BLEND magazine
Blog
Featured
6 september 2010 - MUSIC
Belgian band Balthazar was formed in 2004 by a group of 18-year-old guys from the city of Kortrijk that wanted to make pop songs with influences of both rock and hiphop. After winning several national talent shows, the band released its first EP in 2006 and started performing on a regular basis.
After some changes in Balthazar’s line-up, the group of ambitious musicians really started developing a unique sound. Members Maarten Devoldere, Jinte Deprez, Patricia Vanneste, Simon Casier and Christophe Claeys became known for their performances at festivals such as Dour, Lowlands, Rock Werchter, London Calling and their showcase at Toronto’s Canadian Music Week.
This year Balthazar finally released its long-expected debut album Applause, produced by members Devoldere and Deprez and mixed in Norway by Ynge Leidulv Saetre (who worked with Kings of Convenience a.o.). This record presents a collection of eleven upbeat songs, displays several moods (Blues For Rosann is about serious heartache while This Is A Flirt tells a more pleasant tale). Our favorite is Hunger At The Door because of its powerful vocals, basslines and guitar riffs. Balthazar is scheduled to perform at Amsterdam’s Melkweg next October 6th.
Belgian band Balthazar was formed in 2004 by a group of 18-year-old guys from the city of Kortrijk that wanted to make pop songs with influences of both rock and hiphop. After winning several national talent shows, the band released its first EP in 2006 and started performing on a regular basis.
After some changes in Balthazar’s line-up, the group of ambitious musicians really started developing a unique sound. Members Maarten Devoldere, Jinte Deprez, Patricia Vanneste, Simon Casier and Christophe Claeys became known for their performances at festivals such as Dour, Lowlands, Rock Werchter, London Calling and their showcase at Toronto’s Canadian Music Week.
This year Balthazar finally released its long-expected debut album Applause, produced by members Devoldere and Deprez and mixed in Norway by Ynge Leidulv Saetre (who worked with Kings of Convenience a.o.). This record presents a collection of eleven upbeat songs, displays several moods (Blues For Rosann is about serious heartache while This Is A Flirt tells a more pleasant tale). Our favorite is Hunger At The Door because of its powerful vocals, basslines and guitar riffs. Balthazar is scheduled to perform at Amsterdam’s Melkweg next October 6th.
6 september 2010 - ART
Swiss photographer Andri Pol has been fascinated by Japanese culture and especially the way Europeans depict Japan for years. According to Pol cherry blossoms, the samurai, the geisha and a whole lot ‘Zen’ dominate the European vision of Japan. He decided to give it a try and portray Japan in an honest, open manner that doesn’t consist of those familiar clichés.
Even though he couldn’t completely avoid the tea rites and other soft-focus scenes, there’s a lot more reality in his images. Pol depicts the beauty of Japanese everyday life. And yes, there are some bizarre pictures of Sumo’s getting their hair combed by seemingly tiny assistants, and there’s the charming little red riding hood smoking a cigarette and holding a shotgun, but this collection of 227 images is as close to reality as outsiders can possibly come. The 49-year-old photographer works for several international magazines and published this book called Where Is Japan at Steidl.
VIEW MORE IMAGES \
Swiss photographer Andri Pol has been fascinated by Japanese culture and especially the way Europeans depict Japan for years. According to Pol cherry blossoms, the samurai, the geisha and a whole lot ‘Zen’ dominate the European vision of Japan. He decided to give it a try and portray Japan in an honest, open manner that doesn’t consist of those familiar clichés.
Even though he couldn’t completely avoid the tea rites and other soft-focus scenes, there’s a lot more reality in his images. Pol depicts the beauty of Japanese everyday life. And yes, there are some bizarre pictures of Sumo’s getting their hair combed by seemingly tiny assistants, and there’s the charming little red riding hood smoking a cigarette and holding a shotgun, but this collection of 227 images is as close to reality as outsiders can possibly come. The 49-year-old photographer works for several international magazines and published this book called Where Is Japan at Steidl.
VIEW MORE IMAGES \
6 september 2010 - FASHION
For its forthcoming fragrance campaign, Dior Homme is about to release a full-length film shot by Guy Ritchie starring Jude Law. To give you a hint of what to expect, the French luxury brand presented a short preview of this mysterious and chic campaign.
British filmmaker Ritchie did what he does best for this film; making a sinister and dark scene look appealing and sexy. Ritchie and Law have worked together on previous occassions such as on the director’s 2009 movie Sherlock Holmes.
This movie for the Dior Homme campaign features Ritchie’s style and Law’s charm, accompanied by a wardrobe designed by Kris Van Assche for Dior Homme. The complete film will be released next Wednesday, September 8th.
For its forthcoming fragrance campaign, Dior Homme is about to release a full-length film shot by Guy Ritchie starring Jude Law. To give you a hint of what to expect, the French luxury brand presented a short preview of this mysterious and chic campaign.
British filmmaker Ritchie did what he does best for this film; making a sinister and dark scene look appealing and sexy. Ritchie and Law have worked together on previous occassions such as on the director’s 2009 movie Sherlock Holmes.
This movie for the Dior Homme campaign features Ritchie’s style and Law’s charm, accompanied by a wardrobe designed by Kris Van Assche for Dior Homme. The complete film will be released next Wednesday, September 8th.
6 september 2010 - MUSIC
Former Belle & Sebastian cellist Isobel Campbell joined ex-front man of grunge band The Screaming Trees Mark Lanegan on an adventurous road to success in 2006. Even though the two artists come from completely different backgrounds, the duo forms a unique and beautiful combination. Campbell’s voice being fragile and soft while Lanegan’s voice is deep and masculine, which makes their songs sound harmonious and sweet.
Their debut album Ballad Of The Broken Seas was released in 2006 and was followed by a second album called Sunday At Devil Dirt, which was released in 2008. They’re keeping up the trend of releasing a new album every two years because Campbell and Lanegan just put out a third record called Hawk last month.
Hawk is a nice piece of work, which perfectly represents the duo’s chemistry and combines a wide range of musical genres into one smooth album. There’s blues, folk, country and some leftover details from Lanegan’s grungy background. All together we consider this third record their best one so far, especially because of the songs Come Undone and You Won’t Let Me Down Again.
Former Belle & Sebastian cellist Isobel Campbell joined ex-front man of grunge band The Screaming Trees Mark Lanegan on an adventurous road to success in 2006. Even though the two artists come from completely different backgrounds, the duo forms a unique and beautiful combination. Campbell’s voice being fragile and soft while Lanegan’s voice is deep and masculine, which makes their songs sound harmonious and sweet.
Their debut album Ballad Of The Broken Seas was released in 2006 and was followed by a second album called Sunday At Devil Dirt, which was released in 2008. They’re keeping up the trend of releasing a new album every two years because Campbell and Lanegan just put out a third record called Hawk last month.
Hawk is a nice piece of work, which perfectly represents the duo’s chemistry and combines a wide range of musical genres into one smooth album. There’s blues, folk, country and some leftover details from Lanegan’s grungy background. All together we consider this third record their best one so far, especially because of the songs Come Undone and You Won’t Let Me Down Again.
3 september 2010 - FASHION
These Adibo Chukka boots from Canada-based shoe brand Oliberte aren’t just made for walking, they’re made to contribute to African the economy and to do good to the environment. The boots are handcrafted in Africa, made entirely from domestically sourced materials. They contain natural tree-derived crepe rubber and leathers from free-range and synthetic hormone-free animals.
To make this great shoe even greater, the craftsmen, who work hard to supply the western market with these beauties, receive a fair amount of salary. ‘Craftsmen’ actually isn’t the correct word, since half of the company’s employees are women, which is revolutionary for such a successful African brand.
These Adibo Chukka’s are extremely fair-trade, ecological and affordable too. Funny thing is, after the boots wear out, you can send them back to Oliberte where they will be recycled.
These Adibo Chukka boots from Canada-based shoe brand Oliberte aren’t just made for walking, they’re made to contribute to African the economy and to do good to the environment. The boots are handcrafted in Africa, made entirely from domestically sourced materials. They contain natural tree-derived crepe rubber and leathers from free-range and synthetic hormone-free animals.
To make this great shoe even greater, the craftsmen, who work hard to supply the western market with these beauties, receive a fair amount of salary. ‘Craftsmen’ actually isn’t the correct word, since half of the company’s employees are women, which is revolutionary for such a successful African brand.
These Adibo Chukka’s are extremely fair-trade, ecological and affordable too. Funny thing is, after the boots wear out, you can send them back to Oliberte where they will be recycled.
3 september 2010 - MUSIC
We couldn’t say anything else than WOW when we came across this project. Ok, it is indeed 2010 and technology practically makes the world go round these days but this new Arcade Fire video is something that outstrives even our weirdest sci-fi imagination.
American music video director and photographer Chris Milk partnered up with Google Chrome to create an interactive experience for Arcade Fire’s new The Wilderness Downtown music video. You insert the address of the home you grew up in and Google Maps involves you in a flight through Arcade Fire’s world in the video.
Director and designer Chris Milk did some amazing, profound stuff before working on this piece of art. Besides numerous videos for artists such as Kanye West, Green Day, Gnarls Barkley and Audioslave, the director is also responsible for the Barack Obama bio film that played before the president’s speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2008.
We couldn’t say anything else than WOW when we came across this project. Ok, it is indeed 2010 and technology practically makes the world go round these days but this new Arcade Fire video is something that outstrives even our weirdest sci-fi imagination.
American music video director and photographer Chris Milk partnered up with Google Chrome to create an interactive experience for Arcade Fire’s new The Wilderness Downtown music video. You insert the address of the home you grew up in and Google Maps involves you in a flight through Arcade Fire’s world in the video.
Director and designer Chris Milk did some amazing, profound stuff before working on this piece of art. Besides numerous videos for artists such as Kanye West, Green Day, Gnarls Barkley and Audioslave, the director is also responsible for the Barack Obama bio film that played before the president’s speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2008.
3 september 2010 - CULTURE
Why not make this Friday a slightly posh one? Go ahead and invite a select group of friends whose exquisite taste you admire and present them with this jawdropping dish. This American classic is called Oysters Rockefeller and is definitely good for some ‘Oee’s’ and ‘Aah’s’ proclaimed over your perfectly draped tablecloth. Preparing Oysters Rockefeller isn’t even that complicated but requires a raise of your budget and some extra attention. Eventually you’ll serve a dish of delicious, marinated oysters grated with a crust of cheese and breadcrumb, melted in the oven.
VIEW RECIPE \
Why not make this Friday a slightly posh one? Go ahead and invite a select group of friends whose exquisite taste you admire and present them with this jawdropping dish. This American classic is called Oysters Rockefeller and is definitely good for some ‘Oee’s’ and ‘Aah’s’ proclaimed over your perfectly draped tablecloth. Preparing Oysters Rockefeller isn’t even that complicated but requires a raise of your budget and some extra attention. Eventually you’ll serve a dish of delicious, marinated oysters grated with a crust of cheese and breadcrumb, melted in the oven.
VIEW RECIPE \
3 september 2010 - Flux/S is an international arts festival in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The festival takes place at the former Philips industrial site Strijp-S. Over the next few years this area will be transformed into the new cultural heart of the city. During Flux/S – Drafts Establishing a large number of artists will inspire people with visual arts, music, performance, dance, film, video, poetry and literature.
READ MORE \
2 september 2010 - Remember playing memory games as a kid? Well, you can start playing it again, but in a fashionable way this time. Flemish photographer Barbara Iweins has been photographing people on the streets of Amsterdam for a while. She takes an hour or two per week to go bother these beautiful human beings at the corner of her house and takes pictures of their heads and legs. Combined, these pictures do not only make a beautiful exhibition, but also a fun and entertaining memory game.
READ MORE \
2 september 2010 - If you are too cool for school you need to stock up at your local Marc Jacobs store. Under the name Book Marc (yes, really) mr. Jacobs is bringing out cases, colored pencils and cool marble patterned tins. You can find all supplies on his website, under special items.
2 september 2010 - Yes… the rumors are true; after collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons and Sonia Rykiel, H&M announces the next collaboration will be with great fashion house Lanvin.
READ MORE \
1 september 2010 - ART
Everyone scribbles a little every once in a while. During a boring phone call the best you can do is make funny little drawings on a post-it notes. Especially fun when you are good at it.
READ MORE \
Everyone scribbles a little every once in a while. During a boring phone call the best you can do is make funny little drawings on a post-it notes. Especially fun when you are good at it.
READ MORE \
6 september 2010 - MUSIC
Belgian band Balthazar was formed in 2004 by a group of 18-year-old guys from the city of Kortrijk that wanted to make pop songs with influences of both rock and hiphop. After winning several national talent shows, the band released its first EP in 2006 and started performing on a regular basis.
After some changes in Balthazar’s line-up, the group of ambitious musicians really started developing a unique sound. Members Maarten Devoldere, Jinte Deprez, Patricia Vanneste, Simon Casier and Christophe Claeys became known for their performances at festivals such as Dour, Lowlands, Rock Werchter, London Calling and their showcase at Toronto’s Canadian Music Week.
This year Balthazar finally released its long-expected debut album Applause, produced by members Devoldere and Deprez and mixed in Norway by Ynge Leidulv Saetre (who worked with Kings of Convenience a.o.). This record presents a collection of eleven upbeat songs, displays several moods (Blues For Rosann is about serious heartache while This Is A Flirt tells a more pleasant tale). Our favorite is Hunger At The Door because of its powerful vocals, basslines and guitar riffs. Balthazar is scheduled to perform at Amsterdam’s Melkweg next October 6th.
Belgian band Balthazar was formed in 2004 by a group of 18-year-old guys from the city of Kortrijk that wanted to make pop songs with influences of both rock and hiphop. After winning several national talent shows, the band released its first EP in 2006 and started performing on a regular basis.
After some changes in Balthazar’s line-up, the group of ambitious musicians really started developing a unique sound. Members Maarten Devoldere, Jinte Deprez, Patricia Vanneste, Simon Casier and Christophe Claeys became known for their performances at festivals such as Dour, Lowlands, Rock Werchter, London Calling and their showcase at Toronto’s Canadian Music Week.
This year Balthazar finally released its long-expected debut album Applause, produced by members Devoldere and Deprez and mixed in Norway by Ynge Leidulv Saetre (who worked with Kings of Convenience a.o.). This record presents a collection of eleven upbeat songs, displays several moods (Blues For Rosann is about serious heartache while This Is A Flirt tells a more pleasant tale). Our favorite is Hunger At The Door because of its powerful vocals, basslines and guitar riffs. Balthazar is scheduled to perform at Amsterdam’s Melkweg next October 6th.
6 september 2010 - ART
Swiss photographer Andri Pol has been fascinated by Japanese culture and especially the way Europeans depict Japan for years. According to Pol cherry blossoms, the samurai, the geisha and a whole lot ‘Zen’ dominate the European vision of Japan. He decided to give it a try and portray Japan in an honest, open manner that doesn’t consist of those familiar clichés.
Even though he couldn’t completely avoid the tea rites and other soft-focus scenes, there’s a lot more reality in his images. Pol depicts the beauty of Japanese everyday life. And yes, there are some bizarre pictures of Sumo’s getting their hair combed by seemingly tiny assistants, and there’s the charming little red riding hood smoking a cigarette and holding a shotgun, but this collection of 227 images is as close to reality as outsiders can possibly come. The 49-year-old photographer works for several international magazines and published this book called Where Is Japan at Steidl.
VIEW MORE IMAGES \
Swiss photographer Andri Pol has been fascinated by Japanese culture and especially the way Europeans depict Japan for years. According to Pol cherry blossoms, the samurai, the geisha and a whole lot ‘Zen’ dominate the European vision of Japan. He decided to give it a try and portray Japan in an honest, open manner that doesn’t consist of those familiar clichés.
Even though he couldn’t completely avoid the tea rites and other soft-focus scenes, there’s a lot more reality in his images. Pol depicts the beauty of Japanese everyday life. And yes, there are some bizarre pictures of Sumo’s getting their hair combed by seemingly tiny assistants, and there’s the charming little red riding hood smoking a cigarette and holding a shotgun, but this collection of 227 images is as close to reality as outsiders can possibly come. The 49-year-old photographer works for several international magazines and published this book called Where Is Japan at Steidl.
VIEW MORE IMAGES \
6 september 2010 - FASHION
For its forthcoming fragrance campaign, Dior Homme is about to release a full-length film shot by Guy Ritchie starring Jude Law. To give you a hint of what to expect, the French luxury brand presented a short preview of this mysterious and chic campaign.
British filmmaker Ritchie did what he does best for this film; making a sinister and dark scene look appealing and sexy. Ritchie and Law have worked together on previous occassions such as on the director’s 2009 movie Sherlock Holmes.
This movie for the Dior Homme campaign features Ritchie’s style and Law’s charm, accompanied by a wardrobe designed by Kris Van Assche for Dior Homme. The complete film will be released next Wednesday, September 8th.
For its forthcoming fragrance campaign, Dior Homme is about to release a full-length film shot by Guy Ritchie starring Jude Law. To give you a hint of what to expect, the French luxury brand presented a short preview of this mysterious and chic campaign.
British filmmaker Ritchie did what he does best for this film; making a sinister and dark scene look appealing and sexy. Ritchie and Law have worked together on previous occassions such as on the director’s 2009 movie Sherlock Holmes.
This movie for the Dior Homme campaign features Ritchie’s style and Law’s charm, accompanied by a wardrobe designed by Kris Van Assche for Dior Homme. The complete film will be released next Wednesday, September 8th.