If Lady Gaga doesn’t do it for you, and if Justin Bieber makes you want to bury your head in the sand … if you’re looking for good, real music thats being made right in your backyard rather than rolling off the American Idol assembly line, check out The Roncey Boys (from the Roncesvalles area), ’cause they’re about as anti-pop as it gets. This “ragtime-dandy-piano-rock” musical act features Christian Aldo on vocals and Colin Edgley on piano. And that’s it. That’s all. Just two guys singing and playing their hearts out. There’s nothing fake or overblown here and their songs are sure to put a smile on your face.

They’ve been appearing around town at places like the Cloak & Dagger and The Press Club, and they’re building a devoted following. Right now the recordings are pretty, well, basic – integral to the appeal yes – but who knows what can happen down the road? It should be very interesting. (Someone should sign these guys if they’re not signed already – and fast.) So visit them on MySpace and have a listen. Or listen to these. If you like what you hear let ‘em know and keep your eyes peeled for shows in Now and Eye.

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Free Man

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Fun-loving Guy

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I'll Be There

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So Long

The Roncey Boys at McCready Studios

It’s not interactive.  No real time.  Doesn’t rely on UGC.  Nor is it for the faint of heart.  This is old school storytelling at it’s finest. MIA’s new video for her Born Free track is a highly charged, shocking exploration of ethnic cleansing, as seen through the systematic gathering and murdering of “Gingers.” A difficult piece of film to watch (Sudan/Congo/Iran/Rwanda anyone?) but another mighty example of storytelling through film by Romain-Gavras. Put on your headphones, crank the volume and watch it full screen.

Born Free..."Boo"

Today I was reminded just how good this opening sequence is. Skateboarding is awesome and is truly one of the places to find directors and filmers pushing the boundaries of what athletes and artists can do when they work together to make something magical.

Next time you need to be inspired, check a skateboarding video. Another highlight below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5T3x3c97Fk

I know that some people might frown on ones ability to play a plastic representation of an instrument as opposed to actually learning to play a guitar. But if you have yet to experience Rockband in a casual setting with a bunch of friends, some crispy salty snacks and some good drinks. Then you are totally missing out on an experience that has changed the way we interact with each other in our living rooms.

Last month after many years in the making the Fab Four made their way to your PS3′s, your 360′s and Wii’s. This triumphant game, an extension of the hugely successful Rockband franchise was not only one of the most eagerly anticipated/rumored game to come out in this genre, but it upped the ante in what people can expect when a bands legacy and a music game clash together.

If you haven’t had the chance to play a music based rhythm game on a console I suggest that you start with the Beatles Rockband, their songs should be familiar with just about everybody. A timeless band that for generations moving forward will look back on and appreciate for both their musical genius and their transformation over their career.

Below I encourage you to click on a link that will take you to an article about the art that is in this game. The bar has been set quite high and the visuals are both stunning and emotionally moving, just the games intro alone is a masterpiece. When I showed this new version of the game to some friends I insisted all of them (with the controller firmly in my grasp) that they “needed” to watch the intro. Not one person was disappointed in my decision.

Enjoy

Everything but the Game: the Art and Motion of The Beatles: Rock Band

Tks to Julie Lemonde

Take 3 minutes to lift your energy up big time!

The Black Eyed Peas perform a special live version of “I Gotta Feeling” for Oprah while a flash mob of synchronized dancers groove on Michigan Avenue downtown Chicago, IL USA. The performance was at Oprah’s 24th Season Kickoff Party on September 8, 2009.

Following on from their Whale Song commercial, Optus have created a site that allows you to use your keyboard to create your very own aquatic symphony. Check it out here.

In Bb 2.0 is a collaborative music and spoken word project conceived by Darren Solomon from Science for Girls, and developed with contributions from users.

The videos can be played simultaneously — the soundtracks will work together, and the mix can be adjusted with the individual volume sliders.
Bb2.0

Devo – The Day My Baby Gave Me a Surprise TV Performance

Interesting case presented at the Cannes Lions – Special thanks to Stephane for the digital spotting !

This bank as decided to launch a campaign that would support emerging young bands with an “In Banner Concert” streaming live performances. Musicians had to performed in little recording studios matching the size of the banners.

View the Axion Banner Concerts Cyber Case