinichi fashion, if you’re a fan you’ll love this. Another favourite of mine lately is called “Bliss” by a new guy on the scene, Mix Chopin. Apparently he’s from Toronto, so nothing but love for this guy, he’s already making a fellow Torontonian proud (plus he’s using the name of my favourite classical artist– man after my own heart). “Bliss” has a fat bass line going ontop of a really funky beat driven song, it’s a must download, it has received many a-repeats. Last, but certaintly not least, is a remix of the Foals’ song “Miami” by Tim Fuchs featuring Flight Facilities. Flight Facilities have been superb lately, and this song is no different. When it gets to the half way point the song goes all piano driven (Flight Facilities influence, no doubt), certainly eargasmic material. But enough of my rambling– download the tunes and listen to them yourself.. Enjoy!
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