Strictly Fitteds to me, is the authority of fitted cap news.  So to see a milestone where the online brand is releasing their very own fitted cap is very blog-worthy.  The online mag has teamed up with the well respected, ELM Company for this project which consists of two fitted caps.  The pack consists of a black classic wool blend and a canvas upper with suede brim fitted.  Although colorway may be at a minimal, I love the “SF” logo embroidery and ribbon hit on the back.  The Strictly Fitteds and ELM Company fitteds should be available late November.

Image Source: Strictly Fitteds

Torrential rain has arrived and is here to stay until at least April, so I’m always lookin’ up new ways to make venturing out into the rain a little less painful and a little more fashionable. This Vivienne Westwood + Melissa collaboration is one of the very best galoshes I’ve seen in a hot minute.

Westwood, one of Britain’s most influencial designers, introduced her avant-garde, Euro punk style to Australian footwear line, Melissa, best known for their grown-up jelly shoes, starting in 2008. Today, their partnership is still going strong, and this lilac colored, bow bootie is straight from their Spring/Summer 10 collection. The boot is made of 100% PVC, features an almond toe and slight heel, and hits just above the ankle. The black PVC bow on front definitely adds a cartoon-ish, feminine twist to your basic rain boot.

The boots are for cool and quirky ladies who aren’t afraid to  turn heads while they slosh through rain puddles. Liven up a pair of dark denim skinnies or basic leggings and an oversized, nubbly sweater for a causal, cozy weekend look. Don’t be afraid to rock these during business hours either. Where them over opaque black nylons and a short skirt or dress when walking around outside and save your precious pumps for the office.

The boots retail for approximately $125 and are sold HERE.

STV SLV and ABX, better known as The Hood Internet, recently compiled their fourth mixtape.  Given any opportunity, Killahbeez gladly promotes and supports The Hood Internet.  Check out the stream below and download the continual mix here.  Or for those in need of the individual tracks, here is the mediafire link.

On a side note, I commend the duo for collaborating with fellow Chicago artists.  In the past, The Hood Internet have linked up with Chuck Anderson of NO PATTERN. The fourth volume mixtape’s cover art is courtesy of Karen Tisel.

The Mixtape Volume Four:
1. Intro
2. David Banner vs Fujiya & Miyagi - Get Like Pterodactyls
3. The Beastie Boys vs Matt And Kim – Good Ol’ Fashion Rump Shaker
4. Kanye West vs Cage & Aviary – Touch The Television
5. Lil Wayne (feat. Babyface) vs Royksopp – Comfortable Up Here
6. Passion Pit vs Juvenile – Back That Sleepyhead Up
7. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince vs Daft Punk – Summer Circuit
8. Public Enemy vs HEALTH vs Nosaj Thing – Bring The Tabloid Sores
9. AZ (feat. Ghostface) vs The Golden Filter – Solid Gold From New York
10. Modest Mouse vs Kanye West – Floating Paranoia
11. Clipse vs Yuksek – Kinda Like A Big Break
12. Weezer vs Glass Candy – Buddy Holly’s Imagination
13. Bangers & Cash vs Bag Raiders – Bang Raiders
14. Amanda Blank vs VEGA – No Reasons To Like You Better
15. Michael Jackson vs Ratatat – Billie “Wildcat” Jean
16. Kid Sister (feat. Pitbull) vs Phonat – Free Control Ocho
17. Twista (feat. Erika Shevon) vs Boys Noize – Wetter And Jeffer
18. Flo Rida (feat. Ke$ha) vs MSTRKRFT – 1000 Times Right Round
19. R. Kelly (feat. Keri Hilson) vs Sally Shapiro – Number One Christmas
20. Drake vs The Rapture – Best Jealous Lover I Ever Had
21. Bon Iver vs Friendly Fires vs Aeroplane – Lump Sum Of Paris
22. Jeremih vs Handsome Furs – Birthday Furs
23. Yung LA vs Solid Gold – Who Ain’t I Gonna Run To?
24. Major Lazer (feat. Santigold) vs Dirty Projectors – Hold The Stillness
25. Dead Prez vs Grizzly Bear – Two Weeks Of Hip Hop
26. Soulja Boy vs Joe Jackson – Swaggin’ Out
27. OJ Da Juiceman (feat. Gucci Mane) vs Discovery – Make The Loop Aye
28. Glasses Malone vs Chromatics – A Moment To Remember Haterz
29. Paper Route Gangstaz vs Animal Collective – Animals Collecting Money
30. B-Hamp vs Little Boots – Ricky Bobby Boots
31. Ghostface Killah vs Beirut – Save Me Concubine
32. Keri Hilson vs The Glitch Mob/TVOTR – Red Dress Turnin Me On
33. Dorrough vs Bibio – Fire Ant Paint Job
34. Outro

Source: The Hood Internet

Patterns like plaid, tweed herringbone and houndstooth give so much personality to clothing.  So upon seeing Bodega’s glen check tweed 59Fifty, its a no brainer that I need this fitted immediately.  The pattern is complemented with a two tone ‘B’ logo in blue and white.  Finally,  more embroidery can be seen on the back in the form of Bodega’s logo in blue.  For those interested, Bodega’s Glen Check Tweed fitted is available both online and in store now.

Image Source: Strictly Fitteds via Bodega

Hellz Bellz is bringin’ the holly jolly to the 2009 holiday season with their winter collection “Cult Classic.” The line, which was partly inspired by the fim “The Heathers,” is full of attitude-driven pieces in rich jewel tones.

Hellz Bellz took flight in 2005 when Lanie and Bam began collaborating on pieces in New York. The line is all about strong and sassy streetwear for ladies, creating season-less pieces that make a woman feel empowered and sexy.

“Cult Classic,” no less, takes the same approach. The line is meant to bring out a sense of mischievousness through dark city denim, fair isle and plaid prints, tuxedo jackets and satin minis, and a stand-out piece of outwear that feels like a cross between a leather jacket and peacoat.

My personal favorites are probably the mini tuxedo jacket and fair isle-print tights. The tuxedo jacket is a perfect way to dress up denim in the evening or smarten up a frilly holiday dress. The cropped length of the jacket won’t crowd any outfit and the 3/4 length sleeves are a great way to show off statement accessories. The fair isle-print tights are a unique way of adding winter flair to dresses and minis throughout the season – keepin’ things fun while keepin’ your legs nice and toasty!

Check out all the pieces in the collection below:

Which pieces will you be coppin’ for the holiday season?

Curating Mixtape Mondays is not always an easy task.  With random submissions and an ongoing hunt, the filtering process still leaves me scratching my head.  Thanks to Stoney Roads, I came across Slicker Cities who hails from Sydney, Australia.  Check out his well executed Grand Theft Auto meets Valerie Collective inspired mix below and download it here.

Track List
Miguel Campbell – Can’t Get Enough
Fred Falke – Crystal City
E-The-Hot – The Chicks
City Life – San Francisco feat. DD (Fred Falke Remix)
Kris Menace – Live & Direct
Geyster – Under The Fuse of Love (Lifelike Remix)
DVAS – Forever (Just Faust Remix)
College – Teenage Color (Anoraak Remix)
Xinobi – Day Off
Loose Shus – Total Fix
Futurecop! – As Seen On TV
Amy Holland – She’s On Fire

Back in October we had the chance to catch up with BURNS. His plan for the o-nine, releasing four EPs (3 of 4 so far have been released, Disko, Teknique and Turbo) and oh let’s not forget that massive tour he’s currently on with Deadmau5. All in between this, he’s done remixes for Gossip, Passion Pit, Calvin Harris, Empire of the Sun and…well I could go on and on, check the interview and on Tuesday we’re giving away a pair of tickets to the upcoming Deadmau5 / BURNS show on November 23rd in Washington, DC.

Killahbeez: Your going on tour with Deadmau5 that will see you going all over North America, what can fans (new and old) expect to hear from you when you hit the stage with your set?

BURNS: I’ll be DJing so it will just be a mixture of the music I’m in to and my own stuff…

KB: Your sound has a hard electro almost techno feel to it, but at times you can hear disco melodies intertwined on your tracks, how would you describe your sound? And what inspires it?

BURNS: Everything inspires it, I just do whatever I feel like at the time which I think keeps it quite diverse. It depends on what mood I’m in. What is exciting is that people assume that the songs I’ve released this year are going to be on the album and that this is my “sound”, however the album sounds quite different to what’s out at the moment so its going to be really interesting to see what the reaction is when the album singles start coming out next year…

KB: So ya you have the three EPs so far, Disko 12”, Turbo EP and Teknique EP. Will there be a full-length release for this year?

BURNS: Nope, I’m not rushing things at all, there will be one more EP release in the series 1-4 which will be out late this year or maybe early next year then there will be a few singles prior to the album release which I’m planning for summer next year…

KB: Speaking of Teknique, on that EP you had the legendary Fred Falke remix your song ‘First Move’. How did that opportunity come about?

BURNS: Me and Fred had been talking for a while about maybe working on something together so when the EP was finished I just asked him on the off chance whether he’d be interested in doing a mix on ‘First Move’ and he said yes, Hopefully we will get the opportunity to work together properly in the future.

KB: You’ve done a slew of remixes for artists such as Empire of the Sun, Calvin Harris, Gossip etc. When you head into a production, is there a mind frame you try to take on for each song?

BURNS: Not really, I just listen to the original song and try to decide what my favourite part is then I build my own song around it. I guess most of the time I try to see things from a club perspective but if the artist has no preference on what they want then I like to be free and just see where it takes me.

KB: Is there a remix of yours that stands out most? One that gave you felt you got right away?

BURNS: Erm… I dont know!? I’m really my biggest critic so I always feel afterwards that I could have made it better if I’d have changed this or that? I had a good feeling about the Gossip remix when I finished that and also a remix I did for Jack Splash and Missy Elliot which isn’t out yet…

KB: Sticking to remixes, I read on your twitter account that you’re remixing a Ladyhawke track, how’s that coming along and are you able to say what track it is?

BURNS: It is finished now, Its for the track “Magic” I’m really happy with it, although again people will maybe be surprised by the route I went down with it..

KB: Any other collaborations coming up that are planned?

BURNS: I’m working with a few artists and producing for someone’s album, I’m not allowed to name any names yet but I’m very excited about it…

KB: What are your top five tracks that you incorporate into your set most of the time?

BURNS: I never play the same set more than once and I never plan a set, it always depends on the type of crowd I’m playing to. I guess if I had to name five tracks I enjoy playing out it would be:

PUZIQUe “Don’t Go”
Siriusmo “High Together”
Jape “Floating” Dim Remix
Hudson Mohawke “Overnight”
Major Lazer “Pon De Floor”

KB: What’s next for you, asides from this massive upcoming tour?

BURNS: Just getting the album finished, hopefully I can have it done by the end of the year so I can get the live show prepared…

Find BURNS on
MySpace: www.myspace.com/thisisburns
Twitter: twitter.com/thisisburns

Here’s a fitted that combines two of my favorite things, plaid and Kidrobot’s Dunny silhouette.  Partially playful, this 59fifty features an all over Kidrobot print on the underbill and a large embroidery of a Dunny.  The inside of the embroidery is filled in with a plaid texture with colors seen throughout the entire cap.  The cap is available now at all Kidrobot locations and online.

Image Source: Amazingstore

Review by: Alicia
Photos by: David Thai

I’m not really sure where to start because Metric has left me pretty blown away. They played their last show of their Canadian tour at the exquisite Orpheum theatre in Vancouver last night, to a crowd that was eager to soak up some pretty awesome Canadian talent.

Opening for Metric was Zeus. They were alright. To be honest, it seemed like they were just wanting to get through their set. Mind you, I don’t blame them. It must be tough being an opener when you see an ocean of empty seats infront of you and you know those seats are empty because everyone’s outside having a drink, waiting for the headliners to hit the stage. Nonetheless, they did have some decent songs, their best being ”That’s All” (too bad it’s a cover song – original by Genesis). As soon as Zeus strummed their last note and said thanks and goodbye, a mob of youngins flew to the stage to get good spots for Metric only to have security kibosh their front row dreams seconds later by sending them all back to their seats. Ha!

Metric took to the stage and instantaneously blew everyone away. Not only was Emily Haines wearing a short, backless, gold sequined number, her voice was…angelic. Yeah, I just called it that. I had never heard Metric live and I was pleasantly surprised. They started with “Twilight Galaxy” and played against a background of flying stars. Like I said, angelic.

They had a simple stage but really cool backgrounds. The screen was split into four sections, one camera on each bandmate, and used what looked like a thermal filter/camera. They also had light bulbs dangling from the light rafters to match their Fantasies album cover.

At one point in the set Haines yelled, “You gotta fight, for your right, to paaaaaarty”…obviously the crowd ate that up. She also said something along the lines of how it’s time for the A.D.D myspace generation to produce another band like Led Zeppelin and that “it’s not about romanticizing the past but acknowledging what sucks from the present.” The band then broke into ” Gimme Sympathy” which got the already wired crowd jumping and moshing (well as much as you can mosh in the Orpheum).

Best tracks of the night were “Help I’m Alive”, “Gold Gun Girls”, “Stadium Love”, and her acoustic version of “Combat Baby” which she devoted to another music artist and friend of the band, Torquil Campbell, and which could have easily brought anyone to tears: it was beautiful.

The only problem of the night was Haines’ hair. Honestly, I get it’s wispy and there’s only so much you can do with it, but please, tie it up and show us your gorgeous face. And although it was cool that she was headbanging, her hair wasn’t so cool after the headbanging. I also didn’t realize that Haines was so spastic. Her spastic movements don’t match her smooth, seductive voice.

Despite her stage antics, Haines and the rest of Metric were incredible. Not only would I argue that Fantasies is one of 2009’s best albums, I think Metric is one of the best bands I’ve seen live.

Huge thanks goes to Metric and their PR dude Myles. We loves y’all.

Carin Wester is all about smart, architectural design. The Swedish designer creates both mens and womens collections that are playful yet sharp. This season’s must-have footwear, the Klea Ankle Boot, is perhaps the epitome of her design aesthetic.

After graduating from Beckman’s School of Design in 1998, Wester designed for Paul & Friends for eight seasons before dropping her eponymous collection in 2003. Since then, Carin Wester won Elle magazine’s Newcomer of the Year award in 2004 and was nominated for Designer of the Year just one year later. Today, Wester runs both the womens line (Carin Wester), the mens line (Wester) and a limited and handmade line (W). Her designers are sold all over the world, including France, Japan, Canada and the U.S.

I am enamored with the Klea Ankle Boot. The buttery soft leather is molded to a sharp point and the 4″ platform heel gives the boots a decidedly retro and modern feel. To top it off, the ankles are cinched with not one, but two sturdy, motorcycle buckles topped with shiny silver hardwear. However, for ultra comfort, the boots are lined throughout with soft shearling.

These boots are the perfect footwear for fall/winter as they can be paired up with just about anything and can be worn at any occasion. Toughen up a feminine dress with a pair of black or colorful opaque tights, leather bomber jacket and Klea Ankle Boot. Or, keep things casual and play up your tomboy side by slipping into a pair of acid-wash denim, chunky boyfriend sweater and these boots, once again.

While dropping approximately $450 on a pair of ankle boots may seem like a steep price to pay, these Klea Ankle Boots will have you towering above the rest throughout the season.

Buy it HERE.

Early last month we decided to compile some of the more popular downloads from the Afternoon Jams segment here on Killahbeez and present that in the form of a mix, that first mix can be downloaded here. Well we had overwhelming response on that first joint that you know we had to come back and do it again. This is dedicated to all of you, the readers, who have supported the site by tweeting/re-tweeting our links, commenting on our articles and letting your friends know about our site. We do this for the love, cus as our team knows, it definitely ain’t for the money. Though if you do want to help support us, which we would more than appreciate, then we have stickers for sale that you can purchase here.

So without further ado, Killahbeez.com Presents Boner Jams Vol. 2.

Download: Killahbeez.com Boner Jams Vol. 2 | Click on link, it will re-direct you.

Tracklist

Baxter “Proof” Lifelike Remix
Ali Love “Diminshing Returns”
Beyonce “Broken-Hearted” Alan Braxe Dub
Two Door Cinema “I Can Talk” French Horn Rebellion Remix
The Sounds “No One Sleeps When I’m Awake” Viking Remix
Chromeo “Night by Night” Skream Remix
Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Heads Will Roll” Tommie Sunshine’s Brooklyn Fire Re-Touch
Miami Horror “Sometimes”
Pnau ft. Ladyhawke “Embrace” Tits & Clits Remix
Little Boots “Earthquake” Treasure Fingers Remix
Fever Ray “Seven” The Twelves Remix
The xx “Shelter” Them Jeans Drums Edit
Simple Minds “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” Pacific! Remix

Much like anyone’s first visit to Flight Club, this Christmas colorway fitted will have you doing a thorough investigation.  I can’t stress enough how much I love thick embroidery on fitted caps.  The above Mitchell & Ness fitted features embroidery of the Brooklyn Bridge along the sides, a Mitchell & Ness logo on the back among a few other additions.  Further evidence of the collabo effort can be seen under the bill  with “Flight Club” embroidery.  The Flight Club x Mitchell & Ness fitted cap is available now online and at the individual shops.

Image Source: STRICTLY FITTEDS via FLIGHT CLUB

Well…the show started with a bang. Whether the bang was from opener Foxy Shazam’s sudden first song or  the doors being blown off the travelling (freak show) circus tent, I’m not sure. What I do know is that you should  lock your doors and hide under your bed. Seriously.

It’s not that I didn’t like opening band Foxy Shazam, they’re just insane. They’re good performers but their music is just…meh. The entire time they were on stage I felt like I was watching a Baz Luhrmann movie about a travelling circus. Lead singer Eric Sean Nally, sporting rubber gloves, started the night off by saying, “if the lord picked this building up and turned it sideways, I’d hold onto that pole right over there…” and then…BANG. Madness ensued.

The stage was alive with the blur of shaggy hair. Although they were slightly frightening, they were definetly an energetic bunch. Keyboardist Schuyler Vaughn White was doing some sort of freaky-eyed gorilla jig while trumpet master Alex Nauth was proudly showing off the rip down the ass of his jeans (thankfuly he was wearing boxers – it would have been so, so unfortunate had he not been).

I think the best part of Foxy Shazam’s set were the one-liners Eric sprouted before or after each song. Some of the best were:

“Keep the flowers, the only way to my heart is with an axe,”

“I need love and Christmas presents,” and his sign off at the end of the set,

“Sometimes I wish I had a mirror on stage so that I could look at myself when I sing.”

After the crowd had some time to get over the opening act escapade, The Sounds hit the stage, sans leading lady, playing a short one minute, rock ballad. Out of nowhere a petite little firebolt clad in those faux leather looking tights, hot hot heels, a retro bomber jacket, Mr.T chains, and Charlie’s Angels wind-blown hair,  took the stage for what ended up being a rockin’ concert.

Lead singer Maja Ivarsson is incredible. Think Emily Haines from Metric meets Martina Sorbara from Dragonette, wearing a white t-shirt, drenched with Absolut Vodka. The woman has spunk, and let me tell you, she cusses more than a sailor. She also made sure to chain smoke on stage, climb all over whatever was on stage while in platform heels,  and crowd surf.  I’m pretty sure she also grinded up on one bouncer (happiest moment of his life) and made out with another (dont hold me to that, there were a lot of people in front of me). During “Night after Night” she asked everyone to sing along while waving their cellphones and lighters: I’ve never seen people whip out their phones so quickly. She had the crowed wrapped around her pinky.

The rest of the band was also pretty rad. The guitar riffs during “4 Songs and a Fight” were awesome and the bass during “Tony the Beat” was ridiculous.

Best songs of the night for me were “No One Sleeps”, “4 Songs and a Fight”, “Beatbox”, “Painted by Numbers”, “Tony the Beat”, and  ”Hope You’re Happy Now”.

Foxy Shazam’s Vancouver Set List:
Introducing
Wannabe Angel
Killin’ It
Bye Bye Symphony
Yes Yes Yes
Evil Thoughts
Rocketeer
Axe!!!

The Sounds’ Vancouver Set List:
Crossing the Rubicon
Queen of Apology
Seven Days a Week
No One Sleeps
Hurt You
Midnight Sun
Rock ‘n’ Roll
Night after Night
4 Songs and a Fight
My Lover
Beatbox
Dorchester Hotel
Painted by Numbers
Living in America
Ego
Encore:
Tony the Beat
Song with a Mission
Hope You’re Happy Now

Definitely check them out if they’re in your city, because as Maja kept saying, “You ain’t seen nothing yet bitches!”

Gallery: Foxy Shazam in Vancouver

Gallery: The Sounds in Vancouver

For those who just can’t get enough of what Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have to offer, feast your eyes on Olsenboye, the twins’ new line geared towards teens, exclusively at J.C. Penny department stores.

The line’s name is apparently a derivative of the Olsen’s ancestral name, and according to Women’s Wear Daily, the collection will include denim, bottoms, tops, dresses, skirts, shorts, jackets, handbags and shoes… So, uh, basically everything. Unlike M-K and A’s other lines, The Row and Elizabeth and James, which sells at upscale stores, Olsenboye will be priced between $20-$50 and include womens sizes 0-15.

According to WWD, the Olsen twins approached J.C. Penny with their idea, hoping to extend their business portfolio and their Dualstar Entertainment brand (which has not only produced all of the twins’ videos but also been the driving force behind their successful fragrance and cosmetics line, geared towards tweens and teens).

Mary-Kate and Ashley, who were just recently inducted into the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America, add their name to a growing list of designer collaborations J.C. Penny has been doing, including Bisou Bisou, I [Heart] Ronson, Allen B., Oxford & Regent and Twelfth of Eleven.  A preview of the Olsenboye collection shows young, colorful casual pieces that are easy to mix and match.

Olsenboye drops in 50 J.C Penny stores across America starting November 6.

When I first saw the title of Gomma’s latest podcast end with “MEGAMIX“, I couldn’t help but think of ZYX Records.  Genre wise, the term was once associated within the likes of Italo disco, new wave and early 90’s techno.  In the essence of earlier megamixes, Manuel Kim of Gomma Records has selected 60 tracks and compressed it into 30 minutes electronica to electronica mash ups.  This podcast doesn’t have a tracklisting, but those of you with a good ear may hear elements of Felix Da Housecat’s Silver Screen, Holy Ghost!,  or Lifelike.  Enjoy.

Download the mix here.

Image Source: GOMMA

Band: Dead Man’s Bones, Ryan Gosling and Zach Shields
Date: Oct 24 2009
Photographer: David Thai
Production: Sealed With A Kiss
Location: Venue in Vancouver

I had the chance to chat with Martina Sorbara from Dragonette about her style, some of the bands memorable moments, and a bit about the band’s new album, Fixin’ To Thrill, and it’s upcoming tour. Fixin’ To Thrill is more of an emotional, real life sentiments album. Now, that doesn’t mean it’ll be full of heartfelt ballads. Dragonette has always produced body moving beats and their shows have been known to be dance-athons. Their single “Pick Up The Phone” and their collaboration “Boys & Girls” with Martin Sloveig have had me head bopping like Steve and Doug Butabi from A Night at the Roxbury. So expect to see a bit of the latter dance moves induced by awesome dance beats along with a kick of electronica and  even some rock ‘n’ roll elements during their upcoming tour.

I was pretty mesmerized by Martina’s addictive voice. Her voice has a certain “je ne sais quoi” spark. Although you won’t get to hear voice, hopefully you can imagine it as you read on to read what’s going on in the world of Dragonette.

Killahbeez: So what’s the road been like from the early days as The Fuzz to early Dragonette to now?

Martina: It went from being something for fun to pushing our own boundaries and now it feels like a really solid thing. I’ve learnt a lot about what we do and what I want to do. There was a huge learning curve. Dragonette, to me, has a much clearer picture of what it is and what we are.

KB: Do you think you’ve evolved musically?

Martina: I think we’ve evolved. I think we’ve discovered our sound a little more. One thing that has been consistent is that we’re sort of open to anything. We don’t have a limit. When we sit down in front of the computer to write a song, we don’t have any ideas of where the song is going to end.

I think that our sound has evolved a little bit in that I think I’ve gone far enough away from where we started musically 15 years ago. I’ve gone far away enough that we’ve been creeping back and taking little bits of the emotional side of what I used to do and bringing it into this pop world.

KB: Since you’re so open to letting your music go anywhere, does that mean your sources of inspiration are endless?

Martina: I think we can get ideas from everything. During this last album, I was listening to a lot of 70’s female artists, not the disco ones, I don’t even know what it’s called, but like Rickie Lee Jones , Joan Armatrading, and Phoebe Snow.  I don’t even know what carried over from them but for some reason during this whole album, the only thing I would want to listen to when I came up from the studio was these 70’s female artists.

KB: What’s your music writing process like?

Martina: Sometimes it starts with me and a sentiment and/or a word or I’ll sing a melody in my head and then I’ll try to relay that to Dan. But mostly it’s Dan being like, do you like the sound of this beat or this synthesis. Then if it works, I’ll see what it inspires for me and then we’ll record something and then hopefully it’ll inspire him to take it to the next step and so on and so forth.

KB: Any musical collaborations that you’d like to make happen?

Martina: I’m always up for collaborations. They’re totally terrifying. I think that I’m more terrified of writing for other people which we get asked to a lot but I don’t think I know how to do that. I don’t think I’m good at writing lyrics that aren’t directly related to my life. If someone sends me a track and asks if I want to sing on it, then I can take some ownership over the lyrics and it’s about me and this persons track and then it’s a collaboration, which is daunting in its own way but there is more liberty there.

KB: So no one in particular you’d love to work with?

Martina: So many people! Realistically?

KB: Anyone!

Martina: Hmmm…. David Bowie and Tom Waits and Frank Zappa if he was still alive. And Bjork. If Bjork was still writing pop songs I would like to work with her. And Prince. And Run DMC.

KB: And this list goes on and on….

Martina: Yeah…

KB: So how’s the tour prep going?

Martina: Well we’re just getting started and it’s going swimmingly!

KB: From all your previous tours, shows, etc., do you have a favourite place or memorable moment?

Martina: Yeah I think when we showed up in Chile and played a show in a country where our album hadn’t been released and having those people be excited and singing along at a totally energetic concert. Surprises like that are always highlights.

KB: Any interesting “rock star” moments or stories?

Martina: Hmm… We played in London once and between sound check and the show we got to go to this mini Paul McCartney concert he was doing for like a 1000 people, which for Paul McCartney, he might as well have been playing in your living room. Then we had to rush back and play our show and then after our show we rushed back to back to this really intimate, 60 people, party with Paul McCartney where we got to speak with him. I was thinking, oh my god what the hell are we doing here?!!

KB: That’s exciting! Spontaneity is fun!

Martina: It makes me feel like you can kind of just pretend like you belong!

KB: So on to some style, what inspired the short hair do?

Martina: I always wear it up. So I thought, well, why don’t I just cut it off? So my friend and I cut my hair in his living room. I think this hairstyle is our own invention. We’ve called it the “Militina”. It’s my Inglourious Basterds look. I’m digging it. It needs a bit of a touch up but it’s a work in progress.

KB: How would you describe your personal style?

Martina: Hmm…Lesbian Chic!

KB: Would you say your style has evolved a lot over the years?

Martina: I’ve always been a real tomboy but I do enjoy glamming it up. So I’ve been constantly searching for the hybrid of that.

KB: Any styles you wish you could pull off but just can’t?

Martina: Hmmm…

KB: Maybe your very versatile and look good in everything!

Martina: No…I always wish I could pull of the slouchy clothing that someone who’s really tall with small boobs can pull off. It’s the kind of look that only a tall, hot, generally blonde girl can pull off.  It’s the “I didn’t bother looking in the mirror this morning but I look incredible” look. When you’re 5”2 you have to work with different parameters.

KB: Do you find that you want or have to reinvent your look a lot given the industry you’re in?

Martina: Not a lot. I don’t generally think about reinvention ever but having a follow up album you kind of have to think about these things, like how do I want the visuals of this album to be different than the last.

KB: Do you think you’ll take a break after your new album and tour or get back to work right away?

Martina: I think if I can get disciplined enough, I would love to start mining my musical creative well for little tidbits. It’s hard to tour forever and then finish and feel like you have to do something right away. The more you have accumulated in the pockets of time that you have the better you’re off. Even if you don’t keep anything that you came up with during that time, at least you’ve had your mind on it and you don’t feel completely out of practice.

KB: It sounds like musicians are always on the go. Do you get a lot of down time or are you looking forward to a big vacation?

Martina: Because Dan and I are always in the same place because of work, it means that vacations can be very spontaneous. Neither of us has to fly to a significant other. We have a bit of time after our Barcelona show and it’s a place we both love to be. So we get to take a breather there. Then we’re going to be in Australia together. I think all it takes is the intensity of the tour to lift a bit and then we can make vacation wherever we decide to have a nice lunch.

KB: Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew when you first started?

Martina: I wish I knew that just because there’s a big label, it doesn’t mean that they know better than you.  I think that there was awhile when I thought, these people know what they’re doing because this is their business. Later I realized that this is my business too and I’m a professional at this as well. There were a lot of little decisions that I would have made if I had stopped to think that I have as good a take on this as this other person. I would have felt more in control.

KB: So to trust your gut a little more and do what feels right?

Martina: Yeah. I think I was excited to work with people who were “professionals” but it’s not like they know better, they have input, but they don’t know better.

KB: Well thanks so much for your time! Good luck on your tour and with your new album! I’m looking forward to your Vancouver show!

Martina: Thanks! We’ll see you out there!

Dragonette “Fixin’ To Thrill”

Dragonette “Pick Up The Phone”

Tonal fitteds have always been a good look.  Take for example the “Black Pack” from Mishka.  Coming from Fitted Hawaii, is a tonal black fitted with raised embroidery of Hawaii’s flag.  To further raise the bar, the cap itself is constructed of straw weave, which is more common in fedoras.  The inside is satin lined with Hawaii’s seal and a raised crest can be seen on the backside of the fitted.  Along with the release of this fitted is also a tshirt featuring the slogan, “Hawaii is the new black.”  Look out for this tshirt and fitted pack to drop on Saturday October 24th in store and online.

Image Source: FITTED HAWAII

If Blair Waldorf were to take a fabulous little trip down south to Venezuela, she would likely return to the Upper East Side with a trunk full of Oh!Nena accessories.

The Venezuelan head accessories label is run by three friends with funky taste: Daniela Ordonez, Andrea Moreno, and Valentina Alvarado. And their mantra is simple: create one-of-a-kind, decorative headpieces that celebrate femininity while bringing out the fun, playful side in every girl.

Every piece in Oh!Nena is named after a girl. There’s Dana, a strong, transparent headband with reflective silver arrows. Flavia, a tangled chain of hot orangy-pink braids. Irina, a black sequined beret. And Mercedes, a coquettish, feather and plaid, decorative cap, to name just a few. The designers claim that they were inspired to give each accessory a girl’s name after listening to musical group Boom Boom Clan.

What makes each of the pieces to die for is the ethereal, extravagant quality of the designs. Oh!Nena accessories are romantic and eye-catching and definitely a perfect way to bring any outfit to the next level.

Unfortunately, it seems that Oh!Nena might only be available in Venezuela for now, but you can browse through (and swoon at) all of the collections on their website until your next trip down south.

Check it out HERE.

Had it not been for Too Many Sebastians, I would not have come across DJ Astrolabe.  Other than his myspace front, theres really not any info on the Tokyo based dj and producer.  And I’m not certain if the Autumn mix is in support of any new release.  But personally, I’m going to enjoy this all day today in the office.  And if you’re like me, you’ll enjoy the random 80s gem by Cherrelle.  Or the classic track by 808 State (though I still favor Grooverider’s 1998 remix).  On a side note, having heard Lindstrom’s track  11 minutes into the mix, I was hoping to hear Simon Lord’s vocals.  But no dice on the Black Ghosts and Lindstrom collabo track.

Download the mix here.

0 . Opening
1. Didn’t Mean To Turn You On / Cherrelle
2. Catch Me (I’m Falling) / Pretty Poison
3. You Capper / The Emperor Machine
4. PACIFIC AIR RACE / AEROPLANE
5. I Feel Space / Lindstrom
6. Sha! Shtil! (L-Vis 1990 Remix) / Gucci Vump
7. Lush (Herve’s Tree and Leaf Remix) / Orbital
8. Pacific State / 808 State
9. Crusader (Radio Edit) / Knightlife
10. Drumming Song (Boy 8-Bit Remix) / Florence And The Machine
11. Jeffer / Boys Noize
12. Le Ratafia / Efdemin
13. Last Night, We Said Goodbye / Astrolabe

Image Source: Astrolabe